[Extract]

Dear General My last was from the Bay St Amont the 22d Inst by Capt [Isaac Budd] Dunn, which make no doubt you have received. ー the next day the Fleet arived safe at this place, (which is an excellent harbour) rue are moored in a small Bay, on the West side the Island, as near together as possible. & in such a form that few Vessells can attack us at the same Time, & then will be exposed to the fire of the whole fleet

The 25th I dispatched into Canada a German who. was Mate of the Revenge. & a New England Man, who speaks French well, both are Sensible Fellows, & may be depended on, they are extremely well acquainted with the Country, go in Character of Deserters, & have proper Instructions & Credentials. (Sixteen of each sort.) sewed up between the Soals of their shoes. ー As they run a great Risque, I have promised them (In Case they succeed) Five hundred Dollars, between them; As soon as they know the Success of their Embassy. they are to return ー One of them was a Ranger with [Robert] Rogers all last Warr, has since lived in Canada & Knows the Woods perfectly. ー Two Men are stationed on the Isle A La Motte to watch the motions of the Enemyー

Early yesterday morning Serjt Strictland with Twelve Men in a provision Batteau passed this place, & went as farr as Point Au fere, but not finding the fleet returned. the revenge (on a cruise) picked them up at 6 oClock last night, the Serjt. Took the Schooner for an Enemy, & stupidly, destroy'd All his Letters & papers, when she was at a distance from him, which was very mortifying to me as I am deprived the pleasure of your ー Letter, & have a long time Anxiously waited for the particulars of the Affair at New York ー This Fellow can give me no manner of Intelligence respecting the Gallies, or any thing else. ー I expect them every minute, as the Time is elapsed in which you wrote they would be readyー

Colonel [Thomas] Hartley writes me tha[t] One Gally was expected at C[rown] Point the 26th & that t[he] Others would be there the 27th, there is a fine wind for the Enemy to come down, If they appear too Strong For us, I will retire untill I meet the Gallies