[Extract]

All that we can do is to deliver to Captain [Asa] Douglass forty half barrels [of powder] which he will immediately proceed with agreeable to your order; Our Engineer (Col. [Edward] Mott) at Ticonderoga, has requested that a commander for one of the armed vessels upon Lake George, may be sent up from this Colony ー a Captain [Robert] Niles with whom he is acquainted, and who is probably well qualified for the office. But as you can best judge of the nature of this service, and the necessity of sending up this person, you will give me leave to expect your directions upon this project, which I shall very readily conform to.