I had the Honor of addressing your Excly in a Letter of the 30th Ulto on the Subject of the Distresses of this Department; a Subject which I have had such frequent Occasion to trust of; that any thing I have now to say will be nearly a Repetition of what my former Letters have contained.

From Your Excellency’s favor of the 12th Ulto I was flattered with Hopes of receiving a Supply, at least for Fort Schuyler, during the last month; but I have been disagreeably disapointed—not a Barrel has been received—the Garrison have been for some time past on half Allowance, and the Consequence of any further Delay must be an Evacuation of the Post, with the Loss of all the Stores &c.

I mentioned in a former Letter that the Contractors for the french Army would render it impossible to procure Flour in this Quarter; the Truth is confirmed, and there is not in Store one Barrel, nor [have] I prospect of any; The Department is intirely distitute, and every Post is supported by Plunder.

I had contracted for one hundred Barrels of Flour on my own Credit, which I intended for Fort Schuyler as soon as Beef arrived, but not having it in my Power to procure either Beef or Rum for the Use of the Boatmen and Escort I have not been able to forward it.

From the Spirit of Desertion which has already prevailed among the Troops, and their refractory Disposition, owing to the Treatment they receive, I have every reason to beleive that they will either mutiny and repair to Albany in a Body; or go off to the Enemy, and this last seems most probable, especially if a considerable Party shou’d make their Appearance on the Frontier.

The three Years and nine Month’s Men I am obliged to furlow as fast as they come in for want of Provision.

Under these Circumstances, if no speedy Relief can be had, I beg leave to request your Excellency’s Directions, whether I should evacuate Fort Schuyler and endeavour to bring off the Stores, or order the Commanding Officer to hold out to the last Extreamity, and run all risks? which must take place in a few Days.

Small Parties of the Enemy have done some Damage on the Frontier during the last Week, but the Perticulars have not yet been received. Tho’ I have no official Accounts, yet I have reason to believe that the Enemy are [   ] debating more serious Opperations against the Northern Frontier. I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most Obt Humble Servant