You will perceive, Sir, by No. 3, that some of the enemy’s boats fired on our people. Captain Douglass, who commanded one of the armed boats, pointed and fired a twelve-pounder, loaded with ball and grape-shot, at them; and we have accounts that about thirty of the unfriendly Canadians were killed or drowned. In the first engagement of the 7th, we killed six Indians, two Caugmnawagas, as many Mohawks, (Daniel, and William a bastard son of Sir William Johnson’s,) one Canassadaga and one Huron; and we are informed by a Caugmnawaga and Huron, whom I left at Isle-aux-Noix, that not an Indian remains at St. John’s, and which I believe to be true. The four Deputies, sent by the Six Nations to request the Canadian Indians to remain neuter, were not returned when I left Isle-aux-Noix. I have taken the liberty to desire General Montgomery to make a present, in the name of the Congress, to the Canadian Indians, if he should think it necessary.

Since the affair of the 10th, the Army at Isle-aux-Noix, which then consisted of thirteen hundred and ninety-four effectives, all ranks included, has been re-enforced by Captain Livingston’s Company of New-Yorkers, nearly complete; on the 16th, by Colonel Warner, whom I met, an hour after my departure, with one hundred and seventy Green Mountain Boys, being the first that had appeared of that boasted corps. He left this with about fifty more; but they mutinied, and the remainder are at Crown Point. Captain Allen’s Company, of the same corps, arrived here last night, every man of which was raised in Connecticut. About one hundred men of Colonel Bedell’s, from New-Hampshire, which corps was to have been up a fortnight before, (the remainder of one hundred and fifty of that body were yet to come,) joined the 16th at night, and I suppose the Artillery Company, under Captain Lamb, will join them to-day. These last were indispensably necessary, as we had none that knew any thing of the matter: so that the whole re-enforcement consists of about four hundred men. Yesterday I sent off sixty of Easton’s, and one hundred and forty more are just embarking; this is the whole of that corps. About one hundred and twenty-five of the first New-York Battalion will embark early to-morrow, together with the Company of Green Mountain Boys, consisting of about seventy.

Two hundred and sixty of the third New-York Battalion remain here, which I will forward as soon as I can procure craft, which is building slowly, as most of the carpenters are gone home sick.

I am so feeble, that although I have much to say about the sick, musters, accounts, and other matters, I feel myself under the necessity of confining to such only which I humbly conceive more immediately require the attention of Congress.

If we succeed, what Troops are to remain in Canada? How are they to be engaged for that service? the like for those at this post, which at all events must have a garrison, weaker or stronger, as matters may turn out in Canada.

The weather already begins to be cold. The Troops in three weeks more will with great difficulty be able to stand it, thinly and poorly as they are clad. How are they to be supplied?

What kind of conduct am I to pursue with the Canadians, respecting civil matters? for I hope to join the Army as soon as I am in the least restored.

Where shall I get gold and silver to pay for necessaries for the Army? paper, of any kind, not having the least currency in Canada. I wish a considerable sum, in specie, was immediately sent to Mr. Trumbull, the Paymaster.

Please to let me know what I am to do with artificers taken out of the Troops; see my letter of the 26th July, ninth paragraph. I also wish an answer to the second paragraph of mine of the 2d August, respecting this place, and to the second paragraph of that of the 6th; also, to the fourth paragraph of the same, respecting a hospital, in which I find there will necessarily be several mates employed, as our sick are so very numerous.

I wish for some resolution of Congress agreeable to my letter of 31st of July, as Mr. Phelps still continues to act in conjunction with Mr. Livingston, which must necessarily be, introductory of confusion, of which I fear there is too much already. One only should be employed as chief in the office, and the other may continue subordinate, for both are wanted.

Should we meet with a repulse, am I to prepare timber for vessels of superiour strength to the enemy’s, against next spring?

Perhaps other matters of importance may have escaped my attention. Should I recollect any, I will do myself the honour to communicate them to you.

I am, Sir, with the most profound respect, yours and the Congress’s most obedient servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

To the Hon. John Hancock, President, &c.

[No.1.]

St. Terese, September 8, 1775.

DEAR SIR: It is with inexpressible regret we are under the necessity of demanding a party of men from your Army, to cut off the necessary communication between St. John’s and La Prairie, Chambly, &c. Your manifestoes came safe to hand, and despatched them off to the different Parishes with all possible care and expedition. The Canadians are all friends, and a spirit of freedom seems to reign amongst them. Colonel Allen, Major Brown, and myself, set off this morning, with a party of Canadians, with intention to go to your Army; but, hearing of a party of Indians waiting for us the same side of the river, we thought it most prudent to retire, in order, if possible, to raise a more considerable party of men. The Canadians, at any rate, are determined not to take up arms against you; but immediately upon the arrival of a party from your Army, I make no doubt of joining you with a considerable party of Canadians. Our attempt in getting to your Army, and the failure thereof, has deprived me of the honour of seeing you for the present. We shall drop down the River Chambly, as far as my house, where a number of Canadians are waiting for me. I expect a party of your men before they will stir. I shall, notwithstanding, keep up a spirit of faction amongst them, till I can hear what advances you are making towards a general attack of St. John’s. I had the pleasure of acquainting you, in my former, of the absolute necessity of taking the armed vessels at the mouth of Sorel River, which will effectually prevent the escape of the Troops of Chambly and Montreal, going to Quebeck. There is still provisions and warlike stores on board said vessels, and apprehend the taking the same to be of as much consequence as blocking up the communication between Montreal and St. John’s, &c. They are but slenderly manned, and make no doubt a dozen men might take one of them without bloodshed. I can easily furnish any party you may send with what provisions they may want. We wait, with the utmost impatience, your answer; till when, I am, with sincere wishes for the success of your arms, yours, &c.

To Major-General Schuyler.

[No. 2.]
Orders to Colonel RITZEMA, on his going into CANADA.

Isle-aux-Noix, September 10, 1775.

SIR: You will proceed, with the detachment under your command, to the road leading from St. John’s to LaPrairie, and post yourself in such a manner as most effectually to cut off the communication between the garrison of St. John’s and the country. This will be most probably best effected by approaching that post as near as the enemy’s artillery will admit.

You will be very watchful of the garrison of Chambly, by means of detached parties from your main body, or, which is preferable, by some trusty Canadians, lest any supplies of provisions or men should be thrown into St. John’s.

As you cannot march with intrenching tools, you must purchase or borrow from our friends in the country, should you stand in need of them.

Colonel Allen and Major Brown have orders to request that provisions may be brought to you, which must be punctually paid for, for which purpose I have furnished you with the sum of £318 1s. 10d. in gold.

General Montgomery will probably remain on the ground where he lands you, till the 11th, towards night. You will perhaps have it in your power before that time to report your situation, and the reception you may have met with. You will, as frequently as opportunity permits, furnish me with such intelligence as may seem of consequence, by