New York Delegates to Alexander McDougall, 20 February 1779

Phila d 20 th . Feb y 1779

Sir

We had the Pleasure of receiving your Favor by M r Barclay of the 11 th Instant 1 and beg you to be assurd that we shall always be ready to facilitate your Command and support your applications for Assistance.

The Commander in Chief has spent some time here with a Committee of Conference. He is vested with the fullest power to take every Department & Detachment of the Army, under his own immediate Superintendence, and all Military Arrangements & Directions will pass thro–€™ his Hands in future. He will, we are fully confident, exert himself to do everything in his power for the Defense of our state, of which he on all occasions, speaks with particular Regard and ^ with ^ the greatest Concern for their Sufferings, and Wants. Any Representation you find it necessary to make to him will we have no doubt meet Attention. We shall not be unmindful of your Friend Col. Putnam if the promotion you mention takes place, and no insurmountable Articles with respect to Seniority &c lie in his Way. His merit is unquestionable.

Be pleased to present our Complem t to Col. Lamb and tell him that good Regulations in the Ordnance Department have lately taken place 2 In Consequence of which a Surveyor of the Ordnance with great Authority is to be appointed out of the Line of Artillery Colonels who nevertheless are to retain their Regiments &c. We shall do ourselves the pleasure of getting him appointed to this office if in our Power knowing that he is well qualified to discharge it with Reputation, & perceiving that it will be agreeable to him We are Sir Your most hum l Servants