to the Provincial Congress on the 21st day of APRIL 1775.—[See Folio 356.]

BENEDICT ARNOLD TO THE ALBANY COMMITTEE.

Ticonderoga, May 22, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: I take the liberty to advise you that, on the 13th instant, having proceeded from this place to St. John’s, with a party of my Regiment, of thirty-five men, I surprised and took prisoners a sergeant and his party of twelve men, the King’s sloop, of seventy tons and seven men, mounted with two brass six-pounders, and in two hours after weighed anchor with the sloop, &c., and proceeded for this place. Six leagues this side of St. John’s, met one Colonel Allen, with a party of near one hundred men, who were determined to proceed to St. John’s, and make a stand there. Not being able to dissuade them from their rash design, I supplied them with provisions. They then proceeded to St. John’s, and the next morning were attacked by about two hundred Regulars, with six field-pieces, and were obliged to make a precipitate retreat, with the loss of three men killed or taken. The party arrived here last evening.

I am now fixing the sloop with six carriages and ten swivels; the schooner with four carriages and six swivels, and am determined to proceed to Crown Point, and make a stand there, in order to secure the cannon, near one hundred pieces, at that place. We are in great want of a number of seamen, gunners, carpenters, &c., for both vessels. Our safety, in a great measure, depends on them, (the vessels,) as they will be able to command the lake, if properly manned. Enclosed is a list of men wanted immediately, which I beg the favour of you, gentlemen, to ship and send up here without loss of time, furnishing them with such things as you judge necessary. I have judicious able commanders for both vessels, and want only mates, gunners, marines, &c. Annexed is the wages I propose giving, but must refer that to your direction; and any sums you are kind enough to advance for the above purpose, I will give a draft for on the Committee of Safety at Cambridge, being fully empowered for that purpose. We have only one hundred and fifty pounds of good powder for both vessels, and one hundred men. I have wrote repeatedly to Albany for powder, and must once more entreat you, gentlemen, if not forwarded, to send me as soon as possible ten or twelve hundred weight of powder. If the seamen, &c, are not to be procured at Albany, I beg the favour of you to forward this letter to the Committee of Safety at New-York, and you will much oblige, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant,

BENEDICT ARNOLD,

Commander at Ticonderoga.

To the Committee of Safety at Albany.

BENEDICT ARNOLD TO THE ASSEMBLY OF CONNECTICUT.

Crown Point, May 23, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: My last was of the 19th instant, per Captain Oswald. I then advised you of my taking possession of the King’s sloop, &c., at St. John’s, and that, on the 18th instant, I met Colonel Allen, with eighty or one hundred men, who were proceeding to St. John’s, with intention to make a stand there; and not being able to dissuade them from their rash purpose, I supplied them with provisions, &c. Yesterday he returned to Ticonderoga, with his party, and says, that on the evening of the 18th he arrived at St. John’s, and hearing of a detachment of men on the road from Montreal, lay in ambush for them; but his party being so much fatigued, when the detachment were at about two miles distance, he thought proper to retreat, and crossed the lake at St. John’s, where they continued the night, and at dawn of day were saluted with a discharge of grape-shot from six field-pieces, and a discharge of small arms from about two hundred Regulars. They made a precipitate retreat, and left three men behind. Immediately on this intelligence I proceeded for this place with the sloop and schooner, as well armed as possible under our circumstances, and eighty men, which, with the party here before, makes near one hundred and fifty men, with whom I am determined to make a stand here to secure the cannon, &c. As the Regulars have got advice of our strength and movements, I am apprehensive of their paying us a visit, provided they can get batteaus from Montreal to St. John’s. I shall make every possible preparation to give them a warm reception. We have plenty of ball of every kind, but have no more than one hundred and fifty pounds of powder here. I have wrote repeatedly to Albany for powder, and can get none. I must entreat you, gentlemen, to send me four or five hundred weight as soon as possible. Out of twenty-six barrels found here there, is not one pound good.

I am, with great esteem, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant,

BENEDICT ARNOLD.

The Hon. General Assembly of Connecticut.

P. S. This will be delivered you, gentlemen, by Captain Phelps, who has been very serviceable here, whom I must refer you to for particulars. Must beg leave to observe, I think it highly necessary for Connecticut to send here immediately fifteen hundred men at least, with good arms, ammunition, &c.

GENTLEMEN: Since writing the above, one of Colonel Allen’s party, taken at St. John’s, made his escape on the 19th instant, and says there were then four hundred Regulars at St. John’s, making all possible preparation to cross the lake, and expected to be joined by a number of Indians, with a design of retaking these places, &c. I have sent to alarm the country for fifty miles below Skenes-borough, and fifty miles below Fort George, towards Albany. The men from that distance will be sufficient for the present, if we are well supplied with powder. We are making all possible preparation, and I hope, with the smiles of Providence, to keep our ground, if not overpowered by numbers. I am, gentlemen, yours, &c.,

B. ARNOLD.