by a superior force, must, as soon as the frost sets in, surrender. I have thought proper to despatch the bearer to inform you of my situation, as also with a request I have to make. I must refer you to him for particulars: as I have been so unfortunate in my former letters, I do not choose to commit every intelligence to writing. It is the current report here that you have invested Montreal and cut off their retreat. This I hope is true, and that I shall soon have the pleasure of seeing you here.

I am, dear Sir, with great respect, your obedient humble servant,

B. ARNOLD.

Brigadier-General Montgomery.

P.S. Since writing the foregoing, the enemy found means to make prisoner of one of our out sentinels. I immediately invested the Town as near as possible with my troops, which has occasioned them to set fire to the suburbs of St. John’s, and several of the houses without the wall are now in flames.

B. A.

COLONEL ARNOLD TO GENERAL MONTGOMERY.

Camp before Quebeck, November 16, 1775.

DEAR SIR: My last was of the 14th inst., advising you of my crossing the St. Lawrence, and being before Quebeck; since which, I have not had the pleasure of hearing from you. I then informed you of my situation and prospects. Fearing that may have miscarried, I have thought proper to despatch the bearer, a merchant of Quebeck, and particular friend of mine, who has been kind enough to offer his service, and will inform you more fully than in my power to write. I am very anxious to hear from you, and much more so to see you here.

I am, dear Sir, with great esteem, your obedient humble servant,

BENEDICT ARNOLD.

Brigadier-General Montgomery.

COLONEL ARNOLD TO LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOUR CRAMAHE.

Camp before Quebeck, November 15, 1775.

SIR: I yesterday sent the enclosed with a flag and officer, who, approaching near the walls of the Town, was, contrary to humanity and the laws of nations, fired on, and narrowly escaped being killed. This I imputed to the ignorance of your guards, and ordered him to return this morning, and, to my great surprise, he was received in the same manner as yesterday. This is an insult I could not have expected from a private soldier, much more from an officer of your rank; and, through me offered to the United Colonies, will be deeply resented; but at any rate cannot redound to your honour or valour. I am informed you have put a prisoner, taken from me, into irons. I desire to know the truth of this, and the manner in which he is treated. As I have several prisoners, taken from you, who now feed at my own table, you may expect that they will be treated in the same manner, in future, as you treat mine.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

BENEDICT ARNOLD.

To the Honourable H. T. Cramahé.

Camp before Quebeck, November 14, 1775.

SIR: The unjust, cruel, and tyrannical acts of a venal British Parliament, tending to enslave the American Colonies, have obliged them to appeal to God and the sword for redress. That Being, in whose hands are all human events, has hitherto smiled on their virtuous efforts. And as every artifice has been used to make the innocent Canadians instruments of their cruelty, by instigating them against the Colonies, and oppressing them on their refusing to enforce every oppressive mandate, the American Congress, induced by motives of humanity, have, at their request, sent General Schuyler into Canada for their relief. To co-operate with him, I am ordered by his Excellency General Washington to take possession of the Town of Quebeck. I do therefore, in the name of the United Colonies, demand immediate surrender of the Town, fortifications, &c., of Quebeck, to the forces of the United Colonies under my command; forbidding you to injure any of the inhabitants of the Town in their persons or property, as you will answer the same at your peril. On surrendering the Town, the property of every individual shall be secured to him; but if I am obliged to carry the Town by storm, you may expect every severity practised on such occasions; and the merchants, who may now save their property, will probably be involved in the general ruin.

I am, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,

BENEDICT ARNOLD.

Hon. Hector T. Cramahé, Lieutenant-Governour of Quebeck.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM RHODE-ISLAND TO A GENTLEMAN IN PHILADELPHIA, DATED NOV. 27, 1775.

You most justly observe that America can only look for safety in a vigorous, determined defence. The die is cast. The union of the Colonies with Britain is at an end. It is as easy to bring the two poles together as to bring about an accommodation. The King is absolute master of the Parliament, of the Treasury, of the Army, of the Navy, and of a still greater host of pensioners, placemen, and expectants, and is unalterably determined to be as absolute master of America. The people of Britain, even supposing them averse to the measures pursued by the King, are disarmed, spiritless, and without leaders, and consequently will do nothing effectual in our favour, unless they should meet with some signal misfortunes. In short, the only thing I hope for from them is, that, as it is impossible to raise the supplies within the year, the moneyed men will be afraid to advance the necessary sums for carrying on the war. In this situation, we may be assured that we shall have the whole force of Britain to contend with; and, considering the immense debt under which the Nation staggers, the loss of trade and revenue, the great danger of a war with the house of Bourbon, (who will not let slip so glorious an opportunity of revenging the losses and disgraces of the last war,) and the greater danger of the failure of publick credit, I think it highly probable that their whole force will be exerted in the next campaign. The Ministry know that if the war be protracted, it will finally prove unsuccessful; and, of course, they must and will adventure their whole upon a single cast. You mentioned to me, in a letter, some time since, your opinion that the enemy will act next year with three armies in America. If you have truly conjectured their plan, as I believe you have, they will not have less than thirty-five thousand men, well appointed, besides their naval force. Do not let us flatter ourselves that the Ministry will not be able to procure so great a number of men; for one year they can make still more powerful efforts. But let us not be discouraged; we have men enough, and plenty of provisions, and all things necessary for our defence. I trust we have a great share of publick spirit, and what is wanting in that will be amply supplied by a manly resentment of intolerable injuries, scorn, and contempt. Let us be fully prepared for one warm campaign, and, although the war may continue longer, the Colonies will be out of danger. We have, perhaps, the greatest resources of any people upon earth. We begin the war free from debt; the population is very rapid; we have an immense vacant territory, which may be filled with inhabitants, even during the war, and which, with the Crown rents, will be a sufficient fund for the payment of any debts we may contract; besides, the debt contracted by three millions of people will be probably paid by six millions. Nor will our children have reason to censure our conduct. We shall leave them a glorious patrimony, encumbered only with an insignificant debt. The great question between America and Britain is now reduced to a point: we must be independent or slaves. No man can hesitate a moment in his choice. With vigour and prudence, the whole force of America may be united and exerted. We must declare ourselves free. While we continue humble petitioners, professing loyalty, duty, and obedience, what nation upon earth will enter into alliance with us, or take any measures, unless to our prejudice, in consequence of the present quarrel? A federal, not an incorporating union, must be completed as soon as possible. Above all, the authority of the Congress must be established; for there is no other name given under heaven whereby we can be politically saved. Sufficient quantities of warlike

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