That in the present circumstances of affairs in America, it appears to me of a dangerous tendency to employ regular Troops, where there are Militia Laws, and where the Civil Magistrate can at any time call upon its trained Inhabitants to aid and assist

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them in the performance of their Office, and the execution of the Laws in force against Rioters, and for the protection of the lives and properties of His Majesty's subjects.

That the idea, that a few lawless vagabonds, can prevail in such a Governt as that of New York) as to oblige itsGov" to have - recourse to the Regular Troops to suppress them, appears to me to earry with it such reflection of weakness as I am affraid would be attended with bad consequences, and render the authority of the Civil Magistrate when not supported by the Troops, contemptible to the Inhabitants.

T have further to observe that Crown Point, being entirely destroyed and unprovided for the quartering of Troops and Tieonderoga being in a most ruinous state ; such Troops as might be sent thither, would not be able to stay a sufficient time at those posts to render them of much utility.

If however you persist in your request and think it absolutely necessary to send troops thither, I beg to know the number of Troops you will think necessary, & when they may be wanted. You will also please to provide for the expenses that may attend their transportation ette to these Posts.