Sir

As I am intirely unacquainted with the Lake below Crown Point, I send the Commodore ² with the Largest, & Best Schooner, to receive his Instructions from You in regard to this Cruize he ought to make; I think until the rest of the Vessells are Fitted, it will not be adviseable to send this Schooner into the Narrow part of the Lake Below. I wish you were here, to give directions for puting our whole Squadron a Float, it seems to me they are very Tardy About it, but am intirely uninform'd as to Marine Affairs. I like Capt Mahew whom you sent here, but I think the Commodore seems Slow, & wish he may retain all that prowess for which he says he was so Famous last War ー it is of the Greatest consequence to Our Affairs, to have the Arm'd Vessells Commanded by Men of Firmness, & approved Courage ー I am Sir [&c.]