Gent:

I beg liberty to inform you that we just now recv'd the News of the approbation of the Hone Congress in the possessing ourselves of the important Post of Ticonderoga, &c, with vast Pleasure & Satisfaction.

We yesterday had the News that Col. [Benedict] Arnold had taken the armed Sloop & other Craft in Lake Champlain, without any loss, & that Col. [Ethan] Allen had made an unsuccessful attack on Ft. St. Johns. The first we greatly rejoice in, & as to the latter we wish it had never been attempted, for many reasons. It seems to us, & every one here, that it would be vast Importance to retain the Post, that important Key of Ticonderoga, and must humbly ask Leave to suggest whether it might not be well for the Venerable Congress, our at present superior Legislature, to reconsider the matter of giving up that Post. We being persuaded of its utility, should with infinite alacrity exert every Nerve to preserve it.

Your Zeal, Union & Resolution, at this most critical Day, under the Almighty Blessing of Heaven, will I humbly yet confidently believe prove the Salvation of America.

I am with great Esteem & Respect Gent. [&c.]