Letter signed : Headquarters, New Windsor, to Brigadier General Clinton, 1781 June 5.

Concerning instructions on the positioning of the Troops in defense of the frontier; informing him that reinforcement troops are on their way and that they "should be kept together, as much as circumstances will admit, or at least so near as to be speedily assembled upon an emergency. As it is not certain, or probable they will be continued permanently in that quarter; and as they are designed while there, to strike the Enemy, should they be so presumptuous as to attempt to penetrate into the Country. It also appears to me that the force on the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, ought not to be so widely scattered as formerly, but stationed in as compact a manner as may be, except such Light Parties, as occasion may require to be kept out. By distributing the Troops, with a view, of protecting every inch of ground, the efficient force is dissipated and lost, and the several Posts are so weakened as to invite the Enemy to enterprize. I wish you therefore to concentrate your strength as much as possible at the Points you may judge most expedient; to form a plan of defence for the frontier; and to transmit to me the result of your determination."