The Commander in Chief read to the Council his Instructions respecting the appointing a Court of Inquiry into the Conduct of M. G. Gates, during his Command in this Department, &
requested their respective Opinions, in writing, whether it would be practicable to Hold the Court under the present Circumstances of the Army, if M. G. the Baron Steuben and another Gen. Officer were here, to constitute it agreeable to His Instructions, & whether they would advise Him to send for the Baron and another Gen. Offr. from Virga. until he is more fully informed respecting the Enemy's movements in that State, where the Baron & Two other Gen. Offr's. belonging to the Southern Depart. are left with a Command to watch the Motions of The Enemy & protect the State from their Depredation.