[Extract]

We are indefatigable in preparing to meet the Enemy by Water ー the Superiority in a Naval force on this Lake is an object of the first moment ー it has been hitherto shamefully neglected, but now in a fair way of becoming formidable as we have at present three Schooners & one Sloop well appointed & mann'd with people drafted from the several Regiments; they carry from 8 to 16 Guns, each which together with four Gondolas already built will be no contemptible fleet in the Sea ー 150 Carpenters from Philada & Connecticut are arriv'd at Skeinsborough and are now at work in building more Arm'd Boats ー The Enemy on the other hand are industriously employ'd in building Vessels of force, Batteaus &ca at St Johns they brought with them a considerable Number of Boats with a brass four Pounder in the bow of each ー I saw and engag'd several of these boats near three Rivers they are between a Ships long boat & Batteau & carry about 50 or 60 Men...

A Mr Traverse, who was a Capt in our Service, & has the Appearance of an Honest Intelligent man, has just Arrived from St John's ー he Informs us that 8'000 Regulars are now there together with 4'000 Canadians, well Appointed Amountg in the whole to 12'000 men; that they have 150 batteaus ready & three Armed vessels, and that we may expect them in a little time