[Extract]
Sir. Instead of one hundred and tw~nty Sleds to convey the Cannon and provision from Fort George Tyconderoga &c to Canada, with the utmost Efforts only seventy six could be procured, the great Scarcity of Forrage and Danger of going at this advanced Season deters them. The winter here is entirely broke up, and I believe Hudsons River will be clear of Ice in a few Days: It may be best therefore that the Remainder of the Troops from New Jersey and Pennsylvania should embark at New Windsor or still lower down, if Craft can be procured.
Only one Company of Colo: [Charles] Burrel's Regiment is gone past here; I greatly fear that the Remainder will not be able to pass the Lakes on Ice unless a sudden Change in the Weather takes place: some Horses and one Man have already been drowned on Lake George and Lake Champlain ー It would be happy for us if the Lakes immediately opened, as I have got Matters in such a Way that I can immediately send on the Troops by Water but should the Lakes become impassable in any Way, I must of Necessity detain the Troops at this place until they open, as well to save the Expenditures of what pork we have at Fort George as that they cannot be quartered there.
The Sleds that left this, with the last Pennsylvania Company I am this Moment informed are returned not being able to proceed further than twenty Miles from this: Hudsons River being broke up there but as yet impassable.
on the 28th Ult: I sent General Wooster something above £2000 in Specie, which I have collected on my Notes payable in like Money on Demand.
We are greatly distressed for Money for the Currant Expences of the Day
I am Sir [&c.]
