Dear General,

I wrote you the 2nd Instant from Willsborough by Lieut [James] Calderwood, the same Evening Anchored at Schuylers Island, & on the 3d Instant arrived safe at this Place, which is 4, or 5 miles from the Isle Aux Tate,² and 7 miles from the Isle aux Mott, we found the Isle aux Tate occupied by the Enemy, and several hundred Men encamped, between that & us, who the Evening of our arrival made a precipitate retreat

I have posted my Guard Boats, at a Point running into the Lake about one Mile below us, The Enemies Boats have several Times, appeared on the Lake with a View of decoying our Boats but I have never suffered them to be pursued; Lieutenant [Benjamin] Whitcomb arrived here the 5th in the Evening and went off the same Night with three Men for St. Johns on the Westside, I sent off Ensign [Thomas] McCoy the next Morning on the Eastside, with three Men, they are to send me intelligence from time to time I expect to hear from them to Morrow early yesterday morning the Boats were ordered on Shore to Cut Fascines to fix on the Bows and Sides of the Gondolas to prevent the Enemies boarding and to keep off small Shot. One of the Boats went on Shore contrary to Orders before the others were ready, they were attacked by a Party of Savages, who pursued them into the Water. They all reached the Boat, but before they could row off, three were killed, and Six wounded the Party was headed by a Regular Officer, who called to our People to resign themselves, on our firing a few Shot among them they immediately dispersed. a party was sent on Shore who found a laced Beaver hat, the Button marke 47th Regiment. The Lee and Gondola arrived here yesterday morning, we are moor'd in a Line a Cross the Lake, insuch a manner, it will be impossible for a Batteau to pass us. ー I hope the Gallies are nearly compleated, the Force of the Enemy is uncertain, however they have this advantage that they can Man all their Batteaux with Soldiers whenever they think proper to attack us, and our Vessels are so low that numbers may carry them by boarding, this must be attended with great Loss on their side, as I am Positive they will not be able to surprize us. If I find the Enemy have a considerable Naval Force I design to retire, to Cumberland Head or Schuylers Island untill joined by the three Row Gallies, which will be Superior to all our present Force, when the whole are joined, I believe the Isle a Mott will be the best Stand as the Enemy can bring nothing against us by Land nor will they dare to Come on the Island, as by our Guard boats we can prevent, any Boats going from Missisque Bay, as you have more Troops at Tyconderoga than you want, will it not be prudent to send up one thousand or fifteen hundred Men, who might encamp on the Isle aux Mott, and be ready at all times to assist us if attacked twenty Men to a Batteau will be sufficient, they might Load under Cover of the Vessels, push out and Fire, & retire under cover again, & If the Enemies Boats should make their principal Attack on any particular Vessel these Batteaux might Assist her; each should be fixed for a Swivel in each end, and if they are armed one should be fixed in them, if you should think it necessary tosend a Detachment, it will be necessary to bring intrenching Tools, that they may cover themselves from Small Arms.ー

We have but very indifferent Men, in general, great part of those who shipped for Seamen know very little of the Matter three or four good Gunners are wanted enclosed is a List of our Sick, who increase fast, I have sent up in three Batteaux 23 Men, who will be of no service for some time, I wish 50 Seamen could be procured and sent down, I inclose you a Letter from Samuel Chaise Esqr you will observe he requests an explanation of your Letter to Mr Adams, He observes my Character is much injured by a Report prevailing in Philadelphia of my having sequestered the Goods seized in Montreal, as you have had an Opportunity of hearing that Matter canvassed on the Tryal of Colonel [Moses] Hazen, I beg you will be kind enought to write your Sentiments to him on the Matter I cannot but think it extreamly cruel, when I have sacrafised my Ease, Health and great Part of my private Property in the Cause of my Country, to be Caluminated as a Robber and thief, at a Time too when I have it not in my Power to be heard in my own Defence.

The 15th of August when we left Tyconderoga the fleet were victualed for thirty Days, which Time is elapsed except 6 Days, we have on board the Fleet Six or eight Days Provision besides twenty Barrells of flour, left at Crown Point to be baked, and ten Barrells of Pork which I have ordered Lieutenant Calderwood to bring down, which will serve the Fleet to the 20th, as the Lake is often very difficult to pass for a number of days we aught to have at least one Months Provisions on hand. Major [David] Grier goes up with the Sick to whom I must refer you for particulars.

We are very anxious to hear from New York, hope soon to have that pleasure by one of the Gallies, which I think must be compleated by this Time ー please to make my Compliments to the Gentlemen of your Family and believe me with much respect, esteem and Affection Dear General [&c.]