Gentlemen,

I take the liberty to advise you that on the 13th inst. having proceeded from this place to St. Johns, with a party of my regiment of 35 men, I surprised and took prisoners, a sergeant and his party of 12 men, the King's sloop of 70 tons, and seven men, mounted with two brass six pounders; and in two hours after weighed anchor with the sloop, &c. and proceeded for this place . . . I am now fixing the sloop with six carriages and ten swivels, the schooner with four carriages and six swivels,² and am determined to proceed to Crown Point, and make a stand there, in order to secure the cannon, near 100 pieces, at that place. We are in great want of a number of seamen, gunners, carpenters, &c., for both vessels. Our safety in a great measure depends on them, the vessels, as they will be able to command the lake if properly manned. Enclosed is a list of men wanted immediately, which I beg the favour of you gentlemen, to ship and send up here without loss of time, furnishing them with such things as you judge necessary. I have judicious able, commanders for both vessels, and want only mates, gunners, marines, &c. Annexed is the wages I propose giving, but must refer that to your direction, and any sums you are kind enough to advance for the above purpose, I will give a draft for, on the Committee of Safety at Cambridge, being fully empowered for that purpose. We have only one hundred and fifty pounds good powder for both vessels, and one hundred men. I have wrote repeatedly to Albany for powder, and must once more entreat you, gentlemen, if not forwarded, to send me as soon as possible ten or twelve hundred weight powder. If the seamen, &c. are not to be procured at Albany, I beg the favour of you to forward this letter to the Committee of Safety at New-York, and you will much oblige,

Gentlemen [&c.],