Dear Sir:

The enclosed intelligence came to hand at two o'clock this morning. It is impossible to procure any pork in this Colony; there is none but what came over the Lakes. A schooner sails this afternoon for Deschambault with three hundred and fifty barrels of flour and about ten barrels of pork, which is the whole to be procured here. After the arrival of the brigade under General [William] Thompson, we compute there will be about five thousand troops in Canada. We understand this brigade brings only ten days' provisions with them.

Mr. [James] Price thinks he can procure a sufficient quantity of wheat with the bills of exchange (three thousand pounds sterling) lodged with him by Congress; and Mr. [John] Bondfield, with the specie lent us by that company, will endeavour to purchase some beef, but the quantity is very uncertain, and the quality will be very indifferent. Some peas may be bought, but no other vegetables of any kind can be expected.

General Arnold leaves us this afternoon to go down to Deschambault; we cannot flatter ourselves with the keeping possession of that post. The cannon which you sent, and our powder (about five tons) are at the mouth of the Sorel. We think it impracticable, indeed, without maintaining our ground at Jacques Cartier, we believe it impossible. If the enemy's frigates should pass the fall of Richelieu, and a fair wind alone is necessary, our Army will be cut off from provisions and a retreat by water. Retreat by land will not only be very difficult, but very dangerous, if pursued by the enemy. We are unable to express our apprehensions of the distress our Army must soon be reduced to from the want of provisions, and the small-pox. If further reinforcements are sent without pork to victual the whole Army, our soldiers must perish or feed on each other. Even plunder, the last resource of strong necessity, will not relieve their wants. We do not see the propriety of sending more troops before you hear from us. We have undoubtedly a sufficient number to maintain St. Johns and the Isle aux Noix. You will be pleased to communicate the present state of affairs, and forward the enclosed papers, to Congress.

We wish you a speedy restoration of your health, and every blessing of this life; and remain, with the most perfect esteem and regard, dear sir [&c.]