June 9, 1779
Sir:
I recd your favor of yesterday’s date and am happy to find you are in the neighbourhood of the enemy and make no doubt but you will fully answer the purposes of your being placed there. The Stores you mention to have been at Kekiat1 were there without my knowledge, and I much approve the removal of them. As to the live stock being driven off as you mention, within a certain distance, tho’ a desirable circumstance, Yet I would not have you to undertake it without the approbation of the Officers commanding the Militia, and the well affected inhabitants; when if you gain their approbation I should wish the measure to be put into execution immediately.
Capt McLane I fully intended to have joined you before this and thought he had received orders for that purpose, but owing to some mistake I find it was not done; he is however now ordered to march and place himself under your command with his company. Your Letter of this date is just come to hand.
I am, &c.2
1 Kakiat (Kakeate) was 5 or 6 miles east of Suffern’s on the road leading to Haverstraw, and a mile or so less than that below Haverstraw.
2 The draft is in the writing of Richard Kidder Meade.