[Extract]

Directions are given for repairing the Batteaus in Lake Champlain and Lake George and for building one hundred and fifty adapted to the Navigation of Hudson's and the Mohawks Rivers and Wood Creek.

Should the Enemy be able to force us from Tyonderoga, it will be possible for them, altho' we keep possession of Mount Independence to get into Lake George by drawing their Batteaus over Land from below Tyonderoga, for altho' the Task would be arduous yet it is feasible and ought to be guarded against. therefore propose to build five or six flat Bottomed Vessels of considerable Force on Lake George, and shall begin to prepare the necessary Articles in the Beginning of February unless Congress should please to direct otherwise, and about the same Time I propose to begin the necessary Work of obstructing the Navigation of Lake Champlain between Tyonderoga and Mount Independence, which I hope to execute so effectually as not to leave a possibility for any Kind of Craft to pass whilst we keep possession of the latter place, and which I think we can do against any Force whatever, provided we have a sufficient Garrison properly supplied with Cannon, Ammunition & provision:

A considerable Quantity of Cordage and Oakham is wanted -If it cannot be supplied in this State, I shall send to the Eastern ones, and so indeed I must for many Articles that will be wanted -I wish therefor a Resolution of Congress, directing every State to comply with my applications in whatever they can.

. . . For three Weeks or perhaps a Month to come we have little to fear from our Enemy, but as after that Lake Champlain will be passable, it is probable they will make an Attempt as I am well informed, that they have two Regiments at St Johns, three at Isle au Noix, and a small Body, as an advanced post on Isle-lamotte, and I conjecture that they would hardly keep so many Troops at those places, if they did not meditate a Winter's Expedition — It is therefore of Importance that the Garrison should be strengthened and have therefore repeated my former application for assistance to the Eastern States.