Sir:

The Council having met last week at New Bern and dispatched the business I had to lay before them, and not being myself in very good condition for travelling, I send the Bearer Mr. Patterson to receive any returns or papers you may have for me. I hope you have pursued the orders I issued last directing the officers, New recruits, Soldiers on Furlough, and apprehended Deserters, to repair to Halifax, and if I am happy enough to receive your return pr Bearer, I shall immediately give orders for the Troops marching from Halifax with some wagons that are going on with Soldiers Clothing to Pennsylvania.

I have several times heard of Col. Polk's return from the Grand Army, but not a syllable from him nor do I know that he is in the State.