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Dear Sir Jan 7 1778
Tis so exceedingly distressing at this time to make detachments from the Army, that Colo. Scammel and I are both of opinion that it will be most expedient to use the inclosed order only, which, however, we conceive will fully answer the end you propose. If Colo. Stewart has not finished his work, his party (which was a 150 strong, in privates, & he had orders for one or two hundred of Genl. Potter’s militia.) will cover your foragers; if he has, yet Genl. Potter we suppose can supply you with 60 or 100 men without difficulty- Colo. Stewart went the day before yesterday; tis unfortunate that you had not known it.
Colo. Scammel is busy in issuing orders, which occasions my answering your letter.
I am, Sir, your most obed.t Serv’t
Tim Pickering
---Old habits are not easily forgotten – I put A.G. after my name.
ON BACK: For
Col Biddle