New York Delegates to George Clinton, 3 February 1779

Philad. 3 d . February 1779.

Sir

Major General Arnold has it in Contemplation to establish a Settlement of Officers and Soldiers who have served with him in the present War, and to lay the necessary Foundation without Loss of Time. 1 From a Desire to become a Citizen of New York he gives our State the Preferrence and now visits your Excellency to make the necessary Enquiries, it being out of our Power to give him any Information. The Necessity of strengthning our Frontiers is as obvious, as the Policy of drawing the Attention of the People to that Quarter in Season. Virginia we learn has taken the Lead and already passed Laws for laying out a district of Country for Settlement, & assigning Farms for their own Soldiers, as well as those of Maryland Delaware and New Jersey. 2 A Strong Predilection however, prevails in favour of our State, on Account of its–€™ Situation for Trade, the acknowledgd Excellency of its–€™ Constitution, and the steady and vigorous Exertions of its–€™ Government; Nothing, we are persuaded, will be wanting for it–€™s rapid Settlement and Cultivation but a wise and liberal System for the distribution of the publick Land.

To you, Sir, or to our State, General Arnold can require no Recommendation. A Series of distinguished Services entitle him to Respect and Favour.

To him, We beg leave to refer him your Excellency for the Intelligence from the Southward and from the West Indies: from Europe we have none. We have the Honour to be with the highest Respect Sir your Excellency–€™s Most Obedient humble Servants

His Excellency George Clinton Esq r .