Gentlemen

I was equally surprised and alarmed this day on receiving advice, via Albany, that the Continental Congress has recommended the removing all the cannon, stores, &c. at Ticonderoga to Fort George, and evacuating Ticonderoga entirely which being the only key of this Country, leaves our very extensive Frontiers open to the ravages of the Enemy, and if put into execution, will be the entire ruin of five hundred Families to the northward of Ticonderoga. I have wrote the Congress, and given My Sentiments very freely, with your Instructions to me, as I fancy they have had no Intelligence of my appointment and orders.

Colonel [Ethan] Allen has entirely given up the Command. I have one hundred and fifty men here, and expect in two or three weeks to have my Regiment complete, and believe they will be joined by a thousand men from Connecticut and New York. I have sent to Lake George six large brass and iron mortars and howitzers, one brass and three iron 12-Pounders, and shall pursue your orders with all the dispatch in my power. I am, Gentlemen, [&c.]