Your favor of the 14th of August I had the Honor to receive on the 7th instant. and am very thankfull for the Contents.

You must ’ere now be convinced that Colo. Bowman’s apprehensions were founded on Certain intelligence, of an expedition intended against the Forts on Kentucke.1

I have sent out parties to take Cattle & Grain from the inhabitants and expect to obtain a considerable supply of Flour, as the Mills begin to have Water sufficient to manufacture it, but the Inhabitants disappoint us of getting Beef, by driving their Cattle into the Mountains. And we have at present neither Bread nor Meat, but expect a small supply immediately.2

Captn Brady is on command and Captn McIntire has leave of absence to Philada. As soon as they return I will express your Excellencies Thanks for their Conduct.3

In full confidence that a sufficient Supply of Provisions, would sooner or later be furnished for the Troops in this District, as well as for such Number of Militia, as policy or the exigencies of affairs; might render it necessary to call into Action. I, with a view to cut off the Wyondats and other Indian Towns, that were very Troublesome to our Settlements, called for a Draft from the Militia, at three different times,4 and was as often disappointed in obtaining Provisions, which with the unsettled State of the Boundary line between Pensilvania & Virginia,5 has greatly discouraged the Inhabitants, and, I apprehend, given a handle to the disaffected.

I take the liberty to inclose copies of Letters lately received from Colonel’s Beeler & McCleary, purporting some of the above facts.6

The Delaware chiefs with upwards of thirty Warriors, are come, to aid me upon an expedition. but as I have neither Bread nor Meat to give them, they will soon discover that, it is not in my power to act offensively. They appear much dejected on account of the total want of goods, which they were promised in exchange for their peltry.

Unless supplies of Beef &c. Are procuring below the Mountains, which I know nothing of, the Troops here will experience great hardship before Spring, And desertions will be very frequent.

I have frequently represented to the Honble Board of War, the hardships of the Troops and am now informed by their Secretary that compulsion is tolerated by the Supreme Executive Council of Pensa for a temporary Supply.7

I continue my enquiries respecting the strength of Detroit and my intelligence is of a piece with that formerly communicated. I have the Honor to be with the most exalted Respect & Esteem Dear General Your Excellencies most obedt & most Humble Servt