[Extract]

. . . No Time is also to be lost in forwarding the Cannon and what Military Stores there are at Tyconderoga and Crown point; they will however be of little Service unless a considerable Quantity of powder is immediately sent: What is gone is very trifling.

On Board of the Vessels which were taken near Montreal on the 19th of November, 760 Barrels of pork and 675 of Flour were found ー A Quantity sufficient of the first Article to have served 2000 Men to the 3d Instant of the other to the 22d Ult: ー a considerable Quantity had been taken a Month before at Chamble; a large Quantity was at St John's; Bedels and Warner's Detachments had provisions bought for them; much has been bought since the Surrender of Montreal, hence a Waste or Embezzlement must have taken place ー I can easily account for the Loss by only imputing it to the Inability of the Commissarys and the culpable Inattention of the Officers ー I gave Orders last Year, which if they had been complyed with would have prevented this Evil & Extra Expence in sending the Supplies ー . . .

I am this Moment informed that some Nails are arrived from Canada, and a considerable Quantity are on the Way.

The Shipwrights to construct the Scows on Hudsons River are not yet arrived ー These Vessels will be greatly wanted.