This will be accompanied .by Commissions for the four New York Regiments and the 4th Pennsylvania .... in three packages Col. Broadhead has informed me that he h. s a prospect of undertaking an expedition against the Mingoes with the aid of fome of the friendly Indians ; I have encouraged him by all means to do it, if practicable ; fhould it take place, it will be an useful diversion in your favor as he will approach pretty near to your left flank

Head Quarters West Point August 1st, 1779. Dr. Sir, Brandt at the head of a party of whites & Indians said to have amounted to eighty or ninety men has lately made an incursion into the Minisinks and cut off a party of fifty or sixty of our militia. It is reported that Brandt himself was either killed or wounded in the action .... By a fellow belonging to this party, who has fallen into our hands, as he pretends voluntarily (but is suspected to have mistaken his way) I am informed that the party came from Chemung in quest of provisions of which the favages are in great want. He fays their deficiency in this respect is so great that they are obliged to keep themselves in a desperate ftate ; and when they collect will not be able to remain long together. He gives the following account of their ftrength, movements & designs .... That the whole force they will be able ten afsemble will not exceed fifteen hundred fighting men whites and Indians, which they themselves conceive will be eqjal to double the number of our men in the woods. . . . That Butler with a party of both sorts was at Conofadago in number 3 or 400. . . . That at Chemung and the adjacent town^ were two or three hundred warriors ....