Thomas to me, dated at Deschambault, by which you will see the distressed and critical situation of our Army, which I can hardly flatter myself will be better, at least for some time. Indeed, we have everything to fear if the enemy’s reinforcements are as considerable as we have reason to think, and they improve their advantage. I tremble for the fate of our scattered, sick, starved, and distressed Army, as well as for our friends in this country, many of whom will lose their all if we are obliged to evacuate it. Salted provisions are not in this country, very little fresh, and that miserably poor; our whole dependance is on you. More troops will add to our distress, unless they are supplied with provisions, which must be forwarded on to us immediately, or we shall not be able to continue in the country, or return home. I shall set out for the Army in two hours, and proceed from the Sorel with the gondola and heavy cannon, if there should be any prospect of maintaining our post at Deschambault, of which I expect to be able to judge better when I arrive at the Sorel. You may depend that everything in my power will be done to keep possession of this country, which has cost us so much blood and expense.

I am, with my best wishes, very respectfully, dear General, your most obedient, humble servant,

BENEDICT ARNOLD.

To General Schuyler.

P. S. Flour can be procured in this country, provided we keep possession of this part of it. A magazine will be immediately established at St. Johns to secure our retreat.

B. A.

COMMISSIONERS TO CANADA TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.

Montreal, May 11, 1776.

DEAR SIR: The enclosed intelligence came to hand at two o’clock this morning. It is impossible to procure any pork in this Colony; there is none but what came over the Lakes. A schooner sails this afternoon for Deschambault with three hundred and fifty barrels of flour and about ten barrels of pork, which is the whole to be procured here. After the arrival of the brigade under General Thompson, we compute there will be about five thousand troops in Canada. We understand this brigade brings only ten days’ provisions with them.

Mr. Price thinks he can procure a sufficient quantity of wheat with the bills of exchange (three thousand pounds sterling) lodged with him by Congress; and Mr. Bondfield, with the specie lent us by that company, will endeavour to purchase some beef, but the quantity is very uncertain, and the quality will be very indifferent. Some peas may be bought, but no other vegetables of any kind can be expected.

General Arnold leaves us this afternoon to go down to Deschambault; we cannot flatter ourselves with the keeping possession of that post. The cannon which you sent, and our powder (about five tons) are at the mouth of the Sorel. We think it impracticable, indeed, without maintaining our ground at Jacques Cartier, we believe it impossible. If the enemy’s frigates should pass the falls of Richelieu, and a fair wind alone is necessary, our Army will be cut off from provisions and a retreat by water. Retreat by land will not only be very difficult, but very dangerous, if pursued by the enemy. We are unable to express our apprehensions of the distress our Army must soon be reduced to from the want of provisions, and the small-pox. If further reinforcements are sent without pork to victual the whole Army, our soldiers must perish or feed on each other. Even plunder, the last resource of strong necessity, will not relieve their wants. We do not see the propriety of sending more troops before you hear from us. We have undoubtedly a sufficient number to maintain St. Johns and the Isle aux Noix. You will be pleased to communicate the present situation of affairs, and forward the enclosed papers, to Congress.

We wish you a speedy restoration of your health, and every blessing of this life; and remain, with the most perfect esteem and regard, dear sir, your very affectionate and obedient servants,

To General P. Schuyler.

MESSRS. CARROLL AND CHASE TO DR. FRANKLIN.

Montreal, May 11, 1776.

DEAR SIR: We are fully sensible of the great risk of taking post at Deschambault. We have suggested in writing the difficulties and reasons which have occurred to us against that measure, to General Arnold. Our Army’s remaining at Deschambault will depend in great measure on the strength of the enemy’s land forces, and their activity and diligence in following up the blow they have already given our small shattered Army. Before this, no doubt General Thomas has received some information of the enemy’s numbers and of their motions. We are inclined to think a retreat will be made, first to St. Johns and then to the Isle aux Noix. Our letter to General Schuyler will give you all the information we have in our power to give respecting the possibility of subsisting our Army in Canada.

We are of opinion that General Sullivan’s brigade ought to be stopped at Fort George till General Schuyler can send over with them a sufficient supply of pork, not only for the subsistence of that brigade, but of the rest of the Army in Canada. Flour we are in hopes of procuring in sufficient quantities to support the Army at least for four months, provided we can keep possession of the country adjacent to the river Sorel for the space of three weeks. We sincerely wish the perfect re-establishment of your health. Our stay at this place is uncertain. We shall be cautious to retreat in time to St. Johns. We understand there is but a very small garrison there, and exceedingly negligent; no sentries posted in the night. This information we had from Mr. Price, who was an eye witness of this negligence. Do speak to Colonel Hazen about it.

We are, with great esteem, dear sir, your affectionate humble servants,

To Benjamin Franklin, Esq.

GENERAL THOMAS TO GENERAL ARNOLD.

Head-Quarters, Point Deschambault, May 8, 1776.

DEAR GENERAL: I this moment received yours of the 6th instant, mentioning an augmentation of troops, floating batteries, supplies of provisions, &c., which, if I can be assured of in a few days, I shall make a stand here with a small number of men. I have but two days’ provision, and will bring them to half allowance, and remain on the ground myself till I can hear from you.

I send this by express, hoping he will not be detained one hour. Time will not allow me to give you the particular reason of my being here, but must refer you to the honourable Commissioners of Congress.

I am, respectfully, dear sir, your obedient and very humble servant,

J. THOMAS.

To General Arnold.

P. S. Powder is wanting.

COMMISSIONERS IN CANADA TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Montreal, May 16, 1776.

DEAR SIR: We take, the liberty to recommend to the particular notice of Congress Major Dubois; his services entitle him to promotion; and we hope an officer of his merit will be remembered in the first promotion.

We are, sir, with respect, your obedient servants,

The Honourable John Hancock, Esq.

CAPTAIN HARDING TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.

Fairfield, 12 o’clock, A. M., May 16, 1776.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR: Enclosed I send you the confessions of Charles McNiell, John McKey, and Daniel Baldwin, and a duplicate of the first, as the original was taken somewhat hastily. It is really astonishing to see with what seeming coolness they were made. It is needless to observe anything about them, as each contains a very full declaration of whatever seemed to respect the declarants; but nothing could be extracted from them further than as