Dear General,

Some Time ago I informed you of my Intentions to make my approaches on the West Side, as soon as the expected Reinforcement enabled me to undertake it. I had had a Road cut to the intended Ground & some Fascines made when I was informed by Major Brown that a general Dissatisfaction prevailed, that unless something was undertaken in a few Days there would be a Meeting, & that the universal Sense of the Army was to direct all our Intentions to the East Side. The Impatience of the Troops to get Home has prevented their seeing the Impossibility of undertaking this Business sooner, the Duty being hard for the Troops even on the present confined State of Operations.

When I mentioned my Intentions I did not consider I was at the Head of Troops who carry the Spirit of Freedom into the Field & think for themselves.

Upon considering the fatal Consequences which might flow from a Want of Subordination & Discipline should this ill Humour continue my unstable Authority over Troops of different Colonies, the Insufficiency of the military Law, & my own Want of Power to enforce it, weak as it is, I thought it expedient to call the Field officers together. Enclosed I have sent you the Result of our Deliberations.

I still suspect the Garrison intend an Elopement, and there is some Reason to think they are getting Flat Boats ready to go down the Rapids. This Intelligence is just come.

The Canadians who have befriended us begin to be exceedingly uneasy at their Situation should we not succeed. I have ventured to assure them, should any Accident oblige us to retire without effecting our Business, that I would take Care of all those who were afraid to remain in the Country.

You will see the Propriety of putting Tionderoga in a State of Defence against a Winter Coup de Main, which in my Opinion will be best effected by a Stockade, and also of having a Post at Crown Point. The Vessels should lie in Stockade also, the Garrison be well provided with Vegetables and every Thing necessary to make them comfortable; otherwise it will be difficult to keep them there; And such Preparation made for a naval Armament in the Spring that the Troops may move down to the Isle Aux Noix before Mr Carleton has Time to establish himself there should those unhappy Troubles continue. I am &c.

[Endorsed] Read [in Continental Congress] Octr 31 [1775].