After promising Schuyler in late June 1776 that he would seek reinforcements for the Northern Department, Washington followed up that message in mid-July with news that the Continental Congress had dispatched the first batch of skilled workers.
"As having a large Number of Gondolas & Gallies on the Lakes will be of Great Importance, Mr Hancock informs Me in his Letter of the 6 Inst., That fifty Carpenters were then gone from Philadelphia in Order to build them, & that he had wrote to Governor Cooke to engage & forward the same Complimt. I am advised too by Governor Trumbull, in a Letter just received, that he has procured two Companies of Twenty five Each, who were about to set out. When they arrive, they will be able, I am in Hopes, to turn several off the stocks in a little Time. It being Evident that an Attempt will be made by General Burgoyne to penetrate & Make an Impression into the Colonies by Way of the Lakes, unless there is a sufficient Force to Oppose him"
General Washington to General Schuyler, 11 July 1776www.founders.archives.gov