Sensible of the many burdens & difficulties that impress your mind at this critical day—and the extensive boundaries of the frontiers of the United States, each part whereof are no doubt equally desirous of Safety & protection—We should not at this time attempt to divert the attention to this frontier, were it not for evident necessity & a most certain conviction of the eminent dangers to which we are exposed (being apprized of their determinations and preparations to ravage this part of the continent the present season) as well as the great advantage that must accrue to the united states in general by a succesful expedition into the Country of Canada.1

This Frontier (being situated so near to Canada and the only land passage into it) must appear to be of as great consequence to the states & perhaps more then any other frontier—But in the hands of the enimy may prove quite the reverse—As it will be as a Key to the New-England States & afford them an easy rout into it and no stand perhaps can be made against them untill they penetrate nearly into the center of the Country.

The distance from Boston to Montreal by this passage being only about two hundred miles, and our situation so near Canada that three men were taken from us last March by a party from them & conveyed to the enimy in two days and an half.2

By the attestation of a number of our captives who have deserted from Canada in the course of the present month and arrived at this place we are certifyed that this Frontier is the object of the enimy’s principle attention the ensuing campaign: So that unless we are protected we must either quit our habitations or be distroyed by them.

We would therefore not only for the protection of ourselves & this part of the Country; but for the well-being of the united States, with the greatest earnestness intreat you to take these and other circumstances into your most wise and serious Consideration and grant us protection as we are entirely destitute of any at this time and if possable, consistent with your other plans and determinations, to forward an expedition into Canada—Which we make no doubt would prove succesful and put an end to the ravages of the Enimy on all the Frontiers of these States: But whilst Canada remains wholly in the hands of the Enimy it is as a full nest spreading evils through the Continent.

We would beg leave to refer you to the representations made by a number of Gentlemen on this River last August & forwarded by Colo. Olcott3—Which we doubt not will yet be complyed with by the inhabitants on this River and any further assistance in their power if they can be protected till after harvest.