Return of discharged sick Men.

Ticonderoga, October 12, 1775.

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

GENERAL MONTGOMERY TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.

Camp near St. John’s, October 13, 1775.

DEAR GENERAL: Some time ago I informed you of my intentions to make my approaches on the west side, as soon as the expected re-enforcement enabled me to undertake it. I had had a road cut to the intended ground, and some fascines made, when I was informed by Major Brown that a general dissatisfaction prevailed; that unless something was undertaken, in a few days there would be a mutiny; and that the universal sense of the Army was to direct all our intentions to the east side. The impatience of the troops to get home has prevented their seeing the impossibility of undertaking this business sooner, the duly being hard for the troops, even on the present confined state of operations.

When I mentioned my intentions, I did not consider I was at the head of troops who carry the spirit of freedom into the field, and think for themselves.

Upon considering the fatal consequences which might flow from the want of subordination and discipline, (should this ill-humour continue,) my unstable authority over troops of different Colonies, the insufficiency of the military law, and my own want of power to enforce it, weak as it is, I thought it expedient to call the Field-Officers together. Enclosed I have sent you the result of our deliberations. I still suspect the garrison intend an elopement; and there is some reason to think they are getting flat boats ready to go down the rapids. This intelligence has just come.

The Canadians, who have befriended us, begin to be exceedingly uneasy at their situation should we not succeed. I have ventured to assure them, should any accident oblige us to retire without effecting our business, that I would take care of all those who were afraid to remain in the country.

You will see the propriety of putting Ticondcroga in a state of defence against a winter coup-de-main, which, in my opinion, will be best effected by a stockade, and also of having a post at Crown Point The vessels should lie in stockade also, the garrison be well provided with vegetables, and every thing necessary to make them comfortable, otherwise it will be difficult to keep them there; and such preparations made for a naval armament for the spring, that the troops may move down to the Isle-aux-Noix before Mr. Carleton has time to establish himself there, should these unhappy troubles continue.

I am, &c.,

RICHARD MONTGOMERY.

To General Schuyler.

Proceedings of a Council of war held at ST. JOHN ’S, OCTOBER 13, 1775.

I proposed establishing a battery of all our spare heavy cannon on the rising ground exactly opposite the stone house in the north redoubt, (in the west face of which there is but one embrasure open,) at the distance of about four hundred yards, securing this battery with a work capable of being well defended by two hundred men. From this battery our approaches might be continued to the ditch, and, by the time we arrive there, the fiaise round the berm would be destroyed, the rampart in a ruinous state, and the large house (which is said to be their principal barrack) would be destroyed, as every shot that missed the rampart must take the house, Two four pounders, on the east side, would answer the end of seeing the west rampart in reverse and thereby slackening the opposition of the enemy. By this mode of proceeding, if our ammunition held out, there would be, in my opinion, some prospect of success, notwithstanding the superiour artillery of the garrison, which could not be mounted in its proper place time enough to prevent the erection of our battery. The Field Officers were, to a man, of opinion that my reasons were insufficient, being afraid the designed ground was, at this season, too wet for approaches, and strongly of opinion our heavy cannon, on the east side, would more effectually distress the enemy by annoying their buildings; the fort having a gentle slope to the river, and which was urged as the strongest motives by destroying their schooner. In vain I represented, if every building was destroyed, the garrison could not surrender without a probability of an assault, which could never arise from any attack on the opposite side of the river. That the vessel could not be destroyed, because she would change her place in such a manner as to elude our batteries; that we had little powder or time to throw away on experiments; that I had a moral certainty they would find themselves mistaker and, finally, that they must take it upon themselves, fo. I would not oppose the general sense of the Army, and should enforce the measure by every effort in my power.

I cannot help observing to how little purpose I am here. Were I not afraid the example would be too generally followed, and that the publick service might suffer, I would not stay an hour at the head of troops whose operations I cannot direct. I must say I have no hopes of success from the garrison’s wanting provisions.

RICHARD MONTGOMERY.

GENERAL MONTGOMERY TO MAJOR BROWN.

Camp near St. John’s, October 6, 1770.

SIR: You will proceed to La Prairie, in order to meet Mr. St. Luke La Corne, and other principal inhabitants of Montreal, who express an inclination to accommodate matters. Mr. St. Luke and his friends must give hostages, and deposite a considerable sum of money, (for which they shall have an order on the Treasury or Paymaster General,) as a proof of their sincerity and good intentions. You will insist upon our having access to Montreal, in case I find it necessary to occupy it; if possible, the Governour and his troops must be obliged to quit it. Should he remain, those who now wish for an accommodation, and are met for that purpose,or their dependants, are not to take up arms, under pain of being deemed violators of their faith. They shall engage, in the most solemn manner, not to obstruct in any manner the liberal plan laid down for the establishment of a free Government in Canada. As soon as the situation of affairs will permit it, the people must choose Committees to depute Delegates for the Continental and a Provincial Congress, that Canada may at once make a part of that union which will, with the blessing of God establish the rights of all the Colonies on a firm basis. I am at the head of an auxiliary Army to effect these purposes, and sent by the Congress at the earnest solicitations of the friends of liberty in Canada; as an auxiliary, I shall act in conformity to the general inclinations of the inhabitants, and no man’s property shall suffer, as far as lies in my power, unless the people themselves think proper to punish such delinquents as may persist in the support of a tyrannick Government. Should you find it prudent to mention the Kennebeck expedition, you will do it.

It must be communicated to the commanding officer at Montreal, that if Mr. Allen or any other prisoner of our troops, or the Canadians, who have taken up arms for the establishment of their rights, are treated with cruelty, or more severity than is necessary for their security, I must, much against my inclination, retaliate on those who already are or may fall into my hands.

You may, perhaps, have an opportunity of extending your negotiation further than I foresee; and, perhaps, in some instances you may not be able to proceed so far. I must leave matters to your own judgment and zeal for the publick good. You will consult Mr. Livingston on these occasions. I only give these as hints.

RICHARD MONTGOMERY.

P. S. You may observe that it was late before the Congress were so well acquainted with the disposition of the