Monckton to Abercrombie. A. Draft. This is his first letter on the proceedings of the expedition. He begins by explaining his failure to comply more exactly with the instructions he received. This was due to lack of vessels suitable for navigating the St. John River, and the impracticability of proceeding by land. They left Halifax on September 13, and came to anchor in St. John harbour on the 19th. On the following morning, they landed near the old French fort, without seeing any of the enemy. He sent Major Scott with some Light Infantry and Rangers on a tour of discovery. The latter reported seeing a few tracks but no paths. The absence of paths was confirmed by other parties and by a Frenchman, whom Monckton brought from Halifax. This man stated that both French and Indians travelled entirely by water, partly because of the density of the woods, and because of the deep bays on both sides of the river for several leagues upwards. From these dircumstances and the difficulty of taking supplies up the river, Monckton decided to establish himself at the old French Fort, and to put it in condition to contain about 300 men. The Fort commands the entire harbor. He collected all the small vessels he could gather from Chignecto and Annapolis, and some whale boats. He has brought Captain Dank's company of Rangers from Annapolis. In a few days the fort will be defensible, and then he will proceed up the river. With Dank's Rangers, he brought 9 Neutral Frenchmen who were prisoners at Chignecto. These confirmed the accounts of the difficulties attending the ascent of the river in the vessels the troops came in. The nearest settlement up the river is 15 leagues, from which place only small vessels can go further up. A post on the river, without the fort in the harbour, would be in danger of having its supplies cut off. There is a pass within musket shot of the fort where the tides run with great rapidity, and which is commanded by high rocks. The fort may defy any force of musketry, but there would be some danger from cannon, as it is somewhat commanded by an eminence near it. To provide against this he will build a small redoubt next Spring. The soil all about seems very rich and well-timbered. He has just heard from Major Morris whom he detached to Cape Sable, and who states that they had surprised a village and took Mr. Desenclaves, the priest, and between 60 and 70 men, women and children, and that with the assistance of the priest who has always behaved well he hopes to get in the rest. Monckton has sent a transport to bear them to Louisbourg. There are still 21 French families who have not come in and 6 or 7 Indians. Lieut. Rogers of Stark's company is allowed to resign on grounds of ill-health and Ensign Caesar McCormack appointed in his place, George Keeser replacing the latter. He encloses a return of his troops, dated 24, September, 1758. Unless he receives contrary orders, he proposes, in accordance with Amherst's instructions, to dispose of his troops as follows: - two companies to Fort Edward; three here, and five to Annapolis Royal; the whole of the 43rd to Fort Cumerland; and to return with the other to Halifax. He is drawing on Mr. Hancock for necessary expenses.