[Extract]

...I am now fortifying this place & will Endeavour to have it as Strong as possible & fix as many Galleys to Command the Lake as I can ー I have Sent for Some person Acquainted with those Constructed at Philadelphia that we may have Some of that [kind] Built if It is agreeable to your Excellencey; I have wrote General Schuyler for his advice, which hope Soon to Receive ー in the Interim I shall be procuring as much timber & boards as possible ー I hear that a Number of Militia are ordered here. I dont think them necessary at present but should they be Sent I wish it might be Such as have had the Small pox as there is no avoiding it in our Camp. as the Air is pure at this place & the Army can have fresh provisions & good water Ihope they will Soon Recruit ー if they Should Sure I am that we Shall have Enought to fortify & hold this place & at the Same time Command the Lake, A Lieut which I Sent to Reconnoitre at St Johns & Chamblee has Returned and Says that he Counted about a hundred & fifty tents at St Johns twenty five at St Rays & fiteen at Chamblee That the Regulars are very Busy in fortifying at St Johns he saw no Boats Except a Canoe & one Batteau at Chamblee he Dispatched two of his men from St Johns to give me Intelligence who have not Since been heard of I fear the Indians have Entrappd them ー²