[Extract.]

Your Lordship has already with you (in the field) two thousand five hundred and forty-two rank and file; but if you have the least reason to suppose the enemy to be in great number, you shall be reinforced with the forty-second, the light infantry and any other corps you choose. As your move is important, it must not be stinted. I will give you all you wish of every sort. Let me but know what it is as soon as possible. In the mean time, I shall order the light infantry and forty-second regiment to prepare, depending upon it that as soon as you can spare them you will return them to me, for all operations to the Northward must be cramped without them. If you choose to keep the seventeenth dragoons, you are heartily welcome to them during this move.