Sir:—
I have just now handed a return to Col. Williams (of the 9th Battalion) agreeable to your Excellency's directions to him. You will no doubt be astonished and wonder that such a vast arrear can be due that regiment, but your Excellency's astonishment will assuredly cease when I inform you (and that with truth) that there isn't above twelve of the men returned, but have been deserted since the latter part of seventy five; I hav'nt any news to write your Excellency, only the one of the Royal Bloods of France, (the Marquis de Lafayette) recommended by Mr. Franklin, passed this a few days since, on his way to the Grand Army.