Upon hearing Arnold’s plans to build a fleet of small ships to screen Lake Champlain, Washington assured Shuyler that he would do all that he could to procure the necessary supplies and skilled boat builders.
"I have wrote Congress about Carpenters on General Arnold’s Letters & having none to spare from hence, have pointed out the Necessity of their sending some from Philadelphia, If not their withdrawing for the present those Employed in Building the Frigates up the North River; deeming It a Matter of infinite Importance to have a Considerable Number of Gondolas on the Lake to prevent the Enemy passing. I have directed the Quarter Master General to procure & forward You the Anchors & Cables, & Mill Saws & files if to be had: I have also requested Colo. Knox to examine whether some more Field Pieces cannot be sent up, & I design to order a further Quantity of Powder to be forwarded You"
General Washington to General Schuyler, 29 June 1776