[Extract]

You have been since called upon for Six Thousand Militia for Canada and New York. How you will get the Men I know not. The Small Pox, I suppose will be a great Discouragement. But We must maintain our Ground in Canada. The Regulars, if they get full Possession of that Province and the Navigation of St. Lawrence River above Dechambeault at least above Mouth of the Sorrell, will have nothing to interrupt their Communication with Niagara, Detroit Michilimachinac; they will have the Naviga tion of the five great Lakes quite as far as the Mississippi River; they will have a free Communication with all the numerous Tribes of Indians, extending along the Frontiers of all the Colonies, and by their Trinketts and Bribes will induce them to take up the Hatchett, and spread Blood and Fire among the Inhabitants by which Means, all the Frontier Inhabitants will be driven in upon the middle Settlements, at a Time when the Inhabitants of the Seaports and Coasts, will be driven back by the British Navy. Is this Picture too highly coloured? Perhaps it is; but surely We must maintain our Power, in Canada....

I believe it will not be long before all Property belonging to British Subjects, Whether in Europe, the W. Indies, or elsewhere will be made liable to Capture. A few Weeks may possibly produce great Things. I am, &c.