I may ensure their security.
It is necessary
In reply, I beg at first to observe that the Naval Stores in question are of considerable value, and that the Military security for their protection should be considered.
The Lords of the Admiralty considered the existing guard inadequate, and by the mail of the Packet received, I was desired to request an increase of the Military Guard to be placed over the stores at West Point.
The Police and the hired sentinels have been found so thoroughly inefficient that it was only on the 11th of this month that I received from the storekeeper official intelligence of the stores having been broken into in the night when a robbery quietly took place, resulting in the theft of a quantity of preserved meats, and a large number of Iron-Hoops.
A key...
I enclose a copy of a letter on the subject, one from the Major General on the 11th July, and my reply the day following.
I have done everything in my power to prevent the Mortality that has prevailed amongst His Majesty's Troops. In consequence of the Major General's representations, I have refrained from making further requisitions; while at the same time the Coopers attached to the stores have been ordered to desist from their ordinary work and be employed as night watchmen.
Finally, I beg to remark that I have every confidence in the competency of the Troops for their various duties.
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