[Extract]
Sir,

... Some of the Enemys's Ships have moved up with some of the flat bottomed boats from Fort Montgomery and last night two Galleys & one or two small Vessels¹ came up near the Cheviaux du frize about 7 Miles below here, and passed the same, but being fired upon fell down the river again.—The Enemy now have it in their power to pass up the river in spite of every Effort we have in our Power to make, and the whole of our Force if collected on one side would little if any exceed theirs so that We can do no more than defend one side of the River; if their design be to re­lieve M^r. Burgoyne's Army, most probably they will proceed the first fair wind up the river; with their ships as far as the water will permit their ships to pass; which may be faster than the troops can march; and then with their flat bottomed boats and row Galleys to Albany before we can arrive there.... I am [&c.]