in a batteau, at night. This is of great consequence; and while you are bombarding the fort at St. John’s, we may do the like at Chambly. A small guard might be sent to Mr. Hazen’s, in case they should be attacked by batteaus from St. John’s.

Colonel Allen crossed over from Longeuil the day before yesterday, to attack the Town, with a party of his men and Canadians. General Prescott, hearing of his coming, engaged a number of people from the suburbs, at a half joe per man, to go out against Allen. They met near a league from town, when a smart engagement ensued, which lasted upwards of two hours. They had two field-pieces, and our party, after a long engagement, were obliged to retire, though the enemy, by all accounts, came off second best. I have sent off Mr. O’Hara, express, to Longeuil, to learn the true state of this battle. The Canadians that have returned to me, from the battle, agree, in general, that Mr. Allen is either dead or taken prisoner. This, if true, is a blow upon us. Tomorrow we propose to have a consultation at Longeuil. Our greatest misfortune is the want of ammunition. Mr. Alien should never have attempted to attack the Town without my knowledge, or acquainting me of his design, as I had it in my power to furnish him with a number of men. This retreat of our men may be a hurt to us, and weaken our party. I have just sent down the river for a re-enforcement, and will keep them ready against the arrival of your cannon. I could wish to make a bold push against the Town, though nothing can be done without cannon. I hope your batteries are ready to play against St. John’s by this time.

If you write to the Congress soon, you will be kind enough to recommend me to them as your goodness may direct you. Whenever my Country calls upon me to its assistance, I shall be always ready to do my duty. I could wish this Province was already united to the others, and cannot expect much peace until that takes place.

I am, with the greatest esteem, yours, &c.,

JAMES LIVINGSTON.

To General Montgomery.

P. S. Since my writing this, my guards have taken several prisoners, and have examined them separately. They all agree that St. John’s cannot hold out long. Your bombs and cannon do mighty execution. Above thirty of the Canadians have deserted from there, and the remainder wait a proper opportunity. I find they intend pushing their way through our intrenchment this side St. John’s, with some pieces of cannon, to get to Chambly, and from thence to Quebeck. You will be kind enough to put Colonel Bedel upon his guard, to prevent their passing his intrenchment, and recall his force from La Prairie.

[No. 3.]

COLONEL SETH WARNER TO GENERAL MONTGOMERY.

La Prairie, September 27, 1775.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR: I have the disagreeable news to write you, that Colonel Allen hath met with a defeat, by a stronger force, which sallied out from the Town of Montreal, after he had crossed the river, about a mile below the Town. I have no certain knowledge, as yet, whether he is killed, taken, or fled; but his defeat hath put the French people into great consternation. They are much concerned, for fear of a company coming over against us. Furthermore, the Indian chiefs were at Montreal at the time of Allen’s battle, and there were a number of the Caughnawaga Indians in the battle against Allen, and the people are very fearful of the Indians. There were six in here last night, I suppose sent as spies. I asked the Indians concerning their appearing against us in every battle; their answer to me was, that Carleton made them drunk, and drove them to it; but they said they would do so no more.

I should think it proper to keep a party at Longeuil, and my party is not big enough to divide. If I must tarry here, I should be glad of my Regiment, for my party is made up with different Companies in different Regiments, and my regulation is not so good as I could wish, for subordination to your orders is my pleasure.

I am, Sir, with submission, your humble servant,

SETH WARNER.

To General Montgomery

[No. 4.]

MAJOR TIMOTHY BEDEL TO GENERAL MONTGOMERY.

Camp near St. John’s, September 28, 1775.

SIR: I am this moment informed by some of our men, just arrived from La Prairie, of the defeat of Col. Allen and his party. I cannot understand that we have had any great loss; some few slightly wounded. Colonel Allen is either killed or taken prisoner. Some of the principal merchants who came out of Montreal are killed, and some wounded. We had not above thirty of our men there, and about sixty of the Canadians. I understand there were not above fifty men that had arms; and a considerable number of Canadians came out, with some Regulars. I am sorry things were not done more prudently, Sir.

I have just now received a letter from Esq. Livingston, who informs me that he has taken some prisoners; that the deserters from the fort amount to thirty men, and that a considerable number wait for an opportunity; and the prisoners inform him that their intentions are to force our breastworks with two or three pieces of cannon. You know our strength here; for God’s sake, pray send me a party of Easton’s Regiment, as I cannot, as affairs stand, draw the party from La Prairie. I shall leave it to your Honour what you think is best, but should be glad of a re-enforcement. We have a great many sick.

I am, Sir, your much esteemed friend and humble servant,

TIMOTHY BEDEL.

To General Montgomery.

P. S. A party must be kept at La Prairie and Longeuil, for the security of those who have been our friends; otherwise, we may expect that trouble will come upon them, and then of course they will be our enemies. A little cash we must have; Warner wants money, and we cannot do without.

[No. 5.]

NOTE FROM SETH WARNER.

This moment arrived from Colonel Allen’s defeat, Captain Duggan, with the following intelligence: Col. Allen is absolutely taken captive into Montreal, with a few more, and about two or three killed, and about as many wounded. The living are not all come in. Something of a slaughter made among the King’s troops.

From yours to serve,

SETH WARNER,

[No. 6]

GENERAL MONTGOMERY TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.

Camp near St. John’s, September 28, 1775.

DEAR SIR: Since my last of the 24th, we have opened a battery, of two twelve-pounders, upon the ship-yards and schooner. She was obliged immediately to haul near the wharf, or rather as near the north end of the fort as she could go. This battery is screened from the guns of the fort by an epaulement, in a good measure. I fear I have neither men nor ammunition to carry on any attack with success, to which purpose it would be absolutely necessary to occupy a very advantageous piece of rising ground on the west side, and there erect my batteries, to reach their defences. The largest of the mortars is useless, and on the mortars I principally depended for distressing the garrison.

The weather has been and still is so exceeding bad, and the encampment so swampy, that I feel exceedingly for the Troops, and withal provision so scanty (flour as well as pork) that it will require not only good fortune, but despatch, to keep us from distress. I hope the thirteen-inch mortar and more powder are on the way. Allen, Warner, and Brown, are at La Prairie and Longeuil, with a party of our troops, and some Canadians; how many I cannot tell. They speak well of the good disposition of the Canadians. They have a project of making an attempt on Montreal. I fear the troops are not fit for it. Mr. Carleton has certainly left that Town, and it is in a very defenceless situation.

As this garrison is shut up, I hope the Kennebeck expedition will meet with no obstruction in the attack upon Quebeck. Should things not go well, I tremble for the fate of the poor Canadians, who have ventured so much. What shall I do with them, should we be obliged to evacuate the country? though I hope this will not be the case. If possible, do not let us want ammunition, my dear General.

I have seen Mr. Livingston; he has a considerable body