Letter signed : Headquarters, New Windsor, to Brigadier General Clinton, 1781 May 4.

Concerning provisions for Fort Schuyler; asking that "every possible exertion should be used, to obtain Bread from this State, and Meat from the Counties of the Massachusetts most contiguous to you. And where persuasion, entreaty, and requisition fail of success, Military Coertion must be made use of. Rather than the Garrison of Fort Schuyler should fall; and the Frontiers be again desolated and laid waste, I am persuaded the State will make a great effort to afford a supply of flour for the Troops in that quarter;" discussing specific details for the acquisition of provisions; informing him that he will "be at liberty to adopt compulsory Measures, and collect Teams by a Military force, in such a Manner, as to distress the Possessors of them as little as possible. Great prudence and effectual coertion, will be necessary, and may be combined;" adding "There is a quantity of Fish putting up on this River, of which the Troops at the Northward may also have a proportion."