I arrived at this place on Saturday at night. Genl Irwin took opportunities yesterday of conversing with diverse members of congress respecting the wishes of council to have Zigler’s compy for the wroming(?) service, every gentleman he spoke to countenanced it. This morning the Genl:, Coll Reed and myself waited on the Minister at War who appears well disposed: but says that Zigler has surely marched ere now, that nothing can have prevented: but at the same time says that there are about 45 Jersey troops who will march within a few days to the westward by the way of Eastown and that a further number of troops from one of the eastern states will march by the same rout from west point where they are now stationed. all which troops he is disposed should be ordered to take directions from some genl officer appointed by our government to command them. It will therefore be necessary, if council will think proper to apply for these troops [that they] do it instantly. I am now sorry that a provitional(?) application was not sent by me inasmuch as the whole of the members who have been spoken with appear, at this juncture, to be well disposed to serve us: and which may not happen to be the case at a future day. perhaps three days hence it may be otherwise for as there will be a great question taken soon for the place in which the new congress shall convene minds may be soured and especially with Pennsylvania if Philadelphia should happen to be the place:for if that should so happen the eastern members might oppose us in this business: experience tells us that great men sometimes do little things on little reasons; it may therefore be necessary that a moment not be not lost until the application be made through our deligates; and at the same time it will be necessary to appoint some person to be in readiness to supply the troops with provisions at and from eastown.—A Genl officer may also be thought necessary agreeably to Genl Knoxes Ideas; in that case permit me to Sugest my Ideas on that subject. I hope my Zeal will be my apology for taking that liberty ————————— It will in my oppinion be necessary that a officer of reputation and millitary abillities be appointed. The name of an old officer and a great man at the head of the continental troops will tend at once to encourage every Idea of sucess in the minds of the Insurgents and at the same time they will crush(?) those who may appear in rebellion. The Union will by this means appear as a formidable party and not merely Pennsylvania and at the same time the genl officer being appointed by our government will tend to back up our own State dignity: Majr Reeed in conversation has said that he thinks for game(?) he would serve the State without pay. I have no doubts but Genl Irwin will, as he always has, be ready to do any thing the State will request. The Council all know him therefore I need not say a word more however I will just say further that the Command being a member of Congress will have its proper influence with such of the disafected as are capapable of reasoning— I purpose seting out for Pokipsy(?) tomorrow to meet Govr Clinton he is not expected this week at Nyork. No stage goes before then [two words partially blanked out] I hope for a passage in an albany sloop.— council may rest assured that I will leave nothing undone [one word blanked out] I may have in my power—it is now after 12 of the Clock and the mail will be made up in a few minutes therefore I must conclude with saying I have &c the honour to be Sr & gentlemen your most obt. humble St