Lieutenant Reed Quarter Master to the 7th Masstts Regiment, has this moment returned from Kings Ferry (where he has been waiting) since the 20th Inst & informs me, he found it imposable to pass the Ferry (owing to the great quantity of floating Ice in the River, and in all probabilaty will remain so for a considerable time) the troops have been without provision since the last night, I have dispatchd the Quarter Master again to the Ferry in order, (if posable), to receive some beef from A (beef) Contractors who I am informed is now at the Ferry waiting to pass with some bullocks for the commissary, should he succeed in this, I have no prospect of obtaining Bread or flour in this quarter, as the people will not part with them without money.

I conceived it my duty to address your Excellency on this Subject & also to entreat your further directions on the matter. I have the honour to Be your Excellencys most obd. servant