This object would require nothing more than the convoy of your excellency to the point of operation, and the protection of the debarkation.
I intreat your excellency's attention to the points which I have the honour of laying before you, and to be pleased at the same time to inform me what are your dispositions for a maritime force to be left on the American station.
I have the honour to be, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
NOTE--No.

IX.

_See Page 413_ Late in October an irruption was made into the country on the Mohawk, by Major Ross, at the head of about five hundred men, composed of regulars, rangers, and Indians.

Colonel Willet, with between four and five hundred men, partly of the troops denominated levies, and partly militia, immediately marched in quest of them, and fell in with them at Johnstown, where they were slaughtering cattle, apparently unapprehensive of an enemy.

Before showing himself, he detached Major Rowley of Massachusetts with the left wing to fall on the rear, while he should engage the front.