[Extract]

...I think it would be by far, the Best to remove to Crown Point, Fortify that, Build Row-gallies to Command the Lakes, & by Scouting parties to defend our Frontiers, as the Savages have already begun upon us. They have made two Attacks upon our men, Kill'd & taken near Twenty, Among which are seven officer...I hear from all Quarters that the Enemy are very Numerous in Canada. Their Shipping is also Numerous, & it cant be Doubted that all the Canadians, & all the Indians in this Quarter, Will be Compell'd to bear Arms against us, This I know they would gladly have avoided, But finding that we are not able to Afford them that Protection we promised, They are Obliged to make their peace in the best manner they can ー I think it is now past a Doubt that the Neglect & Inattention to this Departmt has not only lost us Canada, But Involv'd us in a war with all the Blacks & whites in this Quarter, & to Check their progress, I know of no better Method than to Secure the Important posts of Ticondaroga & Crown point, & by building a Number of Arm'd Vesssels, Command the Lakes, Otherwise the forces now in Canada, Will be brought down upon us, As quick as Possible, having nothing now to Oppose them in that Colony ー They have a Number of Batteaus fram'd Which they brought from three Rivers, They will Doubtless Construct Some Arm'd Vessels, & then Endeavour to penetrate the Country Toward New York, This I am persuaded They will Attempt, But am Sure they can never Effect, Unless we Neglect to Secure the important posts now in our power....