[Extract]

The Spot w[h]ere Tyonderoga now stands was I conceive very Judiciously Occupied by the French because It Commanded both the Passes by Water into these Colonies, and afforded an Easy Access to any Reinforcements they might Chuse to send up, as well as a safe Retreat whenever they might be under the Necessity of Making One. ー But altho' It equally Commands, now in our Possession, the Waters which lead to this Part of the Country, Yet it is so situated, that if invested by an Army the Intercourse with the Fort by Lake_ George is immediately cut off, Nor can any Attempt be Made to raise a Siege unless such a Number of Boats were always kept at the South End of Lake George as would be sufficient to convey a superior Force at one Embarkation across Lake George, And Even then many difficult Passes must be Carried before an Enemy need retire. ー If a Fortress was Erected on the East side of Lake Champlain nearly opposite to Tyonderoga It would equally Command both Communication with this Advantage, That the Militia of the Northern Colonies are more at Hand for immediate succour may all march by Land to the Fort and attempt to raise a Seige, Whilst their Provisions may be conveyed by Wood Creek, the Waters of which are Navigable to within thirteen Miles of Fort Edward, But as I havealready Observed in mine of the 15th we have No Men and I can add no Implements, Even to put Tyonderoga in a State of Defence.