[Extract]

The Commission arrived at St Johns on the 27th and on the 28th ult. twenty four Batteaus with troops &c &c had Already [arrived] and the others were momently expected. I believe the whole are now before Quebec

I have found myself under the necessity of building a number of Batteaus far Exceeding what Congress ordered One hundred and thirty are now built and I propose to Compleat them to two hundred; but If more troops should be sent Even that number will be Insufficient

Commodore [William] Douglass is not arrived nor is a single Sailor come up so that I shall be Obliged to send on the provisions in Batteaus from hence to St Johns and for this arduous service I have only Seventy men of the troops raised for the defence of this Colony, the others being not yet come up If raised, which I much doubt