Sir  This Minute Sergt [Peter] Griffin arrived from St John's where he has been sent by Capt Stewart as a Spy, he brings intelligence that the two Vessels building there are very forward, that their Hulls seem to be finished being blacked up to their Gunwales & that their Masts are preparing, that they appear of Large Size ー This sir is alarming News indeed if true (which I have no doubt) they will be ready to sail in one Week or Ten Days at most, for by Griffin's acct as well as others the Workmen are extremely busy & assiduous, working till after Dark every Night. These Vessels when on the Lake will effectually Command it, & the Expedition is up for this Year provided that no reinforcement comes to Canada this year.

I went with Captain Stewart Yesterday & sounded the Channel Near the Point next below Windmill Point, am of an opinion that a stand may be made there; but should better Judges think the Il au Noix or some Place below that better to intrench & effectually stop the Enemies Vessels coming that up, I shall perfectly agree with them

If the Army are not ready to march within the time abovementioned a Plan of this Kind must be executed, or we lose all (e.i) the Command of the Lake. which is tantamount

Beg your hons pardon for writing in a Dictatorial style ー should not attempt it were it not Demonstrated on that the Vessels mentioned at St John's with what Armed Batteaus the Enemy can easily Furnish can as easily Sweep this Lake in its present Condition ー I therefore humble beseech that some effectual Measure may be immediately entered into to keep the command of the Lake, which I believe may most readily & effectually be done by sending some part of the Army immediately into Canada as I cannot consider the enemy Powerful as yet  shall be willing to lead the Way on the shortest Notice. I hear that Two Regiments are coming to Join this Army Via Cohos & Onion River  the Barer will inform more particularly concerning this matter  I hope to set of[f] tomorrow for Crown pt

I am Sr [&c.]

To Bri Genl Montgomery On board the Sloop Lying at the North of: Il: aumote [Isle au Motte] Wednesday Augt 23d 1775