The inclosed letters from general Bailey and Mr Adams, were handed me a few days since by captain Edgar, the person refered to in those letters. Captain Edgar’s want of money has induced him not to think of proceeding farther southward. He is for the present gone to Albany, where he has several friends. He informs me, that there is undoubtedly a plan of union maturing between the british government in Canada, and some of the leading men of Vermont, which, it was said, would take place in the course of five months from the beginning of September— That a colonel Thomas Johnson, who belongs to the Grants and is a prisoner at Montreal, has interested himself in the matter with views of discovering their designs— that if his exchange can be effected, he will discover the whole plan. Captain Edgar apprehends the enemy will be permitted to take some advantages in Vermont, which will give them foot-hold when a peace takes place— and that their movement over the lakes this fall had a view to the same plan; but by the measures which were adopted, they were defeated— That major-general Reidesel actually went up lake Champlain, although he did not take the command— that the enemy’s force was about 2200 men— that they took with them a number of 9 and 6 pound cannon— that they have a number of small batteaux and canoes, which cannot be designed for the lakes, but for some of the rivers. How far the capture of earl Cornwallis and his army may operate upon them to change their plan, is uncertain. They have been flattering themselves that the earl would effect great things in the south. General Reidesel is to command at Montreal.

I believe the bulk of the people on the Grant are as warmly attached to the american cause as any of the inhabitants of the thirteen states, but at the same time I believe there are some designing men among them. Your Excellency can best determine what use, or whether any can be made of these hints.

Captain Edgar represents lieutenant colonel Stacey, several officers, and a number of soldiers, who are in captivity in Canada, to be in a most wretched situation: I beg leave, therefore, to submit to your Excellency some measures being taken to effect their exchange and the exchange of colonel Johnson; by which means the suspected plan may be developed. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant,