Head Quarters, West-point, October 7, 1779
Dear Sir:
Your favor of the 3d. inst. came to hand yesterday.
I shall comply with your present engagements to the spies, which you have promised to pay in specie; but as we have so little of this to spare for even the most pressing and important purposes within the enemy's lines, you will be careful to effect as much as possible with such other means as we have in our power; and as œconomical in all other expeditions as our circumstances are limited.
It is an object at present particularly interesting to be well informed as to the enemy's naval force. You will therefore be attentive to this as well as to such other intelligence as may be of use.
I have given a warrant to Capn. Rudulph for the sum granted by Congress to the non-commissioned officers and privates concerned in the attack of Powles Hook.1 You will be pleased to distribute this money in proportion to the pay of the non-commissioned officers and privates, which was the manner observed in the case of Stony-point.
I am, etc.
1 "To Capt John Rudulph [Rudolph], for Majr. Lee to be distributed among the Officers and soldiers under his commd. at the Attack of Paulus Hook by Resolve of Congress 27 Sept. 15000 [Dollrs]." - Oct. 6, 1779, "Warrant Book," in the Washington Papers.
2 The draft is in the writing of James McHenry.