In my last1 I informed you of the Enemy’s Retreat from Fort Stanwix. Gen. Arnold upon, the earliest Notice of this fortunate Event, made a forced March to the Fort, with a View of harassing their Rear. In a Letter of the 24; he says Col. Gansevoort had anticipated his Design, by sending out a Party, which took 4 Royals, and a considerable Number of Prisoners. He adds that he shall, that Evening, detach some faithful Oneidas, and the next Morning, 500 regular Troops, to go as far as the Oneida Lake. When they return he will use all possible Dispatch to join the Army at this Post.

As he brings with him a formidable Body of Oneidas, and Tuskororas, I think we shall be able to cope with Burgoyne upon equal Ground. These, added to Col. Morgan’s Riflemen, will teach his murderers to pay a little Respect to the Laws of Humanity.2

We still remain on the Islands.3 It would be impolitic to change our Situation before our Reinforcements come in. These are hourly looked for, and when they are collected, we shall not lose the present Opportunity of doing Some thing pretty decisive.

Prisoners and Deserters say that Burgoyne has posted one Regt. at Fort George—another at Fort Edward—and three at Skeensborough—that his Main Body, of between 4 & 5000, lies at Fort Miller, and his advanced Guard at Saratoga—that he seems to be preparing rather for a defensive, than an offensive Campaign—that he has thrown a Bridge across the North River, at Mt. Niels, one Mile & a half back of Saratoga. That the Troops are sickly, and badly paid—that fresh Provisions are scarce—that there is a Misunderstanding between the English & Germans—that Burgoyne gives 20 Dlls for a Prisoner, & 10 for a Scalp—that he buoys up their Spirits by saying he will soon be Joined by 15,000 Men—that many would desert if they were not fearful of the Indians, who are ordered to treat them as Rebels, if they are caught out of the Lines. I am, dear Sir, Yours,