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...The Cordage you mention is arrived; but General Waterbury is greatly disappointed in not receiving the Cables. The Gallies must sail with such as are to be had here. Better shall be sent them, the moment they come to my Hands. We are industrious in repairing the Old Fort, the Stone Redoubt at the East Point of Ticonderoga, and constructing the out Line of a Strong Fort upon Mount Independence. Precautions are also making to place the Fleet in Security for the Winter ー These are Works which keep us all employed, the Sick and Malingerers excepted, and they are more than they ought to be.ー

The Powder, Lead, Flints and Musket Cartridge Paper wrote for, so long ago, are not, even in Part arrived. The large Demand supplied to the Fleet reduces our Magazine so much, that, should the Fleet, after expending their Ammunition, be Obliged to retire, we shall not have any thing like Sufficient, to make a proper Defence here. This should be seriously attended to, and not a Moment more lost, in furnishing the Quantity demanded in my Letter to you of the 5th Instant.

I am informed the fourth Row-Galley is ready to be Launched. ー The whole of the different Gangs of Ship Carpenters being Consolidated into one Body to finish her.

Is it not the Intention of Congress to continue to increase our Fleet with the utmost Expedition. ー If it is, more Carpenters should be forthwith engaged, and that Work carried on with all the Spirit, and Industry we are Capable of. The Ague has so worn down the Carpenters sent by Order of Congress that more cannot be expected from them this Season; therefore, to Continue this Important Work, more must be supplied.

Inclosed is a Copy of Genl Arnold's Letter to me of the 21st Instant. His Demands are complied with as far as in my power by the Trumbull Galley, Capt. [Seth] Warner, which sailed last Thursday evening to join the Fleet. ー General Waterbury Sails with the Two other Galleys to morrow morning Early, & the Schooner Liberty, will immediately after proceed to the Fleet. ー The Heavy Storm last night would fill me with Great Anxiety, had not General Arnold (as you will see in his Letter) Assured me that he had a Safe Harbour within his Reach.ー