Sir,

With great fatigue after marching all last night I arrived at this place at the break of day, and after the best disposition of the men, I could make, immediately began the attack, and in a few minutes, carried the place. I then without any loss of time detached a considerable part of my men to the mill, where a great number of the enemy were posted, who also were soon made prisoners, a small number of whom having taken possession of a block house in that Vicinity were with more difficulty brot to submission; but at the sight of a Cannon they surrendered. during this season of success, Mount Defiance also fell into our hands. I have taken possession of the old french lines at Ticonderoga, and have sent in a flag demanding the surrender of Ty: and Mount independence in strong and peremptory terms. I have had as yet no information of the event of Colo Johnsons attack on the mount. My loss of men in these several actions are not more than 3 or 4 killed and 5 wounded. the enemy's loss is less. I find myself in poss[ess]ion of 293 prisoners. Vizt 2 Captains, 9 Subs, 2 Commissaries, Non Commissioned officers and privates 143 British and 119 Canadians, 18 Artificers and retook more than 100 of our men, total 293, exclusive of the prisoners retaken. — The water craft I have taken, is 150 batteaus below the falls in lake Champlain 50 above the falls including 17 gun boats and an armed sloop, arms equal to the number of prisoners, some ammunition & many other things which I cannot now assertain. I must not forget to mention a few Cannon which may be of great service to us.

Tho: my Success has hitherto answered my most Sanguine expectations, I cannot promise myself great things, the events of war being so dubious in their own nature, but shall do my best to distress the enemy all in my power having regard to my retreat — there is but a small quantity of provision at the place, which I think will necessitate my retreat in case we do not carry Ty and independence — I hope you will use your utmost endeavour to give me assistance should I need in crossing the lake &c — The enemy have but a very small force at fort George their boats are on an Island about 14 Miles from this, guard[ed] by 6 Companies, having artillery & I have much to fear with respect to the prisoners, being obliged to send them under a small guard — I am well informed that a considerable reinforcement is hourly expected up the lake under the command of Sir John Johnson — This minute received Genl Powals answer to my demand. these words Vizt "The Garrison entrusted to my charge I shall defend to the last" — Indeed I have but little hopes of putting him to the necessity of giving it up unless by the force under Colonel Johnson I am &c

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