My Dear. Colo.:

The alarm'g Situation of the State, from the defeat of Genl. Gates on the 16th Inst is such that His Excellency has requested, and Genl. Gates approves, that the Officers of the 4th, 5th & 6th Regiments take Charge of three Regim'ts of Militia, from the district of Hillsborough. You are, therefore, with all diligence, by express, or otherwise, to order and command your Officers, and all others of the Continental line of this State, to Rendezvous at this place (with Recruits and deserters as may be under Orders) the tenth of September next, prepared to take charge. I wish you to recommand to yr. Officers to take as little Baggage as conveniency would admit, for the scarcity of waggons will hardly be surficient for the Commissary & Quarter master's departments.

I am Honored with the Command of this Brigade, therefore wish to see you as soon as you send off your Orders to your Officers, &c., by the fifth of Sepr. if possible. I have not to inform you of every exertion being necessary and doubt not but you will Exert y'self.