Gentlemen Since writing the Enclosed, ² Genl Wooster has acquainted me he Cannot leave Montreal, but has sent Down Colo Clinton, to whom, I shall resign the Command, untill my wound, will Permit my Doing Duty, which my Surgeon thinks will be four or Six Weeks ー Colo Clinton, acquaints me, we Cannot expect more than, two hundred Men from Montreal. I have put on foot the raising a Regt of three or four hundred Canadians, which I make no Doubt of Effecting. They are to have the Same Pay, & to be Under the Same regulation, as the Continental Forces. I make no Doubt the exigency of our Affairs will Justify the Step I have taken, (tho without Authority For so Doing), & that it will be Approved of by the Hble Continental Congress ー

I am most respectfull Gentlemen, [&c.]

Camp before Quebec 12 Jany 1776

PS The Forts of Niagara and Detroit, are an Object which I make No Doubt the Hble Congress have in View, Mr [Edward] Antill, now on his way Down, can Inform in regard to their Strength, Stores, &c &c

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