It is thought most adviseable to send all the Troops at Montreal here, who have had the Small Pox, & to send Five or Six hundred Men from this to Montreal, who will be at no expence of getting up, as they can row themselves....
As soon as Genl. Thomas arrives I expect a council of War will be immediately held, I shall be for keeping Deschambault by all Means. if it can be done without too great a hazard of our Army. our own Strength (which at present is uncertain) and the advice which we may receive of the Numbers & designs of the Enemy, must govern our movements. I believe the Difficulty of Provisions may be got over; but the Small Pox, & Gondaloes; to secure our Navigation and retreat, are very great obstacles in our way. ー
We have here abt three Tons of Powder. there is a quantity at Chambly. how much I am uncertain, the Distribution of the Battoes is already Made, & twenty are sent from this to St Johns Immediately on my arrival here I sent to Maska & have received from thence One Hundred & seventy Six Bags of flour, I believe the same you refer to. as soon as Mr [John] Bondfield arrives I shall employ him to collect all the Flour in this Neighbourhood, who will at the same time call on Mr. Belfeüel & receive such goods as may answer our purppse. I have in Contemplation the sinking a Cheveaux de Frize, at the Islands five Miles below this, where the Channel is very narrow, but the water is so high we cannot Fortify at present; Two other Vessels will be Ordered to Montreal the first fair Wind....Honble Messrs Chase & Carrol
