Letter of Intelligence from James Livingston to General Schuyler

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St˙ Terese, September 8, 1775.

DEAR SIR: It is with inexpressible regret we are under the necessity of demanding a party of men from your Army, to cut off the necessary communication between St˙ John' s and La Prairie, Chambly, &c. Your manifestoes came safe to hand, and despatched them off to the different Parishes with all possible care and expedition. The Canadians are all friends, and a spirit of freedom seems to reign amongst them. Colonel Allen, Major Brown, and myself, set off this morning, with a party of Canadians, with intention to go to your Army; but, hearing of a party of Indians waiting for us the same side of the river, we thought it most prudent to retire, in order, if possible, to raise a more considerable party of men. The Canadians, at any rate, are determined not to take up arms against you; but immediately upon the arrival of a party from your Army, I make no doubt of joining you with a considerable party of Canadians. Our attempt in getting to your Army, and the failure thereof, has deprived me of the honour of seeing you for the present. We shall drop down the River Chambly, as far as my house, where a number of Canadians are waiting for me. I expect a party of your men before they will stir. I shall, notwithstanding, keep up a spirit of faction amongst them, till I can hear what advances you are making towards a general attack of St˙ John' s. I had the pleasure of acquainting you, in my former, of the absolute necessity of taking the armed vessels at the mouth of Sorel River, which will effectually prevent the escape of the Troops of Chambly and Montreal, going to Quebeck. There is still provisions and warlike stores on board said vessels, and apprehend the taking the same to be of as much consequence as blocking up the communication between Montreal and St˙ John' s, &c. They are but slenderly manned, and make no doubt a dozen men might take one of them without bloodshed. I can easily furnish any party you may send with what provisions they may want. We wait, with the utmost impatience, your answer; till when, I am, with sincere wishes for the success of your arms, yours, &c.

To Major-General Schuyler.