Dear General

I made no Doubt before this ybu have recd a Copy of my Letter to Genl Gates of the 12th Inst dated at Schuylers Island advising of an Action between our Fleet and the Enemy the preceding day in which we lost a Schooner and a Gondola. We remained no longer at Schuylers Island than to stop our Leaks and mend the Sails of the Washington. At 2 OClock P. M. the 12th weighed Anchor with a fresh Breeze to the Southward. The Enemy's Fleet at the same time got under Way, our Gondolas made very little way a Head. In the Evening the Wind moderated and we made such Progress that at 6 OClock next Morning we were about off Willsborough 28 Miles from Crown Point. The Enemy's Fleet were very little way above Schuylers Island, the Wind breezed up to the Southward so that we gained very little by beating or rowing, at the same time the Enemy took a fresh Breeze from the N.E. and by the time we had reached split Rock were along Side of us. The Washington and Congress were in a Rear, the rest of our Fleet were a Head except two Gondolas sunk at Schuylers Island. The Washington Galley was in such a shattered Condition and had so many Men , killed and wounded she struck to the Enemy after receiving a few Broadsides. we were then attacked in the Congress Galley by a Ship mounting twelve Eighteen Pounders, a Schooner of fourteen Sixes and one of twelve Sixes, two under our Stern and one on our Broadside within Musquet Shot. They kept up an incessant Fire on us for about five Glasses with Round and Grape Shot, which we returned as briskly ー The Sails Rigging and Hull of the Congress was shattered and torn in Peices, the first Lieutenant and 3 Men killed, when to prevent her falling into the Enemy's hands, who had seven Sail around me, I ran her ashore in a small Creek ten Miles from Crown Point on the East Side when after saving our small Arms, I set her on Fire with four Gondolas, with whose Crews I reached Crown point thro' the Woods that Evening, and very luckily escaped the Savages who way laid the Road in two Hours after we passed. At 4 OClock Yesterday Morning I reached this place exceedingly fatigued and unwell having been without Sleep or Refreshment for near three days.

Of our whole Fleet we have saved only two Gallies, two small schooners, one Gondola and one Sloop. General Waterbury with One hundred and ten prisoners were returned by Carleton last Night. On Board of the Congress we had twenty odd Men killed and wounded. Our whole loss amounted I to Eighty odd. The Enemy's Fleet were last Night three Miles below Crown Point, their Army is doubtless at their Heels, we are busily employed in compleatind our Lines [&] Redoubts which I am sorry to say are not so forward as I could wish. We have very few heavy Cannon, but are mounting every piece we have. It is the Opinion of Genl Gates and Sinclair [Arthur St. Clair], that Eight or ten thousand Militia ihould be immediately sent to our Assistance if they can be spared from below. I am of Opinion the Enemy will attack us with their Fleet and Army at the same time, the former is very formidable, a List of which I am favoured with by Genl Waterbury and have inclosed. The Season is so far advanced, our people are daily growing more healthy. We have about Nine thousand Effectives and if properly supported make no doubt of stopping the Carrier of the Enemy. All your Letters to me of late have miscarried. I am extremely sorry to hear by Genl Gates you are unwell.

I have sent you by Genl Waterbury a small Box containing all my public and private papers and Accounts with a considerable Sum of hard and paper Money, Which beg the favr of your taking Care of. I am Dear Genl [&c.]

List of the Enemys Fleet on Lake Champlain.

1 Ship	18 ー 12 ps.
1 Schooner	14 ー 6
1 do	12 ー 6
1 Rediaux	6      24		Brass
	12 ー 12
	4        8 Inch Howitz

28 Gondolas with one Gun each 12 18 & 24 pounders and one 8 Inch Howitz

2 Gondolas 3 Guns each 12 pounders

N.B. Two of the above Gondolas sunk by our fleet the first day and one blown up with 60 Menー

Copy.