Autograph letter signed : Albany, to Cornelius Van Vechten, 1780 Mar. 22.

Acknowledging his letter "informing Me of the Post at Keensborough having been surprized by the Enemy and the Steps you have taken in consequence of the Intelligence you have received; Your Situation enables you to judge what is necessary to be done; I confide in your prudence and doubt not but you will use your utmost Exertions to collect the Militia and march them if necessary to oppose the Enemy and protect the Frontiers; Colonels Van Schonhoven, Yates and Van Woert will do the same if from the Intelligence you and they have or may preceive it is judged necessary - If the Enemy are gone off the Militia called out on this Alarm ought immediately to be dismissed; of which you must give immediate Notice to the other Colonels by Express that the Militia may not unnecessarily be called out or kept out; I take it for granted that you know that the Militia are not to depend on the Public for Provisions, and as such - that you have ordered Them to take Provisions along with Them - I must entreat you to send Me by Express what further Intelligence you have or may receive that I may govern Myself accordingly."