1. The enclosed copy of Thomas Chittenden’s letter to Van Schaick, dated 14 Jan. at Bennington, Vt., reads: “In Consequence of Repeated Intelegence of Coll Butler, and his Scalping Party, their being in Canaday this Winter, I have Reason to Aprehend, that they may Attemt an Actak on the Nothern frontiers of this State—I have therefore Issued my Orders to the Several Regiments of Militia under my Command to Imeaditly Raise One hundred and Fifty Men, Exclusive of Officers to be a Majors Command, and to Continue in Service Untill the first Day of December next Unless sooner Discharged. And as it is Nessasary they be furnished with Provisions, You will please to Give Orders to the Commissarys in this Department for that porpos, And as the Severity of the Winter is Such, Snow Shues will be Nessasary for Scouts. and in Case of an Attack Judge it Expedient that at Least Each Man so Ingaged Should be furnished with a paire and as I am Informd that there is a Number in the Continental Store, at Albany, which If you will Order I will Stand Accountable to see them Returnd or the Vallue, A Number of Camp kittels will be Nessasary to make them Compleat, which you will please to Order If in Store, I Desire you will favoure me with your Answer by the Bearer Capt. Putnam—I Shall Acquaint you from time to time of Any Intilegence of Importance that may Come to hand” (DLC:GW).

The enclosed copy of Van Schaick’s reply to Chittenden of this date reads: “Your Letter of the 14 Instant I Received Yesterday.

“Your Request of Provisions &c. for Men Called Into Service By an Authority which I as an Officer in the Army of the Thirteen United States am not at Liberty to be Acknowledged would Expose me to the loss of my Commission at least Subject me to the Censure of my Superiors, and as it would not be prudent for me to Risk Either I Shall Decline Giving Any Orders on the Ocasion Untill I Learn the pleasure of his Exelency the Commander in Cheif to whome I Shall transmitt a Coppy of your Letter” (DLC:GW).

2. GW replied on 26 January.