Isle Aux Noix Sepr 10th 1775.
Sir,
You will proceed with the Detachment under your Command to the Road leading from St Johns to La Praire, and post yourself in such a Manner as most effectually to cut off the Communication between the Garrison of St Johns and the Country. This will most probably be best effected by approaching that Post as near as the Enemies Artillery will admit.
You will be very watchful of the Garrison of Chamblee by Means of detached Parties from your main Body, or which is preferable, by some trusty Canadians, lest any Supplies of Provisions or Men should be thrown into St Johns. ー
As you cannot march with entrenching Tools, you must purchase or borrow from our Friends in the Country, should you stand in Need of them.
Col. [Ethan] Allen and Major [John] Brown have Orders to request that Provisions may be brought to you, which must be punctually paid for, for which Purpose I have furnished you with the Sum of £318.1.10 in Gold.
Genl Montgomery will probably remain on the Ground where he lands you, till the eleventh towards Night. You will perhaps have it in your Power before that Time, to report your Situation, and the Reception you may have met with.
You will, as frequently, as Opportunity admits, furnish me with such Intelligence as may seem of Consequence by good Woodmen of your own Detachment, or by Canadians who are trusty.
I must recommend not only to you Sir but every Officer under your Command the strictest Attention to good Order, that our Friends may not suffer in their Property ー that you cultivate the Friendship of the Canadians by all Manner of Means; and should any Person sustain Damage that you make him ample Satisfaction.
You will not fail to procure the best Accomodation for the Troops your Situation admits with Respect to Lodging, Medicines, & Refreshments. Some Rum also will be necessary, if to be had.
If possible you will endeavour to establish a Correspondence at Montreal. If any of our Friends in Canada will furnish you with the Cash necessary to carry on the Service, your Orders upon me in their Favour shall be duly honoured.
[Endorsed] Read in Congress Octr 9th 1775.
