![Plan, Lake Champlain from Fort St. John’s to Ticonderoga, with the soundings, rocks, shoals, and sands, surveyed in the years , 1779. [1779] Map. https://www.loc.gov/item/gm71000657/.](https://www.thenmusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/iiif-service_gmd_gmd380_g3802_g3802c_ar117600-full-pct_25-0-default-e1755882206503.jpg)
As General Shuyler set about stiffening his defenses on Lake Champlain in June 1776, Washington informed him that the Northern Department would need to rely upon local and existing resources for the foreseeable future.
"It is not in my Power to spare any more Men from hence, either for the Communication or to assist in repairing Ticonderoga. The Detachments already gone to Canada, have weakened the Force Necessary for the Defence of this Place Considering Its Importance, more perhaps than Policy would Justify . . . I esteem It a Matter of Much Importance not only to Fortify & secure Ticonderoga, but Every Other Post on the Communication, & that You should Garrison them with Men under Judicious & spirited Officers to be fixed there, who might be called to Account for Misconduct, which is difficult to do where they are shifting & Changing continually, & who would esteem It their Indispensable Duty to carry on & maintain the Works against any Surprizes or Attacks that may be attempted"
General Washington to General Schuyler, 9 June 1776www.founders.archives.gov