Alexander McDougall to John Jay, 20 March 1776

Newyork 20 th March 1776

Dear Sir,

I wrote you this morning pretty fully. I then forgot to inform you, that I got M r . Nichol–€™s provided for, in the Second Company of first Regiment; I wish he may retrieve his Character. 1 There is great want of Artillery officers and men in Canad; none are Yet gone to that important Service. A Captain Momain, who speaks French, is appointed to an Artillery Company in the Continental Service, and has raised his Company in Pensylvania. 2 He is to be in a few days with you at Phila. As he speaks French he is the fitest in that department to go to Canad. It is to little Purpose to send Heavy ordinance to that Country without men to use them. The Ministerial Troops destined for Virginia, can be easier repul[s]ed, without artillery officers, than the Strong Hold of Quebec can be taken without them. It will therefore be most advancive of the Service to Send them to Canada than to Virginia. Without a Spirit of Prophecy, I forsee that unless Quebec Surrenders, for want of Provissions, the Continent will repent that General Lee was not sent there. I beg you to view these crude and incoherent thoughts with an indulgent Eye, and beleive me to be Your affectionate Humble Servant

Alexr. McDougall

Col John Jay

My best wishes wait on you and your brother Delegates; The times are exceding Critical, and important, pregnant with some very interesting event to this Country. God direct you. Adieu.