Sir: The Continental Congress having confirmed my Application to this Government, to raise a Regiment for the service of the United Colonies, which is now complied with and you are appointed to the Command thereof; I have to desire, that you will use the utmost Diligence and Dispatch possible, to compleat the said Regiment, and march it into Canada, by the shortest and best Way; that, from your own Knowledge of the Country and from the best Information you can get, you think will be the most expeditious.
I have to acquaint you, that if you take your Rout by No. 4 and Onion River, there will be a Supply of Provisions ready for you, laid in by Order of General Schuyler.
As this Regiment is to be upon the continental Establishment, agreeable to the Terms and Requisition of Congress, transmitted to the legislative Power of this Province, and the Necessity of reinforcing our Troops posted and forming the Blockade of Quebec is too apparent, to need dwelling on, I would have you order each Company to march as fast as they are raised; the whole putting themselves under the Command of the General, or Commanding Officer in Canada, as fast as they arrive there.
Such Necessaries as you will think really proper, and that you cannot do without, will be provided for you, by the Commissary General, and Quarter Master General, and I shall depend upon you that the strictest Oeconomy is used, consistent with the Dispatch necessary upon this Occasion.
These, Sir, are my Instructions to you, and from the Character you bear, I doubt not, you will pay due Attention to them.
I must again recommend your making all possible Dispatch, and that you may share in the Glory of expelling the Instruments of ministerial Tyranny, from that fair Province, is the sincere Wish of, Sir, etc. 90
[Note:In the writing of George Lewis. ]