The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser

Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Plattsburgh, to his brother in Watervliet, dated August 8th.

"As respects our situation here we feel ourselves in no danger—our security however, does not arise from the military force stationed among us which, by the bye, is mere nothing; but from the policy of the enemy, which at present aims at defensive operations only. They will not molest us so long as we permit them to remain in peace—they are however preparing for us with great activity—they have already a large body of troops collected in and about Montreal, and constant exertions are making to raise more. I am informed that they have stationed at St. Johns upwards of 500 men—at the half-way house, so called from its being equidistant from St. Johns to LaPrairie, they have 1500 more—at La Praire the same number—at La Chenaie, about nine miles from the half-way house, on the road to Champlain, is another post occupied by about 500 men—at Montreal, Chamblee, and Sorell, they have probably as many as I have already enumerated. This force might be concentrated and brought to act against us in three or four days, if at any time they should determine upon offensive operations. In that event, the whole force we have to oppose them is about 500 of the detached militia, under the command of General Pettit, stationed at this place, Chazy, Champlain, and in the county of Franklin."