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Ticonderoga, August 2, 1775.
SIR: Since my last I have received the intelligence contained in the enclosed affidavits. It is of such a nature that I think, it my indispensable duty to send this by express, that you may judge of the propriety of my making the attempt you have positively ordered in the resolutions of the 27th of June and 3d of July, and for which I am preparing with unremitting diligence. I do most earnestly entreat that more powder may be sent me, for I find that I shall not have quite a ton when the troops are completed to a pound a man, which is not sufficient for any body of troops that must necessarily open batteries.
This place is in the most defenceless condition. Perhaps it might, be proper to send a small Committee to examine the country, and report whether this or any other place ought to be fortified, in case it should become necessary.
Captain Smith, who has been sent up by the New-York Congress, in lieu of the former Captain who left the sloop, arrived here a few days ago, and has made me a report of what alterations will be necessary to put her into a proper state of defence. But as I have no carpenters to spare, unless I quit building boats, I have declined it for the present, on which he delivered me a paper, of which the enclosed is a copy.
If Congress should think it necessary to build vessels of equal or superiour force to those building at St˙ John' s, a number of good, ship-carpenters should be immediately
I am, Sir, most respectfully, your most obedient and humble servant,
To the Hon˙ John Hancock, Esq˙, &c˙ &c.
General Schuyler to John Hancock
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sent up; although this year they would be of no service but that of transporting troops, even if we had them here, on account of the want of powder.
PH˙ SCHUYLER