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Dear Sir

Preparatory to the execution of a plan to Surprize any Ports which the Enemy might have Establish'd on the Lake, I thought proper Yesterday to dispatch a reconnoitering party with Orders to Proceed to Split Rock last night, to spend this day in Observation, and return in the Evening to an Establish'd rendezvous, and make his report. It has return'd to this place in the Moment of the Embarkation of the detachment and Informs us, that they this Morning landed at Split Rock, about break of day within one hundred and fifty Yards of the Enemy's Advanc'd Boat, which the Approach of day discover'd, together with two Schooners, And Six Gondalos, all within three hundred Yards of them, he observ'd on the West Shore about forty batteaus, but as there was a thick fog he could only discover the form of the Vessels And a Number of Fires; a very heavy morning Gun was discharg'd lower down the Lake; he thinks at Schuylers Island. As this report Induc'd the strongest suspicions of the Enemy's Approach, I thought it my duty to forward it to you as speedily as Possible, And shall be proud to receive your Commands. You know the Strength of the Garrison by the last General returns, if the Post should be Invested, which I firmly believe, I much dread we shall Suffer for provisions. I am Dear Sir [&c.]