Sir

I have the honour to acquaint your Excellency that I arrived at Ticonderoga the 1^st. Ins^t. and Yesterday afternoon sailed from thence with all the Vessels, the Inflexible, Thunderer, Maria, Carleton and Camel.

The Maria and Thunderer proceeded on towards S^t Johns, the former with Pro­visions and Sick, the latter with some Ordnance Stores and as many Sick as she cou'd contain—about 150 are on board, and it was thought necessary this Vessel should be appropriated for their reception, after taking in a Tier of Shott and Provisions.

The Camel, laden chiefly with Artillery Stores, and the Inflexible with provisions, remain here to take in some Brass Guns brought from Lake George to the Portage Yesterday, which I expect down in Batteaux this day the danger of the Vessels being stoped by a Northerly Wind and frozen up at this advanced season induced me to get them out as soon as possible, and I hope there will now be no danger of the whole Naval Armament being safely laid up at S^t Johns.

The Vessels lately sent with Provisions were directed to land their Cargoes at Point au Fer, but as their return in time is now impracticable I send a Tender with directions for all the Victuallers to take in Provisions from thence to S^t Johns, and to assist the unlading the large Vessels.

The Carleton is laden with a Variety of heavy stores and is also to receive more Sick Men from the Hospital.

The Lee has taken in Provisions sent hither in Batteaux, and will remain here for the Protection of the Troops on the Lake.

A detachment of 30 Seamen with Officers from the Naval department are left to assist the Embarkation of the Garrison, and to conduct the Tender and Gun Boats, which are to move with the Batteaux—I apprehend they will leave Ticonderoga on the 7^th. or 8^th. Ins^t.

Captain Graves is on board the Inflexible, and in much better health than cou'd be expected after the unfortunate circumstance of losing his left Arm—the Wound he re­ceived was from a drunken Soldier, and does not appear to have been intentional.

As Brigadier M^cClean writes to Your Excellency at this time from hence, I have only to add that I shall use every possible effort to Secure the Vessels before the Frost sets in, giving at the same time every assistance they can afford to the Troops intended to pass the Lake. I have the honour to be [&c.]