i can thus inform you faithfully that it is now 9:15 p.m. ) to particulars , then : sir guy was alarmed by the attempted invasion of quebec last year , even though it ended in abject failure , and had thus determined to increase his hold upon the upper hudson , this being the only possible avenue by which further trouble could come , the difficulties of land travel being so exigent as to prevent any but the most determined ( i have a small jar of spirits of wine with which to present you , this containing a deerfly measuring nearly two inches in length , as well as a quantity of very large ticks , these removed from my person with the assistance of honey , which smothers them if applied liberally , causing them to loose their grip ) .