I wish I had no occasion to send my Dear General this Mellancolly Account, My Amiable Friend the Gallant [Richard] Montgomery, is no more, The Brave [Benedict] Arnold is wounded, and we have met with a severe Check, in an unsuccessful Attempt on Quebec; May Heaven be graciously pleas'd that the Misfortune may terminate here; I tremble for our People in Canada, and nothing my Dear Sir seems left to prevent the most fatal consequences, but an immediate Reinforcement, that is nowhare to [be] had but from You, & the only Rout that which I have pointed out in my Letter to Congress, Copy of which you have inclos'd, Nor do I think that a less number than which I have mentiond will suffice, Should your Excellency think proper to send the Troops, you will please to let me know It by Express, that I may send Provisions to Onion River.
Congress has wrote to me on the subject of my request to retire, our Affairs are much Worse than when I made the request, this is Motive sufficient for me to continue to serve my Country in any Way I can be thought most serviceable; But my utmost can be but little, Weak and Indisposed as I am
The Clothing is gone to Cambridge I am [&c.]
