Sir,

Your favour of the 30th of Novr I have just received ー To a man who engages in this glorious struggle from the pure principle of love to his Country, if he meets with the applause of his countrymen for any services, it must certainly give him very sensible pleasure ー My breth[ren] in America were not only entitled to any little services I may have rendered them, but ever will be, to my most strenuous efforts to serve them, and I shall always think myself exceeding happy and most amply rewarded if they prove successful ー

Long before this reaches you, you will have received the news of the unhappy attack upon Quebec ー I most sincerely condole with you for the loss of the Brave and most amiable General [Richard] Montgomery & the rest of the Brave Officers and Soldiers who fell gloriously with him.

Col. [Benedict] Arnold still keeps up the Blockade. I have sent him all the Troops that could possibly be spared from this Garrison I should have immediately gone there myself, but it was thought unadvisable for me, at that time, to leave this place, which it was necessary to secure as a retreat ー Troops now begin to come in, from the Colonies and as I have got matters nearly settled here, I intend in a little time to proceed on to Quebec ー We shall want every thing Men, Money, heavy Cannon Mortars Shott & Shells and a large supply of powder as we have not more than four Tons in the province I have wrote Genl Scuyler [Philip Schuyler] my sentiments fully upon what may be necessary in carrying on the Seige, also of the state of the province & what measures have been taken in it, which suppose he has communicated ー to remedy The evil of sinking so much hard Cash in this Country, I have advised that every Article wanted in this Country from the Colonies especially all kinds of West India Goods and Liquors and N. England Rum be brought over the Lakes which I am convinced may be done & sold lower than what we are now obliged to give These articles may be then paid for, in Continental Money and that in my opinion will go a great way towards giving it a currency I am [&c.]