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Sir:

Your letter of the 17th I have just received, and am much concerned to hear of the scarcity of grain in your part of the country. You know from the distance some of the members of Council reside from this, that I cannot, on the greatest emergency, get the members together in less than from four or five days, and it frequently happens much longer. As there are but five of them qualified, 'tis difficult to get a Quorum; therefore I

cannot think of detaining your express 'till they are convened. However, as soon as that can happen, it shall be done, and your letter laid before them. Their result thereon I will advise you. In the meantime you will be pleased to go on with the execution of the orders heretofore sent. I have delivered Mr. Park a warrant in favor of Capt. Dickson for $20,000 on any of the public Treasurers. There is not money signed, that I hear of, by the commissioners appointed by the late law, nor is there any arrived from Congress; it is daily expected. The embodying of the Tories shew the greater necessity of assembling our Militia. You will be pleased to take such order as you may think proper from the information you have or may receive respecting these people until you hear further from me.

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