From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 5 August 1781

In order to answer the Questions stated in your Memorandum to me respecting Tents, His Excellency thinks it necessary that it should be ascertained whether there are now a sufficient number of Tents in the several State Lines (including the Tents with their Detachments) to cover the Troops of those Lines, if they should be collected & augmented nearly to the Establishment? If this should be the case, and 515 Tents still remain on hand, the General is of opinion, you may postpone having the heavy Duck made into Tents for the present, on account of the Reasons you mention, especially at this advanced stage of the Campaign, when they could scarcely be compleated & forwarded in season—But if five hundred Tents cannot be insured to us, under the circumstances above specified; it is His Excellency’s request, that you will have the stock of Tents (exclusive of those appropriated to the State Lines) encreased to that number, and forwarded to the Army as expeditiously as possible.

The General would have no more Boats kept down the River (below Kings Ferry) than are absolutely necessary to perform the public Service. I am, With great respect Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servt