On the 4th instt I arrived at this place in pursuance of your Excys directions of the 28th ulto.1 And receiving intelligence of the appearance of the Enemy in the Lake, I immediately proceeded on to Saratoga, where I was necessarily detain’d untill yesterday, for the return of a flag, which had been previously sent in by Genl Schuyler, and Col. Gansevort, with a view of conferring with Majr Carlton, concerning a number of families whom the Governor had directed to be sent in, and also to assertain if possible the Situation and movements of the Enemy. On the 8th the flag returned and reported “that all the Shipping had gon down—exept one small Schooner—that their force consisted of about four hundred chiefly british—that they were encamp’d ten Miles below Crown-point, and that from the appearance of the Weather they could not remain there many days longer.”2 Col. Gansevoort being possest of all the Papers, I beg leave to refer your Excy to him for further perticulars.3

Col. Wiessenfels march’d for Fort-Shuyler four days before my arrival in town, with all the Provisions that could be collected calculated to be sufficient for the Garrison untill the first of January next, but the water has been so low that he has not yet got further than the little Falls, fifty miles below the Fort—by water—and if the weather shoud continue so severe as it now is, I fear he will not be able to proceed with the Stores.4

On the road from Saratoga I received your favour of the 6th and on my arrival in town found Col. V. Schaick, to whom I communicated your Excellency’s instructions, and dispatched a Boat down the river, with the last five Barrels of Flower in store, and orders for the Troops to return.

The Conduct of the People of the Grants is exceedingly suspicious. They have appointed a Committee to confer with a Flag from Carlton. the ostensible Business of which is to settle a Cartel. Sundry heavy Charges have been thrown into the Assembly against Genl Allen: and report says he is dismiss’d from Command.5

The Situation of public Affaires in this Quarter is truly lamentable. The very small Stock which had been collected here for the use of the troops stationed here, has been entirely consumed by the Militia, during the late Alarm.6 All the Supplies for some time past have been procured by impress. This mode has become insupportable to the People—they are clamorous. The uncertainty and delay which accompanies it, reprobate the Method. I am distress’d about Fort Schuyler—how long we shall maintain that important Post, depends entirely upon the exertions of Col. Hay—At present there is not in store, one single Atom of either Beef, Flower, Rum, Hay or Grain: about one hundred Cords of Wood, and not as much Cash as will pay an Express from hence to Head Quarters. Every branch of business in the Quartermaster’s Department, however necessary, is dead. The public Armourers refuse to work—and a general Discontent universally prevails.

While I write your Excellency’s Letter of the 5th has come to hand.7 I shall notify Col. Wiessenfels of the Contents, but sincerely wish Col. Gansevoort’s Regiment which is stationed at Saratoga—Fort Edward &c. were to be included in the return, as they will shortly be unfit for duty in this severe climate.8 I have the honor to be Your Excellency most Obedient & huble Ser.