I have received your Favor of the 20th. Curt., The Subject matter therein must be laid before the Council who are to Meet at New Bern the first of September their result thereon shall be communicated to you so soon as possible I can—In the mean time I think it necessary to recommend to you the keeping up a Guard of at least fifty Privates from your Brigade with the necessary Officers to be relieved in such manner as you shall think proper on the Prison and Magazien at Halifax—

As some of the Prisoners at Halifax I am told are Charged with Offences Committed in the District of Edenton it will be necessary to remove them to the Goal there under a Strong Guard that you Will be pleased to furnish from the Militia, At the same Time give me leave to request you will inquire into the Charges against such, and not only send down the prisoners but also the necessary papers and give the Court such information respecting the prisoners offences as you may be able to Collect, Mr. Bondfield refused to Act as Judge in that district I have lately sent a Commission to Mr. Johnston who I hope will under the present Circumstances qualify under it.

You will be pleased to direct provisions to be had for the Guards upon the best Terms you can, until you recive further Advice from me I think the method you recommend will be the most eligible—

I shall be glad to be favored with your return in the Time of the Councils Siting, At the same time will you do me the Favor of furnishing me once more with an Acct of the Expences of the Prisoners so far as have come to your knowledge, the Acct. you formerly gave me I laid before the Assembly what they did with it I know not but being called on by the Board of War fur such Acct, I fear I shall meet with difficulty in procuring an Accurate one, excuse the Trouble I give you and believe me to be with Sincere esteem & respect