[Extract]
On Saturday the 16th Instant two Sloops arrived here, ー but that with the heavy Cannon & Shot is not yet come up altho' I desired that she might be brought up as far as the Ice w.ould permit, to take the Advantage of the first fair Wind after the River opened.
The whole of the Batteaus I was ordered to build will be finished in eight Days as far as they can be for Want of pitch and Oakham, which is not yet arrived from New York. ー I have however a Sufficiency to transport the Troops now here ....
[March 20]
The heavy Cannon arrived this Morning, and they will be moved with all possible Dispatch to Fort George, and from thence as soon as the Lakes are passable ー Not a Sailor for the Vessels, nor any Artillery Companies are yet arrived here.
Apprehensive that Difficulties would arise in transporting the Cannon and Military Stores from hence by Land at this Season of the Year" when the Roads are almost impassable, and frequently overflowed between this and Fort Edward, I caused ten Batteaus to be (sent,] and happy it is, as the Waters are now out. and many parts of the Road rendered thereby impassable ー In the Transportation of these Stores only, considerable more than the Cost of the Batteaus will be saved, Even if the Water had not rendered the Roads useless, they being. so very deep that Carriages at the very utmost can carry only half Loads ー I hope to be able to venture a Ride to Fort George by the Time the Cannon are moving from here, that they may not be retarded on the Way or on their Arrival at that place should the Lake be open.
If no Sailors come up in Time, I will Man a sufficient Number of the Vessels with Men from the Troops for the present Occasion. I am Sir [&c.]
