[Extract]

Sir,  Your letter of the 28th of Novr by Capt: [Joseph] Blewer being received, was immediately laid before Congress.

By my Letter of the 2d Inst., which I hope you will, in due Time receive, you will perceive, the Congress have in a great Measure prevented ² your Wishes having written to New York, and given Orders to Genl Schuyler to supply You with, and to forward with all possible Expedition what Cannon can be spared. They have also directed Genl Schuyler to make dilligent Search for Lead, and retaining so much as may be wanted there, to send the Remainder to your Camp. However, it is hoped, the Gentleman you have sent, will expedite that Business. By order of Congress, I forward a Come for Mr Knox, who is appointed Col: of the Regiment of Artillery. The Congress also have relieved your Difficulties with Respect to the two Battalions of Marines, having ordered that the raising them out of the Army be suspended. It is the Desire of Congress that such a Body of Forces may be raised; but their Meaning is, that it be in Addition to the Army voted: And they expect you will think of proper Persons to command that Corps, and give Orders for enlisting them wherever they may be found... ³

By Letters recd yesterday we learn, that Col: Arnold after a fatiguing March had reached Canada, where he was well recd by the Inhabitants; that on the 14th of Novr he had reached Point Levy, and was preparing to pass the River that Night, that notwithstanding his being deserted by Col: [Roger] Enos, he had great Hopes of gaining Possession of Quebec, as both the English and Canadian Inhabitants were well affected to our Cause, that Carlton, with the Ships under his Command, was stopped in his Passage down the River by a Fort in our Possession at the Mouth of Sorel, and some Row-Gallies, and that Genl Montgomery was preparing to attack him from Montreal; but of these Matters you will doubtless be more fully informed by an Express, which we understand was dispatched to you from Ticonderoga. I have the Honr &c.