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Sir In addition to my Letter of the 21st I acquaint you, that I am exerting myself to the utmost in order to get the remaining Transports out of the River, the moment their Men (without whose generous Services, the expedition could not have been carried on) are returned to them, from the Lake; Pilots both here and at Sorel, being kept in readiness for that purpose. Had not the destruction of the Rebel fleet, been so nearly effected, the Triton and Garland must at General Carleton's desire have wintered here, but as matters now happily stand, I hope the former may get away; and the endeavours shall be made to hasten most of her Men down, from Lake Champlain for that purpose ー The latter must winter at Quebec at all events with a view to the Service of next Spring, and moreover to take care of the people the other Ships must unavoidably leave behind, on the Lake for the completion of the little, that yet remains to be done. This His Majesty's Ship under my Command being 14 Guns short of her number Vizt Ten 12 and four 6 pounders, short of Stores, having spared of every kind to promote the expedition in question; having her Bottom injured by her passage thro' the Ice, possibly more than we are aware of; but above all the best of her Seamen on the Lake, whose return to her in due time to leave this River where it is impossible for her to Winter is doubtful and moreover having no directions how to act in that respect from our Commander in Chief, I find myself impelled to run her home ー which I the less regret, as it affords me the means of providing General Burgoyne with a good conveyance ー so soon as it ap peared that the important undertaking of destroying the Rebel Fleet on Lake Champlain could not be carried into Execution without the Seamen from the Transports ー I, at General Carleton's desire ordered Lieutenant [John] Schank, commanding the Canceaux, to enter as Supernumeraries for Wages and Victuals, on the books of that armed Ship, to the number of 300 Seamen to be discharged by or before the 30th of next Month excepting such of them, as from wounds or disease, should be disabled, in thus Willingly & generously thus exposing themselves in their Country's cause, who are to be treated according to the usage of the Royal Navy in all respects. I am &c