Newburgh, May 8, 1782.

    Sir: As the plan of Campaign must depend entirely on the means that are put into my hands, of which I have scarcely a conjectural knowledge at this time, and, on the force of the Enemy at their different Posts, I shall be obliged to your Excellency (as the communication between Boston and Hallifax is open to Flags, which frequently pass) for the most accurate account which you can obtain, covertly, of the enemys Numbers at Hallifax and its dependencies, strength of their Works, temper of the Inhabitants, and such other intelligence as may be useful in a Military point of view; the same of Penobscot. I want, if possible, to have the whole before me at one view, that I may point my operations to such objects as I have means to accomplish; your compliance with this request and as soon as it is convenient to you will very much oblige, Sir, Yr. etc. ¹²

[Note:The letter sent, in the writing of Benjamin Walker, is in private hands (1933). A photograph, kindly presented by George Dudley Seymour, of New Haven, Conn., varies in minor verbal particulars from Washington's draft. ]