Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1753-1761. 233

Boats landed with Troops and Artillery on the West Side
of the Lake not far but in plain Sight from the Fort, the
Communication is quite cut off between us, and a small
Scout was sent out from this Place has just brought in a
french Prisoner Lieutenant of the Canadians who informs
us that their whole Force consists of 4000 Habitants, 4500, In-
dians and the rest Regulars with thirty six Pieces of Cannon
and at least five Mortars, that there has been a continual Fire
of Cannon and small Arms from Day Break 'till almost Sun
set when it ceased, and we are at a Loss to know what has
been the Issue of it, as our Force there did not exceed above
two and twenty Hundred, we have some Fears it cannot have
turned out in our Favour, we are here in no Condition to
assist them having but about fifteen hundred Men in the
Whole, all our Posts upon this River are called in, the Militia
are very slow not having been joined by any of them yet.
I should imagine your Presence and Authority might be of
Service, the General begs you will let us have all the Rein-
forcement you possibly can as the Fate of this Colony de-
pends upon it, and that you will write a Line to the other
Governors to acquaint them herewith. I am S^r
with great Respect
Your most obed^t humble Servant
Excuse the Hurry I write in G. Bartman Aid de Camp.
A true Copy examined by John Goodby
Copy examined by Rich^d Peters. Secretary.
Lieu^t Governor Delancy.

Lib. J. R.

& U. S.

Philadelphia 13.. Aug^t 1757..
Sir

I this Moment received by Express the inclosed Letters
informing me of the Surrender of Fort William Henry on
the Morning of the eighth Instant and the Attack of Fort
Edward on the ninth Instant in the Evening, I know no
other Particulars than are in those Letters.
I am S^r
Your most obed^t humble Servant
Governor Sharpe. William Denny

New York 12.. Aug^t 1757:
Sir
We send you inclosed a Copy of a Letter we this Moment
received by Express from the Lieutenant Governor by which
you will perceive how distressed we are on our Frontiers,
and desire your Honor will immediately send us what As-
sistance you can from your Government as the Fate of this

p. 199