You will receive enclosed two resolutions of Congress, (1) which have doubtless already gone from the President in the ordinary Course of Communication. But as Papers sometimes miscarry thought it not amiss to repeat them. That relative to Deserters will certainly be of Moment, should any French Troops, or the Troops of any allied or co-operating Power, ever be landed on the American Shores for the Purpose of giving Assistance in the Prosecution of the War. The Laws relative to Desertion will easily be extended to secure and return them. This is not only the Duty of an Ally, but it is our Interest in many respects, and no Objection, that I know of, can be taken to it.

   The other relative to the Defense of the interiour Frontiers against the Incursions of the Savages is important to us. I understood, when lately at Trenton, that there was a Bill before the Legislature for embodying a Number of Militia to protect the upper Settlements. That no Hesitation may hereafter be made relative to the Allowance of Continental Pay and Rations, it would be well to take the Step New-York has taken, and obtain the Approbation and Engagement of Congress or the Commander in Chief; either will be sufficient. Every one must be convinced of the Necessity of supporting the Settlements over the Mountain; for if they are obliged to remove, double, if not treble the Number of Men will be necessary to secure the Country against Impressions, and after all it will not be so effectually done in this as in the other Mode. The Post established in Ulster will be of Advantage in the general Protection, and the Legislature will be able to determine in what Degree we may be benefited

   I have the Honour to be, with due regard, your Excellency's very obedt hble Servt,William Ch. Houston