Ordered, therefore, That the said Betsy Hunter, with Mary and Martha Wilkinson, (who were privy to and assisting in the said Letters, and were also summoned to appear before this Committee,) be advertised in the publick papers, and looked on as enemies to America.

LEMUEL GODWIN, Clerk.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

[Read December 7, 1775.]

Ticonderoga, November 22, 1775, 9 o’clock, A. M.

SIR: I sent off the express about noon to-day, who brought me your favour of the 9th. Since his departure, I received a letter from General Montgomery, enclosing a copy of one from Colonel Arnold. Copies of both I do myself the honour to transmit you.

If General Carleton had reached Quebeck before Colonel Arnold, it is probable the latter might have met with more difficulties than he expected, from the re-enforcement the former carried with him; but I hope, by this time, that our troops are in barracks at Quebeck.

Colonel Arnold’s march does him great honour. Some future historian will make it the subject of admiration to his readers.

I wish I could return boats, agreeable to General Montgomery’s request; but I am almost left alone.

I am, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER

To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., &c.

November 23. The frost has been so severe last night, that the lake, as far down towards Crown Point as we can see, which is about three miles, is entirely closed.

GENERAL MONTGOMERY TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.

Montreal, November 17, 1775.

MY DEAR GENERAL: With great pleasure I transmit you a letter from Colonel Arnold, for General Washington, together with the copy of his letter to me.

Colonel Easton has six guns mounted on shore —three twelve-pounders, one nine-pounder, and two sixes —at the Sorel, and the two row-galleys. Mr. Carleton, with his eleven sail, has not yet been able to pass him by. Indeed, Easton has obliged him twice to weigh anchor and remove higher up the river. I am making all despatch to attack him on my side, with field artillery, mounted in batteaus.

I have had great difficulty about the troops. I am afraid many of them will go home. However, depending on my good fortune, I hope to keep enough to give the final blow to Ministerial politicks in this Province, as I hope effectual measures will be taken to prevent their laying hold of it again.

I must beg the boats may be sent back, if possible, which take up the discharged men. Some of them might be left at Point-au-Fer. I am exceedingly hurried, and have not done half my business with you. I shall establish a post, which will set out next Monday for Ticonderoga. Will you appoint a postmaster there?

May you enjoy better health. I am, &c.,

RICHARD MONTGOMERY.

To General Schuyler.

COLONEL ARNOLD TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.

DEAR SIR: I wrote you the 13th of October, from the Dead River, advising you of my being there with a large detachment of the American Army, and that I expected to reach Quebeck in about a fortnight. The badness of the roads and weather prevented making the despatch I expected, and I am but just arrived here. Near one-third of the detachment returned from the Dead River short of provisions; the remainder are here, or within two days’ march, and in good spirits. My letter of the 13th I sent by an Indian, who I believe has betrayed me, and given it up to some of the King’s officers, as I find they have been some time apprized of our coming, and prepared to receive us, and I have received no answer. The canoes belonging to the French people on this side the river are all taken away or destroyed, to prevent our passing. This inconvenience is obviated, as we have those of our own. I am informed there are two frigates lying before Quebeck. We have been very kindly received by the inhabitants, who appear very friendly, and willing to supply us with provisions. I intend crossing the St. Lawrence, if possible, in two or three days, and, if practicable, to attack the City; though I am fearful of their being re-enforced from Montreal, which may possibly put it out of my power; in which case I intend to march for Montreal, where I hope, if you have not already taken possession, I shall have the pleasure of seeing you. I make no doubt of every advice and assistance in your power.

I am, dear Sir, very respectfully, your most humble servant,

B. ARNOLD.

To General Schuyler.

COLONEL ARNOLD TO GENERAL MONTGOMERY.

St. Marie, two-and-a-half leagues from Point Levi, November 8, 1775.

}

DEAR SIR: Your favour of the 29th ult. I received at ten o’clock this morning, which gave me much pleasure. I heartily congratulate you on your success thus far. I think you have great reason to be apprehensive for me, the time I mentioned to General Washington being so long since elapsed. I was not then apprized, or, indeed, apprehensive of one half the difficulties we had to encounter, of which I cannot, at present, give you a particular detail. Can only say we have hauled our batteaus up over falls, up rapid streams, over carrying places, and marched through morasses, thick woods, and over mountains, about three hundred and twenty miles, many of which we had to pass several times to bring over our baggage. These difficulties the soldiers have, with the greatest fortitude, surmounted; and about two-thirds of the detachment are happily arrived here, and within two days’ march, most of them in good health and high spirits. The other part, with Col. Enos, returned from Dead River, contrary to my expectation, he having orders to send back only the sick, and those that could not be furnished with provisions. I wrote General Schuyler the 13th of October, (by an Indian I thought trusty,) enclosed to my friend in Quebeck; and as I. have had no answer from either, and he pretends to have been taken sick at Quebeck, I make no doubt he has betrayed his trust, which I am confirmed in, as I find they have been some time apprized of our coming in Quebeck, and have destroyed all the canoes at Point Levi, to prevent our passing. This difficulty will be obviated by birch canoes, as we have about twenty of them, with forty savages, who have joined us, and profess great friendship, as well as the Canadians, by whom we have been very friendly received, and who will be able to furnish us with a number of canoes. I am informed, by the French, there are two frigates and several small armed vessels lying before Quebeck, and a large ship or two lately arrived from Boston. However, I propose crossing the St. Lawrence as soon as possible; and if any opportunity offers, of attacking Quebeck with success, I shall embrace it; otherwise, shall endeavour to join your Army at Montreal. I shall, as often as in my power, advise you of my proceedings, and beg the favour of hearing from you by every opportunity.

The enclosed letter to his Excellency General Washington, beg the favour of your forwarding by express.

I am, very respectfully, dear Sir, your most obedient humble servant,

BENEDICT ARNOLD.

To General Montgomery.

P. S. Since writing the above, I have seen a friend from Quebeck, who informs me a frigate of twenty-six guns, and two transports, with one hundred and fifty recruits, arrived from St. John’s, Newfoundland, last Sunday; which, with the inhabitants who have been compelled to take up arms, amount to about three hundred men; that the French and English inhabitants, in general, are on our side, and that the City is short of provisions. I shall endeavour to cut off their communication with the country, and make no doubt, if no more recruits arrive, to bring them to terms soon, or at least keep them in close quarters until your arrival here, which I await with impatience; but if St. John’s should not have surrendered, and you can possibly spare a Regiment this way, I think the City must, of course, fall into our hands.

B. A.