While I am waiting for General Lee, Just at the Point of his departure, I am induced to put a few incoherent thoughts together. I fear the Confederacy will Suffer by altering General Lee’s destination, from Canada.1 The officer who is to command there should speak french, if such an officer can be procured; a frenchman’s eyes sparkles when he is addressed in that Language. Many ^reasons^ might be urged in favor of his taking that Command. The Confidence the well affected canadians would have in his experience, as well as our Troops loudly, proclaim him to be the man. The advantage of his acquaintence with the manners of the people of that Nation is among the many motives that designate him for that Colony. The object of the Enemy there will be more fixed than in Virginia, which renders it more necessary the Officer should be a man of experience. In Virginia the attacks of the Enemy must from the Nature of the Country be irregular, and may therefore be more easily repulsed by an officer of less Experience, than those made on Quebec, in the Spring. For you may rest assured the Ministry will pay particular attention to the relief of that Town & Colony, for there they have some prospect with a tolerable force to Secure the Province, not only from the Confederacy, but to gain some strengths by aiding the inhabitants to take up arms in their favor. Such an Event would be greatly increased our embarassment. If these reasons have any weight Pray reconsider the expediency of sending the General to the Southard. The Sloop we have are fitting out is ready, but wait to know from ^the^ Congress what pay you alow the officers & Saylors on board the Smalest Continental Vessel, and the description of the Continental Colours.2 I beg you to furnish me with a Copy of these, without delay as the Publick Service Suffers, without regarding at whose expense the armament is to be. Send me also a Sample of the Pikes made at Phila. I am in Great Haste. Your affectionate