[Extract]

We now shall take notice of the New-York committee's letter to us of the 20th inst., enclosing the resolutions of the Continental Congress; from which we find that the reduction of Ticonderoga, by our forces, is approved of, and recommending us to proceed, with all possible dispatch, with a sufficient body of forces, &c. to the northward, to remove the cannon and stores from Ticonderoga to the south end of Lake George. We are now busy to raise two companies, each company composed of fifty men, in order to go upon said expedition; who we expect will be in readiness to march in two or three days. But, gentlemen, there are a number of very material difficulties that immediately arise: we have no ammunition; all the powder already gone up, with what we can possible collect yet among us, will not amount to above 250 pounds; and with so small a quantity, it is impossible for us to do anything of consequence.

Nor can we possibly conceive how the Provincial forces can maintain these northern posts or withstand the attack of the British Troops from Quebec, who are, from the best intelligence we can collect, preparing as fast as possible to come down in order to retake these places from us ー an enterprise, if by them, undertaken and completed, will introduce our enemies into the very bowels of our country. We beg of you, gentlemen, without delay, to take these important matters into your most serious and immediate consideration, and afford us the necessary assistance in this our distressed situation; and send us up, with all possible speed, a sufficient quantity of powder, without which nothing can possibly be done. We likewise stand in need of blankets, pitch, tar, oakum, nails, spikes, gin, ropes, camp kettles, entrenching tools, &c. and some rice, oatmeal, barley &c.; also, for the sloop and schooner, two mates, two gunners, two gunner's mates, two boatswains, and eighteen seamen, agreeable to Col. [Benedict] Arnold's list copy enclosed no. 15, all which you'll be pleased to cause to be sent up to us with all possible dispatch . . .

We would mention another matter to you, which, in our humble opinion, requires your immediate consideration, that as the vessel from St. John's has lately been taken by our forces, and whereof the Continental Congress have had no intelligence, on the 18th instant, when they entered into the resolution respecting Ticonderoga, and removing the stores and cannon from thence to Lake George, whether it would not be expedient to fortify the latter instead of the former, as Ticonderoga is by far the strongest and most important fortress.