BINDING LIST OCT 1 192V
-
A HISTORY
OF THE
Organization, Development and Services of the
Military and Naval Forces of Canada
From the Peace of Paris in 1763,
to the Present Time.
WITH ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS.
EDITED BY
THE HISTORICAL SECTION OF THE
GENERAL STAFF.
VOLUME I.
The Local Forces of New France.
The Militia of the Province of Quebec, 1763-1775.
152— D.P.— 1M-3-19.
li-
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Characteristics of the early French colonists. — Establishment of posts at Three
Rivers and Montreal. — The first Indian war. — Enrolment of volunteers. — The death of
Daulac at the Long Sault. — Arrival of de Tracy. — The regiment Carignan-Salieres. —
Construction of forts on the Richelieu. — Expedition of de Courcelles. — The first mili-
tary settlement. — Arrival of de Frontenac. — His expedition to Lake Ontario. — Organiza-
tion of militia. — La Barre's expedition. — Denonyille's campaign. — Iberville's expedition
to Hudson's Bay. — Rads by the Irpquois. — Canadian expeditions against Schenectady,
Salmon Falls and Casco Bay. — The first siege of Quebec. — Schuyler's raid. — Battle at
La Prairie. — Invasion of the Mohawk country. — Foundation of Fort Frontenac. — Fron-
tenac's invasion of the Indian territory. — Iberville's operations in Newfoundland! and
Hudson's Bay. — The peace of Ryswick. — War of the Spanish Succession. — Destruction of
Deerfield and Haverhill. — The conquest of Acadia. — Failure of the English expedition
against Quebec. — The peace of Utrecht. — Census of the colony. — Wars with the Ren-
ards, Natchez and Chickasaws. — Reorganization of the militia. — State of the colony in
1736. — Duties of militia officers. — The administrations of Vaudreuil and Beauharnois. —
Expedition to Grand Pre. — The capture of Fort Massachusetts.- — Indian raids on Can-
ada.— The occupation of the Ohio Valley. — Establishment of Fort Duquesne. — Battle of
Lake George. — The battle of the Monongahela. — Preparations for the defence of Can-
ada.— Plans for reorganization of the militia. — The destruction of Fort Bull. — The
siege of Oswego. — Complaints by the Canadians. — Siege of Fort William Henry. — -
Sufferings of the colonists. — The capture of Fort Frontenac. — The battle of Ticonder-
oga. — The loss of Fort Duquesne. — Montcalm's proposals for defence. The siege of
Quebec. — The battle of the Plains of Abraham. — Surrender of Quebec and loss of Fort
Niagara and other posts. — The incorporation of the militia with the regulars and
colony troops. — The battle of Sainte Foye. — Final conquest of Canada.
CHAPTER II.
State of the militia at the conquest. — Establishment of military courts. — Duties
of militia officers under the new government. — The war with the western Indians. —
The organization of Bradstreet's expedition to Detroit. — Arrangements made by Mur-
ray, Burton and Haldimand for raising volunteers in Canada. — Composition of this
force. — The advance to Detroit. — Disbandment of the battalion.— Proposals of Carleton
for defence of the province. — Memorial for the restoration of the French laws and
customs. — Passing of the Quebec Act. — Proposal for the organization of a Canadian
regiment. — Discontent among the English settlers. — Revolutionary agitation.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS.
PAGE
1. Extract from General Murray's report, 5th June, 1762 53
2. Letter from General Murray to Colonel Burton, 17th November, 1763.. 53
3. Letter from Gen. Gage to Gen. Murray, 12th February, 1764 53-54
4. Letter from Gen. Gage to Col. Haldimand, 12th February, 1764 54-55
5. Letter from Col. Burton to Gen. Murray, 2nd March, 1764 55-56
6. Letter from Col. Haldimand to Gen. Murray, 3rd March, 1764 56
7. Letter from Gen. Murray to Gen. Gage, 5th March, 1764 56-57
8. Extract from letter from Gen. Murray to the Earl of Halifax, 5th March,
1764 57-8
9. Letter from Gen. Murray to Col. Burton, 6th March, 1764 58
10. Letter from Gen. Murray to the Chevalier de Repentigny, 6th March,
1764 59
11. Letter from Gen. Murray to Col. Haldimand, 6th March, 1764 60
12. Proclamation by Gen. Murray, 6th March, 1764 60-61
13. Oath to be taken by Canadian volunteers, 5th March, 1764 61-62
14. Extract from letter from Col. Haldimand to Gen. Murray, 6th March, 1764 6?
15. Letter from Col. Burton to Col. Haldimand, 7th March, 1764 63
16. Circular letter to captains of militia, 7th March, 1764 63-65
U TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
17 Letter from Gen. Murray to Col. Haldimand, 9th March, 1764 65
18. Memo from Col. Haldimand to Gen. Murray, 9th March, 1764
19. Letter from Col. Haldimand to Gen. Gage, 9th March, 1764
20 Letter from Col. Haldimand to Gen. Murray, llth March, 1764
?21. Letter from Gen. Murray to Col. Haldimand, llth March, 1764
22. Letter from Gen. Murray to the Chevalier de Repentigny, 17th March,
1764 ;
23. Draft of letter from Col. Haldimand to Col. Burton, 20th March. ., 1764..
24. Draft of letter from Col. Haldimand to Gen. Murray, undated 70-71
25. Letter from Col. Burton to Col. Haldimand, 22nd March, 1764 71
26. Extract from letter from Gen. Gage ta Col. Haldimand, 22nd March,
1764
27. Letter from Gen. Murray to Col. Haldimand, 22nd March, 1764 72
28. Circular letter from Gen. Murray to the captains of militia, 22nd March,
1764 , 72-3
29. Letter from Gen. Murray to Col. Burton, 22nd March, 1764 73
30. Letter from Col. Haldimand to Gen. Murray, 23rd March, 1764 73-74
31. Letter from Col. Haldimand to Col. Barton, 24th March, 1764 74
32. Letter from Col. Haldimand to Gen. Gage, 25th March, 1764 74-6
33. Extract from letter from Gen. Murray to Col. Haldimand, 26th March,
1764 76
34. Letter from Gen. Murray to Col. Burton, 26th March, 1764 76-7
35. Draft of letter from Col. Haldimand to Col. Burton, 27th March, 1764 . . 77
36. Letter from Col. Haldimand to Gen. Murray, 31st March, 1764 77-8
37 Letter from Gen. Murray to Col. Haldimand, 7th April, 1764 7S.-9
38. Letter from Gen. Murray to Col. Burton, 7th April, 1764 79
39. Letter from Col. Burton to Col. Haldimand, 5th April, 1764 79-80
40. Letter from Col. Haldimand to Gen. Murray, 6th April, 1764 80-1
41. Gen. Murray to Col. Burton, 8th April, 1764 81-2
42. General Murray to Col. Haldimand, 9th April, 1764 8?
43 Letter from Col. Burton to Col. Haldimand, 9th April, 1764 83
44. Letter from Col. Haldimand to Col. Burton, llth April, 1764 83-4
45. Letter from Col. Burton to Col. Haldimand, 12th April, 1764
46. Letter from Gen. Murray to Col. Haldimand, 14th April, 1764 85
47. Col. Haldimand to Gen. Gage, 15th April, 1764 86
48 Letter from Col. Haldimand to Col. Burton, 17th April, 1764 87
49. Letter from Col. Haldimand to Lord Halifax, 18th April, 1764 88
50. Col. Burton to Col. Haldimand, 19th April, 1764 88
51. Extract from letter from Gen. Murray to Earl of Halifax, 24th April, 1764 89
52. Extract from letter from Gen. Gage to Col. Haldimand, 24th April, 1764 89
53. Letter from Col. Burton to Col. Haldimand, 25th April, 1764 89-90
54. Extract from letter from Gen. Gage to Col. Haldimand, 2nd May, 1764 . . 90
55. Letter from Col. Burton to Col. Haldimand, 3rd May, 1764 90
Extract from Quebec Gazette, 21st June, 1764 90
56. Letter from Col. Burton to Col. Haldimand, 9th May, 1764 91
57. Extract from letter from Gen. Gage to Col. Haldimand, 13th May, 1764. . 91
Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 28th June, 1764 91
58. Draft of letter from Col. Haldimand to Col. Burton, 29th May, 1764 92
59. Extract from letter from Col. Haldimand to Gen. Gage, 29th May, 1764. . 92
60. Letter from Col. Burton to Col. Haldimand, 18th June, 1764 93
Extract from Quebec Gazette, 2nd August, 1764 93
61. Extract from letter from Col. Haldimand to Gen. Gage, 27th June, 1764 . . 93-4
62. Letter from Col. Haldimand to Col. Burton, 3rd July, 1764 94-5
Extracts from Quebec Gazette, 9th and 23rd Aug. 1764 95
63. Letter from Col. Haldimand to Gen. Murray, 15th August, 1764 / 95-6
64. Letter from Col. Haldimand to Gen. Murray, 8th September, 1764 96-7
65. Extract from letter from Col. Haldimand to Gen. Murray, 23rd Novem-
ber, 1764 97
66. Letter from Col. Haldimand to Col. Burton, 27th November, 1764 97-8
67. Letter from Col. Haldimand to Gen. Murray, 30th November, 1764 98-9
68. Letter from Col. Haldimand to Col. Burton, 1st December, 1764 99
69. Extract from letter from Col. Haldimand to Gen. Gage, 5th December,
1764 100
70. List of officers in the volunteer corps of Canadians raised in 1764, 5th
February, 1787 100
TABLE OF CONTENTS III
PAGE
Extract from Appel a la Justice de L'Etat, par Pierre Du Calvet, London,
1784 101-2
71. Proclamation by Gen. Murray, 5th October, 1765 102-3
72. Memorial to the King from the seigneurs of Quebec, undated . . 103-7
73. Letter from Gen. Carleton to Gen. Gage ,15th February, 1767 107-8
74. Extract from letter from Gen. Carleton to Sir William Johnson, 27th
March, 1767 108
75. Letter from Gen. Carleton to Lord Shelburne, 24th September, 1767 109
76. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord Shelburne, 25th November, 1767. . 109-12
77. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Earl of Shelburne, 20th January, 1768. 112-13
List of the Canadian Noblesse, resident in the Province of Quebec, Nov-
ember, 1767 114-18
Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord Hillsborough, 20th November,
1768 119
Letter from Lord Hillsborough to Sir Guy Carleton, 4th Jan., 1769 . .. 120
78. Letter from Mr. H. T. Cramahe to the Earl of Hillsborough, 31st January
1771 , 120
79. Letter from the Earl of Hillsborough to Lieut. Governor Cramahe, 9th
April, 1772 121
80. An unsigned letter dated at Montreal, 1st May, 1771 121-2
81. Letter from Lieut. Governor Cramahe to the Earl of Hillsborough, 25th
July, 1772 122-3
82. Letter from Lieut. Governor Cramahe to Earl of Hillsborough, 10th Oc-
tober, 1772 123-4
83. Letter from the Congress to the inhabitants of the Province of Quebec,
26th October, 1774 124-9
84. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Earl of Dartmouth, 23rd Sept., 1774.. 129-30
85. Extract of a letter from Gen. Gage to Gen. Carleton, 4th September,
1774, and
Extract of a letter from Gen. Carleton to Gen. Gage, 20th Sept., 1774. . . 130
86. Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth to Sir Guy Carleton, 10th Dec., 1774 131
&7. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Gen. Gage, 4th February, 1775 131-3
88. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to the Earl of Dartmouth, 6th April,
1775 133
Extract from additional papers concerning the Province of Quebec by
Francis Maseres, 1776 133-4
89. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to the Earl of Dartmouth, 15th May, 1775. 134-5
90. Paper of intelligence from Montreal, 3rd April, 1775 136
91. Copy of intelligence from Montreal, received 5th April, 1775 136-8
92. Extract of letter from Montreal, 7th April, 1775 138
93. Intelligence from Montreal, 10th April, 1st and 4th May, 1775 139-140
ERRATA.
Page 28. — Twentieth line for "Moncalm," read "Montcalm."
Page 69.— Thirty-second line for "29e Mars," read "20e Mars."
Page 87.— Twenty-eighth line for "Mr. Isamberg," read "Mr. Mt. Isamberg."
Page 91. — Sixth line for "Rigogvile," read "Rigovile."
Page 97. — Fortieth line for "tnvoyay," read "envoyay."
A HISTORY
OF THE
Organization, Development and Services of the Military and
Naval' Forces of Canada from the Peace of Paris
in 1763, to the Present Time.
CHAPTER I.
THE LOCAL FORCES OF NEW FRANCE.
The early colonists of New France arrived as an armed and organized body under
a recognized leader who exercised nearly despotic authority. Their first foothold in
the country was at once fortified and prepared for defence. For twenty years or more
the actual settlement was restricted to the limits of the trading post at Quebec, and
the colonists were explorers, soldiers, traders, hunters and fishermen, but not culti-
vators of the soil. Apart from the provisions which they still largely imported from
France, they subsisted mainly on the spoils of forest and stream, rather than the pro-
ducts of farm and garden. As to the condition of the settlement in 1627, the year
of the death of Louis Hebert, the first colonist who seriously attempted to live by
agriculture, Champlain wrote "We were in all sixty-five souls, including men, women, and
children." 'Of this number only eighteen were adult males, fit to bear arms and to per-
form hard labour, and not more than two or three families had devoted themselves to
tilling the soil. Besides these, however, there were a few adventurous trappers, trad-
ers, or outlaws living in the Indian villages and seeking to enrich themselves.
The formation of the Company of one hundred Associates, soon afterwards, resulted
in a resolute effort to promote settlement and agriculture. The Seigniorial system of
Tenure was introduced. Giffard, the first Seignior of Beauport brought in seven large
families to be his tenants. Two years later two other very numerous families ar-
rived who were closely allied by marriage, and consisted in all of not less than fifty-
four persons. These families, Le Gardeur de Repentigny et de Tilly and Le Neuf de La
Poterie et du Herisson, were destined to play a very important and creditable part in
the later history of the Colony. Horned cattle and sheep were also imported and the
new Governor, de Montmagny, brought in the first riding horse for his own personal
service. In the absence of draft animals the progress of agriculture was necessarily
slow.
The rich natural meadows near the margin of the river offered suitable pastur-
age and several families were immediately established in their vicinity. In 1636, de
Montmagny rebuilt the post at Quebec and enrolled all male colonists as a militia who
took turns in performing military exercises and furnishing guards. Father Paul le
Jeune has written a florid description of their practice with artillery and small arms,
waking the echos of the surrounding woods and cliffs, and relates that the fortress of
Quebec was as vigilantly guarded in time of peace, as a military post of importance
would be in the heat of war.
An advanced trading post was established at Three Rivers which soon attracted a
number of settlers to take advantage of the excellent hunting and fishing around Lake
Saint Pierre, and share in the profits of the fur trade. Pierre Boucher, afterwards
the first Seignior of Boucherville organized, trained, and commanded the militia of
this settlement as their Captain for many years and was eventually appointed Gover-
nor of the District Another stockade was soon afterwards built on the island of
Montreal and also attracted several families. These frontier stations were naturally
the pDsts of the greatest danger and the colonists were continually kept on the alert
by the inroads of hostile Indians. They still mainly lived on flesh, fish and fowl, and
were forced to become expert, not only in the use of fire arms, but proficient in re-
pairing their weapons, casting bullets and even making gun-powder. Isolated dwellings
3
4 The Local Forces of New France.
were usually constructed of stout hewn logs after the fashion of a block-house, having
thick doors and narrow windows, intended more for use as loopholes than to adrnn
the light, and a projecting upper story provided with apertures for pouring boil
water or melted lead upon assailants who might approach to force an entrance
set the building on fire.
The origin of four hundred and six families who became colonists between the
years of 1615 and 1666 has been carefully traced and it is ascertained that all came
from northern France, nearly one half from the Provinces of Normandy and Fercne.
They were hardy, patient and industrious people, and also brave and resolute, deter
mined at all hazards to defend their new possessions against all comers.
The first collision with the Iroquois took place within a year after the founding
of Quebec and thence forward, hostilities constantly recurred at uncertain intervals,
with little warning. The great river and its tributaries furnished an easy highway for
the approach, and the surrounding forest, a secure lurking place for the war-parties
of these fierce and merciless enemies. Unwary colonists were surprised and killed or
carried into captivity, their cattle were destroyed, their fields laid waste, and out
buildings burnt by the raiders.
While the colonists thus remained at the me'rcy of the Iroquois, prosperity was
impossible. Recognizing this fact in the spring of 1642, after establishing a post on
the island of Montreal, de Montmagny decided to build another small fort at the mouth
of the river of the Iroquois, so called from being the usual route of their invasions, and
gave it the name of the great Cardinal, which has since been transferred to the river
itself. For the construction of this fort a hundred men were drafted from the colon-
ists who proved their courage and skill by repelling an attack from a band of Indians
while the work was still under construction. The effective strength of the militia at
this time must have been small for, as late as 1649, the total number of settlers
scarcely exceeded a thousand persons of both sexes.
The new fort, however, failed to accomplish the purpose for which it was designed.
Between 1649, and 1663, the inhabitants of all the settlements were frequently obliged
to seize their arms for self-defence. A detachment of forty volunteers was organ-
ized as a "camp volant" under the command of De Mousseau, a nephew of d'Ailleboust
who had been appointed governor, to patrol the shore of the river between Three
Rivers and Montreal, and was apparently retained in service for three years. A small
tax was imposed on all fur traders for the support of this force. In seed time and har-
vest, the tillers of the soil were obliged to have their weapons constantly within reach,
and even a religious brotherhood formed themselves into a military company to the
number of sixty-three men under the title of the "Fraternite de la Tres Sainte-Vierge."
In the summer of 1651, the Island of Montreal was frequently invaded and ravaged.
"Scarcely a day passed without an alarm," says the author of a contemporary history
of the settlement. "We had them incessantly upon us There was not a month during
this summer in which our book of the dead had not an inscription placed upon it in
red letters by the hands of the Iroquois. On their side they did not suffer less; they
lost indeed more men than we, but as their numbers were incomparably greater than
ours, our losses seemed heavier than theirs, as they always had men to replace those
who had fallen."
The attacks of the Indians increased to such a degree that all the inhabitants of
the settlements were obliged to abandon their dwellings and seek shelter in the forts.
"Every day," says the chronicler, "we see the enemy around us; at night we dare not
open our doors and, in the day-time, no one ventures to leave his house for half a
dozen paces without taking with him his firelock, sword, and pistol." M. d'Ailleboust,
"gentilhomme de Champagne" and a retired military officer, had organized all the men
fit to bear arms at Quebec and Three Rivers into small squads of militia.
The garrison of Fort Richelieu had to be withdrawn, and the deserted buildings
were burnt by the Indians. The defences of Three Rivers and Montreal were however
greatly strengthened; at the latter place by the construction of stone bastions con-
nected by stout palisades, under the supervision of d'Ailleboust, whose military
knowledge was of great service to the distressed settlement. The governor of Three
Rivers, Duplessis-Bochart, rashly sallied forth at the head of his militia to attack a
party of marauding Iroquois who were plundering the neighbouring settlement, but he
was defeated and killed with fourteen of his followers. The loss of even such a small
party of fighting men was considered a serious blow and a few regular troops which
the new governor of the colony, de Lauzon, had brought with him from France were
hurried forward from Quebec for the protection of the frontier. The Indians did not
The Local Forces of New France. 5
venture to attack the fortifications of either place, but constantly lurked in their vicin-
ity, wasting the deserted farms and attacking any party that ventured out. Chomedey
de Maisonneuve, the founder and commandant of Montreal for more than twenty years,
- issued a proclamation in 1657, declaring the town, (Ville-Marie) , under the special pro-
tection of the Holy Virgin, and calling upon all citizens to enroll themselves for its
defence in squads of seven men, each of which was directed to elect from among its
number a corporal as its leader. Twenty squads were formed inside of four days and
the entire force received the title of "Soldats de la Sainte Famille de Jesus, Marie et
Joseph." This volunteer force furnished a permanent guard for the fortifications and
small parties of men, who went out to work in the adjacent farms. It was maintained
for three years, during which it lost only eight men, of whom five were killed and
three taken prisoners.
About the same time the militia of each district adopted a distinctive uniform. The
militiamen of Montreal wore a long blue coat with a cap and sash of the same color,
those of Three Rivers wore white caps and sashes, and those of Quebec, red. This
distinctive dress was retained among the habitants until recent years.
Whenever the approach of a suspicious party was discovered, the church bells at
once rang the tocsin as a warning for the workers in the fields to seek the shelter of
the fort, and the volunteers on duty to hurry out to their protection. The priests of
the Seminary never failed to hasten forth to the battle-field to confess the dying and
administer the- sacrament and often exposed their lives in the service of their comrades
without taking arms for their defence.
The fort at Three Rivers was closely blockaded for several weeks but eventually
relieved by a party of volunteers from Quebec, who made their way into it under cover
of darkness. The Iroquois also devastated File aux Oyes, only thirty-six miles above
Quebec, and killed several of the inhabitants, returning thence to Montreal and again
ruining that settlement. Fortunately fish and water fowl were plentiful and easily ob-
tained, but the garrisons were forced^to bring: wheat and flour from Quebec for their
support.
After a brief season of peace arranged through the efforts of Charles LeMoyne,
the Indians renewed the war in the»autumn of 1657, by another invasion. A still
more formidable inroad, planned by them in May 1660, was baffled by the heroism of
Daulac or Bollard who. assembled a party of sixteen volunteers and took post in a feeble
stockade at the foot of the Long Sault on the Ottawa River, overlooked by a neighbour-
ing hill at a little distance. Here he was attacked by eight hundred Iroquois who were
several times repulsed with severe losses. The Indians were afterwards reinforced and
the assault was renewed, lasting with little intermission for three days, at the end'of
which Daulac endeavoured to blow up the place by loading a musket with powder to the
muzzle and exploding it as a mine. This desperate expedient failed and the assailants
stormed the fort, all of the garrison being killed with the exception of one man, who was
afterwards tortured to death. "The enemy were dismayed by this resistance and with-
drew"; says a contemporary writer, "otherwise all would have been lost."
Year by year, the Indians renewed their raids, devastating the country, killing
settlers and carrying off prisoners. The situation of the colony had become so critical
that it was evident that it must either be abandoned or a strong reinforcement de-
spatched from France for its protection. In 1663, the Company of the One Hundred
Associates virtually collapsed and their privileges reverted to the crown. A new gov-
ernor was appointed and it was decided to send out a considerable body of regular
troops. During the winter of 1663-4, the Iroquois again appeared under the walls of
Quebec and menaced the fort with an attack. In the course of this raid the entire
population of the settlement of Montreal was kept under arms for many days.
The new governor, de Mesy, received in&';ructions for the appointment of a sovereign
council of seven members and the establishment of subordinate governments for the
districts of Three Rivers and Montreal. An embassy from the Indians arrived with
proposals for peace but he bluntly informed them that, as they had so often deceived
5s ^f^6??80*8'. ., could put no confidence in their professions and unwisely added
;hat it had beeri decided to carry the war into the heart of their own country A new
trading company was soon organized under the name of the "Compagnie des Indes
Occidentals and granted a monopoly of commerce in the French dominions in America
he Amazon River northward, including also the French West Indies, and the
'annd°f Newfoundland A'exander de Prouville, Marquis de Tracy, who had already
directed In "thTfiU?1 °l +Fre"C> Cr10nieS Was aPP°inted viceroy for America but
.cted m the first place to visit Cayenne, and the French West Indian Islands on
Q' The Local Forces of New France.
his way to Canada. He was one of the senior Lieutenant-Generals in the French
army, and already well advanced in years. He was granted very full powers, and
four companies of the regiment Carignan-Salieres, who had the privilege of carrying
the same colours as the royal guard, accompanied him as an escort. Twenty other com-
panies of the same corps were ordered to proceed direct to Canada from French ports.
As each company nominally consisted of sixty-five of all ranks, this force probably num-
bered twelve or thirteen hundred men. It had been originally recruited in Savoy by the
Prince de Carignan, an ancestor of the present royal house of Italy. Passing after-
wards into the French service, it fought gallantly in the wars of the Fronde, partici-
pating in the famous battle of the Porte Saint- Antoine. Only a year before its em-
barkation it had been engaged against the Turks on the frontiers of Hungary, particu-
larly at the bloody battle of Saint Gothard, when to use the striking expression of the
French general, de Coligny, "the river became a great floating cemetery." At the
close of this campaign it was reorganized and its effective strength considerably in-
creased by the formation of several German companies and the whole corps despatch-
ed to Canada under the command of Colonel H. Chapelas, sieur de Salieres, from whom
it received the second part of its name.
In the fleet of vessels conveying the main body of this regiment came de Cour-
celles, nominated as governor of the colony to succeed de Mesy, and Talon to act as in-
tendant, or controller of the finances, together with many families of colonists, in
all numbering five or six hundred persons. They brought with them also cattle, sheep
and twelve stallions and brood-mares presented by the king for breeding purposes.
The number of persons who came from France this year was almost equal to the en-
tire French population of Canada.
The new governor was an officer of energy, merit and experience. The Marquis
de Tracy, who had arrived some months before, had already planned an offensive move-
ment against the Iroquois but the delay in the arrival of the troops induced him to post-
pone the expedition until the following year. The four companies which had first ar-
rived were sent forward with instructions to establish a chain of advanced posts on the
river Richelieu. They left Quebec on the 23rd July, accompanied by a body of volun-
teer militia under the command of M. de Repentigny and arrived at Three Rivers just
in time to deliver the inhabitants from their fear of the Iroquois who had renewed their
customary attacks. These troops were soon afterwards followed by other companies
and they began the ascent of the Richelieu in boats already prepared for the expedi-
tion. The first fort, built at the mouth of the river near the site of the former Fort
Richelieu, was named in honour of Captain de Saurel or Sorel, who supervised its con-
struction; the second named Fort Saint-Louis, was established by Captain de Chambly
at the foot of the rapids which afterwards received his name; the third, ten miles far-
ther up, was built under the direction of Colonel de Salieres himself, and named Sainte-
Therese. These works were not completed until late in October, when a party was sent
forward to Lake Champlain to choose a site for the fourth fort, for which an island in
the lake was selected, afterwards called Isle Lamotte in honour of Captain La Mothe
Lussiere, who built upon it a stockade which he named Fort Sainte-Anne.
Meanwhile Charles Le Moyne, the most active leader of the colonists on the fron-
tier, had been taken prisoner by the Indians, who, finding their own country seriously
menaced with invasion, determined to release him and ask for peace. These negotia-
tions failed and de Courcelles, having little knowledge of the severity of winter weather
in Canada, hastily determined to undertake a campaign soon after his arrival He
marched from Sillery with about one hundred volunteers from the local militia on the
10th January, 1666. At Three Rivers he was joined by eighty more from that settle-
ment and at Montreal by another party of seventy under the command of Charles
Le Moyne. Nearly all of these were experienced frontiersmen, accustomed to make
long journeys on snow-shoes, and well trained in the warfare of the woods by fre-
quent encounters with the Indians. Consequently, de Courcelles gave them the post of
honour, placing them in the advanced guard, when advancing, and in the rear guard
while retiring, evincing great reliance upon these auxiliaries whom he familiarly called
"his blue caps " Detachments from the garrisons of regular soldiers at Three Rivers,
Montreal and the forts along the Richelieu, swelled the strength of the column to five
or six hundred men, with whom he marched from Fort Sainte-Therese on the 30th
January. After advancing to the vicinity of Albany, he learned to his great surprise
that the province of New Holland had fallen into the hands of the English and as the
snow was deep and the weather unfavourable, he decided to abandon his expedition and
returned to Montreal early in March.
The Local Forces of New France. 7
The boldness of the enterprise appears to have struck terror into the Indians and
they once more sent an embassy to Quebec to sue for peace. A treaty had actually been
concluded and signed when it was learned that a party of young Mohawk warriors
had killed two French officers and made prisoners of four others while hunting on the
shores of Lake Champlain, near Isle La Motte. De Tracy then became convinced that
to secure a lasting peace, he must undertake another punitive expedition against the
offenders. In spite of his 'advanced age, he decided to command it himself. It was
composed of six hundred soldiers, selected from all the companies of the regiment de
Carignan, six hundred militia and one hundred "domiciled" Indians. All the prepara-
tions were made under the superintendence of Talon, the energetic and efficient in-
tendant, and the column was finally assembled at Fort Saint-Anne late in September.
Three hundred boats and canoes had been collected to convey this force to the farther
end of Lake George where the real difficulties of the expedition began, for it then be-
came necessary for the men to carry on their backs the whole of their provisions and
baggage. Two small pieces of cannon were likewise dragged along with much labour.
On their approach the Mohawks abandoned their villages which were immediately
burned and their fields of corn laid wast . The large detachment of Canadian militia
showed such remarkable endurance, hardihood and resourcefulness that the regulars
hailed them as worthy comrades. Although the campaign was bloodless, it was thor-
oughly effective in demonstrating the strength of the colony and its ability to assume
the offensive when necessary. Before winter set in, a treaty of peace formally con-
cluded with the Six Nations ensured the security of the colony for nearly twenty
years.
When nearly two years had elapsed without any sign of hostility on the part of the
Indians, orders were received for the return of the greater part of the regular troops
to France. The population and resources of the colony had considerably increased.
Agriculture and trade were prospering, encouraged by the fostering aid of the capable
intendant. A census taken in 1666 gave the total white population as 3,418 of whom
more than two-thirds resided in Quebec and the adjacent parishes. The district of
Montreal contained only 584 persons and that of Three Rivers, 461. The little island
of Orleans actually contained ten more people than the whole of the latter district. In
the following year, Talon reported the population of all New France as amounting to
4,312, of whom 1,566 were men fit for military service. There were 11,174 acres of land
under cultivation and the colonists possessed 2,136 horned cattle. Horses of course, were
still rare.
It was decided that four companies of the Regiment de Carignan would remain in
the colony as a garrison. Two of these were stationed at Montreal and two others at
Fort St. Louis on the Richelieu, from which thirty men were detached as a garrison
for Fort Ste. Anne, the most advanced post, and twenty to Fort St. John. They were
inspected and exercised annually by the Governor-General and one hundred pistoles were
distributed in prizes to encourage marksmanship. These little detachments spent much
of their time, when not on duty, in hunting, cultivating their gardens, and assisting
in farm work. Already six captains and ten subalterns of the regiment had decided,
voluntarily, to remain in the country and become colonists. With the approval of de
Tracy, Talon submitted an elaborate proposal to induce as many as possible of the
officers and men to become settlers. He emphasized the many advantages that would
naturally be derived from the settlement of so many trained soldiers, laid much stress
upon the encouragement of a proper military spirit among the colonists, and instanced
with great force the Roman system of military colonisation as a precedent. When
judiciously established on the land, he urged, that these discharged soldiers would be
as much at the service of the king and colony as if they were maintained under pay in a
garrison, while at the same time, the treasury would be relieved of a considerable bur-
den. They would become attached to the colony as their home and heritage and have a
more vital interest in its defence than a garrison of mercenaries. v Lands should be
granted to them on very favourable terms and liability to serve in time of war become
the ground of exemption from customary rates and fees. The title deeds should ex-
pressly state the military nature of the tenure and the obligation imposed upon all
recipients of these grants of sending their eldest sons to serve the king in garrison for
a certain period without pay upon attaining the age of sixteen years.
These proposals were entirely approved by the king and minister and instructions
were given as to the manner of carrying them into effect. Seigniories varying in size
according to rank and length of service were offered to the officers of the regiment
and as the district of Montreal was the most exposed to attacks of the Indians, ex-
8 The Local Fortes of New France.
tensive tracts of land along the Richelieu and upper St. Lawrence were distributed
among these officers who were directed to sublet a portion of their lands to their
former non-commissioned officers and soldiers. Between twenty-five and thirty officers,
chiefly captains and lieutenants, and more than four hundred of other ranks decided 1
take advantage of this opportunity to become permanent settlers. Many o± then
founded families of note and their descendants are numerous in Canada and in .the
United States. Several of the officers were nobles and nearly all gentlemen by birth.
The nam^s of most of these officers such as Berthier, Baby, Chambly, Contrecoeur, li
Valterie, St. Ours, Sorel, Soulanges, Varenaes and Vercheres, have been perpetuated
in various localities. Many of them took wives from among the daughters of the
earlier settlers and soon established their supremacy as leaders of the people.
Apparently few of them possessed the necessary capital to develop their grants,
and upwards of twenty thousand livres were provided from the royal treasury to be
divided among them at the discretion of the Intendant. Each non-commissioned 'officer
received one hundred and fifty livres, or one hundred livres and a year's rations, and
each soldier one hundred livres, or fifty livres and a year's rations, at his own option.
The oath required from the seigniors was very solemn and binding. They pledged
themselves to discharge all duties required by their sovereign and to appear in arms
whenever the province was attacked and this obligation of military services was ex-
tended through them to their tenants. The efficiency of the militia was naturally
much improved by the settlement of these veteran soldiers in its midst. The officers
became in a manner feudal chiefs, and the whole settlement, a military colony, ad-
mirably suited for defence. The seigniories formed a long narrow fringe of cultivation
along the banks of the rivers, and for many years, it has been remarked, that nearly
every house in Canada could be seen by a voyager in paddling up the St. Lawrence
and Richelieu. Four noble families were already settled in New France and on the
recommendation of de Tracy, the king ennobled Messrs. Bourdon, Boucher, d'Auteuil
and Juchereau as a reward for notable service, and on a later recommendation from
Talon, Messrs Godefroy, Charles le Moyne, Denys, Amiot, and Couillard. These gentle-
men received large grants of land and the seigniorial system was thus further
strengthened. That portion of the regiment which returned to France, became the
nucleus of the Regiment de Lorraine, which continued its existence until the general
re-organization of the French army in 1794.
De Tracy returned to France in 1667, having completed his mission to the satisfaction
of the government; Talon followed him next year, and remained until 1670, when he
came back to Canada bringing with him five hundred settlers. Smaller parties had
arrived nearly every year. On the 25th March, 1669, Captains Chambly, la Durantaye,
de Grandfontaine and Berthier, of the Regiment de Carignan entered into an engage-
ment with the government to maintain their companies at a strength of fifty men each,
between the ages of twenty and thirty, and to furnish them with provisions until their
embarkation on receipt of the sum of one thousand ecus. In the course
of the following year, thirty gentlemen, all former officers, and six companies
of this regiment numbering about three hundred and fifty men returned as a
garrison, destined eventually to swell the number of colonists. Still the number of
troops stationed in Canada was so small that the minister of war declined responsi-
bility for them and they were transferred to the department of marine and colonies and
henceforth became known as "Troupes de la Marine" or "Troupes de la Colonie." They
supplied garrisons for Quebec and the frontier forts and were commanded by an officer
of the rank of captain. They were encouraged to marry in the colony and married
men were usually granted their discharge on engaging to settle on the land and other
men recruited in France to take their place. As a demonstration to overawe the
Iroquois, de Courcelles ascended the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario as far as the Bay
of Quinte, piloted by Charles le Moyne, with an escort of fifty-six chosen men and at
this time he seems to have .contemplated building a fort somewhere on the shore of
the lake which project was, however, postponed for some years. Two years later both
he and Talon left the colony forever, amid general regret, and De Courcelles was suc-
ceeded by the Count de Frontenac as governor, but the post of intendant remained
vacant for three years, when M. Duchesneau was appointed. In a letter dated the 2nd
November, 17§2, very soon after his arrival at Quebec, Frontenac asked for a body of
regular troops, but he was told that the war with Holland made it impossible to complv
with his request and advised to organize and exercise the inhabitants. He took im-
mediate measures to do this by enrolling them in companies and appointing officers.
The forts on the Richelieu were connected by a military road, and the new governor
shortly after his arrival, built a fort for observing the movements of the Indians on the
The Local Forces of New France. 9
shores of Lake Ontario. His expedition for this purpose consisting of four hundred
men, partly regulars, but mainly militia, ascended the St. Lawrence in a flotilla of four
flat boats and one hundred and twenty canoes. The fort was built, surrounded with
palisades, and armed with six guns inside of a week, and twenty acres of land were
cleared for cultivation. A small ship was built there for the navigation of the lake. In
the course of the same year, 1673, a royal ordinance was published prohibiting all
French subjects from remaining in the woods more than twenty-four hours without the
express permission of the governor under the pain of death. This regulation was deemed
necessary to prevent young men from deserting their farms for the more attractive and
lucrative fur trade. The militia was re-organized and captains were appointed who
were also made responsible for the maintenance of roads and bridges, the service of
legal writs, and the conveyance of letters and despatches. A census was taken with
disappointing results. In 1674, the minister wrote to Frontenac from the camp before
Besancon saying that the king was surprised to learn that there were only 6,705
French people in the colony and it would seem that previous returns had been greatly
exaggerated.
In 1674, Frontenac reported that he had instructed the seigniors to assemble and
drill their tenants in military exercises as often as possible. A second census, taken
in 1675, showed some improvement, yet the minister again wrote to the new Intendant
that the king could not believe that there was only 7,832 inhabitants in Canada with
1,120 muskets, 5,117 horned cattle and 21,237 acres under cultivation. Another census
would be awaited with anxiety. It does not appear that this was taken until 1681,
when the population was reported to have increased to 9,710, having 1,810 firelocks,
or approximately one for each family, 6,9^6 horned cattle, seventy-eight horses, and
22,427 acres under cultivation.
Meanwhile, the enterprising explorer, La Salle, had obtained a grant from the crown
of the fort and seigniory at Cataraqui, where he undertook to maintain a garrison equal
to that of Montreal. Trading posts were established by him at Niagara, and on the
River Illinois, to which he gave the significant name of Fort Crevecoeur, in memory
of the many mishaps he had encountered in the course of his undertaking. The gover-
nor and intendant had quarrelled fiercely and eventually both were recalled and then
de Labarre was appointed givernor, with M. des Meules as intendant. The new
governor had served with distinction for many years in the French West Indies but
was well advanced in age and in poor health. His instructions directed him to proceed
as far as Niagara with a body of five or six hundred militia, to convince the Indians
that they must remain at peace, and that he was prepared to attack them in the event
of hostility but he was advised not to break with them without urgent necessity and
being morally certain that he could end the war in a short time with success.
A division of the settlements into parishes was made in 1683. In many cases the
limits of the parish and the seigniory were the same but when the seigniory was very
large and populous it was divided into more than one parish, and sometimes two or
more small seigniories were grouped in the same parish. Eighty-two parishes were
thus organized but for many years the church was unable to maintain so many priests
and frequently more than one parish was served by the same priest. Captains of the
militia were appointed in each parish with subalterns and sergeants. In general the
seigniory became the civil limit of the parish and the seignior and the cure were
naturally the most influential residents but next in importance and dignity to them
came the captain of the militia, whose house was marked by a tall flag-staff planted
in front of it as an alarm post, and for whom a special seat was reserved in church.
A council composed of the chief ecclesiastics, the governor of Three Rivers and
several leading men of the Colony was assembled at Quebec to advise the governor
and intendant. It reported that for four years the English had endeavoured to induce
the Iroquois to declare war against the French and the Indians had declined to do so
until they had overcome the other Indian nations in alliance with the French. The
preceding year they had attacked and inflicted severe losses Upon the Illinois and other
western nations and become masters of all the country about Lakes Erie, Huron and
Michigan. It would be necessary to intervene at once to prevent the entire destruction
of these tribes. The colony could provide one thousand men well trained in Indian war-
fare but in their absence their lands would remain uncultivated. It would accordingly
be necessary to replace them in some way and establish depots of provisions along
the line of advance for the attack of the Senecas, who were the largest and most war-
like nation of the Iroquois. Assistance from France would be necessary and two or
three hundred soldiers would be required as garrisons for the forts on the frontier,
!0 The Local Forces of New France.
and for preventing any invasion of the colony when deprived of its militia. One
hundred and fifty men would be needed to assist those remaining on the farms\durmg
seed time and harvest to avert danger of famine. Two or three vessels would also be
required for the transport of provisions. In any event it would be necessary to org-
anize the miktia and, as the harvest had been abundant, every militiaman ought to pro
vide himself with fire-arms at his own expense and keep them in a serviceable con-
dition for use whenever he was called out. A copy of this report was sent to France to
support an urgent request for reinforcements to undertake this expedition. A joint
ordinance signed by the governor and intendant was published requiring all settlers
to supply themselves with fire-arms at their own expense Aubert de la Chesnaye, a
merchant at Quebec, and le Bon, a merchant at Montreal, were instructed to sell these
weapons to them and accept payment in farm produce at the rate of fifty sols per
bushel for wheat and the current prices for Indian corn, peas and salt pork.
Three companies of the "troupes de la Marine" each consisting of fifty-two men,
were despatched from France but did not. arrive at Quebec until the 9th November,
1684, when it was too late to undertake a campaign. The Iroquois had grown bolder.
They had plundered French traders in the Illinois and attempted to surprise one of
the western posts. Instructions were sent at once to the commandant of a trading post
at Mackinac to collect as many Canadians and friendly Indians as could be assembled
there, and bring them to Niagara to co-operate. Soldiers were sent on early in the
spring to fortify Cataraqui and a new post at La Galette, near the site of the pres-
ent city of Ogdensburg. The militia of the colony assembled at Montreal and includ-
ing the troops that had recently arrived, the governor found himself in command of
one thousand two hundred men of whom tjiree hundred and fifty were Indians. On
Lake St. Francis, he met a deputation from the Onondagas who announced that they
were prepared to make reparation for the Wrongs done the French by the Senecas. The
expedition advanced until it reached a bay on the south shore of Lake Ontario, which
afterwards received the doleful name of "Famine" from the sufferings of the men for
want of provisions. Charles le Moyne Was sent on to Onondaga to confer with the
Indians and bring back their delegates. Here La Barre remained in camp for a month,
but sickness increased so rapidly that a treaty of peace was hastily concluded with
the Indians which was considered to reflect much discredit on the governor. The
troops re-embarked on the 6th September, having suffered so much from disease that
there were scarcely a sufficient number of men in health to embark the sick. The
ill-success of this campaign eventually caused the recall of the governor who was
replaced by the Marquis de Denonville.
By great efforts, de la Durantaye and Dulhut had assembled two hundred Canadians
and five hundred western warriors at Mackinac, but when they arrived at Niagara
with this force they learned to their disgust that a shameful peace had been concluded
and returned to their villages in a state of great discontent.
Three hundred regulars arrived from France in the autumn under the command
of de Callieres, who was appointed governor at Montreal, too late to take any part
in the campaign. In a transport which accompanied Denonviile, five hundred recruits
had been embarked, but it is stated that one hundred and fifty of these unfortunate
men perished during the passage owing to the overcrowding of the ship. The in-
tendant had reported that the sons of many Canadian gentlemen, in spite of their
marked aptitude for a military life had neither the opportunity nor the means of
entering the regular army and, at his request, the king directed that two of these
young men should be appointed annually to commissions in the "Troupes de la
Marine."
The instructions of the new governor directed him to establish peace on a proper
basis by supporting the Indian tribes in alliance with the French and subduing the
Iroquois and convincing them that they must accept such conditions of peace as were
imposed by the French. Accordingly he was authorized to act offensively against the
Senecas and other Iroquois nations if he considered it necessary for the protection of
the western tribes.
A visit to Fort Frontenac satisfied the governor that war with the Indians was
inevitable, and on his return to Quebec, his confidence was greatly increased by the
arrival of a squadron of ships bringing 800 additional recruits under the command of
Chevalier de Vaudreuil, as commandant of all the regular forces in the colony It
was intended that the greater part of these men should remain as garrisons in the
colony, to assist in the cultivation of the land, thus enabling the militia to take part
in the expedition. The town of Montreal was enclosed with palisades to secure it
The Local Forces of New France. 11
against an attack. Two hundred row-boats and as many canoes were prepared for
the expedition. On the llth June, 1687, Denonville left Montreal for Cataraqui, ac-
companied by eight hundred and thirty regular soldiers, nearly one thousand militia
and three hundred Indians residing in the colony. On arriving at Fort Frontenac, he
learned with satisfaction that de la Durantaye was on his way down Lake Erie with
one hundred and sixty Canadians and four hundred western Indians. The flotilla again
got under way and crossed the lake to Irondequoit Bay, near the mouth of the Gene-
see river, where the troops were landed. An enclosure of palisades was made here to
protect the boats and provisions and a garrison of four hundred and forty men left in
charge. Three companies of Canadian coureurs de bois under the command of de
la Durantaye, Dulhut and de Tonti formed the advanced guard and they were sup-
ported on the right flank by three hundred Christian Indians commanded by Le Moyne
de Sainte Helene, and on the left by an equal number of the western nations. The
regular troops and colonial militia followed in succession. An attack by the Senecas
while on the march was easily repelled with very little loss. Their principal town
was taken and destroyed. Ten days were spent in destroying three other villages and
their standing crops. As sickness began to weaken his force, Denonville hastened his
return to the landing place. He then ascended the lake to the mouth of the river
Niagara, where he built a fort, thus completing the chain of posts connecting Canada
with the country of the Illinois. A garrison of one hundred men was left there in
command of Captain de Troyes, who had just returned from a successful expedition to
Hudson's Bay. Charlevoix remarks that "during this campaign the Canadians fought
with their customary bravery, but the soldiers did themselves little credit."
On his return to Montreal, Denonville prepared a report in which he warmly praised
the militia for their services and stated that the detachment from Quebec, which had
just returned to their homes, had travelled a distance of 1380 miles between the 24th
of May and the 18th of August, to take part in the campaign, and that during this
time, they had invaded the country of the Senecas and borne their full share in the
construction of two forts. Commenting afterwards upon the future organization of
the colonial troops, he added: "Messrs de la Durantaye, Granville, Dupuis, Berthier,
La Valliere, and Longueuil, who have done good service, will make excellent cap-
tains. I cannot tell you how greatly Granville and Longueuil, to each of whom I
had given the command of four companies, have distinguished themselves beyond others.
You have already given the latter a lieutenant's commission which he has accepted
gladly: he is the eldest of seven brothers of the family of Le Moyne, whom the King
has ennobled for the services their deceased father rendered in this country. I can-
not praise too highly this family and that of Le Ber, a brother-in-law of the said
Le Moyne, who deserve the greatest credit for the good conduct and good education
of their children who are all fine men. Three of the brothers took part in every
thing was so well done in the expedition to the northward under M. de Troye^."
The destruction of their villages and crops was a severe blow to the Senecas.
Many of them perished from starvation during the following winter and others dis-
persed in search of food. In this way, that nation which had consisted of nearly ten
thousand persons is believed to have been reduced to less than half that number.
The expedition against the English trading posts on Hudson's Bay already men-
tioned had been attended with notable success. Seventy Canadian volunteers, accus-
tomed to long marches, skillful in the management of canoes and boats, and sea-
soned to winter weather and all kinds of hardships, were selected for the enterprise,
and three sons of Charles le Moyne, (d'Iberville, de Sainte-tHelene, and tie <Mar<i-
court) were appointed to command them. They were accompanied by thirty soldiers
under M. de Troyes and two other French officers. The rivers were frozen and the
country deep with snow when this little party started from Montreal to ascend the
Ottawa river to the height of land and thence make its perilous way through the
wilderness to James Bay. The distance to the nearest English post was more than
six hundred miles. The first part of the journey was necessarily made on snowshoes,
and the baggage drawn upon toboggans. Lakes Temiscaming and Abbittibi were cross-
ed in canoes built with their own hands and they finally arrived on the shores of
James Bay on the 20th day of June. "None but Canadians," proudly remarks the
historian, de la Potherie, "could endure the hardships of so long a journey." The
first English fort, or trading house, was easily taken by surprise and M. de Troyes
proceeded to attack Fort Rupert, one hundred and twenty miles distant and Fort
Albany, ninety miles further away, with equal success, as his approach was entirely
unexpected.
12 The Local Forces of tfew France.
Retaliation by the Indians was not long- delayed. One band captured several per-
sons under the walls of Fort Frontenac and threatened that place with attack,
settlements along the Richelieu were devastated and Fort Chambly blockaded for sev-
eral days. So distressing were these ravages that about twenty small forts wer
built in the most exposed settlements in the district of Montreal as places of refuge
for the settlers and their cattle. A volunteer corps of one hundred and twenty fores
rangers was quartered at the head of the island of Montreal. Denonville considered the
situation so serious that he demanded a further reinforcement from France of eight
hundred soldiers and one hundred and fifty agricultural labourers. The practice of
carrying loaded firearms every where became general- and a decree of the superior
council passed on 26th February, 1687, imposed certain precautionary regulations in
consequence of a fatal accident at a public gathering at Three Rivers.
In July, 1688, the colony was again invaded by a numerous band of Indians who
burnt the settlements of Saint-Francois du Lac and Riviere du Loup, then recrossing
the Saint Lawrence continued their work of destruction at Sorel, Contrecoeur, Saint
Ours, and Boucherville, killing cattle and burning buildings as they passed. Nearly
all the militiamen of these settlements, numbering one thousand or eleven hundred,
were then absent on service having been called away to escort a large convoy of sup-
plies from Montreal to Cataraqui. The greater part of the militia were incessantly
kept on duty by these destructive raids. .The minister rather curtly replied to Denon-
ville's request that the King's money and soldiers were urgently required elsewhere
and that he must make every effort to conclude peace with the Iroquois, and conduct
the affairs of the colony peacefully until better times. Only three hundred soldiers
could be spared, of whom one hundred and fifty were to be incorporated in the existing
companies of colonial troops, and the remainder formed into three new companies
under Canadian officers. Among the young Canadians who received commissions were
seven sons of Charles le Moyne, and one or more representatives of nearly every noble
family in the province. When the last ships sailed for Europe that year the affairs of
the colony were in a bad way. An epidemic had first appeared in the garrisons of
Niagara and Frontenac, and spread with great rapidity through the remainder of the
country. The number of deaths was estimated at fourteen hundred out of a total
population of twelve thousand. The cultivation of the land had been much neglected,
owing to sickness and the frequent raids of the enemy. In October, Fort Niagara was
abandoned and it was feared that the invasion would be renewed- during the winter
on a greater scale. The governor's account of these calamities struck a note of
despair.
He compared the Iroquois to a great band of wolves who could only be
tracked to their lairs in the forest with blood hounds or by other Indians who could
not be depended upon. If the inhabitants remained shut up in the forts they must
perish with starvation, and if they attempted to till their farms they were so sur-
rounded by woods that every field would require a special guard. To carry on the
war with success against the Indians, he declared that he would need four thousand
troops from France, provided with provisions for two years in advance, together with
four or five hundred flat boats and all other necessary supplies for such a campaign.
As he suspected that the Iroquois were supplied from New York with the means of
carrying on the war he despatched M. de Callieres to Paris to advocate an attack upon
that province, although there had been as yet no declaration of war against Eng-
land. On his arrival de Callieres offered to lead a force of thirteen hundred soldiers
and three hundred Canadians against New York, which he considered would be
sufficient to effect its conquest. This plan was apparently approved by the king
and minister. Early in May, 1689, war was declared by England. In this declara-
tion the French were accused of having invaded New York and taken possession of
the English posts on Hudson Bay and of encroaching upon the fisheries of Newfound-
land. It seemed all but certain that a serious invasion of Canada from the English
colonies would soon follow.
Early in August, 1690, in the midst of a terrific storm of rain and hail, a large
body of Iroquois estimated, probably with some exaggeration, at fourteen hundred war-
riors crossed Lake Saint-Louis and landed unexpectedly on the upper end of the
island of Montreal. The settlements were laid waste and the inhabitants killed or
made prisoners, their buildings were burnt and nearly all their cattle killed A party
of forty soldiers and the same number of friandly Indians was attacked on the march
and killed or taken to a man. The Iroquois remained in undisputed possession of
The Local Forces of New France. 13
the island for many days and the only success over them was gained by twenty-eight
Canadian coureurs de bois led by Dulhut and le Gardeur de Mantet who defeated a
small party of Senecas on the lake of Two Mountains.
While the consternation caused by this invasion was still at its height, the Count
de Frontenac arrived at Quebec to tal^e over the government of the colony for a
second time and Denonville was recalled to a military command in France. Frontenac
was accompanied by several Iroquois chiefs who had been detained as prisoners for
several years. They were at once released and sent to their homes in the hope that
they would induce their people to ask for peace. Although Frontenac was sixty-
eight years of age he was still active and energetic in mind and body. On landing,
he learned with dismay, that orders have been given for the withdrawal of the
garrison from Fort Frontenac and hastened to Montreal with the intention of coun-
termanding them. On arriving there he found that the post had been already de-
stroyed, together with a considerable supply of provisions and munitions and three
small vessels.
A few days later a raiding party of Indians burnt the whole of the settlement
of La Chesnaye, opposite the Island of Montreal and killed twenty persons. During
the winter, negotiations for peace with the. Iroquois were renewed without success,
and as their failure was attributed mainly to the influence of the English, the new
Governor determined to harass their colonies by a guerilla warfare. Three parties
were equipped to make simultaneous raids on their frontier settlements by different
routes.
• The first of these, organized at Montreal, consisted of one hundred and twenty
Canadians "and provincial troops and one hundred friendly Indians, under the command
of Sainte-Helene and de Mantet. Marching on snow shoes through the woods early
in February, the coldest season of the year, they fell unexpectedly upon the fort
and village of Schenectady which were taken by surprise and entirely destroyed with
the exception* of two houses. Many of the inhabitants were killed and the remainder
carried off as prisoners. A second party, organized at Three Rivers, was commanded
by Francis Hertel who was accompanied by three of his sons, twenty-four other Cana-
dians and twenty-five Indians. Leaving on the 28th of January, they made their way
with much difficulty along the valleys of the St. Francois and Connecticut Rivers, and
after a painful march of nearly two months duration, attacked the settlement of Sal-
mon Falls which was protected by two stockades and a large fortified house. These
were taken and destroyed with nearly all the other buildings and a great number of
cattle. The third party, organized at Quebec, was commanded by de Portneuf, a son
of the Baron de Becancour, who had as his Lieutenant, le Gardeur de Courtemanche.
It consisted of fifty Canadians and sixty Indians and began its march also on the 28th
of January. Its objectives were the new settlements at Casco Bay, on the sea-coast
frontier of Massachusetts. De Portneuf's advance was slow, as his men were obliged
to support themselves by hunting, and it was the 25th day of May before he arrived
in the vicinity of Casco, which was protected by a strong fort, armed with eight
guns, and four other smaller forts. An armed party which sallied from the larger
fort to reconnoitre, was surprised and defeated with severe loss. The smaller forts
were taken with little difficulty and the settlements laid waste. The principal fort
was then invested and summoned to surrender. The commandant announced his in-
tention of resisting to the last, but when he saw that preparations were being made
to set the fort on fire, he surrendered his garrison of seventy men with a large number
of women and children. The forts and neighbouring houses were destroyed and on
the first of June, de Portneuf began his return march, and arrived at Quebec on the
23rd of the same month. In all of these parties there were several of the younger
members of the Canadian noblesse and gentry who proved themselves to be ideal
leaders in this kind of warfare, but most of their operations were attended with lam-
entable bloodshed and cruelty on the part of the Indians.
The success of these forays revived the drooping spirits of the colonists and their
Indian allies, but their joy was of short duration. War parties of the enemy soon
made their appearance, both in the district of Montreal and that of Three Rivers.
One of these was led into an ambush near La Prairie by a party of twenty militia-
men from Pointe-Aux-Trembles, commanded by Lieut, de Colombez, and defeated with
considerable loss. The Canadians lost a dozen men, among them being their leaden
Another party raided the Seigniory of Becancour and made many prisoners. To
check these incursions, Frontenac organized two small moveable columns, one under
de la Motte, to patrol the river from Three Rivers to Saint-Francois du Lac, the
14 The Local Forces of New France.
other under de Clermont, to perform the same service on the other bank between
Montreal and Sorel. Both of these detachments had sharp encounters with the enemy
with varying success. Finally de la Motte fell into an ambush on one of the islands
in Lake Saint Peter, and was killed with the greater part of his men. The inhabitants
were kept in a constant state of alarm and several parties of harvesters were at-
tacked. At length an Indian scout came in from the vicinity of Albany and an-
nounced that he had discovered a large body of the enemy on the shores of Lake
George, where they were busily engaged in building many boats and canoes. Ihe
whole of the available force was immediately assembled at Montreal, where all the
friendly Indians were collected for a council of war. A great feast was made for them
on the 25th of August, the name-day of Saint-Louis, which was attended by
Count de Frontenac, dressed as an Indian chief, adorned with feathers and war paint,
and carrying a tomahawk in his hand. After addressing the assembled chiefs and
warriors, he offered them the axe, sang a war song, and danced the war dance. A few
days later, the messenger from Fort* Chambly confirmed the former report, and
announced that the enemy was advancing down Lake Champlain. The troops still en-
gaged in the harvest in the neighbouring fields were hastily recalled, and some com-
panies sent across the river to La Prairie from which direction it was expected the
enemy would approach. On reviewing his force, the governor found that he had twelve
hundred men under arms including Indians.
A body of about two thousand men, militia and Indians from the provinces of
Connecticut and New York, had in fact been assembled for the invasion of the colony
but an epidemic of small pox having broken out among them, the expedition was
abandoned and the force dispersed. On learning this, Frontenac once more released
the greater part of his troops, both soldiers and militia, to gather in the harvest and
had begun preparations for putting them into winter quarters, when a messenger ar-
rived from Quebec with the alarming information that a numerous fleet of the
enemy's ships was advancing up the river St. Lawrence, and had already destroyed
some fishing settlements on the shore of the gulf.
Embarking on the 10th October, a few hours after receiving this news, Frontenac
met next day at Sorel, a second messenger who informed him that an English fleet
of thirty-three sail had taken a French vessel, ninety miles below Quebec. As there
could no longer be any doubt of the approach of a formidable force of the enemy,
an officer was sent back to Montreal with orders for all the troops and a great part
of the militia to fdllow as soon as possible and similar orders were given at Three
Rivers when the governor passed that place. His ship having been detained by con-
trary winds, he entered a canoe and arrived at Quebec at noon on the 14th to the
great joy of the inhabitants who relied with the utmost confidence upon his courage,
energy and skill.
The English fleet slowly advancing up the river conveyed a considerable body of
colonial troops from Massachusetts under the command of Sir William Phipps, who
had already taken the forts of Port Royal and Chedabuctou on the coast of Acadia, and
compelled the inhabitants to take an oath of allegiance to the king of England. Fron-
tenac had little time to prepare for defence as on the 16th of October, the whole fleet
anchored off Quebec and began preparations for landing. Several days elapsed before
these were completed and in the interval new batteries were built and armed and the
fortifications of the town greatly strengthened. The militia of Three Rivers under
the command of Hertel soon arrived and were followed a few days later by eight
hundred men from the district of Montreal, commanded by de Callieres. The militia
from the district of Quebec assembled in full force and had already distinguished
themselves by their activity in resisting some attempts to land below the town. In
one of these, the militia of the parish of Riviere Ouelle led by their cure, M. de
Francheville, wearing the distinctive blue cap and great-coat of the local militia, and
armed with a reliable shot-gun, had inflicted some loss on a party that attempted to
come on shore at that place.
On the afternoon of the 18th, all the troops were landed from the fleet near the
mouth of the River St. Charles, and on advancing inland came under a heavy fire from
a body of colonial troops and militia who had taken a favourable position to oppose
the passage of a small stream, where they were concealed among bushes and rocks.
After an action lasting for an hour, the French were compelled to retire with some
loss. Capt. de Clermont was killed and M. Juchereau de Saint-Denis, seignior of Beau-
port, who commanded the militia from that parish, was severely wounded. The English
slowly advanced towards the town and encamped ^on its outskirts just out of range
The Local Forces of New France. 15
of the batteries. Here they remained for two days without making any further offen-
sive movement. On the afternoon of the 20th, they were attacked by a small party
commanded by the brothers, de Longueuil and Sainte-Helene, and in this skirmish the
latter officer was mortally wounded. Next day, some small detachments of colonial
troops accompanied by the militia of Beauport, Beaupre, and the island of Orleans
again advanced from the town and commenced a brisk attack. The following night
was very dark and rainy and the English commander took advantage of this to re-
embark his troops without molestation, leaving behind him, however, five guns and
some munitions. These were seized by a party of volunteers from Beaupre and Beau-
port who defended them successfully against a detachment sent from the fleet to re-
cover them. This body of militia was commanded by the Sieur Carre who was
joined by forty young men from the seminary of Saint-Joachim to whom Frontenac
presented one of the captured cannon, and gave another to the militia. In engaging the
batteries by the water side, the English ships had received some damage, and as the
weather had grown cold and stormy, Phipps reluctantly decided to abandon the
siege and return to Boston. Before sailing he proposed a general exchange of prison-
ers which was carried out. Frontenac warmly praised the courage and devotion of
the inhabitants of Quebec as well as the militia of Montreal, Three Rivers, and the sur-
rounding country who had hastened with such alacrity to the defence of the place, and
the departure of the fleet was naturally hailed as a great victory.
The great scarcity of food in the colony prevented Frontenac from sending out any
raiding parties during the winter. Early in May, a body of several hundred Iroquois
established a camp near the mouth of the Ottawa River, which became a base for their
inroads upon the district of Montreal. The parish of Pointe-aux-Trembles was en-
tirely devastated by ,them. Another party surprised some friendly Indians between
Chambly and La Prairie while a third surrounded the Indian village on the mountain
at Montreal and carried off several inhabitants. Other parties harried the settlements
from Repentigny to the islands of Lake St. Peter, and did much damage without being
molested, as lack of provisions prevented the troops and militia from entering the field
to oppose them. Finally M. de Vaudreuil, having diligently collected supplies from
house to house, went in pursuit with one hundred men, mainly volunteers from the mili-
tia. On the 7th June, fifteen Iroquois warriors were surrounded in a house at Repen-
tigny, and although they were ultimately all killed, Francois Le Moyne de Bienville, the
fifth son of Charles Le Moyne, was mortally wounded in this fight. In July a squadron
of ships arrived from France with provisions and reinforcements which restored con-
fidence.
The governor and intendant were directed by an order from the king to make
every exertion to train and equip the militia for active service. Patents of nobility
were granted to Hertel as a reward for his services and to Juchereau de St. Denis who
had been wounded at the siege of Quebec. Le Moyne de Longueuil was promoted
to the command of a company, his brother, de Maricourt, was granted half pay, and
commissions as subalterns in the colonial troops were reserved for other Canadian
gentlemen.
Supplies were at once shipped to Montreal where all the troops were assembled
for the purpose of dislodging the enemy from their position on the Ottawa, but they
withdrew before these preparations could be completed. Shortly after, a scouting party
commanded by young Hertel brought in a prisoner who stated that a large body of the
enemy were advancing by Lake Champlain under the command of a famous partisan
officer, Major Peter Schuyler of Albany. A party of chosen troops and militia was
at once despatched to reinforce the garrison of Fort Chambly and seven or eight
hundred more, partly colonial troops and partly militia, crossed the river to La Prairie,
where there was another small fort. Here they were suddenly attacked on the night
of the lOth-llth August by Schuyler's force which had stealthily approached under
cover of darkness. Before they recovered from their confusion, the French suffered
very severe loss. Four captains of the colony troops were killed in rallying their men.
After a fierce fight which lasted nearly three hours Schuyler was repelled with severe
loss. The leader of the Canadians, Le Ber Duchesne, was mortally wounded. Fron-
tenac declared in an official letter, that no action in Canada, since the establishment
of the colony, had reflected more credit on the king's arms, or been of so great ad-
vantage, as it gave the inhabitants security while finishing their harvest, without
which they would have been reduced to the greatest distress.
In the month of November, the Iroquois renewed their attacks but were driven off
without doing much damage. During the following spring they showed so little ac-
16 The Local Forces of New France.
tivity that Frontenac went down to Quebec to meet the reinforcements which he ex-
pected to receive from France. During his absence the seigniory of La Chesnaye was
again laid waste, and a number of the inhabitants carried off while engaged in hay-
making. Vaudreuil pursued the invaders with four hundred men and overtaking them
at the Long Sault, inflicted severe loss. Still a few days later, a party under Captain
de Lusignan returning from Three Rivers, was attacked on Lake St. Peter; de Lusignan
was killed and his party dispersed. In August, Frontenac returned to Montreal,
bringing with him three hundred militiamen from the district of Quebec, whose as-
sistance he deemed necessary to protect the harvesters in gathering their crops, which
was accomplished without much loss. He then made deliberate preparations to attack
the Indians once more in their villages. The intendant was instructed to provide sup-
plies, snow shoes, and sleds for six hundred men. In the month of January, 1693, a
force consisting of one hundred colonial troops, two hundred Indians and more than
four hundred young Canadian volunteers, was assembled at Montreal for this expedi-
tion. Many of these men came from a great distance, some even from the new set-
tlements more than one hundred miles below Quebec. At the request of the Indians,
Lieuts. Mantet, Courtemanche and Lanoue of the colonial troops, but^ all natives of
the country and accustomed from their infancy to long journeys in winter weather,
were placed in command. Twenty-five or thirty other "colonial officers offered their
services, several of whom were permitted to accompany the force as volunteers.
Travelling on snow shoes and drawing their supplies on sleds this column march-
ed from La Prairie on the 25th of January to attack the Mohawk villages about
fifty miles from Albany. On the 16th of F bruary they approached the nearest villages
in the dark and captured. two of them with little resistance. Two nights afterwards they
attacked a third where many warriors were assembled for an expedition. A desperate
fight followed in which twenty Mohawks and two Canadians were killed. All the cap-
tured villages were destroyed and the ex 'edition began its retreat with three hundred
prisoners but was closely pursued by Schuyler with nearly seven hundred men. Several
sharp skirmishes took place in which the Canadians lost about fifty men, killed and
wounded, among the latter the gallant Lanoue. A rapid thaw set in and impeded
their retreat. Their sufferings were great, as the conveyance of so many wounded
and the care of so many prisoners made their movements slow and difficult. Their
provisions became exhausted and they were obliged to send forward a party to bring
supplies from Montreal which barely enabled them to reach that place, completely
worn out by fatigue, on the 17th of March. Even then they were obliged to leave
most of their wounded behind in a small stockade under the protection of a few brave
volunteers commanded by Courtemanche. Although this enterprise had by no means the
success expected, still it caused the enemy considerable loss and spread terror on the
frontiers of the province of New York.
Receiving information from different sources that a considerable squadron had
arrived at Boston, and was preparing to make another attack upon Quebec, while at
the same time eight hundred Iroquois and six hundred militia from Connecticut
and New York were directed to advance against Montreal, Frontenac made every ef-
fort for the defence of the colony. The fortifications of Quebec were again strength-
ened and a strong place of refuge for the women and children was established on the
island of Orleans. Another fort with four stone bastions connected by palisades and
surrounded by a ditch was built at Montreal to protect the town. Sorel and Ckambly
were put in a better state of defence. Towards the middle of July, eight hundred
Indians made their appearance near the Cascades at the farther end of Lake Saint
Louis. De Callieres assembled eight hundred men and was joined by de Vaudreuil
with five companies of royal troops and ona hundred and fifty recruits who had just
arrived from France with whom they marched in search of the enemy. The Indians
had decamped on learning their approach and the campaign terminated.
The fleet at Boston proceeded to the West Indies to attack the French colonies
there but suffered so much loss from yellow fever that this design was also aban-
doned.
Negotiations for peace were renewed with the Indians mainly in the hope of secur-
ing an exchange of prisoners and gaining time for the cultivation of the land which
was so important to the colonists. In these respects they were partially successful.
Ever since his return to the country, Frontenac had kept constantly in mind the
re-establishment of a garrison at Cataraqui, and in the spring 1694, he gave instruc-
tions for the organization of an expedition to occupy that place. When all was ready to
move, he received orders from France to supply a force under command of the two
The Local Forces of New France. 17
brothers, Le Moyne d'Iberville and de Serigny, for the attack of Port Nelson on
Hudson Bay. One hundred and twenty Canadians and some Indians were selected for,
this expedition and the remainder disbanded.
In fact, the French government gave little breathing space to the Cana-
dian militia as parties of them were constantly employed in conveying stores to
Niagara, the Illinois, and Mackinac, or in making raids upon the British settlements on
the frontiers of Acadia, in Newfoundland, and Hudson Bay. The force under d'Iber-
ville and his brother consisted of two hundred picked men in two armed vessels
which arrived in sight of Port Nelson on the 20th September. They were prevented
by ice from approaching the fort for nearly a month, but on the 28th of October, the
troops were landed and the siege began. I \ repelling a sortie, de Chateauguay, a
younger brother of the leaders of the expedition was killed, but a few days later the
garrison capitulated and the captured post received the name of Fort Bourbon. Winter
soon set in and d'Iberville was detained by ice until the beginning of September in
the following year, when he sailed for France with a valuable cargo of furs, leaving
a garrison of two officers, sixty-four Canadians and six Indians.
The negotiations with the Indians had been protracted without any definite result
and in the spring of 1695, Frontenac decided to rebuild and reoccupy the fort at
Cataraqui as a base for future operations. One hundred and ten men were recruited
in the districts of Quebec and Three Rivers, and were joined at Montreal by thirty-six
officers, fifty militiamen, two hundred colonial troops and two hundred Indians, under
the command of Chevalier de Crisasy, an Italian officer of great merit. A few days
after the departure of the troops from Montreal, letters were received from ^France
absolutely disapproving of the project, but it was then too late to recall the troops.
The dismantled fort was quickly repaired and placed in a state of defence without the
loss of a man. A garrison of forty-eight soldiers were left behind and the remainder
returned to Montreal, discovering on their way that the Indians were once more assem-
bling»for an invasion of the colony. This information gave the governor of Montreal
an opportunity of putting his garrison on the alert and the He Perrot was occupied
with a force of eight hundred men. These measures, however, did not prevent the
Indians from making some desultory incursions which were repelled before much
damage was done.
Preparations for the contemplated expedition against the Iroquois were steadily
continued. It was intended to direct the first blow against the Onondagas, who were
believed to be the nation most firmly attached to the English and opposed to any
treaty of peace. By attacking them during the winter it was anticipated that many
women and children might be captured and that this would induce the warriors to
submit. An unusual fall of snow early in the year compelled a modification of this
scheme. It was next proposed to despatch a force consisting of all the militia of the dis-
tricts of Three Rivers and Montreal, with the friendly Indians and soldiers trained to
the use of snow shoes, against the Mohawks, but the escape of a prisoner of that
nation from Montreal caused the abandonment of this plan. Three hundred men, of
whom some were Indians, were sent to reconnoitre the peninsula between the Saint
Lawrence and Ottawa under the command of Louvigny, who was accompanied by three
other colonial officers. That part of the country was found entirely clear of the
enemy and the small garrison of Fort Frontenac fully on the alert and in good health
and spirits. The detachment returned to Montreal about the end of March, having
suffered from scarcity of provisions and the difficulty of marching, as the snow in
the woods was reported to be seven feet deep on the level. The militia and friendly
Indians from all parts of the colony were ordered to assemble at Montreal on the 22nd
of June. Frontenac arrived from Quebec on the same day and found that the necessary
boats, munitions and provisions had already been collected by the intendant. On the
6th of July, the whole force encamped on He Perrot. Five hundred Indians had arrived
who were divided into three bands under the orders of de Maricourt, Le Gardeur and
the Baron de Becancour. The regular force was organized in four battalions each of
two hundred men, under the command of four oldest captains of the colonial troops.
The militia numbering nearly a thousand men was also organized in four battalions;
that from Quebec being commanded by M. de St. Martin; the battalion from Beaupre by
de Granville ; the battalion from Three. Rivers by de Grandpre, and the Montreal
battalion by d'Eschambault, crown attorney for that town. Three days later this small
army began its advance, taken with it several small pieces of field artillery. The
labour of surmounting the rapids was very great, and only accomplished by the ex-
traordinary efforts of the militia who displayed the greatest skill and activity in this
18 The Local Forces of New France.
work. A halt of six days was made at Cataraqui. Lake Ontario was then crossed
'without accident and on the 28th of July, a landing was made at the mouth of Oswego
river. The boats were taken up the river, carried around the falls, and thence ascended
the stream to Oneida Lake, and entered the Onondaga river. A fortified camp was
established there for the protection of the boats and provisions, and the march was
continued on the 4th of August, Frontenac being carried in the litter, escorted by his
staff. The Indians had intended to await the attack in their principal village where,
with the assistance of some English officers, they had built a strong fort of earth and
palisades, but finding that they would not receive reinforcements they expected from
the other nations, had abandoned it and destroyed the whole village by fire. Three
days were spent in destroying the vast fields of Indian corn which surrounded this
village for five miles in all directions. The Onondagas had retreated into the woods
a distance of fifty or sixty miles and it seemed useless to pursue them. A deputation
arrived from the Oneidas bringing in a French prisoner as a peace-offering, and they
announced their willingness to accept such terms as might be imposed upon them,
provided their villages were not harmed. This proposal was rejected and the nearest
village was occupied and destroyed with the neighbouring fields of grain. Frontenac
next proposed to advance against the Cayugas, and announced his intention of
building a fort on the site of each of the ruined villages, to prevent the Indians
from returning. De Callieres offered to remain there during the winter and the
govenor selected de Maricourt and some other officers, mostly native Canadians, for
service under him as being more accustomed to a life in the woods than others. On
reflection, however, he suddenly changed his mind and decided to return at once to
Montreal. This caused considerable discontent, especially among the Canadians and
Indians who were anxious to continue the campaign. Only thirty-five prisoners were
taken and Frontenac lost but four men, one of whom .was killed during the retreat
and the other three were drowned in shooting the rapids. The destruction of their
crops caused the Indians great distress as the English colonists were unable to
supply them with sufficient provisions.
Frontenac lost no time in returning to Quebec to. receive the orders of the court.
He was then directed to detach two hundred men composed of regular troops and
Canadian volunteers to Placentia in Newfoundland, where they were to await the arrival
of d'Iberville. That officer having taken and destroyed the post of Pemquid, built on
the frontier of Acadia to overawe the Indians, was unable to reach Placentia before the
middle of September. Several English fishing posts had been established on the eastern
shore of the island, and it was against these that the expedition was directed. Pla-
centia was the only place of consequence in the hands of the French. The governor of
this place claimed the command of the whole force. The Canadians, however, declared
that they would only follow d'Iberville and threatened to take to the woods if they
were required to serve under another. On All Saints Day, they began their march
across the island to attack St. John. The snow had already begun to fall and the
weather became stormy. The town was taken with little difficulty and the fort invested.
It surrendered on the last day of the year when it was demolished and the settle-
ment destroyed to prevent its re-occupation. D'Iberville with his Canadian followers
continued the campaign in spite of the inclemency of the weather. Providing them-
selves with snow shoes and carrying their provisions on their backs, they easily made
themselves masters of the remaining fishing stations with the exception of Bonavista
and the island of Carbonniere both which places were pronounced too strongly fortified
to be attacked. D'Iberville's force consisted of only one hundred and forty four men
and he reported the capture of between five and six hundred prisoners, most of whom,
no doubt, were taken in small parties. Charlevoix effusively compared this band of
"brave Canadians" to the tenth legion "who would only fight under the leadership
of Caesar, and at whose head, Caesar was invincible." Among the young Canadian
officers, named as having particularly distinguished themselves by their courage and
contempt for hardships were de Martigny, Boucher de La Perriere, d'Amour de Plaine,
d'Amour des Chaff ours and Dugue de Boisbriand. D'Iberville afterwards returned to
Placentia to prepare for a nattack upon the English posts, and awaited the arrival of
his brother, de Serigny, from France, by whom he received an imperative order to
embark with his Canadian followers and recover Fort Bourbon which had been taken
by an English squadron. On arriving in sight of Port Nelson on the 5th of September
1697, with his squadron of five vessels, he encountered three large English ships and
a fierce battle followed. The largest English ship was sunk in the course of the action
and another taken. The fort was invested and surrendered a few days later.
The Local Forces of New France. 19
Frontenac was obliged by the great scarcity of provisions to abandon his plan of
harassing the Indians by small parties. The organization of the expedition against the
Onondagas had caused neglect in seeding, the harvest had 'not been large and the price
of grain became enormous. It would be a matter of difficulty to maintain his troops
even in their quarters without undertaking offensive operations. Fortunately the
Iroquois were not aggressive and even sent a deputation to negotiate for an exchange
of prisoners and ostensibly to treat for peace. In the spring of 1697, the negotiations
were renewed. The governor had then received orders to hold all the colonial troops
and militia of the colony in readiness for a secret expedition, the object of which was
not disclosed even to him. Like former orders of similar purport received from the
ministry, these instructions greatly hampered his operations against the Iroquois.
Anticipating a formidable attack upon the colony, La Motte- Cadillac, the commandant
of Mackinac, was summoned to the defence of Montreal where he arrived with three
hundred western Indians.
On the 17th September, a small squadron arrived at Quebec, bringing- confidential
despatches from the commander of the combined naval and military force fitted out at
La Rochelle for the conquest of New England. The fleet had been late in its departure
from France and was further delayed by contrary winds; consequently it failed to
arrive at Placentia in Newfoundland until the 24th July. As the troops expected to
join it from Canada, could not possibly arrive before the 10th of September, and
the fleet was only provisioned for fifty days, a council d¥ war decided to abandon
the design. All the supply ships irttended for Canada were sent on to Quebec with
these despatches. By the same messenger, Frontenac received a royal edict prohibit-
ing all officers and soldiers quartered at the frontier posts from trading with the In-
dians under heavy penalties. This caused much dissatisfaction and drew a strong re-
monstrance from the governor. Another royal ordinance was also received authorising
the discharge of all soldiers serving in the colonial troops who married in the country.
They were to be granted pay for one year, and allowed to retain their clothing, arms
and accoutrements.
Early in May, 1698, Schuyler arrived from Albany with nineteen French prisoners
and announced that a treaty of peace had been concluded at Ryswick, between the
contending European powers, by which the frontier of Acadia was to be delimited, the
trading posts on Hudson Bay were ceded to France and those in Newfoundland,
with the exception of Placentia restored to the English. The Iroquois again showed
a disposition to treat for peace, the conclusion of which Frontenac was not destined
to see, as he died suddenly in November, 1698, after a few days illness, leaving be-
hind him the reputation of having been the greatest governor of New France, which
has been confirmed by the verdict of posterity.
De Callieres was eventually appointed governor general and de Vaudreuil succeed-
ed him as governor of Montreal. The Iroquois released their prisoners and after a
long negotiation, a treaty of peace was ultimately signed at Montreal, on the 8th Sep-
tember, 1700. During this war which lasted for more than ten years, the colony had
suffered severely, not only from invasion, but from the almost continuous absence of
the militia on active service, who consequently had little time to attend to their or-
dinary occupations. The noblesse and gentry had as a rule proved themselves efficient
leaders and displayed great courage, endurance, resourcefulness and skill in the con-
duct of minor military operations at the head of their tenants and the local militia.
The colonial troops were also mainly officered from among them. The militia had be-
come a tolerably well trained and efficient irregular force, and the clergy generally
had shown their zeal and resolution in animating their parishioners in the perform-
ance of their military duties, some times actually leading them to the field, and
often marching with them in their campaigns.
More than two thousand recruits had arrived in detachments from France to
strengthen the colonial forces, very few of whom ever returned to their native land.
Many of them married and received their discharges in the colony. The discipline and
efficiency of the militia were naturally improved by the inclusion of so many trained
soldiers in its ranks.
The interval of peace was of short duration, as France and England were soon
involved as enemies in a fresh conflict which became known in history as the War
of the Spanish Succession. As long as the Iroquois remained friendly the colony
had little to fear from any invasion by land. Consequently, the governor-general
made every effort to keep on good terms with these Indians.
20 The Local Forces of New France.
During this past decade of incessant warfare the population of the colony had in-
creased slowly, if at all. Farming had been neglected as most of the able-bodied
men were constantly kept under arms. Seeding was done hastily and carelessly,
and often none but the women, children and old men remained upon the farms to
sow the grain and reap the harvest. In the autumn of 1700, the crop was very
scanty. In the following winter the inhabitants in the country were obliged to dig
up roots in the woods to save themselves from starvation. In the towns, their suffer-
ings were still greater, and the entire population was deprived of most of the neces-
saries of life. The renewal of hostilities filled them with dismay. An expedition
against Placentia was fitted out in New England but failed, after taking a few fish-
ing vessels. The governor of Acadia warned de Callieres that a formidable naval
and military force, including some militia from New York, was being collected at Bos-
ton. The fortifications at Quebec were repaired and reinforcements again demanded
from France. While engaged in these preparations for defence, de Callieres was
suddenly overtaken by death and the administration of the affairs in the colony
devolved upon de Vaudreuil as the officer next in rank. In his anxiety to maintain
peace with the Iroquois, the new governor promised that he would abstain from
any attack upon the province of New York, but declared that . he would not spare
the people of New England, as they had already attacked his Indian allies in Acadia.
He sent a large party under Lieut, xle Beaubassin against the frontier of Massa-
chusetts, which ravaged many miles of country a'nd killed or took prisoners three
hundred persons. This incursion was, however, strongly condemned by the French
minister, Pontchartrain, who wrote "I know that the English desired peace because
war is fatal to the interests of all their colonies; the French have always begun hos-
tilities in Canada."
The English settlers promptly retaliated by attacking the Abenaquis and the chiefs
of that tribe urgently called for assistance. During the winter of 1703-4, de Vau-
dreuil despatched a force of two hundred and fifty men under Hertel de Rouville, a
retired officer of the colonial troops, who was accompanied by four of his brothers.
This party ascended Lake Champlain and thence crossing to the Connecticut- River
marched upon the ice against Deerfield, the nearest settlement. This village was pro-
tected by a small fort and some fortified houses, occupied by a garrison of twenty sol-
diers. It was surprised in the night and taken with very little resistance. Forty-seven
persons were killed, one hundred and twenty taken prisoners, and the village reduced to
ashes. Rouville was wounded himself but lost only three men besides a few Indians.
Many of the younger prisoners were adopted into Canadian families and never return-
ed to their former homes.
The Iroquois still remained neutral but the governor of New York invited them
to meet him in council at Albany, a measure which was regarded by de Vaudreuil
with strong suspicion. The Senecas had even hinted their willingness to act as medi-
ators between the French and English. When informed of this the French minister
directed the governor to agree to a state of neutrality in America, but remarked that
it was not politic to obtain this by the intervention of the Indians. De VaudreuiFs
efforts in this direction were unsuccessful, but they served to convince the Indians
that the French did not want war.
A seaman named La Grange who had taken part in the last campaign at Hudson
Bay under d'Iberville, planned an expedition against the English settlements in New-
foundland. He fitted out two small vessels, enlisted one hundred young Canadians,
obtained a letter of marque from the Governor and attempted to surprise Bonavista.
In this he failed, but took several valuable prizes with which he returned to Quebec.
This encouraged the governor of Acadia to propose another expedition in greater
strength. The French government approved this plan, and he was authorized to enlist
men at Quebec and transport them to Placentia. A force of four hundred and fifty
men was assembled under the command of de Beaucourt and de Montigny, two noted
partisan leaders, both of whom had already served in Newfoundland under d'Iberville
They were repulsed in an attack on the fort of St. John, but destroyed several fishing
settlements on the coast and made many prisoners.
The year 1705 was regarded as one of the great calamity for Canada as a large
ship of war on its way to Quebec, loaded with supplies valued at a million livres
was taken by the English. Among the passengers who became prisoners were the
bishop of Quebec and several priests. De Vaudreuil was at length formally installed
as governor, his commission having been several times delayed through accidents. For
the next two years the continuation of hostilities affected Canada very slightly, but on
The Local Forces of New France. 21
the 15th June, 1707, an English fleet appeared before Port Royal in Acadia, and
landed a considerable body of troops. An attempt at assault was easily repelled and
the whole force re-embarked two days later. This successful defence was largely
attributed to the opportune arrival of sixty Canadian volunteers shortly before the
appearance of the enemy, as the inhabitants of the place, having received no support
from France for three years, were much inclined to surrender.
A second attempt a few months later, led by Colonel March, met with no better
success. His squadron appeared before Port Royal on the 20th August, and landed
troops next day. All the colonists within thirty miles had been assembled for the
defence of the place and the garrison was reinforced by the crew of the royal
frigate, Bisone, which had been recently completed by the enlistment of sixty Can-
adians at Quebec. The advanced guard of the invaders fell into an ambush and was
roughly handled. The whole force shortly afterwards re-embarked and on the first of
September, set sail for Boston.
Early in the following spring an expedition was organized at Montreal, composed
of about four hundred chosen men, of whom one half were militia and volunteers,
among the latter being several officers of the colonial troops, and the remainder
Abenaquis and Huron Indians. The militia and volunteers were commanded by Hertel
de Rouville and Saint Ours des Chaillons; Boucher de la Perriere was in charge of
the Indians. Marching in two parties from Montreal, one following the river St.
Francis and the other going by way of Lake Champlain, they had agreed to meet at
Lake Nikisipique, where they were to be joined by the Indians from Acadia. A further
advance was delayed for various reasons and many of the Indians returned to their
villages because one of them had been killed by an accident which they considered a
bad omen. The party was then reduced to two hundred men but having received
orders to proceed, they attacked the village of Haverhill on the river Merrimac,
guarded by a small fort, having a garrison of thirty soldiers. The place was
taken with little resistance, and set on fire. The alarm spread rapidly and they soon
heard drums beating and the trumpets sounding in the neighbouring villages. During
its retreat, HertePs force was briskly attacked by a party lying in ambush in the woods
but succeeded in repelling it with heavy lo-s. A large number of prisoners were
brought off, many of them being women and children. The French lost three Indians
and five Canadians killed, among the latter two young officers of great promise, Hertel
de Chambly, a brother of de Rouville, and Jared de Vercheres.
Another expedition fitted out at Placentia succeeded in taking St. John in New-
foundland, on the 1st January, 1709. The fortifications were dismantled and the place
abandoned as troops could not be spared for its occupation.
These events caused so much annoyance to the English government that they
decided to make another vigorous effort to expel the French from Acadia and New-
foundland, and then attempt the conquest of Canada. Five regiments of regular troops
were placed under orders to embark from England and bodies of volunteers were re-
cruited in New York and New England. A sudden turn in the war in the Spanish
Peninsula altered these plans and the departure of troops from England, was counter-
manded. The military preparations in New York and the conclusion of a treaty of
alliance with the Iroquois became known to Vaudreuil by a letter from a Canadian
missionary residing among the Onondagas. The greater part of the colonial troops were
assembled at Montreal early in January and the militia ordered to be in readiness to
move on short notice. De Rouville was sent with 250 men to reconnoitre the shores
of Lake Champlain but he returned without discovering any trace of the enemy. Two
months later the appearance near Lake Champlain of a large force of English and
Indians was reported and de Ramezay, governor of Montreal, was ordered to march
against it with a body of fifteen hundred men among them being six hundred militia,
organized in six companies, commanded by de Rouville, Saint-Martin, des Jordis,
de Sabrevois, de Ligneris and des Chaillons. A small detachment of the enemy
was routed near the lake and a number of prisoners taken. It was then learned that
the English had strongly fortified their camp and were building boats for a further
advance. The Indians declared that it would be rash to attack them in this position
and a council of war decided to retire to Montreal. The fortifications of Chambly and
Montreal were repaired, and de Vaudreuil returned to Quebec, where new works were
under construction. A report that an English squadron was advancing up the river
caused a general alarm and the militia were assembled in large numbers for the de-
fence of the town. This news proved to be false and it was also soon learned that
the army assembled for the invasion of the province had retired from Lake Champlain
without attempting any further movement.
22 The Local Forces of New France.
The joy of the colonists on hearing this was soon changed into sorrow by the
ill-success of an expedition, headed by de Mantet against Fort Sainte-Anne on Hudson
Bay. His party had succeeded in reaching the palisades surrounding this place without
being discovered when their leader was killed by the first fire of the garrison,
followers became utterly discouraged at this loss and returned to Canada.
Port Royal was closely blockaded for several months in the summer of 1710, and
in the following October, a large fleet anchored before that place and landed several
thousand men under the command of General Nicholson. As a successful defence
against such a force seemed out of the question, the garrison yielded at once. By the
terms of capitulation, the whole province of Acadia was surrendered. Port Royal then
received the name of Annapolis Royal in honour of the reigning queen of England and
a strong garrison was left in possession.
On learning this loss Vaudreuil felt certain that an attack on Quebec would not
be long delayed. De Longueuil was sent to treat for peace with the Five Nations,
and work on the fortifications of Quebec was resumed. Le Gardeur de Saint Pierre
and Tonti, who had gone to the west to collect the Indians, opportunely arrived at
Montreal with nearly five hundred warriors. The colonial troops and militia were held
in readiness to march at a moment's warning. When de Vaudreuil returned to Quebec,
he found it in a position to stand a siege with confidence. The appearance of an
English fleet in the Bay of Gaspe was soon reported and at the same time a large
force, including several hundred Indians began its march from Albany toward Lake
Champlain. A strong detachment was organized at Montreal, under command of the
Baron de Longueuil to observe the movements of the enemy in that quarter. Before
leaving Montreal he was presented by the Grand Vicar with a banner on which a well
known nun, Mademoiselle le Ber, had embroidered a prayer to the Holy Virgin.
On his arrival at Chambly, Longueuil learned that the English army had suddenly
retreated, after destroying its magazines and stockades. The cause of this movement
was unknown but it raised the hopes of the colonists to the highest point. The
colonial troops and militia from Montreal at once hastened to the relief at Quebec
where they arrived in the greatest spirits, declaring their impatience for a sight of the
English fleet. They were immediately set to work on the fortifications which they
shown the greatest zeal. They were so noisy at night that a local annalist naively
relates that they greatly disturbed the sleep of" the inhabitants.
The regular troops from England had arrived at Boston early in July and great
efforts were made throughout the English Colonies to co-operate in the contemplated
expedition. On the 18th August, a numerous fleet under the command of Admiral
Hovenden Walker, bearing these troops cast anchor in the Bay of Gaspe. The wind
suddenly shifted to the east and a dense fog covered the river which prevented its
further approach and in attempting to put out to sea, eight of the transports were
driven on the rocks where they went to pieces and many men perished. This disaster
caused the abandonment of the expedition and the fleet returned to England without
even attempting an ascent of the river. By many Canadians the failure of these plans
was devoutly attributed to divine intervention.
The French ministry strongly desired to follow up this advantage by an effort
to regain Port Royal and the province of Acadia. This was considered equally neces-
sary for the preservation of their other settlements in North America and the pro-
tection of their fisheries. De Vaudreuil Was desired to undertake this task with the
Canadian militia. He asked for the assistance of two ships of war but was unable-
to obtain them. As an evidence of good faith, he had already ordered a detachment
from Quebec to assist the Indians and Acadian colonists in blockading Port Royal, but
the news of the approach of the English fleet had forced him to recall this small
party.
The Iroquois renewed their professions of friendship, which were not believed to
be entirely sincere, but at all events, they made no serious effort to invade or harass
Canada. In the west, a bitter warfare had begun between the Renards or Foxes,
then a numerous and warlike tribe, and the Indians in alliance with the French. Du
Buisson, the commandant of Detroit, was compelled to take the field in support of the
allied nations, and with the assistance of his artillery, the Renards were eventually dis-
lodged from their stronghold and slaughtered without mercy in the pursuit.
Canada was not again threatened with invasion during this war, and in 1713, a
treaty of peace was signed at Utrecht by which the French posts on Hudson Bay and
Newfoundland together with the entire province of Acadia were ceded to Great Britain.
The Local Forces of New France. 23
The Indian nations who had taken arms on either side were also guaranteed from
future molestation by subjects of France and Great Britain respectively.
In spite of an epidemic of small pox which had caused many deaths, particularly
in the year 1703, the population of the province had considerably increased. In 1713,
the white inhabitants were reported to number 18,440 of whom 4,444 were males fit for
military service between the ages of fourteen and sixty. The colony troops consisted
of twenty-eight companies having a total strength of 628 of all ranks. The treaty of
Utrecht was followed by more than thirty years of peace, broken only by a few puni-
tive expeditions against the Indians in the west. Forts Frontenac and Niagara se-
cured the safe navigation of Lake Ontario for French shipping. Great trading posts
were established at Detroit and Mackinac, which were frequented by most of the Indians
in those regions. Many Canadians followed d'Iberville to Louisiana when he founded
that colony and took an active part in establishing settlements at Mobile, Natchez,
Gahokia and other points on the Mississippi. Intercourse between the two colonies
was frequent and intimate. Traffic with the Indians became very profitable and in
1727, a company was organized for trade beyond the Mississippi under the name of
"Compagnie des Sioux." Its agents explored the vast region beyond that river as
far as the foot of the Rocky Mountains and built several small trading posts on the
Upper Mississippi and its tributaries, as well as upon the Saskatchewan and other
rivers of the north. Gradually the number of persons, employed in the fur trade in-
creased to about 4,000, many of whom were young Canadians who naturally preferred a
life of adventure to less exciting occupations in the colony.
In the summer of 1730, the war with the Renards recommenced and they were de-
feated and dispersed with great slaughter. An expedition against them tw'o years
later under the command of de Villiers and de Repentigny was on the contrary re-
pelled after a desperate fight in which both the French commanders were killed. In
1734, another force consisting of eighty colonial troops and 130 friendly Indians was
despatched from Montreal to punish this tribe. After a journey which occupied no
less than seven months, this party discovered an Indian fort on a branch of the Missis-
sippi, which ^was found to be much stronger than had been anticipated. Finding them-
selves too weak to attack, a treaty of peace was hastily concluded which was after-
wards condemned as humiliating. Le Moyne de Bienville, after much distinguished ser-
vice at sea, had become governor of Louisiana. He was soon involved in hostilities
with the Natchez and in 1723, marched against them with a considerable force among:
whom were a number of Canadian volunteers. This w/ir continued intermittently with
little success for some years. In a subsequent expedition against the Chickasaws,.
de Bienville met with a serious check and urgently requested the ministry in France
to instruct the Governor of Canada to assist him with a reinforcement. M. de Beau-
harnois who had succeeded de Vaudreuil selected the Baron de Longueuil for the com-
mand of this force. As this campaign was likely to be protracted and attended with
many hardships there was a marked unwillingness to volunteer for the service.
The governor accordingly was obliged to issue orders for the draft of a militia force.
It consisted of 440 men including some Indians, but most of the latter deserted on the
march. A junction with the troops from Louisiana was effected at Fort Saint-Francois
on the Mississippi, not far from the site of the present city of Memphis. De Bien-
ville's force then consisted of 1,200 white troops and more than 2,000 Indians and ne-
groes. Disease, however, soon' broke out among them and he decided to leave the cam-
paign entirely in the hands of the Canadians and their allied Indians, who, being ac-
customed to the hardships of winter in their own country, he strangely argued would
be able to resist the southern climate quite as well. Accordingly de Celoron marched
against the enemy with his little force and succeeded in compelling them to sue for
peace. Among other Canadian officers who distinguished themselves in this campaign
de Saint-Laurent, de Gannes, de la Chauvignerie, de Ligneris and le Gardeur de Saint-
Pierre were specially named. *
The organization of the militia was maintained apparently without much alteration
The division of the colony into parishes was revised in 1721, by a jurist from France
whose scheme did not give satisfaction owing to his lack of local knowledge. His
successor, M. Le Voories, was appointed as Procureur-General and special commission-
er. Before altering the boundaries of any parish, he assembled the habitans and heard
their suggestions and objections. The number of parishes was increased to 110 and
his decisions appear to have given general satisfaction.
A royal memorandum of 15th May, 1725, addressed to the governor and intendant
directed that all farmers, domestic servants and workmen should be enrolled in the
24 The Local Forces of New France.
militia. Bailiffs were also required to perform service therein excepting those who were
court-criers. If the gentry declined to act as officers they must be compelled to serve
as privates. In a later letter, a list of officers was required, and astonishment was
expressed that councillors who formerly felt it an honour to act as captains of militia
had ceased to seek commissions. An order from the intendant, addressed to Sieur
Trudelle, Captain of the militia of the Cote de Beaupre, dated the 2nd January, 1727,
instructed him to inform the inhabitants of that parish that they must cut the timber
necessary for bridges, and work at repairing the roads. On the 14th May, 1728, the
president of the Navy Board wrote to the governor that it was observed that the gen-
eral militia roll contained the names of 6,977 persons of whom 322 were without arms.
They were to be induced to supply themselves at their own expense. An ordinance
published by the intendant, Hocquart, on the 5th June, 1730, required all captains and
other officers of the militia to supervise the necessary labor of the inhabitants upon
the roads and public bridges, and in case of refusal, the work was to be carried out
at the expense of the deliquents. Permission from the minister of marine was re-
ceived the same year for the distribution of arms to discharged soldiers. Another
ordinance published by the same official, dated the 17th February, 1738, authorised
the officers of justice and captains and officers of the militia to take possession in
any place whatsoever of as much wheat as was required for the troops, the hospitals,
and the poor, paying for it att a rate of four livres per bushel.
An official memoir attributed to the intendant, Hocquart, apparently written in
1736, states the entire population of the colony at about 40,000 persons of whom
10,000 were fit for military service.
The writer describes the Canadians as generally tall, well made and of an active
temperament. There were few mechanics or tradesmen among them but necessity had
made them industrious. The rural inhabitants of the country were generally expert
in the use of the axe. They manufactured most of their tools and agricultural im-
plements and built their own houses and barns. Some of them had learned to weave
a coarse kind of cloth called "drugget" of which much of their clothing was made.
They were fond of distinctions and compliments and were proud of their courage, keenly
sensitive to ridicule and any kind of reproof. They drank much brandy and frequent-
ly became intoxicated. Although strongly attached to their religion they were not con-
sidered particularly truthful. They were fond of hunting, boating and travelling and
had not the heavy and rustic appearance of the French peasants. Naturally impatient
of discipline, the chief method recommended to enforce it, was the selection of officers
of the militia from the best educated and most influential inhabitants, giving them all
possible support from the government to maintain their authority. The following
families of noblesse were enumerated: le Gardeur, of which there were four branches;
Denys, of which there were three branches; Daillebout, having four branches; Boucher,
Contrecoeur, La Valterie, St. Ours, Meloises, Tarrieu de la Perade, Le Moyne, Aubert,
Hertel, Godefroy, Damours. The head of the family of Boucher was then nearly ninety
years of age, and had more than 190 children, grand children, brothers, nephews and
other relatives. The two families of Hertel and Godefroy were also very numerous.
Besides these, there were several other gentlemen serving in the colonial troops
whose families had not been so long established in the colony. Many nobles and*
sons of officers desired to enter the military service, but as most of them were quite
poor, they sought commissions as a mean of obtaining a livelihood rather than from
other motives. The governor-general annually selected some of the most promising
young men and sent them to France for service in the navy, in order to confirm the
noblesse in their affection for the country. The colonial troops consisted of twenty-
eight companies, each having a captain, a lieutenant, and two ensigns. Besides these,
there were twenty-eight cadets, and 784 soldiers. This number was considered much
too small to furnish sufficient garrisons for the frontier posts and the towns. The
garrisons of the posts numbered 214 of all ranks, leaving a little more than 500 for
the protection of the three towns. j
A few of the seigniors, among them notably the Baron de Longueuil, had built
large castellated mansions of solid masonry, well suited for defence and as places
of refuge for their tenants.
Within the limits of the settled colony there were five Indian villages; the Hurons
of Lorette, three leagues from Quebec, consisting of thirty warriors; two villages of
Abenaquis at Three Rivers and Saint-Francois de Becancour, numbering 300 warriors;
two villages at the Lake of Two Mountains, one of Iroquois, the other of Algonquins
and Nipissings containing between them 300 warriors. All of these Indians were nom-
The Local Forces of New France. 25
inally Christians and allies of the French for many years. They had taken part in
most of the offensive operations in former wars and were expected to afford con-
siderable assistance in future.
The Five Nations were reported to have a fighting strength of 500 or 600 men, but
although they professed friendship for the French, it was anticipated that their in-
terests would incline them towards neutrality. There were three large Indian villages
in the vicinity of Detroit; one of Hurons, with 250 warriors; one of Pottewatamies,
with 150 warriors and the third of Ottawas, numbering 140 men. On Lake St. Glair
there was a village of Sauteurs having 150 men. A village of Ottawas at Mackinac
could furnish 200 men. Twelve leagues distant there was a villages of Sauteurs con-
sisting of 100 warriors. The Sacs still had a strength of 150 men. Many of them
had removed to the river Saint-Joseph and separated from the Renards with whom
they had formerly been closely allied. They were suing for peace with the French.
The Folles Avoines numbered 150 warriors, and between sixty and eighty Renards
had survived the prolonged campaign of extermination waged upon them. All of
these Indians had a high reputation as fighting men, and with the exception of the
Sacs and Renards, they seemed firmly attached to the French. In the whole of the
French sphere of influence in North America, about thirty different nations or tribes
had been distinguished, having a total strength, it was estimated, of between
twenty and thirty thousand warriors.
In time of peace, the principal duty of the officers of militia was to furnish men
for the maintenance of the roads, bridges, fortifications and other public works. Ordin-
ances were issued from time to time, commanding the inhabitants to perform these
services. Practically all the public roads were opened and maintained and the bridges
built by the corvee labour of the habitans, under the orders of the seignior, or captain
of militia, and the general supervision of a royal official called the grand voyer. His
duties were defined in an ordinance passed in 1706, which directed him "to visit all
the seigniories in which main roads had not been built, and to build such in concert
with the proprietors of seigniories or in their absence, with the captains of the mili-
tia, unless there be a royal justice present; and to decide in accordance with the
opinion of six of the oldest and most prominent habitans of the place where the
roads ought henceforth to run, provided always that such roads should be at least
twenty-four feet wide." The habitans of each parish were commanded to aid in the
construction of such roads and work their days of corvee for this purpose whenever re-
quired. This statutory labour was commonly known as f(the King's corvee" to distin-
guish it from the service due from the tenants to their seigniors upon their own do-
mains. The amount of labour so required naturally varied from year to year, according
to the extent and character of public works undertaken in any locality but the entire
amount thus exacted does not appear to have ever been so great as to occasion any
general complaint in ordinary times.
With the permission of the Five Nations, the governor of New York had es-
tablished a trading post at Oswego, and began to collect materials for the construc-
tion of a fort. De Vaudreuil protested strongly against this aggressive act which
threatened his line of communication with the western Indians and the colony of Louisi-
ana. He responded by the construction of a strong stone fort at Niagara to replace
the former stockade which had fallen into decay, and built two good sized ships for
the navigation on Lake Ontario. The Baron de Longueuil was likewise directed to
ask permission from the Five Nations for the establishment of a trading post among
the Senecas.
De Vaudreuil died at Quebec on the 10th October, 1725, having administered the
government for twenty-one years. He had spent the greater part of his life in Can-
ada, and was well known to nearly all the inhabitants by whom his death was generally
lamented. The government of the colony then devolved upon the Baron de Longueuil,
governor of Montreal, who only administered it for a few months until the arrival of a
new governor. This was the Marquis de Beauharnois, a naval officer of considerable dis-
tinction. The dread of a future war with the English was ever in his mind, and he
made vigorous efforts to strengthen the defences of the colony. In 1731, an officer
was sent with a detachment of soldiers and workmen, to build a strong stockade on
the strait between the head of Lake Champlain and the "grand marais" near the place
where an English force had encamped in 1709, and commenced to build boats for the
invasion of Canada. The intendant reported that this- post would effectually bar that
route of approach in the future and enable a force from Canada to undertake offen-
sive operations at will. The governor also urged the habitans to live in compact vil-
26 The Local Forces of New France.
lages around which they were directed to construct stout palisades to protect them
against any sudden attack. As his apprehensions of war continued to increase, age]
were sent to sound the intentions of the Five Nations and western Indians, and steps
were taken to increase French influence among them everywhere. A considers
garrison was stationed in the new post on Lake Champlain which received the name
of Fort Saint-Frederic. At the same time it was well provided with artillery and muni-
tions. Similar precautions were taken at Chambly and an engineer officer was <
spatched to Cataraqui and Niagara to strengthen the fortifications at those points, and
their garrisons were likewise reinforced. The entrenchments surrounding Quebec were
completed and new batteries constructed. A census taken in 1744, showed a total of
11 285 men fit for military service of whom 4,647 resided in the district of Mon-
treal, 1,059 in that of Three Rivers and 5,579 in the district of Quebec. Besides these,
there were nearly a thousand men employed in the fur trade, and the transportation
of merchandize and stores to the west. To repel an invasion of the province, i
governor thought he could muster a total force of 600 colonial troops, about 12,000
militia, 400 Iroquois Indians from the villages of Sault Saint-Louis and the Lake of
Two Mountains, 200 Algonquins and Nipissings and more than 700 Abenaquis. The
Five Nations were expected to remain neutral.
Information of an actual declaration of war did not reach Canada until the spring
of 1744. The governor at once took further precautions for defence and warned the
friendly Indians to be in readiness to join him in the field whenever ordered. His
first plan was to attack Oswego, but he feared the hostility of the Five Nations and
despatched a confidential officer, M. de la Chauvignerie, with a few Indians from Can-
ada to ascertain their views on this point.
Early in the month of January, 1745, 120 Canadians and 400 Indians from the
colony under Lieutenant Marin were despatched to Acadia to assist a small body
of troops under M. de la Cannes, who was blockading Annapolis. The spring of
that year was one of the earliest and finest ever known in the history of the colony.
During the winter very 'little snow fell in the district of Quebec; seeding was finished
before the end of April and the militia were accordingly set at liberty to undertake
offensive operations. Before they could take the field, Jiowever, a large fleet with a
numerous land force of militia from New England appeared before Louisbourg, and
succeeded in taking that important fortress after a siege of forty-nine days. A power-
ful French fleet which had sailed for the purpose of recovering Acadia was so
badly damaged by a great storm that it was obliged to take refuge in the harbour
of Chibouctou (Halifax) to refit, and while there, nearly half of the troops on
board perished from disease. The new governor of Canada, de la Jonquiere, who
was on board, took over the command after the death of two senior officers, and felt
himself obliged to return to France.
At the beginning of June, a body of 680 militia had sailed from Quebec in seven
small ships under the orders of M. de Ramezay, destined for Minas Basin where he
was directed to await the arrival of the French fleet and assemble the neighbouring
Indians. Learning of the disaster to the fleet, de Ramezay retreated to Beaubassin
with a number of prisoners whom he had taken, leaving Coulon de Villiers with three
hundred Canadians at Minas to protect the Acadian population. The garrison of Port
Royal was in consequence strongly reinforced by militia from Massachusetts, and a
detachment of 380 men was sent forward to occupy the settlement of Grand Pre. Here
they were attacked by de Villiers who took advantage of a heavy snow storm to ap-
proach the place undiscovered after a forced march of seventeen days in intensely cold
weather. The assault was made at 3 o'clock on the morning of llth February, 1747.
The garrison was scattered in ten fortified houses and de Villiers consequently
divided his force into ten small parties to attack them simultaneously. Nine of these
houses had been captured when de Villiers had his arm broken by a shot. The
Chevalier de la Corne took the command and attacked the remaining house which was
armed with several small pieces of cannon. After a stubborn defence the garrison
of this house surrendered on favourable terms.
The governor gave the warmest praise to this small body of militia for the
rapidity of its march in the coldest season of the year, the vigour of its attack,
its excellent discipline and cheerful endurance of hardships. He desired it to remain
in Acadia for the protection of the inhabitants but famine compelled de Ramezay to
return to Canada where he arrived in the following June, bringing with him a large
number of prisoners. The gallant de Villiers died from the effects of his wound
shortly after his arrival at Quebec.
The Local Forces of New France. 27
The Iroquois declared their strong wish to remain neutral and as early as July,
1745, their chiefs requested the governor of Canada to make no attack upon Oswego
and refrain from carrying the war into their country.
Several other western nations, however took up arms for the French and ravaged
the frontiers of the English colonies. Many small war-parties consisting of Cana-
dians and Indians, were constantly on service from the autumn of 1745, until the
month of August, 1746. They struck terror into the frontier settlements of Massa-
chusetts, Connecticut and New York, to such an extent that many of the inhabitants
deserted their farms and sought safety in the interior.
On returning from Acadia in the beginning of November 1745, Marin set out with
300 militia and 300 Indians from Fort Saint-Frederic, and on the night of the 28th-29th
he surprised Saratoga, burnt the entire settlement and carried off one hundred
prisoners.
At the request of some of the principal sufferers from this foray, Shirley, the
energetic governor of Massachusetts, advocated a league of the northern English
colonies for the organization of a force to destroy this fort and invade Canada from
that quarter. Having received information of this, de Beauharnois despatched two de-
tachments to the assistance of the commandant; one under command of M. de Muy,
the other under M. Rigaud de Vaudreuil, town major of Three Rivers. Their instruc-
tions were, in the first instance to maintain possession of the fort, but if not attacked
by the enemy, they were at liberty to invade their territory. On his arrival at the
fort, Rigaud learned that the English had made no movement and he decided to
enter New England with 600 Canadians and 300 Indians. After a march of ten days
he reached Fort Massachusetts on the Hoosic river in Berkshire county. The garri-
son surrendered after a day's siege and the country was laid waste for a distance of
thirty-six miles on both banks of the river below. Rigaud was slightly wounded in the
•arm himself, but did not lose a single man in the expedition.
In describing to the minister the military operations of this year, the governor
and intendant rendered entire justice to the good will and courage of the Canadian
militia. "We have reason to hope," they wrote, "that as long as the English have
no regular troops to put into the field, the Canadians will never think of yielding.
In their manner of making war they seem to have lost none of their ancient
courage."
Shortly afterwards the Mohawks took up arms and committed depredations at '
Soulanges and Isle Lamotte. On the 8th of March, the governor-general formally de-
clared war against them at a council held at Montreal, attended by the Iroquois re-
siding in the province. Indians were despatched in small parties of eight and ten to
harass the settlements on the Connecticut and Hudson rivers. A small party of French *
was surprised near Fort Saint-Frederic by a party of Indians and several of them
killed. Hostile Indians raided the settlements at Chateauguay, and Isle Perrot, and
even pillaged some houses on the island of Montreal. The Hurons of Sandusky also
became hostile and killed several traders. Every effort was necessary to preserve
French ascendency in the west. The expenses of the colony were greatly increased
and provoked severe adverse criticism on the part of the minister. In justification the
intendant reported that "His orders were not to remain merely on the defensive
but to act offensively; they have been executed; our success proves it. The incur-
sions of our Canadians and Indians on the enemy's territory have been carried on
incessantly . Our frontiers have been well guarded and our
settlements protected, while the enemy's frontiers are deserted and their inhabitants
overcome with terror. The royal arms have met with no defeat
Prudence required that the public magazines should be well filled with provisions,
stores, and munitions to ensure the success of any operations which might become
necessary in the event of an invasion."
Hostilities were finally terminated by an inconclusive treaty of peace signed . at
Aix-la-Chapelle, by which all conquests made during the war were restored.
The trade of the colony had not suffered materially during this period and the
demands upon the militia had not been excessively severe. Three years after the
conclusion of peace, a body of troops and a supply of munitions was sent out from
France to place the country in a better state of defence. Two small forts had been
built during the war, on Lake Ontario, one at la Presentation, now known as Ogdens-
burg, and the other at Toronto, which confirmed the French supremacy on that lake.
The memorable expedition which left Jjachine on the 15th of June, 1749, under the
command of Celoron de Blainville to take possession of the Ohio Valley was mainly
28 The Local Forces of New France.
composed of volunteers from the Canadian militia. It consisted of twenty colonial
soldiers, 180 Canadians, 30 Iroquois and 25 Abenaquis. Crossing the portage from
Lake Erie to Lake Chatauqua, thence following Conewango Creek and the Allegany
river, he reached the Ohio. A leaden plate was buried there and the royal arms
attached to a tree and as he descended the river, similar plates were buried at the
mouth of each of its principal tributaries Until he arrived at the Great Miami, on the
19th September. Making his way overland to Detroit, he returned before winter set
in to Montreal, having travelled nearly 3,600 miles in the course of his journey.
On the death of de la Jonquiere in 1752, the Marquis Duquesne, another naval
officer, was appointed governor. His first measure was to hold a general review of
the troops and militia and issue orders for the improvement of their discipline.
The colonial troops were almost wholly officered by native Canadians. These
were mostly sons of the noblesse or of former officers, a good many of whom entered
the service as cadets. Large families were common among this class. M. de Repen-
tigny who died in 1737, was the eldest of the family of twenty-two sons. It is also
probable that a considerable number of Canadians actually served in the ranks, al-
though the companies were nominally recruited in France.
The number of inhabitants liable for military duty was estimated at 13,000. Ex-
perience had proved, however, that not more than one-third of these could be with-
drawn from their farms during seed time and harvest, without exposing the colony to
great danger of famine. The new governor next determined to expel all English
traders from the Ohio valley and planned to send early next year an expedition
composed of 2,000 troops and militia, and the same number of Indians to occupy the
country. One hundred large boats and 128 canoes were built at Quebec to carry the
necessary provisions and stores, and sent on to Fort Frontenac. The advanced guard •
consisting of 300 Canadians went forward in the autumn of 1752 under the command
of Marin, who had acquired great influence among the western Indians. Two maga-
zines for provisions were built by him on the portage of Chatauqua leading from Lake
Erie to a tributary of the Ohio. Next spring a fort was built at Presqu' He, now
Erie, another on the river au Boauf, and a third near the mouth of the Wabash. By
the construction of these forts he hoped to secure the communication between the St.
Lawrence and the Mississippi. A party of English settlers, who were building a fort
near the mouth of the Monongahela, was driven off and the captured post was im-
mediately completed and enlarged. It was given the name of Fort Duquesne, in honour
of the governor. A considerable garrison under the command of de Contrecceur,
an officer of the colonial troops and a member of a well known Canadian family,
occupied this post during the winter 1753-4. Learning that a body of Virginians was
building a fort on the Monongahela, some thirty miles distant, de Contrecoeur sent
thirty men, all Canadians, under the command of de Jumonville, to warn them off
French territory. A collision unfortunately took place in which de Jumonville and
ten other Canadians were killed, another man was wounded and the remainder taken
prisoners. A force of 600 troops and militia and 100 Indians commanded by de Vil-
liers was promptly despatched against the English fort which surrendered after a
short siege in which twelve of the garrison were killed and forty others wounded.
Thus commenced the protracted struggle, afterwards known as the Seven Years' War.
Believing that war was then inevitable, both the English and the French govern-
ments decided to send out regular troops for the protection of their colonies. Two
British regiments consisting of rather more than 1,000 men sailed . from Cork in
January 1755, and arrived safely in Virginia about the end of February. At the same
time the governors of Virginia and Pennsylvania, the two English colonies chiefly
interested, were instructed to organize an equal force of militia to be employed in
expelling the French from the valley of the Ohio.
Duquesne was notified by a despatch which he received in May that 4,000 regulars
would be sent to his assistance and at the same time he learned that the Marquis de
Vaudreuil, son of the former governor of that name and a native Canadian, had been
appointed to succeed him. He published this information at once for the encourage-
ment of the colonists and reported to the minister that he was satisfied that the
Canadians "would do wonders" when employed on operations in conjunction with
regular troops. During the winter he had maintained garrisons in the forts on the
Ohio consisting in all of nine officers, nineteen cadets, 437 militia and soldiers and 200
Canadian Indians, of whom more than half were stationed at Fort Duquesne. Early
in March, he despatched a detachment of soldiers and artillery with six guns to Fort
Frontenac with instructions to proceed to Niagara as soon as navigation was open and
The Local Forces of New France. 29
thence to Fort Duquesne. In April and May, three brigades of boats followed, loaded
with provisions and supplies for nearly a year, besides several small parties of militia
and Indians. On receiving information shortly afterwards that troops were being-
assembled and ships being built at Oswego, de Villiers was sent to Niagara with a
body of 200 militia and seventy Canadian Indians to remain there in observation and
repel any sudden attack on that post. The total strength of the reinforcements thus
sent to the west up to the 25th of June, 1755, was officially reported to amount to 817
militia and soldiers, and 170 Indians. At the same time, small pensions were granted
to the widows of the militia who had been killed or had died of disease in service
and to eighteen habitans who had been maimed in the%siege of the English fort on
the Monongahela. Duquesne assured the minister that such pensions properly distri-
buted would greatly encourage the militia in the performance of their duty. The list
enclosed indicates that pensions were granted to fifty-six persons, mostly women, in
sums varying from seventy-two to 600 livres, amounting in all to 9,982 livres.
The .French fleet bearing troops and supplies consisted of fourteen sail. In its
passage two frigates separated from the remainder and fell in with an English squad-
ron off the coast of Newfoundland. Although war had not been declared, an action
followed, in which both the French vessels were taken.- M. Rigaud de Vaudreuil, a
brother of the new governor and a ^number of officers with eight companies of
troops were made prisoners on these ships, thus considerably reducing the force in-
tended for the defence of Canada. The remainder arrived safely at Quebec towards
the end of June, 1755. Writing from Montreal on the 24th of July, de Vaudreuil
announced his intention of attacking the English post at Oswego. He had already
assembled for that purpose a force of 4,300 men, composed of 2,000 regulars, 1,800
militia and 500 Canadian Indians, all of whom seemed to be in the highest spirits. The
movement to Fort Frontenac began in small brigades, and two battalions of the
regulars with three or four hundred militia had already reached that place, when the
Baron de Dieskau, a Saxon officer who was in chief command, learned that an English
force had made its appearance near Lake Saint- Sacrement, now Lake George, with an
evident intention of attacking Fort Saint-Frederic, and perhaps invading the district
of Montreal while the French were besieging Oswego. A council of war decided to
abandon the proposed expedition, recall the troops from Fort Frontenac, and go to
the relief of the menaced post. On his arrival at Fort Saint-Frederic, Dieskau
learned that the enemy had entrenched themselves at some distance and was appar-
ently waiting reinforcements. He had then at his disposal, eighteen companies of
regular troops, 1,600 militia and 600 Indians under the orders of Le Gardeur de
Saint-Pierre who possessed extraordinary influence over them. While advancing towards
the English camp, which had received the name of Fort Lydius, with a select body of
men consisting of 200 soldiers and 600 militia and as many Indians, he encountered a
column of 800 New England militia and 200 Indians, who were marching to its relief.
This force was at once attacked and dispersed with heavy loss but Saint-Pierre was
killed in the action with several other Canadians and Indians. His success encouraged
Dieskau to make an ill-considered attack upon the English camp which was easily re-
pelled. Dieskau and his aide-de-camp and two militia officers, La Coste and Gaucher-
Gamelin, were severely wounded and taken prisoners; Captain de Longueuil was re-
ported missing. In addition to the officers already named, the loss of the French in both
actions amounted to one officer and twenty-six regular soldiers, ensign Du Sable and
seven soldiers of the colonial troops, twen y-five militia and thirty-three Indians killed,
besides one officer and fifty regular soldiers, Captain Le Gardeur de Repentigny, Lieut.
Le Gardeur de Montesson of the colonial troops, thirty-six militia and forty Indians
wounded. Both de Vaudreuil and the intendant attributed this disaster mainly to the
unfortunate haste displayed by Dieskau in rushing to the attack of a strongly fortified
camp with one third of his force without sufficient reconnaissance. He had led the
colonial troops in person to the assault and fell mortally wounded close to the foot
of the abattis. Two Canadians who bravely attempted to remove him were both killed
in the effort. The militia seemed seriously discouraged by their heavy losses on this
occasion and complained that they had been hurried to the attack before they had
time to regain their breath. In the month of June a force from Massachusetts suc-
ceeded in taking Forts Beausejour and Gaspereau, and overran the whole of the pen-
insula in the present province of New Brunswick, where the remnant of the Acadians
had taken refuge. About 1,500 of them were disarmed.
On the other hand the expedition from Virginia directed against Fort Duquesne met
with a crushing defeat after advancing within ten miles of that place. On learning
that his post was threatened, de Contrecoeur, who was still in command, sent several
30 The Local Forces of New France.
small parties of Indians with a few militiamen attached to each under a Canadian
officer, to gain information and harass the enemy, giving the leaders strict orders
to restrain the Indians from committing any acts of cruelty. This had considerably
diminished the force at his command. On the 8th of July, two of these parties returned
in haste with information that the English were Steadily advancing in three columns,
not more than eighteen miles away when last seen. Captain de Beaujeu of the
colonial troops was ordered to march with every effective man in the garrison to
waylay them. He went out at eight o'clock the following morning with seventy-two
of the colonial troops, 146 militia and 637 Indians, among whom was the famous
Pontiac. An ambush was prepared in a suitable position about nine miles from the
fort at a place where the enemy would ba obliged to approach by a very narrow
path while climbing a steep hill from the valley of the river. De Beaupeu was
killed at the third fire but ably replaced by Dumas, the second in command. The
advancing column sustained great loss, and was soon thrown into irretrievable con-
fusion. A great number of the fugitives were mercilessly slaughtered in the pursuit and
others drowned in attempting to cross the river. Altogether, the loss of the English
force was nearly 1,500 men among whom Was Major-General Braddock, the command-
ing officer, who died of his wounds a few days afterwards. All of their artillery
and about 500 horses fell into the hands of the victors who lost, besides their leader,
only two officers, Lieut. Drouet de Carqueville, and Ensign Lanaudiere de la Perade,
three militiamen, two French soldiers and fifteen Indians killed. The wounded were
Lieut. Leborgne, Ensign de Bailleul, Cadets Hertel de Sainte-Therese and de Mont-
medy and twelve Indians. In his report de Contrecoeur warmly praised the services of
Dumas, and de Ligneris, and added "all the officers have distinguished themselves;
the cadets have done marvels, likewise our soldiers."
In soliciting pensions of 150 livres each for the widows of de Saint-Pierre
and de Beaujeu, the governor remarked that the death of the former was an irrepar-
able loss. On the same day he reported the death of four colonial officers, the Baron
de Longueuil, de Fonville, Marin and de Saint-Pierre, all of whom had received the
cross of Saint-Louis in recognition of their services.
The colony, he remarked, was capable of great development but to accomplish
this, peace must be restored. If all the farms were properly cultivated they could
support as many people as the king could send out from France, but the inhabitants
were tired out; those who had taken up lands in recent years had scarcely begun
to till them when they had been commanded on military service in preference to
many of their well-to-do able-bodied neighbours. The occupation of the Ohio coun-
try, he declared, was the direct cause of the ruin of these habitans. More of them
had already died in that enterprise than would probably be lost in several years of
active war. Many men had been drafted for this purpose without the least considera-
tion for their circumstances and obliged to carry boxes and other- heavy articles over
portages in a manner very prejudicial to the good of the service.
About the same time the officer in charge of ordnance stores reported that he
found great difficulty in providing the militia with proper arms as when they reported
for service they usually came with their firearms in such a bad state of repair that
he was obliged to issue others. The chief inconvenience which he noticed was the dif-
ferences in the calibre of their weapons, and stated that when they received an issue
of ammunition, three fourths of them were obliged to pare down the bullets with their
knives to make them fit the barrels which could scarcely be de done in the face of
the enemy. He further reported that the militia preferred "les fusils Tulle de chasse,"
on account of their handiness. He therefore recommended that this type of weapon
should be provided with a bayonet which he considered indispensable, both for offen-
sive and defensive warfare, still he would not deprive them of the tomahawk or hatchet
which was most useful when encamping in the woods. Powder horns were also required
which should be made to contain a pound of powder each. Those received that year
were found to be totally useless.
The governor also recommended the formation of ten additional companies of
"troupes de la marine" for the service of the colony, and applied for the transfer
of twelve Canadian officers from the force raised for the defence of Louisbourg, seven
of whom were then actually employed in Canada, as they knew the country well and
were experienced in irregular warfare. He had then been informed that two other regular
battalions were under orders to proceed to Canada, and that the Marquis de Mont-
calm had been appointed to the command of all "troupes de terre" serving in the
province. He protested very strongly against this appointment. It was not neces-
The Local Forces of New France. 31
sary, he remarked to have a general officer in command of these battalions as they
could be properly exercised and disciplined without him. No matter how brave he
might be, he could not possibly know the country and perhaps would not be willing
to follow the advice of his subordinates or might accept the views of ill-informed
persons. War in Canada must be conducted in a very different manner from the way
it was carried on in Europe. Much prudence was necessary and little trusted to luck
as their force was small and losses could not be easily replaced. He based these re-
marks, he said, on the disastrous result of the campaign under Dieskau. The Canadians
and Indians, he declared, would not act with the same confidence under the orders of
a commander of the regular forces as under those of colonial officers.
As Vaudreuil was not only born in Canada, but had passed his youth in the colony,
his sympathy with the inhabitants was very strong and apparent. Like many of
his predecessors, he had served for years and attained high rank in the French navy.
The colony was still under the control of the minister of marine, and it seemed only
proper that the post of governor should generally be reserved for an officer of the
navy.
His attention was soon directed to the better organization of the militia. Some
years before, M. d'Eschambault the general agent of the Compagnie des Indes in
Canada, had presented a plan for preparing proper rolls of the inhabitants of each
parish, showing the number who were absent and those who could be called upon
for service in case of emergency at any time. This plan had been successively en-
dorsed by the two previous governors and forwarded to the minister of marine, but
shad not been acted upon. Vaudreuil now strongly recommended its adoption and
the appointment of its author as colonel-general of all the militia, for which he con-
sidered him well qualified by his thorough knowledge of the inhabitants and great in-
fluence among them.
The minister replied in a letter dated the 15th March, 1756, informing him that
Montcalm had been appointed commander in chief of the regular troops but under all
circumstances, he would be subject to the governor's orders, and that Vaudreuil
would be at liberty to bestow the command of the militia on him, or confer it upon
some other officer. A copy of the instructions to the new commander were enclosed
in this letter. Vaudreuil soon responded by remarking that the militia was the most
numerous force at his disposal, and had been so harassed of late, that if they were
not treated with tact they would become discontented. If the command of the militia
was placed in the hands of Montcalm, he must also have its entire administration,
and, as in regard to police service, the captains of militia were already under the
control of the intendant, he considered it would be unwise to subject them to the
authority of a third officer. Secondly, he feared that the influence of a few in-
triguing persons in the colony might induce Montcalm to exercise despotic power but
he assured the minister that whenever he found it necessary to undertake any mili-
tary operations which would require the co-operation of the colonial forces, he would
give the command of the militia to Montcalm; otherwise he considered that he should
only have control of the regular troops.
In pursuance of the policy already adopted by Duquesne, Vaudreuil attempted to
protect the colony by a succession of small offensive operations. Learning from the
Indians that a chain of forts had been established connecting Albany with Oswego,
he ordered Lieut, de Lery, with a party of ninety-three colonial troops, 166 militia
and eighty-two Indians to strike a blow at this line of communication. De Lery marched
from Montreal on the 17th March on the ice and after reaching Fort de la Presenta-
tion, advanced by Indian paths through the woods against Fort Bull, near Lake Oneida
the most advanced depot for stores on their way to Oswego. This place was defended
by only ninety men and was taken inside of an hour. It was destroyed at once and a
large quantity of provisions carried away to Montreal, where there was great want
of them at that time. The inhabitants of Quebec had been compelled to have re-
course to horse flesh, and the allowance of bread had been reduced to one-half npund
per day. The lack of provisions alone prevented Vaudreuil from attempting to put
into execution his favourite plan of an attack upon Oswego where it was reported
ships were being built to contest his naval supremacy on Lake Ontario. Early in
April, de Villiers was ordered to observe that fort with a force of 800 men. He
sleeted a suitable position on the shore of Lake Ontario, near the mouth of Sandy
Creek, where he formed an entrenched camp and sent out parties to interrupt the
communication between Oswego and the Mohawk Valley. Similar small parties had
>een sent out from Montreal at intervals during the whole winter, but as scarcely any
mow had fallen, it was impossible to make use of snow shoes, and their movements
32 The Local Forces of New France.
«,
were much impeded in consequence. In the Ohio Valley, on the contrary, the winter
was more severe than ordinary, and Dumas who had succeeded to the command of
Fort Duquesne, kept the frontiers of Virginia and Pennsylvania in a perpetual state
of alarm with small ^war parties of Indians and Canadians, who received strict instruc-
tions to avoid the commission of any act of cruelty, which however they did not always
obey. He was reinforced with three hundred militiamen, who with the garrison and
the militia from the settlement at Detroit, would form in case of emergency, a force
numbering between twelve and fifteen hundred men.
For the better protection of Fort Saint-Frederic, Vaudreuil had formed an en-
trenched camp at Carillon or Ticonderoga shortly after Dieskau's defeat. At the end
of May, this was occupied by two regular battalions with colonial troops, Canadians
and Indians, amounting to about 2000 men. One regular battalion was sent to Niagara,
and two others to Fort Frontenac. Such was" the military situation when Montcalm
arrived at Quebec, accompanied by several staff officers and bringing with him two
other battalions of regular troops. His first impressions of the Canadian militia were
not favourable, and he took small pains to conceal them. "The Canadian militia"
he wrote, "have no idea of discipline or subordination; I will make grenadiers of them
in six months and take good care not to make the same mistake as the unfortunate
Mr..Dieskau>.by listening too much to the boastful talk of the Canadians who think
themselves in every respect the first nation in the world." Another officer of high
rank Major-General de Montreuil, in a private letter bitterly remarked the "the
Canadian is insubordinate, bad, deceitful, boastful, unsuited for regular warfare, very
brave behind a tree and very timid when in the open." The mutual jealousy and
suspicion which existed between the regular troops and the militia was very marked
and -continued to increase from this time on. It was destined to have injurious con-
sequences before the end of the war.
On the other hand, the Canadians conceived a certain contempt for the French
regular troops as they observed that they had not been trained for war in the woods,
and could not endure the hardships to which they were necessarily subjected. The
newly arrived French officers could not accustom themselves to live like soldiers
among soldiers.
Preparations for the siege of Oswego were well under way before Montcalm arrived
at Montreal. Artillery, munitions, and supplies were collected at that place and boats
prepared for their transport. Rigaud de Vaudreuil, the brother of the governor, had
been exchanged and arrived in the same squadron with the new commander in chief.
He was appointed governor of Three Rivers and sent forward to command the advan-
ced post, established by de Villiers at Sandy Creek taking with him another strong
detachment of colonial troops and Indians. The commandant at Fort Frontenac
received orders to make further preparations and an engineer officer with a party of
Canadians and Indians was sent to reconnoitre the English fort. Two armed vessels
fitted out at Fort Frontenac were manned by colonial troops and militia under the com-
mand of Lieuts. Laforce and de la Broquerie. They succeeded in destroying some
small English vessels and boats and blockaded the remainder at Oswego in such a
way as to protect the French force in their movements by water. A series of parties
of Canadian and Indian scouts were sent into the Mohawk valley to intercept des-
patches and cut off all small convoys. Early in the year it was ascertained that a
large force was being collected in the vicinity of Albany, presumably for the attack of
the French posts on Lakes George and Champlain, and the invasion of the district
of Montreal. At the end of June, Montcalm visited Ticonderoga and made further
arrangements for its defence. Leaving a garrison of 3,000 men, a large part of whom
were militia, for the defence of that frontier, he returned to Montreal and went on with
little delay to Fort Frontenac, where the greater portion of the force designed to
attack Oswego had already assembled. It was composed of three battaions
of regular troops, numbering about 1,300 men, and 1,200 militia besides some colonial
troops, and Indians, who were transported across the lake in small boats and con-
centrated on the shores of the bay now known as Sackett's Harbour. The advanced
corps under Rigaud was at once sent forward to invest the English fort and interrupt
its line of communication. The siege lasted only four days when, the commandant
having been killed, the garrison capitulated.
This was a victory of the highest importance. Besides a garrison of more than
1,600 men, including two regular battalions which became prisoners of war, all the
English shipping on Lake Ontario and a great quantity of stores, provisions and
munitions of war were taken. The loss of the French in the siege had been very small
not exceeding thirty killed or wounded. The navigation of Lake Ontario by the
French was thus secured from attack. All the plans for the invasion of Canada, as
The Local Forces of New France. 33
well as that for the attack of Fort Duquesne, were abandoned. Rigaud was commen-
ded highly for leading his troops across a ford in the river under fire, where the water
was up to their waists, and thus completing the investment of the fort. In his official
report the governor complained of Montcalm's partiality for the regular troops and
asserted that the engineers and other officers of the French regiments con-
sidered it inadvisable to imperil the artillery by placing it in the siege bat-
teries, while Rigaud and the Canadian officers generally, strongly upheld a contrary
view and urged that it was necessary to reduce the fort as quickly as possible. Their
success on this occasion, he said, was due to this fact and the determined spirit of the
Canadians. On the other hand Montcalm wrote that he had employed the militia use-
fully, but not on such service as would expose them to the fire of the enemy. A regular
officer whom he had detailed to organize them for service after their arrival at
Fort Frontenac, relates that this was a most difficult task as they had arrived there
without officers, arms, or nominal rolls, and almost naked. He was obliged to form
them into squads, select leaders for these, inspect their arms, prepare nominal rolls
by parishes and companies, and arrange for their embarkation. The French engineer
officer noted in his journal that all the Canadian officers, without exception, considered
that the capture of the place would be the easiest thing in the world, and could not
see the difficulties which were so apparent to him and others. The intendant asserted
that if the governor had not been so firm in his commands for besieging Oswego, it
would still be in the hands of the English, and that the regular officers did not
realize what the presence of the Indians and the bravery of the Canadians could
accomplish. The breach between the colonial and regular troops had evidently grown
wider.
However, the victory was naturally the subject of great and general rejoicing in
Canada. Exuberant ballads were written on the subject and the chief credit of the
event was given to Vaudreuil by these writers, while Montcalm was relegated to the
second place.
The fort was at once destroyed, the captured stores and provisions removed, and
before the end of August, the militia was busy with the harvest. Those retained on
duty at the posts near Lake Champlain, were incorporated with the colonial troops in
six large companies. Scouting parties were sent out from time to time to reconnoitre
the English posts and obtain information.
The harvest in the district of Quebec was almost a total failure, and the crop of
wheat was scanty everywhere. The sufferings of the poorer people were consequently
very severe.
Early in the preceding summer a strong detachment of colonial troops and militia
had been ordered to enter the valley of the river St. John, harass the English garri-
sons in Acadia, and assist the inhabitants who had abandoned their settlements. This
force had met with small success, and was compelled to return to Canada for want
of supplies. Several hundred starving fugitives followed it and added to the general
distress. The governor complained with considerable acrimony of ill-treatment of
certain men of the militia by the regular officers under whom they had served. He
stated that the Canadians were sometimee obliged to carry these gentlemen on their
shoulders through the icy water and that they were badly treated if they had the
misfortune to make a misstep. Montcalm himself, he said, was of such a hasty temper
that he had struck men in his anger. The Canadians, he added, had on every occasion
given surprising proofs of their courage. They had done all the scouting and carried
out the most fatiguing expeditions. They were obliged to take the worst of the pro-
visions, while those of better quality were reserved for the regular troops. They had
abandoned their farms and their families for the defence of the colony. They had ex-
hausted their strength in rowing the boats for the transportation of troops and pro-
visions for the armies and the garrisons. All this they had done without showing
the least discontent. They were always ready for service and displayed wonderful
good-will, but they had expressed their disatisfaction to him, and nothing but their
blind obedience to his commands had induced them to obey some orders which they
had lately received. He added that while he was determined to act in perfect harmony
with Montcalm, he would be obliged in the coming campaign to make the necessary ar-
rangements to insure that the Canadians and Indians were treated with the consider-
ation which their zeal and service merited. Montcalm also issued orders to prevent
quarrels between the soldiers and the Canadians. When a dispute occurred it must
be reported to the commander of the boat and, if necessary, to the commandant of the
division. Soldiers must be required to wade in the water, row, haul, and carry stores
indiscriminately with the Canadians leaving, however, to the latter the management
of the boats, but rendering such assistance as was required of them.
34 The Local Forces of New France.
As supplies were being collected and boats prepared at the entrenched camp on
the shore of Lake George, the governor after conferring with Montcalm determined
to send a strong detachment to attack it by surprise before the English forces could
be concentrated there. His brother was selected for the command, having under him
the Chevalier de Longueuil and Dumas, who had returned recently from Fort Du-
quesne. His force consisted of detachments of fifty chosen men from each of five
regular battalions, 300 provincial troops, 650 militia and 400 Indians. These men were
unusually well equipped for this expedition. Each soldier was supplied with a great-
coat, a blanket, a coverlet, a woollen cap, two cotton shirts, a pair of breeches and
drawers, a waistcoat, two pairs of buck skin moccasins, a dressed buck skin, two pairs
of mittens, two skeins of thread, six needles, an awl, a tinder-box, six flints, a hunting
knife, a comb, a worm for drawing charges, a hatchet, two hauling collars, a splint-
sled and a pair of snowshoes, and each officer had in addition a bear-skin rug. The
weather was unusually severe; much snow had fallen. The River St. Lawrence at
Montreal was frozen over early in December, and continued passable for sledges until
the 8th of April. The thermometer sometimes dropped as low as twenty-seven degrees
below zero, and seldom rose above twelve or fifteen below. After a march of nearly
200 miles in this weather, during which they were constantly compelled to encamp
in the woods, Rigaud's force arrived in the vicinity of Fort George, or Fort William
Henry, as it was then called, on the 17th of March. A brief reconnaissance satisfied
him and the regular officers by whom he was accompanied, that a successful attack
upon the fort was scarcely practicable. It was invested on the following night but
the garrison was on the alert. All the buildings outside of the works were destroyed
with three hundred boats, three small vessels, and a great quantity of provisions and
firewood. Although disposed to criticize the organization of the expedition and resent
the significant slight shown to him and the regular troops, Montcalm warmly praised
the conduct of this detachment which he said had been obliged for six weeks to march
and sleep on the snow and ice, living entirely upon bread and bacon, and frequently
hauling or carrying on their backs provisions for fifteen days. The officers and sol-
diers of the regular troops had shown themselves not inferior in hardihood and en-
durance to the Canadians, with whom they were associated. Their success, he de-
clared, was the more important to the colony as the enemy had been in a position
to take the field before him. He confidently expected that their operations would now
be much delayed and that the militia, who were farmers, as well as soldiers, would
have ample time to complete their seeding- without interruption.
During the spring every effort was made to collect a sufficient force with the
necessary artillery and supplies for a regular siege of Fort William Henry. The wes-
tern Indians were summoned for his assistance and arrived in June, numbering al-
most 1,000 warriors, some of whom had come a distance of from twelve to fifteen
hundred miles. On the 10th of May, the advanced guard consisting of two regular
battalions and about 1,000 militia went on to Lake Champlain and encamped at
Ticonderoga. The fleet expected from France did not arrive until the 3rd of July, but
then brought with it another battalion of regulars and a large quantity of much needed
supplies. Orders were at once issued for the concentration of the whole available
force at St. Jean, where supplies for the expedition had been already collected. On
the 9th of July, Vaudreuil issued formal orders for the conduct of the campaign, in
which he remarked that it would be necessary to permit the western Indians to return
home and release the greater part of the militia to reap the harvest, about the end
of August. A plan for the organization of the colonial troops into battalions and the
militia into brigades was adopted. On the 29th of July, the most numerous army
yet organized in Canada was assembled in three camps near Ticonderoga. It
consisted of a detachment of artillery, numbering 188 of all ranks, with thirty-two
guns and five mortars; six battalions of regular troops, in all 2,570; a battalion of
colonial troops, 524; six brigades of militia and a battalion of volunteers, 3,470; Cana-
dian Indians, 820; western Indians, 979. A few colonial soldiers were distributed in
each of the brigades of militia, which were commanded by Captains de la Corne, de
Vassan, de Saint Ours, de Repentigny, de Courtemanche, and de Gaspe, all of them
being officers of the colonial forces. The volunteers were commanded by de Villiers.
Sixty-six colonial officers and all the cadets were detailed for duty with the militia.
The fort was invested and the artillery opened fire with considerable effect. A sortie
from the garrison was repelled with considerable loss by de Villiers, and several mes-
sengers on their way from Fort Edward were intercepted with despatches, informing
the commandant of the fort that he must not expect assistance from that place but
was advised to make the best terms possible. These letters were sent into the garrison
and on the seventh day of the siege, a white flag was hoisted and a treaty of capitula-
tion arranged.
The Local Forces of New France. 35
Like that at Oswego, this success was mainly due to the efficiency of the French
artillery. The militia had worked hard and rendered efficient assistance in the trans-
portation of the artillery and stores of all kinds and afterwards in the construction of
the siege batteries. Otherwise, they had scarcely been engaged and their loss was
small.
Some days before the actual surrender of the place, Vaudreuil had written a very
urgent letter to Montcalm in which he expressed his hope that his messenger would
find him already in front of Fort Lydius, or Fort Edward, the secondary base of the
English force, assembling on that frontier, and representing how very important the
capture of that post would be for the safety of the colony. "Nothing ought to hinder
you in this operation" he wrote, "even should the Canadians not return in time for
harvest, we shall not lack provisions." The reasons which caused Montcalm to decide
against this proposal were briefly stated by him in a letter written on the 18th of
August. The maintenance of so large a force had strained his supply service to the
uttermost. The labor of hauling or carrying everything he needed over a portage of
thirty miles was very great and would be much increased by a further advance. He
had scarcely any draft animals for this work. His men were already almost ex-
hausted by fatigue and poor food. Scarcity of provisions and munitions was severely
felt. The greater part of the militia were pardonably anxious to return for the har-
vest which was already ripening. All the Indians from the "upper country" had aban-
doned him as well as most of those from Canada. His engineer noted in his journal
the utmost importance of releasing all the Canadian militia to gather their crops.
Writing to Montcalm two days later, the intendant approved his decision saying
that even had he undertaken the siege of Fort Edward and made the garrison prison-
ers, he would have had great difficulty in feeding them. He feared that the harvest in
the district of Montreal would have been lost had he retained the habitans longer. Suf-
ficient provisions for the enterprise had not been forwarded to Ticonderoga and he
could have supplied the army on Lake George beyond the end of the month of August.
The task of subsisting so large a force for forty days was Extremely difficult at
a time when the colony was practically without bread. Yet ten days later he calmly in-
formed the minister of marine that it was the general opinion that M. de Montcalm
should have undertaken the siege of Fort Lydius immediately after the capture of Fort
George. The governor also criticized his decision very strongly in a letter to the same
minister, asserting that there was no lack of provisions and that he had to advance
but six leagues over very good roads and it seemed certain that the surrender of the
first fort would have brought about that of the second. At any rate he had every
reason to hope for success and his retreat was secure.
The greater part of the militia were accordingly dismissed to their homes for
harvesting. Unfortunately for them the weather suddenly changed and became un-
usually unfavourable. The country was deluged with rain for many days in succes-
sion. On the 27th of August, the intendant wrote that while all their military opera-
tions had been successful, the harvest would be a dead failure. It had promised
well until the last two or three weeks, during which there had been constant rain
and frost and the wheat had turned rusty. The price of provisions rose in conse-
quence to a frightful degree and the sufferings of the people were greater than ever
through scarcity.
The allowance of bread in Quebec was first reduced to four, and finally to two
ounces per person. Meat was scarcely procurable at any price. On the 18th Sep-
tember, 1757, Montcalm wrote that through absolute want the inhabitants had been
placed upon a quarter ration of bread. He had little powder and no shoes. The
supplies expected from France had all been intercepted; more must be shipped by
the beginning of March.
Although the greater part of the militia on service with his army had been dis-
charged, the number retained in garrison at the western posts and elsewhere, and other-
wise employed in transporting supplies was very large but cannot be precisely stated.
The demands made upon them for the maintenance of roads and bridges and fortifi-
cations were likewise very harassing.
Prompted by repeated complaints from the governor, the ministers warned Mont-
calm that the greatest pains should be taken to treat the militia tactfully and make
the best use of their zeal, courage, and good will. Firmness, no doubt was necessary
in dealing with them, but it should be tempered with kindness. Montcalm replied
rather tartly that no one could be disposed to give the Canadians more credit for
their courage than he and his soldiers, but a people evidently so prone to brag were
inclined to magnify their own exploits. He would never have the mistaken confidence
36 The Local Forces of New France.
in them shown by the unfortunate Dieskau. but would employ them in their own way
and endeavour to utilize their valour by taking advantage of the woods and the back-
ing of the regular troops by which title he was careful to say he meant not only the
troupes de Terre, but also troupes de la Marine, for whom he had equal respect.
In England, Pitt had become the head of a new administration. During the
winter he made most energetic and careful preparations for the coming campaign.
Twelve thousand regular troops were embarked for America and three provinces of
New England alone agreed to raise 15,000 men. Louisbourg was besieged and taken in
June. An army of 12,000 men was soon assembled at Albany to invade Canada. To
meet this formidable force, seven battalions of regular troops were posted at Ticon-
deroga and orders issued for the assembly at short notice of the militia of the dis-
tricts of Montreal and Three Rivers. The advance of the English army was made
with more speed than had been expected. Montcalm seems to have been taken by sur-
prise, before his disposable force was wholly collected. His advanced posts were with-
drawn into his entrenched camp which was strongly protected by an abattis of heavy
timber and rampart of logs, so well constructed as to be practically impenetrable.
Here he awaited the attack. His total force was less than 5,000 of all ranks; of
whom 3,500 were troupes de Terre, 326 soldiers of the marine, 844 militia and forty
Indians. Shortly after the beginning of the action, a timely reinforcement arrived of
eighty colonial troops and 273 militia. Repeated assaults were made during three
hours. All were repelled with heavy loss. Montcalm warmly praised the conduct
of all his force. "The colonial troops and Canadians" he wrote, "made us regret that
he had not more of them." He particularly mentioned three Canadian officers, de
Saint Ours, Lanaudiere and Gaspe, who had conducted a successful sortie from their
entrenchments. The total loss of the assailants was almost 2,000, while that of
the French was less than 400, among them a very small number of the militia to
whom, however, the local balladists again ascribed the principal credit of the victory.
There was no pursuit, as Montcalm was again obliged to release his militia on
harvest leave and even permit some of his regular troops to assist them. In a letter
to his mother, he complained bitterly that he could only carry on a campaign with
inferior forces for six weeks at a stretch, and was then obliged to dismiss" half of
his troops for the harvest "Will I never be put at the head of an army in Europe,"
he exclaimed, "where such obstacles are not encountered."
Whilst still rejoicing over this amazing success and the subsequent retreat of the
English army to its- base on Lake George, a disconcerting blow fell in an unguarded
quarter. A strong brigade of troops under Colonel John Bradstreet, advancing rap-
idly from Albany, re-occupied Oswego, and then crossing the lake, captured Fort
Frontenac with scarcely any resistance as the garrispn did not exceed one hundred men.
Seventy-six guns and the whole of the French armed vessels on the lake were taken
besides a large quantity of provisions and stores deposited there for the supply of the
upper posts. The enemy thus became masters of Lake Ontario, and were in a posi-
tion to interrupt all communication by that route with the western country.
Another strong force advancing from Philadelphia, approached Fort Duquesne.
Militia, not only from Canada, but also from Detroit and the Illinois and even the
district colony of Louisiana, had been assembled for its defence. Its advanced
guard was attacked and beaten back with heavy loss by a small body of colonial
troops, militia, and Indians, commanded by de Bellestre and de Saint Ours. Undis-
mayed by this check, the English force still steadily advanced, and orr the 28th of
November, Fort Duquesne was finally evacuated and dismantled. These reverses
caused great dismay. Montcalm dismally informed the minister of war that the situa-
tion of the colony was most critical, and that it would be necessary to treat for peace.
The English had, he believed, 30,000 troops at their disposal for the invasion of Can-
ada. To oppose them he had only eight battalions and 1,200 colonial troops, exclusive
of those on the Ohio. Three thousand militia might be embodied for the whole cam-
paign but not more than 1,200 had been in service that year. Although suitable for ex-
peditions, they could not be retained under arms for five months together. "I write the
truth as a citizen," he added, "determined to bury myself under the ruins of the
colony." He made an urgent demand for two thousand trained soldiers and six bat-
talions of recruits before the campaign opened.
The harvest again had been scanty. The habitans had been allowed little time to
attend to it as in many cases only the women and old men remained on the farms
while all males, except the boys and men above sixty years of age were inexorably
called to the frontier or employed on the public works and in the transportation
of stores. A contemporary memoir prepared by a well informed official, relates
The Local Forces of New France. 37
that the youth of the country were fairly exhausted by the toil of military expeditions
and water transport. Their patriotism and zeal had indeed long sustained them, but
they were becoming worn out by their efforts. The most essential matter in future
was economy in the employment of men. Demands upon the militia should be
made with impartiality, good sense, and justice. All unnecessary services must be dis-
pensed with, and boys should not be called into service as had occasionally occurred
in the past. Although he estimated the number of men fit for military service at
15,000, he stated that the garrisons at the upper posts, the transportation of stores
for them and for trade with the Indians employed at least 4,000 men every year. The
towns-people were suffering from actual want. Many of them had to stand for hours
at the baker's door to obtain their daily bread. Seed grain was lacking and all sup-
plies from Europe were cut off by the enemy's fleet. The inhabitants were also dis-
gusted by the monopoly of trade and peculation by officials, which had become well-
known and was possibly exaggerated. The maintenance of thousands of Indians had
caused great waste. The colony was no longer able to feed its inhabitants and the
price of many necessary articles was so high that they were beyond the reach of the
majority.
The dissensions between the colonists and the regular troops had become acute.
The antipathy formerly existing was rapidly developing into positive hostility. The
officers of the colonial troops scarcely concealed their jealousy and suspicion of the
French. They had been accustomed to make war in the Indian fashion and could
not believe that it could be conducted in any other way. Bougainville, an impartial
critic, sadly noted in his journal that although the Canadians and French were of the
same race and had the same interests and political and religious principles, they
were yet unable to agree in the face of the gravest peril. They seemed to be two
antagonistic bodies which could never coalesce. He was inclined to believe that some
of the Canadians even wished for their defeat, hoping that the whole blame would fall
upon the French. As a remedy, Montcalm proposed a measure to the governor
which he believed would greatly strengthen his force. It was an accurate census of
all men fit for service in the militia. They were to be divided into three classes,
good, indifferent, and poor. This he believed would insure the exemption of the
number of men actually required for seeding and harvest, presuming that in an
emergency, the women in the country and the idle men in the town would be employed
in the same work. All those who were not actually needed on the farms would then
be required to serve during the whole campaign which would amount to about 4,000
selected from the best marksmen. These would be incorporated among the regulars
and the colonial troops in the following manner: with the regulars, fifteen per com-
pany; with the colonial troops a number equal to the soldiers already in each company.
The great advantage of this step, he said, would be that each company of regulars and
fenciblese would have with it and within it, a number of good shots, good boatsmen,
and good artificers and the emulation between the soldiers and the Canadians would
act as a spur to cause them to behave well and instruct others; it would remedy the
evident deficiency of suitable officers for the command of the militia. He assured the
governor that the militia need not fear any improper treatment as they were on
friendly terms with the soldiers. If there was the least complaint he would undertake
to remedy it and prevent its recurrence. This proposal would provide for about 3,000
select militia. The remainder would serve under the command of selected militia offi-
cers who would be stimulated by the hope of distinction. They should be provided
with the same clothing and equipment, and receive the same pay and medical treat-
ment as the regular troops. The number drafted for this service must be rigidly
inspected to prevent the best men in the colony being employed in the transport
service and to prevent too great a number of the militia being detached to the upper
posts. The census would also show what additional number of the militia would be
available for service in case of emergency. The character of the war, he said, had
entirely changed. Formerly the Canadians had conducted their operations like hun-
ting expeditions; now. a campaign continued for several months.
Bougainville was sent to France to advocate this proposal and as a last desperate
resort to suggest a retreat to Louisiana by way of the lakes, the Ohio and Mississippi
rivers. The minister should be requested t) instruct the governor to prepare before-
hand the necessary canoes for the transportation of 1,600 chosen troops and 800
Canadian militia, with the necessary arms, provisions and stores. If the Ohio route
was blocked by the English, he would go by the way of Illinois. Even if the
enemy were in possession of Quebec and St. Jean, four days start and orders on the
treasury payable in Louisiana were all that he required.
38 The Local Forces of New France.
Vaudreuil readily approved of the census which was quickly taken and showed a
total of 7,511 militiamen in the district of Quebec, 1,313 in that of Three Rivers and
6,406 in that of Montreal, in the whole a nominal force of 15,299 men. A proclama-
tion was addressed by the governor to the captains of militia requiring them to hold
in readiness to march all fit men of their companies with their arms and cooking uten-
sils, and twelve days provisions for which they would be paid after the campaign.
Only one officer per company was to remain with the old; the weak and sick. This
campaign, he added, will give the Canadians a great opportunity of distinction; the
confidence I have in them is not unknown to His Majesty, whom I have constantly kept
informed of their services; thus he expects that they will make every effort which
he can hope for from his most faithful subjects, particularly, as they are fighting
for their religion, the protection of their women, their children and their property; to
preserve themselves from the cruel treatment planned for them by the English; add-
ing that the king had ordered his troops to fight to the last, he concluded, "for my
part I am determined never to consent to any surrender, convinced of the dangerous
consequences it would have for all Canadians; it is certain that it will be far better
for them to be buried under the ruins of the colony with their wives and chil-
dren."
At the same time the governor was actually requesting the removal of Montcalm
from the command. "M. de Moncalm," he wrote, "may serve very usefully in Eur-
ope; no one does more justice than I do to his excellent qualities, but they are not
adapted for a war in this country. It is necessary to have much gentleness and pati-
ence to command Canadians and Indians. The King, having entrusted the colony to
me, I cannot refrain from pointing out the serious consequences which may be pro-
duced by the longer stay here of the Marquis de Montcalm." He opposed the pro-
posal to incorporate the militia with the regular troops.
Montcalm had been informed that he should permit any soldiers, who were willing
to take up land, to remain in Canada. With this view he encouraged them, to marry
in the colony. His efforts were so successful, that in April, 1759, he reported that,
while in the winter of 1755-6, there had been only seven marriages of soldiers, in the
winter just passed there were not less_ than eighty. He had promised these men their
discharge when their battalions were ordered to return to France with the understand-
ing that they were to settle upon and clear the land granted to them. He recom-
mended that they should receive a small gratuity when the others were withdrawn
"We will leave the greater part of our troops behind us. They will be excellent colon-
ists and gallant defenders of New France." Doubtless he was well aware that he
was carrying on the intelligent and patriotic policy inaugurated by the great inten-
dant, Talon.
It had then become apparent that the town of Quebec would soon be the object
of an attack. Measures were taken to protect it by the construction of new batteries
and outworks. The first vessel that arrived from France brought a cyphered report
from Bougainville, stating that the incorporation of the militia with the troops had been
approved, but the plan of retreat to Louisiana "was admired but not accepted." The
reorganization of the militia was consequently undertaken. One hundred and eight
selected men, all good marksmen were added to each regular battalion. The colonial
troops consisting of forty companies were increased in the same proportion. A cav-
alry force of 200 men was also recruited from militia men specially adapted for ser-
vice in that arm. They were promised a gratuity, at the end of the campaign and
permission to return to their homes before any others. This corps was completed by
the middle of June and put under the command of one of Montcalm's aides-de-camp,
who was a regular cavalry officer. The men were provided with a blue uniform with
scarlet facings, while the officers wore a white uniform. Two thousand five hundred
regulars and 200 Indians were sent to Ticonderoga for the defence of that frontier as
soon as the spring opened. Another force of 1,500 colonial troops, militia and Indians
was detailed for operations on the Ohio, and the defence of Niagara. Captain de la
Come, with an equal number of colonial troops and militia was directed to take a
position near the head of the rapids on the St. Lawrence and keep Oswego under
observation. The remaining troops were retained in quarters in the districts of Mont-
real and Three Rivers, and the militia held in readiness to march wherever they were
most needed. As there was a great scarcity of provisions, it was considered im-
possible to keep them together under arms. A general order, dated the 10th June,
appointed de Ramezay commander of the garrison of Quebec which consisted of 600
local militia. The appearance of an English fleet in the river St. Lawrence brought
both Montcalm and Vaudreuil to the defence of that place with five battalions of
regular troops and the militia of other districts. A company of volunteer infantry
The Local Forces of New France. 39
numbering 200 men was organized from the militia to act as sharpshooters. The force
of militia then assembled for the defence of Quebec was by far the most numerous yet
brought into the field. The Quebec brigade, consisting of 3,500 men under M. de Saint
Ours, occupied the right of the camp; that of Three Rivers consisting of 880 under M.
de Bonne same next; a brigade of 2,000 regulars occupied the centre and the militia
from the district of Montreal numbering 2,300 under M. Herbin held the left of the
line, according to an order of battle drawn up by M. de Levis. The reserve was com-
posed of the cavalry, light troops and Indians. In addition, a strong detachment had
been sent for observation to Saint Joachim, under M. de Repentigny, and another to
the island of Orleans under M. de Courtemanche. When the whole of the militia was
assembled, it is conjectured that the available force for the defence of the city was
not less than 16,000 men of whom, however, only about 2,900 were regular troops.
But this number was considerably diminished by desertions during the course of the
siege. In a memorandum to Levis, and intended for his information only, Montcalm
stated his force as consisting of five battalions of regulars, 2,900; the Three Rivers
' Militia, 1,100; the Montreal militia, 3,800; the Quebec militia, at most 3,000, making a
total of 10,800. To this should be added the garrison of Quebec, the colonial troops
and Indians. Of the militia, Montcalm reported, that perhaps four or five thousand
were capable of good service, but that nearly half of them were old men and boys
who had never before been on service but he began to think that they would do
better than he had expected. It is related that boys of fourteen and old men of
eighty were under arms at this time.
The inhabitants of the parishes on both banks of the river below, Kamouraska,
Riviere-Ouelle, St. Anne, Malbaie, St. Roch, and Baie St. Paul, watched with dismay
the slow movement of the immense English fleet as it ascended the river. The old
men, women and children who remained at their homes almost alone, fled to the
woods, driving before them their flocks 'and herds, and carrying off their most valuable
household goods. Such were the orders of the governor.
On the 23rd of June a party of English officers who had landed for hunting were
surprised by some militia and Indians under M. des Rivieres and three of them cut
off. The mounted volunteers and other detachments of lightly equipped militia were
kept constantly on the move to maintain communication with Montreal and protect
boats on the river bringing supplies from above. On the 12th of July, several siege
batteries opened fire from the opposite side of the river and did much damage. A
column was organized to attack them which was composed of 1,200 men, of whom
only 100 were volunteers from the regular battalions, the remainder being mainly local
militia including many pupils of the seminary. The river was scarcely crossed before
signs of great nervousness was noticeable among these troops, although still at a dis-
tance of nearly three miles from the point of attack. During the march the young men
from the seminary, in their excitement, opened fire upon their comrades. This mis-
take was twice repeated before they arrived in front of the enemy's works. The sight
of a hostile force completed their demoralization and they were seized with un-
this occasion was held to justify the common saying "that one Canadian was worth
three French soldiers in bush fighting; but in line of battle, one French soldier was
equal to three Canadians fresh from their farms."
However, another small party commanded by Etienne Charest, captain of the
militia and seignior of Lauzon, bravely resisted the landing of troops at that place
and from the shelter of the church and the neighbouring rocks defended its posi-
tion to the last. Several hundred commanded by de Repentigny and Duprat were sub-
sequently engaged in the action at Beauport and successfully held their entrenchments
on that occasion.
Their activity and inveterate hostility was soon summarily punished by the despatch
of detachments of the invaders which mercilessly destroyed most of the villages be-
low the town as far as Malbaie and Baie Saint Paul. In several of these, the church
was the only building left standing. This cruel expedient had the effect of largely
diminishing the force under Montcalm. Many of the militia received permission to
go to the assistance of their homeless families and others deserted.
In the memorable action on the Plains of Abraham on the 13th of September, a
considerable number of militia were mingled with the regular troops and distinguished
themselves by their accurate marksmanship. Their decisive defeat on that occasion,
40 The Local Forces of New France.
and the surrender of the town completed their discouragement. Hundreds returned
to their homes. Some fifteen hundred who formed the main part of the garrison
were included in the terms of capitulation, and on laying down their arms, were
guaranteed protection for their families and property.
The militia from the districts of Montreal and Three Rivers retreated with the
remnant of regular troops without having experienced much loss. The mounted
volunteers who had been despatched after the battle, each man carrying a bag of biscuit
across his saddle for the supply of the garrison of Quebec, arrived too late and were
obliged to retire without having effected their object.
Depressing news had also come from the west. Fort Niagara had been invested by
a superior force. All the colony troops, militia and Indians who could be gathered
for that purpose at the western posts, numbering 1,300, of whom only 200 were In-
dians, had come to its relief and been decisively defeated with heavy loss. De Lig-
neris, Montigny, Villiers, the younger Marin, and a dozen other officers with several
cadets were taken prisoners. Those who escaped, retreated hastily, destroyed the
small posts at Presquile, Le Boeuf and Venango, and retired to Detroit. The garri-
son of Niagara at once surrendered. All the posts on Lake Ontario and the last foot-
hold in the Ohio Valley had been lost.
Saint-Luc de la Corne had marched against Oswego with nearly 1,000 militia
strengthened by the infusion of a few colonial officers and soldiers, and a small body
of Canadian Indians. That fort was not strongly garrisoned and might have been
taken by assault. Once more the militia were seized by a panic and ran to their boats,
overturning in their flight Abbe Picquart, their militant chaplain, who had endeavoured
to restrain them. They were rallied and again advanced and a brisk skirmish follow-
ed in which the assailants lost about thirty killed and wounded, among the latter, la
Corne and two other officers. On the following day he retired to an islet in the St.
Lawrence at the head of the rapids where fortifications were constructed, afterwards
known as Fort Levis.
Ticonderoga and Fort Saint-Frederic had been abandoned and destroyed and their
garrisons withdrawn to Isle-aux-Noix, which became the advanced post on that fron-
tier. Winter came and brought military operations to a close. The prospect for the
future seemed all but hopeless. The outposts and forts at Montreal were garrisoned
by regular troops and the remainder quartered as usual on the inhabitants, much to
their discomfort. The militia were permitted to return to their homes subject to a
call to arms at any time. The want of provisions soon became most alarming and
as a last resort, d'Eschambault was required by the government to exert his influence
in persuading the inhabitants to surrender some part of their hidden stores. He fer-
vently appealed to them in the name of their parents, their brethren and their chil-
dren, who were sacrificing themselves to preserve their liberty and rescue them from
the fury of an implacable enemy. His efforts were fairly successful, and as public
funds were not to be had, he paid for a large part of these supplies with his own
money and whatever he could borrow from his intimate friends. This patriotic ser-
vice caused his financial ruin. Although he advanced the large sum of 238,662 livres
for the purchase of supplies, he was only .repaid the trifling amount of 11,453 livres
and was consequently forced to sell his property at a low price to repay his friends.
As reliable information had been received that the English garrison of Quebec was
greatly weakened by disease and want of proper supplies, the governor and Levis who
had succeeded Montcalm in command of the regular troops determined to make an
attack upon it with all the force they could muster before relief could arrive. A
circular letter from Vaudreuil addressed to the captains of militia on the 16th of April,
1760, ordered every man fit to bear arms to join the army at once under pain of death
in case of disobedience. With the exception of the mounted volunteers and two battalions
of town militia in Montreal, it was decided to embody the remainder entirely among
the colonial troops and the regular battalions of the line. The proportion of militia
thus incorporated among the regulars was much larger than ever before. The distri-
bution under the new arrangement is shown in the following tabular statement:
The Local Forces of New France.
41
COMBATANTS.
NON-COMBATANTS.
Brigade.
Regiment or
Corps.
43
a
1 '
C
aJ
0
0)
c
0>
13
1
^_
2
•g
1
1
>
L
i
1
C •
a
A
0
"
'§
E?
H
CO
K
0
La Reine
(La Reine
(Languedoc
27
14
370
280
223
285
620
579
10
27
14
1
1
38
15
658
594
(La Sarre
24
339
230
593
21
1
22
615
La Sarre
(
(Beam
24
371
221
616
5
27
1
33
649
Royal
(Royal Roussillon
24
305
279
608
4
8
1
13
621
Roussillon
(Guyenne
22
320
261
603
5
23
1
29
632
Berry
2 Battalions
51
727
519
1297
9
50
2
61
1358
Marine
2 Battalions
80
898
246
1224
75
4
79
1303
Cavalry '
5
200
205
2
1
3
208
[ndians
8
270
278
278
Out of the line
Militia Battalions
(sic)
of Montreal.
278-
287
56
3
59
346
In one battalion it will be observed that the militia slightly outnumbered the
regulars.
A well contested battle of Sainte-Foy, under the walls of Quebec, resulted in the
defeat of the garrison with heavy loss. Captains St. Martin, and Denis de la Ronde,
Lieuts. Corbiere and de Varennes, Ensign de Boucherville, senior, of the colonial
troops, and Commandant Rheaume and Capt. Lefebvre of the militia were killed in this
battle, and Lts. Gamelin, Delisle and Provost were wounded. Lieut, de Meloises of the
colony troops and Capt. A. De Bonne of the militia were killed in the subsequent oper-
ations. The siege lasted until the 9th of May, when the place was relieved by the arrival
of an English squadron. Levis then retreated with the intentions of resisting the advance
of the invaders up the river and also opposing the forces closing in upon the doomed
colony from other directions. Detachments of militia under capable Colonial offi-
cers were stationed at several favourable points on the St. Lawrence below Three
Rivers with orders to follow the movements of the English fleet as it advanced.
A proclamation by General Murray, promising protection to all the militia
who remained peacefully at their homes and threatening to burn every house from
which the men of the family were absent, had great effect. This was practically exem-
plified by the entire destruction of a small village near Sorel, and the kindness shown
to all those who returned to their families. Vaudreuil was soon forced to publish a
counter proclamation threatening all militiamen who deserted or laid down their arms
with pain of death and ordering the destruction of the houses of all those who neg-
lected to join his army. As he no longer had the power of enforcing his threats they
were generally disregarded. The colony troops, and even the regulars, also began to
desert. His Indian allies too, went over to the enemy in a body. On the 8th of
September a treaty of capitulation was signed by which Canada and all its dependen-
cies were surrendered. All French officers, officials, regular troops and sailors were
offered a passage to France in British ships and all other persons who wished to
. remove to that country were granted the same privilege. Those who remained were
guaranteed their property, rights, and privileges. The married soldiers were discharged
with the option of remaining in Canada or returning to France and all colonial soldiers
were apparently allowed the same choice. In a return of those who were discharged
in France, only thirty-four companies were mentioned. Nearly all were commanded
by officers bearing the names of old colonial families. It seems fair to infer that all
the surviving men of the other six had elected to remain in Canada. Two companies
were each represented by a single man, another by two men, still another by three,
one by five, and three by eight each. Six companies only, returned more than twenty
42 The Local Forces of New France.
men each to France. Probably one half of the colonial troops remained and settled
in Canada. Of the officers, sixteen captains, fourteen lieutenants and twenty-seven en-
signs remained in Canada. The officers who returned to France were granted halfpay
for a limited period to enable them to live comfortably, as few had any relatives or
.acquaintances in their mother country. Many had received wounds in the service, and
most of these were recommended for the cross of Saint-Louis. A number subsequently
returned to Canada while on the other hand, some of those who remained behind re-
moved to France.
During all the vicissitudes and trials of this long struggle, the mass of the Can-
adian people had continued inalterably loyal to their government and by their fidelity,
had contributed greatly to the prolonged defence of the country. Their devotion to
their flag, and patient endurance of hardships and privations evoked a well deserved
tribute of admiration from their adversaries.
CHAPTER II.
THE MILITIA OF THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC, 1763-1775.
By the terms of the treaty of capitulation for the surrender of Montreal, the
whole of the Canadian militia was included among the prisoners of war. It was
officially reported to consist of eighty-seven companies in the government of Montreal,
numbering 7,331 men; nineteen companies in the government of Three Rivers having
a strength of 1,150 men and sixty-four companies in the government of Quebec, con-
taining 7,976 men. On the 19th of September, 1760, General Amherst directed Col.
Haldimand to assemble the militia of the town of Montreal and require them to sur-
render their arms. When this was done, they were informed that if they took the oath
of allegiance their arms would either be restored to them or deposited for safety in
an armoury. Measures were subsequently taken to disarm the militia in the other
districts, but in many cases in the rural settlements where the commissioners certified
the pacific behavour of the inhabitants, every resident who agreed to certain con-
ditions, was permitted to retain one fowling piece for hunting purposes. The resig-
nation of the officers was also required but the majority were at once reappointed,
receiving a commission or letter of service from the new authorities. A military
government was established with its headquarters at Quebec.
The former division of the colony into three districts or governments was con-
tinued. Major-General James Murray was appointed governor of Quebec, and com-
mander of the forces of Canada. Major-General Thomas Gage became governor of the
district of Montreal and Colonel Ralph Burton, governor of Three Rivers. The inhabi-
tants generally seemed disposed to accept the change of government with equanimity,
comforting themselves with the reflection that it was the fortune of war. The captains
of militia in the several parishes continued to exercise the judicial functions of justice
of the peace. In the district of Quebec, General Murray formed a court of regular
officers to conduct the trial of more important criminal and civil cases. This court sat
every two weeks. From its decisions the defendant had the right of appeal to the
governor himself. Two distinguished Canadians were associated with it; Jacques Bel-
court de Lafontaine, formerly a member of the supreme council of the province, was
appointed public procurator and commissioner to act with this tribunal in the trial
of all suits brought from the country on the right bank of the St. Lawrence and
Joseph-Etienne Cugnet, Sieur de Saint-Etienne, to act in the trial of suits brought from
the country on the left bank of the river. A similar arrangement was made in the dis-
trict of Three Rivers.
In the autumn of 1761, General Gage published an ordinance dividing the district
of Montreal into five areas for the purpose of rendering the administration of justice
more prompt and less expensive. Courts were to be held at Montreal, Pointe-aux-
Trembles, Longueuil, Point-Claire, and Lavalterie. The militia officers in each division
were instructed to meet on the 24th of October to make arrangements for the sittings
of these courts and prepare rosters of officers for duty thereon. Each court was to
be composed of not more than seven and not less than five officers of the militia, of
whom one at least must have the rank of captain. Sessions were to be held on the first
and fifteenth day of each month to decide civil suits according to the laws and
customs of the country in so far as these laws and customs were known to the
members. Appeals from their decisions were to be carried to a board of officers of
the regular troops, of which three were appointed to sit on the 20th of each month,
one at Montreal, another at Varennes, and the third at St. Sulpice. A further appeal
to the governor in person was provided for. Authority to hear and decide civil suits
for the recovery of debts not exceeding twenty livres was granted to all officers of
the militia with an appeal only to the court of the division. The militia officers were
instructed to arrest all persons charged with serious crimes and conduct them under
escort, to Montreal, forwarding a charge sheet and list of witnesses with each prisoner.
They were particularly required to maintain peace and order within their respective
parishes. The captains of militia for the town of Montreal soon after presented a
memorial to tho governor in which they declared their readiness to administer justice
without pay as they had done in the past but applied for exemption from the ordinance
for billetting troops in their dwellings. They further requested that fuel be supplied
for heating their court-room and that their clerk Mr. P. Panet, afterwards appointed
43
44 The Militia of the Province of Quebec, 1763-1775.
judge for that district, should receive fees at the rate of thirty sols for each suit. They
had appointed two sergeants to act as bailiffs and court-criers and a tariff of fees was
recommended for their payment. The bailiffs were required not only to attend court
but to oversee the performance of the statutory labour of King's corvee. When the
death of King George the second became known in Montreal, the militia officers and
merchants presented an address of condolence to the governor in which they requested
him to continue his protection declaring that they would endeavour to deserve it by
their zeal and ardent prayers, which they constantly offered to the Almighty for his
health and safety.
By the thirteenth article of the final treaty of peace signed at Paris on the 10th
of February, 1763, the whole of the French possessions in Canada and its dependen-
cies were definitely ceded to Great Britain. The French inhabitants or any others who
had been subjects of the King of France in Canada were granted the right of selling
their property to subjects of his Britannic Majesty and removing from the country,
providing this was done within eighteen months from the date of the ratification of the
treaty. Some of the noblesse, principal merchants, and military officers availed them-
selves of this privilege and took their departure for France in that and the following
year. In 1762, Colonel Burton had embarked with the troops destined for the siege of
Havanna and he was succeeded in command of the district of Three Rivers by Colonel
Frederick Haldimand, a Swiss officer, whose native language was French. Lieutenant
Gugy was soon after appointed secretary for that district and other French-Swiss
officers were appointed in other districts to facilitate communication with the inhabi-
tants. General Gage became commander of the forces at New York and vacated his
appointment at Montreal where he was succeeded by Colonel Burton on his return. The
captains of militia presented an address of regret to Gage on his retirement to which
he replied warmly testifying to the excellent services they had rendered, and concluded
with the advice to "continue to dp your duty in advancing the public welfare, and not
only increasing the good reputation you have already acquired among your fellew
countrymen but earn what will certainly not fail to receive, the gratitude and protec-
tion of the king."
Gage took care to report to General Amherst that the Canadians had been treated
with consideration. "I feel the highest satisfaction" he wrote, "that I am able to
inform you that during my command in this government I have made it my con-
stant care and attention that the Canadians should be treated agreeable to His Majes-
ty's kind and humane intentions. No invasion on the properties or insult on their
persons has gone unpunished. All reproaches on their subjection by the fate of arms,
revilings on their customs or country, and all reflections on their religion have been
discountenanced and forbid. No distinction has been made between the Briton and
Canadian, but equally regarded subjects of the same Prince. The soldiers live peace-
ably with the inhabitants and they reciprocally acquire an affection for each other. I
have, withstanding, made known His Majesty's pleasure on these particulars to the
several commanders of corps, that every individual may be acquainted therewith, which
will, no doubt, add the greatest weight to the orders and directions which have been
already given. And you may be assured that troops who have ever shown the most
ardent desire to advance the interest of their Sovereign, and paid the most exact
obedience to his commands will vie with each other in brotherly love* and affection
to the Canadians over whom His Majesty has extended his royal favour and pro-
tection."
* In his proclamation, published on takin? over the government of the district, Bur-
ton announced that the ordinances passed during the administration of his predecessor
would be continued in force and "that civil justice would be administered by militia and
military courts, with the right of appeal to the governor."
On the 9th May, 1764, he considered it necessary to publish a proclamation in-
structing captains and officers of militia to take steps at once for the repair of the
roads and bridges and the clearing out of the ditches within a month's time, when an
inspection would be made. They were also authorized to issue arms on loan during
good behaviour to enable the inhabitants to shoot game.
There seemed to be good reason to believe that the new administration had
gained the respect and confidence of the great majority of the people. The revela-
tions of the villainy practiced upon them by the last intendant and his associates, and
the neglect of the French government to redeem the paper money circulated for the
purchase of supplies had not strengthened the affection of the Canadians for their
mother country.
The Militia of the Province of Quebec, 1763-1775. 45
The Indian nations of the west formerly allied^ with* the French had continued the
war with startling success. They had taken Mackihac by surprise and closely besieged
the garrison of Detroit which was reduced to the last extermity. A portion of the
Senecas had unexpectedly taken up arms and cut off a waggon train loaded with sup-
plies on the portage of Niagara, killing nearly the whole of the escort. Almost two
thousand settlers from the frontiers of Pennsylvania and Virginia had been carried into
captivity. This grave situation demanded resolute action. It was then decided to
march two forces from different directions into the heart of the Indian territory. One
of these based upon Fort Pitt, under Bouquet, was directed to march against the
hostile Indians in the Ohio Valley. The other, under Colonel John Bradstreet, was
to assemble at Oswego, ascend the lakes, compel the Senecas to make peace, relieve
Detroit, and punish the hostile tribes in its vicinity and farther west.
Bradstreet's reputation stood high. His successful expedition against Fort Fron-
tenac had perhaps gained him undue credit. He had earned further distinction by
his personal courage in an action near Oswego. He was a man of great energy, ex-
ceedingly ambitious, vain and self-willed, but deficient in judgment and self-control.
The organization of these two columns was energetically undertaken by General
Gage in the winter of 1763-4. As the number of regular troops which could be em-
ployed was rather limited, the provinces of Virginia and Pennsylvania were directed
to furnish contingents of volunteers for the column to be assembled at Fort Pitt while
Connecticut, New Jersey and New York were required to furnish similar contingents
for the expedition to move from Oswego. Sir William Johnson was at the same time
instructed to exert his powerful -influence with the Six Nations to secure their co-
operation, or at all events their neutrality. On the 9th of January the governor of
Montreal was required to engage four hundred skilled boatmen in his district to be
employed early in the spring in the transportation of one hundred bateaux, loaded
with provisions, from Montreal to Oswego. The Quarter Master General of the dis-
trict was at once directed to build the necessary boats and convey the provisions in
sleighs to Lachine to enable this convoy to proceed as soon as the disappearance of the
ice would permit. About a month later, apparently with some misgivings, Gage de-
cided to require the services of a Canadian contingent to form part of this expedition.
His letter on this subject to Governor Murray is dated at New York on the 12th
February. In it he asserted that "nothing can so effectually serve to convince the sav-
ages how vain and erroneous their expectations have been of French supplys, and
that the Arms of Great Britain, have received Additional strength by the Conquest of
Canada, than their seeing a Body of Canadians in Arms, and ready to act Hostilye
against them, in conjunction with British Troops." The contingent required from the
province of Quebec was to consist of one battalion of 300 men divided into five com-
panies, each composed of one captain, two subalterns and sixty men exclusive of non-
commissioned officers, the whole to be commanded by a major and to be on the same
footing as other provincial troops. They were to be supplied with arms, ammunition
and a certain amount of clothing from the stores at Quebec or Montreal, and also with
provisions sufficient for their voyage to Oswego, where they would receive tents and
other camp equipage. Two companies, were required from each of the governments
of Montreal and Quebec, and one company from Three Rivers. As it was of the utmost
importance that the movement from Oswego should take place as early in the spring
as the weather would permit, the companies from Quebec and Three Rivers were re-
quired to report at Montreal by the end of March. Similar letters were addressed on the
same day to the governors of Montreal and Three Rivers. Murray replied hopefully,
.on the 5th of March, that he had little doubt that a sufficient number of volunteers
could be obtained for this service but that compulsion would be clearly out of the
question, as the time fixed by the treaty of Paris for the emigration of any of the
Canadians who desired to remove, had not nearly elapsed and any attempt to order
them to proceed on military service might be construed as an infraction of the
treaty. Consequently he interpreted Gage's instructions to mean that the corps in ques-
tion should be composed of volunteers under the command of officers of their own
race. He added: "I wish you had settled the Encouragement which is to be given
these people; you say they are to be upon the footing with the other provincial
Troops; But I am told every Province differs, with regard to pay, clothing, &c., &c.,
I am of Opinion the Canadians who are to serve on this Occasion should have as much
encouragement as any of His Majesties subjects: These poor people have hardly yet
had time to breathe; after a long uninterrupted Series of Misfortunes, they have flat-
tered themselves, that under our Government, they would be exempted, at least, from
the intolerable weight of Military Service under which they formerly groaned, hence an
additional Necessity of making the service you require of them at present a Volun-
46 The Militia of the Province of Quebec, 1763-1775.
tary one, when put upon that footing, it will not be in the power of French Emissaries,
Priests, or other disaffected persons, to turn the Measure to their purposes, and
thereby to persuade many to leave the province who otherwise would not have thought
of it; for these Considerations, and a thousand other just, equitable, and political
ones, I shall allow the two Companies to be raised in the district of Quebec, the very
same Encouragement which is given to their provincials by the Government of New
York."
General Burton had already written to Murray from Montreal, stating that had
General Gage wanted 300 more boatmen to proceed further up the country than Os-
wego, they might have been easily engaged, but adding "in my Opinion, it is yet too
Early in the day, for raising Canadians to act Hostily against the Savages ; especially
as we have still amongst us so many Priests and French Officers, whom I cannot help
suspecting would be apt to poison the minds of Canadians going to War." Colonel
Haldimand contented himself with reporting the receipt of Gage's requisition and stat-
ing that he would go to work at once to carry it into effect.
Murray lost no time in offering the command of the battalion to the Chevalier
de Repentigny, who had recently returned from France, accompanied by a considerable
number of other officers, formerly belonging to the French colonial troops. His family
was one of the oldest and best known of the noblesse. He had served with credit on
several expeditions in the Indian country, had been severely wounded at the battle of
Lake George and further distinguished himself at Montmorency, and at Sainte-Foy, in
the latter battle having held an important command. He had been recommended for
the cross of Saint-Louis. Murray had much respect for him. In a letter of intro-
duction to General Burton, he described him as the "best informed and most polite
of all these officers.
In his proclamation calling for volunteers, Murray offered a bounty of twelve
piastres in money and a capote, two pairs of Indian shoes and a pair of gloves to each
man and a daily wage of six pence English money, taking care to announce that the
services of such volunteers would terminate with the campaign. They were required
to take a special oath of allegiance. At that time he had not yet been appointed
governor-general of the province, although it was intimated that such appointment
was to be made. Consequently he could not assume any authority over the other
governors. He wrote to them at once stating the steps that he had taken, and en-
closing copies of his letters to General Gage and M. de Repentigny, and of his pro-
clamation and the proposed oath of allegiance, to promote uniformity in their action.
In his letter to Burton, referring to his intention of appointing Canadian officers
for the two companies to be raised at Quebec, Murray remarked "nothing will more
effectually convince the Savages, that they are to expect no more assistance from
France, and that this Country is now entirely under His Majesties Dominion than
the appearance of their old French Leaders in arms against them."
Haldimand had already assembled the captains of militia and after explaining
the requisition and the object of the campaign, he ordered them to call together
their companies and ask for a sufficient number .of volunteers. If volunteers were
not obtained, he intended to command the necessary number of men from each
parish.
His verbal instructions were supplemented by a circular letter requiring prompt
and vigorous efforts to secure, the proper number of volunteers.
Burton decided to do nothing until he received instructions from Murray.
A few days later, Murray informed the other governors that he had fixed the
rates of pay as follows:
A major, $3.00 a day.
Each captain, $2.00 a day.
Each lieutenant, $1.00 a day.
Each sergeant, one shilling, Halifax, currency, or one-fifth of a dollar.
Each corporal, eight pence, Halifax currency.
Each private, six pence or one-tenth of a dollar.
They were to receive pay and rations from the day of their enlistment. He had
appointed two lieutenants to each company and no ensign. He sent them a specimen
capote, a pair of leggings and a pair of shoes to show exactly what he intended to
furnish to the men. A letter from Haldimand, having indicated that he anticipated
some difficulty in obtaining the required number of volunteers, Murray remarked
rather precipitately as it proved, "it shews a bad will, I do not like; it cannot however
The Militia of the Province of Quebec, 1763-1775. 47
affect the king's service for 1,000 more than I want may be had here & to make up
your Company you may have recourse to- this part of the Province."
De Repentigny however declined the command of the battalion, and J. B. M. des
Berges de Rigauville was appointed to command with the rank of major. *This
gentleman belonged to a family which had been in the country for eighty years; he
was then thirty-seven years of age, and after some service in the militia had received
a commission in the colony troops. He had commanded at Fort St. Frederic fought
gallantly at Ste. Foy and had already declared his intention of remaining in the
province. Antoine Juchereau Duchesnay and M. de Catalogne, both former officers in
the colony troops, were appointed captains of the two companies recruited in the
government of Quebec. There had been, however, a marked revulsion in popular feel-
ing respecting voluntary enlistment. "At firsjt our recruiting went on briskly." Murray
wrote to Burton on the 22nd March, "but latterly the people have got it into their
heads, that by taking money, and Voluntary inlisting, they were liable to remain Sol-
diers while they lived, from this Reasoning I shall with difficulty, be able to Corn-
pleat our two Companys, but if I am put to it, I shall make no Scruple to draw the
few I want from the Jeune Gens, and to that end I have made the inclosed prepara-
tions, which I take the Liberty to Inclose to you, that if you find it necessary, and
think the Expedient proper, you may do the Same."
Haldimand also reported his surprise that the bounty of twelve piastres was likely
to become an obstacle rather than an encouragement but he said that his recruiting
officers had gone into the rural parishes and he learned that the young men were, talk-
ing it over by their own fire-sides and had estimated that the pay and bounty to-
gether would amount to 180 francs which then seemed a large sum to them.
He was obliged to draw upon the treasury of Quebec for all necessary ex-
penses as he declared that his district was not able to bear the cost of enrolment
of even twenty men as the poverty of the people was beyond conception and daily
increasing. For the command of the company from Three Rivers, he selected M.
de Montizambert, lately a lieutenant in the colony troops, who had lived for twenty
years in the Ohio country, where he had married a German woman. As lieutenants,
he appointed M. de Richerville, also formerly in the colony troops, and M. Schmidt
who had served for a long time in the militia.
When the time appointed for the departure of the Quebec companies arrived they
were still incomplete and Murray found himself obliged to accept eight Indians from
Lorette and to send a circular letter to the captains of militia in the parishes above
Quebec, calling their attention to his proclamation and informing them that in the event
a due proportion of volunteers from their companies did not present themselves, he
would be obliged to resort to a draft to obtain men. He would deprive all the in-
habitants of those parishes of their arms beginning with the militia officers as he did
not consider that men who declined to use them for the public good, deserved to be
trusted with them for their private benefit. He would also deprive the drafted men
of the 'bounty. An order was prepared directing a draft of fifty men from the com-
panies of militia in the parishes extending from Beaumont to Cap de St. Ignace if
they did not furnish twenty volunteers for service during the campaign on the conditions
stated in his proclamation. Eventually, he found it necessary only to accept ten
drafted men as supernumeraries in the event that the companies from the other dis-
tricts were not up to strength. Noyelle de Fleurimont, a distinguished colonial officer,
was appointed paymaster with the rank of captain.
Haldimand had better success. His company was completed entirely with volun-
teers and he had accepted ten supernumeraries whom he proposed should be taken in
the place of the men drafted at Quebec, or to fill up the Montreal companies. However,
he had deemed it necessary to recall the arms issued to the inhabitants of the two
parishes of Batiscan, who .had informed his recruiting agents that as they had been
disarmed at the conquest of the country, they would never take up arms again. Eventu-
ally all the companies were completed with volunteers and all drafted men discharged.
The battalion left Montreal for Oswego on the 6th of April, and Murray reported <
that he was confident that "they will do their Duty with as much Zeal and alacrity
as any Provincial Corps whatever. They were raised and equipped in fourteen days."
In the list of subaltern officers were men bearing the names of such old colonial fami-
lies as Hertel, La Madeleine, Montesson, Dupre, St. Andre and Clignancour.
* De Repentigny returned to France soon after. He was created a Marquis, promoted to the rank of
Brigadier-General and appointed governor of Senegal from which he was transferred to Mah6, in
the French East Indies, where he died in 1771, having successfully defended that province against
the attacks of a native ruler.
48 The Militia of the Province of Quebec, 1763-1775.
Writing from New York on the 2nd of May, Gage said "The news of the March
of the Canadians has already astonished the Savages; and Sir Wm. Johnson says, it
will have a better effect to convince them of their folly than anything he can say or do
to persuade them that there is no assistance to be expected for them from that Quarter.
Mais ne dites rien de tout cecy en Canada"
The composition of the force ordered to assemble at Oswego was as follows: —
The 17th Foot, completed with men from the 55th.
Four companies of eighty men each, from other regular regiments.
500 Militia from New Jersey.
500 Militia from New York, and Connecticut.
300 Militia from Canada.
50 men of the Royal Artillery.
10 Light Field Pieces.
making a total strength of more than 2,000 rank and file. The provincial troops from
New Jersey, however, did not arrive in New York until the first week in May, con-
sequently they were late in reaching Oswego. A council with the Canadian Indians was
successfully held at Caughnawaga on the 5th of May, at which the different tribes ac-
cepted a war belt and 300 of them marched on the 15th by way of Crown Point to re-
port to Sir Wm. Johnson at his residence in the Mohawk Valley.
On their arrival, that officer assembled the whole of the local militia numbering
about 1,500 men, whom he reviewed in the presence of the Indians. Some of the
Senecas were present and it was presumed that on their return home they would tell
their people that the English were moving in large bodies towards the frontiers.
About the middle of June, Johnson took his departure for Niagara, accompanied by
the principal chiefs of the Mohawks. The Canadian contingent had gone on in advance
to Niagara where they arrived on the 18th of May, and two days later were sent
forward to the upper landing above the falls where they built a stockade for the
protection of stores which afterwards received the name of Fort Schlosser in honour
of the officer in charge of the work. They were subsequently employed for many
days in the transportation of stores on the portage. This was hard and monotonous toil
and evoked some complaint on their part, which, twenty years after was recorded and
probably exaggerated by the venomous pen of Pierre du Calvet. It would appear that
their private letters to their families did not support these complaints.
The remainder of the troops gradually arrived at Niagara in detachments during
the month of June, but the contingents from the other provinces are said to have fallen
considerably short of the numbers demanded. About 2~000 Indians were assembled at
a council, being the largest number ever brought together for that purpose. The Sene-
cas from the Genesee Valley had not arrived as soon as the others, but they appeared
at length, delivered up their prisoners and agreed to cede to the crown a strip of
land extending on both sides of the river from lake to lake, four miles in width on
each bank with the privilege of establishing a military post on the north side of Lake
Erie, afterwards known as Fort Erie. The land granted by this treaty amounted to
about 300,000 acres. Two hostages were also given by the Senecas as a pledge for
the appearance of the chiefs of the Shawanese and Delawares, with the prisoners
detained by those nations. Twenty-two nations were present at this council, eleven
of whom were western Indians. The warriors from Canada agreed at the same time
to accompany the expedition to Detroit.
General Bradstreet had fallen sick at Albany and this fact had contributed to delay
the movement of troops from Niagara. The expedition actually took its departure from
Fort Schlosser, on the 8th of August and four days later arrived at Presque Isle on
Lake Erie where a delegation from the Delawares and Shawanese was waiting. A treaty
of peace was hastily concluded with these nations by which they agreed to deliver up
all prisoners in their hands. The garrison of Detroit was relieved on the 26th of August
and a council with the Indians of the vicinity was held on the 7th September which ter-
minated in a treaty of peace with the remainder of the hostile nations. Bradstreet
had thus succeeded in accomplishing his mission without further bloodshed but he was
subsequently rather harshly censured for having granted the Indians such favourable
terms.
General Gage thanked Haldimand warmly for his company which had been re-
ported to him as the best by far in the battalion and Captain Montizambert also re-
ported that it was in good state of discipline and excellent spirits.
On the 10th of August, General Murray was formally proclaimed governor of the
province of Quebec. Copies of his commission were sent to the governors of the other
districts who considered it their duty to notify captains of militia by circular letters.
The Militia of the Province of Quebec, 1763-1775. 49
During the last week in November, the battalion of volunteers returned to Mont-
real where those from Montreal and Three Rivers were paid off and discharged, the
men from the latter district receiving four days additional pay to enable them to reach
their homes. The pay-roll for this company has been preserved among the Haldimand
papers and contains the names of three officers, two sergeants, two corporals, one
drummer, and sixty privates. Pte. Noel Fortier died on service on the 24th of August.
As all ranks had received an advance of pay up to and including the 24th of May,
before leaving Three Rivers, pay was then claimed for 196 days, extending from the 25th
of May to the 6th December, inclusive. Haldimand reported that "these good fellows"
who had never received such considerate treatment before, had returned to their homes
well satisfied, and hoping that their services would be required again the following
year. "It is certain," he remarked "that thdr presence has produced a good effect on
the minds of the Indians."
Ten years later on the passage of the Quebec bill, the surviving officers were
placed upon a half pay list. Their commander, de Rigauville, was at the same time
appointed a member of the legislative council. He subsequently distinguished him-
self by his loyalty and activity during the invasion of the province in 1775, and was
wounded during the siege and taken prisoner at the surrender of St. John. He died in
captivity at Bristol in Pennsylvania, a few months later.
Occasional demands were made upon the militia for assistance in transporting
stores for the military posts in Canada and the "Upper Country." Thus in the autumn
of 1765, five parishes of the island of Montreal were required to furnish sixty-four
men with oars and paddles for the service. Shortly afterwards the loss of a sloop
on Lake Ontario made it necessary to employ one hundred additional boats which
appear to have been manned in the same way. In the following spring Murray issued
instructions to the justices of the peace to issue impress warrants for horses, sleighs,
and other carriages for the transport of provisions to Lachine and the upper posts,
the persons thus employed to be paid current wages. These warrants were subse-
quently withdrawn owing to doubt as to their legality.
Much to General Murray's annoyance the lieutenant-governors of Montreal and
Three Rivers declined to acknowledge him as commander of the troops in their districts
and their attitude in this respect was approved by the commander-in-chief. Mur-
ray protested very strongly, declaring that the province could not be governed without
a military force as "the Canadians are to a man soldiers and naturally conceive that
he who commands the troops should govern." He soon became involved in a bitter
quarrel with some of the English speaking merchants and traders, the greater part of
whom, he described as being either persons of inferior education, who had come in
the wake of the army, or discharged soldiers. They were all seeking to get rich
quickly and had few scruples as to the means they employed providing they were
successful in gaining their object. Nothing he said would satisfy some of these "licen-
tious fanatics" but the expulsion of the Canadians who "were the bravest race on the
globe and if indulged with a few privileges would become the most faithful subjects
in this American Empire." In a later despatch he stated that a few British traders,
vexed with him because he would not appoint them magistrates or allow them to
oppress the "new subjects," continued to display the utmost malice towards him. These
dissensions increased until finally a number of merchants united in a petition asking
for his recall, charging him with passing vexatious, oppressive and unconstitutional
ordinances, refusing to listen to their protests, and treating them with rudeness and
anger, concluding by a singular complaint of "his further adding to this by the most
flagrant partiality, by fomenting parties, and taking measures to keep Your Majesties
old and new subjects divided from one another by encouraging the latter to apply for
judges of their own national language." This petition was strongly supported by an-
other from their business connections in London, and under date of April 1st, 1766,
Murray was directed to return to England to give an account of his administration.
When this became known, a majority of the seigniors signed a strong memorial to
the king, praising the governor highly for his affability and impartiality, by which
they asserted he had attached the people to him and praying that he should be re-
instated.
Sir, Guy Carleton, who had served under Wolfe during the siege of Quebec, was
selected as his successor but did not arrive at Quebec until the autumn of that year.
The dilapidated state of the fortifications soon came to his attention and he strongly
recommended the repair of the walls of Quebec as he reported that as the damage by
bombardment during the siege had never been mended, the masonry must soon tumble
down unless this was done. A complaint from Sir. Wm. Johnson respecting the
suspicious conduct of some Canadian traders among the Indians in the West caused
50 The Militia of the Province of Quebec, 1763-1775.
him to make enquiries which seemed to have convinced him of their general good will
and loyalty. "Ever since my arrival," he remarked, "I have observed the Canadians
with an attention bordering upon suspicioon but hitherto have not discovered in them
either actions or Sentiments, which do not belong to good subjects."
Soon afterwards he recommended that a pension should be granted to M. Chaus-
segros de Lery, who had been one of the first of the French officers remaining in the
country to take the oath of allegiance for which he had since been punished by sum-
mary expulsion from France in a state of poverty. He reviewed the military situation
of the province and again directed the attention of the Ministry to the ruinous state
of the fortifications, and the small number of regular troops under his command. The
British militia would number about 500 men while the French militia was about 18,000
strong of whom he remarked "above one-half have already served with as much valour,
with more zeal and more military knowledge for America than the Regular Troops of
France, that were joined with them." The common people, he said, were still much
under the influence of the seigniors and he forwarded a list of the noblesse by which it
appeared that about one hundred Canadian officers were then residents in France or
employed in the French service, "all ready to be sent back, in case of a war, to a Country
they are intimately acquainted with, and with the assistance of some Troops to stir up
a People accustomed to pay them implicit obedience." About seventy Canadian officers
had remained in the province, for whom no local employment could be provided. The
construction of a citadel at Quebec was again strongly recommended as in the event
of a war with France, the province would undoubtedly be in a very precarious situa-
tion.
Writing on the 20th January, 1768, after referring once more to the necessity of
strengthening the fortifications of Quebec, he declared, "still I think the Interests of
Great Britain but half advanced unless the Canadians are inspired with a cordial at-
tachment, and zeal for the King's Government." He then proceeded to recommend that
they should be maintained in the quiet possession of their property according to their
own customs and that recourse to Courts of law should be made prompt and easy. The
establishment of a provincial corps for the defence of the country was also advocated.
"But, Besides these points of Justice," he wrote, "as long as the Canadians are deprived
of all Places of Trust and Profit, they never can forget they no longer are under the
Dominion of their natural Sovereign: tho' this immediately concerns but few, yet it
affects the Minds of all, from a national Spirit, whichever interests itself at the gen-
eral Exclusion of their Countrymen: three or four of their principal Gentlemen, with
the Rank of Counsellors, was it little more than Honorary, tho' on many Occasions
they might prove useful; a few Companies of Canadian Foot judiciously officered,
with three or four trifling Employments, in the Civil Department, would make very
considerable Alterations on the Minds of the People; it would divide the Canadians at
least, and secure a part in Case of a French war that would emulate the zeal of the
King's National Troops; It would hold up Hopes to the Gentlemen, that their children,
without being bred up in France, or the French Service, might support their Families
in the Service of the King their Master, and by the Employments preserve them from
sinking into the lower class of People, by the division and subdivision of Lands
every Generation."
His proposal for the construction of a citadel was referred to other departments in-
terested. Steps were then taken to draft a new bill for the government of the province
which was placed in charge of the Earl of Shelburne. The governor was instructed
to make every effort to conciliate the new .subjects and convince them of the interest of
the ministry in their welfare and safety. Secret intelligence had been received indicat-
ing that the French government still entertained designs for the recovery of Canada.
This information was duly transmitted to Carleton who was directed to make enquiries.
He reported his absolute disbelief that there was any plot in existence in Canada, but
stated that he had not the least doubt of the secret attachment of the Canadians to
France and that this would continue" as long as they were excluded from all employ-
ment under the British Government and until they were assured of being reinstated in
their former commissions and employments by which they had chiefly supported them-
selves and their families. He asserted that the new government had done nothing
to gain over a single man in the province by making it his private interest to remain a
subject of the king, and that on the contrary the interests of many would be promoted
by a revolution. He surmised that the -proposal to raise a Canadian regiment had be-
come known in France, and that the intelligence transmitted had been purposely circu-
lated to create distrust of them.
He was informed in reply that his remarks would have great weight in the con-
sideration of the measures proposed as they demonstrated "both the propriety and
The Militia of the Province of Quebec, 1763-1775. 51'
necessity of extending to that brave and faithful people a reasonable participation in
those establishments, which are to form the Basis of the future Government of the
Colony of Quebec." The Minister frankly stated that although he fully agreed with
Carleton that great advantages might be derived from granting commissiops in the
military forces to Canadians, he considered it scarcely practicable then owing to the
strong prejudice existing against that proposal among all political parties.
His recommendation for the citadel was renewed in the following year with estimates
for its construction and proposals for a new road connecting the province with New
York to be built by means of a lottery. The plans for the citadel were once more
referred, this time to a committee of the Privy Council with the Marquis of Granby
as chairman.
A strong memorial from the Canadians for the restoration of their laws and cus-
toms and pledging their fidelity, seems to have revived interest in the proposed bill for
the government of the province which had been so long deferred and a report from the
committee was eventually forwarded to Carleton for his consideration. At the same
time he was instructed to enquire into further reports of discontent and take every
necessary measure for the defence of the country. Leave of absence was subsequently
granted him to return to England for the purpose of giving evidence before the com-
mittee, of which he availed himself late in the summer of 1770. In his absence the ad-
ministration of the government devolved upon Lieutenant Governor Cramahe who
reported in January, 1771, that the people were perfectly disposed to remain quiet, nor
was there any reason to apprehend any seditious movement among them, even if war
should begin with Spain, as they still hoped to be "shortly relieved from several in-
conveniencies under which they consider themselves at present to labour." On the 25th
of July, 1772, he wrote again "altho" I can scarcely credit that any of His Majesty's
new Subjects have entered into, or formed any plan destructive to the King's in-
terests, and am pretty certain,if any such Thing is in Agitation, that it must come
from the other side of the water, and few here intrusted with the Secret, His Majesty
may be assured. I shall keep an exact watch upon their Words and Actions, endeavour
to find out their Correspondence and if I discover anything to be plotting or acting
against His Royal Interests, that I shall consult and Concert, with the Commanders
of His Forces upon the Spot, and His other Servants, the best and most effectual
measures for the preservation and Security of this important Province."
A few months later he thought proper to report that M. Dufy (or Dufils) of
Montreal, formerly a captain of militia, had stated that he had been notified of his
nomination to the order of St. Louis, with which he would be invested whenever he went
to France for that purpose, but that he had no intention of undertaking the journey.
This information excited his suspicions as he conjectured that the appointment had
probably been made with a view of maintaining French influence among that class of
people who had profited most by the 'change of dominion but he affirmed that it would
have little effect, "if the Government of the province was established upon a firm and
solid basis, and some means could be devised of employing the Noblesse, who at present
are at a loss how to dispose of, or provide for, their children."
During the governor's prolonged absence Cramahe continued to urge the adoption
of a new constitution for the province in almost every despatch and insisted that the
only sure way to gain the affection of the new subjects was to grant them all possible
freedom in the exercise of their religion. He received and forwarded a petition from a
number of the British inhabitants for the establishment of an elective House of assem-
bly but took the precaution of remarking that not more than five of the persons who
had signed it were freeholders and that four of these owned very little property,
while the actual number of tenants did not exceed thirty. They had endeavoured to.
induce the Canadians to join them in this petition but had signally failed. The
government bill was accordingly introduced into parliament at the session of 1774,
and passed into law becoming known as the Quebec Act. Carleton did not return to
Canada until 18th of September, 1774, and immediately reported that the French
Canadians were highly pleased with the provisions of the new act, and that all ranks
of people among the them vied with each other in testifying their gratitude and re-
spect. Within a very few hours after his arrival he received a letter by express from
General Gage informing him that in consequence of the alarming condition of affairs
in the province of Massachusetts he felt obliged to collect all the military force in his
power at Boston, and he had consequently sent transports to bring two regiments
from Quebec to that place, thus reducing the regular force in the province to two weak
battalions, one at Quebec and the other at Montreal with detachments at Three Rivers
and Chambly. He also enquired whether, as a last resort, a body of Canadians and
52 The Militia of the Province of Quebec, 1768-1775.
Indians might be assembled for service in Massachusetts to act in conjunction with his
troops. Carleton replied at once that the two regiments should be embarked as soon as
the ships arrived and that the Canadians had strongly expressed their satisfaction at the
recent legislation for their benefit. The formation of a Canadian regiment would com-
plete their happiness and in case of necessity it could be increased to three or more
battalions. He was satisfied that their fidelity and zeal could be relied on, but, if this
proposal, which he had long before recommended, should be adopted, it was necessary
that the officers should be placed on the same footing as in the rest of the infantry
of the line with half -pay on disbandment. He was informed that the Indians were in
very good humour and believed that the organization of a Canadian battalion would
have great influence upon them.
The British Cabinet, however, seem to have entertained considerable doubt as to
the manner in which the act would be received by the British inhabitants, many of
whom had strongly opposed its passage and Carleton was urged "to endeavour by
every Argument which your own good sense will suggest to you, to persuade the natural
born subjects of the justice and propriety of the present form of Government and of
the attention that has been shown to their Interests not only in adoption of the
English Laws, as far as it was consistent with what was due to the just claims and
moderate wishes of the Canadians, but in the opening to the British Merchant, by an
Extension of the Province, so many new channels of important commerce."
This was no easy task. A letter addressed to the inhabitants of the province of
Quebec from the Congress at Philadelphia, printed in French and English, was soon
widely circulated and many agents were active in spreading discontent, not only
among the English speaking population, but among the habitans. Meetings were held
at Montreal under the leadership of Thomas Walker, a veteran agitator, to condemn
the Quebec Act and petition for its repeal. A committee to act in conjunction with that
formed in Montreal had been appointed at Quebec. All attempts to obtain support
from the French Canadians had failed but they were uneasy and timorous.
Gage again appealed for assistance but Carleton deferred a reply until he could
send it by a confidential officer as he feared that his letter might be intercepted. He
reported that although the gentry were well disposed and desirous of serving in a
regular force, they did not care to command the militia as they had never done so
under French rule. The hasty disbandment of the Canadian battalion raised in 1764,
without any provisions for its officers by a gratuity or half-pay was still fresh in
their minds. The ancient habits of obedience of discipline among the inhabitants had
become greatly relaxed. They had imbibed new ideas and it was not likely that they
could be easily induced to take up arms and march into another province, particu-
larly as the discontented faction was trying to persuade them that the Quebec Act had
been passed merely to serve the purpose of the moment and with the intention of
restoring the despotism of their old masters, the French. He thought however, it
would be an opportune time for raising a battalion or more of regular troops among
them.
"Since it could not be done before," he wrote, "this would prove a fair opportunity
for raising a battalion or two of Canadians; such a measure might be of singular use,
in finding Employment for, and consequently firmly attaching the Gentry, to our
Interests, in restoring them to a significance, they have nearly lost, and >through
their means obtaining a further influence upon the Lower class of People, a ma-
terial service to the State, besides that of effectually securing many nations of
Savages."
Several other agents from New England arrived during the winter, armed with
letters to their friends both in Quebec and Montreal, and addressed a meeting of
the English speaking merchants of Montreal held secretly at Lachine at which it was
alleged that they had made the threat that if the Canadians would not join them the
province would be invaded by 50.000 men, and laid waste with fire and sword. They
made further attempts to gain the support of the French population and even that
of the Indians in the village near Montreal, but Carleton was assured that their
mission had failed and that they had returned home without any apparent success. At
all events they had not succeeded in their proposals for the appointment of a com-
mittee to correspond with the committee at Cambridge in Massachusetts, and for the
election of delegates to attend the Continental Congress to meet at Philadelphia in
May. Carleton's official letters at this time do not indicate that the threats of in-
vasion from other provinces caused him any serious alarm.
ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS
ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS.
(1)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA, HALDIMAND PAPERS.
(B. 7. P. 15.)
General Murray's Report of the State of the Government of Quebec in Canada,
June 5th, 1762.
My Lord.
Militia. The Canadians are formed into a militia for the better regulation of which
each parish in proportion to its extent and number of inhabitants is divided
into one, two or more Companies who have their proper officers, Captains,
Lieutenants, Ensigns, Majors, Aide-Majors, Sergeants, &c., and all orders
or public regulations are addressed to the Captains or Commanding Officers,
who are to see^ the same put in execution. From these Companies detach-
ments are formed, and sent to any distance and in 1759 and 1760, the whole
were in arms for the defence of their Country.
(2)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. GENERAL MURRAY'S LETTER BOOK.
Vol. II., p. 32.
Quebec 17th November 1763.
Dear Burton
Monsr Repentigny who will have the honor to put this into your hands desires
to be introduced to you: His Behaviour will certainly procure your regard, of all
the Officers of the Troupes de Colonies, which I have Conversed with he appears to
be the best informed & the most polite. The great number of these Gentlemen
lately arrived here by the last Ships, will make it prudent I imagine to attend to their
Conduct; It Certainly is very natural for these Gentlemen to come here to Settle their
affairs, but as most of those I mentioned have no affairs to Settle, nor a single
farthing in the Colony, and have at this moment their pockets full of money tho' it is
well known they had not a shillg when they left Canada, It will be prudent to watch
their Motions, most of them talk of Staying and becoming English Subjects, but
they have a formal leave of Absence, for 15 Months only signed by Luis; Those
who have the Croix St. Luis cannot take the Oaths to our Governmt, without a
formal permission from the King of France; &c., &c. In Short a Thousand ques-
tions relative to these Gentlemen must be solved at Home, for which purpose I have
wrote very fully Concerning them to the Secretary of State, and I have sent a list of
their names; Until! we get His answer, I apprehend Civility, and a proper Attention
to their Conduct is all which is necessary on our Parts, In which I flatter myself
you will join with me in opinion. I beg my Compliments may be made acceptable to
Mrs. Burton, embrace little Dick for me, and be assured that I am with great
truth and Regard
Dear Burton !
Yours &e., &c.
J. M.
To Brigadr Burton.
(3)
t PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 2, p. 61.
[C°Py} New York 12th February 1764.
3ir:
As it may conduce greatly to the benefit of His Majesty's service to employ a
body of Canadians in the Spring, who in conjunction with as many of His Majesty's
Regular forces as Can be collected, and such other Troops as shall be raised in the
53
54 Illustrative Documents.
I
neighbouring provinces, may inable me to assemble a respectable Corps in the spring,
which shall serve either to act offensively against the savages, or bring them to terms,
on which we may conclude a safe and lasting Peace with the several Indian Nations.
I think proper to make the same application to you as has been already made to sev-
eral of His Majesty's other Governors, and to require an Aid from the Province of
Quebec, of One Battalion of Three Hundred Men, divided into five Companys, of One
Captain, Two subns. and Sixty men, exclusive of non commissioned Officers, in
each Company; The whole to be Commanded by a Field Officer if you think proper,
of the Rank of Major, to be upon the same footing with the other provincial troops.
As nothing can so effectually serve, to convince the savages, how vain and er-
ronious their expectations have been of French Supplys, and that the Arms of Great
Britain, have received Additional strength by the Conquest of Canada, than their
seeing a Body of Canadians in Arms, and ready to act Hostilye against them, in
Conjunction with British Troops; I hope the requisition I have made will meet with
your approbation.
The Companys will of course be supplyed with Arms, Ammunition &ca. from
your Stores at Quebec or Montreal, and also provision to last them to Oswego, to
which place you will please send them, where they shall be supplyed with Tents,
and Camp Equipage, and will receive further Orders: And as it will be necessary
that the Troops should take the field, as early as possible, the Companys from Quebec
and trois Rivieres, should be at Montreal by the latter end of March, in order that the
whole Battalion, may be ready to proceed in the provision Boats, which I required
in my Letter of the 9th January to Governor Burton to be forwarded to Oswego the
moment the Navigation of the River is free. A copy of which I herewith inclose you
for Your further information; Those Boats may all be taken back to Montreal, by
the spare hands, as I shall have sufficient craft without them.
You'll perceive by this letter, that I apprehend, the large Packet directed to you
and forwarded from hence, under the charge of Lieut. McLean, the 15th January,
contained Your commission under the Great SeaF from His Majesty, as Governor of
the Province of Quebec, should I be mistaken in this Conjecture, I have then only
to demand from your Government an Aid of one hundred and twenty men, to be
divided into Two Companys, of One Captain, two Subns, and Sixty men, exclusive
of Non Commissioned officer in each Company; and you will be pleased likewise
to appoint a field Officer, to command the whole Corps^ of Canadians as before men-
tioned. I have taken the precaution to write to Governors Burton and Haldimand to
demand their respective proportions, to make up the three Hundred Canadians in-
tended, tho' I am pretty well convinced, from the reason above mentioned it will be
Unnecessary.
I am with great Regard
Sir!
Your most Obedient, and most humable Servant
(Signed) Thos. Gage
Honble Govr Murray
Endorsed: Copy of Major General Gage's Letter to Governor Murray of 12th February
1764 — making a Requisition of a Corps of Canadians for his Majesty's Service.
In Govr Murray's of the 5th March 1764.
Inclosure 3 in No. 6.
(4)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 2. p. 101.
(Copy) New York February 12th 1764.
Sir
As it may conduce greatly to the benefit of His Majesty's Service to employ
a Body of Canadians in the spring, who in conjunction with as many of His Majesty's
Regular Troops, as can be collected, and such other Troops as shall be raised in the
neighbouring provinces, may enable Me, to assemble a respectable Corps in the
Spring. Which shall serve either to act offensively against the Savages, or bring
them to terms on which we may conclude a safe and lasting Peace with the several
Indian Nations, I think proper to make the same Application to you, as has been
Already made to several of His Majesty's other Governors, and to require an aid from
the Government of Trois Rivieres, of Sixty Men, to be formed into one Company,
Illustrative Documents. 55
with one Captain & Two Subalterns, exclusive of Non-Commissioned Officers, be-
ing Your proportion of a Battalion of Three Hundred Canadians, intended. The whole
to be commanded by a Field Officer, appointed by Governor Murray, of the rank
of Major, in order, to be on the same footing with the other Provincial Troops.
As nothing can so effectually serve, to convince the Savages, how vain and er-
roneous, their expectations have been of French Supplies, and that the Arms of Great
Britain, Have received additional Strength, by the Conquest of Canada, than their
seeing a Body of Canadians in Arms, and ready to act hostilely against them, in
conjunction with British Troops. I hope the Requisition, I have made, will meet with
your Approbation.
The Companies will of course be supplied with Arms, Ammunition, &c. from
your Stores at Trois Rivieres or at Montreal, and as also provision to last to Os-
wego, to which place they are to be sent, Where they shall be supplied with Tents
& Camp Equipage, "and will receive - further orders. And as it will be necessary that
the Troops should take the Field as early as possible, the Company from Trois Rivieres
must be at Montreal, by the latter End of March, in order that the whole Battalion
may be ready to proceed in the Provision Boats, Which I required in a former letter to
Colo. Burton, to be forwarded to Oswego, the moment the Navigation of the River is
free. Those Boats may all be taken back to Montreal, by spare hands, as I shall
have sufficient Craft without them.
The Aid, I have required from the Government of Trois Rivieres, may very
likely not depend upon You, as I have sometime since forwarded, what I apprehend-
ed to be Governor Murrays Commission under the great Seal; If I should be right
in this Conjecture, of which you will certainly be advis'd, this Requisition to you
falls of Course, and you'll hear from Governor Murray on this subject
I am with great regard, Sir
Your most Obedient and most humble servant
(Signed) Thos. Gage
His Excellency Governor Haldimand
a true Copy
C: Gugy Secy
Endorsed: Copy of a Letter from the Commander in Chief to Governor Haldimand,
dated New York Febry 12th 1764. Making a Requisition of a Corps of
Canadians to be raised for his Majesty's Service, in Col: Haldimand 's
of 18th April 1764.
Inclosure in No. 9.
(5)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 2, p. 69.
(Copy) Montreal 2nd March 1764.
Dear Sir,
Late last night, arrived from Crown point, Lieut. Farquar of the 44th, with Major
General Gages Dispatches, which, I now forward to you by Ensign Hughes. Inclosed
you have a Copy of a Letter from General Gage, to me, regarding the raising a
Battn. of 300 Canadians in the Province of Quebec, whereof the District of Mont-
real, is to furnish two Companys, of one Captain, two Subns. and Sixty men Exclu-
sive of Non Commissioned Officers, in each Company; of which I suppose he has
Spoke to you, more fully.
I shall of Course take no Steps in this affair, or mention it to any one, but
Colonel Christie, until I have received your Sentiments, and advice upon it.
I must own General Gages Letter appears to me, rather vague, as he does not
mention whether they are to be raised as Volunteers, or Draughted out of the Militia;
in what manner Money is to be procured, for Bounty, or Pay; The mode of what Prov-
ince to follow, in Regard to Cloathing, and Pay; how to be Officered, Whither whole
British, or part British and part Canadians.
Four hundred Canadians of this District, are to be employed early in the Spring,
in the Batteau Service, to Carry up to Oswego, One hundred Batteaus, Loaded with
provisions, as Ordered by Genl Gage in his Letter of the 9th January last.
56 Illustrative Documents.
Colonel Christie is now Building Batteaus, and Transporting provisions in Sleighs
to La Chine, in order to push up this Convoy, as early as the breaking up of the
River will permit, had General Gage wanted three hundred more, to Act as Batteau
men, farther up the Country than Oswego, they might be easily had; but in my
Opinion, it is yet too Early in the day, for raising Canadians, to act Hostily against the
Savages; especially as we have still amongst us, so many Priests, and French Officers,
whom we Cannot help suspecting, -would be apt to poison the minds of Canadians
going to War. Thse have always been my Sentiments, of which I some time ago,
acquainted General Gage.
I shall retain Lieut. Farquar here, untill I Receive Your Answer, who will Carry
any Letters you may have to Crown point, through the Woods, as the Lake is not
yet taken, and from thence they will be forwarded to New York, by Colonel Beck-
vith.
I am, Dear Sir ,with great Esteeme
Your most Obedient humble servant
(Signed) R. Burton
His Excellency
Brigadier Genl. Murray &c., &c.
Endorsed: Copy of Colonel Burtons Letter to Govr. Murray concerning the Corps of
Canadians to be raised, 2d. March 1764.
Inclosure 5, in No. 6.
(6)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 2, p. 75.
Trois Rivieres 3 Mars 1764.
Monsieur
Je recois dans ce moment une Lettre de Monsr. Le Genl. Gage qui demande
Une Compagnie de 60 Hommes de ce Gouvernement etant la proportion d'un Battn
de 300 Canadiens, qui doit etre Commande par un Major a votre Nomination; Je vais
travailler immediattemt a remplir cet Ordre & ne voulant point retarder L'expres,
J'ay L'honneur de me dire avec un parfait devouement.
Monsieur
Votre tres humble et tres Obeissant Servt
(Signed) Fredk. Haldimand.
His Ex. Genl. Murray
Endorsed: Copy of Colonel Haldimand 's Letter to Governor Murray 3d March 1764,
forwarding Gen. Gage's dispatches.
In Govr. Murray's of the 5th of March 1764.
Inclosure 7, in No. 6.
(Translation) Three Rivers, 3rd March, 1764.
I have just received a letter from General Gage who demands a company of 60
men from this Government being its proportion of a Battn. of 300 Canadians to be
commanded by a Major nominated by you. I shall proceed immediately to comply
with this Order, and not wishing to detain the Express, I have the honor to be, with
great respect,
Sir,
Your very humble and very obedient Servt.
Fred'k. Haldimand.
His Ex. Genl. Murray.
(7)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 2, p, 65.
(CoPy) Quebec 5th March 1764
Sir:
Your Letter of the 12th Ultimo was received Yesterday: The two Companies of
Canadians you require, from The Quebec district of This province, shall be raised with-
out Delay; The Governors of Trois Riveres, and Montreal will no doubt do the same
Illustrative Documents. 57
with regard to the men demanded from their Respective Districts; as my Commission
of Govr to the province is not yet arrived, I have only to consult with them, that we
may all do alike.
I flatter myself we shall have no difficulty to procure Volunteers for this Service;
to Oblige a Body of Canadians in their present Circumstances to march against the
Savages, out of the Province, is not to be attempted: The time fixed by the treaty of
Peace for the Emigration of those, who prefer an arbitrary, to a free Government
is not near elapsed, to order any of the Canadians out of the way, before that time
is expired, might be Construed an attempt to invalidate the article relative to the
Emigration of the Canadians, consequently you must mean, thatB the Corps of Can-
adians in question, shall be volunteers commanded by their Own Countrymen.
I wish you had settled the Encouragement which is to be given these people;
you say they are to be up on the footing with the other provincial Troops; but I
am told every Province differs, with regard to pay, Cloathing &c., &c. I am of Opinion
the Canadians who are to serve on this Occasion should have as much encouragement
as any of His Majesties subjects; These poor people have hardly yet had time to
breath; after a long uninterrupted Series of Misfortunes, they have flattered them-
selves, that under our Government, they would be exempted, at Least, from the intoler-
able weight of Military Service under which they formerly groaned, hence an additional
Necessity of making the service you require of them at present Voluntary one, when
put upon that footing, it will not be in the power of French Emissaries, Priests, or other
disaffected persons, to turn the Measure to their purposes, and thereby to persuade
many to leave the province who otherwise would not have thought of it; for these
Considerations, and a thousand other just, equitable, and political ones, I shall allow
the two Companys to be raised in the district of Quebec, the very same Encourage-
ment, which is given to their provincials by the Government of New York. You no
doubt Sir, will let me know how you expect the money is to be paid, in the mean
time, it must be charged to the Contingent charges of the Army. I send this Letter
with a flying Seal to the Governors of trois Rivieres, and Montreal, I hope we shall
agree to do alike, I am sorry however the time you have fixed for the Rendezvous will
Not admit of waiting your further directions, which may be necessary to make every
thing Concur.
I have the Honor to be with great Regard, Sir,
Your most Obedient, and Most humble servant
(Signed) Ja: Murray
Major General Gage
Endorsed: Copy of Governor Murray's Letter to Major Genl Gage of 5th March 1764
In answer to his Requisition of a Corps of Canadians. Reasons why they
should be Volunteers.
Inclosure 4 in No. 6.
(8)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 2, p. 55.
Quebec 5th March 1764.
My Lord: »
As the Commander in chief has made a Requisition of three hundred Canadians
doing
the Commander in chief to dismiss the Canadian Corps, early enough in the Autumn,
that every man may have time to come home agreeable to the Terms in my procla-
mation.
I have the honor to be, with the utmost Truth and Regard —
My Lord.
Your Lordships most obedient, most obliged, and most faithful humble Servant—
Ja: Murray
58 Illustrative Documents.
The Right Honble The Earl of Halifax one of his Majesty's Principal Secretarys of
State.
Endorsed, Quebec 5th March 1764.
Honble Governor Murray
R May 16th
Informing of some Proceedings with Regard to Canada Paper, and of a Requisition
made by the Commander in chief for a Corps of Canadians to act against the Indians. It
is his opinion that they should be Volunteers and dismissed at the end of the
Campaign.
with 8 Inclosures
D.
No. 6
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 2, p. 72.
(Copy) Quebec 6th March 1764.
Dear Burton:
I am to thank you for your kind Letters of the 2d Inst. I could not expect Less
from your good sense and Politeness, than a Delay in ye business of raising the
Canadians untill we had Consulted together. By my Letter to General Gage, which
is left open for your, and Colonel Haldimand's perusal, you will clearly see my senti-
ments regarding the Quota of Provincial Troops His Excellency has demanded from
us.
Upon all occasions it must certainly be Our Duty to contribute every assis-
tance consistant with the Faith of Treatys, and the liberty of the Subject, which the
Kings General employed against the Common Enemy may require of us; on this
occasion an extraordinary Exertion may be necessary, as General Gage seems to lay
no inconsiderable Stress upon the Canadian Corps : To make it answer his expectations
in every particular, I have offered the Command of it, to Monsieur Repenteny, and
I shall procure Canadian officers for the Two Companys to be raised here; Nothing
will more effectually convince the Savages, that they are to expect no more Assis-
tance from France, and this Country is now entirely under His Majesties Dominion,
than the appearance of their Old French Leaders in Arms against them. My Letter
to Repentiny is left open for your perusal, I hope he will accept, if he does not, I
can find another. I enclose the proclamation I have published, with a Copy of the
Oath to be taken by every Officer and Soldier.
I wish we may all Concur in opinion. It will look strange if we do not, for my part
I assume no Authority, Altho* it certainly doth appear, that the King looks upon
me, as His Acting Governor in this New province. The Secretary of States Letters
shew it, and it was declared so in the London Gazette the Eight of October Last,
since which time my Commission has actually past the Great Seal of Great Britain,
and will no doubt be sent As soon as the Multiplicity of instructions can be made. In
consequence of a Letter from Lord Halifax, Copy of which is inclosed. I have pub-
lished the Annexed proclamation in this District, I must beg the favour of you to do
the Same in Your Government, and to appoint a Register Office, I shall pay the
Clerks for their trouble, as I think it Unreasonable the poor People should be put to
any Expense.
I am with great Truth and Esteem, Dear Burton,
Your most faithful and most Obedt humble servant,
(Signed) Ja: Murray
Colonel Burton.
Endorsed: Copy of Governor Murray's Letter to Colonel Burton of the 6th March 1764
Concerning the Corps of Canadians to be raised.
In Govr. Murray's of the 5th March 1764.
Inclosure 6. in No. 6.
D.
Illustrative Documents. 59
(10)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. GENERAL MURRAY'S LETTER BOOK.
Vol. II., p. 97.
A Quebec 6th Mars 1764
Monsieur!
La Connoissance que j'ai de vos Talents pour le Militaire, et le cas que je fais
de votre personne, m'engagent par toutes sorte de Raisons a Chercher de vous Attacher
a ce pais, Votre Patrie Naturelle; quoiqu'elle soit passee sous une autre Domination, Elle
doit vous etre toujours chere; vous y tenes par trop de Liens pour pouvoir facilement
Vous en detacher.
Je me flatte toujours que vous seres un des notres, dans cette esperance j'ai un
parti a vous proposer, Je serai Charme que vous Voulies L'embrasser.
On va Lever un Battalion de trois Cent Volontaires Canadiens pour faire Cette
Compagne, Je vous en offre Le Commandement avec le Rang de Major. Monsr.
Burton aura 1^ Bonte de vous expliquer plus clairement que je ne puis par Lettre,
ce qui vaut ce Titre parmi Nous.
Comme je puis center sur vous, en cas que vous voulies L'entreprendre, vos
Emolumens seront plus forts qu'ils ne seroient pour tout autre. Si vous prenes le
parti de rester, vous ne powes mieux faire, ce sera le vrai moyen de vous procurer les
bonnes Graces de La Cour, et vous poure center que je ferai valoir vos services aupres
des Puissances.
Au reste je ne puis vous donner de plus fortes Preuves de mon Estime que par
L'offre que je vous fais a present; si vous Juges a propos de L'accepter, il seroit bon
que je pusse conferer avec vous, au Sujet des Arrangements necessaires -a prendre
pour rendre ce Corps Utile; Vous Aures aussi la bonte de me faire Sc, avoir si vous
Croyes ne devoir point embrasser le Parti que je vous propose.
De quelque Maniere que ce soit, Je serai toujours avec La plus parfaite Estime
Monsieur
La votre &c.
J. M.
A Monsr. Repentiney.
(Translation)
Quebec, 6th March, 1764.
Sir:—
The Knowledge I have of your talente and the good will have for you induce
me for all Kinds of reasons to endeavour to attach you to this country, your native
land, which although it has passed under another government ought to be always dear
to you and hold you by too many ties to be easily parted from it.
I always trust that you will become one of us and in this hope I have a proposal
to make and will be delighted if you will accept it.
A Battalion of three Hundred Canadian Volunteers is to be raised for this
Campaign. I offer you the Command with the Rank of Major, Mr. Burton will have
the goodness to explain to you more clearly than I can in a letter what this Title
is worth among us.
As I can depend upon you in the event that you wish to undertake it, your
emoluments would be greater than for any other. If you determine to remain you
cannot do better, this would be a sure means of gaining the favor of the Court, and
you may rely that I would properly represent your services to the Authorities.
In conclusion I cannot give you stronger proofs of my esteem than by the offer
I now make to you; if you deem proper to accept it, I would like to confer with
you respecting the necessary steps to be taken to make this corps useful. You will
also have the goodness to let me Know if you believe that you ought not to embrace
the opportunity which I propose.
However you decide I shall ever be with the greatest respect,
Sir, Your &c.,
To Monsr. Repentiney.
60 Illustrative Documents.
(11) ,
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 2, p. 7.
(Copy) Quebec 6th March 1764
Dear Sir:
By the inclosed Letter for Colonel Burton (which when you have read you will
be pleased to seal, and forward) you will see what Steps I have taken to fulfill Genl.
Gages Views in raising the Canadian Corps he has demanded from this Province; I
wish most heartily, that my notions of that Business may coincide with yours.
Annexed are Copys of the Proclamation I have thought proper to publish here,
and of the Oath I shall require from the Canadian Officers and Soldiers; and I have
only to beg that by the return of Captain Brown, you will be pleased to let me know
how you mean to proceed in this Business that I may do what in me lye to prevent Con-
fusion, in case we should Unluckily differ in Opinion; for it must appear very ridicu-
lous, and even prejudicial to the Service, if all the Companys are notmpon the same
footing.
I inclose a Copy of Lord Halifax's Letter to me of the 9th December, and I must
intreat you to publish the annexed proclamation, and to appoint a Register Office for
the Trois Rivieres District, the Clerks or any Other body you may employ in this
Business shall be paid by me.
I have the Honor to be Dear Sir
Your most Obedient and most humble Servant
(Signed Ja: Murray
Colonel Haldimand
Endorsed: Copy of Govr. Murrays Letter to Colonel Haldimand of the 6th March 1764
respecting-the Corps of Canadians.
In Govr. Murrays of the 5th of March 1764.
Wishing the Govrs. of the several Districts may all concur in the same Opinion &
measures, that all the Companies may be on the same footing.
Inclosure 8. in No. 6.
D.
(12)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 2, p. 57.
Par L'honorable Jacques Murray Gouverneur de Quebec
Sa majeste attentive an Bonheur et a La Tranquillite de ses sujets a Resolu de
faire revenir a La raison quelques Nations sauvages dont La mauvaise Volonte S est
manifestee par La Violance et La Traison a cet Effet Le Gouvernment S est deter-
mine dassocier aux Troupes qui doivent Marcher a ces fins Cinq Compagnies de
Volontaires canadiens Chacune de soixante hommes commandees par des officiers de
La meme Nation deux de ces Compagnies doivent etre Levees dans Le departement de
Quebec deux dans celuy de Montreal et L'autre Enfin dans celuy des Trois Rivieres
on Nangagera dans ce Corps de Troupes que ceux qui de Leur plein Gre seront
determines a rester sous L'empire de sa Majeste Britannique.
Pour reconnoitre et pour recompienser La bonne volonte de ceux qui S enrolleront
on donnera pour Gratification douze piastres en argent a Chaque Volontaire on Leur
delivrera un Capot deux paires de souliers Sauvages une paire de Mitaines; ont les
pourvoira d armes de Munition et de vivres durant Tout Le Temps de La Campagne;
La Solde affectee a Chaque homme Sera de Six Sols anglois par Jour, on aurra Soin
de Les faire accompagner par un prestre Catholique pour y exercer Les fonctions de
son ministaire.
Le service de ces Volontaires finira avec La Campagne, apres Laquelle chacun
sera Libre de ses Volonte et sen retourner chez soy on ne peut faire Trop de diligence
pour former ces enrollments qui par Le district de Quebec Le feront au Gouverne-
ment parceque Le rende Vous General de ces differentes Compagnies est fixe a Mont-
real pour La fin de ce Mois.
Illustrative Documents. 61
Une pareille demarche Suppose dans Le Gouvernement bien de La Confiance
envers Les Nouveaux Sujets de Sa Majeste ont est en droit d attendre quil y re-
pondront Non seulement par un Grand empressement a S enroller mais encor par une
Grande fidelite a soutenir Leurs engagement dans Toutes Les circonstances ou le bien
du service Les placera; du moin ils doivent Le faire autant par honneur et par devoir
que par Reconnaissance et par zele pour Leur propres Interests.
Donne a Quebec Sous Le Sceau de Nos armes Le 6e de Mars 1764 et dans La
4me Annee du Regne de sa Majeste* George 3me Par La Grace de Dieu Roy de
La Grande Bretagne
Contresigne
Vive Le Roy
Endorsed: Copy of Govr Murray's
Proclamation for raising Canadian Volunteers to serve agst the Indians
Quebec 6th March 1764
In Govr Murray's of the 5tb~ March 1764.
Inclosure 1, in No. 6
D
(Translation)
By the honorable James Murray Governor of Quebec.
His Majesty solicitous for the happiness and tranquillity of his subjects has deter-
mined to bring back to reason several Indian Nations whose ill-will has been shown
by acts of violence and treachery. The Government has decided to attach to the
troops under orders for this purpose, five companies of Canadian Volunteers, each
consisting of sixty men commanded by officers of the same nationality; two of these
companies are to be raised in the department of Quebec, two in that of Montreal, and
the other in that of Three Rivers, only such persons as have decided of their own
free will to remain under the rule of his Britannic Majesty will be enlisted in this
body of troops.
As a recognition and reward for their good will every volunteer accepted will
be paid a bounty of twelve piastres in money, and will receive a capote, two pairs
of Indian shoes and a pair of gloves, they will be provided with arms, ammunition
and rations & during the entire compaign the pay of each man will be six pence per
day English money. They will be accompanied by a Catholic priest to perform the
duties of his ministry.
The service of the Volunteers will terminate with the campaign after which
each of them will be at liberty to return to his home. Too much diligence cannot be
displayed in proceeding with the enrollment in the district of Quebec as Montreal
is designated as the point of general assembly for all these companies at the end
of the present month.
Such a measure on the part of the Government demonstrates its perfect confi-
dence in His Majesty's new Subjects, and it is anticipated that they will respond not
only by much alacrity in Enrolling themselves but also by great fidelity in fulfilling
their obligations under all circumstances demanded by the good of the service and
that they will be impelled to do this as much by a sense of honor and duty as by
gratitude and zeal for their own interests.
Given under our Seal at arms the 6th of March, 1764, and in the 4th year of
the Reign of His Majesty George 3rd., By the Grace of God, King of Great Britain.
Countersigned.
God save the King.
(13)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 2, p. 60.
Je Soussigne
Determine par Mon propre choix a vivre sous L'Empire Britannique, jure d'etre
a jamais fidele et de me Cpmporter dans Toutes les occations en Sujes Zele Envers sa
sacre majeste George Troisieme, par la grace de Dieu, Roy de la Grande Bretagne
de france et D'irlande, deffenseur de la foy, et que je soutiendray par Tous luy et
las siens, autant qu'il sera dans Mon pouvoir, contre tous Leurs Ennemis je jure en
outre que je decouvriray a Sa Majeste ou a son General, ou a tous ceux qui agirort
62 Illustrative Documents.
sous ses ordre, autant que je le pourray, Tous traitre, et Toute Conspirations qui
pourrois etre formee centre Sa Majeste centre ses Royaumes, ou centre le Gouverne-
ment
(Ja: Murray)
A Quebec le
Endorsed: Copy of the Oath taken by the Canadian Volunteers in Govr. Murray's
of the 5th March 1764.
Inclosure 2 in No. 6 ,
D
(Translation)
I the undersigned having decided of my own choice to live under British rule,
swear to be forever faithful and to conduct myself on all occasions as a zealous
subject of ~his Sacred Majesty George Third by the grace of God, King of Great
Britain, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, and that I will sustain him and
his as far as may be in my power against all their enemies. I further swear that I
will discover to His Majesty or to his General or to all who serve under his orders
as far as I can, all traitors and all conspiracies that may be formed against his
Majesty, against his Kingdoms, or against the Government.
Jas. Murray.
At Quebec, the
(14)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES, HALDIMAND PAPERS, SERIES B., Vol. 6, p. 129.
Trois Rivieres le 6e Mars 1764.
Monsieur
J'ay eu Aujourd'huy tous les Capitaines de Milice Ches Moy, & appres leurs
Avoir explique la requisition, que j 'ay rec,ue, et le but de la levee de Ce battaillion;
je leurs ay donne Ordre de rassembler leurs Compagnies de Milice, & de demander
Chacun Un Certain nombre de Vollontaires, qui jespere se presenteront pour former
Cette Compagnie, Sinom je me verray oblige de demander Un Certain Nombre
d'hommes de Chaque Paroisse, afin que la Compagnie puisse se trouver a Mt. Real
pr la fin de Mars,— Ou elle sera Armee; Mais j'espere que Vous recevres enfin
Vos Commissions avant que le Batt. puisse entrer en Campagne; On M'assure que
le General Amherst n'etoit point encore arrive a Londres au depart des dernieres
Lettres
J'ai 1'honneur d'etre avec un parfait devouement
Monsieur
Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
Fred. Haldimand.
(Endorsed)
Au Govr. Murray./ du £ Mars 64.
Three Rivers, 6th March, 1764.
(Translation)
Sir
To-day I have had all the Captains of Militia assembled at my quarters, and
after having explained to them the requisition I have received and the object for
raising this battalion, I have given them Orders to call together their Companies of
Militia and to require from each a Certain number of Volunteers, who I hope will
present themselves to form This Company, If not I shall be obliged to demand a
Certain number of men from Each Parish so that the Company may proceed to
Montreal before the end of March. Where will they be armed: But I hope that you
will receive your Instructions before the Battn can begin the Campaign. I am in-
formed that General Amherst had not arrived in London when the last letters were
despatched.
I have the honor to be with entire devotion
Sir,
Your very humble and very obedient servant,
Fred. Haldimand.
(Endorsed) To Govr. Murray 6th March 764.
Illustrative Documents. 63
»
(15)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS, Series B., Vol. 9, p. 47.
Montreal March ye 7th 1764.
Sr.
I was this day favored with your letter. By the last Express, I received a letter from
Major General Gage, of the 13th of Feb: (which I imagine to be the same date, as
his to you), regarding the Raising a Battn. of Canadians. I have by Ensign Baynes
wrote to Governor Murray upon the subject, as I do not, nor is Genl Gage
quite clear, whether his Commission as Governor of the Province of Quebec, is come
or not, or what powers Governor Murray may have sent him, from home. As such,
I have not, nor shall not, take any steps in regard to the Raising, or Equiping the
two <}ompanys, which is proposed to be the Quater for this part of the Government
until I hear from Governor Murray.
I am Sr.
your most obedient humble Servant
R. Burton.
Col. Haldimand.
Endorsed Col. Burton
7e Mars 64
9 do.
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES, HALDIMAND PAPERS, SERIES B., VOL. 6, p. 130
Aux differents Capes de Milice du Govt. des 3 R.
le 7 Mars 64.
Monsieur,
Sa Majeste n'ayant rien Autant a Coeur que le bonheur de Ces Peuples; &
Afin de le leurs Asseurer plus efficassement, Ayant ressollu d'assembler un Corps
des Trouppes Cosiderable de trouppes, pour detromper les Indiens sur les Esperances
ridiculles que des Gens ignorants & mal Intentionnes ou seme parmis eux, leur faisant
Croire le retour des Frangais dans ce J*ays possible, et enfin s'il est trouve neces-
saire de les forcer a une paix stable qui asseurant la tranquillite de Ces Sujets leur
fournisse les Moyens de Cultiver paisiblement leurs terres, & de profitter de tous les
Aventages d'un Commerce libre.
En Consequence de Cette Resollution je Viens de recevoir des Lettres Requisitoires
de la part de S:Ex:Mons. le Gl. Gage Commandant en Chef des Trouppes de
S:M:en Amerique du Nord, me demandant une Compagnie formee des Sujets du Roy
dans le Gouvernement des 3 Rivieres pour etre employee Conjointement Avec les
trouppes Regullieres; & Celles des autres Provinces, a remplir les Ordres de S:
Majeste des que la Saison le permettra.
Ayant done Concidere murement sur le Moyen le plus efficasse pr le Service
du Roy la reputation de ce Gouvernement & le soulagement des peuples, j'ay juge a
propos de ne demander que des Jeunes Gens dispots et Vollontaires, c'est pourquoy
je vous ordonne par la presente, que vous ayes a ressembler immediattement Votre
Compagnie de Milice, afin de leur lire le present Ordre, & de former Une Liste de
Ceux qui se presenteront Vollontairement, que Vous aures a M'envoyer sur le champ
par Un de Vos Officiers, afin que vous puissiez recevoir mes Ordres Ulterieurs.
Ne doutant point que le zele des habitants pour le Service d'un Maitre, dont ils
ont deja eprouve autant de bienfaits; n'en engage beaucoup plus a se presenter qu'il
ne sera besoin, je me propose de ne choisir parmis eux, que Ceux qui peuvent
s'abssenter avec le moins d'lnconvenient pour leur famille, & Ces Gens etant mis sur
le meme pied que les autres Provintieaux, seront armes et payee de meme, et recevront
la meme ration, du jour de leur depart des Trois Rivieres jusques a leur Retour.
Esperant que vous mettres tous vos Soins pour ne me presenter que de bons
Sujets, qui me fassent honneur et au Gouvernement des 3 Rs. Vous pouves les
asseurer que je mettray tous mes Soins, pour qu'ils recoivent un traittement dont je
suis persuade qu'ils auront lieu d'etre tous Sattisfaits.
Je demeurs avec cette Asseurance
Monsr. \
Votre tres obeissant &c.
64 Illustrative Documents.
(Translation)
To the Captns. of Militia in the Govt. of 3 R.
Sir:—
His Majesty having nothing more at heart than the welfare of this people, and
in order to secure it more effectively having determined to assemble a considerable
body of troops to dispel the ridiculous Hopes which ignorant and ill-disposed Persons
have spread among the Indians, making them Believe that the return of the French
into this Country was possible, and eventually if it be found necessary to compel
them to conclude a permanent peace which will ensure the tranquillity of These sub-
jects, furnish them the means of peacably cultivating their lands and of benefitting
by all the advantages of a free Trade.
In Consequence of This Decision I have received a Requisition from His. Excy. Gl.
Gage, Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Troops in North America demanding from
me a Company composed of Subjects of the King in the Government of 3 Rivers to
be employed in Conjunction with Regular Troops, and Those of other Provinces to put
in execution the orders of His Majesty while the Season permits.
Having then carefully Considered the most effective Method for the service of the
King, the reputation of the Government and the welfare of the people I have deemed
proper to call for young men only who are disposed to become Volunteers, this^ is
why I order you for the present to assemble immediately Your Company of Militia
in order to read them the present Order and prepare A List of those who offer them-
selves Voluntarily which you will send to me instantly by One of Your Officers so that
you may receive my Final Orders.
Doubting not that the zeal of the Inhabitants for the Service of a Master, from
whom they have already received so many favors will induce many more to offer them-
selves than are needed, I propose only to select from among them Those whose absence
will cause the least Inconvenience to their families & These Persons being placed on
the same footing as the other Provincials will be armed and paid the same way and
will receive the same ration from the day of their departure from Three Rivers
until their Return.
Hoping that you will take the utmost Care to send me only good Subjects who will
do honor to the Government of 3 Rs., You may assure them that I will take every
Care that they shall receive such treatment as I am persuaded they will have reason
to.be satisfied with.
I remain with this Assurance,
Sir,
Your very obedient &c.,
(Translation)
Circular to Captains of Militia (District of Montreal)
Sir: — Although I have already informed you by word of mouth of the care His
Majesty takes to ensure the welfare of his subjects and the firm resolution he has
formed to bring back to reason some Indian Nations, whose ill will has become mani-
fest by treason and violence and to oblige them to conclude a stable peace / which
ensures the resumption of an advantageous trade and tranquillity so necessary7 to his
people, I have believed it my duty to inform you with this purpose the Government
has decided to attach five companies of Canadians to the troops who are to be em-
ployed to secure this object. These companies will be composed of sixty men each.
Two will be raised in the Government of Quebec, two in that of Montreal and one in
that of Three Rivers and will be commanded by Canadian officers, only those men will
be enlisted in these Companies who will have decided of their own free will to re-
main under the dominion of His Britannic Majesty.
To recognise and reward the good will of those who enroll themselves, twelve
piastres in money will be given to each Volunteer; they will be given a capote, two
pairs of Indian Shoes and a pair of mittens. They will be provided with arms, am-
munition and provisions during the whole of the campaign. They pay assigned to each
man will be six pence English money per day, and care will be taken to have a
priest accompany them to perform the functions of his ministry.
The service of these Volunteers will end with the Campaign, after which every
one will be free to return to his home.
Such a measure on the part of the Government shows much confidence in His
Majesty's Subjects. It has a right to expect that they will respond to it not only
by great willingness to enlist but great fidelity in maintaining their engagements in
Illustrative Documents. 65
all circumstances in which the good of the service will place them. At least they
ought to dp this as much through honor and duty as through gratitude and zeal for
their own interest.
While waiting until you can publish this ordinance nexxt Sunday at the church
door you will take care as far as in your power to make it public, but above all
among your young men so that they may become acquainted with all the conditions
offered them.
(Suite. Histoire de La Milice
Canadienne-Francaise
1760-1897 pp. 100-11.)
(17)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES, HALDIMAND PAPERS, SERIES B. VOL. 6— p. 134.
• Quebec 9th March 1764.
Dear Sir,
I was honored with your favor by Mr. Maturell, I am very glad, indeed, that
you have not draughted the Militia, because I am certain that Cannot be done con-
sistent with the Treaty of Peace, Genl. Gage should know the Law of his Country,
and he should know, that even allowing the 18 months for the Emigration of the
Canadians had expired^ without an Order from His Majesty, the Militia of this Prov-
ince, cannot be march out of it; he in the present case (as it was necessary all the
Companys should be upon a footing) Should have given positive directions for form-
ing Cloathing, Officering and Subsisting the Corps or he should have left the busi-
ness, to one or other of us, for it is clare that three men agree, however, to be plain
with you -Sir! I have reported this whole affair to His Majesty, that the like Con-
fusion may never again happen in any part of his Dominions. I dare say the
Minister will think it strange that any difficulties, should at present occur about
Command, Govr. Burton is acquainted by the Secretary of State, that he was by Com-
mission, in August last appointed Lt. Govr. of Trois Rivieres; he knows, & so do
you, that his Majesty by his Royal Proclamation, of the 7th Octr. united to my Gov-
ernment the inhabited parts of that Trois Rivieres, and Montreal, & stiled the whole,
the Province of Quebec; You and Mr. Burton have Certainly seen, my Old Commis-
sion of Govr. of Quebec, and its dependencies; Quere, Should not my authority by
Virtue of that Commission, extend, over what has been lately added to the Depen-
dencys' of Quebec? I am not so fond of power, as to dispute Points of this sort, un-
less I find it absolutely necessary for my Masters Service. —
I hope when you hear from General Amherst, you will find he has not forgot you;
and that he had much to say in settling the arrangements for North America. What-
ever money may be necessary for the Executing of my Plan, relative to your Com-
pany of Canadians, shall be issued to you here. —
I am with great Truth and Regard
Dear Sir!
Your most Obedt. and most humble servant.
* Ja: Murray.
P.S. I am so ill, I'm obliged to make use of Capts' ShirreftV Pen which I hope
you will excuse.
(Endorsed)
Colonel Haldimand —
•Gl. Murray 9th March 64. 10th dto
(18)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES, HALDIMAND PAPERS, SERIES B., VOL. 6— p. 132.
Gel. Murray Le 9e Mars 1764.
Memo.
Le Capt. Brown qui arriva hier au soir ma remis les Lettres que Vous me faittes
Phonneur de m 'addresser, j'ay, Cachette, et expedie par expres Celles pour le Col.
Burton, il les recevra Certainement aujourd'huy de bon heure.
66 ' Illustrative Documents.
Je suis charme Mons. de Connaittre Vos idees, sur la levee que nous devons faire,
dans Votre Province, je les Suivray exactment, dans ce Gouvernement, tant sur la fac,on
de les lever que de la payer &c. Mais comme je Crois que nous pouvons encorre
regarder Ce Gouvernement Comme Millitaire; au Cas qu'il ne se presentat pas asses
de Volpntaires, malgres Pengagement qu'on leur off re, je Crois dis-je que Nous Sommes
en droit de les Commander, avec cette difference que Ceux qui se declaroient Sujet
du Roy de f ranee, ne pouroient point etre force a Servir dans Ce Corps; je Serois
Charme de Savoir Votre Sentiment la dessus. Comme le temps est fort Court peut
etre seroit on force d'avoir recours a cette methode.
J'usques icy je n'ay rien fait, que de Charger (comme j'ay eu Phonneur de Vous
Marquer dans ma derniere) les Cape, de Milisse, de rassembler leurs jeunes Gens de
leurs Parpisses et d'y demander des Volontaires dont ils doivent menvoyer les noms,
dimanche et Lundy, Contant dans Pintervalle de recevoir de Vos Lettres; J'avais une
Publication prette qui est presque comme Celle que Vous m'aves envoyee, excepte que
je n'y offrais point d'engagement J'y ajoutterai Get Article, qui fera j'espere un
bon effet. Je Vous avoue Monsr. que je suis surpris que Monsr. le Gl. Gage, qui
Connoit si bien Notre Situation ny se soit pas entre par quelque details; ou des
Ordres qui auroient facillite POuvrage; J'ay lu avec plaisir La lettre que Vous lui ad-
dresses sur Ce Sujet. Je ne puis rien lui ecrire de mieux, et comme il est naturel que
nous agissions tous de Meme & que d'un jour a Pautre vous devez vpus attendre a
etre charge de tout le travail, et que le Corps Soit sur le meme pied; je me refereray
a Vos idees dans la Lettre; que je vais lui ecrire aujourd'huy;
Je Vais nommer un office pour Inscrire les Papiers du Canada suivant vos direc-
tions. Et j'espere que tout sera finy pour le temps marque.
Je charge le Col: Brown de m'envoyer un habilmt. Complet tel que Vous Vous
proposes de le donner,
du 9e Mars 64 par le Capt. Brown.
Au Genl. Murray.
(Translation)
9th March, 1764.
Genl. Murray.
Memo.
Capt. Brown who arrived yesterday evening has given me the Letters you have
done me the honour to address to me, I have read, Sealed, and despatched by an
express Those for Col. Burton, he will certainly receive them early to-day.
I am delighted, Sir, to Know your views on the levy you are about to make in
your Province. I will follow them strictly in this Government, as well in the method
of recruiting as in paying, &c., But as I believe we may still regard This Government
as Military, in the event that a sufficient number of Volunteers do not offer themselves
I Believe, I say, that we Have the right to Command them, with this provision that
Those who declare themselves Subjects of the King of france cannot be compelled
to Serve in This Corps: I will be delighted to Know your opinion. As the time is
very Short, resort to this method may be forced upon us.
,So far I have done nothing except to Instruct (as I have had the honour to
Inform you in my last) the Capts of Militia to assemble the young men in their
Parishes and to call for Volunteers, whose names they are to send to me on Sunday
and Monday, Expecting in the mean time to receive your Letters: I had a Publication
ready which is almost the same as That which you have sent to me, except that I
offered no Bounty. I will add That Paragraph which I hope will have a good effect.
I confess Sir, that I am surprised that" Gl. Gage who Knows so well our Situation,
should not have entered into some details, or given Orders which would have
facilitated the .Work. I have read with pleasure the letter which you addressed to him
on This Subject I can write nothing better to him, and as it is natural that we
should act in the Same way, and that from day to day you should expect to be
charged with the entire labor, and that the Corps may be upon the same footing, I
will refer to your ideas in the Letter I am about to write to him to-day.
I shall Establish an office to make a Register of the Deeds in Canada according
to your directions, And I hope all will be completed by the time fixed.
I am directing Col. Brown to send me a Complete outfit such as you propose
to give him.
To Genl. Murray.
9th March 64, by Capt. Brown.
Illustrative Documents. 67
(19)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES, B. 2 pt. II. p. 2 & 3.
21662— F 121
Trois Rivieres le 9me Mars 1764.
Monsieur:
Je re^us le 3me de ce mois la Lettre Requisitoire de Votre Excellence du 12
fevrier par Ou Elle demande Une Compagnie de Provintieaux de ce Gouvernement,
pour en Conjonction avec les Trouppes Regullieres Et les autres Provintieaux etre
employee a mettre les Sauvages a la raison.
Conciderant encore ce Gouvernement come Millitaire je me proposois Monsr. pour
remplir vos Intentions; de demander des Vpllontaires dans Chaque Paroisse; Et s'll
ne S'en etoit pas presente Un nombre suffisant pour former Cette Compagnie, de
Commander Un certain nombre dhomes dans Chaque Compagnie de Milisse; J'avois
meme deja donne des Ordres Verballement a Ce Sujet, Mais je recus Une Lettre de
Mr. Le Gouver. Murray qui me fait envisager la Chose differement; Ce Raisons me
paroissant plausibles et plus Conformes du Sisteme du Gouvernement, je me rend a
Son Adyis; Et Come il Convient pour le bien du Service que le Battn. soit sur le
meme pied; je publieray Une Ordonnance en off rant les memes advantages que Monsr.
Murray fait a Quebec; Et mettray tous mes Soins pour que la Compagnie soit rendue
a Mt Real Avant la fonte des glaces Je tireray sur le Tresorier a Quebec pour les
despenses necessaires; dont votre Excellence aura la bonte d'Ordonner; puisqu'elles
deviennent inevitables pour le Service du Roy; tout ce Gouvernement ensemble ne
fourniroit pas aux fraix de 1'enrollement de 20 homes, la pauvrete n'en est pas con-
cevable & Augmente tous les jours.
Monsr. Murray m'envoye la Copie d'une Lettre que My Lord Hallifax lui Addressee
du 10 Xbre par ou S.M. ordonne qu'on fasse Un nouveau Bordereau des Papiers de ce
Pays, Ou Chaque proprietaire doit Specifier la facon dont il a acquis Ce Papier, Celui
qui s'est vendu depuis la Signature de la paix, a qui et a quel deconte; Je feray toutes
les Recherches possibles Sur ce Sujet
J'ay Thonneur d'etre Avec un parfait devouement
Monsieur
de Votre Excellence
Le tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Fred: Haldimand
(Addressed)
A.S. Ex: Monsr. Le Gl. Gage
(Endorsed)
Au Genl. Gage du 9 Mars 64.
(Translation)
Three Rivers, 9th March, 1764.
Sir:—
On the third of this month I received Your Excellency's Requisition of the 12th
February by which you demand a Company of Provincials from this Government to
be employed in Conjunction with Regular Troops and other Provincials to bring the
Indians to reason.
Still considering this as a military Government I intend, Sir, to comply with your
wishes, to call for Volunteers in Every Parish, and if a sufficient number do not
offer to form This Company, to Command a certain number of men from each Com-
pany of Militia: I had even already given orders Verbally] on This Subject, But I
received yesterday A Letter from Govn'r Murray which made me look at the matter
differently. These Reasons appeared plausible and more in Conformity with the
System of Government, I accept his Advice, and as it seems for the good of the
Service that the Battn should be on the same footing: I will publish an ordinance
offering the same advantages as Mr. Murray has done at Quebec; and shall take
every Care that the Company may proceed to Mt. Real Before the ice breaks up I
will draw on the Treasurer at Quebec for the necessary expenses, which your
Excellency will have the goodness to sanction; since they become indispensable for
the King's Service; the whole of this Government together could not meet the cost of
the enrollment of 20 men; its poverty is inconceivable & increases daily.
Mr. Murray has sent me a Copy of a Letter addressed to him by My Lord Hallifax
of 10 October by which H.M. orders the preparation of A new Schedule of the Papers
(Title deeds?) of this County, in which Every Proprietor must specify the manner in
68 Illustrative Documents.
which he has obtained such Deed, what he has sold since the Signature of the peace, to
whom, and at what price: I will make all Inquiries possible on this Subject.
I have the honour to be with a perfect devotion
Sir,
Your Excellency's
very humble and very obedient Servant,
Fred Haldimand.
(Addressed)
To. H. Ex. Gl. Gage
(Endorsed)
To Genl. Gage, 9th March, 64.
(20)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES, B. VOL. 6, p. 136
Quebec llth March 1764.
Dear Sir,
The Bearer will deliver to you a Capot a pair of Leggings and a pair of Shoes
such as we give here to the Canadian Volunteers, I have settled the pay as follows.
The Major three dollars pr. day, a Captain two ditto a Lieut, one ditto, a Serjeant one
shilling; Hallifax Currency or the fifth of a dollar-^a Corporal eight pence said cur-
rency, and to a soldier sixpence or the tenth of a dollar, they enter upon pay and
provisions the day they enlist — I have appointed two Lieuts. to each company & no
Ensign — I beg my Compts to Mrs. Gage and Metrail and am with the utmost regard
Dr. Sir,
Your most obedient &
most humble Servant
Ja: Murray,
Coll. Haldimand
(Endorsed)
Gel. Murray
II Mars 64.
19do. par Express.
(21)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. HALDIMAND PAPERS SERIES, B. VOL. 6, p. 137.
Quebec llth March 1764.
Dr. Sir,
I have the honour of your Letter by Capt. Brown; the Post will bring to you a
pattern of the Capote, Mittoose, & Shoes I give the Volunteers raised here; I am sorry
you apprehended any difficulty in procuring Volunteers for one Company in your Dis-
trict, it shews a bad will, I do not like; it cannot however affect the king's Service
for one thousand more than I want may be had here & to make up your Company
you may have recourse to this part of the Province, I inclose a Copy of the Commis-
sions I give it will probably be right they should all be in the same Stile. A Monsr.
de Chassy formerly an Officer in the Troupes de Colonie will be glad to be employed
by you as Capt. if you have nobody in your Govt. who will acept. Brown tells me
you have scruples whether or not these Gentlemen having only leave of absence
from the Court of France can serve on this Occasion with propriety, If they take the
Oath I had the honor to enclose to you in a former letter, these scruples must be
removed; as they then become British Subjects; and with regard to the Court of
France, on that head, the Treaty of Peace must silence any objection made from that
quarter, for it is by that treaty stipulated that every Canadian without exception
may choose whether or not he is to become a Subject of Britain, consequently if
to be a British Subject, is his choice, he is ipso facto, dismissed or if you will,
liberated from his engagements to the Crown of France.
I have the honor to be Dr. Sir,
Your most obedient &
most humble Servt.
Ja : Murray.
Coll. Haldimand.
(Endorsed)
Genl. Murray du 11 Mars 4.
12me par Hogan.
Illustrative Documents. 69
(22)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. GENERAL MURRAY'S LETTER BOOK.
Volume II., p. 103.
Quebec 17me Mars 1764.
Monsieur,
Le refus que vous faites de Commander le Corps de Volontaires Canadiens,
m'est infiniment sensible pour deux raisons, La Premiere est que ce Corps ne pouvoit
qui faire des merveilles sous vos ordres, La Seconde est que ce refus ne poura man-
quer de procurer votre Avancemt a la Cour de France, est qu'en Bon Sujet de sa
Majestic Britannique, Je ne doit pas souhaiter que des Officiers de votre merite soient
avance dans de Service d'un Prince qui dans la Suite des annees peut encore devenir
notre ennemi: Vous voyes, Monsieur! que je parle ici en Patriote, car si je ne Consul-
tois que les Inclinations de mon Coeur Je ne pourrois qu'etre extremement natte de
voir le merite recompence et d'y avoir Contribue.
J'ai L'honneur d'etre avec Estime
Monsieur
Votre EC.
J. M.
Monsr. Repentigny.
(Translation) I
Quebec, 17th March, 1764.
Sir:—
Your refusal to Command the Corps of Canadian Volunteers, has greatly grieved
me for two reasons, The First, is that this Corps must have done wonders under your
orders. The Second is that this refusal cannot fail to procure your Advancement at
the Court of France, As a Good Subject of his Britannic Majesty I cannot wish to
see Officers of your merit promoted in the Service of a Prince who in the Course
of time may become our enemy. You see Sir, that I speak now as a Patriot, for if
I Consulted only the Feelings of my Heart, I could only be greatly pleased to see
merit rewarded and to have Contributed thereto.
• I have the Honor to be,
with Esteem your &c.,
J. M.
Monsr. Repentigny.
(23)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 9, p. 52.
Trois Rivieres le 29e Mars 64.
Monsieur
J'avois offert une Lieutenance a un jeune Monsr. Linckto, qui demeure a Mont
Real; je ne Sais par quel accident Sa reponce ne M'est pas encorre parvenue peut
* hetre Monsr etoit deja employe dans Vos. Compagnies dans ce Cas je me feray un
plaisir d'appointer Monsr. Houtlass dans celle cy, je le lui ay fait ecrire; J'espere
que Vous Aures recu le Modelle de 1'habillemt Canadien par Monsr. Nordberg. II ne
s'est presente jusques apresent qu'une 20ne de Volontaires, Mais les officiers sont
alle dans les Paroisses, ou j'espere qu'ils auront quelques Succes; il est surprenant que
les 12 piastres d'engagemt qu'on leurs offre, paroit devenir un ppstacle plustot qu'un
encouragemt ils se figurent qu'ils seront engages pour le Vie, & il est bien difficille de
leur persuader le Contraire; & C'est sans doutte cette raison qui leur fait Souhaitter
d'etre Comande plustot que de s'offrir volontairement; Je prevois Monsr. que si les
Gens sont obliges de rester quelques temps aux environs de Mt Real avant que de
Iiouvoir partir, ils vous donnerons plus d'ambaras que des Trouppes reglees. Si vous
louhaittes Monsr je les garderay icy, jusques a ce que Vous me marquez le temps
u vous pouves les employer.
J'ai 1' honneur d'etre
'
70 Illustrative Documents.
(Translation)
Original Draft
Three Rivers, 20th March, 1764.
Sir:—
I had offered a Lieutenancy to a young Mr. Linckto who resides at Mont. Real.
I do not know by what accident his reply has not yet reached me, perhaps this Gentle-
man was already employed in your Companies, in which case it will give, me plea-
sure to appoint Mr. Hontlass in this one. I have written this to him; I hope you
have Received the sample of the Canadian outfit by Mr. Nordberg. So far only 20
Volunteers have come forward. But the officers have gone into the Parishes,
where I hope they will have some success; it is surprising that the bounty of 12
piastres offered to them seems to become an obstacle rather than an encouragement
they suspect that they will be enlisted for Life, & it is very difficult to persuade them
to the Contrary; & It is undoubtedly this reason which has made them Desire to be
Commanded rather than to offer themselves voluntarily: I foresee, Sir, that if the
men are obliged to remain any time in the vicinity of Mt. Real before leaving they
will give you more trouble than regular Troops. If you wish, Sir, I will keep them
here until you name the time when you can employ them.
(24)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES, HALDIMAND PAPERS, SERIES B. VOL. 6. p. 153.
Je ne Saurais laisser partir le jeune Montesson Sans Vous faire Connaittre Monr.
le Zele avec lequel Son Pere a themoigne Sa Satisfaction, du partis qu'il a pris; Lui
Meme prendroit Avec plaisir le Commandement de Cette Compagnie S'il etoit neces-
saire; Mais Comme il Se presente d'autres jeunes Gens, plus propres pour les fatigues
attachees a Ce Grade; je lui tiens grand Conte de Sa bonne Vollonte, et je donneray
la Compagnie a Mr. de Mt. Isamberg?
J'ay Cru M'appercevoir que le reussirois Mieux dans la levee, en ne pas
themoignant trop d'empressement, j'ay fait Connoittre dans les Paroisses 1'encourage-
ment que les Vollontaires peuvent esperer, et j'apprens qu'ils Calcullent au Coin de leur
feu, a Combien se montera, leur pays pour Six Mois Avec le 12 Piastres d'engage-
ment, et ils trouvent que f!80 argent de france, fait une grosse Somme Aujourd'huy,
demain je feray public la proclamation afin qu'ils en Soyent asseure et quelques jours
Apres, lorsqu'ils auront eu le temps de faire des projets dans leurs Imaginations
avec Ces 180. J 'envoy eray des Enrolleurs parmis eux, et je ne doutte point que je ne
forme la Compagnie pr. le temps prescript.
Metral qui arrive me remet la Lettre que Vous me faittes l*hon: de Mecrire du
lOJ'espere que Vous aures Celle dont Brown etoit Charge, et que Vous Seres bien
persuade que je Me feray un devoir de Concourir avec Vous en tout ce qui Sera pour
le bien du Service.
Je Viens d'ecrire Au Genl. Gage que je me Conformerois entieremt. a Votre plan
pour la levee de Cette Compagne.
Au Genl. Murray.
(Translation)
I cannot allow young Montesson to leave without letting you Know, Sir, the Zeal
with which His Father has testified His Satisfaction at the decision he has made; He
would take the Command of This Company with pleasure Himself; If it became ne-
cessary; But as he nominates other young men better fitted for the exertions re-
quired from an officer of that Rank; I shall Thank him warmly for His good Will,
and give the Company to Mr. de Mt. Isamberg.
I have come to the conclusion that I shall succeed Better with the levy by not
showing to much anxiety, I have made Known in the Parishes the Bounty that the
Volunteers may expect, and I learn that they are Counting up by their Firesides How
Much their pay for Six Months with the bounty of 12 Piastres, will amount to and
they find that f!80 in French money is a large sum now-a-days; to-morrow I will pub-
lish a proclamation so that they may feel Sure and some days Afterwards when they
have had time to make plans in their minds for spending These 180 I shall send Re-
cruiters among them and I doubt not that I shall be able to form the Company within
the prescribed time.
Metral has arrived and given me the Letter you did me the honor to write me on
the 10. I hope that you will have received That with which Brown was charged and
Illustrative Documents. 71
that you will be fully convinced that I will make it a duty to concur with you in
everything that will Be for the good of the Service.
I am writing to Genl. Gage that I shall conform entirely to your plan in raising
this Company. \
To Genl. Murray.
(25)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 9, p. 53.
Montreal Mar: 22. 1764.
Sr
I was yesterday favored with your letter, of the 20th where Monsr Linckto is, I
know not: I know this, that he is starveing, and has not ofered his Service here.
I kept a vacancy for Monsr Richerville; hearing that he was employed by you, I
have given that Lieutce to Monsr Houtlass.
The Recruits here do not come in so fast as I could wish, however I hope to have
them Compleat by the time the River is navigable, which I believe will not be, be-
fore the latter end of April the moveing up of your Company will I supose depend
upon those of Quebec. I shall write to Governor Murray and acquaint him when we
think the River will be navigable. I received by Lieu: Nordberg the Capot &c.
I look dayly for the Jany. Packet, which it is to be hoped will clear up, many matters.
I am &c
Your most obedt. humble Servant
R. Burton."
Col. Haldimand
Endorsed Col. Burton
22 Mars 64.
(26)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES, HALDIMAND PAPERS, SERIES B. 2. pt. II. p. 5.
21662.F.122. New York March 22d. 1764.
Sir,
I now must acknowledge Your Favor of the 9th inst. which I have just received
by the Hands of Lieut. Hazen in answer to my Letter of Requisition of the 12th of
February. The method you designed to take was certainly the surest, conformable
to the Custom of the Country; nor does it deviate from our Constitution to take men
from the Militia. The Province of New- York has draughted the Militia the greatest
part of the War, to compose their Provincial Troops; you undoubtedly do right to
follow the Example of the other Governments; in which I wish you may Succeed &
raise Your Company.
I am with great Regard
Sir,
Your most obedient
humble Servant,
Thos. Gage.
(Endorsed)
Gen. Gage du 22e.
Mars 64
10 Avril.
72 Illustrative Documents.
(27)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES, HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES B. VOL. 6.— p. 141.
Quebec, 22d March 1764.
Dear Sir!
As Governor Burton writes to me that he finds great difficulty in raising Volun-
teers in his Government; and I see little prospect of being able to give any assistance
from this, I have freely communicated to him my Opinion of what should be done;
Was I to conceal my Notions of this affair from you, you might with great Justice
blame me, and therefore I take the Liberty to leave my Letter to Mr. Burton open
for your perusal, when you have read it, you will be pleased to seal it, and forward
it by the Bearer Mr. Vealars. —
I am most sincerely
Your most faithful humble Servant
Col: Haldimand Ja: Murray.
(Endorsed)
Genl. Murray du 22e Mars 64.
24. dto.
(28)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B., Vol. 27, pp. 77-8.
A Quebec ce 22e Mars, 1764.
Aux Capitaines des Milices des Paroisses au dessus de Quebec.
Monsieur,
J'avais fait publier une proclamation par laquelle j'invitais les Canadiens a former
une Corps de Volontaires, destinees a aller conclure la Paix avec les • Sauvages;
j'etais en droit d'attendre que cette Invitation suffirait pour determiner leur bonne
volonte, le succes n'a point repondre a mpn attente. Les Paroisses situees au dessus
de Quebec ont montre un eloignement qui me surprend. Je vous done avis: Monsieur,
si elles persistent dans ces sentiment et que si chacune d'entre elles ne fournit pas
de plein gre a proportion de la multitude de ses habitants le nombre d'homes suffi-
sant pour completter deux Compagnies, je serai oblige de doner des ordres pour faire
ces enrollements, et pour lever autant de Miliciens que les Besoins du Service le de-
manderont; Je ne m'entendrai point a ce coup d'authorite. Je depouillerai de leurs
armes tous les habitants de la Paroisses a comencer par les officiers de Milice, les gens
qui refusent de s'en servir pour le Bien public ne meritent d'en avoir Tusage pour leur
Interet personnel; Je priverai de plus ces engages par contraint de toute gratification
II est triste pour moi d'en venir a ces extremites, mais il est plus triste encore que
vous miliciens le meritent. C'est a vous, Monsieur, a les reddresser & a leur inspirer
des sentiments que Phoneur, la reconnaissance et leur propre interet demandent
d'eux.
Je suis, Monsier,
Votre tres humble serviteur,
Jas. Murray.
Come il est necessaire d'avoir recours a la milice pour la quote part des Troupes
que la Province doit fournir pour le Service du Roy, il vous est ordone par ces
presentes de tirer cinquante homes des compagnies de milice des Paroisses a comencer
a Beaumont jusqu'a Cap de St. Ignace; en cas que dans les dites Paroisses, il ne
se trouve vingt volontaires, qui veuillent servir pendant la campagne aux Conditions
marquees dans ma Proclamation du six du courant.
Done a Quebeck ce 22e Mars 1764.
Jas. Murray.
(Translation)
Quebec, 22nd March, 1764.
To the Captains of Militia
in the Parishes above Quebec.
Sir,
I have published a proclamation by which I invited the Canadians to raise a Corps
of Volunteers destined to make peace with the Indians; I had the right to expect
that this Invitation would be enough to induce their good will; Its success has not
answered my expectations. The Parishes above Quebec have shown a disinclination
Illustrative Documents. 73
which surprises me. I must warn you, Sir, that if they persist in these views, and
that if each of them does not furnish in proportion to its inhabitants the number of
men needed to complete two companies, I shall be obliged to give orders for the en-
rollment and drafting as many Militia men as the Service requires. I shall not
stop at this exercise of authority. I shall deprive all the inhabitants of the Parish of
their Arms, beginning with the militia Officers, people who refuse to employ them
for the public good dp not deserve to have the use of them for their personal benefit;
Moreover, I will deprive drafted men of all bounty. It grieves to take such extreme
measures, but it grieves me still more that you Militia men deserve them. It is your
duty, Sir, to remedy this and inspire them with such sentiments as are demanded by
honour, gratitude, and their own interest.
I am,
Sir,
Your very humble Servant.
(Sgd) Jas. Murray.
As it is necessary to have recourse to the Militia for the quota of troops which
the Province is to furnish for the King's Service, you are ordered by these presents
to draft fifty men from the Militia Companies of the Parishes beginning at Beau-
mont as far as Cap. de. St. Ignace; in the event that the said Parishes fail to
furnish 20 Volunteers who agree to serve during the Campaign on the conditions stated
in my Proclamation of the 6th instant.
Given at Quebec this 22nd March, 1764.
(Sgd) Jas. Murray.
(29)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. GENERAL MURRAY TO BURTON.
Vol. II, p. 104.
Quebec 22d March 1764.
Dear Burton!
Your favors of the 18th amd 16th Instant I had the pleasure to receive this
Day.
If Mr. Hughes is Determined to Sacrifice himself for one months enjoyment, his
friends can only regret his misfortune. I believe no body has it in his power to prevent
it. I am sure he will hereafter wish he had profitted of the Humain Delay you Oc-
casioned, and will think himself for ever obliged to you. Thank God the matrimonial
Distemper has not yet reached us at Quebec, if ever it shall, I know of no Remedy;
for I cannot suppose the Laws of Ireland can be of any force, out of that Kingdom,
where you know an Officer who marries a Roman Catholick is ipso-facto dismissed
from the Service.
At first our Recruiting went on briskly, but latterly the people have got it into
their heads, that by taking money, and Voluntary inlisting, they were lyable to re-
main Soldiers while they lived, from this Reasoning I shall with difficulty, be able to
Compleat our two Companys, but if I am put to it, I shall make no Scruple to draw
the few I want from the Jeune Gens, and to that end I have made the inclosed pre-
parations, which I take the Liberty to Inclose to you, that if you find it necessary,
and think the Expedient proper, you may do the Same!
I am Dear Burton
Your's &c.
J. M.
Govr. Burton.
(30)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES. B. VOL. 6— p. 142.
Trois Rivieres le 23e Mars 176.
Monsieur,
Les Recrues ne se presentent pas icy avec tout rempressement que je Souhait-
terais, Cette Ville (qui est moindre qu'un Village) ne me fournit aucune ressource
de ce Cotte la; et il s'est rependu des bruits dans les Paroisses qui empechent la
jeunesse de s'offrir; ils se figurent qu'ils vont etre engages pour la Vie, et se font
74 Illustrative Documents.
Mille autres Chimeres, qu'aucun raispnment ne peut detruire, et jusqu'a present je n'ay
pas encore la Moitie de la Compagnie. Cependant je me f latte toujours qu'Elle sera
Complette pour le temps ou la Riviere deviendra Navigable; J'ay suivi Votre Exemple
au Sujet des Cures, et il me parait qu'ils sont bien disposes a encourager Cette levee/
(Endorsed) Au Genl. Murray
du 23e Mars 1764.
(Translation)
Three Rivers, 23rd March, 1764.
Sin-
Recruits do not present themselves here with all the readiness that I Hoped,
This Town (which is smaller than a Village) furnished me no resources in that re-
spect, and reports have been spread in the Parishes which prevent the young men
from volunteering; they imagine they will be enlisted for Life: and a thousand other
absurd Stories are invented which no reasoning can destroy, and at present I have
not yet one Half the company: However I flatter myself that It will be Complete by
the Time the River becomes Navigable. I have followed your Example in Respect to
Cures and it seems to me that they are well disposed to encourage This levy.
(Endorsed) To Genl. Murray.
23rd March, 1764.
(31)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 9, p. 54.
Col. Burton du 24 Mars 64.
Mr.
Je recois dans Ce Moment une Lettre de Mr. le Gouvr Murray avec le remede
aux difficultes qui se rencontrent pour trouver des Volontaires. Je suivray exacte-
ment Son Example la dedans Sil en est de besoin.
Jay Ih:
Original Draft
Endorsed Au Col. Burton
du 24 Mars 64.
( Trans lation)
Col. Burton, 24th March, 64.
Sir:—
I receive this Instant a Letter from Govr. Murray with the remedy for the diffi-
culties met with in obtaining Volunteers. I shall strictly follow His Example therein
If necessary.
I have, &c.,
(Endorsed)
To Col. Burton.
24th March. — 64.
(32)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES B. 2. pt. II. p. 6 & 7.
21662-F. 124. Trois Rivieres, le 25e Mars 1764.
Monsieur,
L'Ordonnance que nous avons fait publier dans cette Province, Au
sujet de la levee des Canadiens que Votre Excellence demande pour le
Service de la Campagne, n'a pas eu tout le Succes qu'on en attendoit;
Ces peuples accoutumes a Servir par Obligation, & a etre Comandes;
Surpris de voir qu'on leur offroit de 1'argent; Se Sont forges Mille
Chimeres, ils se figurent qu'ils vont etre soldat pour la vie; qu'ils vont
etre menes dans nos Collonies dont ils ne reviendront jamais &c &c
&c; — Et ce qui Surprendroit le plus des gens qui ne Connoissent pas
ce Pays, C'est que les idees fait impression sur les Canadiens de
Illustrative Documents.
75
tout Ordre, quoyque plusieurs fassant leur possible pour le dissimuler;
Monsr. Murray ne se figuroit point ces difficultes quoiqu'il
marqupit dans Une de ces Lettres, que Si le Roy avoit besoin
de Milles Volontaires outre Son Contingent il les trouveroit fac-
ilemt dans Son District, sans doutte il se le figuroit allors par la
facilite avec le quelle on ayoit d'abord enrolle Un certain nombre de
gens desoeuvres dans la ville; Mais les Gens de la Campagne les plus
propres pour Une expedition, ne se sont pas presented aves la meme
facillitte Et je re§us hier Une Lettre de Monsr. Murray, ou il me marque
que s'il ne trouve pas asses de Volontaires; il ne se fera aucun Scru-
pulle de tirer des hommes hors de la Milisse pour Complettee les deux
Compagnies; Et je Crois qu'il doit avoir public une Ordonnance a cet
21662-F. 125. Effet, Je Suivray son Exemple Monsieur, si j'y suis force mais ayant
. deja 45, bons homes, j'espere de pouvpir prevenir Cette extremitte;
Et etre en etat d'envoyer la Compagnie a Mt. Real pour le temps ou
la Riviere sera navigable, J'ay donne le Commandemt. de cette Com-
pagnie a Monsr. de Montisamberg L. des Trpuppes de la Collonie, qui a
ete passe 20 annee dans la belle Riviere, ou il a Epouse une allemande
que vous aves eu occasion de yoir a Mt. Real il a pr. Lt. Un Mr. de
Richerville, Aussi de la Colonie & un Mr. Smitt qui a toujours ete
employe avec les Milisses;
Je m'impatiante tous les jours plus de voir arriver les Reglements
pour Ce Pays; Je joins icy le Retour du Mois, ou je n'ay pas Compris
les Canadiens parceque n'etant pas tous rassembles icy Je ne saurois
en Asseurer positivement le nombre
J'ay Phonneur d'etre avec un parfait
devouement
Monsieur
De Votre Excellence le tres humble Et
tres obeissant serviteur
Fred Haldimand.
(Addressed)
H. Ex: Gl. Gage.
(Endorsed)
Au Gl. Gage. 25 Mars 64.
(Translation)
Three Rivers, 25th March, 1764.
Sir:—
The Ordinance we have published in this Province on the Subject of the levy of
Canadians which Your Excellency requires for Service in the Field has not had all
the Success which was expected. These people, accustomed to Serve from Obligation
and to be Commanded; Surprised to see that they are offered money; invent a Thous-
and absurd stories; they imagine that they will be made soldiers for life, that they
will be taken away to our Colonies and will never return, &c., &c., &c. And what
will Surprise most people who do not Know this Country, is that these ideas have
made an impression upon Canadians of all Ranks, although some of them do their best
to conceal it; Mr. Murray did not anticipate these difficulties when he stated to me
in One of his Letters that If the King needed a Thousand Volunteers besides his
Contingent he could easily find them in his District, undoubtedly he was misled by
the facility with which they had at first enrolled A certain number of people in the
town who were out of work; But the people from the Country, best fitted for an ex-
pedition have not come forward, with the same readiness. And I received yester-
day A Letter from Mr. Murray in which he observes that if he does not obtain enough
Volunteers, he will have no Scruples in drafting men from the Militia to complete
the two Companies and I Believe that he will have published an Ordinance to
that Effect; I will follow his Example if I am forced to it but having already 45 good
men I hope to be able to avoid This extremity, and to be in a position to send this Com-
pany to Mt. Real by the time the River will be navigable. I have given the Command
of this Company to Mr. de Montisamberg Lt. of the Colony Troops, who has lived for
20 years on the Ohio River where he married a German, whom you had an oppor-
tunity of seeing in Mt. Real he has for Lt. a Mr. de Richerville also of the Colony
& a Mr. Smitt, who has always been employed with the Militia.
76 Illustrative Documents.
I become every day more anxious to receive the Regulations for This Country; I
attach herewith the Monthly Return in which I have not Included the Canadians be-
cause not being all assembled here I could not be positively sure of the number.
I have the honor to be with perfect devotion,
Sir,
Your Excellency's very humble and very obedient servant,
Fred Haldimand.
(Addressed)
H. Ex. Gl. Gage.
(Endorsed)
To Gl. Gage, 25th March, 64.
(33)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES. B. VOL. 6.— p. 143.
Quebec 26th March 1764.
Dear Sir!
I had the honor of your letter by which I find you have got thirty Volunteers;
by this time you probably have compleated your Company, if not I send by the second
company of the Quebec district which hath marched this day four or five super-
numerary men which if you chuse are at your Service, if you do not want them you
may send them to Mr. Burton, who complains of bad Success in recruiting. The
Advance Money pay and Cloathing of these men you will be pleased to pay into the
hands of Capt. Flurimon the Paymaster of the Regiment, and if you think you shall
have any difficulty in raising your Quota I shall continue to inlist all that may offer
here as soon as I hear from you. —
Pray remember me to Gugy and Maturel and be assured that
I am with great Truth and Regard
Dear Sir,
Your most obedient & most
humble Servant
Ja: Murray
Govr. Haldimand —
(Endorsed)
Genl. Murray du 26e Mars 64.
27e dto.
(34)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. GENERAL MURRAY'S LETTER BOOK,
Volume II, p. 106.
Quebec 26th March 1764.
Dear Burton;
Saturday last, our first Company of Volunteers marched for Montreal, and this
day the second will set off for the same place; they have for or five Supernumerary
men, which I have desired Capt. Flurimont to deliver to Colonel Haldimand, if he
wants them, if not, to you, and either you or Haldimand will pay him the advance
money, pay, and Clothing of these men; he undertakes to raise in your Governmt 60
men, if you should want as many when he arrives, I have made him paymaster, to
which I flatter myself, you will have no objection.
Major Regoville will be with you, in a few days, he will deliver into your
hands Rolls of the two Companys from this place, the few old men in these Com-
panys are of the Officers Chusing from a knowledge of their Vigour and fidelity, upon
the whole I think the Recruit an unexceptionable one, considering the little time, we
had given us; The Eight Lorette Indians, are to all intents and purposes Soldiers, and
may prove in case of Business usefull men.
I beg to know if you chuse that I should give a Warrent for the Subsce of the
27th Regt. That Warrent would certainly come more naturally from you or Haldimand
Illustrative Documents. 77
for I have no returns of that Regt. made to me. however it shall be just as you please.
I am now to make Compts to Mrs Burton and Capt. Richd and am with great truth
and Regar.d
Dear Burton Yours &c., &c.,
J. M.
Govr. Burton.
(35)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 9, p. 55.
3 Rivierres le 27e Bars 1764.
Col. Burton.
Monsieur
Je regois une Lettre de Mr Murray qui me marque que la Seconde Compagnie
de Quebec, s'est mise en marche le 26e & qu'il y a ajoutte 4 ou 5 Surnumeraires que
je devois vous envoyer du Gas que je n'en eusse pas de besoin, Come j'espere Complet
dans peu de jours Ces Surnumeraires Continueront jusques a Mt Real afin que vous
puissiez en disposer.
Je vous prie Monsr de Vouloir bien donner Cours a 1'Incluse pour notre General Je
dpnneray par la Suitte les Warrant pour la paye du 27e Regiment, si les Choses sub-
sistent encorre dans la Situation desagreable, ou Elles sont Aujourhuy. La difficulte
de rassembler icy un grand Conseil de Guerre, moblige a envoyer deux deserteurs
du 27e a Mont Real, je vous prie Monsr de vouloir dessider de leurs Sort;
Jay Phonneur.
Original Draft
Endorsed Au Col Burton
du 27 Mars 64.
(Translation)
3 Rivers, 27th March, 1764.
Col. Burton.
Sir:—
I have received a Letter from Mr. Murray who informs me that the Second Com-
pany from Quebec began its march on the 26th & that he has added 4 or 5 Super-
numaries who I am to send to you in case I do not need them. As I hope to be
complete in a few days. These Supernumeraries will proceed to Montreal for you
to dispose of.
I beg you Sir to Forward the Enclosure for our General. I will give in Conse-
quence the warrants for the pay of the 27th Regiment, if Things remain in the dis-
agreeable situation They are To-day. The difficulty of assembling here a General
Court Martial obliges me to send two deserters from the 27th to Mont Real, I
beg you Sir, to decide their Fate.
I have the honor,
(Endorsed)
To Col. Burton,
27th March, 64.
(36)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES. B. VOL. 6.— p. 144.
Trois Rivieres le 31e Mrs 64.
Monsieur
J'ay ete surpris d'apprendre qu'il S'est rencontre autant de difficultes a Quebec
et Mont Real, au Sujet de la levee des Canadiens que j'en ay trouve icy; il est
facheux qu'on ne puisse pas remonter a la Source des Mauvais bruits qui Se Sont
repandus a Ce Sujet; Un Exemple de cette nature peut avoir des Suittes desagr cables
dans des Circonstances plus essentielles que Celle Cy. Vous aves trouve le Meilleur
Moyen Monsieur de ressentir Une Mauvaise Vollonte aussi Marquee, des Gens qui
refusent de se servir de leurs Armes pour procurer la tranquilitte et le bien de leur
Patrie, ne Merittent Certainement pas d'en avoir I'usage pour* leur avantage personnel
78 Illustrative Documents.
En privant les Canadiens des Armes qu'on leur avait Confie C'est les punir.par Un
endroit bien Sensible, et C'est en meme temps procurer le bien de 1'Etat, parcequ'ils
en Seront plus assidus a la culture de leurs Terres; j'ay Suivy Un aussi bon Exemple,
et j'ay fait rendre les Armes qu'on avait confiee aux deux Paroisses de Batiscan; qui
avaient eu I'insollence de repondre aux personnes que j'y avais envoyee pour de-
mander des Vollontaires que puisqu'on les avait desarme a la Conquette du Pays, ils
ne reprendroient jamais plus les Armes.
Je Suivray done exactment Votre Exemple pour Completter la Compagnie, Si
Elle ne se trouvait pas prette pour temps necessaire; J'ay deja une 50e de bons
hommes, et en ay refuse plusieurs persuade que le bien du Service exigeait que le
Corps fut en etat d'agir offensivement Contre les Sauvages si les Circonstances
1'exigent.
Je vous suis fort oblige des 4 ou 5 hommes que vous m'offres; J'apprends que
Monsr. Burton en a plus besoin que Moy, je lui marque qu'il poura en disposer.
Puisque vous aves juge a propos de nommer Monsr. Fleurimont TayMaster du
Batt: je lui feray remettere les Contes de Subsistance de Cette Compagnie.
Je m'etais tou jours persuade Mons. que Vous Souhaittiez de Continuer a Signer
les Warrants pour la paye du 27e Regiment, puisque Vous 1'aviez Commence, Mais
je les signeray par la Suitte en ayant les pouvoirs de Genl. Amherst, et ce n'est que la
raison Cy-dessus qu m'a empeche de le faire plustost.
(Translation)
Three Rivers, 31st March 64.
Sir:—
I have been surprised to learn that so many more difficulties have been encount-
ered at Quebec and Mont Real, on the subject of the levy of Canadians than I have
found here; it is annoying that we cannot ascertain the source of the wicked rumours
which are spread on This Subject; An Instance of this kind may have disagreeable
Consequences in more important Circumstances than these. You have found the best
means of resenting such marked 111 Will: People who refuse to employ their Arms
to secure the tranquillity and welfare of their Country Certainly do not Deserve to
have the use of them for their personal advantage. In depriving the Canadians of
th« Arms which have been entrusted to them is to punish them in a very Tender
Spot, and It will at the same time contribute to the good of the State because they
will become more attentive to the cultivation of their Lands. I have followed so
good an Example, and I have recalled the Arms which had been entrusted to the two
Parishes of Batiscan, who had the insolence to reply to the persons I had sent there
to ask for Volunteers, that as they had been disarmed at the Conquest of the Country
they would never take up arms again.
I will strictly follow Your Example for the Completion of the Company; If it is
not ready by the appointed time; I have already 50 good men, and have refused sev-
eral, believing that the good of the Service required that the Corps should be in a
state to act offensively against the Indians if Circumstances required it.
I am much obliged, Sir, for the 4 or 5 men whom you offer me; I learn that
Mr. Burton needs them more than Me. I am informing him that he may dispose of
them.
Since you have thought proper to appoint Mr. Fleurimont Pay Master of the
Battn., I will have the Accounts for the Subsistence of this Company sent to him.
I always thought, Sir, that you wished to Continue to Sign the Warrants for the
pay of the 27th Regiment, as you had Commenced it, But I will sign them Here-
after having the authority of Genl. Amherst, and it is only the Above reason that
has prevented me from doing so sooner.
(37)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES. B. VOL. 6. p. 146.
Quebec, 2nd April 1764.
Dear Sir,
I had the honor of your letter by Post yesterday. It makes me happy that what
I have done here regarding the pressing the Militia coincides with your opinion; Bur-
ton does not like the Expedient but still for many reasons, I believe, circumstanced
as we are, it was a very necessary one. At the same time I rejoice we have succeeded
so well without having recourse to it in any great degree.
Illustrative Documents. 79
The Bearer John Anadin is a Volunteer I have given an order, to be forwarded
by the Capt. of Militia untill he joins his Corps I hope you will confirm this Order in
your Government, as it is for the good of the Service, and these same Milice seem un-
willing to do anything for it unless forced thereto,
I have the honor to be with great Truth and
Esteem *
Dear Sir!
^Your most obedient & most
humble Servant
Ja: Murray.
(Endorsed) Gl. Murray du
2 Mars 64 recu
5me dto
(Addressed) To His Excellency
Governor Haldimand
\at Trois Rivieres
Ja Murray
(38)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. GENERAL MURRAY'S LETTER BOOK.
Vol. II, p. 109.
Quebec 2d April 1764.
Dear Burton
I had the honor of your Letter of the 28th March yesterday of the two Com-
panys from this place, few of the men were pressed into the service I think not
above ten men, I could have replaced these ten by volunteers, but as this whole
transaction, has been new and without any authority from home, I judged it right
to keep up the prerogative of ordering the Militia on service untill the Kings plea-
sure shall be known, had we given up this prerogative entirely we might have been
found fault with, tho' I am entirely of your Opinion, that had we been obliged at
this juncture to have exerted it to any Degree the Expedient must have been hurt-
full what has been done is just sufficient to Shew how hurtfull it would have proved,
how just our reasonings have been, and how necessary, it was to put the Govern-
ment to the expence of Bounty mony and pay for this Canadian Corps, since the Com-
mander in Chief Could not dispense with it, The whole Transaction shall be laid before
the King, and I hope for the future we shall never be put to such a Dilemma. It
has been a strange Business, I fear but ill Considered by Mr. Gage, but so presi-
pitate, and so peremptory we had no time to wait for an answer, to our remonstrances,
And from the situation of the Governments no right to Hesitate, for untill my Com-
mission arrives, the Commander in Chief may exact an implicit obedience in this
province. If I mistake not his powers, when we meet we shall have much to Say
upon this Subject, I am persuaded we ai*e of one opinion, and you will be Convinced
that the few men I have pressed, Can have no bad Effect but in se defendendo was
necessary.
Haldimand writes to me he had got fifty, and was sure of Compleating without
ordering a man, I dare say when they see the Other three Companys at Montreal,
you will have as many men as you please in that Case notwithstanding what I have
said, I shall have no Objection that the pressed men, from these parts are replaced
by Volunteers, and they sent back, what money you advance for this purpose shall
immediately be paid. The pressed men had no bounty Money, they will be glad to
give their Cloaths to the Volunteers who may replace them, I leave this matter
intirely to you, the pressed men are all idle fellows, who have no families.
I am with great truth, and Esteem, Dear Burton,
Yours' &c., &c., &c.
J:M.
Govr. Burton.
(39)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS. Series B. Vol. 9, p. 57.
Montreal, April 5th 64.
Sr.
From the badness of the Roads, and the dificulty of crossing the Rivers, the Post
did not arrive here, till this morning, at ten o'Clock. Captn Du Chenays Company,
80 Illustrative Documents.
arrived here on Saturday last, the other is at Repentigny; we expect that River, will
be passable tomorrow or the day after. Major Rigoville is not yet arrived.
I am extremely glad you have got your Company Compleated with Volunteers Arms
Powder horns and that bags are here ready for them.
The two Companys here are not yet Compleat, but we hope they will be before their
departure, As I hear Lake Champlain is open, I look dayly for the arrival of the
January Packet.
Mrs. Burton begs her Comp:to you,
and I am Sr. your most obedient humble Servant
R. Burton.
Col. Haldimand.
Endorsed. Col. Burton du
7 avril 64
(40)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES. B. VOL. 6. p. 147.
3. Rivieres le 6e Avril 1764.
Monsieur
Je regus hier au soir la Lettre du 2me qus Vous me faittes Phonneur de M'ecrire
par le Vollontaire Jean Anadin, que je ferais passer sans retard a Mt. Real.
La Compagnie de Ce Gouvernement est Complette depuis quelques jours par des
Vollontaires, Et elle partira des que les chemins Seront plus practicables, Je suis
fache d'apprendre Monsr. que Vous aves etc oblige de presser des hommes pour
former Celles de Quebec, et quoyque je Vous Croye fort authorise (par Notre Situa-
tion) a une telle demarche, et que j'eusse pris sans Scrupulle le meme Methode Si je
my etais Vu force; peut etre Souhaitteriez Vous de rappeller Ces Gens la Si On peut
les remplasser par des Vollontaires et dans cette idee, je Vais travailler sur le Champ
a en engager, et Si Vous le Souhaittez je les envoyeray a Mont Real; Si Get expedient
Vous est Agreable je Vous prie Monsr. de me le faire Savoir par le retour du Cour-
rier, en Me Marquant a qui ils doivent etre addresses, pour le rembourcement de
leur engagements;
Le Gouvernement de Mt. Real etant remplis de Voyageurs, je Crois que Mr. Bur-
ton trouvera plus de facilite que Nous, Outre que par Sa Situation il gagne pres d'un
mois sur Nous, et peut attendre tranquillement quels seront nos Succes.
Je ne sais Monsr. si j'ay Compris Votre idee Au Sujet de la Liste que Vous
aves demandee dans les Paroisses de Quebec; pour Savoir les noms des Personnes
qui Veulent passer en France; il Serait peuthetre necessaire qu'une telle Liste ac-
compagna le Bordereau des Papiers, qu'on fait Aujourd'huy; afin que le Ministre
put Connoittre Ceux qui sont Veritablement Sujets du Roy et renvoyer les preten-
tions des Autres a la Cour de f ranee; Je sens fort bien qu'on ne peut pas exiger que
Ces Peuples Se determinent avant les 18e Mois accomplis; Mais afin de fournir ,au
Ministre, toutes les Lumieres qu'il peut Souhaitter, je Crois qu'on est en droit de
Savoir le Sentiment de Chaque personne que ont fait enregistrer leurs Papiers; C'est
a dire qu'ils devraient declarer, S'ils veulent passer en f ranee; ou S'ils Veulent r ester
dans le Pays, ou enfin, S'ils ne sont encore pas determine. Je vous prie Monsr. de
me dire Votre Sentiment la dessus, 1'Enregistrement des Papiers avance et s'execute
fort bien.
j'ai ITionneur d'etre avec beaucoup de devouement Monsieur
Votre tres humble et
tres obeissant Serviteur
Fred: Haldimand.
SrExce. Gl. Murray.
(Endorsed)
au Gl. Murray 6e Avril 64.
(Translation)
3 Rivers, 6th April, 1764.
Sir:—
I received yesterday the Letter of the 2nd which you have done me the honor to
write to me by the Volunteer Jean Anadin whom I am sending on without delay to
Mt. Real.
Illustrative Documents. 81
The Company from This Government was completed several days since with Volun-
teers, and It will leave when the roads Become more practicable. I am sorry to
learn, Sir, that you have been obliged to press men to form Those at Quebec, and
although I Believe you fully warranted in such a measure (by our Situation) and I
would have taken the same Means without any Scruple If I had been forced to it;
perhaps you may Desire to recall These People If They can be replaced by Volunteers;
and with this view I will endeavour immediately to engage them, and If you wish it
I will send them to Mont Real: If This Expedient is Agreeable to you, I beg you Sir,
to let me Know by the return of the 'Courier, Informing me to whom they should be
despatched, for the reimbursement of their Bounties.
The Government of Mt. Real being full of Voya'geurs, I Believe that Mr. Burton
will find his task easier than We, Besides by His Situation he will gain nearly a month
over Us, and may quietly wait to see what Success we have.
I do not know, Sir, whether I have understood your views on the Subject of the
List you have required from the Parishes of Quebec; it will perhaps be necessary
that such a List should accompany the Register of Documents, which is made To-
Day; so that the Minister may Know Those who are actually Subjects of the King
and forward the claims of the others to the Court of France; I feel very strongly
that we cannot compel These Persons to decide before the 18th of the Month; But
in order to give the Minister all the Information that he can Wish, I Believe that it
is right for us to Ascertain the Intentions of Every person who registers their Docu-
ments, that is to say that they ought to declare, // they wish to go to f ranee; or if
they wish to remain in the Country, or finally. If they have not made up their minds.
I beg, Sir. that you will give me your opinion thereon. The Registration of Doc-
uments is progressing and being very well done.
I have the honor to be, with great devotion, Sir,
Your very humble and very obedient Servant,
Fred Haldimand.
His. Excy. Gl. Murray.
(Endorsed)
To Gl. Murray, 6th April, 64.
(41)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. GENERAL MURRAY'S LETTER BOOK,
Vol. II, p. 111.
Quebec 8th April, 1764.
Dear Burton!
I this day reed your Letter of the 5th Inst. you wish much I had rather sent
the Two Companys from hence incompleat than have pressed ten Men: I Very freely
and Openly gave you my Reasons for pressing the Ten men in my Letter to you
the 2d Inst. I imagine you see more bad Consequences from pressing these men than
I do, and I should have taken it very kind, had you mentioned them, I am positive
no body has been hurt by what was done here in that Respect, and I am likewise Con-
fident, that if we have a power to Levy new troops, wch indeed I think is at least
doubtfull, we have the power to impress Idle fellows, who have declared themselves
the Kings Subjects, for I pretended to order none, who did not make that their
Choice. Enough has been done to Convince the Canadians, that they never under our
Government can be oppressed with Military Services they see they are to be paid &
Subsisted when such service is required of them, & I am sure the King will take
Care, that they shall return agreeable to the terms of my proclamation; you no doubt
^know that in our provinces it often happens that the Militia are ordered to furnish
"a Certain numr of men, to take the field, and to march wherever the Service ^may re-
quire, it is true the province enacts a Law for that purpose, but in our situation here,
the orders of the Governors, are Laws, & I imagine our orders, will not be found
fault with provided they are Consistent with the Libertys of the subject, & Consistant
with ye Laws of England, & the Dictates of Prudence & good Policy; This my Dear
Burton is being open and plain, I expect the Same from you, and that you will tell me,
the reasons you so strongly and Ardently wish I had not pressed a man, for the
General Terms, by which you Express yourself on this Subject, I can guess at
none.
As to the interruption of interior Trade of Corn I never thought it Could be at-
tempted in Canada, with Justice or propriety, when it was done, I did my Duty by
remonstrating against, I shall Certainly under 'Certain Restrictions, allow the Ex-
82 Illustrative Documents.
portation of Corn, to any part of the world, where British Ships can Lawfully
Navigate, and by this post a Copy of the proclamation I have published here on
that Head, is sent to your Secretary to be laid before you.
You certainly judge well in not granting pasports to any body to Trade in the
Upper Country out of this province, His Majestys proclamation of the 7th October,
absolutely prohibits such Trade, untill security is given by the Traders, that they
will Comply with the Rules and Directions given by him for their Conduct in their
Trafick with the Indians, These Rules are not Yet arrived, I hope they will Soon,
as Mr. Gage tells me they are Expected by the January mail, and Then if the Indian
War will admit, Pasports must be given to every one without exception, who can give
the requisite Security, and in Case they do not Comply with the Rules, they should
be punished without favor or affection.
I begin now to wish, myself, for the arrival of the Commission and Instructions;
for I find your people at Montreal are Remonstrating to the Lords of Trade, against
inconveniences which may happen, but which never Can happen to them while I Govern
the Province; such Remonstrances shew want of Sense, want of Principal, and a Dis-
position which should not be encouraged: had I any Evil intentions these poor Deluded
people have taken the most Effectual method to facilitate the Execution of them,
for surely such Groundless base, and unjust remonstrances, must Totaly discredit
their future just Complaints, but they never shall have any of that nature to make
against me, when I can act they must be Convinced of it, and therefore I wish for the
Arrival of my Commission. I enclose a Copy of this pretty performance, which you
Certainly have not seen, otherwise, I think you would have mentioned to me. I beg
you will shew it to Christie, I imagine the monopoly of Lands is a drive at him and
those who have applyed for Lands at Gaspee, and upon the River S.t Lawrence above
Montreal.
Pray excuse this Long Letter, I am, Dear Burton!
Your's &c., &c., &c.
J:M.
Govr. Burton.
(42)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES. B. VOL. 6, p. 149
Quebec 9th April 1764.
Dear Sir!
I had the honour of your letter last Post, I think myself much obliged to you
for it, and I congratulate you' on having raised the Company of Volunteers. If you
can get ten Men to replace the ten press'd men in the two Companies from this place
you will much oblige me, and I shall pay the expence to your order. —
What you say about making the People declare whether or not they are to remain
Subjects of His Majesty is • certainly right, but before these Returns can arrive in
England the time limited for the Emigration will be expired, and as the navigation
will then be open a list of all who think proper to Emigrate may be sent and be in
England by the middle of Sept. I find it will be necessary to give another month to
register their Paper, & that in consideration of the seed time this will put off sending
the Reports till the middle of June, so I think it will be as 'well to let them alone as
to the declaration for many cannot decide till they Hear from France and those who
declare themselves undetermined will be ill looked upon by us, indeed it is a question
whether such an answer can be given for the words of the Treaty may be construed
otherwise they have eighteen months to emigrate, and dispose of their effects, but per-
haps the question — Subject of England or France might have been put to them the
week after the ratification of the treaty. I only mean, that there are doubts which in
our present Situation are not necessary to be determined by us and therefore may
as well be let alone.
We are now thinking of dressing and Exercising the Battn. I hope to shew you
a very good one in all respects if you will favor me with a Visit in June. Pray
make my Compliments to Gugy & Mr. Maturel & be assured that I am with great
Truth and Regard. —
Dear Sir,
Your most Obedient &
most humble Servant
Ja : Murray.
(Endorsed) Gen. Murray du 9 Avril 4.
14e dto. ayant ete envoye a Mt. Real.
Illustrative Documents. 83
(43)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS. Series B? Vol. 9, p. 58.
Montreal April 9th 1764
Sr
Lieut. Hazzell arrived here yesterday Evening, from New York, he has made great
dispatch, this, with the Inclosures, you will receive from Lt. Frizebourg, your letters
from General Gage, came under my Cover, in the hurry of opening the Packet, I cut
one of your letters open as you will see, by the Seal, which I hope you will excuse.
I hope the Trois Rivieres Compy. of Volunteers, are upon their march, as I am
in great hopes of getting the Regimt of from hence, the 16th inst., to La Chine; and
Embark them for Oswego, the 17th Do. I had by this Packet, a letter from Lord
Halifax, ordering me to send an account of the Paper money in the Governmt of Trois
Rivieres, which I neglected sending, last summer, when it was Registered. I have
.ordered Lieut. Bruyon to write to the Register, for it. His Lordships letter is still
directed to me as Lt. Goverr of Trois Rivieres; I hope his next will be to you, as
such, if agreable to you. Genl. Gage will I supose give you all the publick news,
I do not find he is yet appointed from home our Commander in Chief, but I think the
odds greatly in his favor. I do not know, that Governor Hurrays Pattent is come put,
by this Packet. I have a letter from Genl. Amherst, and from the Cole: they got into
Falmouth after a dreadfull Passage lost their Masts etc. but are boath well, the fer-
ment at home still continues, as you will see by the Papers. — as usual, the next Packet
to settle everything, God grant it.
Mrs. Burton and the little Captn beg their Compts and I am
Sr. your most obedient humble Servant,
R. Burton.
To Cole. Haldimand.
Endorsed. Col. Burton du
9 Avril 64
10 do.
(44)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS. Series B. Vol. 9, p. 60.
3 Rivierres le lie Avril 64.
Monsieur
Le Lt. Wriesberg qui passa hier Au Soir icy pour Quebec, ma remis le Paquet
dont vous aviez eu la bonte de la Charger pour Moy; La Meprise qui vous a fait
Ouvrir Une de mes Lettres du Gl Gage est bien excusable dans Pimpatiance ou Nous
Somes, & ne doit point vous faire de peine Je suis Charme de Savoir le G. Amherst
arrive heureusement a Londres il faut esperer que Sa Presence Contribuera a nous
procurer les Arrangements deffinitifs. Malgres la fermentation qui y reigne. Le pro-
ject de Changer les Trouppes dans ce Pays, est tout ce qu'on pouvoit faire de plus
Avantageux, pour la Nation & pour Conserver une armee de Soldat. On me Marque
que Vous aves Acceptes le Gouvt de Mt Real, je Vous en felicitte Monsr & vous y
Spuhaitte beaucoup dagrement; pour moy je n'espere rien, & je Souhaitte peu de Chose
ainsi jattens tranquillement Ce que le sort me reserve, le Genl. Gage me marque
que les Gouverneurs du Canada devoient recevoir 20 Sh: par jour, pour le temps passe
& qu'ils Serpient payes sur le meme pied a Pavenir, si on n'augmente pas Ces
appointemts il faudra avoir une Aussi bonne fortune que la Votre pour Vivre a Mt
Real. Supposant que vous aviez envoye Pannee derniere les Bordereaux des Papiers
de ce Gouvernement Au Ministre, je ne Pay point fait Celle Cy, mais j'auray soin
d'envoyer a My Lord Hallifax Celui qu'on forme Aujourd'huy, par Ces derniers Ordres,
Amoins que dans Pintervalle Mr. le Gouvr Murray ne receive Ces Instructions je verray
en attendant que Pillard vous fasse parvenir Celui que vous lui faittes demander.
Les Mauvaix Chemins'qui ont retarde la poste jusques a Aujourdhuy, Sont Cause que
je n'ay point encorre fait marcher la Compagnie, qui est rassemblee icy depuis quel-
qnes jours, dailleurs, je me figurois que vous ne pouriez guerre faire partir le
Batt: avant la fin d'Ayril. Mais la Compagnie Se mettra en Marche avant la fin de
cette Semaine, & j'y joindray dix Vollontaires que j'ay de Surplus, dqnt je vous
prieray de disposer pour Completter vos Compagnies, Mr. Wriesberg me disant que
vous aviez encorre besoin de Monde, J'avois engage Ces Gens la pour rendre Service
a Monsr. Murray; Voyant qu'il avoit ete oblige de faire Commander du Monde, & qu'il
renvoyoit d'autres Comandes pour relever Ces Gens la, & qu'ensuitte il envoyoit jusque
a un volontaire Seul de Quebec, je Crus lui rendre Service, en lui marquant, qu'Etant
84 ' Illustrative Documents.
Complet icy je Continuerois a engager du Monde, a Sa disposition, & que je le priois
de me repondre par le Courrier, Mais Come je n'ay point de Ces Lettres, je dois Sup-
poser qu'il n'en a pas besoin & vous prie Monsr de disposer de Ces Gens la; ils parti-
ront Avec la Compagnie, & au Cas que vous fussiez Complet, je vous prie de leur
donner leur Conger pour ne pas Augmenter les fraix qui retomberont sur moy pr
avoir voulu rendre service. Sans doutte Mr. Murray Croyoit que mes offres avoient
les memes fondements que Ceux qu'il m'avoit fait & reitere il me marquoit dans les
Comencemts de la levee, que sil avoit besoin de Mille Volontaires dans son Gouvernemt
il ne seroit point embarasse de les trouver & que si je trouvois des difficultes je
pourois Center sur son Gouvernemt.
Jay Phonneur d'etre Monsieur, *
Votre tres humble & tres obeisst Serviteur
Fred. Haldimand.
Original Draft, signed
Col. Burton.
Endorsed. Au Col. Burton
du 11 Avril 64.
(Translation)
3 Rivers, llth April, 64.
Sir:—
Lt. Wriesberg who passed here yesterday Evening on his way to Quebec., has
given me the Packet you were so good as to Charge him with for me; The Discourtesy
which has induced you to open one of my Letters from Gl. Gage is quite excusable
owing to the anxiety we are in, and ought not to worry you. I am delighted to
Know that Genl. Amherst has arrived safely in London, it is to be hoped that His
presence will Contribute to obtain Definite arrangements for us, notwithstanding the
agitation that prevails. "The plan of changing the Stations of Troops in this Country,
, would be most advantageous for the Nation and for maintaining an army of Soldiers.
'I am informed that you have accepted the Government of Mt. Real, I congratulate you,
Sir, and wish you much pleasure; as for myself I hope for nothing, & desire so little
that I await quietly for what fate reserves for me. Genl. Gage informs me that Gov-
ernors in Canada were entitled in the past to receive 20 sh. per day & that they
Will be paid on the same scale in future, if they do not increase These allowances, one
must needs have as large a fortune as Yours to Live in Mt. Real. Presuming that
you sent last year the Register of the Documents of this Government to the Min-
ister, I have not done This but I will take care to send to my Lord Hallifix That
which is made To-Day by These last Orders, Lest in the meantime Govr. Murray
should not receive These Instructions I will see that Pillard shall send you what you
have asked for.
The Bad Roads which have delayed the mail until To Day are the Cause that I
have not sent on the Company which has been assembled here for several days, besides
I have concluded that you will not be able to despatch the Battn. before the end of
April But the Company will begin its march before the end of the week & I will
add ten Volunteers which I have as surplus whom I beg of you to dispose of to Com-
plete your Companies, Mr. Wriesberg having told me that you still need men, I had
engaged These men to assist Mr. Murray, Learning that he had been obliged to Press
men, & that he might return other Pressed men to relieve These people and to enable
him to send all as Volunteers from Quegec. I believed I would do him Service by
informing him that Being complete here I would Continue to enroll men, at his Dis-
posal and asked him to reply by the Courier, but as I have not received These Letters
I must Presume that he has no need of them & beg you, Sir, to dispose of These
People; they will leave with the Company, & in case you are Complete, I beg you
will give them their Discharge so as not to Increase the Expenses that will fall upon
me for having wished to be of Service. No doubt Mr. Murray thought that my offers
were based on the same foundation as those he had made and repeated to me, he in-
formed me at the commencement of the levy that if a Thousand Volunteers were
needed from his Government he would have no difficulty in finding them & that if
I found any difficulties, I might Rely on his Government.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your very humble & very obedt. Servant,
Fred. Haldimand.
Col. Burton.
To. Col. Burton,
llth April, 64.
Illustrative Documents. 85
(45)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS. Series B. Vol. 9, p. 63.
Montreal April ye 12th 1764
Sr
I was this day at nocfa, favored with your letter of yesterday. I am very certain,
no one knows of my haveing, or not haveing, accepted of the Lt. Governorship of this
Place; as you observe, 20 sh: a day would not go far at Montreal.
I am much obliged to you for haveing spoke to Pillard, for what I wanted. I hope
your Company are upon theire march for this Place; as the Batteaus will move from
hence to La Chine the 16th inst; and the Canadian Volunteers were to Embark the
17th Do as such, must beg of you, to send, and order, your Company to be as expedi-
tious as possible in their marching to this Place, and that they may all go of to-
gether, the Companys here shall not embark, until the 18th instant, before which time,
I hope yours will be here.
the River is become Navigable, ten days sooner this year, then usual and what makes
me so pressing to get the Batteaus sent of, are Genl. Gages Orders to me for so
doing, the instant it was navigable.
I am much obliged to you for .sending me the ten Supernumary Volunteers, they will
be very acceptable to us here, as we are not yet Compleat not that that would retard
me a moment, Embarking them after the arrival of the Trois Riviere Company I hope
they will get safe to Osweego and answer the warmest wishes of the General, and who
ever they are to serve under. Mr. Murray was a little out in his Politicks, in conceiving
the Quebec Government, would furnish so large a number of Volunteers.
I shall tomorrow Publish a Placart Prohibiting, for the present, the Indian Trade,
with the upper Countrys, of which I will send you a Copy, by the first opportunity.
Mrs. Burton and the little Captain beg their respects to you, and I am Sr.
your most obedient humble Servant
R. Burton.
Cole: Haldimand &c., &c.
Endorsed. Col. Burton du
12. Avril 64
14. do.
(46)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. GENERAL MURRAY'S LETTER BOOK
Vol. II. p. 120.
Quebec 14th April, ' 1764.
Dear Sir:
I had the honor of Your Letter by Hazzen, with the different inclosures. The Ex-
change of Capt. Fuser, with Capt. Tesch, is in the first Battn of the 60th Regt.
We all here think very differently with you as regard to the method of raising
the Canadian Corps, but, as you Observe, there is no necessity to enter into any argu-
ments about it, we all Certainly mean for the best, and it is happy you Can have no dis-
appointment, for the Corps is Compleat, I believe to a man, at least the Company from
this District & that of Trois Rivieres, were sent over & above twenty men, but as ten
of my men were Drafted from the Militia The bad Effects of which were Evident, I
prayed Colonel Haldimand to enlist ten to Supply their places, which he has done, &
the draughted men are to Return, By Last Acct., from Govr, Burton He wanted thirty
len, I make no doubt of his getting Volunteers to compleat his Companies, if he Can-
)t, he tells me he Objects Absolutely to pressing a man, & rather Chuses they should
larch incompleat; perhaps on receiving Your Letter he may Alter his Opinion: He
/as for sending to you, before » anything was done in this Business, but I was of a
Afferent Opinion, and am well pleased you have what your asked from this Province,
that, in time, to go up with the Batteaus; had we waited till Hazzen Came
lack you must at least have been disappointed as to the time: I hope all your Schemes
nil Succeed, & that our Quebec Rrovincials will do honor to their Country.
I am now to Offer my most respectfull Complimts to Mrs Gage, & if you will
>resent the same from me to Mrs Morris, you will much Oblige Me.
I have the Honor to be &c., &c., &c.
J.M.
: We have promised that the Canadians shall return to their homes, before the
inter sets in.
"o General Gage.
86 Illustrative Documents.
(47)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES HALDIMAND PAPERS SERIES, B. 2, pt. II. p. 9.
Trois Rivieres, le 15 Avril, 64
21662, F. 128.
Monsieur,
Je regus le 30me passe les Lettres que Votre Excellence , me fait Phonneur de
m'ecrire du 2me 4me & 26me fevr & celles du 22e & 30me Mars me sont parvenues
le 10 du Courant. Je suis bien Charme Monsr. que vous approuviez la Conduitte que
J'ay tenue au Sujet de la levee des Canadiens; J'ay eu icy le Succes que J'esperois; la
Compagnie a ete entierement Complettee par des Volontaires J'en ay eu meme
plusieurs au dela; Et elle est actuellement a Mont Real bien pourvue de tout ce qui
lui est necessaire. Us ont tous Recu leur engagement icy & j'ay remis entre les mains
du Capitaine leur paye jusqu'au 24 de May prochain inclusif, Get argent leur Suffira
de leur propre avec pour les petits besoins de la Campagne, & la some qu'ils trouve-
ront a leur Retour poura procurer a Ceux qui seront sage les moyens de S'eta blir
Voilla encore les Paquets de Janvier et fevrier arrives, sans arrangements deffinitifs,
il faut esperer qu la presence du Genl. Amherst Contribuera a nous les procurer; On
est dans le dernierre impatience a Quebec; j'en ay beaucoup aussi; Mais elle precede
d'un motif bien different. Je concerveray exactement Pindependance de ce Gouvt.
jusques a PArrivee de M. Murray Sous le Grand Sceau & je vous suis tres oblige
Monsr. d'avoir bien voulu meclaircir sur tous les Points ; je suis oblige detre Constemt
sur mes Gardes.
J'ai Phonneur d'etre avec un parfait devouement
Monsieur
De .Votre Excellance Le tres humble & tres
obeissant serviteur
Fred : Haldimand
Endorsed
au Genl. Gage
15 Avril 64.
(Translation)
• Three Rivers, 15th April 64.
Sir:—
I received on the 30th of last month the Letters which Your Excellency did me
the honor to write to me on the 2nd, 4th and 26 Febr'y, & those of the 22nd & 30th
March reached me on the 10th Instant. I am delighted, Sir, that you approve my
Conduct on the Subject of the levy of Canadians. I have had the success here which
I hoped for; the Company has been entirely Completed with Volunteers. I have even
had some to spare; and it is actually at Mont Real well provided with every thing
necessary. They have all Received their bounty here & I have placed their pay up to
the 24th of next month inclusive in the hands of the Captain. This money they admit
ought to be sufficient to supply their little necessaries during the Campaign & the
amount which they will receive on their Return will be enough to furnish Those who
are prudent with the means of establishing themselves. The Packets for January and
February have arrived without definite arrangements we must hope that the presence
of General Amherst may Contribute to procure them for us; There is the greatest
impatience at Quebec; I feel much also. But it proceeds from a very different motive.
I will strictly preserve the independence of the Govt. until the Arrival of Mr Murray
under the Great Seal & I am greatly obliged to you,, Sir, for having enlightened me on
all Points I am obliged to be constantly on my Guard
I have the honor to be with perfect devotion, Sir,
Your Excellency's very humble and very obedient Servant,
Fred Haldimand.
(Endorsed)
To Genl. Gage.
15th April, 64.
Illustrative Documents. 87
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANAlfA. HALDIMAND PAPERS. Series B. Vol. 9, p. 66.
le 17 Av. 64.
Mr. B.
J'espere que la Compagnie de Vol: Canadien se trouve actuellem a rendues Mt
Real, & que Mr. Mt Isamberg vous presente les 9 ou 10 Surnumeraires j'avois meme
Charge Ces Messrs de Vous Conduire tous ceux qu'ils pouroient engager en Chemin
La Lettre que Mr. Murray Mecrivoit a»ce Sujet par le dernier Courrier ayant ete
envoyee a Mt Real par la negligence du Maitre des Postes, je ne Fay recue qua son
retour & par Concequent trop tard & quoyqu'il accepta ces Surnumeraires cela ne
Change rien Monrs a Toffre que je vous en Ay fait & je vous prie d'en disposer pour
vos Compagnies^
Je recois dans Ce moment une de Ces lettres avec la Copie de Celles de My lord Hal-
lifax du 14e Janvr Je Crois Monsr que le meilleur Moyen de remplir les intentions du S.
M. Seroit de publier Une Proclamation, par ou Chaque Canadien ou francois cut a
declarer Sil veut passer en f ranee, Sils veulent rester dans le Pays; Ou bien, s'ils ne
sont pas encorre determinne ils ne peuvent refuser de sexpliquer sur ces trois points
Je vous prie Mr de me dire vos Sentiments la dessus, il me paroit qu'il nest pas
possible de faire une reponce positive Sans Cette precaution la & le temps presse &
je ne feray Aucunne demarche avant Votre reponce.
Je ne vois pas Coment Mr Murr. pouroit se dispenser de prendre le meme partis
Amoins quil neut deja une pareille liste dans Secretariat.
Mes respects e Mad: Si Elle avait quelques graines de Jardins de reste, Elle me
rendroit un grand Service de men faire part quoy quil aye bien de lapparence que je
Cultive ce jardin pr d'autres &c.
du 17 Avr. Col. Burt.
Endorsed Col. Burton
du 17 Avril 64.
(Translation)
/ ~ '• • '
I hope that the Company of Canadian Vols. has actually arrived at Mont Real
& that Mr. Isamberg has presented to you the 9 or 10 Supernumeraries. I had even
instructed these Gentlemen to Conduct to you all whom they could eritist on the Road.
The Letter which Mr. Murray wrote me on this Subject by the last Courier, having
been sent to Mt. Real through the carelessness of the Post Master did not reach me
until his return & Consequently too late & although he accepts these Supernumeraries
this is in no way Sir, Alters the offer I made of them to you & I beg you to dispose
of them for your Companies.
I receive at this moment one of These letters with the Copy of Those of my Lord
Hallifax of the 14th Jany. I believe, Sir, that the best means of carrying into effect
the Intentions of H. M. will be to publish a Proclamation by which Every Canadian
pr frenchman must declare If he wishes to remove to France. If they wish to remain
in the Country, or even if they are not yet decided, they cannot decline to make an
explanation of these three points. I beg you, Sir, to give me your Opinion in respect
thereto, it appears to me that it is not possible to give a positive reply Without
This precaution & time presses & I will take no step before your Answer.
I do nof see How Mr. Murr. can avoid taking the same course unless he has
already such a list in his Office.
My respects to Mad. If She has some Garden seeds left, She will render me a
great Service by sending some of them to me although it now looks as if I Cultivate
this Garden for others, &c.
17 Apr. Col. Burt.
(Endorsed)
Col. Burton.
17th April 64.
88 Illustrative Documents.
(49)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES B. 2, pt. II. p. 12.
21662— F. 130. 3 Rivieres le 18 Avril, 64.
My Lord,
I have the Honor to Inclose Your Lordship a Letter which I received from His
Excellency the General in Chief of the 3d of March last. In consequence of which I
thought it my duty to raise without delay the 60 Canadiens required by His Excellency
for the service of this Campaign After previously Consulting with both Governors
Murray and Burton, I conformed myself to the Same plan and have likewise allowed
to Every Volunteer besides his cloathing and six pence, this Currency pr. day Twelve
Dollars Bounty; to supply which Expences I have drawn on the Contingency for this
Government, till His Majesty's pleasure be further known. The Company has ac-
cordingly been Compleated before the End of March and already joined the rest of the
Battalion at Montreal.
This Levy met First with some difficulty; Canadians always accustomed to serve
for nothing under the French Government and to be draughted out of the Militia; reluc-
ted at the Bounty; and for fear of being listed for Life; would have preferred to be
ordered as formerly; than to receive money or willingly offer the^ir Services; whoever
after a greadile Trouble they were dissuaded, and none listed in this Government but
Volunteers.
It will always be a Duty most agreeable to me, that will procure me any opor-
tunity of Convincing Your Lordship of my zeal, and Exactitude for the Service as
well as of the profound Respect I have the Honour to remain in.
(Unaddressed)
(Endorsed)
A My Lord Halifax
18 Avril 1764.
*
(50)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS. Series B. Vol. 9, p. 68.
Montreal, April, 19th, 64.
Sr.
I was yesterday favored with yours of the 17th by the Post; your Corny of Volun-
teers arrived here the 17th and a very fine Company they are.
Yesterday Evening I received your letter of the 12th by Gaptn. Mont Isambar
the Company marched to La Chine this morning, the others Embarked yesterday they
had Powder Horns delivered to them, with their Arms, the money that you' had
advanced the nine Supernumaries, is stoped in Cole: Christies hands for your use.
In regard to Ld Halifax's letter I know no other method to be taken but Publishing a
Proclamation that all those who propose going to France may give in their Names (in
a limited time, that is in a fortnight or three weeks) at the Secretarys Office, but shall
say nothing in regard to whether they are determined or not as we certainly can not
prevent their changings their minds as .often as they please between and Sept. next
and French Men you know are fickle.
Inclosed I send you a Copy of my Proclamation in regard to the Trade with the upper
Countrys. I hope it will have the desired efect.
Mrs. Burton begs her Compts to you, and has sent you by the Post, all the Garden Seed
she had left.
I am Sr. your most obedient humble Servant
R. Burton.
To Cole: Haldimand.
Endorsed. Col. Burton ,
19 Avl 64
20 do.
My Lord
Illustrative Documents. 89
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 2, p. 105.
Quebec 24th April 1764.
The Canadian Corps of Volunteers which General Gage demanded from this Pro-
vince, set off from Montreal to join the army, (which is to assemble at Oswego) the
Sixth instant, and I am confident they will do their Duty, with as much Zeal and alacrity
as any Provincial Corps whatever, They were raised, .and equipped in fourteen days.
I have the honor to be with great Truth and Regard
My Lord!
Your Lordships Most obliged, most obedient & most faithful
humble Servant
Ja: Murray
Endorsed: Letter from Governor Murray 24th April 1764
R July 2d
Lord Halifax.
Right Honble The Earl of Halifax One of His Majesty's Principal Secretarys
qf State.
(52)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES B. 2, pt. II. p. 16.
21662— F. 133. New York April 24th 1764.
Sir,
My last letter about the Levying of the Company of Three Rivers will shew
you my Opinion of the new method of raising Volunteers, and that I foresaw the
Diificultys you set forth in Your Letter of the 24th March, which has lately fallen
into my Hands. Mr. Murray's attention to the Welfare of the Canadians, that they
should be put exactly on the same Footing with His Majestys British Subjects I
suppose led them into this new method, which otherwise He would certainly never
have tried, when the old one was so plain & easy.
I am with great Regard
Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
Thos, Gage
(Endorsed)
Genl. Gage *
du 24em Avril 64
17 May.
(53)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES B. Vol. 9, p. 69
Montreal, April 25th 1764.
Sr.
I was this day favored with your letter of the 24th instant the last Brigade of
Batteaus left La Chine, with the Trois Rivieres Company on board of them, the 20th
instant. Major Rigovile left the two inclosed letters for you.
You have also inclosed a letter from Genl. Gage which Lt. Monisays brought here
the 21st hist., I supose it contains the same Orders as what I have received from the
General and which gives me great hopes that he will be our Commander in Chief, which
I most sincerely wish. The March Packet will I hope, bring him his Commission.
90 Illustrative Documents.
Your letters to N. York, went along with mine this morning by Lt. McKay. Mrs.
Burton and Richard beg their respects to you, hopes the Seeds will flourish, and that
you may reap the benefit of them if agreable to you.
I am Sr.
Your most obedient humble Servant
R. Burton.
To Colonel Haldimand.
Endorsed. Col. Burton du 25 Avl 64.
(54)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES B. 2, pt. II. p. 19.
21662 F 136. New York May 2d 1764.
Sir,
The news of the March of the Canadians has already astonished the Savages; and
Sr. Wm. Johnson says, it will have a better effect to convince them of their folly
than anything he can say or do to persuade them that there is no assistance to be
excepted for them from that Quarter, Mais ne dites rien de tout cecy en Canada.
Mr. Gage & all my Family present their best Respects, and I am with great Regard,
Dear Sir
Your most obedient
humble servant,
Thos: Gage.
(Unaddressed)
(Endorsed)
Genl. Gage du
2 May 64.
23dm.
(55)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES B. Vol. 9, p. 70
Montreal, May ye 3d 1764.
Sr
I was yesterday favored with your letter of the 1st instant your inclosed letter
for Genl. Gage I sent by the Post, which set of this day for New York. We may in a
few days have the March Packet, which I most sincerely hope will bring General Gage
his Commission, and some further arrangements for this Country.
No'news from Major Rigovile of his Corps, since they left the Cedars. Mrs. Bur-
ton and the little Captn beg their Compliments to you and joyn with me, in wishing
you may enjoy the fruits of the Garden if agreable to you.
I am Sr. your most obedient humble Servant
R. Burton.
To Cole. Haldimand.
P:S: Captn Glaus is arrived, by what he says I think there is great appearance that
the Indians will sue for Peace, he holds a Congress tomorrow at Cagnawaga, where
he will deliver tovthe Chiefs, Sr Wm. Johnsons Message, which to Joyn the Six
Nations, and go to War.
Endorsed. Col. Burton du 3 May 4 do.
Repondue le 8 do
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, June 21, 1764.
New York, May 7. — On Monday last the whole body of New-Jersey provincials,
raised for the present Expedient against the Indians, arrived here on board several
vessels, and the same day sailed for Albany.
Illustrative Documents. 91
•
(56)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES B. Vol. 9, p. 72.
Montreal, May ye 9th 1764.
Sr.
I was this day favored with your letter of the 8th inst. I do not imagine Goverr
Murray has yet sent the account of those who intend to return to France, to my
Lord Halifax, I shall send him my List, as soon as the time limited by me is expired,
which will be the 18th instant. Major Rigogvile and his Corps were to leave O&wega-
tagi, the 6th inst. The Congress we had at Cacknawaga the 5th turn'd out as well
as we expected, the different Tribes accepted of the War Belt, and Captn Glaus tells
me were very hearty, I hope they will continue so, if they do it will have a good
efect a large Body of them are to set of for Sr. Wm. Johnsons by the way of
Crown Point, the 15th inst: Captn. Glaus tells me that Sr. Wm. Johnsons Message is
notified to the Abenaquis, thorough two Chiefs that were at Cacknawaga. Captn.
Ryard and Lt. Cathcart leave this tomorrow at day break. I look dayly for the March
Packet. Mrs. Burton and the little Captn. beg their Compliments to you,
and I am Sr. your most obedient humble Servant,
R. Burton.
To Cole: Haldimand &c., &c., &c.
Endorsed. Col. Burton du 9e May 64 lOme dto
repondue le 15 do »
(57)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES B. 2. pt. II, p. 20.
21662— F. 138. New York May 13th 1764.
Sir,
I am to return you thanks for your Company, which by the Accts. received is the
best by far, of the Battalion. They are set off from Montreal, and I expect by the
next advices from Oswego to hear that they are arrived there. You will by this
time know, that the March Packet is arrived, but no commission with it, and as far
as I can find, nothing will be finally settled, till the Sitting of the Parliament is over.
I am with great regard
Sir,
Your most obedient
humble servant
Thos Gage.
(Addressed)
Govr. Haldimand
(Endorsed)
General Gage,
du 13 May 64
5me dto.
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, June 28, 1764.
By a private Letter from Niagara, of the 26th of 'May, we learn that the Troops
raised here, arrived there the 18th, and on the 20th were ordered about 9 Miles above
that Place, in Order to erect a small Fort, to protect the Landing the Provisions and
other Stores; and that last Week they were joined by a Party of General Johnson's
Indians, and were in daily Expectation of his arrival with the Remainder, also with the
Troops raised in New- York, and the other Colonies on the Contingent, and that all the
Indian Nations were summoned to meet that General at Niagara, to hold a Treaty
and conclude a Peace; that last Week a Party of Senacas came down for that Pur-
pose, and prevented the other Nations from molesting their Landing, or cominiting
any Hostilities on their Ground until the Treaty was held. All things were in great
Readiness for the Expedition; they have got 50 of the Royal Artillery, with 10 Field
Pieces, and other Ordinance.
92 Illustrative Documents.
(58)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES B. Vol. 9, p. 75.
Trois Rivierres le 29e May 1764.
Monsieur,
Je prens la liberte de vous adresser une Lettre pour Notre General que je vous
prie de vouloir mettre dans Votre Paquet; Je recus par le dernier Courrier des Lettres
du Capt. Mont Isambert, qui me marque du lie Courant, que sa Compagnie etoit en bon
Etat, & quil Supposoit que la Campagne seroit fort Courte; Mr. Gage me marquoit
dans sa derniere que le payemt des 20 Sh: par jour qu'on nous destinoit pour le temps
passe avoit ete arete, tout a Coup lorsque Mr. Calcraft devoit le recevoir, peuthetre
aton trouve la some trop modique je le souhaitte
je suis. Original Draft
Endorsed. Au Col. Burton
du 29. May 64.
(Translation)
Three Rivers, 29vMay, 1764.
Sir,
I take the liberty of addressing to you a letter for our General, which I beg
you will place in Your Packet. I received by the last Courier letters from Capt.
Mont. Isambert, who informs me that on the llth instant his Company was in a good
State & that he surmised the Campaign would be very short; Mr. Gage informed me
in his last that the Paymt. of 20 Sh. per day which was intended for us for the
time elapsed, had suddenly been stopped when Mr. Calcraft ought to have received
it. Perhaps they consider it too little which I hope is the case.
I am,
Endorsed, to Col. Burton.
29 May .64.
(59)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES B. 2. pt. II. p. 24.
21662— F. 142. Gl. Gage — le 29 May 64
Monsr.
Je suis charmes que le detachmt. des Cannadiens prpduise Un si bon effet. et
je Crpis qu'il etoit aussi necessaire de les Convaincre, qu'ils etoient Sujets du Roy,
& oblige de le Servir que de faire par ce moyen Connoittre aux Sauvages, qu'ils n'avoi-
ent plus de ressources a esperee de Ces Cottes cy; Ce sont deux avantages tres
Certains que vous retireres de Cette levee.
(Endorsed)
Au Gl. Gage du 29 May 64.
(Translation)
Gl. Gage. 29th May 64.
Sir:—
I am pleased that the detachment of Canadians produces such a good effect, and
I believe that it was also necessary to Convince them that they were Subjects of the
King & obliged to Serve him, and to make Known to the Indians by this means that they
had no further support to hope for from this Quarter; These are two very Certain
advantages which you will derive from This levy.
Illustrative Documents. 93
(60)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS. Series B. Vol. 9fi p. 80.
Montreal June ye 18th 64.
Sr.
Nothing has occured worth writeing for these two last Posts I was favored with
your letter of the 8th inst.
No news from New York. All well and quiet at D'Etroit the 14th of May. The
Canadian Volunteers hard at work on the Carrying Places of Niagara. Sr. William
Johnson to hold his Congress at Niagara the first week in July. Bradstreet sick at
Albany.
Seven Canoes from Michilimackinac, stoped at Carillion, by the Party I have
there, the same Fellows that were here last summer. I don't like having those Chaps
come to Montreal, nor can they have any business here, all Trade with the upper
Nations is stoped, and as to Indian affairs, I refer them to the Congress at Niagara,
for that purpose have sent Captain Glaus up to Carrillion, Mrs. Burton and Richard
beg their Compliments and I am Sr.,
your most obedient Servant
* R. Burton,
turn over.
Monday 10 o'Clock
The Packet just arrived herewith you have what came for you.
R. B.
Endorsed. Col. Burton du 18 juin 64.
rec.ue de 20e dito
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, August 2, 1764.
A letter from the Little Falls, dated June 18th.
On Saturday last 18 companies of the Militia, amounting to about 1500 men ,were
reviewed at Mr. Brant's about a mile above Fort Hendrick, by Sir William Johnson;
who after the Review, entertained them with a large Ox, and a Number of Sheep
roasted whole, and gave them a Barrel of Rum to drink his Majesty's health; there was
a number of Indians present, amongst whom were some of the Senecas, who, on their
return Home, will tell their People that the English are moving up in vast Bodies
towards the Frontiers; This will undoubtedly have a good Effect, in engaging them
to keep firm and steady to their late Convention with Sir William, fearing that these
People should march against them in Case of a. Revolt. Yesterday Evening Sir
William set out for' Niagara, accompanied by his Son-in-Law, Mr. Guy Johnson, and
John Duncan, Esq. of Schenectady, with 30 of the Chiefs and most noted Warriors,
of the lower Castles of the Mohawks, who insisted on accompanying Sir William's Per-
son in particular, in his Voyage; they sung the War Songs and danced, taking Sir
William by the Hand, with the most convincing Proofs of their Attachment.
(61)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES HALDIMAND PAPERS Series B. 2, pt. II. p. 32
21662 F. 151.
Trois Rivieres le 27 Juin 1764.
Monsieur,
Les Lettres que Votre Excellence me fait 1'honneur de m'ecrire du 19 & 27 May,
avec Celle du 6me Juin me sont parvenues; Je suis Charme de voir que la Compagnie
des Volontaires reponde a vos vues, On continue a m'en faire un rapport favorable,
et je me flatte Mons. qu'elle merittera votre approbation pendant le Cours de la
Campagne.
94 Illustrative Documents.
Je presents mes Respects a Madame et j'ay 1'honneur d'etre avec un parfait
devouement.
Monsieur de Votre Excellence
Le tres humble & tres obeissant Serviteur
Fredk. Haldimand.
(Addressed)
A.S Ex: Monsr. le Gl. Gage
(Endorsed)
Au Genl. Gage du 27 Juin 64.
(Translation)
Three Rivers, 27th June, 1764.
Sir:—
The Letters your Excellency has done me the honor to write me on the 13th & 27th
May, with that of the 6th June, have come to hand I ajn Delighted to learn that the
Company of Volunteers answers your expectations. They continue to make me a
good report of it, and I flatter myself, Sir, that it will deserve your approbation
during the Course of the Campaingn.
I present my Respects to Madam Gage and have the honor to be with perfect
devotion.
Your Excellency's very humble and very
obedient Servant.
Fred. Haldimand.
(Addressed)
To H. Ex. Gl. Gage,
(Endorsed)
To Genl. Gage, 27th June, 64.
(62)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS. Series B. Vol. 9, p. 81.
Trois Rivierres le 3e Juillet 64.
Monsieur:
Je prens la liberte de vous adresser une Lettre pour Notre General a laquelle je
vous prie de donner Cours dans votre Paquet; II n'y a rien de nouyeau icy; je Suis
Charme d'apprandre que tout est tranquille du Cotte du Detroit, il paroit que nos
Vollontaires Canadians n'auront pas une Camgagne fort perilleuse; des Lettres que
quelques Uns ont ecrits icy a famille, ont dissipe des Mauvais bruits qui setoient
repandus Sur leur Situation.
Vous etres hureux Monsr d'avoir pu vous debarasser des Sauvages de Michilli-
makinack ce sont des hautes fort incomodes; & qui vray semblablement ne sont attire
de Ces Cottes que par le ressouvenir du Rhum qu'on leur present l*fcnnee derniere.
Mes respects a Madame mes Amities au petit Capitaine.
J'ay 1'honneur detre Monsieur
Votre tres humble & tres obsissant Servr.
Frd: Haldimand.
Col Burton.
Endorsed
Au Col. Burton,
du 3 Juillet 64.
(Translation)
Three Rivers, 3rd July, 64
Sir:—
I take the liberty of addressing to you a Letter for our General which I beg you
will give Room in your Packet. There is nothing new here; I am Delighted to know
that our Canadian Volunteers will not have a very perilous Campaign; Letters which
some of them have written their family here have dissipated the Evil reports as to
their Situation, which had been spread.
Illustrative Documents. 95
You were fortunate, Sir, in getting rid of the Indians from Michilimackinac ; they
are very troublesome and are only attracted to These Parts by the recollection of
the Rum given them last year. My Respects to Madam and my love to the Little
Captain.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your very humble & very obedient Servt.
Fred Haldimand.
Col. Burton,
(Endorsed)
To Col Burton,
3 July 64.
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, August 23, 1764.
Extract of a letter to Colonel Burton, at Montreal, from Oswego, August 7.
"Matters are entirely settled with all the Nations who attended the meeting at
Niagara; the greatest ever known, being about 200D indians. Some Reports spread
prevented the Chenussios coming for a long Time; at length they came and delivered
up the Prisoners, &c., &c. and gave to His Majesty, and His Successors, for ever, the
Lands on both Sides the Streights to Lake Erie (or Carrying Place) 4 Miles on each
Side, and Liberty of a Post on the North Side of Lake Erie, &c., &c. so that His
Majesty will be possessed of all from Lake to Lake, a Cession of near 300,000 acres.
They have also given two Seneca Hostages for the Shawneese, and Delaware King,
whom the Chenussios engaged to deliver up at this Post, with all the Prisoners
amongst them. There were 22 different Nations at the Congress, 11 of which were
Western Indians, All behaved well, and were discharged in the best Humour. The
Michillemakinac indians have engaged to protect the Garrison which may be sent there
The Cognawagoe (or Canada Indians) Warriors are gone with the army, and behave
very well.
The Peace is settled by a Solemn Treaty in Writing with the Hurons of Detroit.
The Treaty of Peace and Alliance with the Chenussios is also ratified and confirmed
in Writing, so that every Thing is done that could be wished for, or expected, &c. &c.
&c. &c."
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, August 9th, 1764.
To-morrow being Friday the Tenth Instant, at the Hour of Eleven in the Morn-
ing, the King's Letters Patent, Constituting and Appointing the Honourable James
Murray Esq; Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over His Majesty's Prov-
ince of Quebec, bounded on the Labrador Coast by the River St. John, and from thence
by a Line drawn from the Head of that River, through the Lake St. John, to the
South End of the Lake Nipissing, from whence the said Line, crossing the River St.
Lawrence and the Lake Champlain in Forty-five Degrees of North Latitude, passes
along the High Lands, which divide the Rivers that empty themselves into the said
River St. Lawrence, *from those which fall into the Sea, and also along the North
Coast of the Bay des Chaleurs, and the Coast of the Gulph of J5t. Lawrence to Cape
Rosiers, and from thence crossing the Mouth of the River St. Lawrence, by the West
End of the Island of Anticosti, Terminates at the aforesaid River of St. John's to-
gether with all the Rights, Members, and Appurtenances whatsoever thereunto be-
longing. As also a Commission for the said Honourable James Murray, to be Vice
Admiral of the Same, will be published in His Majesty's Castle of St. Lewis, at Que-
bec, of which all Persons are to take Notice, in Order to pay due Obedience thereto.
By His Excellency's Command.
H. T. CRAMAHE.
(63)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES, HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES B. VOL. 6, p. 158.
Monsieur Trois Rivieres le 13e Aoust 1764.
Je recus dimanche la Lettre que Vous M'ayes fais 1'honneur de M'ecrire en
datte du 7e en M'envoyant la Copie de la Commission qu'il a plut a Sa Majeste de
Vous Accorder en Vous nommant Son Gouverneur en Chef de Cette Province, je ne
puis Monsieur que de reiterer dans Cette Occasion les Compliments Sinseres que je
Vous ay deja offert.
96 Illustrative Documents.
Je me suis fait un devoir de publier Votre Avennement hier, Avec toute la Sol-
lennite que j'ay pu y Ajouter; Votre Commission a ete lue Publiquement, et les
Troupes qui etoient sous les Armes ont fait une triple decharge aussi bien que
1'Artillerie, et j'ai re?u pour Vous Monsr. les Compliments que les habitants Vous pre-
parent, lors que Vous arriveres icy.
J'ai Cru aussi devoir ecrire une Lettre Circullaire aux Capes de Milisse de ce
District, dont je joins icy la Copie, esperant qu'elle Aura Votre approbation;
Je me proposois de Vous rendre Mes devoirs avant Cette date, mais on M'asseure
Si positivement que Vous deves passer incessament icy, que j'y attendray Vos ordres,
ayant 1'honneur d'etre
Votre tres humble et
tres Obeissant Serviteur
Fred: Haldimand.
A S: Ex. le Genl. Murray.
(Endorsed) Au Genl. Murray
du 15 Aoust 64.
(Translation)
Three Rivers, 13th August, 1764.
Sir:—
On Sunday I received the Letter you did me the honor to write to me under date
of the 7th, sending me a Copy of the Commission which it has pleased His Majesty
to Grant you appointing you His Governor in Chief of This Province, I can only re-
iterate, Sir, on This occasion, the Sincere Congratulations, which I have already offered
you.
I have made it a duty to proclaim your Accession yesterday with all the Solemn-
ity that I could add thereto; Your Commission has been Publicly reacj, and the Troops
who were under Arms fired three volleys, as well as the Artillery, and I have re-
ceived for you, Sir, the Congratulations the inhabitants prepare for you when you
will arrive here. ,
I have also Thought it my duty to write a Circular Letter to the Capts of Mili-
tia of this District of which I attach here a Copy, hoping that it will have your
approbation.
I had proposed to pay You my respects before This date, but I was informed so
positively that you would soon arrive here that I will await your orders, having .the
honor to be.
Your very humble and very obedient Servant,
Fred. Haldimand.
To His. Ex. Genl. Murray.
(Endorsed)
To Genl. Murray,
15th August, 64.
(64)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES B. VOL. 6, p. 162.
G. Murray du 8e 7bre 64.
Monsr.
Je rec.ois dans Ce moment le rapport de la Compagnie des Vollontaires Canadiens
de Ce District, et Comme Elle est Sous Vos Ordres j'ay cru Mr. devoir Vous le faire
parvenir, Je suis Charme de pouvoir Vous la remettre Complette et Suivant le rapport
qu'on m'en fait en bpn Ordre. ^
Tout est tranquille icy les habitants occupes de leur reColte, n'ont pas le temps
de penser a faire des Proces,
J'ai 1'hon: d'etre
(Endorsed)
Au Gour. Murray
du 8me 7bre 1764.
( Trans la tion)
G. Murray, 8th Sept. 64.
Sir: —
I receive This instant the report of the Company of Volunteers from This Dis-
trict, and as It is under your Orders, I have, Sir, believed it my duty to forward it
to you. I am Delighted to be able to hand it over to you Complete, and, According
to the report made to me, in good Order.
Illustrative Documents. 97
All is quiet here, the inhabitants, being busy with their harvest, have not the
time to think of carrying on Law suits.
I have the honor to be,
(Endorsed)
To Govr. Murray.
8th Sept. 1764.
(65)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES B. VOL. 6, p. 169.
Trois Rivieres le 23e 9bre 1764.
Monsieur,
Depuis la derniere fois Monsieur que j'eus Phonneur de Vous voir a Quebec
J'ay Cru 1 'affaire des Cannadiens Vollontaires arrangee, et Monsr. le Col. Irving
Charge (de votre part) de pourvoir a leur Subsistance; Mais Comme il paroit par
Votre Lettre du 18e que Vous Croyes qu'il Conviendroit Mieus que les Compagnies de
Mt. Real et des trois Rivieres fussent payees par des Warrants tirees par Monsr.
Burton et Moy; J'en donneray Un Si Vous le Souhaittes Monsieur jusques au 24
d'Octobre pour la Compagnie de Ce District, Monsr. le General Gage m'ayant ote tout
pouvoir de tirer par la Suitte Sur le pay Master General; Mais Comme j'ai Avance fort
peu a Cette Compagnie; Je Suppose Monsieur que Vous voudres donner les Warrants
depuis le 24e de May; je ferais la dedans Ce que Vous jugerez a propos, Vous priant
Seulement de me faire Savoir Vos Intentions; et Si la Compagnie doit etre Conjediee
a Son Arrivee a MontReal, j'envoyeray le Conte des Avances que j'ay faittes a la per-
sonne que Vous jugeres a propos de nommer pour le Congedier.
(Translation)
Three Rivers, 23rd Nov. 1764.
Sin-
Since the last time I had the honor of seeing you in Quebec, I Believed the Busi-
ness of the Canadian Volunteers arranged, and Col. Irving Instructed (by you) to
furnish their Subsistence: But as it appears by your Letter of the 18th that you Be-
lieved it more Convenient that the Companies of Mt. Real and three Rivers should
be paid by Warrants drawn by Mr. Burton and myself; I will give one If you Wish
it, Sir, for the Company from This District, General Gage having deprived me of all
authority to draw in Future on the pay master, I Presume, Sir, that you will grant
the Warrants since the 24th May; I will do as to that whatever you deem proper
begging you only to let me Know your Intentions; and If the Company ought to be
Discharged on Its Arrival at Montreal, I will send the account of advances that I have
made to the persons whom you deem proper to nominate to Discharge it.
(66)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS: Series B. Vol. 9, p. 112.
A Mr. Burton le 27e 9bre 1764.
Je regus par le dernier Courrier votre Lettre du 22 avec celle pr Mr Murray,
que je lui tnvoyay par la meme poste, en lui ecrivant dans le meme jour que vous
le fesiez, au sujet de la paye des Vollontaires Canadiens — je Contais d'en recevoir
une reponce Aujourdhuy.
Votre letter du 22 me parvint par le dernier, Courrier & j'achemain imediatemt celle
a Mr. ,Murr : en lui ecrivant au Sujet des Vollontaires C: Sur le meme pied que vous & je
le priois de me faire savoir; qu'elle personne il nomeroit a Mt Real pour les Conjedier,
mais n'ayant point de reponce, je dois Supposer Monsieur quil vous ecrit sur ce Sujet;
& quil aura donne les Ordres necessaires; a Mr. Frazier, ou autre pr que les Gens
Soyent sattisfaits.
Le Capt. Payne qui passa hier au Soir icy me dit de votre part que les Voll:
etoient attendu le meme jour a Mt Real & Come la plus part sont de Moska, St. francois,
&c. & que la rivierre Comence deja a etre difficille; il Seroit facheux pour ces Gens la
98 Illustrative Documents.
de devoir venir icy pour y recevoir leur paye, & y rester peuthrete degrade pr une 15
de jours. Ainsi Monsr au Gas que Monsr le Gouveurneur Murray n'aye pas donne les
Ordres necessaires pour Conjedier ces Gens la, je vous prie de les retenir a Mont Real,
& de vouloir bien m'en informer par un expres afin que je puisse y envoyer une
personne pour les faire payer aussi longtemps que mes pouvoirs peuvent le permettre
La Poste qui arrive toujours tard donne a peine le temps decrire. Je vous prie Mr.
de vouloir bien faire parvenir 1'incluse a notre General.
La Compagnie des 3 R. est payee jusques au 24 May, & je pouray Center avec
le Capt. Monlsambar pour les avances que jay faittes, Je joins icy son rec.u au Cas
quil soit necessaire je vous prie de voulloir le Conserver.
Original Draft.
(Translation)
To Mr. Burton, 27th Nov. 1764.
I have received by the last Courier your letter of the 22nd, with that for Mr.
Murray which I sent him by the same post, writing to him at the same time What
you are doing on the matter of the pay of the Canadian Volunteers — I expect to
receive a reply To-Day.
Your letter of the 22nd reached me by the last Courier, and I immediately for-
warded that to Mr. Murray writing him on the Subject of the C. Volunteers, on the
same line as yourself & I begged him to let me Know what person he would name
at Mt. Real to discharge them, but having no reply, I must Presume that he has
written you on this Subject, & that he will have given the necessary Orders; to Mr.
Fraser or other person so that the men may Be satisfied.
Capt. Payne who passed here yesterday evening told me from you that the Vols
were expected at Mt. Real the same day & As the greater part are from Moska, St.
Francis, &c., & the river already Begins to be difficult, it will be annoying for these
People to be obliged to come here to receive their pay & remain perhaps unemployed
for a fortnight. Therefore, Sir, in Case Governor Murray has not given the neces-
sary Orders to Discharge the men there, I beg you to retain them at Mont Real and
to inform me of it by an Express so that I can send a person to pay them as long
as my authority will permit. The post which always arrives late hardly gives time
to write. I beg you will forward the enclosure to our General.
The Company of 3 R. is paid to the 24th May, & I can account with Capt. Mon.
Isambar for the advances which I have made. I attach here his receipt in Case it
may be necessary, I beg you to preserve it.
(67)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. HALDIMAND PAPERS. SERIES B. VOL. 6, p. 171.
Monsr.,
J'eua Thonneur de Vous ecrire par le dernier Courrier Au Sujet des Vollontaires
Cannadiens, et j'apprens dans Ce Moment qu'ils sont arrives a Mt. Real; je Vous
prie Monsr. de Vouloir bien me faire savoir la Resollutions que Vous Aures prise a
leur Sujet, et la personne que Vous aures juge a propos de nommer pour les Con-
gedier. La pluspart des hommes de la Compagnie de ce District, etant des habitans
de 1'autre Cotte de la rivierre, il Conviendroit Mieux qu'ils puissent prendre le Chemin
de Sorrel ou Longueuil pr. se rendre chez eux, la rivierre Commence a etre dan-
gereuse icy et Une Seule Nuit peut la rendre impracticable pr beaucoup de temps;
Rien de Nouveau dans Ces Quartiers ou tout est fort tranquille.
j:lh;
Gnl. Murray du 30 9e 64.
(Endorsed)
Au Gl. Murray
du 30e 9bre 64.
(Translation)
Sir:—
I had the honor to write you by the last Courier on the Subject of the Canadian
Volunteers and I learn This moment that they have arrived at Mt. Real; I beg you,
Sir, to let me Know what Decision you may have come to on that Subject and the per-
son you have judged proper to nominate to Discharge them.
Illustrative Documents. 99
The greater part of the men of the Company from this District being inhabitants
of the other Shore of the river, it would be more convenient for them to return to
their homes by way of Sorrel or Longueuil, the river Begins to be dangerous here
and a Single night may make it impracticable for a long time.
Nothing New in These Parts where all is very quiet
I have
Genl. Murray of the 30-9e-64.
(Endorsed)
To Gl. Murray,
30 Nov. 64.
(68)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS. Series B. Vol. 9, p. 115.
A Mr. le C: Burton du le Xb 1764.
Mr.
La Capt. Brown se rendant a Mt Real par ordre de Mr le Gouv. Murray, pr Con-
jedier les Vollontaires, je vous prie Mr vouloir lui remettre le rec.u de Mr Mont I-
samber que je vous envoyay dernieremt, afin quil puisse Center Avec lui; je ne don-
neray point de Nouveau puisque Mr 1G: Murray ne lexige pas, & je suis Charme de
affaire finie.
Je suis —
a Mr Mt Isambert du le Xb 64.
Mr.
Le Capt. Brown: &c pour Conjedier & payer Votre Compagnie a la
quelle Mr. le G: accord e quattre jours de paye pr se rendre Ches eux, Vous aures done
la bonte Mr de donner a Mr Brown une Liste exacte de Votre Compaignie, pu vous
Marqueres les Varriations qui peuvent y etre arrivees de puis Sa Levee, afin quil puisse
faire les deductions necessaires, je vous prie Mr. de Menvoyer une Copie de cette Liste
ou vous Certifieres, que toute la Compagnie ete sattisfaitte de toutes leurs pretentions
jusques au jour quelle a ete Conjediee: II ne reste Mr qu'a vous remercier de meme que
Messrs vos officiers, de la bonne Conduitte que vous aves tenue, . & je me feray un
devoir d'en rendre Conte a Mr le Gouvr &c.
Endorsed Au Col. Burton
& le Capt. Montizambert
du 1, Xbre 1764.
( Trans la tion)
To C. Burton, 1st Dec. 1764.
Sir:—
Capt. Brown proceeding to Mt Real by order of Govr. Murray to Discharge the
volunteers, I beg you will hand him the receipt from M. Mt. Isamber which I sent
you lately, so that he may account with him: I will not give a new Warrant since
Genl. Murray does not require it, & I am Delighted to see this business finished.
I am.
To Mr. Mt Isambert 1st Dec., 64.
Sir:—
Capt. Brown &c to discharge & pay Your Company to which the
Gen. has granted four days pay to proceed Home, you will have the goodness to give
Mr. Brown an exact List of your Company, in which you will note the Alterations
which may have occurred since Its organization so that he can make the necessary
deductions. I beg you Sir to send me a Copy of this List, on which you will certify
that all the Company has been satisfied as to all their claims up to the day they were
Discharged; It only remains Sir, for me to thank your officers for the good Conduct
you have maintained, and it will be my duty to make a Report of it to the Govr.
(Endorsed)
To Col. Burton
& Capt. Montizambert.
1, Dec. 1764.
100 Illustrative Documents.
(69)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES HALDIMAND PAPERS. Series B. 2, pt. 11, p.
21662, F. 180.
Trois Rivieres 25e Xbre 1764.
Monsieur,
Depuis la Lettre que j'eus Phonneur d'ecrire a votre Excellence le 25 passe,
Monsieur le Gouverneur Murray a juge a propos de donner les Warrants necessaires
pour payer les Canadiens & les a fait conjedier a Mont Real en leurs accordant
quelques jours de paye se rendre chez eux; Ces bonnes gens, qui n'avoient jamais
rec.u Un traittement pareil Sont tres content et souhaittent qu'on aye besoin de leurs
services 1'annee prochaine; il est Certain que leur presence a produit Un bon effet sur
1'Esprit des Sauvages.
(Endorsed)
Au Genl. Gage, 25 Xbre 1764.
(Translation)
Three Rivers, 25th Decber. 1764
Sin-
Since the Letter I had the honor to write to your Exceddence the 25th ulto; Gov-
ernor Murray has deemed it proper to grant the necessary Warrants to pay the Can-
adians and have them discharged at Mont Real allowing them some days pay to return
to their homes; These good fellows who have never received Such treatment are very
well satisfied and hope their services will be required next year; it is certain that their
presence has produced A good effect on the minds of , the Indians
Endorsed
To Genl. Gage, 25th Dec. 1764.
(70)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
List of the Officers appointed to the Volunteer Corps of Canadians raised in 1764,
specifying the Casualties since that period.
Names Rank Remarks
De Rigouville
Major
Dead
De Fleurimont
Captain
Dead
Duschesnay
Captain
Montisambert
Captain
Catalogue
Captain
Dead
Lamondiere
Captain
Dead
Richerville
Lieutenant
Hartel
Lieutenant
Dead
Lamadelaine
Lieutenant
Dead
Montesson, fils
Lieutenant
Dead
Depre
Lieutenant
Dead
St Andre
Lieutenant
Clignancour
Lieutenant
Dead
LaForce L'aine
Lieutenant
Dead
La Chevrotiere
Lieutenant
Schmidt
Lieutenant
Dorchester
Endorsed — No 12. S.A.
In Lord Dorchester No. 12
of 5th February 1787.
Illustrative Documents. 101
"Vers la fin de 1762, les sauvages de Missillimackinac, lasses de deux annees de
voisinage avec les Anglois, affranchirent a la sauvage de Pincommodite, c'est-a-dire
qu'ils couperent, sans facon, la gorge a toute la garnison, dont le Commandant ne
sauva la chevelure & sa vie, que par Phumaine interposition d'un Gentilhomme Canadien
qui lui avoit fait plus d'une fois pressentir Pexecution; car c'est-la le sort que la
judicature Indienne adjudge, de voler dans ses Tribunaux, aux usures, aux fraudes, aux
depredations, aux brigandages. Une politique instruite & juste dictoit, de commencer
par extirper les causes par la suppression d'un tyrannique monopole, avant de courir
a la vengeance des effets, par le chatiment: mais en appellant sur le champ a son epee
le General Gage crut devoir au sang verse de ses compatriotes, de faire marcher un
gros corps de troupes, a travers trois cens lieus semees de rochers, de forets, de
marres, de rapids, de cataractes, de precipices, du coupe-gorges, en un mot, ou une
poignee de sauvages, en embuscade pouvoit egorger a plaisir une armee toute entiere.
"Chaque colonie fut taxee a sa mise proportionelle de soldats. Les Canadiens
avoint ete, pour le grand nombre, elevees parmi ces peuples, compagnons de leur
jeunesse, leurs amis de tous les terns, & meme leurs parens, par le melange de sang; il
etoit de la derniere atrocite, de les mettre aux prises avec de si chers ennemis; pour
s'inscrire avec legitimise centre leur enrollement ils pouvoient tous d'ailleurs se rec-
lamer des dix huit mois, qui a Pepoque de cette expedition, venoient de leur etre
assignes a Fontainebleau, pour decider & arranger leur transmigration en France.
Mais le General en Chef prononca differement. Montreal & les Trois-Bivieres (encore
alors sous des gouvernements particuliers) rejetterent hautement de souscrire a cette
decision. A Quebec, le General Murray, Pami, le protecteur & le pere du peuple, n'eut
que la peine de lui notifier ses inclinations; les Canadiens, de leur propre mouvement
volerent par bandes sous les drapeaux de Sa Majeste, & formeront une brigade de 600
hommes, la plus leste, la plus brave, en mot la fleur & Pelite de toute Parmee
provinciale.
"Les Genereaux commencerent par degrader ce genereux volontaires en serviteurs
& en laquais, de tout le corps militaire, dont, en betes de somme, ils etdient charges
de voiturer sur les epaules les bagages dans les portages, de preparer les diverses
cuisines, & d'effectuer a force de bras le transport en canots sur la route. Un deluge
de pluies, degorgeant des nuages qui regnent dans ces climats assez frequemment
necessita Parmee a camper dans une isle, sous des tentes. L'inondation presageroit
une submersion generale: Pepee sur la gorge, on forcoit ces malheureux Canadiens
d'eriger des digues & creuser des tranchees, au peril imminent de leur destruction;
tandis les soldats Anglois, assis tranquillement sous leurs asyles militaires, en
specateurs oisifs & insensibles, contemploient avec un souris insultant le spectacle de
ces pauvres nouveaux sujets, dont on sacrifioit la surete a celle de Parmee Angloise,
dont la conservation etoit sans doute d'une nature bien eminemment superieure.
Enfin le contre-ordre de Pexpedition, de la part du General en Chef (qui heureuse-
ment se ravisoit) atteignit Parmee a-peu-pres a la mi-chemin: les Canadiens furent
congedies; mais avec des vetemens tout dechires par le mauvais terns, sans poudre
sans munitions de bouche, sans canots meme, pour regagner leur patrie eloignee, que
la plupart ne revirent qu'apres avoir longtems erre dans le labyrinthe des forets, &
encore par les bienfaisans de ces memes barbares (c'est le nom dont PEurope qualifie
les sauvages, nom qu'elle meritoit peut-etre a plus juste titre qu'eux) que ces mal-
heureux Canadiens etoient alles combattre: par Pordre inhumain de leurs nouveaux
maitres. Justice, humanite, reconnoissance de conquerans! voies de nouville invention
pour se concilier les coeurs des nouveaux sujets! Le journal du Capitaine Robert, qui
etoit de cette expedition, & reside actuellement a Londres, fourmille de traits encore
bien plus noirs, mais je jette un voile sur toutes ces horreurs que PAngleterre,
au-moins pour sa gloire, auroit bien du venger, independamment des egards que
meritoient les representations du General Murray; mais la protection decidee dont ce
digne Militaire honoroit ouvertement les Canadiens, lui valut perte de son gouvere
ment. Silence sur toute reste.
(Appel a la Justice de PEtat, par Pierre Du Calvet, London, 1784, pp. 136-9.)
. de Langlade.
'ranslation)
Towards the end of 1762 the Indians of Michilimackinac, tired of having the
glish as neighbors for two years, delivered themselves from this inconvenience in
e Indian way, that is to say they summarily cut the throats of the whole garrison,
the Commandant of which only saved his scalp and his life by the humane inter-
tion of a Canadian Gentleman who had warned him more than once of the coming
102 , Illustrative Documents.
attack; for such is the punishment awarded by Indian Justice in their Tribunals for
usury, fraud, theft and robbery. A wise and just policy would have begun by re-
moving its causes through the suppression of a tyrannical monopoly before rushing
to avenge its results by reprisals; but General Gage considered that the blood of his
Countrymen required an appeal to the sword and that he must march a large body of
troops more than 300 leagues through a country full of rocks, forests, marshes, rapids,
cataracts, precipices and cut-throat places, where a handful of Indians in ambush
might massacre at will an entire army.
Every Province was required to furnish its proportion of soldiers. The Canadians
had for the most part been bred among these nations as companions of their youth,
their friends at all times, and even their blood relations, it was an atrocious thing
to require them to make war upon such dear enemies. As an objection to enlistment
they could besides have justly at the date of this expedition taken advantage of
the period of 18 months granted them at Fontainebleau to make up their minds
and prepare for their removal to France, but the Commander in Chief determined
otherwise. Montreal and Three Rivers (then still under separate governments), re-
solutely refused to accept this decision. At Quebec, General Murray, the friend, pro-
tector and father of the people, had only to take the trouble of announcing his
wish; the Canadians of their own free will rushed in crowds under His Majesty's
Banner, & formed a Brigade of 600 men, the nimblest and bravest of any, in a word,
the flower and choice of the whole Provincial Army.
The Generals began by degrading these noble volunteers into servants and lackeys
for the entire military force, for whom like beasts of burden they were forced to carry
their baggage across the portages on their backs, to do their cooking, and to convey
them on their way in canoes.
A deluge of rain pouring down from the clouds, which is a frequent event in these
regents compelled the army to camp under tents on a island. The inundation threat-
ened a general submersion. With the sword at their throats, these wretched Cana-
dians were forced to build dikes and dig ditches in imminent danger of their lives,
while the English soldiers looked on from their military shelters as idle and in-
different spectators, watching with insolent smiles the toil, of the these poor new
subjects, whose safety was sacrificed to that of the Army as its preservation was
undoubtedly a matter of supreme importance. Eventually counter-orders for the ex-
pedition from the Commander in Chief, (who had fortunately re-considered it), reach-
ed the army when about half way; the Canadians were discharged with their clothing
torn in rags without powder or provisions, even without canoes to return to their
far distant homes, which they only reached after having long wandered about the
labyrinth of the forests, mainly through the kindness of these very barbarians,
(such is the name bestowed by Europe, which perhaps deserves it better, upon these
Indians, whom these unhappy Canadians were sent out to fight, by the inhuman orders
of their new masters. Justice, humanity, gratitude of Conquerors! Newly invented
methods for conciliating the hearts of new subjects! The journal of Capt. Robert
who took part in this expedition & actually lives in London, abounds in still darker
incidents, but I cast a veil over all these horrors for which England, at least for the
sake of her good name, should make ample reparation to say nothing of the considera-
tion which the representations of General Murray deserved ; but the marked protection
with which that worthy soldier openly honored the Canadians, brought upon him
the loss of his position as Governor. Enough said!
(71)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA, COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 3, p. 87.
(Copy)
By His Excellency the Honble James Murray Esqr. Captain General and Gover-
nor in Chief of the Province of Quebec and the Territories thereon depending in Am-
erica, Vice Admiral of the same, Major General of His Majesty's Forces, and Colonel
Commandant of the 2d Battalion of the Royal American Regiment of Foot &c., &c.
Whereas there is at present wanting a Number of Men to be employed in
His Majesty's Service in transporting Provisions from Montreal to the Upper Posts;
these are therefore to desire you immediately on receipt hereof to furnish thirteen
men with the articles usually found in the like occasion for the Purpose before men-
tioned, for which service they will be paid a reasonable Hire by the Deputy Quarter
Illustrative Documents. 103
Master General, and that when you have engaged the said thirteen men with Paddles,
Oars &c you will direct them to apply to the said Deputy Quarter Master General
and acquaint him therewith.
Given under my hand and Seal at arms at the Castle of St. Lewis in the City
of Quebec this 5th day of October 1765.
; Signed) Ja: Murray
By His Excellency's Command
(countsd) J. Goldfrap D. Secy
N.B. Copy of the above was at the same time sent to the Bailiffs of four other Parish-
es, towit, La Longe Ppinte, Sault aux Recollets, Pointe aux Trembles and LaChine,
desiring them to provide fifty-one Men proportionately.
To the Bailiff of Montreal.
Endorsed: Govenor Murray's Injunctions to the Bailffs to provide Men with Oars &c.
to transport Provisions to the Upper Posts.
Quebec 5th October 1765.
In the Board of Trade's of 16th May 1766.
(72)
LES SEIGNEURS DE QUEBEC AU ROI.
(Archives, Serie Q, Vol. 4, p. 23.)
AU ROY.
Les Seigneurs dans le District de Quebec tant en leurs noms que pour tous
les habitants leurs Tenanciers, penetre de douleurs du depart de son Excellence 1'hon-
orable Jacques Murray qu'ils ont depuis la Conquete de cette Province cheri et
respecte plus encore a cause de ses qualites personelles que comme leur Gouverneur,
se croiroient indigne de vivre, s'ils ne s'efforcoient de faire eonnaitre a votre Majeste,
leur Souverain Seigneur, et a toute 1'Angleterre, les Obligations, qu'ils lui ont, qu'ils
n'oublieront jamais, et les regrets sinceres, qu'ils ont de son depart.
Ses ennemies ne peuvent aujourd'hui nous taxer de flatteurs, il est parti, le digne
Gouverneur, et tout nous assure, qu'il est parti sans que nous puissions nous flatter
de le Revoir, la Cabale forme par un certain nombre des anciens sujets a triomphe;
du moins elle s'en flatte et s'en rejouit; ses plaintes suppose ont ete
ecoute; refusera-t-on de nous ecouter aussi? Un tres petit nombre l'emportera-t-il
sur le plus grand?
L'Honorable Jacques Murray en 1759 entourre des Canadiens qu'il deyoit regarder
comme ses ennemis, n'a eu pour eux que 1'Indulgence; de ce Terns il s'aquit nos coeurs;
sa generosite, et celle des ses Officiers animes par son exemple, qui par les aumones
qu'ils ont repandu, ont tire les Peuples de la misere dans laquelle les Malheurs de
la Guerre les avoient plonge, nous ont force de 1 'admirer et de le respecter.
Apres 1'entiere Conquete de cette Province il nous a par son affabilite contraint
de 1'aimer; il etablit dans son Gouvernement un Conseil Militaire, compose des Officiers
Equitables qui sans prevention et sans Emolument ont juge ou plutot ont accomode
les parties processives; point d'Exemple d'aucun appel de leur jugemens. Combien de
famille n'a-t-il pas aide et soutenu? Nous avons joui jusqu'a 1'Epoque du Gou-
vernement Civil, d'une Tranquillite, qui nous faisoit presque oublier notre ancienne
Patrie; Soumis a ses sages jugemens et Ordonnances, nous etions heureux, les anciens
sujets ne pensoient point alors a se plaindre; nous regretterons longtems la douceur
de ce Gouvernement. Nos Esperances ont ete detruites par PEstablissement du
Gouvernement Civil, que 1'on nous avait si fort exalte; nous vimes naitre aves lui la
Cabale, le Trouble et la confusion, et nous fumes etonne de voir paroitre dans des libels
infames, dont les auteurs ont ete impunis, la plus basse et la plus insigne Calomnie.
Nous, accoutume a respecter nos superieurs, et a obeir aux ordres emane de notre
Souverain, a quoi nous sommes Portes par notre Education autant que par notre Reli-
gion, nous avons revere les Nouveaux Officiers Civil, nous nous sommes tenus a leur
jugemens, nous avons execute leurs ordres; le haut prix des Sallaires des ces Officiers
nous a etonne a la verite, mais sans nous revolter; frappe de Pirregularite dans Plu-
sieurs circonstances, nous avons gemis sans nous plaindre, nous garderions encore le
silence si nous n'y etions force par un coup le plus sensible, qui vient de nous etre
porte; Notre Pere, Notre Protecteur, nous est enleve, comme Pere il ecoutoit nos
Plaintes, comme Protecteur, il y remedioit, ou de moins les diminuoit, avec promptitude,
104 Illustrative Documents.
et il nous consoloit avec Bonte, et sans lui que serions nous devenu Les anciens sujets,
du moins la plus grande nombre depuis 1'Epoque du Gouvernement Civil, n'ont
cherche qu'a nous opprimer, a nous rendre leurs Esclayes et peut etre a s'emparer
des nos Biens. L'Emigration d'un nombre des nos Meilleurs Concitoyens que nous
regrettons, a ete les funestes suites de leur mauvais precedes, et de Bruits alarmantes,
qu'ils n'ont cesse de repandre, il nous en reste des monumens authentiques.
La Protection dont Mons. Murray nous a honore, a retenu plusieurs de nous deja
determine a laisser cette Province; Les Politesses, et les deferences de ce Gouverneur
pour les personnes bien nes le secours qu'il n'a cesse de leur procurer, lui ont attire
la Haine de la plus grande partie des anciens sujets.
Une Cabale de gens venu tant a la suite de 1'armee, que comme commis et charge
d'affaires des negocians de Londres ne meritent aucune preference, tant par leur
conduite que par leur defaut d'Education et meprisable par eux-memes, pique de la
justice que leur a a cet egard ete rendue ont entraine avec eux quelques uns de nos
compatdiqts, dont plusieurs avoient avec eux la plus parfaite resemblance, d'autres
sans y faire reflexion, ont donne leur suffrages et signes les calomnies le plus noires
dans une langue qu'ils n'entendoient pas, il en fut meme entre les derniers qui ont
avoue, qu'ils avaient ete surpris, et les Gens d'honneur n'ont cesse desavouer de tels
precedes detestables, mais qui sont pour la plupart ceux d'entre les nouveaux sujets, qui
ont augmente la Cabale, et dont on fait yaloir les signatures— des Gens sans Nais-
sance, sans Education, incapables des sentimens delicats, des soldats Congedies de la
Troupe Francoise, des Barbiers, des domestiques, des Enfans meme, dont plusieurs
pour etre devenue Marchands, se soit rendu les Esclaves de leur creanciers, des juifs
meme qui accoutume a respecter les citoyens dans les parties du monde, ou ils sont
supporte, n'ont hesite dans cette Province a s'elever au dessus des nouveau sujets
du Roy, auquels cette Espece des Hommes etoit jusqu'alors inconnue, et qui, ainsi
que les adherens, ont ruine et reduit a la derniere misere ceux qui se sont attache a
eux, Digne recompense de leur Orgueuil et de leur faiblesse.
Nous ne connoissons pas les sMjets de Plaintes, dont la Cabale fait usage contre
M. Murray, ceux des nouveaux sujets, qui ont eu la folie de souscrire n'ont pu nous
en instruire et comment le pourroient— -ils faire? ils ont signe sans scavoir ce qu'ils
faisoient, ils n'avoient point les motifs, ils etoient Esclaves de leur creanciers; il
nous seroit aise de debattre les articles de ces plaintes, et d'en faire connoitre le
faux; il nous a vexe, disent les Imposteurs. quels vexations a-t-il commis? Nous les
ignprons; s'il plait a votre Majeste d'ordonner de nous communiquer les Chefs d'accu-
sations, nous y repondrons en qualite de Fidels sujets, n'ayons nous pas meme le droit
de Pexiger pour eviter dans la suite un pareil scandal; il est de notre honneur de
soutenir la verite et de demasquer 1'Imposture qui gagneroit 1'Etat a ne pas satisfaire
les nouveaux sujets dans une cause si juste? Nous n'aimons pas le changement — nous
etions fait au Gouvernement de Mons. Murray, nous connoissons son caractere, nous
etions pleinement satisfaites de sa probite et ses sentimens d'humanite il etoit propre
a faire gouter a vos sujets le joug de votre gracieuse Domination par son attention a
le rendre leger; peu d'hommes reunissent autant de Talens; Personne n'est doue d'un
meilleur coeur; nous n'avons jamais pense parle ni ecrit differemment; pourquoi con-
traindre vingt cinq ou trente mille families, qui composent cette Province a faire une
nouvelle etude?
Nous voulons bien etre persuade des bonnes intentions de PEtat a notre egard, et
que Mons. Carleton, qui est choisi pour remplacer Mons. Murray, est doue d'Excellentes
qualites, qu'il suivra 1'Exemple de son Predecesseur, et aura pour nous les mesmes
egards, mais nous le Connoissons pas, nous connoissons au contraire parfaitement que
'nous perdons. Nous respectons Mons. ^Carleton sans le connoitre et nous lui obeirons,
puisqu'il est choisi par votre Majeste, mais s'il nous protege, s'il nous rende justice
et s'il nous conserve dans nos droits, bientot nos Envieux cabaleront contre lui, et se
plaindront encore, et pour satisfaire la caprice d'une poignee des gens qui trouvent a
Londres des Personnes, qui les appuyent sans connoitre le sujet de leur mecontente-
ment, ce que par ce qu'ils leurs en disent, il faudra toutes les annees un nouveau
Gouverneur, et nous pauvres Canadiens serons sacrifie sans pouvoir representer
Quel le Idee pouvibns nous avoir des Loix de votre Royaume? Nous les croyons sages,
nous les recevons, mais que seroit ce si la liberte Britannique n'etoit accorde qu'aux an-
ciens sujets? Ils plaindroient sans Raison pour contenter leur Inconstance et
leur caprice, ils imploireroient les calomnies que 1'Enfer seul peut inventer, et ils
seroient favorablement ecoute; ne sera-t-il per mis a votre nouveaux sujets de parler,
et cpndamnera-t-il sans entendre un Gouverneur qui faisoit leur Bonheur a leur satis-
faction. Notre Langage n'est pas celui d'un peuple que gemit sous 1'oppression; nous
Illustrative Documents. 105
osons dire a votre Majeste qu'un homme qui seroit par vos ordres charge de s'in-
struire ici de la verite trouveroit dans toutes les villes et les Paroisses de cette Prov-
ince tout le contraire de ce que la malice de nos Ennemies, et de ceux de Mons. Murray
a invente pour le noicir et nous contrister.
Nous nous addressons a votre Majeste comme Pere d'un nouveau peuple, et comme
Protecteur des Droits quelle a bien voulu nous accorder, nous lui faisons part de
nos peines et des Regrets que nous ne pouvons refuser a Mons. Murray.
Nous ne supplions si elle veut bien jetter les yeux sur nous, de le conserver
Gouverneur en chef de cette Province, que sa Valeur lui a conserve, et dont sa
generosite et sa Douceur lui ont attache les peuples et de nous le renvoyer.
Nous osons esperer cette grace de votre Majeste qu'elle voudra bien faire atten-
tion a nos representations, les proteger et nous en faire parvenir une reponse
favorable en faisant triompher la verite; nous le cesserons d'offrir des voeux au ciel
pour la sante de votre Majeste et de la famille Royale.
LaNaudiere Aubert
J. Duchesnay Augustin Chavigni
F. J. Cugnet A. Hamelin
Rigouville Gastineau
De Vincelotte D. M. Deplaing.
Ja. Couillard
Louis Dupuis
Luc la Couat ( ? )
Michel Blois
Couillard
Couillard
J. Roy
L. Decharnay
Gaspe
Lachevrotiere
J. Couillard
( Translation)
THE SEIGNIORS OF QUEBEC TO THE KING.
(Archives, Series Q. Vol. 4, P. 23)
TO THE KING.
The Seigniors in the District of Quebec, as well in their own names as in those
of all the inhabitants, their tenants, penetrated with grief at the departure of His
Excellency, the Hon. James Murray, whom they have since the conquest of this Province
loved and respected even more on account of his personal qualities, than as their
Governor, believe they would be unworthy to live, if they did not strive to make known
to Your Majesty, their Sovereign and to the whole of England, the obligations they
owe him, which they will never forget, and the sincere regret they feel &t -hie
departure.
His enemies cannot now charge us with being flatterers; he has gone, the upright
Governor, and everthing assures us that he has gone without leaving us any hope
that we shall see him again. The Cabal formed by a certain number of the old
subjects has triumphed, at least it flatters itself it has and is rejoicing at it; its false
complaints have been listened to; shall ours be refused a hearing? Shall a very small
number outweigh the greater?
The Honourable James Murray in 1759, surrounded by Canadians, whom he must
have regarded as his enemies, has had only indulgence for them; from that time he
gained our hearts; his generosity and that of his officers, animated by his example,
who by the charity they distributed, drew the population from the misery into which
the misfortunes of war had plunged it. forced us to admire and respect him.
After the complete conquest of this Province, he, by his affability, compelled us
love him; he established in his Government a Military Council, composed of upright
>fficers, who without prejudice and without emolument have decided, or rather have
mciled litigants; there has been no instance of an appeal from their decisions!
How many families has he not helped and supported ? We enjoyed till the date of Civil
Government a tranquillity which almost made us forget our mother country. Subject
to his wise decisions and ordinances we were happy; the old subjects did not think of
106 Illustrative Documents.
complaining; we shall long regret the mildness of that Government. Our hopes have
been destroyed by the establishment of the Civil Government that had been so highly
extolled; we saw rise with it Cabal, trouble and confusion, and we were astonished
to see in infamous libels, whose authors went unpunished, the basest and most flag-
rant calumny. We, accustomed to respect our superiors and to obey the -orders
issued by our Sovereign, to which we were led by our education as much as our
religion, respected the new civil officers, we were bound by their decisions, we executed
their orders. The high salaries of these officers indeed astonished but without
shocking us; struck with the irregularity on several occasions we lamented without
complaining, we would still keep silence, had we not been struck by the most grievous
stroke we have just felt. Our protector, our father is taken from us, like a father he
listened to our complaints; like a protector he remedied or at least alleviated them
promptly, and he comforted us by his kindness; without him what will become of us?
The old subjects, at least the greater number of them since the date of civil government
have only sought to oppress us, to render us their slaves and perhaps to seize our
property. The emigration of a number of our best fellow citizens, which we regret,
has been the fatal consequence of their evil proceedings, and the alarming rumours
they continue to spread remain to us as authentic monuments of them.
The protection with which Mr. Murray has honoured us has retained several
of us who ha,d determined to leave the Province. The politeness and deference of
this Governor for persons of good birth, the assistance he has riot ceased to obtain
for them, have drawn on him the hatred of the greatest part of the old subjects.
A Cabal of people who have come in the train of the army, as well as clerks and
agents for the London merchants deserve no preference, not only from their conduct
but from their want of education, and, contemptible in themselves, piqued by the jus-
tice rendered to them in this respect, they have gained over a few of our fellow country-
men, several of whom had the most perfect similarity to them, others acting without
reflection have supported them and signed the blackest calumnies in the language which
they did not understand; there were even some among the latter who acknowledged
that they had been taken unawares, and men of honour have not ceased to disclaim
such detestable proceedings But who are mostly those among the new subjects who
have augmented the cabal which takes advantages of their signatures. People with-
out birth, without education, without scruple, disbanded soldiers from the French
Army, barbers, servants, even children; several of them to become shopkeepers have
made themselves the slaves of their creditors, even Jews, who, accustomed to respect
the citizens in those parts of the world where they are tolerated, have not hesitated
in this Province to exalt themselves above the King's new subjects, to whom this kind
of men was previously unknown and who, as well as their adherents, have ruined
and reduced to the last state of wretchedness those who made common cause with
them; a fit reward for their arrogance and weakness.
We did not know the subject of the complaints the Cabal made use of against Mr.
Murray. Those of the new subjects who had the folly to subscribe them could not
inform us, and how could they do so? They signed without knowing what they were
doing; they had no motive for doing so; they were slaves to their creditors. It would
be easy for us to discuss the items of these complaints, and to show their falsehood.
He has annoyed us, say these deceivers! What vexations has he committed? We are
ignorant of them. If it please Your Majesty to give orders to have the heads of the
accusations communicated to us, we will answer them as faithful subjects. Have we
not even the right to demand them in order to avoid such a scandal? It belongs
to our honour to maintain truth and to unmask imposture. What would the State gain
by not satisfying the new subjects in so just a cause? We do not like change ; we
were suited in the government of Mr. Murray; we knew his character, we were fully
satisfied with his probity and his feelings of humanity; he was fitted to bring your new
subjects to a regard for the yoke of your kindly domination by his care to make it
light. Few men have united so many talents; no one is endowed with a better heart;
we have never thought, spoken, or written differently. Why compel twenty-five or
thirty thousand families, who compose this Province, to enter on a new study?
We wish to be fully persuaded of the good intentions to the State respecting us,
and that Mr. Carleton, who is selected to take the place of Mr. Murray, is endowed
with excellent qualities, that he will follow the example of his predecessor and will
have the same regard for us; but we do not know him, whilst on the contrary we are
perfectly acquainted with him whom we are losing. We respect Mr. Carleton without
knowing him, and we will obey him since he is chosen by Your Majesty; but if he
protects us, if he renders us justice and maintains us in our rights, soon those who
are jealous of us will cabal against him and complain again, and to satisfy the caprice
Illustrative Documents. 107
of a handful of people who find persons in London to support them, knowing nothing
respecting the subject of their discontent, except what they are told, it will be neces-
sary to appoint a new Governor every year, and we poor Canadians will be sacrificed
without being able to represent our case, what idea could we have of the laws of our
government? We believe them to be wise; we receive them, but what would this serve,
if British liberty were granted only to the old subjects ? They would complain without
reason to satisfy their fickleness and caprice, and would employ calumnies which
Hell alone can invent, and they would be favourably listened to. Would it not be
allowed to your new subjects to speak and would a Governor be condemned without
a hearing, who was making them happy to their satisfaction? Our language is not
that of a people groaning under oppression, we dare to tell Your Majesty that a man
entrusted by your orders to ascertain here the truth, will find in all the towns and
parishes the reverse of what the malice of our enemies and of those of Mr. Murray
has invented to blacken him and to grieve us.
We address ourselves to Your Majesty as the father of a new people, and as the
protector of the rights you have desired to grant us; we make you a sharer of the
pains and regrets we cannot refuse to feel for Mr. Murray.
We supplicate you, if you will cast your looks on us, to accede to our wishes, to
retain Mr. Murray as head of this Province, which his valour preserved, and who
by his generosity and mildness has attached the people to him, and to send him back
to us.
We venture to hope for this favour from Your Majesty that you would pay re-
gard to our representations, that you would protect them and us, by sending a favour-
able reply, rendering truth triumphant. We shall not cease to offer prayers to Heaven
for the health of Your Majesty and of the Royal Family.
La Naudiere Aubert
J. Duchesnay Augustir Chavigni
F. L. Cugnet A. Hamelin
Rigauville Gastineau
D. Vincelotte D. M. Deplaing.
Ja. Couillard
Louis Dupuis
Luc St. Couat
Michel Blois
Couillard
Couillard
J. Roy
Decharjiay
Gaspe
Lachevrotiere
J. Couillard
(73)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11, p. 295.
Copy of a Letter from Major General Carleton to His Excellency General Gage at
Quebec 15th Feby 1767.
Sir
The Forts of Crown Point, Ticonderoga, and Fort George are in a very declining
condition of which, I believe, Your Excellency is well informed, should you approve
of keeping up these Posts, it will be best to repair them as soon as possible. As you
have been pleased to desire my opinion of this measure, I must freely say, that the
more I consider the state of affairs on this Continent, more and stronger Reasons
present themselves, and I am the more convinced, it is not only expedient, but in-
dispensably necessary for the Interest of Great Britain, and His Majesty's Service, not
only to keep these in good Repair, but to erect a proper Place of arms near the
Town of New York, and a Citadel in or near the Town of Quebec. These with tem-
porary works thrown up occasionally at the other Places of Landing and Embarking,
will secure the Communication with the Mother Country, and will link these two Pro-
vinces so strongly together, as will add great security to both, they will facilitate
the Transport of ten or fifteen thousand men in the Beginning of a war, from the one
to the other, as the circumstances require.
108 Illustrative Documents.
The natural and political Situation of the Provinces of Quebec and New York is
such, as must for ever give them great Influence and weight in the American Sys-
tem, therefore no Pains, Address, nor Expence too great to root out Faction or
Party, to establish Tranquility, and a firm attachment to His Majesty's Government,
at the same time it is equally essential to establish that security and strength as can
properly curb* and overawe, should such ever arise, who by the Ties of loyal Subjects
and honest Men, are not thoroughly bound to their Duty.
This communication so established, will give security to the King's Magazines,
till then precarious, and doubtfull who may avail themselves of them; will separate
the Northern from the Southern Colonies, will afford an easy and advantagious op-
portunity of transporting His Forces into any part of this continent, and may pre-
vent the greatest of all Inconveniencies, Delay and Loss of Time in the Beginning
of a War.
The Walls of this Place have not been repaired since the Siege, which left many
Holes in the Masonry, that will precipitate their Ruin if not soon repaired; I have
not one Engineer in the Province to form an Estimate of the Repairs, or make any
Alteration that may be immediately necessary.
(A true copy)
H. T. Cramahe.
Endorsed: Copy of a Letter from General Carleton to His Excellency General Gage
dated at Quebec 25th Feby 1767.
In Lieut. Governor Cramahe's Letter of the 9th Novr.
(74)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 4, p. 122.
Quebec, 27th March, 1767.
Sir,-
Your complaints of the Canadians, by which name I distinguish the Subjects of
the King our Master, acquired by the Conquest of this Province, are so general that I
can only make my Enquiries and speak to them in as general a manner; When I
talk here of that Perfidy, false Stories, or views of exciting an Indian War, you
complain of, they appeal to Colonel Gladwin, and all the rest of our officers, who
were Spectators of the last, and are confident these will will give Testimony of very
different Dispositions in them at that Time, when such views might have been more
excusable than at present, and that even then some of them were utterly ruined by
the Indians for their attachment to us; they very plainly shew me, that such a War
must be very destructive to them, and in case of such a Misfortune, that they did then,
and would again cheerfully take up arms, to reduce them to Peace by Force. Ever
since my arrival, I have observed the Canadians with an attention bordering upon sus-
picion, but hitherto have not discovered in them either actions or Sentiments, which do
not belong to good subjects
General Gage acquaints me you complain to him of seven Persons who are
among the Indians without Passports, namely: Capucin, Lorain, La Motte, Pot De Vin,
Bartholome, Bergeron, and Richarville; the last six are Canadians, and have been
settled among the Miamis and Ouias from fifteen to twenty years, except Pot de
Vin, who has been settled as long at Detroit, but I can give you no certain account
of Capucin, who is also among the Miamis, it is supposed that is not his real name,
but a fictitious one, to conceal that of his Family.
Endorsed: — *;Copy of Lieut. Govr. Carleton's answer to Sir Willm Johnson Bt.
Super 'int. &c 27th March, 1767. In Lieut. Govr. Carleton's (No. 4) of the 28th
March, 1767."
Illustrative Documents. 109
(75)
THE FRENCH NOBLESSE IN CANADA AFTER 1760.
Sir Guy Carleton to Lord Shelburne.
(Archives, Series Q. Vol. 4, p. 273.)
Quebec, 24th Sept. 1767.
My Lord — The annexed Memorial of Monsieur De Lery is too long, and too much
detailed to require any explanation from me; as it exhibits a sketch of the French
Ministers sentiments concerning the Canadians, I send it to your Lordship unaltered.
Mr. Neville and the Duke of Bedford can best inform you what these Services were,
on which he grounds his Petition, and claims their promise of two hundred pounds
a year Pension; but whether they were of more or less advantage to His Majesty's
Service, it appears very clearly they have occasioned his being strongly marked by
the French Ministers, and that the first Canadian Gentleman, who attached himself
to the King's Interests, as soon as he became his Subject, should be obliged to
quit his native country, together with his Distress, must afford them matter of
Triumph.
I must in justice to this Gentleman say, that I have great Reason to be satisfied
with his conduct since my arrival in the Province, that I think him qualified to
be useful in Different Capacities, and am convinced, whatever Prince he engages to
serve, He will go through his Duty with that zeal and Fidelity, which always dis-
tinguishes a Man of Honour. Besides should His Excellency be graciously pleased
to grant his Petition it will serve as a Proof to the Gentlemen of Canada, that they
are not forever to be excluded from the Service of their present Sovereign; this
opinion I have endeavoured to remove, as I am thoroughly convinced it is for the Bri-
tish Interests upon this Continent, they should be employed; From a Despair of this
Sort, I imagine it must have proceeded, that several young Gentlemen, whose Par-
ents remain in this Country, and whose Fortunes they must inherit, have entered
into the French Service, as your Lordship may see, by the inclosed Return, the three
first are Heirs of three of the best and richest Families in the Province.
Should His Majesty think proper to raise a Canadian Regiment, no doubt but
these Gentlemen would prepare to serve, where Both Duty and Interest require them;
'till that scheme shall be adopted, the placing a few of the young Gentlemen in
the American Battalions would make them turn their eyes from France, whick un-
doubtedly will endeavour to preserve an Interest here for future events.
I am with much Respect, and Esteem,
Your Lordship's Most Obedient
Humble Servant,
Guy Carleton.
The Earl of Shelburne, one of
His Majesty's Principal Secretaries
of State.
(76)
SIR GUY CARLETON TO LORD SHELBURNE.
(Archives, Series Q. Vol. 5.-1, p. 260)
Quebec, 25th Nov. 1767.
My Lord: —
As your Lordship informs me, that the Improvement of the Civil Constitution of
Quebec is under the most serious and deliberate consideration of His Majesty's ser-
vants, and that any Light, which can be procured on that subject, will be material, I
shall endeavour to represent the true situation of the Province, and add such observa-
tions, as have occurred to me, with that candor, which, I think, the King's service
may require, in compliance with what your Lordship seems to desire, and least His
Majesty's servants, employed in a work of so great Importance, tho' of profound
knowledge and Judgment for want of having truly represented, to them, objects at so
great a Distance, and in themselves so different from what is to be found in any other
of His Dominions, I say, least without a true Representation of Things The King's
service should not profit, as much as possible, of the great abilities of His Servants.
110 Illustrative Documents.
I take for granted, that the natural Rights of men, the British interests on this
continent, and the securing the King's Dominion over this Province must ever be
the principal points in view, in forming its Civil Constitution, and Body of Laws, and
that the last, is the foundation of all without which, other schemes can be little
better than meer castles in the Air; it will naturally follow, I should first shew, How
far this foundation is, or is not firmly laid.
The Town of Quebec is the only Post, in this Province, that has the least claim to
be called a fortified place, for the flimsy wall about Montreal, was it not falling to
ruins, could only turn Musketry, it will be sufficiently accurate for the present Purpose,
if this Town be considered as a good camp for ten or twelve Battalions whose Front
is fortified by a Bastioned Rampart, faced with Masonry, built for the most part
upon a Rock; without Ditch or outwork; its Profile slight for a Fortress, is substantial
for an Encampment, its Parapet in very bad Order. The Flanks and Rear of this
Encampment, in one thousand seven hundred and fifty-nine, were closed partly by a
thin wall, the rest by great stakes now carried away, or rotten, these ran along the
Heights and Precipices at a little Distance from the River St. Lawrence, the Bason,
and River St. Charles, so as to leave a Passage between this Line and these waters.
With a number of Troops sufficient for this Post those Flanks and rear might in a
little time be secured and guarded so, as to reduce an enemy to form his attack
in Front, but in proportion as the Numbers fall short, the Danger increases of being
surrounded and stormed with little ceremony, especially when this Line is open in many
places, as at present.
The King's Forces in this Province, supposing them compleat to the allowance
and all in perfect health, rank and file, would amount to sixteen hundred and twenty-
seven men, the King's old subjects in this Province, supposing them all willing,
might furnish about five hundred men, able to carry arms exclusive of his Troops,
that is supposing all the Kings's Troops and old Subjects collected in Quebec; with
two months hard labour, they might put the works 4n a tolerable State of Repair,
and would amount to about one-third of the forces necessary for its defence.
The new Subjects could send into the Field about eighteen thousand men, well
able to carry arms ; of which number, above one-half have already served with as much
valor, with more zeal, and more military knowledge for America than the Regular
Troops of France, that were joined with them.
As the Common People are greatly to be influenced by their Seigniors, I annex
a Return of the Noblesse of Canada, showing with tolerable exactness, their age,
Rank, and present Place of abode, together with such Natives of France, , as served
in the Colony Troops so early in Life, as to give them a knowledge of the Country,
an Acquaintance and Influence over the People, equal to Natives of the same Rank;
from whence it appears that there are in France, and in the French Service, about one
hundred officers, all ready to be sent back, in case of a war, to a Country they are
intimately acquainted with and with the assistance of some Troops, to stir up a People
accustomed to pay them implicit obedience. It further shows, there remain in
Canada, not many more than seventy of those, who ever had been in the French
Service, not one of them in the King's ^Service nor one who, from any motive what-
ever, is induced to support His Government and Dominion, Gentlemen, who have lost
their employments, at least by becoming His Subjects, and as they are not Bound by
any Offices of trust or Profit, we should only deceive ourselves by supposing, they
would be active in the Defence of a People, that has deprived them of their Honors,
Privileges, Profits and Laws, and in their stead, have introduced much Expense, Chi-
cannery and confusion with a Deluge of new Laws unknown and unpublished. There-
fore all circumstances considered, while Matters continue in their present State, the
most we may hope for from the Gentlemen who remain in the Province, is a De-
ference for the King's Commission in whatever Hand it may be lodged; this they al-
most to a Man have persevered in, since my arrival, notwithstanding much pains
have been taken to engage them in Parties, by a few, whose Duty, and whose office
should have taught them better. This Disposition the French Minister seems to have
forseen as appears by orders calculated to draw them from Canada into France, well
knowing that such as remained, were bound by Duty and Honour to do nothing against
their Allegiance to the King, under whose Government they live, whereas those,
who go to France are to all Intents and Purposes officers in the French Service and
liable to be sent on any Service.
For these reasons, I imagine an Edict was published in 1762, Declaring, that
notwithstanding the low state of the King's Finances, the Salary of the Captains
Illustrative Documents. Ill
of the Colony Troops of Canada should bs raised from four Hundred and fifty Livres,
the Establishment at which their pay was fixed at first, to six hundred Livres a
year, to be paid quarterly, upon the Footing of Officers in Full Pay, by the treasurer
of the Colonies, at the Quarters assigned them by His Majesty in Touraine, and that
such of them, as did not repair thither, should be struck off, the King's intentions
being, that the said officers should remain in that Province until further Orders and
not depart from thence without a written Leave from' the Secretary of State for
the Marine Department.
A few of these Officers have been sent to the other Colonies, but the greater
part still remain in Touraine, and the arrears due to those, who have remained any
Time in this Country, are punctually discharged, upon their Emigration from hence,
and Obedience to the above mentioned Injunction.
By the Secretary of State's Letter, a certain Quantity of wine, Duty free, is ad-
mitted to enter the Towns, where these Canadian Officers Quarter, for their use, ac-
cording to their several Ranks.
Having arranged the strength of His Majesty's old and new subjects, and shewn
the great superiority of the Latter, it may not be amiss to observe, that there is
not the least probability, this present superiority should ever diminish, on the con-
trary 'tis more than probable it will increase and strengthen daily; The Europeans
who migrate never will prefer the long inhospitable winters of Canada, to the more
cheerful climates, and more fruitful soil of His Majesty's Southern Provinces: The
few old subjects, at present in this Province, have been mostly left here by Accident,
and are either disbanded officers, soldiers, or followers of the army, who, not knowing
how to dispose of themselves elsewhere, settled where they were left at the Reduc-
tion; or else they are Adventurers in Trade, or such as could not remain at Home,
. who set out to mend their Fortune, at the opening of this new Channel for com-
merce, but experience has taught almost all of them that this Trade requires a strict
Frugality they are all strangers to, or to which they will not submit, so that some, from
more advantageous Views elsewhere, others from necessity, have already left this
Province, and I greatly fear many more, for the same Reasons, will follow their Ex-
ample, in a few years, But while this severe climate, and the Poverty of the Country
discourages all but the natives, its Healthfulness is such, that these multiply daily, so
that, barring a catastrophe shocking to think of, this Country must to the end of
Time, be peopled by the Canadian Race, who already have taken such firm Root, and
got to so great a Height, that any new Stock transplanted will be totally hid, and
imperceptible amongst them, except in the Towns of Quebec and Montreal.
'Twas partly from these Considerations, as well as those mentioned in my Letter
of the 15th February last to the Commander in Chief, a copy of which I inclosed to
your Lordship, that I recommended the building of a citadel within the Town of
Quebec, that the Troops might have a Post capable of being defended by their
numbers, till succour could be sent them from Home, or from the neighbouring Col-
onies, for should a French war surprise the Province in its present condition, the
Canadian officers sent from France with Troops, might assemble such a Body of
People, as would render the King's Dominion over the Province very precarious, while
it depends on a few Troops, in an extensive Post, open in many places. A proper cita-
del once erected, the situation of things will be greatly changed, the King's Enemies
who would attempt to disturb this Province must hazard a large stake, and the
chances against them will be very considerably augmented; Greater Preparations must
be made, which must give an alarm at Home, a greater number of troops must be
sent, \\rith a train of Artillery for a Siege, and a large Quantity of Ammunition,
and Provisions, with a Fleet of transports and Ships of War to protect and assist
in the different Operations, whose success may be uncertain, but which at all events,
must give Time for a Superior Squadron to follow, and catch them in the river, as
well as to the Troops and Militia from the neighbouring Provinces to pour into this;
a work of this nature is not only necessary, as Matters now stand, but supposing the
Canadians could be interested to take a Part in the Defence of the King's Govern-
ment, a change not impossible to bring about, yet Time must bring forth events that
will render it essentially necessary for the British Interests on this Continent, to secure
this Port of communication with the Mother Country; as might easily be proved, were
they not too remote, for the present Purpose.
112 . Illustrative Documents.
Inclosed is the Plan for such a Citadel as I think would answer all the present
and future Purposes of Great Britain, tho' if I am not mistaken, Captain Gordon the
Engineer has already transmitted Home one more detailed, with a calculation of the
expence necessary for its construction.
*
I am with much respect and esteem,
Your Lordship's
Most obedient
Humble Servant,
Guy Carleton.
The Earl of Shelburne one of His
Majesty's principal Secretaries.
(77)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 5, pt 1, page 370.
(No. 26)
Quebec 20th Janry 1768.
My Lord:
In my Letter (No. 20) I have given the Military state of this Province, with a
scheme for strengthening it by a Citadel; I shall now add, that, was this already con-
structed, and I could suppose it impossible for any foreign Enemy to shake the King's
Dominion over the Province, still I shall think the Interests of Great Britain but half
advanced, unless the Canadians are inspired with a cordial Attachment, and zeal for
the King's Government; How far they are removed from that desirable Disposition,
may easily be discovered, if brought to the Test, and examined by the general Cause
of the Attachments of Men Self-interest; if it shall not be found more their Interest
to remain as at present, than to return under the Dominion of their former Sovereign,
they certainly have not all those Motives, which induce Men to Honor to disregard the
general Rule; there remain, 'tis true, an Oath of Allegiance, which may keep some
Quiet in Case of a French Expedition, and the Punishments due to Traitors, which
will be regarded, as long as Government has Force sufficient to inflict them; it there-
fore seems to me highly expedient, that, at least, those Causes of Complaint, which
affect the Bulk of the People, and come home almost to every Man, should be re-
moved; That they should be maintained in the quiet Possession of their Property, ac-
cording to their own customs, which Time immemorial, has been regarded by them and
their Ancestors, as Law and Equity; and that the Approach to Justice and Govern-
ment, for the Redress of Wrongs, be practicable and convenient, in Place of being ruin-
ous by Delay, and an Expence disproportioned to their Poverty; but this is neither in
the Power of Justice or Government here to grant him, while the Supreme Court is
obliged to Judge according to the Laws of England, and the different Offices can
claim, as their Right, Fees calculated for much wealthier Provinces.
But, Beside these Points of Justice, as long as the Canadians are deprived of all
Places of Trust and Profit, they never can forget, they no longer are under the Do-
minion of their natural Sovereign; tho' this immediately concerns but few, yet it
affects the Minds of all, from a national spirit, whichever interests itself at the gen-
eral Exclusion of their Countrymen; three or four of their principal Gentlemen, with
the Rank of Counsellors, was it little more than Honorary, tho' on many Occasions
they might prove useful; a few Companies of Canadian Foot judiciously officered,
with three or four trifling Employments, in the Civil Department, would make very
considerable Alterations on the Minds of the People; It would divide the Canadians
at least, and secure a Part, in Case of a French war, that would emulate the zeal of
the King's National Troops; It would hold up Hopes to the Gentlemen, that their Chil-
dren, without being bred up in France, or the French Service, might support their
Families in the Service of the King their Master, and by their Employments pre-
serve them from sinking into the lower class of People, by the division and sub-
division of Lands every Generation.
I have found in Canada, what I believe may be fbund everywhere, the People fond
of the Laws and Form of Government they have been educated under, tho' scarcely a
Man that Knows one sound Principle of Government, or Law; Three or four of the old
Subjects, about a year ago, brought me the rough Draft of a Petition for a general
Assembly, and hoped, I had no Objection to their having it signed by all the British,
who wished to have one called; I told them, I had many Objections to great numbers
signing a Request of any Kind, that it seldom conveyed the sincere Desire of the
Illustrative Documents. 113
Subscribers, that it had an appearance of an Intention to take away the Freedom of
granting or refusing the Request; I had no Objection to Assemblies in General, yet
such was the peculiar Situation of Canada, tho' I had turned that Matter often in
my Thoughts, I could hit off no Plan that was not liable to many Inconveniencies, and
some danger; That perhaps they might be more fortunate, and I should think myself
obliged to them, if they should shew me one, that could be of advantage to the Prov-
ince, and the King's Service, assuring them, such a Plan wanted no Petitions to re-
commend it to me; about a Month after, they asked me, if I had considered of their
Request, and I repeated my former answer; since which I have often urged them,
of my own accord, to let me have their scheme for an Assembly, and to inform me,
who they thought should be the Electors, and who the Representatives, but to no Pur-
pose; so that I imagined, they had laid aside all Thoughts of the Kind, till lately one
John McCord, who wants neither sense nor Honesty, and formerly kept a small Ale
House in the poor Suburbs of a little Country Town in the North of Ireland, appearing
zealous for the Presbiterian Faith, and having made a little Money, had gained some
Credit among People of his sort; this Person purchased some spots of Ground, and
procured Grants of more, close to the Barracks, where he run up sheds, and placed
poor People to sell his spirits to the Soldiers, finding that this lucrative Trade has
lately been checked, by inclosing the Barracks to prevent the Soldiers getting drunk
all Hours of the Day and Night, He has commenced Patriot, and with the assistance
of the late Attorney General, and three or four more, egged on by Letters from Home,
are at work again for an Assembly, and purpose having it signed by all they can in-
fluence: On the other Hand the better sort of Canadians fear nothing more than
popular Assemblies, which, they conceive, tend only to render the People refractory
and insolent; Enquiring what they thought of them, they said, they understood some
of pur Colonies had fallen under the King's Displeasure, owing to the Misconduct of
their Assemblies, and that they should think themselves unhappy, if a like Misfortune
befell them. It may not be improper here to observe, that the British Form of
Government, transplanted into this Continent, never will produce the same Fruits as
at Home, chiefly, because it is impossible for the Dignity of the Throne, or Peerage
to be represented in the American Forests; Besides, the Governor having little or
nothing to give away, can have but little Influence; in Place of that, as it .is his Duty
to retain all in proper Subordination, and to restrain those Officers, who live by
Fees, from running them up to Extortion; these Gentlemen, put into Offices, that
require Integrity, Knowledge and Abilities, because they bid the highest Rent to the
Patentee, finding themselves checked in their Views of Profit, are disposed to look
on the Person, who disappoints them, as their Enemy, and without going so far as
to forfeit their Employments, they in general will be shy of granting that assist-
ance, the King's Service may require, unless they are all equally disinterested or
equally corrupt. It therefore follows, where the executive Power is lodged with a Per-
son of no Influence, but coldly assisted by the rest in Office, and where the two first
Branches of the Legislature have neither influence, nor Dignity, except it be from the
extraordinary characters of the Men, That a popular Assembly, which preserves it's
full Vigor, and in a Country where all Men appear nearly upon a Level, must give a
strong Bias to Republican Principles; Whether the independent spirit of a Democracy
is well adapted to a subordinate Government of the British Monarchy, or their un-
controlafyle notions ought to be encouraged in a Province, so lately Conquered, and
Circumstanced as this is, I with great Humility submit to the Superior Wisdom of
His Majesty's Councils: for my own part, I shall think myself Fortunate, if I have
succeeded in rendering clear Objects, not always distinctly discernable at so great a
Distance.
I am with much Respect and Esteem
Your Lordship's Most Obedient Humble Servant
Guy Carleton.
The Earl of Shelburne
One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed: — Quebec 20th Janry 1768.
Govr. Carleton.
(No. 26)
R 15th April
A 14.
114
Illustrative Documents.
A general state of the Canadian Noblesse, actually resident in the Province of
Quebec, or in the French Service, and where resident in. November 1767.
(Archives, Series Q. Vol. 5. 1, P. 269.)
Canadian Noblesse resident
in the Dist. of Montreal.
Rank.
Age.
Residence.
No. of
Children
*Pecaudy de Contrecoeur
Capt.
61
Montreal
2
*De St. Ours
Capt.
57
H
3
*De Belest^e
Capt.
50
»
5
*De Montesson
Capt.
52
Trois Rivieres
M
*Rouville the Elder
Capt.
58
Chambly
De Lotbiniere
Capt.
44
Vaudreuil
2
*De Lorimier
Capt.
61
La Chine
4
*St. Luc
Capt.
53
Montreal
3
Douville
Capt. Rd.
65
n
1
Des Musseau
Capt. Rd.
60
Sault St. Louis
Niverville
Lieut.
47
Trois Rivieres
3
D'Argenteuil
Lieut. Rd.
58
Montreal
Celoron
Lieut.
36
it
Joncaire Chabert
Lieut.
48
Detroit
4
Beaubassin
Lieut.
50
Montreal
M
St. Blain
Lieut.
47
»
Richarville
Lieut.
47
Sorell
2
Normanville
Lieut.
40
Trois Rivieres
1
Montisambert
Lieut.
40
Chambli
2
Bleury
Lieut.
40
»
2
La Valterie
Lieut.
25
Terrebonne
1
La Plante
Lieut. Rd.
55
La Prairie
1
Du May
Lieut.
35
Boucherville
1
Lotbiniere Son
Ens.
19
Vaudreuil
Catalogne
Ens.
33
Montreal
1
La Veranderie
Ens.
40
n
Clignancourt
Ens.
30
,, *
1
La Bruere
Ens.
28
Boucherville
M
La Ronde
Ens.
46
Montreal
3
Lorimier Son
Ens.
34
»
1
Cuissy
Ens.
35
»»
1
Raimbault Cuistre
Ens.
50
»
1
Hertel
Ens.
34
n
M
Verneuil
Ens.
30
La Chine
Linctot the elder
Ens.
35
Vercheres
M
Linctot the Younger
Ens.
30
M
La Morandiere
30
Varennes
1
La Periere
Ens.
30
Boucherville
(Normanville)
Ens.
30
»»
Wutelas
Ens.
30
»
• M
Le Langlaiserie
65
Isd. St. Therese
Grosbois Son
Cadet
28
Boucherville
Cournoyer
Cadet
45
Trois Rivieres
Dumont
Cadet
45
»
1
Bailly
Cadet
50
Varennes
9
Louviere
Cadet
50
Des Musseau
Cadet
25
Montreal
La Magdeleine
Cadet
25
Longue Pointe
Perigny
Cadet
20
Montreal
Benoit
Cadet
25
>»
Dejordy de Villebon
Cadet
40
Isd. St. Therese
M
Derigee
Cadet
35
La Prairie
M
Filis
Cadet
30
Trois Rivieres
M
Niverville the Elder
Cadet
48
Chambli
9
La Corne
Cadet
18-
Terrebonne
Du Sable
Cadet
30
La Naurai
M
De Richarville
N
65
Sorel
De Richarville de la Colonnerie
N
60
Isle aux Castors
Illustrative Documents.
115
Canadian Noblesse resident
No. of
in the Dist. of Montreal. Rank.
Age.
Residence.
Children.
De Tonnancourt was a Judge N
55
Trois Rivieres
10
(— nerie) (name illegible)
Comd a Mercht. Vess.) N
36
Montreal
1
De Cuissy N
71
Montreal
2
Bleury N
60
N
3
Deschambault was Agt. of
the Ind. Coy. N
57
)j
6
La Bruere N
53
Boucherville
7
Boucher N
55
»
Monbrun N
50
n
Grosbois N
60
»
Woutelasse N
60
»
Rouville was a judge N
48
Boucherville
3
Cresse Father N
60
Trois Rivieres
Cresse Son N
35
»
1
Gatinaux N
48
St. Anne
M
Varennes three Brothers and
one Sister, the eldest not
above 12.
Varennes
Licards 5 or 6
Machiche
Lamirande 5 or 6
Rivr. de Loup
St. Francois N
40
St. Francois
1
Martelle
7
La Chenaye * » ,
De Falaise
7
Maskinonge
De La Mothe N
60
Detroit
De Langlade N
35
Michillimackinac
De Perigny N
50
n
De Quandres three of them
the eldest 18 the youngest
10 years of age.
Detroit
* Have the Royal and Mily. Order of
St. Louis.
Canadian Noblesse resident
No. of
in the Dist. of Quebec. Rank.
Age.
Residence.
Children.
*De La Naudiere Capt.
58
Quebec
3
*De Lery Capt.
45
»»
4
De Gaspey named in 1760 for Capt.
50
St. Jean de
5
the order not invd. Capt. Rd.
65
L'Islette
De Chenay Father Lieut.
27
Beauport
2
De Chenay Son Lieut.
49
M
M
De Rigauville Lieut.
40
It
1
De Fleurimond Ens.
35
La Chevrottiere
La Chevrottiere Lieut.
50
Champlain
Langis Ens.
45
ft
Langis Cadet
38
)f
De Champlain Cadet
27
La Durantais Cadet
25
Quebec
i
Tachereau the Elder Cadet
24
M
Tachereau the Younger Cadet
15
n
Sallabery Cadet
36
Kamouraska
M
La Cardaniere . Cadet
55
Quebec
Gouillon Father native of
France Cadet of Arty
24
»
Gouillon Son Capt. ofResve
65
»
De Plaine Lieut, of Resve
64
»
Boucherville N
61
Deschambault
2
La Gorgendiere N
36
Beaumont
6
De Beaumont N
36
Beaumont
Couillard
40
Point a La Caille
2
Vincelot N
55
Cape. St. Ignace
116
Illustrative Documents.
Canadian Noblesse resident
in the Dist. of Quebec. Rank.
Age.
Residence.
No. of
Children.
Damour 2 or 3
La Durantais 2 or 3
Couillard Duprey
N
25
M
Guillemin was Judge of the
Admy
N
51
Quebec
2
Cugnet was clerk in the
Domaine office
N
48
»
4
* Have the Royal and Mily. Order of
St. Louis.
No. of
Canadian Officers in France.
Rank.
Age.
Residence.
Children.
*The Marquess de Vaudreuil
Gov. Genl.
Paris
*Rigaud de Vaudreuil
Gov. Monti.
»
M
Chevr. de Longueuil
Gov. T. Rvs.
n
*De Ramsay
Lieut, de Roy
»
*Le Verrier
Major
»
*De Sabrevois
Major
*
»
*De Sennonville
Aide Major
Tours
*Pean
Aide Major
Paris
*De Cannes
Aide Major
Loches
*Charly
Aide Major
Goree
*Des Meloises
Aide Major
Paris
Longueil
Aide Major
%
(Name lost from original M.S.)
*Repentigny
Captain
47
Paris
*Courtemanche went over to
France this year
Captain
55
*La Colombiere
Captain
39
Loches
*Boishebert
Captain
47
Rouen
2
*Montigny
Captain
50
Blois
2
Falaises
Captain
45
Tours
2
* Chevr. Repentigny
Captain
46
Paris
1
*Marin
Captain
55
yj
2
*La Chauvignerie v
Captain
45
Loches
1
*Celoron
Captain
37
Tours
*Chaussegros de Lery
*Berranger
Captain
Captain
45
42
Cayenne
Guadeloupe
Marquis d'Albergatti
*Beaujeau
Captain
Captain
50
45
Isle Bourbon
Mississipi
M
1
Couterot
Captain
Versailles
1
*Lusignan
Capt. Arty
40
Brest
1
Jacaux Fredmont
Capt. Arty
46
Cayenne
Duplessis Fabert
Capt. Rd.
50
Tours
Du Muy
Capt. Rd.
55
»
Herbin
Lieut.
26
Provl. Regt.
Des Noyelles
Lieut.
48
Cayenne
2
D'Espervanche
Lieut.
30
M
Bayeulle
Lieut.
47
Paris
Canut
Lieut.
46
n
M
Cournoyer ,
Lieut.
40
Tours
Lanouille
Lieut.
46
Tours
Lanoue
Lieut.
50
Loches
St. Vincent
Lieut.
30
Rochelle
Sabrevois
Lieut.
30
Loches
Rousseaux
Lieut.
31
»
1
Sac Epee
Lieut.
46
Tours
De Cabanac
Ens.
25
»
Du Coudrey
Ens.
26
in Touraine
St. Simon
Ens.
36
Isles Malouines
Chambly
Ens.
30
in Touraine
Illustrative Documents.
117
No. of
Canadian Officers in France.
Rank. Age.
Residence. Children.
Boucherville
Ens.
25
in Touraine
Cery
Ens.
25
H
Cery
Ens.
23
n
Villeray D'Artigney
Ens.
25
»
La Frambois
Ens.
30
Gaudeloupe
Mantete
Ens.
25
in Touraine
Villeray
Ens.
22
tt
D'Artigney
Ens.
22
»
Dusable
Ens.
21
>»
Du Buisson
Ens.
20
»
Du Buisson
Ens.
19
»
Celeron
Ens.
20
»
Grosbois
Ens.
25
»
Lignery
Ens.
20
»
Lignery
Ens.
19
ft
Chevr. De Repentigny Lt.
de Vaisseau
39
t9
De St. Ours
Lieut.
21'
Regt. of Guienne
Bellestre
Lieut.
28
Missisipi
De Lanaudiere
Lieut.
21
Regt. of La Sarre
La/Corne
Lieut.
15
Du Chenay
Lieut.
21
Royal Arty
Rouville
Lieut.
20
Royal Roussillon
Aubert
Lieut.
25
Pondicherry
Deschambault
Lieut.
20
Tachereau
Lieut.
24
St. Domingo
Douville
Lieut.
25
Martinico
Bleury
Lieut.
Blainville
Lieut.
4
De Quindre
Lieut.
21
Regt. Dauphin
Dechambault
Ens.
Guellemin
At Rochefort
* Have the Royal and Mily. Order of St.
Louis.
Officers natives of France
who came over
Cadets
into the Colony Troops wherein
they were preferred and went
to France with them, where they are treated as Cana-
dian Officers.
*De Raymond
Captain
55
Angouleme
*De Vassan
Captain
47
Blois
*Le Mercier
Capt. Arty.
45
in Normandy
JMaisiere
Capt.
47
Goree
De Benoit
Capt.
Le Borgne
Capt.
46
Loches
*St. Laurent
Capt.
50
Paris
J Monin at present Lt. Col.
45
&
Resd. of a regt. of Foot.
Capt.
44
Rocheblaves
Lieut.
40
Tours
Barollon
Lieut.
48*
Paris
De Clapier
Lieut.
40
Goree
De La Vallette
Lieut.
30
Tours
Chevr. Drouilli
Lieut.
40
»
Drouillon
Lieut.
36
Loches
*Villemont
45
Orleans.
'| Native of France, Captain of the Troupes de Colonie at Missisipi, came to Can-
ada in 1760, has got Rank of Col. and a Regt. at Missisipi in the Spanish Service.
118 Illustrative Documents.
Civil Officers and Offrs. Employed No. of
of the Port. heretofore. Residence Children.
Joseph Perthius Of the Conseil Supr. Paris 3
Thomas Cugnet 1
Ignace Perthius Procureur de Roi 3
Landrieve de Bordes Commissaire 3
P. Du Linot Grand Voyer 4
P. De Cery Capt. ofthe Port. 4
P. Pellegrin Lieut, of the Port. 6
$ Thus marked have the Grand Croix of St. Louis.
* Have the Royal and Mily. Order of St. Louis.
M. are married and have no family that we know of.
N. have never been in service.
P. are good Pilots of the River St. Lawrence.
Noblesse in the Province of Quebec: —
Captains having the Order of St.Louis 9
Captains named in the order but not invested 1
Captains who have not the Order 4
Lieuts. having the Order 1
Lieuts 16
Ens 20
Officers de Reserve 2
Cadets '. 23
Have never been in the service 44
In the Upper Country who have never been in the Service . . 6
Total 126
•
Noblesse in France: —
Grand Croix * . 1
Governors, Lt. Govrs, Majors, Aide Majors, Captains and Lts.
of Ships of War having the Order of St. Louis 26
Aide Major and Capts. not having the Order 6
Lieuts 12
Ensigns , 19
Canadian Officers in actual Service whose Parents have re-
mained in Canada 15
Total .79
Natives of France, who came over to Canada as Cadets, served and were preferred
in the Colony Troops, and are treated in France as Canadian Officers: —
Captains not having the Croix of St Louis 7
Had the Rank of Capt. in 1760, raised to that of Lieut. Col. in
France K. of St. Louis 1
Lieuts 7
Was Capt. in the Colonie Troops at Missisipi came to Canada
in 1760, and is raised to^ the Rank of Col. in the Spanish
Service at Mississipi Kt! of St. Louis 1
Having had Civil Employments 5
Officers of the Port 2
Total 23
Illustrative Documents. 119
Sir Guy Carleton to. Lord Hillsborough.
Archives, Series Q. Vol. 5, 2 p. 890.
Secret Correspondence.
Quebec, Nov. 20th/ 1768.
My Lord —
Since my arrival^in this province, I have not been able to make any discovery
that induces me to give credit to the paper of intelligence inclosed in your Lordship's
letter of the 14th of May last; nor do I think it probable the chiefs of their own free
notion in time of peace, dare assemble in numbers, consult, and resolve on a revolt;
or that an assembly of military men should be so ignorant, as to fancy they could
defend themselves by a few fireships only, against any future attack from Great Britain
after their experience in fifty nine.
Notwithstanding this, and their decent and respectful obedience to the King's
Government hitherto, I have not the least doubt of their secret attachment to France
and think this will continue as long as they are excluded from all employment under
the British Government, and are certain of being reinstated, at least in their former
Commissions under that of France, by which chiefly they supported themselves and
families.
When I reflect that f ranee naturally, has the affections of all the people; that to
make no mention of fees of office & the vexations of the Law, we have done nothing
to gain one man in the province, by making it his private interest to remain the King's
Subject; and that the interests of many would be greatly promoted by a revolution; I
own my not having discovered a treasonable correspondence, never was proof sufficient
to convince me it did not exist in some degree, but I am inclined to think, if such a
message has been sent, very few were entrusted with the secret, perhaps the Court
of france, informed a year past by Mons. de Chatelet that the King proposed raising
a Regiment of his new subjects caused this piece of intelligence to be communicated,
to create a jealousy of the Canadians, and prevent a measure that might fix their
attachments to the British Government, and probably of those Savages who have
always acted with them; however that be, on receiving this news from france last
spring, most of the Gentlemen in the province applied to me, and begged to be ad-
mitted into the King's Service, assuring me they would take every opportunity to
testify their zeal, and gratitude for so great a mark of favour & tenderness, extended
not only to them, but to their posterity.
When I consider further, that the King's dominion here is maintained but by a few
troops, necessarily dispersed, without a place of security for their magazines, for their
arms, or for themselves; amidst a numerous military people, the Gentlemen all
officers of experience, poor, without hopes, that they or their descendants will be
admitted into the service of their present Sovereign, I can have no doubt that france,
as soon as determined to begin a war will attempt to regain Canada, should it be in-
tended only to make a diversion, while it may reasonably be undertaken with little
hazard, should it fail, and where so much may be gained, should it succeed. But
should france begin a war in hopes the British Colonies will push matters to extre-
mities, and she adopts the project of supporting them in their independent notions,
Canada, probably, will then become the principal scene, where the fate of America may
be determined. Affairs in this situation, Canada in the hands of france would no longer
present itself as an enemy to the British colonies, but as an ally, a friend and a
protector of their Independency.
Your Lordship must immediately perceive the many disadvantages Great Britain
would labour under in a war of this nature; and on the other hand, how greatly
Canada might forever support the British interests on this continent, for it is not united
in any common principle, interest or wish with the other Provinces, in opposition to the
Supreme seat of Government, was the King's dominion over it only strengthened by a
cittadel, which a few~ national troops might secure, and the natives attached, by
making it their interest, to remain His Subjects.
My Letters to the Earl of Shelburne, Nos. 20, 23, 24, 25 and 26 contain more fully
my humble opinion of the measures necessary to obtain this desirable end*, convinced
that the affections of the Canadians, or a great force, is necessary to secure this
province in time of war, or, at least till the marine of france is thoroughly subdued:
to those letters I refer your Lordship for further particulars, and am with great re-
gard, and esteem.
Your Lordship's most obedient
and most humble servant,
Guy Carleton.
To the Earl of Hillsborough.
120 Illustrative Documents.
Lord Hillsborough to Sir Guy Carleton.
(Archives, Series Q. Vol. 6. p. 3.)
(Secret.) Govr. Carleton.
Whitehall, Jan. 4, 1769.
Sir:—
I have received and laid before the King your Secret Dispatch of the 21st of
Novr.
The Remarks you make upon the state and temper of His Majesty's new subjects
will be of great utility in the consideration of the Measures now under deliberation,
and do evince both the propriety and necessity of extending to that brave and faithful
people a reasonable participation in those establishments, which are to form the Basis
of the future Government of the Colony of Quebec; but I fear that from the spirit
of the Laws of this Kingdom as well as from the general Prejudice of Mankind, and
the dispositions that appear in all Parties and Factions to make every measure, how-
ever well considered & intended, the foundation of clamour and opposition it will
hardly be practicable to extend such participation to the military Line, although, for
my own part, I clearly see and agree in opinion that great advantages might be de-
duced both to the Colony and to the Mother-Country, for an establishment of that
sort, under proper regulations.
The King very much approves of the method, you have pursued in the present
instance, of separating opinions upon and relations of delicate facts and circum-
stances from your general numerical correspondence.
I am, &c.
Hillsborough.
(78)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
(No. 5)
Quebec 31st Jan'y 1771.
(Secret.)
My Lord!
I am Honored with Your Lordship's two Letters No. 34 and 35; The Intelligence
conveyed in the former is so very interesting, that I shall not fail to give the most
serious attention to all that passes in the Province, and to take into consideration, as
well as concert, with the Officers of His Majesty's Forces; all such Measures, as may
tend to secure and defend it.
I have the Satisfaction to inform Your Lordship, that the Canadians are at pre-
sent, and seem perfectly disposed to continue to be quiet, nor is there, I believe, the
least Reason to apprehend any Stir among them, while Spain only is concerned; they
entertain the greatest Hopes, of being through His Majesty's well known Paternal
Regard for all His Subjects, shortly relieved from several Inconveniencies under which
they consider themselves at present to labour; upon which there is no necessity for
me to inlarge, as they already have, and will no Doubt be more fully explained to
Your Lordship by Governor Carleton.
In the mean Time, Your Lordship may depend, that I shall, to the utmost of my
Power, exert my best Endeavours to promote their Welfare and Happiness as the
surest and most effectual Means of advancing my Royal Master's Service in this im-
portant Colony.
I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect
My Lord
Your Lordship's Most Obedient And Most Humble Servant
H. T. Cramahe.
The Earl of Hillsborough
one of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries
of State &c., &c., &c.
Endorsed — Quebec 31st Jan'y 1771.
Mr. Presidt Cramahe
(No. 5)
Secret
R. 22d April
D. 3.
Entd.
Illustrative Documents. 121
(79)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS
Separate and Secret.
Whitehall April 9th 1772.
Lieut. Govr. Cramahe
Sir,
The inclosed Paper, which is stated to be the Copy of a letter from Monsr
Rouville and others of His Majesty's new Subjects in Canada to the Marquis D'Ossum
the French Ambassador at Madrid, has been communicated to me by a foreign Officer
who is lately arrived here from Spain, and who says that he obtained it from Monsr
D'Ossum's .Secretary, and tho' the veracity of this Gentleman is much to be doubted
& the thing itself, abstracted from other ground of Suspicion, would have been too
slight to have demanded much attention, yet as I find from Governor Carleton that
M. Rouville's general Conduct has been such as to render him suspected of having
dangerous views; and as Intelligence thro' different channels seems to indicate a parti-
cular attention at present in the Court of France to what passes in Canada, it certainly
becomes necessary that We should be very much upon our guard, and attend with
great caution and circumspection to the conduct of the new Subjects in general, and
to the discovering the nature & Extent of any correspondence they may have with old
France, & the Channels thro' which it is carried.
Such an Attention is more particularly necessary with regard to the Rouville
Family, as Monsr Rouville's Son, who is an Officer in the french Service is now here
and takes his Passage to Canada in the Quebec Captain Brash, to whose care this
letter is entrusted with directions to deliver it to you immediately upon his arrival,
and tho' I am not able to collect, from my conversation with Monsr Rouville, any
thing that confirms the suspicion that my other Intelligence and the character of his
Father have induced, yet it certainly is necessary that both his conduct and that of
his Father should be watched with the greatest vigilance, and every precaution used
that may tend to a discovery of any Measure they may have in view that may en-
danger the Security of the Colony.
Monsr. Rouville's Son is not the only suspected person that now takes passage for
Quebec; another Canadian, tho' of inferior rank, and whose name is Deprocas, has
applied to me, thro' Mr. Pownall, for a Pass-port, and the account he gives of him-
self is so contradictory, and forced from him under so great reserve, as to leave room
for Suspicion which is not a little increased by my finding that he was an established
Pilot for the River St. Lawrence before the conquest of Canada.
You will therefore, Sir have a particular attention also to the conduct of this
person, & indeed to every other Canadian (for I believe there are many more) who may
at this time return to Quebec from Europe, and in case the precaution you see, &
the steps you take shall lead to the discovery of any Plans or correspondence that
shall appear to you to be dangerous to the public Safety, you shall not fail to take
such steps as shall appear to you to be proper according to the nature of the case,
& to transmit to me, for His Majesty's Information, a very full & particular account
of every circumstance relative thereto.
I am &c.
Hillsborough
Endorsed — Drat, to Lieut. Govr. Cramahe
Whitehall April 9th 1772.
Separate and Secret
Entd. Dup.
(80)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 8, p. 114.
Morreal, le de May 1771.
Monseigneur
Notre Esclavage dure trop longtems pour etre delivre de cette tirannie, nous,
nous, portons toujours dans notre coeur les trois fleurs de lis a Notre Roy de france,
malgre que nous ayons ete vendus pour de largent aux Barbares qui nous traitent
cruellement tous les jours de plus en plus, nous souhaiterions de pouvoir parvenir a un
jour plus heureux et d'etre entre les mains de Notre Roy tres Chretien et Souveram;
122 Illustrative Documents.
Monseigneur, Nous conferons tous les jours entre nous, et meme nous nous Sommes
Engages de tous cotes avec les Sauvages qui nous assisterons dans le Besoin avee
armes, ainsi Monseigneur comme vous nous aves promis de nous delivrer un jour
ainsi nous vous prions de presenter cette lettre au Nouveau Ministre que est a la place
de Monsieur de Choizeuil nous rendre meilleure justice que n'a pas fait ledt Sieur
de Choizeuil et qui nous procurera une occasion favorable pour nous delivrer de cette
tirannie comme nous Soussignons de notre propre main.
(81)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 8, pp. 160-164.
<S6Cr'*-> Quebec 25th July 1772.
My Lord!
I am Honoured with Your Lordship's separate and secret Dispatch of 9th April
by Captain Brash of the Quebec, as well as your private one of the same date by Mr.
.Roiiville, upon whose conduct, ever since his Arrival here, as well as his Father's, I
have, as far as was in my power, kept the most strict attention.
From any Thing that has yet come to my knowledge, I do not see any Reason for
attributing the young man's voyage to any thing else than a Desire of seeing his Family
after a twelve years absence, the Hopes he might entertain of procuring from his
Father some pecuniary Assistance, and that liking for his native Country, for which
the Canadians are peculiarly remarkable.
The Father does not want Sense,, is better informed than most of his Countrymen,
and has an exceeding good opinion of his own Abilities; Whatever his Inclinations may
be, He is too cautious and prudent, I think, to sign his name to the Paper of which
Your Lordship was pleased to inclose me a Copy, and which both in Matter and Stile
seems to me an extraordinary Performance.
Far from complaining of Slavery, the Canadian Noblesse often alledge, that from
the Freedom enjoyed under their present Government, the middling and lower sort of
People daily lose of that Deference and Respect they used formerly, upon all occasions
to shew their Superiors; The Circumstances of addressing this Paper to the French
Embassador at Madrid is with me a strong Reason for doubting of it's Authenticity;
since the Peace there has been no Possibility of preventing the Canadians having a
constant Intercourse with France, every year some of them have gone over for the Settle-
ment of their private Affairs, which from their long Connection together, could not be
suddenly wound up, and while their Countryman, the Abbe La Come, resides at Paris,.
they would not want a faithful and diligent Agent in any Business, they might have
to transact with the Court of France.
The Confusion and Perplexity of the Laws, the dilatory Proceedings of our Courts
of Justice, the- Expence attending them, and the disagreable necessity, they lye under,
of the matters most interesting to them being there discussed in a Language they do
not understand, are the chief Subjects upon which they have hitherto complained;
they readily and indeed gratefully acknowledge the Indulgence shewn to them in
Regard to Religion, and hope the same will be continued, altho' they have at Times
been likewise alarmed upon this Head, by the indisceet Talk of some Individuals
amongst us.
It is not indeed improbable, that the French Clergy, jealous of their Canadian
Brethren, for whom they have always had a thorough Contempt, and whom they now
see likely to become in Time possessed of every Benefice in their Church, and the
Noblesse, while they have no Prospect of employing their children in His Majesty's
Service, and of procuring them Bread in that way, would be desirous, and, if a proper
support was at Hand, give all possible assistance to bring about a change; And there
is too much Reason to apprend, that the Habitans, notwithstanding the Superior Ad-
vantages they enjoy under the present Government, of which they are not insensible,
and often mention, would from their Ignorance, through the Influence of the other two
orders of men, be prevailed upon to throw their weight into that Scale; it was re-
marked by some of the old Subjects, that while the French Schooner lay here, they
begun to converse among themselves of old Times, but as they are an inquisitive
gossiping People, it was not very wonderfull this, to them at present, new and extra-
ordinary appearance, should produce that Effect.
The Canadian Clergy are strongly interested to prevent any change, they begin to
see it, and it appears more than ever necessary, as much as possible, to encourage
Illustrative Documents. 123
this Disposition; it was in this view, that the Bishop having lately obtained the re-
quisite Powers for consecrating the Coadjutor, whom Governor Carleton had pitched
upon, I agreed to his performing that Ceremony, but in a private way, because it was
not the Act of Government, and to avoid giving a Handle to busy and troublesome
People; It is to be hoped that this Event, as well as young Mr. Lanaudiere's Prefer-
ment, will be attended 'with very salutary Effects for the King's Interests in this
Province.
Besides the Canadian Passengers who went over last Fall, and returned this
Spring; there are arrived from France this year a Surgeon, who formerly served in
the French Army and married a Canadian, come over, I believe, in Hopes of getting
Practice in his Profession, two Acadians who studied for the Priesthood in the College
of St. Male's, and afterwards at Paris, having the Earl of Hartcourt's Pass, and a
Canadian Recollet, with Colonel Blaquiere's; the three first came by the way of Great
Britain, the other by Miquelon, and immediately upon their arrival, the Oath of Fidelity
was administered to them; The man Your Lordship mentions under the name of
Deprocas, has not yet made his appearance.
Altho' I can scarcely credit that any of His Majesty's new Subjects have entered
into, or formed any Plan destructive to the King's Interests, and am pretty certain,
if any such Thing is in Agitation, that it must come from the other side of the
water, and few here intrusted with the Secret, His Majesty may be assured, I shall
keep an exact watch upon their Words and Actions, endeavour to find out their Cor-
respondence and if I discover any thing to be plotting or acting against His Royal
Interests, that I shall consult and Concert, with the Commanders of His Forces upon
the Spot, and His other Servants, the best and most effectual measures for the pre-
servation and Security of this important Province.
I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect, My Lord
Your Lordships Most obedient and Most Humble Servant
H. T. Cramahe.
Earl of Hillsborough
One of His Majesty's
Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed: — Quebec 25th July 1772.
Lieut., Govr. Cramahe
(Secret)
R. 27th August
E. 15 Entd.
(82)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
(Secret.) Quebec 10th October 1772.
My Lord!
As the following Occurrence carries with it an Appearance of what Your Lordship
mentioned in your secret and separate Dispatch of 9th April last, relative to the
attention of the Court of France to the Affairs of this Country, I think it my Duty
to inform Your Lordship, that a Mr. Dufy of Montreal (before the conquest, a
Captain of the Militia of that Place, in which he served with credit and Reputation)
lately received, from Monsieur Mehegan, a Brigadier in the French. Service, a Letter,
acquainting him, that in consequence of the Duke de Choiseuil's Promise to him, of
some Years standing, Monsieur De Boines, the Minister of the Marine, had obtained
of the King- his Nomination to the Order of St. Louis, that as he resided in a foreign
Dominion, the Croix could not be sent put to him, but he should be invested with it,
whenever he repaired to France, the Minister's Cfficial Letter upon the occasion having
been carefully registered for that Purpose in the Bureau des Colonies.
Monsieur Dufy made no scrupule to shew me the Letter, which he tells me he has
answered in general Terms of Thanks, without signifying his Acceptance or Refusal
of the Order; He very freely acknowledged, it flattered his Vanity, but that at his
Time of Life, being upwards of sixty, he had no thoughts of going to France for the
Pleasure of wearing the Order.
Altho' in strictness, as a British Subject, He is rather liable to censure, for
answering- in the Manner he alledges, yet as he is an honest Man, that he is rather
too old to change his Ideas of Things, or to shake off the Prejudices of his Youth, I
124 Illustrative Documents.
judged it most advisable to treat the Matter with Indifference, the taking Notice of
it in any other Manner might have created Disgust, and added Consequence to the
Measure, if the Court of France has really acted therein from political considerations
only; for it is here by many suspected M. Dufy's Relations in France, Knowing him to
be in affluent Circumstances, have pushed it, to entice him over, in the Hopes of
inheriting more largely, in case of his Death.
It was once an Idea of the French Government, a very few years before the con-
quest, to distribute Croix to the Captains of Militia, and it is to be observed, that
those of the Country Parishes, tho' meer Habitans or Peasants, rolled in Duty with
those of the Towns, chosen out of the Bourgeoisie, according to Seniority of Commis-
sion; this Measure at the Time was strongly opposed by the Noblesse, and Officers
of the Regular Troops, it is not impossible but it may have been again resumed, in
the view of alluring this order of People, who certainly have profited most by the
change of Dominion; all these little Arts would not avail them much, if the Confusion
at present subsisting in Regard to the Laws was thoroughly cleared up, a Point
the Canadians earnestly wish for, if the Government of the Province was established
upon a firm and solib basis and some means could be divised of employing the
Noblesse, who at present are at a Loss how to dispose of, or provide for, their
Children.
I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect, My Lord!
Your Lordship's Most obedient and Most Humble Servant
H. T. Cramahe
Earl of Hillsborough
One of His Majesty's Principal
Secretaries o£ State.
Endorsed— Quebec 10th October 1772.
Lieut. Governor Cramahe
(Secret)
R. 24 November.
E. 22 Entd.
(83)
» LETTRE ADRESSEE AUX HABITANS DE LA PROVINCE DE QUEBEC,
Ci-Devant LE CANADA, De la part du CONGRES GENERAL de
TAmerique Septentrionale, tenu a Philadelphia.
Imprime & public par Ordre du Congres.
A PHILADELPHIA
De Timprimerie de FLEURY MESPLET.
M. DCC. LXXIV.
AUX HABITANS
DE LA PROVINCE
DE
QUEBEC.
Nos Amis & Concitoyens,
Nous, les Delegues des Colonies du nouveau Hampshire, de Massachusetts-Bay,
de Rhode-Island & des Plantations de Providence, de Connecticut, de la Nouvelle-
York, du Nouveau-Jersey, de la Pennsylvanie, des Comtes de New-Castle, Kent, &
Sussex sur le fleuve de la Ware, du Maryland, de la Virginie & des Carolines sep-
tentrionale & meridionale, ayant ete deputes par les Habitans desdites Colonies pour
les representer dans un Congres general a Philadelphie, dans la province de Pennsyl-
vanie, & pour consulter ensemble sur les meilleurs moy'ens de nous procurer la de-
livrance de nos oppressions accablantes; nous etant en consequence assembles & ayant
considere tres-serieusement 1'etat des affaires publiques de ce continent, nous avons
juge a propos de nous adresser a votre Province comme a une de ses parties qui
y est des plus interessee.
LORSQU' apres une resistance courageuse & glorieuse le sort des armes vous cut
incorpore au nombre des sujets Anglais, nous nous rejouimes autant pour vous que
pour nous d'un accroissement si veritablement precieux; & comme la bravoure & la
Illustrative Documents. 125
grandeur d'ame sont joint naturellement, nous nous attendions que nos courageux
enriemis deviendraient nos amis sinceres, & que 1'Etre supreme repandrait sur vous
les dons de sa providence divine en assurant pour vous & pour votre posterite la plus
reculee les avantages sans prix de la libre institution du Gouvernement Anglais, qui est
le privilege dont tous les sujets Anglais doivent jouir.
CES esperances furent confimees'par la declaration du Roi donnee en 1763, en-
gageant la foi publique pour votre jouissance complette de ces avantages.
A peine aurions-nous pu alors nous imaginer que quelques Ministres futurs abuse-
raient avec tant d'audace & de mechancete de 1'autorite royale, que de vous
priver de la jouissance de ces droits irrevocables auxquels vous aviez un si juste titre.
MAIS puisque nous avons vecu pour voir le terns imprevu, quand ces Ministres
d'une disposition corrumpue ont ose violer les pactes & les engagements les plus
sacres, & comme vous aviez ete eleves sous une autre forme de gouvernement,
on a soigneusement evite que vous fissiez la decouverte de sa valeur inexprimable
de cette forme a laquelle vous avez a present un droit si legitime; nous croyons
qu'il est de notre devoir de vous expliquer quelques unes de ses parties le plus in-
teressantes, pour les raisons pressantes mentiones ci-apres.
"DANS toute societe humaine," dit le celebre Marquis de Beccaria, "II y a une
force qui tend continuellement a conferer a une partie du pouvoir & du bonheur, & a
reduire 1'autre au dernier degre de foiblesse & de misere. L 'intention des bonnes loix
est de s'opposer a cette force, & de repandre leur influence egalement & universelle-
ment."
DES Chefs incites par cette force pernicieuse, & des sujets animes par le juste
desir de lui opposer de bonnes loix, ont occasione cette immense diversite d'evenemens
dont les histoires de tant de nations sont remplies. Toutes ces histoires demontrent
la verite de cette simple position, que d'exister au gre d'un seul homme, ou de quel-
ques uns, est une source de misere pour tous.
Ce fut sur ce principe comme sur un fondement solide que les Anglais eleverent
si fermement Pedifice de leur Gouvernement qu'il a resiste au terns, a la tyrannic, a
la trahison, & aux guerres intestines & etrangeres, pendant plusieurs siecles. Et
comme un Auteur illustre & une de vos compatriotes $ cite ci-apres, observe. "Us
donnerent au peuple de leurs Colonies la forme de leur Gouvernment propre: & ce
Gouvernement portant avec lui la prosperite, on a vu se former de grands peuples dans
les forets meme qu'ils furent envoyes habiter."
DANS cette forme le premier & le principal droit, est le peuple a part dans son
gouvernement par ses representans choisis par lui-meme, & est par consequent
gouverne par des loix de son approbation, & non par les Edits de ceux sur lesquels
il n'a aucun pouvoir. Ceci est un rempart qui entoure & defend sa propriete qu'il s'est
acquise par son travail & une honnete Industrie; ensorte qu'il ne peut etre prive de
la moindre partie que de son libre & plein consentement, lorsque suivant son juge-
ment il croit qu'il est juste & necessaire de la donner pour des usages publics, & alors
il indique precisement le moyen le plus facile, le plus econome & le plus egal de
percevoir cette partie de sa propriete.
L'INFLUENCE de cet droit s' etend encore plus loin, Si des Chefs qui ont opprime
le peuple ont besoin de subsides, le peuple, peut les refuser jusqu'a ce que leurs
griefs soient repares, & procurer paisiblement, de cette maniere, du soulagement
sans avoir recours a presenter des requetes souvent mepriseees, & sans troubler la
tranquillite publique.
LE second droit essentiel consiste, a etre juge par une Juree.- On pourvoit par
la qu'un Citoyen ne peut perdre la vie, la liberte ou les biens, qu'au prealable Sen-
tence n'ait ete rendue centre lui par douze de ses egaux & compatriotes de moeurs ir-
reprochables, sous serment, pris dans son voisinage, qui par cela meme on doit raison-
nablement, supposer devoir etre informe de son caractere & de celui des temoins, &
cela apres des enquetes suffisantes face a face, a huis ouverts, dans la Cour de justice,
devant tous ceux qui voudront se trouver present, & apres un jugement equitable. De
plus cette Sentence ne peut lui etre prejudiciable, sans injurier en'meme terns la repu-
tation & meme les interets des Jures qui 1'ont prononcee.
CAR le cas en question peut etre sur de certain points qui ont rapport au bien
public; mais s'il en etait autrement, leur Sentence devient un exemple qui peut servir
centre eux-meme s'ils venait a avoir un sembable proces.
UN autre droit se rapporte simplement a la liberte personnelle. Si un Citoyen
est saisi & mis en prison, quoique par ordre du Gouvernement, il peut neanmoins en
126 Illustrative Documents.
*
vertu de ce droit, obtenir immediatement d'un Juge un ordre que Ton nomme Habeas-
Corpus, qu'il est oblige sous serment d'accorder, & se procurer promptement, par ce
moyen, une enquete & reparation d'une detention illegitime.
% Le Baron de Montesquieu, dans FEsprit des Loix, Liv. 19, Chap. 27.
UN quatrieme droit consiste dans la possession des terres en yertu de legeres
rentes foncieres, & non par des corvees rigoureuses & opprimantes qui forcent souvent
le possesseur a quitter sa famille & ses occupations pour faire ce qui dans tout etat
bien regie devroit etre Pouvrage de gens loues expres pour cet effet.
LE dernier droit, dont nous serons mention, regarde la liberte de la presse. Son
importance outre les progres de la verite, de la morale & des arts en general, con-
siste encore a repandre des sentimens genereux sur Padministration du Gouvernement
a servir aux Citoyens a se communiquer promptement & Reciproquement leurs idees, &
consequemment contribue a Pavancement d'une union entre' eux, par laquelle des
superieurs tyranniques sont induit, par des motifs de honte ou de crainte, a se corn-
porter plus honorablement & par des voies plus equitables dans Padministration des
affaires.
CE sont la ces droits inestimables que forment une partie considerable du sys-
teme modere de notre Gouvernement, laquelle en repandant sa force equitable sur
tous les differens rangs & classes de Citoyens, defend le pauvre du riche, le foible du
puissant, Pindustrieux de Pavide, le paisible du violent, les vassaux des Seigneurs, &
tous de leurs superieurs.
Ce sont la ces droits sans lesquels une nation ne peut pas etre libre & heureuse,
& c'est sous la protection & Pencouragement que procure leur influence que ces Colo-
nies ont jusqu'a present flori & augmente si etonnement. Ce sont ces memes droits
qu'un ministere abandonne tache actuellement de nous ravir a main armee, & que nous
sommes tous d'un commun accord resolus de ne perdre qu' avec la vie. Tels sont
enfin ces droits qui vous appartiennent, & que vous devriez dans ce moment exercer
dans toute leur etendue.
MAIS que vous offre-t— on a leur place par le dernier Acte du Parlement? La
liberte de conscience pour votre religion: non, Dieu vous Pavoir donnee, & les Puis-
sances temporelles avec lesquelles vous etiez & etes a present en liaison, ont forte-
ment stipule que vous en eussiez la pleine jouissance: si les loix divines & humaines
pouvaient garantir cette liberte des caprices despotiques des medians, elle Petait deja
auparavant. A-t-on retabli les loix Franchises dans les affaires civiles? Cela parait
ainsi, mais faites attention a la faveur circonspecte des Ministres qui pretendent
devenir vos bienfaiteurs; les paroles du Statut sont: "que Pon se reglera sur ces loix
jusqu'a ce qu'elles aient ete modifiees ou changees par quelques ordonnances du
Gouverneur & du Conseil."
Est-ce que Pon vous assure pour vous & votre posterite, la certitude & la douceur
de la loi crininelle d'Angleterre avec toutes ses utilites & avantages, laquelle on loue
dans ledit Statut, & que Pon reconnait que vous avez eprouve tres-sensiblement ?
Non, ces loix sont aussi sujettes aux "changemens" arbitraires du Gouverneur &
Conseil, & on se reserve en outre tres-expressement le pouvoir d'eriger "telles Cours
de judicature criminelle, civile & ecclesiastique que Pon jugera necessaires."
C'EST de CES conditions si precaires que votre vie & votre religion dependent
seulement de la volonte d'un seul. La Couronne & les Ministres ont le pouvoir autant
qu'il a ete possible au Parlement de le conceder, d'introduire le tribunal de Pln-
quistion meme au milieu de vous.
AVEZ-VOUS une assemblee composee d'honnetes gens de votre propre choix sur
lesquels vous puissiez vous reposer pour former vos loix, veiller a votre bien-etre, &
ordonner de quelle maniere & en quelle proportion vous devez contribuer de vos biens
pour les usages publics ? non, c'est du Gouverneur & du Conseil que doivent emaner
vos loix, & ils ne font eux-memes que les creatures du Ministre, qu'il peut deplacer
selon son bon plaisir. En outre, un autre nouveau Statut forme sans votre partici-
pation vous a assujettis a toute la rigueur d'un impot sur les denrees que Pon nomme
Excise, impot deteste dans tous les etats libres. En vous arrachant ainsi vos biens
par la plus odieuse de toutes les taxes, vous etes encore exposes a voir votre repos
& celui de vos families trouble par des collecteurs insolens, penetrans a chaque in-
stant jusque dans Pinterieur de vos maisons, qui sont nominees les Forteresses des
Citoyens Anglais dans les livres qui traitent de leurs loix.
DANS ce meme statut qui change votre Gouvernement, ,& qui parait calcule
pour vous flatter, vous n'etes point autorises "a vous cotiser pour lever & disposer
Illustrative Documents. 127
d'aucun impot ou taxe, a moins que ce ne soit dans des cas de peu de consequence, tels
que de faire des grands chemins, de batir ou de reparer des Edifices publics ou pour
quelqu' autres convenances locales dans Penceinte de vos villes & districts." Pourquoi
cette distinction humiliante? Est-ce que les biens que les Canadiens se sont acquis
par une honnete industrie ne doivent pas etre aussi sacres que ceux des Anglais ?
L'entendement des Canadiens seroit il si borne qu'ils fussent hors d'etat de participer
a d'autres affaires publiques qu'a celle de rassembler des pierres dans un endroit
pour les entasser dans un autre? Peuple infortune qui est non-seulement leze, mais
encore outrage. Ce qu'il y a de plus fort, c'est que suivant les avis que nous avons
recus, un ministere arrogant a concu une idee si meprisante de votre jugement & de
vos sentimens, qu'il a ose penser, & s'est meme persuade que par un retour de
gratitude pour les injures & outrages qu'il vous a recemment offert, il vous en-
gagerait, vous nos dignes Concitoyens, a prendre les armes pour devenir des instru-
mens en ses mains, pour Paider a nous ravir cette liberte dont sa perfidie vous a
privee, ce qui vous rendrait ridicules & detestables a tout 1'Univers.
LE resultat inevitabie d'une telle entreprise, suppose que qu'elle reussit, seroit
Paneantissement total des esperances que vous pourriez avoir, que vous ou votre
posterite fussent jamais retablis dans votre liberte: car a moins que d'etre entiere-
ment prive du sens commun, il n'est pas possible de s'imaginer qu'apres que vous
auriez ete employes dans un service si honteux ils vous traitassent avec moins de
rigueur que nous qui tenons a eux par les liens du sang.
QU'AURAIT du votre compatriote 1'immortel Montesquieu, au sujet du plan de
Gouvernement que Ton vient de former pour vous? Ecoutez ses paroles avec cette
attention recueillie que requiert Pimportance du sujet. "Dans un etat libre, $ tout
homme qui est sense avoir une ame libre, doit etre gouverne par lui-meme, il
faudrait que le peuple en corps eut la puissance legislative; mais comme cela est im-
possible dans les grands etats, & est sujet a beaucoup d'inconveniens dans les petits,
il faut que le peuple fasse, par ses representans, tout ce qu'il ne peut faire par lui-
meme." "La liberte politique dans un Citoyen est cette tranquillite d'esprit qui
pro vient de 1'opinion que chacun a de sa surete; & pour qu'on ait cette liberte, il
faut que le Gouvernement soit tel qu'un Citoyen ne puisse pas craindre un autre
Citoyen. Lorsque dans la meme personne ou dans le meme corps de Magistrature,
la puissance legislative est reunie a la puissance executrice, il n'y a point de li-
berte; parce qu'on peut craindre que le meme Monarque ou le meme Senat ne fas-
sent des loix tyranniques pour les executer tyranniquement."
LA puissance de juger ne doit pas etre donner a un Senat permanent, mais
exercees par des personnes tirees du corps du peuple dans certain terns de Pannee,
de la maniere preferite par la loi, pour former un tribunal qui ne dure qu'autant
que la necessite le requiert. >
LES Militaires sont d'une profession qui peut-etre utile, mais devient souvent
dangereuse. "La jouissance de la liberte consiste en ce qu'il soit permis a chacun
de declarer sa pensee & de decouvrir ses sentimens."
APPLIQUEZ a votre situation presente ces maximes decisives qui ont la func-
tion de Pauthorite d'un nom que toute PEurope revere. On pourrait avancer que
vous avez un Gouverneur revetu de Id: puissance executrice ou des pouvois de {'ad-
ministration; c'est en lui & en son Conseil qu'est place la puissance legislative:
vous avez des Juges qui doivent decider dans tous les cas ou votre vie, votre liberte
ou vos biens sont en danger, & effectivement, il semble qu'il se trouve ici une dis-
tribution & repartition de diverses puissances en des mains differentes qui se repri-
ment Pune Pautre, ce qui est Punique methode que Pesprit humain ait jamais imagi-
nee qour contribuer a Paccroissement de la liberte & de la prosperite des hommes.
MAIS vous servant de cette sagacite si naturelle aux Francais, dedaignant
d'etre deses par le faux brillnat de cet exterieur, examinez la plausibilite de ce plan,
& Vous trouverez (pour me servir des paroles de la Sainte Ecriture) que ce n'est
qu'un "sepulchre blanchi," pour ensevelir votre liberte & vos biens avec votre vie.
VOS Juges & votre (soit-disant) Conseil Legislatif dependent de votre Gouver-
neur, & lui-meme depend des seryiteurs de la Couronne, en Angleterre. Le moindre
signe du Ministre fait agir ces puissances legislative, executrice & celle de juger-
Vos privileges & vos immunites n'existent qu'autant que dure sa faveur, & son
courroux fait evanouir leur forme chancellante.
JDe PEsprit des Loix Liv, XL, Ch. VI.
128 Illustrative Documents.
LA perfidie a ete employee avec tant d'artifice dans le Code de loix que Ton
vous a^recemment Offert, que quoique le commencement de chaque paragraphe pa-
raisse etre plein de bienveillance, il se termine cependant d'une maniere destructive;
& lorsque le tout est depouille des expressions flatteuse qui le decorent, il ne con-
tient autre chose, sinon, que la Couronne & les Ministres seront aussi absolus dans
toute Petendue de votre vaste Province, que le font actuellement les despotes de
1'Asie & de PAfrique. Qui protegera vos biens centre des Edits d'impots & contre
les rapines de superieurs durs & necessiteux? Qui defendra vos personnes de Let-
tres de Cachets, de Prisons, de Cachots & de Corvees fatigantes, votre liberte & votre
vie contre des Chefs arbitrages & insensibles? Vous ne pouvez, en jettant vos
yeux de tous cotes, appercevoir une seule circonstance qui puisse vous promettre
daucune facon, le moindre espoir de liberte pour vous & votre posterite, si vous
n'adoptez entierement le projet d'entrer en union avec nos colonies.
QUEL ferait le conseil que vous donnerait cet homme si veritablement grand,
cet Avocat pour la liberte & Phumanite: que nous venons de citer fut-il encore
vivant & sgut que nous vos yoisins puissans & nombreux, inspires d'un juste amour
pour nos droits envahis & unis par les liens indissolubles de Paffection de Pinteret,
vous auraient invites au nom de tout ce que vous devez a vous-meme & a vos enfans
(comme nous le faisons a present) de vous unir a nous dans une cause si juste, pour
n en faire qu'une entre nous, & courir la meme fortune pour nous delivrer d'une sub-
jection humiliante sous des Gouverneurs, Intendans & tyrans Militaires, & rentrer
fermement dans le rang & la condition de libre Citoyens Anglais, qui ont appris
de leurs ancetres a faire trembler ceux qu oisent seulement penser a les rendre
malheureux.
NE serait-ce pas par un discours sembable qu'il s'adresserait a vous? Et
dirait, "saisissez Poccasion que la Providence elle-meme vous offre, votre conquete
vous a acquis la liberte si vous vous comportez comme vous devez, cet evenement
est son ouvrage: vous n'etres qu'un tres-petit nombre en comparaison de ceux qui
vous invitent a bras ouverts de vous joindre a eux; un instant de reflexion doit
vous convaincre qu'il convient mieux a vos interets & a votre bonheur, de vous
procurer Pamitie constante des peuples de PAmerique septentrionale, que de les
rendre vos implacables ennemis. Les outrages que souffre la Ville de Boston,
ont alarmes & unis ensemble toutes les Colonies depuis la nouvelle Ecosse jusqu'a
la Georgie, votre Province est le seul anneau qui manque pour completter la chaine
forte & eclatante de leur union. Votre pays est naturellement joint au leur, joig-
nez-vous aussi dans vos interets politiques; leur propre bien-etre permettra jamais
qu'ils vous abandonnent ou qu'ils vous trahissent: soyez persuadez que le bonheur
d'un peuple depend absolument de sa liberte & de son courage pour la maintenir.
La valeur & Petendue des avantages que Pon vous offre est immense; daigne le
Ciel ne pas permettre que vous ne reconnaissiez ces avantages pour le plus grand
des biens que vous pourriez posseder, qu'apres qu'ils vous auront abandonnes a
jamais.
NOUS connoissons trop bien la noblesse de sentiment qui distingue votre na-
tion, pour supposer que vous fussiez retenus de former des liaisons d'amitie avec nous
par les prejuges que la diversite de religion pourrait faire naitre. Vous s?avez que
la liberte est d'une nature si excellente qu'elle rend, ceux qui s'attachent a elle,
superieurs a toutes ces petites foiblesses. Vous avez une preuve bien convaincante
de cette verite dans Pexemple des Cantons Suisses, lesquels quoique composes
d'etats Catholiques & Protestants, ne laissent pas cependant de vivre en semble en
paix & en bonne intelligence, ce qui les a mis en etat depuis qu'ils se sont vaillam-
ment acquis leur liberte, de braver & de repousser tous les tyrans qui ont ose
les envahir.
S'lL se trouvait quelques uns parmi vous (comme cela est assez frequent dans
tous les etats) qui preferaient la faveur du Ministre & leur interets particuliers
au bien-etre de leur patrie, leurs inclinations interessees les porteront a s'opposer
fortement a toutes les mesures tendantes au bien public, dans Pesperance que leurs
superieurs les recompenseront amplement pour leurs services honteux & indignes:
mais nous ne doutons pas que vous ne ferez en garde contre de telles gens, & nous
esperons que vons ne ferez point un sacrifice de la liberte & du bonheur de tous les
Canadiens, pour gratifier Pavarice & Pambition de quelques particuliers.
Nous ne requerons pas de vous dans cette adresse d'en venir a des voies de
fait contre le Gouvernement de notre Souverain, nous vous engageons seulement
a consulter votre gloire & votre bien-etre, & a ne pas souffrir que des Ministres
infames vous persuadent & vous intimident jusqu'au point de devenir les instrumens
de leur cruaute & de leur despotisme. Nous vous engageons aussi a vous unir a
Illustrative Documents. 129
nous par un pacte social, fonde sur le principe liberal d'une liberte egale, & en-
tretenu par une suite de bons offices reciproques, qui puissent le rendre perpetuel. A
dessein d'effectuer une union si desirable, nous vous prions de considerer s'il ne
ferait convenable que vous vous assembliez chacun dans vos villes & districts re-
spectifs, pour elire des deputes de chaque endroit qui formeraient un Congres Pro-
vincial, duquel vous pourriez choisir des Delegues pour etre envoyes, coninie les
representans de votre Province, au Congres general de . ce continent qui doit ouvrir
ses seances a Philadelphie, le 10 de Mai, 1775.
Dans le present Congres qui a commence le 5 du mois passe, & a continue
jusqu'a ce jour, il a ete resolu unanimement & avec une satisfaction universelle, que
nous regarderions la violation de vos droits, operee par Pacte pour changer le Gou-
vernement de votre Province, comme une violation de notres propres, & que nous
vous inviterions a entrer dans notre confederation, laquelle n'a d'autres objets en
vue que la parfaite assurance des droits civils & naturels de tous les membres qui
la composent, & la preservation d'une liaison heureuse & permanente avec la Grande
Bretagne, fondee sur les principes fondamentaux & salutaires que nous avons ex-
pliques ci-dev.nt. C'est pour parvenir a ces fins que nous avons fait presenter au
Roi, une Requete humble & loyale, le suppliant de vouloir bien nous delivrer de nos
oppressions. Nous avons aussi forme un accord, par lequel nous suspendons 1'im-
portation de toutes sortes de marchandises de la Grande Bretagne & de PIrlande,
apres le premier de Decembre prochain. Comme aussi nous nous engageons a ne
rien transporter de chez nous dans ces Royaumes ou aux Isles de 1'Amerique, apres
le dixieme de Septembre prochain, si nous n'avons pas encore obtenu, dans ce terns
la, la reparation de nos griefs.
QUE de Tout-Puissant daigne vous porte r d'inclination a approuver nos de-
marches justes & necessaires, & a vous joindre a nous, & que lorsque Ton
vous offrira quelques injures que vous serez resolus de ne point souffrir, a ne pas
faire dependre votre sort du peu d'influence que pourrait avoir votre seule Prov-
ince, mais des puissances reunies de 1'Amerique septentrionale; & qu'il veuille ac-
corder a nos travaux unis, un succes aussi heureux que notre cause est juste, est
la fervente priere de nous, vos sinceres & affectionnes Amis & Concitoyens.
PAR ORDRE DU CONGRES,
26 Octobre, 1774.
HENRY MIDDLETON, President.
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 10, p. 120.
Quebec 23d Septr. 1774.
Duplicate
My Lord!
I take the first opportunity that offers of acquainting your Lordship with my
arrival here the 18th instant, where I have had the satisfaction of finding His Ma-
jesty's Canadian Subjects impressed with the strongest sense of The King's great
goodness towards them in the late Act of Regulation for the Government of this
Province; All Ranks of People amongst them vied with each other in testifying
their Gratitude and Respect, and the Desire they have by every Mark of Duty
and Submission to prove themselves not undeserving of the Treatment they have
met with.
In less than four and twenty Hours after my arrival, I received a Letter from
General Gage by Express, signifying the necessity He was under, from the apparent
Disposition of the People in the Province under his immediate Government, to col-
lect all the Force he could bring together, and desiring the 10th and 52d Regiments
might be sent from hence, if they could be spared, without endangering the Peace
130 Illustrative Documents. (
and good order* of this Province; Copies of the Essential Parts of the General's
Letter, and of my answer, are herewith inclosed, which will more fully explain the
matter to your Lordship.
I am with much Esteem and Respect,
Your Lordship's Most Obedient and Most Humble Servant
Guy Carleton.
Earl of Dartmouth
One of His Majesty's Principal
Secretaries of State.
Endorsed:— Quebec 23d Septr 1774
Governor Carleton
(No. 1)
(Dup — Origl. not reed.)
R. 11 Novemr.
Two Inclosures
•}
(85)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 10, p. 122.
Extract of a Letter from General Gage to General Carleton dated Boston
Septr. 4th 1774.
"The present Situation of affairs in this Province obliges me to collect all the
"Force in my Power; I have therefore sent Transports for the 10th and 52d Regiments
"to bring them to this Place, at the same Time I submit to you, whether you think any
"Thing is to be dreaded from the absence of these Corps internally in the Province of
"Quebec during the Winter; for as these Regiments will come down the River so late
"in the year, and may be replaced early in the Spring. I imagine no Danger can be
"apprehended from without. If therefore you think the Fusileers at Quebec, and the
"Part of the 26th at Montreal, with small Detachments from them at Trois Rivieres and
"Chambli, can preserve Peace and good order in1 the Province, I am to beg you will
"order the 10th and 52d Regiments to embark without Delay on board the Transports
"for you will think with me they will have not Time to spare in coming down the
"River St. Lawrence.
"As I must look forward to the worst, from the apparent Disposition of the
"People here, I am to ask your Opinion, whether a Body of Canadians and Indians
"might be collected, and confided in, for the Service in this Country, should matters
"come to Extremities; and on what Plan, and what Measures would be most efficacious
"to raise them, and for them to form a Junction with the King's Forces in this
"Province."
G.C.
Endorsed: — Extract of a Letter from General Gage to General Carleton dated Boston
Septr. 4th 1774.
In Governor Carleton's of the 23d Septr. No. 1.
Extract of General Carleton's answer to Genl. Gage dated Quebec 20th Septr. 1774.
"Your Express reached this Place yesterday Evening, about twenty Hours after my
"arrival; Pilots are sent down the River, the 10th and 52nd shall be ready to embark
"at a moment's Notice, and you directed."
"The Canadians have testified to me the strongest marks of joy, and Gratitude,
"and Fidelity to the King, and to His Government, for the late arrangements made
"at Home in their Favor; a Canadian Regiment would compleat their Happiness which
"in Time of Need might be augmented to two, three, or more Battalions, tho' for
"the Satisfaction of the Province, and till the Kings Service might require more, one
"would be sufficient, and I am convinced their Fidelity and zeal might be depended
"on; should this measure be at length adopted (which I have long since Recom-
"mended( 'tis essentially necessary their appointments should be the same as the rest
"of the Infantry, with half pay, in case they should be reduced; the Savages of this
"Province,! hear, are in very good Humor, a Canadian Battalion would be a great
"motive, and go far to influence them but you know what sort of People they are,"
G. C.
Endorsed: — Extract of General Carleton's answer to General Gage dated Quebec
20th Septr. 1774.
In Governor Carleton's of the 23d Sepr. No. 1.
Illustrative Documents. 131
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 10, p. 125.
Whitehall 10th Peer. 1774.
Governor Carleton
Sir
I have received your Dispatch of the 23d of Septr acquainting me with your
arrival at Quebec and that you found His Majesty's Canadian Subjects impressed
with a just sense of His Majesty's Goodness to them, and highly satisfied and pleased
with the Regulations adopted for the future Government of the Colony.
As you are silent as to the sentiments of His Majesty's natural born Subjects
in Canada respecting the late Act, I am not at liberty to conclude that they enter-
tain the same opinion of it, but the King trusts that when the Provisions of it have
taken place and His Majesty's gracious Intentions with respect to the Plan of Judi-
cature that is to be established are well known, prejudice which popular clamour
has excited, will cease, and that His Majesty's Subjects of every description will see
and be convinced of the Equity and good Policy of the Bill.
It will be your care, Sir, at the same time you express to the King's new adopted
subjects His Majesty's gracious approbation of the affection and Respect they have
shewn for His Government, to endeavour by every Argument which your own good
sense will suggest to you, to persuade the natural born subjects of the justice &
propriety of the present form of Government and of the attention that has been shewn
to their Interests not only in the adoption of the English Laws, as far as it was
consistent with what was due to the just claims and moderate wishes of the Canadians
but in the opening to the British Merchant, by an Extension of the Province, so
many new channels of important commerce.
You will have seen, by the public prints, that Mr. Hey has been elected for
Sandwich in the new Parliament and will naturally conclude that he has no Intention
of returning to Quebec; but I have the Satisfaction to acquaint you, that is not the
case, and that he is resolved to return to Quebec in the Character of Chief Justice
although he should be under the necessity of relinquishing his Seat in Parliament which
however we hope and think may be avoided, and I mention this with the greater
Pleasure, knowing how great a satisfaction it must be to you to have his advice
and opinion upon the many important Objects that remain to be provided for.
It is very much to be wished that the season of the year would admit of his
being the Bearer of your Commission and Instructions, and of the notifications of
His Majesty's pleasure with regard to the Variety of Arrangements which are to be
made; but as that cannot be, I propose to send them to you by the next New York
Packet "under cover to Lieut. Govr. Golden, with Directions to him to see them con-
veyed to you from New York by a proper Messenger and with all possible Dispatch.
>I am &c.
Dartmouth.
Endorsed: — Drat, to Govr. Carleton
10th December 1774
(No. 14)
Entd.
(87)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11, p. 290.
(Secret) (Copy) Quebec 4th Feby 1775.
Sir
As this goes by Lt. Cleveland of the 7th, I will venture to be more explicit
about what you mention of the Canadians and Indians in your Letter of 25th Deer
last, than I thought it prudent to do by Post, as one may naturally suppose, those,
who seem resolved to force their Country into Rebellion, Jealous of the correspondence
132 Illustrative Documents.
may intercept pur Letters, to make themselves masters of the correspondence, and
should those Disorders continue, as there is too much Reason to apprehend, I submit
it to your consideration, whether it may not be proper to send me a Cypher, for the
greater Security of our Correspondence on matters of a secret nature.
The Canadians in general have been made very happy by the Act passed in their
Favor, all that have spoke, or wrote to me upon the subject, express the most grate-
ful sense of what has been done for them; I must not however conceal from your
Excellency, that the Gentry, well disposed, and heartily desirous as they are, to serve
the Crown, and to serve it with zeal, when formed into regular corps, do not relish
commanding a bare Militia, they never were used to that Service under the French
Government, (and perhaps for good Reasons) besides the sudden Dismission of the
Canadian Regiment raised in 1764, without gratuity or Recompence to Officers, who
engaged in our Service almost immediately after the cession of the Country, or tak-
ing any notice of them since, tho' they all expected half pay, is still uppermost in
their Thoughts, and not likely to encourage their engaging a second Time in the same
way; As to the Habitans or Peasantry, ever since the Civil Authority has been
introduced into the Province, the Government of it has hung so loose, and retained so
little Power, they have in a manner emancipated themselves, and it will require Time,
and discreet management likewise, to recall them to their ancient Habits of obedi-
ence and Discipline; considering all the new Ideas they have been acquiring for these
ten years past, can it be thought they will be pleased at being suddenly, and without
Preparation embodied into a Militia, and marched from their Families, Lands, and
Habitations to remote Provinces, and all the Horrors of war, which they have already
experienced. It would give an appearance of Truth to the Language of our Sons of
Sedition, at this very moment busily employed instilling into their minds, that the
Act was passed meerly to serve the present Purposes of Government, and in the full
Intention of ruling over them with all the Despotism of their ancient Masters —
It may be further observed, that the Act is more than the foundation of future
Establishments; that the new Commissions and Instructions, expected out, are not
yet arrived, and that the Dissolution of the present Constitution, if it deserves the
name, and Establishment of the new one, are still at some Distance; at that Period,
upon the first of May every civil Regulation, at present existing, is annihilated, and
the whole to be cast into a new Form, a work that must necessarily be attended with
some Difficulty, and will require Time, consideration, and great Prudence, for which
it is not in our Power to prepare, untill the final Determination of the Ministry upon
all these matters is known; had the present Settlement taken Place, when first
recommended, it would not have roused the Jealousy of the other Colonies, and had
the appearance of more disinterested Favor to the Canadians; many advantages
might have resulted therefrom at this Juncture, which must now be deferred to a
more distant occasion.
"Since it could not be done before, this would prove a fair opportunity for rais-
ing a Battalion or two of Canadians; such a measure might be of singular use, in
finding Employment for, and consequently firmly attaching, the Gentry, to our Interests
in restoring them to a significance, they have nearly lost, and through their means
obtaining a further Influence upon the Lower class of People, a material service to
the State, besides that of effectually securing many nations of Savages."
As to the Indians, Government having thought it expedient to let matters go in
that channel, I have ever considered the late Sir Wm. Johnson, to whom, I suppose,
Colonel Guy Johnson succeeds, as having their Political concerns under his immediate
Direction, with which I never interfered further, than their commercial Interests, or
the private Property, they possess in the Country, required, and upon this Principle
Major Campbell's Commission was granted; however, if I am not greatly deceived
in my Intelligence, not only the Domicilies of the Province, but all the neighbouring
Indians are very much at your Disposal, whenever you are pleased to call upon them,
and what you recommend shall be complied with —
Left to my own speculations in this retired corner, without Intelligence of what
passes in Europe till very long after the Event, and from a knowledge of the present
Continental Transactions only, I entertain no Doubt, our Army is by this Time augment-
ing, and that as soon as the navigation opens, some Troops from Britain will be
sent up this River, and in my opinion, it should not be an inconsiderable force; if we
are to have a French war, this corps will become indispensably necessary here, if not,
Illustrative Documents. 133
it might effectually second your Intentions, prevent much Effusion of Blood and Trea-
sure, and procure the speedy Decision of a contest, rendered more dangerous by every
moment's Delay; the strong easily find Friends, and no Doubt they might readily
procure a multitude of excellent guides, who will lead the way on any service you
should think right to direct — &c.
(Signed)
Guy Carleton
(a true copy)
H. T. Cramahe.
His Excy General Gage
Endorsed: — Copy of a Letter from Genl. Carleton to Genl. Gage, dated
Quebec 4th Febry. 1775.
In Lieut. Governor Cramahe's Letter of the 9th Novr.
(88)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11, p. 147.
Quebec 6th April 1775.
My Lord!
The Parcel, dispatch from Your Lordship's Office by the January Packet, contain-
ing your Circular Letter of the 4th of said Month, and the one No. 15, with His
Majesty's new Commissions and Instructions, in consequence 6f the Acts for regulating
the Province, was safely delivered the 3d instant.
In the 56th Instruction, stating the Salaries and Bounties, His Majesty has gra-
ciously been pleased to grant to the civil officers &c. of His Government in this Prov-
ince, the Article of Contingencies is set down at one thousand Pounds; if on any occa-
sion I am more particularly anxious of clearly understanding the King's Intentions,
in Order to have them punctually obeyed, 'tis in money concerns; I therefore trouble
Your Lordship with a Request that in your next Letter you will be pleased to ex-
plain to me more fully for what/ this sum is designed.
The inclosed Paper is a copy of some Intelligence sent me from Montreal by
yesterday's Post, the last Paragraph is confirmed from several Quarters, with this
addition, that these Deputies from the Massachusetts Report, should the Canadians not
join them in their measures, this Province will be overrun by fifty thousand Men from
New England, and laid waste with Fire and sword; this Paper exhibits a Specimen
of the Intrigues and Cabals carried on all the last Winter, and which are still likely to
continue.
I am with much Respect and Esteem
Your Lordship's Most Obedient and Most Humble Servant
Guy Carleton.
Earl of Dartmouth
One of His Majesty's
Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed: — Quebec 6th April 1775.
Governor Carleton
(No. 10)
R. 12th June
(1 Inclosure) *
Entd.
Concerning the Expence requisite to carry into Execution the foregoing Plan for
the Administration of Justice in the Province of Quebeck.
These sums added together make an increase of expence in the province, incurred
since the date Quebeck-act, of £5650 sterling per annum. And there is another new ar-
ticle of expence, which, I imagine to be considerable from the number of persons
who are the objects of it, but of which I do not know the exact amount. I mean a
134 Illustrative Documents.
half-pay, which was given in the beginning of last May, (when the Quebeck-act was
to have taken place,) to several Canadian, or French, officers; who had gone in the year
1763, or 1764, (at the request of general Murray, who was at that time governour of
the province), upon a military expedition into the upper, or Indian, country, to oblige
the Indians, (who had either continued the war against the English colonies, or be-
gun a new one, after his Majesty had made peace with the French king,) to lay
down their arms and make peace with all his Majesty's subjects. I have been told,
that several of the Canadian, or French, inhabitants of the province, engaged in that
service with alacrity, and went into the Indian country, to make war upon the In-
dians, and reduce them to terms of peace by force of arms, if they had stood out
any longer, and that the presence of these Canadians amongst the Indians on that
occasion, (to many of whom they were known,) contributed very much to strike ter-
ror into the latter, and persuade them to make peace with the English: since Which
time there have beenvno Indian disturbances. This was certainly a very considerable
service to his Majesty, and to the province, for which the persons, who so chearfully
undertook it, deserved both thanks and a reward. I was not at that time in the prov-
ince; and therefore do not know the exact particulars of this affair. But I have
been told that, at the time, little notice was taken of them on account of this ex-
pedition, and that they met with no reward. But now of late, those of them who had
served as officers on that occasion, have had good amends made them for this long
delay of publick gratitude, during eleven or twelve years, by receiving each of them a
pension which is to be continued for their lives, equal to the half-pay of the commission,
in which he served on that expedition. Perhaps, this may seem going into a contrary
extreme to that of the negligent treatment they are said to have met with immediate-
ly after their return from that expedition, when the gratitude of government for
the service they had just rendered, ought naturally to have been warmest: and some
people will be apt to doubt, whether this liberality has been exhibited towards them
from the single motive of pure gratitude for their past service, or whether it was
partly intended as an encouragement to them and their friends to engage again in
the military life, and make war upon their neighbours of New-England; especially if
they reflect on the hint given in the letter signed Le Canadien Patriote, about Rais-
ing a Canadian regiment. But if this was the motive to this measure, the disin-
clination of the lower class of Canadians to engage in so odious a service, has com-
pletely spoiled the project. Though I don't know the amount of this half-pay, I pre-
sume it cannot be less than £1350 sterling a year, which with the former sums al-
ready mentioned, will make the increase of the publick expence of the old province,
(as bounded by the King's proclamation in 1763, since the passing of .the Quebeck-act,
amount to £7000 a year. Surely, when the publick money is thus freely dealt about
in the province, the expence of £6300 ought not to be thought an obstacle to the
establishment of the foregoing plan for the administration of justice in the province,
if it be judged to be a very convenient plan for the purpose, and likely to give great
satisfaction to the Canadians.
(Additional papers concerning the Province of Quebeck, by Francis Maseres, Lon-
don, 1776, Pp. 372-5.)
(89)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11, p. 161.
(No. 11) Quebec 15th May 1775.
My Lord!
Inclosed Your Lordship will receive a Copy of the Intelligence transmitted to me
since my last, of the further Proceedings of some of the turbulent spirits at Mont-
real, and the attempt of the Massachusets, to avail themselves of their Disposition,
in order to gain or intimidate the Canadians, and even to tamper with the Indians,
settled in Villages towards the Upper Part of the St. Lawrence; this Embassy how-
ever, I believe, has failed of their aim, and returned with little else than Promises
of a few Individuals to render them all services in their Power.
The first of May was marked by a pretty extraordinary Transaction, as your
Lordship will be able to judge by a copy of the account transmitted to me, here-
with inclosed, which has been attended with some consequences; Rewards having
Illustrative Documents. 135
been offered by Government, the Civil, and Military, at Montreal, for discovering the
Perpetrators of the Insult upon the Bust, while these were proclaiming:, and a crowd
assembled thereupon, some ill Language and Blows passed between a Canadian Gentle-
man of some note, Monsieur Bellestre, and a young man born and bred in Philadel-
phia, .not long settled at Montreal; the Judges, through Excess of zeal, laid hold of
the words ^that had given offence to the Canadian Gentleman, as you will see by the
inclosed copy of the account sent me of the affair, to commit the young man to Gaol,
and refused at first to admit him to Bail.
But the Attorney General's opinion having been sent to them by Express, they
agreable thereto set him free; indeed they had, the Day after his Commitment, of-
fered to accept his Bail, which he then refused —
Since the young Man's Release, some of the old subjects at Quebec have presented
me a Petition, and those at Montreal a Remonstrance, complaining very grievously
of the affair, from all which, I suppose, they intend making as great a Bustle about
it, as they can; they have however failed in their attempts with the Canadians,
who, tho* much importuned, refused to sign either.
A copy of the Minutes of the old Council from the first of the present year
to the 23rd April, which closed it, is likewise herewith transmitted.
I am with much Respect and Esteem
Your Lordship's Most obedient and Most Humble Servant
Guy Carleton.
Earl of Dartmouth
One of His Majesty's Principal
Secretaries of State.
P.S. — I have received by the March Packet your Lordship's Circular Dispatches of
25th February and 3rd March with the Papers therein inclosed. G.C.
Endorsed:— Quebec 15th May 1775.
Governor Carleton
(No. 11)
R. 12th July.
Nine Inclosures.
Extract of a Letter from Montreal dated 3d Apl. 1775.
Les sujets entetes de la pretendue Liberte ne cessent de repandre des Libelles
de toute Espece et cherchent a intimider les pauvres Canadiens en leur faisant en-
tendre que si ils ne se joignent a eux qu'il viendra cinquante mille Hommes pour
detruire les Villes et rendre les Habitans Malheureus. II est arrive plusieurs An-
glois sous pretexte d'acheter des cheveaux qui font courir le Bruit que Monsieur
Gage ne peut plus soutenir et sera bientot contraint de se retirer et bien d'autres Dis-
cours semblables, on assure qu'il s'est tenu deux Assemblies 1'un a la Ville et 1'autre
a la Chine dans lesquels etoient quelques uns de ses nouveaux arrivans mais tout
est secret pour nous.
G. C.
Endorsed: — Extract of a Letter from Montreal 3rd April 1775.
a.
In Governor Carleton's Letter of the 15th May No. 11.
(2)
( Translation)
Extract of a Letter from Montreal, dated 3d April, 1775.
The people obsessed with sham Liberty do not cease to spread Slanders of every
Description and try to intimidate the poor Canadians by making them believe that if
they do not join them, fifty thousand men will come to destroy their Towns and
make the Habitans miserable. Several English have come here under pretext of
buying horses who spread the Report that Mr. Gage cannot hold out and will soon be
obliged to withdraw and other similar Tales, they assure me that two meetings
have been held one in the Town and the other at La Chine at which some of these
new comers were present but all is a secret to us.
Endorsed: —
Extract of a Letter from Montreal.
3rd April, 1775.
a.
In Governor Carleton's Letter of the 15th May No. 11.
136 Illustrative Documents.
(90)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11, pp. 1&4-6.
Paper of Intelligence from Montreal 3rd Apl. 1775.
There are some People lately come into this Province from New England who I
suspect are no better than they should be. One is gone to Quebec, and as I am
informed a second is at three Rivers and a third remains here the last gives out that
he is come to buy a Pair of Horses, but I am very apprehensive has other schemes in
view, as he is very often with the Merchants of this Town, and I am told there are
two or three more at La Prairie, and that last Saturday, some of the Merchants and
they had a meeting at La Chine, but cannnot find out their Business, but am appre-
hensive their meeting was for no good purpose. v
G. C.
Endorsed: — Paper of Intelligence from Montreal 3rd Apl. 1775.
a.
In Governor Carleton's Letter of the 15th May No. 11.
(1)
(91)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11, p. 149.
Copy of Intelligence from Montreal received the 5th of April 1775.
Le 22me Fevrier 1775 lors que J'entrai ches Monsieur La taille Cure a St. Charles
sur la Riviere de Chambli, Je trouvai ce Monsieur lisant une Traduction imprimmee de
PAdresse du Congres aux Canadiens qu'un Anglois que je ne connoissois pas, ni Mr
La Taille, venoit de lui presenter a lire. Ce Cure apres 1'avoir parcouru tres succinte-
ment, le lui rendit en lui disant que cela lui paroissoit mauvais, et qu'il n'en avoit
nullement Besoin.
Get Anglois que J'ai sc.u depuis peu de jours se nommer Woolsey, nous dit que
le But de cet Ecrit etoit de detourner les Habitans de prendre les Armes contre eux,
craignant que ce ne soit le Dessein du Gouvernement; et qu'il etoit bien a propos
que ces Messieurs eussent une Reponse.
Je lui demandai d'ou il avoit eu cette Brochure, et il me dit que Mr. Burk
Greffier, qui en avoit 4 a 5 sur sa table lui avoit donne celle la. Je crois mais sans
certitude, que le meme Woolsey, en a distribue de semblables du cote de la Chenaye,
il me dit qu'il avoit Desir d'en procurer une au Cure de Terrebonne.
Le Jeudi 9me Mars, Je vis descendre ches Ferries Cantinier sur le Marche de cette
Ville un Homme a cheval que je jugeai venir des Colonies, il en etoit en Effet; II
repartit le lendemain a la meme Heure, (a 3 heures apres midi) emmenant avec lui
deux autres chevaux qu'il ayoit eu du Sieur Perineau pour un Negre. Ferries m'a
dit que cet Homme etoit envoye par un nomme Thomas qui vient ordinairement
acheter des chevaux.
Le meme jour 9me Mars Mr. Measam Marchand Anglois, me dit sur le marche
que L'Homme dont Je viens de parler, rapportoit que les Bastonnois avoient des Troupes
sur Pied, et 30 Pieces de canon; et que d'autres Colonies avoient jusqu'a dix mille
Hommes a leur Solde le tout pour s'opposer aux Troupes du Roi et se preserver du
Despotisme que le Ministere vouloit etablir dans ce Continent. Comme je badinois sur
ce Despotisme, Mr. Walker qui n'etoit pas eloigne, le joignit, et dit a Mr. Measam
que J'avois Raison qu'il n'y avoit pas de Despotisme en France: (que ce Dernier avoit
cite pour Exemple.) mais que les Peuples des Colonies etoient de braves Gens, qui
ne vouloient pas etre Esclaves et qui Defendroient leur Liberte et leurs Droits tant
qu'ils auroient du Sang; Disant cela, il s'etoit tourne du cote d'un asses grand nombre
d'Habitans qui nous ecoutoient et comme Je lui dis que tout cela s'accommoderoit;
qu'au surplus nous n'etions point Juges entre L'Angleterre et ses colonies, avec du
Sang me dit il, on lavera les Taches que le Ministere a faites a la constitution; il
faut du Sang et quelques annees, et tout sera arrange, il ne tient qu'a vous autres
d'etre libres, Vous touches au moment si vous voules en profite.
Je repondis a Mr. Walker, ces gens qui vous ecoutent ainsi que moi n'ont jamais
ete Esclaves, pas plus que vous; et notre soumission au Roi et a son Gouvernement,
nous assure que nous serons toujours libres.
Illustrative Documents. 137
Comment appelles vous Le Roi me dit il, Mon Souverain lui repondis Je, Mon
Seigneur et mon Maitre, II est mon Souveran repondit il mais il n'est pas mon
Maitre.
Je le laissai en lui disant II sera votre Maitre comme le Mien de quelque nom
ciue vous L'Apellies, mais Je vous prie ne parlons plus sur cette matiere; Mrs. St.
George Dupre et Le Pallieur etoient presens et plusieurs autres que Je n'ai pas
remarque.
II m'a ete dit hier que quelques Deputes de Boston etoient venu depuis quelques
Jours par la Riviere Kinibeki et avoient apporte des Lettres a Monsieur Macaulay de
Quebec et a Mr. Walker de cette Ville; on m'a aussi assure que Hier Samedi plusieurs
Marchands de cette Ville s 'etoient assembles a La Chine avec ces pretendus Deputes.
Montreal le 2. Avril 1775.
G. C.
Endorsed: — Copy of Intelligence received from Montreal oth April 1775.
In Govr. Carleton's (No. 10) of 6th April 1775.
(Translation)
Copy of Intelligence received the 5th April, 1775. ^
On the 22nd February last, when I entered the house of Mons. La Taille, Cure
of St. Charles on the River Chambly, I found this Gentleman reading a printed
Translation of the address from Congress to the Canadians which an Englishman whom
I did not Know nor did Mr. La Taille, had given him to read. This Cure after hav-
ing looked through it very briefly gave it back to him saying that it seemed bad to
him and that he had no need of it.
The Englishman whom I had Known for a few days by the name of Woolsey
told us that the purpose of this Paper was to deter the Inhabitants from taking up
Arms against them fearing that this was the Design of the Government and that it was
advisable that these Gentlemen should have a Reply.
I asked him from whom he had received this Pamphlet and he said that Mr. Burk,
Recorder, who had 4 or 5 on his table had given him this one. I believe, without
being sure, that the said Woolsey had distributed others similar in the region of la
Chenaye, he told me that he desired to obtain one for the Cure of Terrebonne.
On Thursday, 9th March I saw a horseman alight at the house of Ferries,
Sutler at the market in this Town whom I guessed had come from the Colonies, he
had in Fact: He went away the next day at the same Hour (3 o'clock in the after-
noon) taking with him two other horses which he had obtained from Mr. Perineau
for a Negro. Ferries told me that this man was sent by a person named Thomas
who usually came to buy horses.
The same day 9th March, Mr. Measam an English merchant told me on the
market that the man of whom I speak reported that the People of Boston had raised
Troops with 30 Pieces of cannon; and that other Colonies had as many as ten thou-
sand men in their pay, all to oppose the Troops of the King and preserve them from
the Despotism which the Ministry wished to establish in this Continent. As I made
a jest on this Despotism, Mr. Walker, who was not far away, joined him and said
to Mr. Measam that I was right, there1 was no Despotism in France (which the Lat-
ter had quoted as an Exemple) but that the People of the Colonies were brave Fellows,
who did not wish to be Slaves, and would Defend their Liberty and their Rights while
they had Blood. Saying this he turned towards a large number of Habitans who were
listening to us and as I said to him that all this would be settled; that moreover we
were not Judges betweeji England and her colonies; with Blood, he said to me, they
would wash out the Stains the ministry had made upon the constitution; there must
be Blood and some years, and all would be settled, he held that you others should be
free, you could be so at once if you wished to profit by it.
I replied to Mr. Walker, these people who listen to you as .well as myself have
never been slaves any more than you; and our submission to the King and his Gov-
ernment assures us that we will always be free.
How do you call The King he said to me. He is my Sovereign I replied, "My
Lord and my Master." He is my Sovereign he answered but he is not my Master.
I left him saying He will be your Master as well as Mine by whatever name
you call Him but I beg you not to say any more on this matter. Messrs St. George
Dupre and Le Pailleur were present and several more whom I did not notice.
138 Illustrative Documents.
I was told yesterday that some Delegates from Boston had come up several
Days before by the Kinibeki River and brought Letters to Mr. Macaulay of Quebec
and Mr. Walker of this Town; they also assured me yesterday that on Saturday sev-
eral merchants from this Town had a meeting with these so-called Delegates at
Lachine.
Montreal 2 April 1775.
G. C.
Endorsed: Copy of Intelligence received from Montreal 5th April, 1775.
In Govr. Carleton's (No. 10) of 6th April 1775.
Extract of a Letter from Montreal dated 6th April 1775.
I had the Honor of informing your Excellency last Post of the arrival of several
People from New England and of one in particular that remained here, the Day before
yesterday most of the Merchants as well as most of the English Scotch and Irish of
this Town assembled at the Coffee House here, and were harangued by the New Eng-
lander; I am told their assembling was to chuse two Deputies to send to the Con-
gress to be held at Philadelphia on the 10th of next May —
Endorsed: — Extract of a Letter from Montreal dated 6th April 1775.
.a.
"In Governor Carleton's Letter of the 15th May No. 11.
(3) ,
(92)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11, p. 167.
Extract of a Letter from Montreal dated 7th April 1775.
I take the opportunity of informing your Excellency more particularly in Regard
to the New Englander. His name is Brown, is an Attorney by Profession and a n\em-
ber of the Provincial Committee at Cambridge. At the Assembly of the Merchants
&c. at the coffee House on Tuesday last,. a Letter was produced brought by said
Brown and read; it was addressed to Thomas Walker Esqr. Messieurs Todd, Blake
Price, Heywood and to all the Friends of Liberty, the purport of the Letter is to
represent the Cause of the Americans in the best Light it will bear holding up the
late Acts of the British Legislature as oppressive and unconstitutional, the enforcing
of them in the mode at present adopted, as tyrannical setting forth to the Committee
of Montreal, and the Canadians in general, how essential it will be to the Americans,
if this Colony joins in the common cause.
Signed Adams Mackay-Warren.
After the Letter was read and said Brown and Mr. Walker who is a great
Republican had harangued a considerable time in support of the Letter; a Motion was
made by them for establishing a committee of observation in Montreal for correspon-
ding with the Committee at Cambridge, and to elect two Delegates to attend the gen-
eral Continental Congress to be held at Philadelphia on the 10th of next May, but
it did not answer their Purpose, as none present came into their way of thinking
and the Assembly broke up without anything being done that was proposed by those
opposers of Government, but since that, I have been informed, that Messieurs Walker
Blake, Price, Heywood and Measam intend answering the Letter wrote by Adams
Mackay and Warren, Mr. Todd having refused having any thing to do with the
Letter or it's Contents said Brown is endeavouring to intimidate the Canadians by
assuring them, that if a man of them should dare to take up arms and act against
the Bostonians, thirty thousand of them will immediately march into Canada and lay
waste the whole Country.
G. C.
Endorsed: — Extract of a Letter from Montreal dated 7th Apl. 1775.
— a —
In Governor Carleton's Letter of the 15th May No. 11.
Illustrative Documents. 139
(93)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11, pp. 169-173.
Paper of Intelligence from Montreal 10th April 1775..
Mardi 4 Avril Mr. De dit en ma presence a Mr. De qu'il
sortoit a 1'instant de ches le Sieur on etoient Mr Brassier Pretre et Procureur
du Seminaire, et le Sieur Thomas Walker, que ce dernier avoit dit a cet Ecclesi-
astique Je ne scai a quel propos que peu a peu Lui et les autres s'appercevroient des Des-
seins du Ministere, dont le But etoit de les depuiller de leurs Droits et de leurs Biens,
que le saul moyen de s'assurer Tun et 1'autre, seroit d'envoyer deux Deputes au pro-
chain Congres, qui les maintiendroit, M. De sortit sur ce Propos.
G. C.
Endorsed: — Paper of Intelligence from Montreal 10th Apl. 1775.
— a —
(5)
( Translation)
Paper of Intelligence from Montreal 10th April, 1775.
Tuesday 4th April Mr De. . . said in my presence to Mr. De that
he came at that moment from the house of M where were Mr. Brassier,
Priest and Proctor of the Seminary, and Mr. Thomas Walker, that the latter had
said to this Ecclesiantic I do not Know in what connection, that bit by bit He and
others would see through the Designs of the Ministry, whose object was to deprive
them of their Rights and Property, that the only means of protecting both would be
to send two Delegates to the next Congress who would maintain them. Mr. De
came away on this Remark.
Endorsed: — Paper of Intelligence from Montreal 10th Aprl. 1775.
a
In Governor Carleton's Letter of the 15th May No. 11.
Extract of a Letter from Montreal dated 1st May 1775.
I am extremely sorry to have to inform your Excellency that a most daring Insult
was done last night to the King's Bust on the Place D'Armes. The Face was dis-
figured, circle or chapelet of Potatoes round the neck and a wooden cross with a Label
in these words Voila le Pape de Canada ou le Sot Anglois.
G. C.
Endorsed: — Extract of a Letter from Montreal dated 1st May 1775.
In Governor Carleton's Letter of the 15th May No. 11.
(6)
Extract of a Letter from Montreal dated 4th May 1775.
I am sorry I am obliged to trouble your Excellency with the Recital of an affair
that happened the Day before yesterday. At the Publication of a Reward of fifty
Guineas offered by the Officers of the 26th Regiment for apprehending the Person
or Persons guilty of the late Insult on His Majesty's Bust, Mr. Bellestre who was
then present called out aloud He should be very glad the detestable wretches who
could be guilty of so infamous an action were discovered, and that he would with
pleasure see them whipt by the Hands of the Hangman and then turned out of the
Province that the Punishment would be too lenient, for they deserved to be hanged
upon which a young Man by the name of Franks (son of Mr. Franks of Quebec) stept .
forth, and in a sneering way answered, hanged! what for such a Trifle. Mr. Belletre re-
plied what do you look upon the Transaction as a Trifle; You are a giddy headed inso-
lent Spark. Franks returned him several very injurious Replies which so exasperated
Mr. Belletre that he took him by the nose, Franks returned the compliment by a Blow
with his fist over the right Eye which deprived the old gentleman of his senses for some
time and was the occasion of the Loss of some Blood. An Information was taken
at Mr. Belletre's House yesterday and said' Franks committed to Gaol, the same
afternoon and much about the same time Solomon a Jew Merchant being about the
Parade near the King's Bust called out he believed some Canadian Scoundrel was
the Author of the Insult on the Bust, Mr. Le Pailleur being present answered he made
140 Illustrative Documents.
no Doubt but it might have been performed by a Jew. Solomon replied what do you
say Sir, Mr. Le Pailleur repeated as before; upon which Solomon knocked him down,
the consequence was he was apprehended and obliged to give Bail, it gives me great
concern things are carried these Lengths as they may be the cause of much mischief,
at least of ill Blood if not timely prevented. My Opinion is a few of my Countrymen
are the Cause of the whole, as I take the Canadians to be very good subjects and very
inoffensive.
G.C.
Endorsed: — Extract of a Letter from Montreal dated 4 the May 1775.
c.
In Governor Carleton's Letter of the 15th May, No. 11.
Extract of a Letter from Montreal dated the 4th May 1775.
At these Publications some People from words went to Blows — Mr. Bellestre
having heard one of these Publications, called out he would be very happy that the
Author was found out, and concluded by saying that he even deserved to be hanged,
to which a young man of the name of Franks (they say a son of Mr. John Franks of
Quebec,) replied in the following words, which are the words of Mr. Bellestre on Oath:
a Quoi un Jeune Homme, qu'il a su depuis se nommer Franks, auroit repondu avec
aigreur qu'on ne pendoit point pour si peu de chose, et que cela ne valoit point la
Peine, ce qu'il auroit publiquement et plusieurs fois reitere, upon these and some other
words M. Bellestre took the young man by the nose, on which the young man beat'
him pretty roundly so as not to be fit to come out.
G. C.
Endorsed: — Extract of a Letter from Montreal dated 4th May 1775;
In Governor Carleton's Letter of the 15th May 1775. No. 11.
INDEX
Abbittibi, Lake - 11
Abenaqui, Indians, 20, 21, 24, 26, 28
Abraham, Plains of, battle on 39
Acadia, Colony of, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20,
21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 33
Adams, Mr. mentioned 138
Aix-la-Chapelle, peace of 27
Albany, Fort 11
Albany, N. Y. city of, 14, 15, 16, 19,
20, 22, 31, 32, 36, 48, 90, 93
Algonquin, Indians, 24, 26
Allegany, River, 28
Amherst, General, 43, 44, 62, 65, 78,
83, 84, 86
Amiot, family of, 9
Anadin, John, mentioned, 79, 80
Annapolis, Royal, .' 22, .26
Anticosti, Island of, . . 95
Aubert de la Chesnaye, 10
Aubert, family of, 24
Aubert, Lieutenant, 117
Aubert, seigneur, 105. 107
B
Baby, family of, 8
Baie Saint-Paul, 39
Bailleul, Ensign de, 30
Bailly, a cadet, 114
Barollon, Lieutenant, 117
Bartholome, an Indian trader 108
Batiscan, parish of, 4, 7, 78
Bayeulle, Lieutenant, 116
Baynes, Ensign, mentioned, 63
Beam, regiment of, 41
Beaubassin, Lieutenant, mentioned 20, 114
Beaubassin, village of, mentioned 26
Beaucourt, M. de 20
Beauharnois, Marquis de, 23, 25, 27
Beaujeau, Captain, 116
Beaujeu, M. de 30
Beaumont, M. de 115
Beaumont, parish of, 47, 72, 73
Beauport, battle of 39
Beauport, parish of, 15
Beaupre, parish of. 15, 17, 24
Beausejour, fort, 29
Becancour, Baron de, 13, 17
Becancour, Seigneury of, 13
Beccaria, Marquis de, mentioned,.... 125
Beckwith, Colonel, mentioned, 56, 59, 60
Bedford, Duke of, mentioned 109
Bellestre, Captain de...H4, 135, 139, 140
Bellestre, M. de >* 36
Bellestre, Lieutenant 117
Benoit, Cadet 114
Benoit, Captain de 117
Bergeron, an Indian trader 108
Berkshire County, Mass., mentioned 27
Berranger, Captain 116
Berthier, Parish of 8, 11
Berry, regiment of 41
Bisone, a French frigate 21
Blainville, Lieutenant 117
Blake, Mr., mentioned 138
Blaquiere, Colonel, mentioned 123
Bleury, Lieutenant, 114, 117
Bleury, M. de 115
Blois, M 105, 107
Boishebert, Captain lie
Bona Vista, Nfd., fort 18, 20
Bonne, M. de 39
Bonne, Captain A. de 41
Boston, Mass., City of, mentioned...
15, 20, 21, 51
Bostonians, mentioned 136, 137, 138
Boucher, family of 24
'Boucher de la Perriere 18, 21
Boucher, M 115
Boucher, Pierre 3, 8
Boucherville, Ensign 117
Boucherville, M 115
Boucherville, parish of 12
Boucherville, Ensign de 41
Bougainville, Colonel 37, 38
Bouquet, Colonel Henry 45
Bourdon, M ; 8
Braddock, General, mentioned ....... 30
Bradstreet, Colonel John.. 36, 44, 48, 93
Brash, Captain, mentioned 121, 122
Bristol, Pa 49
Brassier, a Priest, mentioned. 139
Broquerie, M. de la, mentioned 32
Brown, Captain, mentioned 60, 65, 66,
68, 70, 99
Brown, Colonel, mentioned 66
Brown, John, an attorney, mentioned 138
Bruyon, Lieutenant, mentioned 83
Burk, Mr., mentioned 136, 137
Burton, Colonel Ralph, mentioned, 41,
45, 46, 47, 54, 55, 65, 66, 72, 76,
78, 80, 88,... 97
Burton, Colonel Ralph, letters from,
55, 56, 63, 70, 80, 83, 85, 88, 90,
91, 93
Burton, Colonel Ralph, letters to, 53,
58, 73, 74, 76, 77, 79, 81, 82, 83,
84, 87, 92, 94, 95, 97, 98, 99
Cabanac, Ensign de 116
Cahokia, mentioned 23
Calcraft, Mr., mentioned 92
Callieres, M. de, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20
Calvet, Pierre du, quoted 48, 101
Campbell, Major, mentioned 132
141
142
INDEX
Canut, Lieutenant 116
Carbonniere 18
Carignan-Salieres, regiment of, 6, 7, 8
Carillon, 32, 93
Cape Hosiers 95
Cardaniere, M. la 115
Carleton, Sir Guy, mentioned, 49, 50,
51, 52, 104, 106, 107, 120, 121,
123, 136, 138, 139, 140
" letters from, 108, 109, 112, 118,
129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134,.. 135
" letters to, 120, 130, 131
Carre, M 15
Carqueville, Lieutenant Drouet de . . . 30
Cascades, fort 16
Casco, bay 13
Catalogne, Captain de 47, 100
Catalogne, Ensign 114
Cataraqui, fort, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17,
18, 26
Caughnawaga, Indians, 95
Caughnawaga, village, 48, 90, 91
Cayuga, Indians, 18
TJedars, military post at 90
Celoron, Captain 116 A
Celeron, Ensign 117
Celoron/, Lieutenant 114
Celeron, de Blainville 27
Celeron, M. de 23
Census of Canada, 3^7, 9, 23, 26, 38, 43
Cery, Ensign 117
Cery, P. de, Captain 118
Chaleurs, bay of 95
Chambly, Captain de, mentioned, 6, 8
Chambly, Ensign 116
Chambly, fort, 12, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22,
26, 51 130
Chambly, river, 136, 137
Champlain, lake, 6, 7, 14. 15, 20, 21,
22, 25, 26, 32, 33, 34, 80, 95
Champlain de, a Cadet 115
Champlain, Samuel de 3
Charest, Etienne 39
Chapelas, Colonel H 6 ;
Charlevoix, historian quoted, 11, 18
Charly, Major 116
Chassy, M. de, mentioned 68 j
i Chatauqua, lake 28
Chateauguay, parish of 27
Chatelet, M. de 119
Chaussegros de Lery 50, 116
Chauvignerie, M. de la 23, 26
Chauvignerie, Captain de la 116
Chavigni, A 105, 107
Chedabuctou, fort 14
Chenussio, Indians 95
Chibouctou, fort 26
Chickasaw, Indians 23
Choiseuil, due de, mentioned. .. .122, 123
Chevriotiere, M. la 115
Christie, Colonel, mentioned.55, 56, 82, 88
Clapier, Lieutenant de 117
Glaus, Captain D 90, 91, 93
Clermont, Captain de 14
Cleveland, Lieutenant, mentioned.... 131
Clignancour, family of 47
Clignancour, Ensign 114
Clignancour, Lieutenant 100
Golden, Lieut.-Governor, mentioned . . 121
Colombez, Lieut, de 13
Colombiere, Captain de 116
Colony troops, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, IV,
18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 30, 31, 36, 38,. .
41, 42
Compagnie des Indes Occidentales, 5, 31
Compagnie des Sioux 23
Conewango Creek 28
Congress, Continental 52, 124
Connecticut, province of 14, 16, 27
Connecticut, river 13,20, 27
Contrecceur, family of 24
Contrecoeur, M. de la 28, 29, 30
Contrecceur, Pecaudy de, Captain. . . . 114
Contrecceur, Parish of 8, 12
Corbiere, Lieutenant 41
Come, M. St. Luc de la. . 26, 34, 38, 40
Corvee, ..: 25, 44
Coudrey, Ensign 116
Couillard, family of 8
Couillard, family of 115
Couillard, J. 105, 107
Couillard, du Prey 116
Courcelles, de, Governor 6, 8
Cournoyer, Lieutenant 116
Cournoyer, Cadet 114
Courtemanche, Captain de....34, 39, 116
Courtemanche, Lieutenant 16
Couterot, Captain 116
Cramahe, Lieut.-Governor H. T., men-
tioned, 54, 95, 108
" letters from 120, 122, 123, 124
" letter to 121
Cresse, father, mentioned 115
Cresse, son, mentioned 115
Crevecceur, fort
Crisasy, Chevalier de 17
Crown Point, fort 48, 56, 91, 107
Cugnet, F. J 105, 107
Cugnet, J. E 43
Cugnet, Thomas 118
Cuissy, Ensign 114
Cuissy, M. de 115
D
D'aillebout, family of 24
D'aillebout, governor 4
D'Albergatti, Marquis 116
D'Amour, family of 24
D'Amour, an officer 116
D' Amour, des Chaff ours 18
D'Amour, de Plaine 18
D'Argenteuil, Lieutenant 114
D'Artigny, Ensign 117
Dartmouth, Earl of, letter from 131
letters to 129, 130, 133
Daulac, death of 5
D'Auteuil, family of 8
De Boines, M., mentioned 123
Decharnay, L 105, 107
De Chenay Father 115
De Chenay, Lieutenant 115
Deerfield, fort 20
INDEX
143
Dejordy de Villebon, a Cadet 114
Delaware Indians 48, 95
De Lery, Lieutenant de 31, 109
Delisle, Lieutenant . . . : 41
Denonville, Governor, 10, 11, 12, 13
Denis de la Ronde, Captain 41
Denys, famliy of 8, 24
Deplaing, D. M . . .105, 107
De Pre, Lieutenant 100
Deprocas, mentioned . . . . 121, 123
Derigee, a cadet. 114
D'Eschambault, Crown Attorney.... 17
D'Eschambault, Ensign 117
D'Eschambault, Lieutenant 117
D'Eschambault, Lieut.-Colonel.31, 40, 115
Des Musseau, a Cadet 114
Des Musseau, Captain 114
D'Espervanche, Lieutenant 116
Detroit, 22, 23, 25, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44,
48, 93, 94, 95, 108
Dieskau, Baron de 29, 31, 32, 36
Dollard, death of 5
Dorchester, Lord, mentioned 100
D'Ossum, Marquis, mentioned 121
Douville, Captain 114
Douville, Lieutenant 117
Drouet de Carqueville 30
Drouilli, Lieutenant 117
Drouillon 117
Du Buisson, M 22
Du Buisson, Ensign 117
Duchesnay, Captain A. J. .....47, 79, 100
Duchesnay, Lieutenant 117
Duchesneau, Intendant 8
Duchesnay, J.' 105, 107
Dufy, Captain 51, 123, 124
Dugue de Boisbriand 18
Dulhut, Captain 10, 11, 13
Dumas, Captain 30, 31, 34, 39
Du Muy, Captain 116
Duncan, John 93
Dumay, Lieutenant 114
Dumont, a Cadet 114
Duplessis-Bochart, death of 4
Duplessis Fabert, Captain 116
Duprat, M 39
Dupre, family of 47
Dupre, St. George 137
Dupuis, M., mentioned 11
Dupuis, Louis, 105, 107
Durantaye, M. de la 8, 10, 11
Duquesne, fort 28, 29, 31, 33, 34, 36
Duquesne, Marquis 28, 29, 31
Du Sable, Ensign 29
E
Edward, fort 34, 35
Erie, fort 48
Erie, lake 48
Falaises, Captain 116
Falaises, M. de 115
Farquar, Lieut., mentioned 55, 56
Ferries, a sutler, mentioned 136, 137
Famine, Bay of 10
Filis, a cadet 114
Five Nations, Indians 22, 25, 26
Fleurimont, Captain de 47, 76, 78, 100
Fleurimont, Ensign de 115
Folles Avoines, Indians 25
Fonville, M. de 30
Fort Bourbon 17, 18
Fort Bull 31
Fort Erie 48
Fort Edward 34, 35
Fort George 34, 35, 107
Fort Hendrick . 93
Fort Louis 40
Fort Massachusetts 27
Fort Pitt 45
Fort Rupert '. . . 11
Fort Sainte-Anne 22
Fort Saint Francois 23
Fort Saint Frederic 26, 27, 29, 32, 40, 47
Fort Schlosser 48
Fort William Henry 34
Fortier, Noel 49
Fox, Indians 122
Francheville, M. de., a priest 14
Franks, John, mentioned 140
Franks, Mr., mentioned 139, 140
Frazier, Mr., mentioned 97, 98
Frizebourg, Lieut., mentioned 83
Frontenac, Count de, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15,
16, 17, . . : 18
Frontenac, fort, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 19,
23, 28, 29, 31, 33, 36 44
Fuser, Captain, mentioned 85
G
Gage, General Thomas, 43, 44, 45, 46,
48, 51, 55, 56, 58, 60, 63, 65, 66,
70, 71, 79, 82, 83, 84, 89, 90,
97, 101, 102, 107, 108, 129,.,.. 135
" letters from, 53, 54, 56, 70, 71,
89, 90, 91, 130
" letters to, 57, 67, 68, 75, 76, 85,
86, 91, 94, 100, 108, 130, 131,
132, 133
Gamelin, Lieutenant 41
Cannes, Major de 116
Cannes, M. de 23, 26
Gaspe, M. de 34, 36,-105, 107
Gaspe, Captain de 115
Gaspereau, fort 29
Gastineau, Seigneur, 105, 107
Gatinaux, M 115
Gaucher-Gamelin, an officer 29
George, fort 34, 35
George, lake 32, 34, 35, 36, 46
Giffard, seigneur of Beauport 3
Gladwin, Colonel, mentioned 108
Godefroy, family of 8, 24
Gorgendiere, M. la, mentioned 115
Granby, Marquis of 51
Grandf ontaine, Captain de
Grandpre, M. de 17
Grand Pre, village of 26
Grant, Mr., mentioned 93
Granville, an officer 11, 17
144
INDEX
Great Miami, river 28
Grosbois, a cadet 114
Grosbois, Ensign , . 117
Grosbois, M 116
Gugy, Lieut. C., mentioned 44, 76, 82
Guillemin, a Judge 116, 117
Guyenne, regiment of 41
H
Haldimand, Colonel Frederick, 43, 44,
46, 47, 48, 49, 54, 58, 76, 79,. . 85
" letters from, 56, 62, 63, 65, 66,
67, 69, 70, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 80,
81, 83, 84, 86, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97,
98, 99, 100
" letters to, 55, 60, 63, 65, 70, 72,
76, 78, 79, 80, 82, 83, 89, 90, 91, 93
Halifax, Earl of, 58, 60, 67, 83, 88, 89, 91
" letters to, 57, 58, 85, 87, 88,. . 89
Halifax town of, mentioned 26
Hamelin, A., mentioned 105, 107
Haverhill, destruction of 21
Hazzell, Lieutenant 83
Hazen, Lieut., mentioned 71, 85
Hebert, Louis, mentioned 3
Herbin, M 39
Herbin, Lieutenant 116
Hertel, Ensign 114
Hertel, family of 24, 47
Hertel, Francis 13, 14, 15
Hertel, Lieutenant 100
Hertel de Chambly 21
Hertel de Rouville 20, 21
Hertel de Sainte-Therese 30
Hey, Chief Justice William 131
Heywood, Mr., mentioned 138
Hillsborough, Earl of, mentioned.... 119
" letter from, 120
letters to, 120, 123, 124
Histoire de la Milice by Suite, quoted 65
Hocquart, Intendant 24
Hoosic, river 27
Houtlass, M., mentioned 69, 70, 71
Hudson's Bay, 11, 12, 17, 19, 20, 22
Hudson, river 27
Hughes, Ensign, mentioned 55, 73
Huron, Indians 21, 24, 25, 27, 95
Illinois, river 9, 10, 11, 17, 36, 37
Indians, 4, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,
18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,
27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,
37, 38, 40, 41, 45, 47, 48, 49, 52,
54, 63, 64, 76, 91, 93, 95, 101,
131, 132
Irondiquoit, bay 11
Iroquois, Indians, 9 ,10, 12, 13, 15, 17,
19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28
Irving, Colonel, mentioned 97
Isle aux Noix 40
Isle aux Oyes, devastation of 5
Isle La Motte 27
Isle Perrot 17, 27
Jacaux Fredmont, Captain 116
James Bay 11
Johnson, Colonel Guy 93, 132
Johnson, Sir William, 45, 48, 4~9, 90,
91, 93, 132
Johnson, Sir William, letters to 108
Joncaire, Chabert, Lieutenant 114
Jonquiere, Marquis de la 26, 28
Jordis, M. des 21
Juchereau, M 8
Juchereau de Saint-Denis 14, 15
Jumonville, M. de, death of 28
K
Kamouraska, village of 39
Kinibeki, river 137, 138
La Barre, Governor de 9, 10
Labrador 95
Lachesnaye 13, 16
Lachenaye, parish of 137
La Bruere, Ensign 114
La Bruere, M 115
La Chevrotiere, seigneur 105, 107
La Chine, 27, 45, 49, 52, 56, 83, 85, 88,
89, 103, 135, 136, 137
La Corne, Abbe 122
La Corne, Cadet 114
La Corne, M. St. Luc de la, 26, 34, 38, 40
La Corne Lieutenant 117
La Coste, an officer 29
La Couat, L 105, 107
La Durantaye, M 116
La Durantaye, Cadet 115
La Durantaye, M. de 8, 10, 11
La Fontaine, J. B 43
La Force, Lieutenant 100, 132
La Frambois, M 117
La Galette 10
La Grange, a Seaman 20
Lake Champlain, 6, 7, 14, 15, 20, 21,
22, 25, 26, 32, 33, 34, 80, 95
Lake Erie 48
Lake St. Francis 10
Lake George, 14, 29, 32, 35, 36, 46
Lake Oneida 31
Lake Ontario, 8, 9, 10, 18, 23, 25, 27,
31, 32, 36, 40, 49
Lake Saint John 95
Lake Saint Sacrement 29
Langlaiserie, la 114
La Magdeleine, a Cadet 114
Lamadelaine, Lieutenant 100
La Madeleine, family of 47
Lamirande, family of 115
Lamondiere, Captain . .<» 100
Lamorandiere, M 114
La Mothe, M. de 115
La Mothe Lussiere, Captain, ...6, 13, 14
La Motte, an Indian trader 108
La Motte, Island of 27
La Motte-Cadillac 19
Lanaudiere, Captain de . 115
INDEX
145
Lanaudiere, Lieutenant 117
Lanaudiere, Mr. de 36, 123
Lanaudiere, Seigneur 105, 107
Lanaudiere, de la Perade, Ensign... 30
Landrieve de Bordes, a Commissary. 118
Langis, a Cadet. . 115
Langis, Ensign 115
Langlade, M. de 101, 115
Languedoc, regiment of 41
Lanoue, Lieutenant 16
Lanoue, Lieutenant 116
Lanouille, Lieutenant 116
La Periere, Ensign 114
La Plante, Lieutenant 114
La Prairie, parish of 13, 14, 16, 136
La Presentation, fort 27, 31
La Reine, regiment of 41
La Rochelle, city.. 114
La Ronde, Ensign 114
La Salle, explorer 9
La Taille, a Priest 136, 137
Lauzon, M. de 4
Lauzon, Seigneury of 39
La Valterie, family of 24
La Valterie, Lieut 114
La Valterie, parish of 43
La Veranderie, Ensign 114
Le Ber, family of 11
Le Ber, Mile . 22
Le Ber Duchesne, Capt 15
Le Boeuf , fort 40
Le Bon, M 10
Le Borgne, Captain 117
Le Borgne, Lieutenant 30
Le Febvre, Captain 41
Le Gardeur, family of 24
Le Gardeur, M. de 17
Le Gardeur de Courtemanche 13
Le Gardeur de Mantet 13
Le Gardeur de Montesson, Captain ... 29
Le Gardeur de Repentigny 29
Le Gardeur de Saint Pierre. . . .22, 23, 29
Le Jeune, Father Paul, quoted 3
Le Mercier, Captain 117
Le Moyne, family of 24
Le Moyne, Charles. .5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15
Le Moyne de Bienville 15, 22
Le Moyne de Chateauguay 17
Le Moyne D'Iberville 11, 17, 18, 23
Le Moyne de Longueuil 15, 23
Le Moyne de Mericourt 11, 15, 17, 18
Le Moyne de Sainte Helene. . . .11, 13, 15
Le Moyne de Serigny . 17, 18
Lery, Captain de 115
Lery, Lieutenant de 31
Lery, M. de 109
Lery, M. Chaussegros de 51
Le Pailleur, M., mentioned. . .137, 139, 140
Le Verrier, Major 116
Levis, M. de 39, 40, 41
Le Voories, M 23
Licard, family of 115
Ligneris, M. de 21, 23, 33, 40
Lignery, Ensign 117
Linctot, the elder, Ensign 114
Linctot, the younger, Ensign. .69, 70,
71, , 114
Linot, P. du, Grand Voyer 118
Longueuil, Baron de 34
Longueuil, Captain de 29
Longueuil, Chevalier de 116
Longueuil, M. de . . . .11, 22, 23, 24, 25 30
Longueuil, parish of 43, 98, 99
Long Pointe, parish of 103
Long Sault, battle at 5
Long Sault, rapids of 16
Lorette, village of 24, 47, 76
Lorain, an Indian trader 108
Lorimier, Captain de 114
Lorimier, Ensign . . . .• 114
Lotbiniere, Captain de 114
Lotbiniere, Ensign de 114
Louisiana, province of, 23, 25, 36, 27, 38
Louisbourg, fortress of .20, 30, 36
Louviere, a Cadet 114
Louvigny, M. de 17
Lusignan, Captain de 16
Lydius, fort 29, 35
M
Mackinac, fort . . 10, 17, 19, 23, 25, 45,
93, 94, 95, 101
Maisiere, Captain 117
Maisonneuve, governor 5
Malbaie, parish of 39
March, Colonel 21
Mantet, Lieutenant 22
Mantete, Ensign 116
Marin, Lieutenant 26, 27, 28, 30, 40
Marin, Captain 116
Martelle, family of 115
Martigny, M. de 18
Massachusetts, fort 27
Massachusetts, province of . .26, 27,
29, 51, 52, 133 w 134
Maseres, Francis, quoted 134
Maturell, Mr., mentioned . .65, 68, 70, 82
Measam, Mr., a merchant, mentioned
136 137
Mehegan, a French Brigadier, men-
tioned 123
Meloises, des, family, mentioned 24
Meloises, Lieutenant des 41
Meloises, Major des . 116
Memphis, city of 23
Mesy, Governor de 5, 6
Meules, M. des, Intendant 9
Merrimac, river 21
Miamis, Indians 108
Middleton, Henry, President ' of Con-
gress 129
Militia, census of 9, 23, 24, 26, 43
Militia, organization of . .9, 23, 24, 31,
36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 43, 44, 63, 64,
65, 66, 67 132
Minas Basin 26
Miquelon, Island of 123
Mississippi, river 23, 25, 27
Mobile, town of 23
Mohawk, Indians ...7, 16, 17, 27, 48, 93
Mohawk, river 31, 32, 48
146
INDEX
Monbrun, M 115
Monisays, Lieutenant, mentioned .... 89
Monin, Captain ' 117
Monongahela, river 28, 29
Montcalm, Marquis de.. 30,31, 32, 33,
34, 35, 36, 37, 38
Montesson, family of 47
Montesson, Captain de 114
Montesson, Lieutenant, mentioned.70, 100
Montesquieu, Baron de, quoted ..126, 127
Montigny, Captain de 116
Montigny, M. de 40
Montizambert, Lieutenant 114
Montizambert, Captain ..47, 48, 70,
75, 87, 88, 92, 99 100
Montmagny, Governor de 3, 4
Montmedy, M. de 30
Montmorency, battle of 46
Montreal, town and parish of. .3, 4, 5,
7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,
18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28,
29, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40,
41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 51, 52,
54, 55, 56, 64, 65, 67, 69, 70, 75,
76, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 86,
87, 91, 93, 95, 97, 98, 99, 101, ^
102, 103, 110, 130, 134, 135, 138,
139 140
Montreuil, General de 32
Moska, parish of (Yamaska?) 97, 98
Murray, General James. .41, 43, 45, 46,
47, 48, 49, 55, 61, 62, 63, 67, 71,
74, 75, 77, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88,
89, 91, 95, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101,
102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107. ... 134
Murray, General James, letters from.
53, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 65, 68, 69,
72, 73, 76, 78, 81, 82, 85, 102,. . 103
Murray, General James, letters to. .54,
61, 65, 66, 71, 74, 76, 80, 81, 96, 99
Muy, M. de 27
Macaulay, Mr., mentioned 137, 138
McCord, John 113
McKay, Lieutenant 90
MacKay, Mr., mentioned 138
McLean, Lieutenant, mentioned 54
N
Natchez, Indians 23
Natchez, village of 23
Neville, Mr., mentioned 109
New Brunswick, Province of 29
New England 20, 21, 27, 36, 138, 139
Newfoundland, island of . . 12, 17, 18,
19, 20, 21, 22, 29
New York, province of 20, 21, 27, 46
Niagara, fort . .11, 12, 17, 23, 25, 27,
29, 32, 38, 40, 48, 91, 93, 95
Niagara, river 9, 10, 45
Nicholson, General 22
Nikisipique, lake 21
Nipissing, Indians 24, 26
Nipissing, lake 95
Niverville, a Cadet 114
Niverville, a Lieutenant 114
Normanville, Ensign 114
Normanville, Lieutenant 114
Noyelles, Lieutenant des 116
0
Ogdensburg, city 27
Ohio, river. .27, 28, 36, 37, 38, 40, 45, 47
Oneida, Indians 18
Oneida, lake 18, 31
Onondaga, Indians ...... 10, 17, 18, 19 21
Onondaga, river 18
Onondaga, village 10
Ontario, lake.. 8, 9, 10, 18, 23, 25, 27,
31, 32, 36, 40 49
Orleans, island of 15, 16, 39
Oswegatchie, fort 91
Oswego, fort. .25, 26, 29, 31, 32, 33, 35,
36, 38, 40, 45, 48, 54, 55, 56, 83,
89, 91, 95
Oswego, river 18
Ottawa, Indians 25
Ottawa, river 11, 15, 17
Ouias, Indians 108
Panet, Mr. P ." 43
Payne, Capt., mentioned 97, 98
Pean, Maj., mentioned 116
Pellegrin, Lieut. P 118
Pemquid, fort . 18
Pennsylvania, province of 28, 45
Perigny, a Cadet 114
Perigny, M. de 115
Perineau, mentioned 136, 137
Perrot, an island 27
Perthuis, Ignace 118
Perthuis, Joseph 118
Philadelphia 36, 52, 129, 135
Phipps, Sir William 14, 15
Picquart, Abbe 40
Pitt, fort 45
Pitt, William 36
Placentia, Nfld., fort 18, 19, 20, 21
Plaine, Lieut, de 115
Plains of Abraham, battle of 39
Pointe aux Trembles 13, 15, 43, 103
Pointe Claire, village of 43
Pontchartrain, M. de, French minister 20
Port Nelson 17, 18
Pertneuf , M. de 13
Port Royale 14, 21, 22, 26
Potherie, M. de la, historian, quoted. . 11
Pottewatamie, Indians 25
Pownall, Mr., mentioned 121
Presentation, fort 27, 31
Presque He, fort 28, 40, 48
Q
Quandres, M. de 115
Quebec Act 51, 52, 133, 134
Quebec, Province of ..120, 121, 130,
133 135
Quebec, town of. .3, 4, 5, 14, 15, 16, 17,
19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 31, 33,
35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 45, 46,
INDEX
147
47, 49, 50, 51, 52, 54, 55, 56, 60,
61, 64, 67, 72, 73, 76, 78, 80, 81,
97, 101, 102, 105, 107, 110, 111, 136
Quindre, Lieut, de 117
R
Raimbault Cuistre, Ensign 114
Ramezay, M. de 21, 26 38
Ramsay, Lieut, de 116
Raymond, Capt 117
Renard, Indians 22, 23, 25
Repentigny, Capt. de 34, 116
Repentigny, Chevalier de . .46, 47, 53,
58, 69, 116, 117
Repentigny, Chevalier de, letter to . . 59
Repentigny, M. de 6, 23, 38, 39
Repentigny, parish of 15, 80
Rheaume, Commandant 41
Richelieu, fort 4, 6
Richelieu, river 6, 8, 12
Richerville, M. de 114
Richerville, de la Colonnerie, M. de . . 114
Rigaud de Vaudreuil . . .27, 29, 32, 33 34
Rigauville, Lieut, de 115
Rigauville, Maj. J. B. M. des Berges de
47, 49, 76, 80, 89, 90, 91, 100, 105, 107
Riviere au Boeuf 28
Riviere du Loup 12
Riviere Ouelle 14, 39
Rivieres, M. des 39
Rocky Mountains 23
Robert, Capt 101
Rocheblaves, Lieut 117
Rousseaux, Lieut 116
Rouville, Capt 114
Rouville, Lieut 117
Rouville, a Judge, 115
Rouville, family of 121
Roy, J 105, 107,
Royal Roussillon, regiment of 41
Rupert, fort 11
Ryard, Lieut, mentioned 91
Ryswick, peace of 19
S
Sabrevois, Lieut 116
Sabrevois, M. de 21
Sabrevois, Major de 116
Sac Epee, Lieut 116
Sac, Indians 25
Sacketts Harbour 32
Sallaberry, a Cadet 115
Salieres, Colonel de 6
Salmon Falls 13
Sandy Creek 31, 32
Sandusky, fort 27
Saskatchewan, river 23
Saratoga, village of 27
Saurel, Captain de 6, 8
Sault aux Recollets 103
Sault Saint Louis . 26
Sauteurs, Indians 25
Schenectady 13
Schlosser, fort 48
Schmidt, (Smitt) Lieut 75,100
Schuyler, Major Peter 15, 16, 19
Seneca Indians 10, 11, 13, 25, 45, 48 ,91, 93
Sennonville, Major de 116
Seven Years War 28
Shawanese, Indians 48, 95
Shelburne, Earl of, mentioned ...50, 119
Shelburne, Earl of letters to ... 109, 112
Shirley, Governor, mentioned 27
Shirreff , Capt., mentioned 65
Sillery, parish of 6
Six Nations, Indians 7
Solomon, a Jew, mentioned 139, 140
Sorel, Capt. de 6, 8
Sorel, fort of ..... 12, 14, 16, 41, 48, 99
Soulanges, Seigneury of 8, 27
Suite, Benjamin, quoted 65
St. Andre, family of 47
St. Andre, Lieut 100
Ste. Anne, parish of 39
Sainte-Anne, fort 6, 7
St. Blain, Lieut 114
St. Charles, river 14, 110
St. Charles, parish of 136, 137
St. Clair, lake 25
Sainte-Foye, battle of 41, 46, 47
St. Francis, lake 10
St. Francois, parish of .97, 98
St. Francois, a Noble 115
St. Francois de Becancour 24
St. Francois du Lac, parish of ... 12, 13
St. Francois, river 13
St. Frederic, fort . .26, 27, 29, 32, 40, 47
St. Ignace, Cap de 47, 72
St. Jean, fort 34, 37
St. Joachim, Seminary of 15
St. John, fort 7
St. John, river 33, 95
St. John, lake 95
St. John, Nfd., town of 18, 20, 21
St. Lawrence, river . .8, 9, 12, 17, 28, 34,
38, 40, 41, 43, 82, 95, 110, 121, 130
St. Laurent, M. de 23
St. Laurent, Capt 117
St. Louis, fort 7
St. Louis, lake 12, 16
St. Luc, Capt. de 114
St. Martin, Capt -. . 41
St. Martin, M. de 17, 21
St. Ours, Capt. de 36, 39
St. Ours, parish 8, 12
St. Ours, family of 24
St. Ours, Capt. de 114
St. Ours, des Chaillons 21
St. Ours, Lieut 117
St. Pierre, M. de 30
St. Pierre, lake 14, 15, 16
St. Roch, parish of 39
St. Sulpice, parish of 43
Sainte Therese, fort 6
St. Vincent, Lieut 116
St. Simon, Ensign 116
Tachereau, the elder, a Cadet 115
Tachereau, the younger, a Cadet .... 115
Tachereau, a Lieut 117
Talon, Intendant 6, 7, 8, 38
148
INDEX
Tarrieu de la Perade, family of 24
Temiscaming, lake 11
Terrebonne, parish of 136, 137
Tesch, Capt., mentioned 85
Ticonderoga, fort . .32, 34, 35, 36, 38, 40
Thomas, a horse buyer 136, 137
Three Rivers, district and town. .3, 4,
5, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 24, 26, 27,
36, 38, 39, 40, 43, 44, 45, 49, 51,
55, 56, 60, 64, 65, 74, 83, 85, 89,
97, 101, 102, 130, 136
Todd, Mr., mentioned 138
Tonnancourt, a Judge 115
Tonti, M. de 22
Toronto, fort 27
Tracy, Alexander Prouville de, Gov-
ernor 5, 6, 8
Troupes de la Colonie ..8, 10, 12, 13,
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24,
30, 36, 38, 40, 41, 42
Troupes de la Marine. .16, 17, 18, 19,
22, 23, 24, 30, 36, 40, 41 42
Troyes, Capt. de 11
Trudelle, Capt 24
Two Mountains, lake of 13, 24, 26
u
Utrecht, peace of 22, 23
V
Valliere, M. de la 1-1
Varennes, Lieut 41
Varennes, family of 115
Varennes, parish of 8, 43
Vassan, Capt. de 117
Vassan, M. de 34
Vaudreuil, Chevalier, de . . 10, 15, 16, 20,
21 22 23 25
Vaudreuil, Marquis deV.28*,'29,' 31^ 32,
33, 34, 38, 40, 41 116
Vaudreuil, Rigaud de . . .27, 29, 32, 33,
, 34 116
Vealers, Mr., .mentioned 72
Venango, fort 40
Vercheres, parish of 8
Vercheres, Jared de 21
Verneuil, Ensign il4
Villemont, an officer 117
Villeray, Ensign 117
Villeray D'Artigney, Ensign 117
Villiers, M. de . . .23, 28, 29, 31, 32, 34, 40
Villiers, Coulon de 26
Vincelot, an officer 115
Vincelotte, M. de 105, 107
Virginia, Province of 28, 45
w
Walker, Admiral Hovenden 22
Walker, Thomas 52, 137, 138, 139
War of the Spanish Succession 19
Warren, Mr., mentioned 138
Woolsey, mentioned 136, 137
Woutelasse, an officer 115
Wutelas, Ensign 114
Wriesberg, Lieut., mentioned 83, 84
A HISTORY
OF THE
Organization, Development and Services of the
Military and Naval Forces of Canada
From the Peace of Paris in 1763,
to the Present Time.
WITH ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS.
EDITED BY
THE HISTORICAL SECTION OF THE
GENERAL STAFF.
tt x'^-t '
VOLUME II.
W
The War of the American Revolution.
The Province of Quebec under the Administration
of Governor Sir Guy Carleton, 1775-1778.
148— D.P.— 1M-8-20.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER III.
The capture of Ticonderoga. — Raid upon St. Jean. — Carleton's arrangements for
defence. — Reorganization of the militia. — Second attempt upon St. Jean. — An Indian
council is held at Oswego. — Arrival of Colonel Johnson at La Chine. — Organization
of the Royal Highland Emigrant Regiment. — General Schuyler invades the province. —
He is repulsed at St. Jean. — Embodiment of the militia at the city of Quebec. —
St. Jean is invested. — Intrigues of the invaders with Thomas Walker. — Ethan Allen
is defeated near Montreal. — Blockade and siege of St. Jean. — Arrest of Walker.—
Ill success of Seigneurs in their efforts to organize the militia. — Carleton's efforts
to relieve St. Jean fail. — He evacuates Montreal and succeeds in reaching Quebec.
CHAPTER IV.
Preparations for defence of Quebec. — Arnold's march against Quebec. — Council
of war is held, to consider measures for defence of Quebec. — Carleton issues proclama-
tion to inhabitants. — Montgomery occupies Montreal and advances against Quebec. —
Bombardment of the city. — The assault is repelled. — The siege is converted into
a blockade. — The besiegers are reinforced. — The bombardment is resumed. — Relief of
the city. — The besiegers retreat toward Montreal. — Carleton is strongly reinforced.
CHAPTER V.
Commissioners from Congress arrive at Montreal. — A military post is established
at the Cedars. — This garrison is obliged to surrender. — The privations of the in-
vaders.— The action at Three Rivers. — Carleton advances up the river. — St. Jean and
Isle aux Noix are re-occupied.- — The retreat of the invading army to Crown Point. —
Naval activity on the lakes. — The death of General Gordon. — Violation of the terms of
capitulation at the Cedars. — Naval preparations. — Action, at Valcour Island. —
Destruction of the American flotilla. — Conclusion of the campaign. — The dissat-
isfaction of Lord George Germain. — Plans for the next campaign. — Enactment of
a militia ordinance. — Reconnaissance of Ticonderoga. — Exportation of cattle and grain
is prohibited. — Organization of expeditions to invade New York. — Failure of these
expeditions. — Carleton's correspondence with Lord George Germain. — Plans for the
improvement of the militia. — Returns of its strength. — A second invasion of the
province is projected. — La Fayette's plan of campaign. — The attempt is abandoned. —
Carleton's arrangements for defence. — He is relieved by General Haldimand as
governor.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS.
PAGE
1. Letter from Ethan Allen to the Merchants of Montreal, 18th May, 1775 47
2. Letter from Benedict Arnold to Thomas Walker, 20th May, 1775 47
3. Letter from Ethan Allen to the Councillors at Kocanawago, 24th May,
1775 47-48
4. Letter from Benedict Arnold to Thomas Walker, 24th May, 1775 48
5. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 25th May, 1775 • . . • 48-49
6. Address from the Continental Congress to the inhabitants of Quebec,
29th May, 1775 49-50
7. Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth to Governor Carleton, 7th June,
1775 50-1
8. Letter from Governor Carleton to Major Preston, 8th June, 1775 .... 51
9. Copy of paper dropped at Habitans' houses, June, 1775 51
10. Letter from Governor Carleton to the Earl of Dartmouth, 7th June,
1775 51-3
11. Proclamation by Governor Carleton declaring Martial Law 9th June,
1775, 53-54
II TABLE OF CONTENTS
12. French translation of same proclamation 54
13. Extract from Abbe Verreau's "Invasion of Canada" 54-55
14. Beating Orders by General Thomas Gage to Lieut. Colonel Allan
Maclean, 12th June, 1775 ' 55
15. Memorial of Colonel Allan Maclean to Governor Haldimand, undated 56
16. Return of shipping on Lakes Ontario, Erie and Huron, 12th June, 1775 56
17. Extract of letter from General Gage to Secretary of State, 12th
June, 1775 57
18. Extract from Quebec Gazette, 15th June, 1775 57
19. Address from Provincial Congress of New York to the Inhabitants
of the Province of Quebec, 2nd June, 1775 57
20. Commission from Governor Carleton to Colonel Noel Voyer, 25th
June, 1775 57-58
21. State of His Majesty's Troops in the Province of Quebec, June, 1775. . 58
22. Letter from Governor Carleton to the Earl of Dartmouth, 26th June,
1775 58-9
23. Letter from Earl of Dartmouth to Governor Carleton, 1st July, 1775 59-60
24. Address to Governor Carleton from the British Subjects residing in
and near Quebec, and his answer, 3rd July, 1775 60-1
25. Extract of a letter from Quebec to Major Hutchison, 20th July, 1775 61
26. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 20th July, 1775, 61
27. Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth to Governor Carleton, 12th July
1775 62
28. Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth to Governor Carleton, 24th July
1775 62-63
29. Letter from John Brown to Messers Walker, Price, etc., 1st August,
1775 '63
30. Letter from Earl of Dartmouth to Governor Carleton, 2nd August, 1775 63-64
31. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 3rd August, 1775 64
32. Secret Intelligence from Governor Tryon, 6th August, 1775 e4
33. Letter from General Prescott, to Major Preston, 5th August, 1775 64-5
34. Deposition of Pierre Charlan, 6th August, 1775 65-68
35. Extract of a letter from John Foxcroft to Mr. Todd, 10th August,
1775 68
36. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 10th August, 1775 68
37. Extract of letter from General Gage to the Secretary of State, 20th
August, 1775 69
38. Letter from Governor Carleton to the Earl of Dartmouth, 14th Aug-
ust, 1775 69-70
39. Letter from Chief Justice W. Hay, to the Lord Chancellor, 28th
August, 1775 70-3
40. Letter from General Prescott to Major Preston, 31st August, 1775 73
41. Extract of letter from Mme. Benoit to Francis Baby, undated
42. Letter from General Prescott to M. de Longueuil, undated 73-74
43. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 31st August, 1775 74
44. Manifesto from General Philip Schuyler to the Inhabitants of Canada,
5th September, 1775 74-75
45. Letter from General Prescott to Major Preston, September, 1775 75
46. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 14th September, 1775 75-76
47. Letter from General Prescott to Major Preston, llth September, 1775 76
48. Letter from General Prescott to Major Preston, 15th September, 1775 76
49. Proclamation by Lieutenant Governor Cramahe, 16th September, 1775 76-77
50. Letter from James Livingston and J. Duggan to the Captains of
Militia, 16th September, 1775 77-78
51. Letter from James Livingston unaddressed, 18th September, 1775 78
52. Extract of av Letter from General Gage to the Secretary of State,
undated 79
53. Letter from Governor Carleton to the Earl of Dartmouth, 21st
September, 1775 • 79
54. Letter from Lieut. Governor Cramahe to the Earl of Dartmouth, 21st
September, 1775 ' 80
55. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 21st September, 1775 80-81
TABLE OP CONTENTS
III
56. Letter from Lieut. Governor Cramahe to the Earl of Dartmouth, 24th
September, 1775 81
57. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 5th October, 1775 81-82>
58. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 19th October, 1775 82-83
59. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 28th September, 1775 83
60. Letter from General Prescott to Major Preston, September, 1775 ... 83
61. Proclamation by Lieut. Governor Cramahe, 28th September, 1775 .... 83-4
62. Letter from Lieut. Governor Cramahe to the Earl of Dartmouth, 30th
September, 1775 84-85
63. Extract from the Quebec Gazette and Agreement of Merchants
residing in Montreal, 2nd October, 1775 85-86
64. Deposition of J. B. Bruyeres de Belair, 4th October, 1775 86-87
65. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, letter signed Civis Canadiensis,
5th October, 1775 87-88
66. Extract of a letter from the Continental Congress to General Schuyler,
4th October, 1775 89-90
67. Deposition of Michel Guillette, 9th October, 1775 90-91
68. Deposition of Joseph Deschamps, 10th October, 1775 91-94
69. Letter from Guy Johnson to the Earl of Dartmouth, 12th October, 1775 95-96
70. Extracts from the records of Indian transactions, 1775 96-99
71. Letter from Benedict Arnold to John Mercier, 13th October, 1775 99-100
72. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, an address to the Canadians, 12th
October, 1775 100-101
73. Letter from Vice Admiral Graves to General Howe, 12th October,
1775 101-102
74. Letter from General Howe to Governor Carleton, 13th October, 1775 102
75. Deposition of Germain Le Roux. 13th October, 1775 102-103
76. Letter from Benedict Arnold to Philip Schuyler, 13th October, 1775 103-104
77. Extract of a letter from Governor Tryon to the Earl of Dartmouth
llth November, 1775 ., 104-105
78. Proclamation by Governor Carleton, 14th October, 1775 105-106
79. Return of the Garrison of Chambly, 17th October, 1775 106
80. Letter from General Montgomery to Governor Carleton, 22nd October,
1775 106-107
81. Extract from Additional Papers concerning the province of Quebec
by Francis Maseres, 1776 107-109
82. Letter from Edward Fleming to Major Preston, 21st October, 1775 110
83. Letter from Major Stopford to Major Preston, undated 110
84. Extract from Additional Papers concerning the Province of Quebec
by Francis Maseres 110-111
85. Extract from the same Ill
86. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to the Earl of Dartmouth, 25th October,
1775 111-114
87. List of Canadian Officers and Gentlemen taken prisoners at St.
Jean 113
88. Letter from Brig. General Richard Montgomery to Major Preston, 1st
November, 1775 114
89. Letter from Brig. General Richard Montgomery to Major Preston, 2nd
November, 1775 114
90. State of the Troops under command of Major Charles Preston at
St. Jean, 1st November, 1775 115
91. Articles of Capitulation proposed by Major Charles Preston, 2nd
November, 1775 115
92. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to the Earl of Dartmouth, 5th
November, 1775 116
93. Letter from Brig. General Richard Montgomery to the inhabitants
of Montreal, 9th November, 1775 117
94. Letter from Benedict Arnold to George Washington, 8th November,
1775 118
95. Letter from Benedict Arnold to Brig. General Montgomery, 8th
November, 1775 119
IV 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS
96. Letter from Lieut. Governor Cramahe to the Earl of Dartmouth,
9th November, 1775 120
97. Extract of a letter from Quebec, 9th November, 1775 121-123
98. Memorandum of the Rebel invasion of Canada in 1775, by Col.
Daniel Glaus 123-126
99. Letter from Benedict Arnold to Lieut. Governor Cramahe, 14th
November, 1775 . 126
100. Letter from Benedict Arnold to Lieut. Governor Cramahe, 15th
November, 1775 127
101. Letter from James Easton to General Carleton, 15th November, 1775 127
102. Letter from H. T. Cramahe and others to Captain John Hamilton,
16th November, 1775 127
103. Proceedings of Council of War held at Quebec, 16th November, 1775 128
104. Letter from Lieut. Governor Cramahe to the Earl of Dartmouth,
19th November, 1775 129
105. Return of men for the defence of the town of Quebec, 16th November,
1775 130
106. Letter from Captain John Hamilton to the Earl of Dartmouth, 20th
November, 1775 131
107. Private Signal for information of the fleet, 20th November, 1775 131
108. Memorial of Masters of Vessels in port of Quebec to Lieut. Governor
Cramahe, 12th November, 1775 132
109. Letter from Lieut. Col. Allan Maclean to Lord Barrington, 20th
November, 1775 132
110. Notice of seizure of property of Charles de Lanaudiere by Captain
Matthew Ogden, 21st November, 1775 133
111. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to the Earl of Dartmouth, 20th Novem-
ber, 1775 133
112. Proclamation by Sir Guy Carleton, 22nd November, 1775 134
113. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 23rd November, 1775 135
114. Intelligence from Quebec, 22nd November, 1775 135
115. Extract of a letter from General Howe to the Secretary of State,
27th November, 1775 136
116. Commission from Captain John Hamilton to Alexander Harrow,
1st December, 1775 136
117. Letter from Alexander Harrow to Thomas Forsyth, 20th August, 1800 136
118. Letter from Brig. General Montgomery to the Merchants of Quebec,
6th December, 1775 136
119. Orders by Brig. General Montgomery, 15th December, 1775 137
120. Letter from Brig General Montgomery to General Carleton, 6th
December, 1775 138
121. Letter from General David Wooster to Colonel Warner, 6th January,
1776 138
122. Proclamation by General David Wooster, 6th January, 1776 139
123. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to General Howe, 12th January, 1776 140
124. Extract of a letter from J. P. Tetard, to Captain Maurice Desdevens,
13th January, 1776 141
125. Memorial of Charles De la Lanaudiere, undated 142
126. Memorial of Captain Malcolm Fraser, 31st March, 1791 143
127. Beating orders by Colonel Moses Hazen, 10th February, 1776 144
128. Letter from Lord George Germain to Sir Guy Carleton, 17th Feb-
ruary, 1776 144-5
129. Letter from Moses Hazen to Edward Antill, 10th March, 1776.... 145-146
130. Letter from Moses Hazen to Edward Antill, 20th April, 1776 146
131. Return of His Majesty's Forces in the Garrison of Quebec, 1st
May, 1776 147
132. Extract from the Invasion of Canada, 1775 by the Abbe Verreau 148
133. Extract from the Invasion of Canada, 1775, by Abbe Verreau 148-149
134. Letter from Pierre Ayot, unaddressed, 16th March, 1776 149
135. Extract from a letter from Moses Hazen to David Antill, 26th March,
1776 150
TABLE OF CONTENTS
136. Letter from Lord George Germain to Sir Guy Carleton 28th March,
1776 150-1
137. Letter from Mo,ses Hazen to Edward Antill, 3rd April, 1776 151
138. Letter from Allan Maclean to Lord George Germain, 10th May, 1776
139. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 14th November, 1776 152-4
140. Proclamation by Sir Guy Carleton, 12th May, 1776 154
141. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 12th May, 1776..-. 154-5
142. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, Proclamation by Sir Guy Carleton,
10th May, 1776 155
143. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, Proclamation in French by Sir
Guy Carleton, 10th May, 1776 155-6
144. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord Barrington, 14th May, 1776 156
145. Intelligence received from Montreal, 14th May, 1776 157
146. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, 14th May,
1776 157-8
147. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George .Germain, 14th May,
1776 158-9
148. Letter from Thomas Pringle to Lord George Germain, 14th May, 1776 159-160
149. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 26th September, 1776 160
150. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, 25th May,
1776 " 161
151. Letter from Lieut. Governor Cramahe to Lord George Germain, 25th
May, 1776 161-2
152. Letter from Allan Maclean unaddressed, 25th May, 1776 162-3
153. Intelligence from Montreal, 22nd May, 1776 163-5
154. Extract from the Quebec Gazette. Articles of capitulation at
the Cedars, 27th May, 1776 166-6
155. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, 2nd June, 1776 166-7
155. (b) Letter from Lieut. Col. Henry Caldwell to General James Murray 167-172
156. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lieut. General Burgoyne, 18th June, *
1776 174
157. Letter from Captain Edward Foy to Major Carleton, 18th June, 1776 174
158. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, 20th June, 1776 174-5
159. Extract of a letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lieut. General Burgoyne,
20th June, 1776 175
160. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, 21st June, 1776 176-7
160. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord Barrington, 21st June, 1776 177
160. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord Barrington, 22nd June, 1776 177
161. Letter from Captain E. Foy to Brig. General Fraser, 24th June, 1776 177
162. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 31st October, 1776 178
163. Letter from Lieut. Governor Cramahe to Lord George Germain, 7th
July, 1776 178
164. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, 8th July, 1776 178-9
165. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord Barrington, 8th July, 1776 179
166. Letter from George Washington to Lieut. General Burgoyne, en-
closing resolves of Congress respecting capitulation at the
Cedars, 15th July, 1776 180-2
167. Extract from Quebec Gazette, 29th August, 1776 182-3
168. Extract from Quebec Gazette, Orders by Sir Guy Carleton, 4th
August, 1776 183
169. Extract of a letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain,
10th August, 1776 183-4
170. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, 10th August,
1776 184
171. Return of prisoners taken in Canada, 10th August, 1776 184-5
172. Letter from Ebenezer Sullivan to General Sullivan, 14th August, 1776 185-6
173. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 22nd August, 1776 186
174. Letter from Lord George Germain to Sir Guy Carleton, 22nd August,
1776 .- 186
175. Letter from Lord George Germain to Sir Guy Carleton, 22nd August,
1776 '. . . 186-7
VI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
176. Extract of a letter from Lord George Germain to Sir Guy Carleton,
22nd August, 1776 187
177. Letter addressed to Brig. General Powell, 24th August, 1776 187-8
178. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, Order of Quarter Sessions, 10th
September, 1776 188
179. Letter addressed to M. Tonnancour, 17th September, 1776 188-9
180. Letter addressed to Messrs Duffy, Tonancour and iVoyer, 23rd
September, 1776 189
181. Letter addressed to M. de Beaujeu, 24th September, 1776 189-90
182. Letter addressed to M. Dune, 28th September, 1776. 190
183. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, 28th
September, 1776 190-1
184. State of the Naval Force at St. John's and on Lake Champlain,
28th September, 1776 192
185. Letter from Sir Edward Pellew to Admiral John Schank, 26th
January, 1802 192-3
186. Letter addressed to M. Tonnancour, 4th October, 1776 193
187. Letter addressed to Lieut. Col. Caldwell, 6th October, 1776 193-4
188. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Captain De Peyster, 6th October,
1776 194
189. Letter from Lieut. Governor Cramahe to Lord George Germain,
6th October, 1776 194
190. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to M. de Longueuil, undated 194-5
191. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, 14th
October, 1776 195-6
192. Orders for winter quarters for troops in Canada, 1st November,
1776 196
193. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, 17th
November, 1776 196-7
194. Memorandum by Sir Guy Carleton relative to the next campaign,
undated 197
195. Proclamation by Sir Guy Carleton respecting maintenance of roads,
19th December, 1776 *. 197-8
196. Letter addressed to M. St. George Dupre, 20th December, 1776 198
197. Return of the officers of the Canadian Company undated 198-9
198. State of the officers of three Canadian Companies for the campaign
of 1777, undated 199
199. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 2nd January, 1777 199-200
200. Letter addressed to Messrs. St. George Dupre, Panet and Gray, 6th
February, 1777 200
201. Extracts from "Thoughts for conducting the war," by Lieut General
Burgoyne, 200
202. Observations relative to the service in Canada by Lieut. General
Burgoyne, undated 200-1
203. Letter from Lord George Germain to Sir Guy Carleton, 26th March,
1777 201
204. Letter from Lord George Germain to Sir Guy Carleton, 26th March,
1777 202-3
205. Ordinance for regulating the militia of the province of Quebec, 29th
March, 1777 204-7
206. Captain Mackay's report, 31st March, 1777 207-8
207. Letter addressed to M. Tonnancour, 28th April, 1777 209
208. List of ships and boats for service on Lake Champlain in 1777, undated 209
209. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, 9th May, 1777 210
210. List of persons refugees from the province of Quebec, 9th May, 1777 210-11
211. Circular letter to Colonels of Militia, 12th May, 1777 211-12
212. Letter addressed to Major-General Phillips, 12th May, 1777 212
213. Letter addressed to M. Foretier, 13th May, 1777 212
214. Letter addressed to Major-General Phillips, 13th May, 1777 212-13
215. Letter addressed to Captain Boucherville and Monin, 19th May, 1777 213
216. Extract of a letter from Lieut. General Burgoyne to Lord George
Germain, 14th May, 1777 213
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VII
217. Letter from Captain E. Foy to Captain Mackay, 19th May, 1777 214
218. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, 20th May,
1777 214-16
219. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, 22nd May, 1777 217-18
220. Extract of a letter from Lieut. General Burgoyne to Sir Guy Carleton
26th May, 1777 218
221. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, 27th May,
1777 218-19
222. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lieut. General Burgoyne, 29th May,
1777 219-20
223. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 29th May, 1777 ... . 220
224. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 5th June, 1777 . 220
225. Extract of a letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lieut. Governor Cramahe
9th June, 1777 220-1
226. Letter addressed to Lieut. Col. St. Leger, 10th June, 1777 221
227. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton unaddressed, 13th June, 1777 .... 221
228. Letter from Lieut. General Burgoyne to Sir Guy Carleton, 15th June,
1777 , 221-2
229. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lieut. General Burgoyne, 17th June,
1777 222
230. Letter from Major-General Phillips to Sir Guy Carleton, 17th June,
1777 222-3
231. Extract from orders 18th June, 1777
232. Letter addressed to Captain Mackay, 18th June, 1777 v 223
233. Letter addressed to Lieut. Col. St. Leger, 19th June, 1777 223
234. Extract of a letter from Lieut. General Burgoyne to Lord George
Germain, 22nd June, 1777 224
235. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, 26th. June,
1777 224-5
236. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lieut. General Burgoyne, 26th June,
1777 225
237. Extract of a letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain,
27th June, 1777 225-6
238. Letter addressed to Brig.General Maclean, 30th June, 1777 226
239. Letter addressed to Lieut. Colonel Ehrencrook, 30th June, 1777 226-7
240. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, 10th July, 1777 227-8
241. Opinion of Attorney General Monk with respect to the Canadian
Militia, 8th July, 1777 229
242. Extract of a letter from Lieut. General Burgoyne, to Lord George
Germain, llth July, 1777 229-30
243. Letter from Lord George Germain to Sir Guy Carleton, 25th July, 1777 230-1
244. Letter addressed to the Commanding officer at Nouvelle Beauce,
22nd July, 1777 231
245. Letter addressed to Brig. General Maclean, 24th July, 1777 231-2
246. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 7th August, 1777 232
247. Extract of a letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain,
llth August, 1777 232-3
248. Extract of a letter from Lieut. General Burgoyne to Lord George
Germain, 20th August, 1777 233
249. Instructions by Sir Guy Carleton to Captain Samuel Greaves, 3rd
October, . 1777 233-4
250. Extract of a letter from Brig. General Powell to Sir Guy Carleton,
5th October, 1777 . 234
251. Extract from articles of capitulation at Saratoga, 15th October, 1777 234-5
252. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, 16th
October, 1777 235-7
253. Orders from Sir Guy Carleton to Brig. General Maclean, 19th October,
1777 237
254. Extract of a letter from Brig. General Powell, to Sir Guy Carleton,
19th October, 1777 237
255. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Brig. General Powell, 20th October,
1777 t 237-8
VIII TABLE OF CONTENTS
%
256. Extract of a letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, *
24th October, 1777 238
257. Letter from Captain S. lutwidge to Sir Guy Carleton, 4th November,
1777 238-9
258. Extract of a memorial from Chevalier Lorimier, 1st December, 1777 239-41
259. Memorandum by Captain E. Foy, on Canadian militia, 6th February,
1778 241
260. Letter from I. Gaspe to H. W. Ryland, 10th October, 1806
261. Memorandum on the militia by Lieut. Colonel Dechambault, undated 242-251
262. List of officers of Captain Rouville's company, undated 251
263. List of Canadian Officers, undated 251-2
264. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 8th January, 1778 252
265. General State of British and Canadian Militia, 26th June, 1778 252-3
266. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 19th March, 1778 253-4
267. State of Militiamen refusing obedience to the laws, etc. undated.... 254-5
268. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 26th March, 1778 '. 255
269. Return of officers of the First Battalion of the Regiment of Royal
Highland Emigrants, 15th April, 1778 255-6
270. Extract from the Quebec Gazette, 4th June, 1778 256
271. Extract of a letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain 256
272. List of His Majesty's Fleet on Lake Champlain, 1776 257
273. Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord Barrington, 26th August, 1776 257
274. Extract of a letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord Barrington, 21st
May, 1777 257
275. Extract of a letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord Barrington, 21st
November, 1778 258
A HISTORY
OF THE
Organization, Development and Services of the Military and
Naval Forces of Canada from the Peace of Paris
in 1763, to the Present Time.
* CHAPTER HI.
THE WAR OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
The American Invasion. The Surrender of Chambly, St. Jean, and Montreal.
The first day of May, 1775, was the date set for the formal introduction of the
Quebec Act. As Carleton himself admitted, this meant that "every civil Regulation,
at present existing, is annihilated, and the whole to be cast into a new Form, a work
that must necessarily be attended with some difficulty, and will require Time, consider-
ation, and great Prudence." He had become reluctantly convinced that the greater
part of the English speaking population was more or less hostile to the new consti-
tution, and that persistent and malicious efforts would be made to prejudice the
habitans against it and promote agrarian discontent. It seemed certain that the
night of the 30th April had been purposely chosen for the commission of a vile insult
to the King's bust on the Place d'Armes, at Montreal, to add significance to the inci-
dent. In consequence, party feeling ran high and angry words and blows were ex-
changed. These events caused considerable uneasiness and were skilfully turned to
their advantage by the numerous malcontents in that town.
On the evening of the 19th of May, Carleton received an urgent despatch at Que-
bec from General Gage, requesting him to send the 7th Regiment, accompanied by some
companies of Canadians and Indians to Crown Point to make a diversion in his favor.
The next morning, Captain Moses Hazen, who had commanded a company of rangers
under Wolfe, but was then on half pay, and had been long employed as a confidential
messenger in the conveyance of dispatches from the commander in chief at New York,
arrived from Montreal with the startling intelligence that a considerable body of insur-
gents from Massachusetts and New Hampshire had surprised and taken possession
of the forts at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, after midnight and without firing a shot,
with all the artillery and valuable stores deposited there. An officer's guard of thirty
men had been stationed at Ticonderoga, and a non-commissioned officer's party of a
dozen men at Crown Point; both of these detachments being from the 26th Regiment.
Resistance was, of course, out of the question, even had they been prepared for such an
attack. Benedict Arnold, with the advanced guard of the insurgents, who was scorn-
fully described by Carleton as a "horse jockey from Connecticut," had then pushed on
as far as St. Jean, within" thirty miles of Montreal, where on the morning of the 18th
he surprised, with equal ease, another party of ten men of the 26th, doing guard duty
there, took possession of a government sloop and some boats which he loaded with
stores from the fort and immediately retired. He had informed Hazen that his force
consisted of five hundred men, but that he would be immediately followed by 1,500 volun-
teers. That evening a second messenger arrived with the information that another
party commanded by Ethan Allen, an outlaw from New Hampshire, had advanced to
St. Jean during the night while a larger force was reported to be encamped on Isle Aux
Noix. Allen had despatched a letter addressed to the British merchants of Montreal,
requesting supplies, which had been intercepted and measures taken to prevent them
from complying, as some of them at first had seemed inclined to do. A soldier from the
garrison had escaped and given the alarm at Montreal. This party which was appar-
ently intent on the capture of military stores, only remained there a few hours and was
attacked when entering their boats to rejoin their main body by Major Preston, who
had rapidly advanced from Montreal with part of the 26th Regiment. One of them
was taken prisoner and a few others wounded who made their escape.
The War of the American Revolution
Carleton at once set out for Montreal, then a journey of not less than three days,
after giving orders for the greater part of the regular troops at Quebec to follow him
as quickly as possible. On his arrival there, he directed the seigniors of the neigh-
bourhood to assemble their tenants for the defence of the province, but although they
seemed very willing to assist him, they were unable to induce many of the inhabitants
to follow their example. A number of the young men, principally belonging to the
upper class, formed themselves into a company of volunteers, and joined the garrison
of St. Jean. The Indians, who were also called to arms, were slow in responding. The
alarm throughout the country was very great, and the people seemed apathetic or para-
lysed with fear. On the arrival of the troops from Quebec, Carleton sent most of them
to St. Jean, making small detachments only for the occupation of the dismantled posts
at Oswegatchie and the Cedars, which he regarded as commanding the two -principal
avenues by which an invasion of the province might be attempted. The fortifications
at these places were repaired as rapidly as his scanty means would permit, and in the
course of a few days, the inhabitants of Montreal seemed to regain some measure of
confidence. Most of the gentry and the clergy became very active in their efforts to aid
him in organising the militia, which existed only in name. A proclamation was issued
declaring martial law and directing all persons who had received commissions as mil-
itia officers from former governors to perform all military duties required of them until
further appointments were made. Brevet commissions were issued to leading French-
Canadian gentlemen in the towns of Montreal, Three Rivers and Quebec, giving them
the rank of field officers in the urban militia which was formed into battalions. Most
of these officers showed great zeal and activity in this service but had to contend with
the evident apathy and mistrust of many of the inhabitants.
Two small sailing vessels hired for that purpose at Quebec soon arrived with a
small detachment of Royal Artillery, provided with some field guns and ammunition.
These vessels with the troops on board, were instantly despatched to St. Jean and or-
ders were given for the establishment of a dock yard there for their conversion into
ships of war, and the construction of others, as it was considered of supreme import-
ance to recover the command of the Richelieu River and Lake Champlain, which was
the only route by which invading forces could approach that place as the roads from
Sorel and La Prairie terminated there.
The Indians of Caughnawaga after much deliberation delivered up a letter brought
to them by a well known Stockbridge Indian, written by Ethan Allen, promising them
arms and presents and urging them to attack and kill the king's troops. They stoutly
affirmed their loyalty and asked permission to invade New England. Sufficient writ-
ten evidence had then been procured to implicate Walker, Price and other Montreal
merchants in a charge of seditious conspiracy with the invaders, but for some unknown
reason, the governor abstained from making arrests. He frankly admitted however
that he had found good reason to repent having ever recommended the introduction of
the Habeas Corpus Act, and the English criminal laws, as they were now being turned
to account against the government.
All direct communication with other provinces having been entirely broken off, he
was in much want of ready money to meet the ordinary expenses of the government as
the bankers and merchants had been accustomed to receive all supplies of cash from
New York and Philadelphia.
Carleton did not attempt to conceal his opinion that the situation of the provinces
was critical, and his letters at this time indicate that he was-greatly dispirited.
An address from the Provincial Congress at New York, to the inhabitants of the
Province of Quebec, calling upon them to unite with the people of that Province, in
their opposition to the measures of the British ministry, had been printed, translated
into French and widely circulated in the parishes near the frontier and in the town of
Montreal. It declared that the attack upon St. Jean had been made without their
knowledge or consent, and that the military preparations in New York were being
solely made with the intention of preventing hostile incursions by the troops in Canada.
On the 7th of June, however, an armed force again entered the Richelieu River,
having embarked in the government sloop and a merchant schooner which they had
captured and armed, accompanied by several large row boats filled with men. They
approached the fort near enough to exchange a few cannon shot with the batteries and
then retired, apparently convinced that the place was too strong for them to attack.
They announced however, that they would soon return with five thousand men, and it
was reported that they were building many boats near Crown Point and had been
joined by reinforcements from New York, and other provinces. They had also threat-
ened to invade the province by paths through the woods, and small armed parties ap-
parently acting as scouts appeared at different points south of the St. Lawrence, even
The War of the American Revolution 3
in the parishes near Pointe Levi. One of these, consisting of four men, had actually
been arrested on the Chaudiere River but allowed to get away. They were supposed
to have come from New England or Nova Scotia by Indian trails through the woods.
A small guard of regular troops was in consequence posted at Sartigan, the frontier
settlement on that river, and another on the river St. Francis, by which route the pro-
vince had been invaded in a former war.
For the efficient defence of the country, Carleton reported that a force of ten or
twelve thousand men would be necessary, with a proper proportion of artillery and
engineers. The operations of such a force, he said, might have a great influence over
the whole continent and effectually support General Gage; ten thousand stand of arms
were also needed for the militia.
The regular troops actually, at his disposal, consisted of the 7th and 26th Regi-
ments, both very weak, numbering altogether only 790 of all ranks, and a detachment
of eighty-five of all ranks of the Royal Artillery. Of the infantry, 380 were stationed
at St. Jean, 114 at Chambly, 111 at Montreal, sixty-one at Quebec, and the remainder
were scattered in outposts at St. Francois, the River Chaudiere, La Chine and Oswe-
gatchie. Of the artillery , half were stationed at St. Jean, the remainder distributed
among sevan other garrisons from Quebec to Mackinac.
On the 18th of June, a strong party of Indians was induced to encamp in the woods
between St. Jean and Isle Aux Noix, where they remained for several weeks and were
employed in scouting, but strictly prohibited by the governor from undertaking any
offensive operations or crossing the boundary of the province.
By that time, General Gage had authorized Carleton to draw upon him for the
money he required, and issued an order placing all the upper posts under his immediate
command, as well as the vessels upon the lakes, These ships, however, were very weak-
ly manned, and not in any way prepared for war, and the insurgents had already open-
ly declared their intentions of attacking the posts with the object of gaining control
of the Indian country.
Colonel Guy Johnson, who had succeeded 'his uncle, Sir William, as superinten-
dent of the Six Nations, had called a council at Oswego and applied for supplies and a
small body of regular troops whose presence he considered absolutely necessary to in-
duce the Indians to remain faithful. Carleton undertook to furnish him with the
supplies he demanded but declined to send any troops, owing to the imminent danger of
invasion. This council was attended by about 1400 Indians who declared their loyalty
and were advised by Johnson to remain peacefully at their villages until they received
further instructions. He then went down the river to Montreal where he arrived about
the middle of July, accompanied by many chiefs and warriors of the Six Nations. His
movements were watched with much anxiety by the revolutionary party in the province
of New York, and it is evident, delayed their operations against Canada. At Colonel
Johnson's invitation, nearly the whole of the Indians living in the villages on the St.
Lawrence assembled with their wives and children at La Chine, where they encamped
for the next two weeks. About the end of July, a council was held in Montreal with the
principal chiefs and warriors at which the governor was present, and they unanimously
declared their intention of assisting in the defence of the province. They were once
more strictly forbidden to invade the other provinces.
As the menace of invasion still continued the brigantine Gaspe, which had ac-
cidentally come to Montreal to obtain provisions, was ordered to proceed up the river
Richelieu and oppose the advance of an enemy by that route. The assistance expected
from this vessel, however, was necessarily small, owing to the weakness of its crew and
armament, but it was presumed that her appearance might delay their movements until
the vessels at St. Jean could be equipped and manned.
Brigadier-General Prescott had arrived from Boston, having been detailed for
duty on the governor's staff, but he brought with him a letter from General Gage,
stating that neither troops nor seamen could be spared from that quarter, and that on
the contrary, he hoped for a strong diversion in his own favor from Canada. Many
copies of the printed addresses to the Canadians from the continental congress and the
provincial congress of New York, and other papers of a similar character, had been
circulated in the parishes near Montreal, chiefly through the agency of John Brown,
an attorney originally from Massachusetts, but lately a resident at Sorel, who had been
one of the persons employed during the winter to convene seditious meetings at Mon-
treal. A letter from him, addressed to Walker and Price had been intercepted but
Brown himself eluded all efforts to arrest him. Some progress was made in the en-
rollment and organization of the militia in the districts of Montreal and Three Rivers,
but their reluctance to serve and general ill-will was so apparent that the governor
considered it inadvisable to embody any large number of them until they were actually
4 The War of the American Revolution
required for the defence of the country. They had enjoyed nearly fifteen years of pro-
found peace and freedom from all military duties, and they now greatly feared that
they would be drafted into the regular army and sent into New England to suppress
the rebellion in those provinces.
On the departure of the regular troops from Quebec, a considerable number of
the British born subjects residing in, and near that city, sent an address to the gover-
nor, requesting that the local militia should be embodied for the protection of the
government magazines as well as their own property. Carleton replied that he would
immediately take the necessary measures, and about the end of July the militia of Que-
bec was organized into two battalions, one consisting of English, and the other of the
French speaking inhabitants. M. de Longueuil was made inspector of the Canadian
militia and Charles de Lanaudiere, seigneur of St. Anne, appointed an aide-He-camp
to the governor. About the same time, Colo lei Allan Maclean, who had been authorized
by General Gage to raise a regiment of two battalions, each to be composed of ten
companies of sixty-one of all ranks, from the Scottish emigrants in the various pro-
vinces of North America, arrived in Canada from the Mohawk valley where he report-
ed that he had engaged about 400 men, who were unable to accompany him into the
province because the insurgents had command of Lake Champlain. He established
recruiting stations at Montreal and Quebec, where he soon enlisted a hundred men,
He was fortunate in securing the services of a number of experienced officers who were
on half pay, and had settled in the province, among them, Captains John Nairn, Mal-
colm Fraser and Alexander Fraser, formerly of the 78th Regiment, and Francis Dam-
bourges, a French gentleman established in trade at Tadousac. Malcolm Fraser was
at once sent to the island of St. John, and another officer to Newfoundland, to seek
recruits among the Scottish settlements in those colonies. General Prescott was ap-
pointed to the command of the Montreal district, and Carleton returned to Quebec to
hasten the organization of the militia.
Although its execution had been so long deferred, the project of invasion had not
been abandoned. As a means of securing the hearty support of the provincial congress
of New York, Philip Schuyler was selected by the continental congress to command their
northern army, with the rank of major-general, and Richard Montgomery, a retired
officer of the 17th regiment, who had resided for many years in that province, and
married a daughter of Judge Livingston, was appointed a brigadier-general under him.
The Livingston family was the wealthiest and most influential of any that had em-
braced the revolutionary cause, in the province of New York, and one of its members
had resided for several years near Sorel, doing business as a wheat merchant. Schuy-
ler arrived at Ticonderoga about the middle of July, and took over the command of
2,000 soldiers, stationed at that place and Crown Point. Many of these men came from
the, borders of New Hampshire and were commonly known as the "Green Mountain
Boys," whom he described as a set of rioters and lawless fellows, who had long defied
the authorities of his own province and he was not at all pleased at having them under
his orders. Their two principal leaders, Ethan Allen and Seth Warner, had quarrelled
fiercely, and Allen had in consequence not been selected as an officer of the new regi-
ment. He then tendered his services as a volunteer scout or spy to act in conjunction
with John Brown, who like himself was well acquainted with the country near Montreal.
Schuyler prepared a circular letter or hand bill for distribution among the inhabitants
in which he stated that an army of 23,000 men was blockading the British troops in Bos-
ton, and constantly increasing in numbers. His own force would soon consist of 8.000
men, at the head of whom he intended to enter Canada. The Indians from Caughna-
waga were invited to a council and he promised to give them presents. He was soon
informed that the Canadians were generally disposed to be neutral, and that in some
places the militia had refused to obey orders and disarmed the officers sent to organize
them. Brown and his companions seem to have remained in Canada for nearly a
month, and reported on their return that there were only 700 regular troops in the
whole province, half of whom were at St. Jean, the remainder being scattered at five
different stations between Quebec and Oswegatchie. The Canadians, they said, greatly
feared that the old despotic laws were to be re-established and heavy taxes imposed
upon them. A letter from Washington received by Schuyler a week or two later,
stated that some of the St. Francis Indians had visited his camp at Cambridge and
confirmed former reports of the "good disposition of the Indians and Canadians, to
the interests of America."
On the last day of August, Montgomery embarked at Crown Point with 1200 men
in a flotilla of small sailing vessels and batteaux. Next day Schuyler followed him
with 800 more, overtaking him at Isle la Motte, where the whole force remained for
several days. Scouts were sent out in various directions to obtain further information.
The War of the American Revolution 5
A few days before this, an officer of the 26th regiment had left St. Jean on a
scouting expedition accompanied by eight Indians in two canoes. After entering Lake
Champlain, they discovered a boat hidden under green boughs on the shore which was
brought away. On their return when about nine miles within the boundary of the
province they were fired upon and two Indians were wounded; the others returned
the fire at random, and as it was nearly dark, paddled back to the fort. Next day, a
strong detachment of soldiers, volunteers and Indians was sent to the place of the at-
tack, and on landing found a man lying dead who was identified as Captain Remember
Baker of the Green Mountain Boys, one of Schuyler's confidential agents. Impor-
tant papers were found on his body and the Indians cut off his head and carried it
back with them to St. Jean. As there could be no doubt that this unprovoked attack
took place within the province, it was expected that the Canadians would resent it and
come forward for the defence of their country and that the hostility of the Indians
towards the Americans would be increased by the attack upon their comrades.
Schuyler was seriously alarmed by this affair and requested that some of the Six
Nations, who were then attending a council at Albany should be invited to join his
force with a peaceful message to their brethren in Canada, and he was informed that
the Indians had consented to send such a deputation. On the 4th of September, he took
possession of Isle aux Noix, where he formed a camp and next day sent out Ethan Allen
and Brown to confer with James Livingston, who was still residing near Chambly, and
on whom he had conferred the title of colonel. On the 6th of September, he advanced
with a thousand men, who landed within a mile of the fort at St. Jean. The fortifi-
cations at this place had been repaired and strengthened, and the number of Indians
attached to the garrison, increased. A portion of Schuyler's force was promptly at-
tacked by them while crossing a stream. Six men were killed, the commanding officer
and ten others wounded, and the whole party retired in much disorder. They were
rallied and again advanced but were once more driven back with considerable loss.
Captain Gilbert Tice, an Indian officer, who had come with Johnson from the Mohawk
Valley, was wounded in this skirmish in which four Indians were killed and the same
number wounded. The two brothers, de Lorimier, formerly officers in the French
Indian department who were now serving as volunteers in the garrison, distinguished
themselves by their activity on this occasion. Schuyler hastily entrenched his camp,
but information received during the night induced him to call a council of war which
promptly decided that it was expedient to retire at once to Isle au Noix, and obstruct
the channel of the river to prevent the British sloop of war from entering Lake Cham-
plain and interrupting their communication with Ticonderoga. Here he received a
considerable reinforcement, but inside of a week, 600 men were ill with malaria. His
movements caused much alarm at Montreal. Prescott ordered .the walls to be repaired
and assembled the militia. Some of the principal merchants removed their valuables
or left the town themselves. The Indians were directed to protect the magazines at La
Chine, and nearly one hundred came in from Caughnawaga to offer their services.
As soon as this invasion became known in Quebec, the governor set out for Mon-
treal accompanied by several members of the' Legislative Council. Colonel Maclean
was ordered to follow with the recruits of his regiment and even the small detachment
of regulars, stationed as a look-out party at Sartigan on the Chaudiere, was with-
drawn and sent to Montreal. The British and Canadian militia of the city of Quebec
were mustered, commissions were delivered to the officers and they took over the
guards of the fortifications. Lieutenant-Governor Cramahe published a proclamation
ordering all persons who were not settled residents of the city of Quebec to report their
arrival and business to the conservators of the peace under pain of being treated as
spies in case of neglect to obey this order within two hours.
On, the 10th September, Schuyler once more received such encouraging informa-
tion from his spies that he ordered Montgomery to advance with 800 men to invest the
fort of St. Jean. After landing near that place, this force was seized with a sudden
panic and dispersed. Out of 500 men composing the advanced guard, only fifty could
be rallied 'with great difficulty. A council of war was called next day, and on being
informed that the British armed vessel was only half a mile away, it decided to re-
treat once more to Isle aux Noix. Shortly after their return Schuyler fell sick with
the fever, and announcing his intention of returning to Albany, handed over the com-
mand to Montgomery. Troops from New York and New Hampshire arrived daily. On
the 16th September, Montgomery advanced for the third time and sent Brown with a
strong detachment of his own troops and some Canadians who had joined him, to re-
connoitre Chambly. Livingston was directed to go further down the river and collect
as many of the inhabitants as were willing to join the invading force. Ethan Allen
had made his appearance in the parishes near Laprairie where he was "preaching
politics and beating up for recruits." With the assistance of Jeremiah Duggan, at one
6 The War of the American Revolution
time a barber in Quebec, but lately a dealer in grain at Sorel, Livingston succeeded in
persuading the inhabitants of six parishes in that neighbourhood to declare their inten-
tion of remaining neutral and renouncing their allegiance, but the principal farmers and
officers of militia generally, although few in number, strongly protested and finally
succeeded in persuading a majority of the inhabitants of St. Denis to seek the gover-
nor's forgiveness but their message, carried by a Montreal merchant, was intercepted
by Allen and the messenger sent a prisoner to Albany. This gentleman affirmed that
the Canadians in general and particularly those on the north side of the St. Lawrence
were truly loyal and would readily assist in repelling the invaders if they were sup-
ported by a sufficient number of regular troops, as they were greatly displeased at the
attack upon the province. The occupation of La Prairie by the enemy on the 20th so
much alarmed the inhabitants of Montreal that some of them began to talk of a cap-
itulation to save their property but were finally "laughed out" of this idea.
"The great importance of this province has induced me to be obstinate in its de-
fence in hopes that we should not be abandoned by all the Earth, and that assistance
might come to us from some quarter,"Carleton wrote in evident despair, next day; "it
is now about four months, since the operations against us first began, yet we cou'd not
fit out our vessels, nor mann them in pur weak situation, I shall spin out matters as
long as I can in hopes that a good wind may bring us relief."
On the day after his arrival, Montgomery endeavoured to complete the investment
of the fort, but found that Brown's force had been driven off by a sortie from the gar-
rison, and had retreated in considerable disorder. He then formed an entrenched camp
for 300 men at the junction of the roads leading to Chambly and Longueuil, to cut off
supplies and troops coming to reinforce the garrison. He began the construction of a
battery on a point of land from which a fire could be directed on the fort and the ship-
ping in the river, and another on the east side of the place, but found that his guns
were too light to do much damage. Heavy .artillery was then ordered up. On the
22nd September, Ethan Allen wrote to him'from the village of St. Ours, twelve miles
from Sorel, that he had 250 Canadians under arms and believed he could raise between
one and two thousand in a week. Two days later, when on his way to join Montgom-
ery, Allen met Brown on the road between Longueuil and La Prairie. Brown had with
him a body of 200 men, some of whom were Canadians. Allen had nearly as many,
mostly Canadians. Brown had learned that the regular troops in Montreal did not
exceed thirty men, and proposed a joint attack upon that place. He advised Allen to
march to Longueuil and cross the river below the town, while he himself would attempt
its passage at La Prairie. Allen marched back and taking under his command another
party of thirty men, crossed the river the same night.
Soon after landing, Allen despatched an officer, accompanied by an Acadian to act
as an interpreter, to visit Thomas Walker, who had removed from Montreal to L'As-
somption, and reported that between three and four hundred of the inhabitants were
willing to obey his orders. Walker was invited to assist in the capture of Montreal,
and succeeded in assembling a party of about one hundred unarmed habitans at Re-
pentigny, on the following morning mainly attracted by curiosity and perhaps with
some expectation of plunder. The regular troops in Montreal had been reduced to about
sixty of all ranks, the remainder having been sent to reinforce the garrison of St. Jean.
An attack on the town was not unexpected, and on the 24th of September, all the in-
habitants of the suburbs, who had ladders in their possession, were required to send
them inside the walls, but many of them refused to obey with insolent and sometimes
threatening language. The Indians of Caughnawaga became much alarmed by a re-
port spread among the Canadians, that the invaders intended to destroy their town
and a conference had been held with them at which Carleton himself was present, when
it was learned that agents had been employed to induce them to remain neutral. They
had in fact agreed to withdraw their warriors and had accepted a bribe. Maj%r John
Campbell, a half pay officer who had married a daughter of La Corne de Saint Luc,
whose influence with them was still powerful, had lately been appointed agent of Indian
affairs for the province of Quebec, and took charge of them to the evident displeasure
of Johnson, who soon after announced his intention of going to England.
On the morning of the 25th, many canoes were seen crossing the river, landing men
and returning to Longueuil. The alarm was given and the militia assembled on the
parade under arms and were ordered to join the troops at the barracks. After con-
siderable delay, a force of thirty-four soldiers of the 26th regt., eighty English and
120 French militia, besides twenty officers of the Indian department and six or eight
Indians assembled, and marched in the direction of Long Point, in search of the in
vaders. After an hour's march it was learned that they were posted in a strong pos-
ition on the rocky bank of the little river Truteau, where they had occupied the build-
ings on Christie's farm or were posted behind trees or rocks. Here they were attacked
The War of the American Revolution 7
in front by the little band of regulars while the volunteers attempted to turn the flanks
of their position. They soon gave way and dispersed. Allen himself, was overtaken
and 'captured by Peter Johnson, a son of Sir William, and Walter Butler, both officers
of the Indian department, accompanied by six or seven volunteers and a single Indian,
by whom sixteen prisoners were taken in a body.
That uncouth illiterate backwoodsman, their leader, presented a strange appear-
ance wearing as he did, a deerskin fur cap adorned with an eagle's feather, coarse home-
spun clothing and heavy cowhide, hobnailed boots of the rudest make. Altogether,
thirty-six prisoners were captured, of whom sixteen were Canadians, who stated that
they had been induced to join Allen by a promise of thirty pence a day as pay, arid the
unlimited plunder of the town of Montreal if they succeeded in taking it. They declar-
ed that they expected all the inhabitants of the suburbs, some from the town and
many from the neighbouring parishes would join them when they would be able to
march in with little opposition. Allen's party was supposed to consist of about 150
men, of whom five were killed and ten others wounded in the skirmish. In attacking
them, Major John Garden, a member of the legislative council and a half pay officer,
who had directed the attack , was mortally wounded. One soldier was killed and
another wounded, and the only other casualties were Alexander Paterson, a leading
merchant of Montreal, and Mr. Beaubassin a French volunteer. The remainder of
Allen's followers succeeded in making their escape, having scattered in every direc-
tion. This victory had a marked effect on the spirits of the Canadian militia, on the
island of Montreal, and in the parishes on the north side of the St. Lawrence. They
assembled in Montreal within a few days to the number of about nine hundred and
declared their intention of defending the town to the last. Nearly all the English
speaking merchants of Montreal signed an agreement by which they bound them-
selves to defend their lives and property "against all such Invaders, their Adherents,
Associates, Abettors and that we will make the cause of each of us the General Cause
of the whole."
The blockade of St. Jean continued, although for some days its investment was
not so complete as to prevent single messengers or small parties from passing in and
out, without much difficulty. Livingston and Duggan assembled three or four hundred
men at Pointe Olivier on the Richelieu, and advanced to the mouth of that river. They
sent out circular letters to the officers of militia in the parishes below asking for sup-
plies, soliciting their co-operation as a militia force, and requesting that their letters
should be forwarded from captain to captain as far as Quebec. These letters were
eventually handed over to the lieutenant-governor. About the same time they threat-
ened some of the parishes with severe punishment if they did not send fifty men to join
them from each, completely armed and supplied with four days provisions. In some
cases, at least, they received an indignant refusal and the habitans made preparations
for taking up arms and joining the royal forces. Small parties of the invaders accom-
panied by a few Canadian adherents to serve as interpreters and guides were posted
on all the main roads to intercept letters and prevent the garrisons of St. Jean and
Chambly from obtaining supplies. The houses of several of the^ seigneurs and loyal
inhabitants in that part of the country, occupied by them were ruthlessly pillaged and
wrecked.
The defensive works at St. Jean consisted of two quadrangular redoubts of about
one hundred yards in length on each face, 300 yards apart, situated close to the left
bank of the Richelieu river near the site of the old French fort which had fallen into
ruin. They were intended to command the navigation of that stream, and connected
by a palisaded line of communication and also by a communication trench. At the
time of Schuyler's last advance, although the redoubts were not entirely finished, they
were in a fairly defensible state. The ditches and parapets were nearly completed,
and about forty guns mounted altogether, on ill constructed platforms. Three hundred
men had been constantly employed on this work since it was begun. The garrison con-
sisted of thirty-eight of all ranks of the Royal Artillery, and 474 of all ranks of the
7th and 26th regiments, one officer and nineteen other ranks of the Highland Emigrants
and more than ninety French Canadian officers, volunteers and militiamen of whom
nearly one-half had formerly held commissions in the colony troops cr in the militia.
Almost every noble family was represented among them. Captain de Belletre, formerly
an officer of distinction in the French colonial force was their recognised leader. Be-
sides these a few Indians had remained as scouts when the others went home. About
eighty women and children who had occupied huts outside, were admitted into the forts,
crowding the quarters and increasing the consumption of food. A much needed supply
of provisions, clothing and blankets on its way from Montreal had been intercepted, and
this loss was of great importance as a very few of the men were provided with bed-
ding, or proper clothing for cold weather. The ground was low and marshy, and it
8 The War of the American Revolution
was described as the most unhealthy station in Canada. During the summer the air
swarmed with mosquitoes and malarial fever was common. The garrison was com-
manded by Major Charles Preston of the 26th regiment, a very resolute and cour-
ageous officer of considerable military experience. A new schooner intended to mount
twelve guns had just been finished at the dockyard but no seamen had arrived to man
her A small row galley was also nearly completed.
The approach of the enemy's flotilla was discovered by a guard boat early in the
afternoon of the 17th September, and a few shots exchanged. On the following day,
it was discovered that some of the invaders had passed around the fort and taken
a position on the road to Chambly about two miles down the river where they had
broken up a bridge over a small stream and formed a breastwork of logs on the fur-
ther bank. Captain Strong, of the 26th regiment, went out to attack them with one
hundred men of his own corps, a small detachment of artillery with a field gun and the
whole of the Canadian volunteers. After a short skirmish this party of the enemy dis-
persed in every direction, apparently in a great panic. Two wounded prisoners were
taken and Captain Moses Hazen and another resident of the vicinity, who were sus-
pected of giving information to the invaders were placed under arrest. While the
bridge was being repaired the working party was fired upon from the woods, but these
assailants were quickly driven off, and an Indian was taken prisoner. One soldier of
the 26th Regiment and Mr. Beaubien, a volunteer, were killed and two or three other
men wounded. It was remarked that "in this affair, as there have since been through-
out the campaign in Canada, there were Englishmen fighting against Englishmen,
French against French, and Indians of the same tribe against each other."
Hazen had been authorized by the governor just a week before to raise a company
of volunteers and join the garrison, but he was much distrusted and in consequence
of his suspicious conduct at this time, was sent, under guard, to Montreal.
The besiegers anchored and moored their vessels and boats in such a way as to
form a continuous line across the river above, to repel any attack by water. They ob-
structed the roads with felled trees and began the construction of batteries on the edge
of the woods. Several deserters came into the fort while this work was being carried
on, and acting on their information the garrison attempted to annoy the working parties
by firing at random in their direction. Messengers were sent out nearly every night
with information for the governor at Montreal. Although most of these seemed to
have reached their destination, no reply of any kind was received.
On the 25th of September, the siege battery began firing with little effect, owing
to the distance and the short range of their guns. A few days later, a 13 inch mortar
was brought up from Ticonderoga and mounted on the right bank of the river, but
on opening fire, the range was found to be so great as to make it ineffective, and the
officer in charge decided to move it nearer. His men refused to obey his orders and
threatened to leave him, and it was not until the 7th of October that he succeeded in
persuading them to remove this gun to higher ground to the north-west of the fort
where a battery was thrown up and the investment of the works completed. Mean-
while an intermittent bombardment was carried on from day to day which did little
damage in the redoubts but kept the garrison constantly on the alert. Riflemen
stealthily approached at night and kept up a harassing Jfire. The weather had grown
very cold and the garrison suffered from lack of clothing and bedding. One half of the
regular troops were kept on duty daily, and a combined attack upon the siege batteries
and shipping in the river was projected but opposed by the naval officer, and conse-
quently abandoned. Several of the Canadian volunteers obtained permission to leave
the garrison and attempt to pass through the enemy's lines, in which they succeeded.
They were followed by a few others whose application for leave had been refused.
Only one man deserted to the enemy during the siege. Shortly after the batteries
opened fire, work was begun on traverses in the most exposed portions of the works
to protect the buildings and parade grounds, but to obtain earth for their construction
it was found necessary to lower the surface of the parades below the water line, and
owing to frequent heavy rains, the inside of both redoubts soon became ankle deep
with mud. The fire of the enemy's guns gradually grew more effective while the garri-
son was compelled .to economise its ammunition. The new schooner was seriously
damaged by hot shot from the siege battery and sank at her moorings. The move-
ment of some heavy guns across the river Was observed and it was surmised that a
force was being sent to attack the post at Chambly, twelve miles distant on the road to
Montreal, which proved to be the case. This small fort was an old square stone tower
loop-holed for musketry and originally intended merely to resist an attack of Indians.
Its garrison consisted of seven officers and seventy men of the 7th regiment, and one
officer and three men of the royal artillery. Two small guns were mounted. Defence
against any force provided with heavy cannon was out of the question. On the 16th of
The War of the American Revolution 9
October it was surrounded by a considerable body of the invaders who were immediate-
ly joined by Livingston's Canadians. Guns were brought up and opened fire next day.
A breach was soon made in the walls. Considering further resistance useless, Major
Stopford, the commanding officer, agreed to surrender on being off ered honorable terms.
A considerable supply of artillery, ammunition and provisions fell into the hands of the
enemy whose supply of both had fallen very low. This event was made known to the
garrison of St. Jean two days later by a flag of truce bringing a message asking per-
mission for boats conveying the baggage and non-combatants of the garrison to pass
down the river to General Montgomery's camp as they were to be sent as prisoners of
war to New England. The records relating to the capture of Chambly that have been
preserved are meagre, and contain little information Its surrender, however, greatly
diminished any hopes that may have still be entertained for the relief of St. Jean.
At the same time, Major Preston was informed that a body of militia assembled by
Major Rigauville had been dispersed and that he had been made a prisoner. The pros-
pect of relief seem.ed almost hopeless, and the garrison began to show signs of discour-
agement. Sickness had increased to such an extent that it became necessary to reduce
the guards. This duty had been excessively severe as both men and officers were
sometimes kept on guard for two days and nights in succession.
An engineer officer accompanied by two volunteers who attempted to pass through
the enemy's lines with an urgent message to Carleton for assistance, was captured
A prisoner taken by a small party that had gone out for that purpose stated that a new
battery was under construction, and pointed out its approximate position. This was
shelled at intervals during the night, to delay its completion. On the 27th, and again
on the 31st of October, the sound of artillery was distinctly heard in the direction of
Montreal, arousing hopes that efforts were being made for their relief. On the first day
of November, the new battery opened fire with four guns, in co-operation with that on
the opposite side of the river, and six mortars established in various positions. This
bombardment continued until sunset, and nearly a thousand round shot and between
fifty and one hundred shells were thrown against the redoubts. Large portions of the
walls were beaten down. The few places in the buildings which still afforded a little
shelter from the weather were made untenable. The parapets were penetrated by many
round shot. Three men were killed and several others wounded. The greater part of
the remaining: provisions was destroyed. At night-fall, a flag of truce came in with
a letter from Montgomery, accompanied by a prisoner who had been taken in an effort
to cross the river at Longueuil, the day before, to announce the defeat of that attempt
and demand the surrender of the place,
Next morning an officer was sent out who was assured by another prisoner, a
French Canadian gentleman also taken at Longueuil, that the information given the
night before was indeed correct. On his return a meeting of the officers was held to
consider the situation. The garrison had lived mainly on salt pork for more than a
month. Their ration had been reduced first to two-thirds and then to one-half the
usual allowance. Only three days' provisions remained and the limited quantity of
ammunition required by the regulations to be retained for each gun, to resist an assault.
Terms of capitulation were prepared and sent out for Montgomery's consideration. In
the main they were agreed to by him and in acceding to the proposal that the garrison
should march out with the honors of war, he generously remarked that "this was
due to their fortitude and perseverance." adding, however, "I wish they had been ex-
erted in a better cause." Preston hotly remonstrated against the inclusion of this
observation in the terms, declaring that the garrison was prepared to die with their
arms in their hands rather than "submit to the indignity of such a reflection.'' His
protest was successful, and the words he objected to were erased from the articles of
capitulation. Preston's request that the Canadian officers and militiamen should be
allowed to return to their homes was rejected, and they became prisoners of war on
the same terms as the rest of the garrison. On the 3rd of November, his troops
marched out, having lost during the siege of fifty-three days, sixty of all ranks in killed
and wounded. Three young Canadian officers, La Corne, Perthuis and Beaubien had
been killed and two others, de Lotbiniere and de Salaberry, severely wounded. The
loss of the besiegers was undoubtedly larger but probably did not exceed a hundred in
all. Their sufferings from disease had been very great. On the 12th of October, not
less than 937 men had been discharged as unfit for further service, mainly from fever
and ague. Montgomery himself became despondent and wrote on the 20th of October,
"I am heartily sick of this business and I do not think that any consideration can ever
induce me to step out of the path of private life.",On the last day of that month he
again stated that he wished to retire, as he was "under the disagreeable necessity of
acting constantly out of character, to wheedle, flatter, etc. The Canadians distress
10 The War of the American Revolution
me by their clashing interests and private piques." He described his troops from New
England as "the worst stuff imaginable for soldiers. They are homesick, their regi-
ments have melted away, and yet not a man dead of any distemper. There is such an
equality among them the officers have no authority. The privates are all generals
but not soldiers.",The regiments from New York, he sarcastically termed "sweepings
of the streets." The strength of force under his command during the siege can scarce-
ly be stated with accuracy as it varied greatly from day to day. At first it probably
did not exceed two thousand of all ranks, but was gradually increased to about double
that number. The artillery and munitions captured at Ticonderoga and Chambly
eventually enabled him to overwhelm the garrison with a storm of shot and shell, al-
though, in fact, it ultimately yielded to the menace of immediate famine. Its resist-
ance had been most creditable and reflected the highest honor on all ranks. By the
surrender of this post eighty per cent of the regular troops in the province including
nearly all the trained artillery men became prisoners of war and the conquest of the
country then seemed certain.
Shortly after the defeat of Allen's force, on the island of Montreal, information
was received that Walker still continued to "preach rebellion," and a small party of the
Royal Highland Emigrants accompanied by some Canadians was sent to L'Assomp-
tion to arrest him, under the command of Ensign John Macdonell, afterwards Lieut.-
Colonel commanding the second battalion of the Royal Canadian Volunteers and
speaker of the first Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada. Having received warn-
ing of their approach, Walker had prepared for defence and armed his servants. His
house was surrounded in the night. Several shots were fired from the windows by
which Macdonell and a soldier were badly wounded in forcing the door. The build-
ing was finally set on fire and the inmates surrendered. This resolute measure had
immediate favourable results. The number of the militia in arms at once considerably
increased. A circular Better was addressed by the governor to the captains of militia
calling upon them to make arrangements for harvesting the crops of all men absent
on military service and repairing their farm buildings. Several officers were then
sent out to embody the militia in the rural parishes with indifferent success. The
agents of Congress had used every conceivable argument to prevent them from sup-
porting the government, at times appealing to their prejudices and private interest,
and at others threatening them with the severest penalties. In their present state
of mind it was apparent that little dependence could be placed on their support. "They
are terrified or corrupted to a degree that your Lordship can have no idea of, & are
impressed with the strangest ideas that ever entered into the minds of men. Some-
times they believe that they are to be sent to Boston and nothing can persuade them
that a few transports which are waiting for Provisions, are not lying in wait to receive
them, at other times they are told that the People of Boston are fighting merely to
prevent the return of the stamps which they seem to think a matter of great politeness
&,do not wish to see them disturbed in so good a work. Some amongst them believe
they are sold to the Spaniards (whom they abominate) & that Gen. Carleton has
got the money in his pocket, in short such a mixture of ignorance, fear, credulity, per-
verseness & Prejudice never yet I believe took possession of the human mind or made it
more difficult to know what to do with them." Most of the officers employed to or-
ganize them were seigneurs or their relatives, who were harsh and indiscreet in many
cases, in commanding their military services. "They on their parts have been and are
too much Elated with the advantages they supposed they should derive from the restor-
ation of their old Privileges & customs, & indulged themselves in a way of thinking
& talking that gave every just offence, as well to their own people as to the English
merchants," Chief Justice Hey remarked in the course of the same letter. Mr. La
Corne, the nephew of La Corne de Saint Luc, a very young man, went to Terrebonne
where he had lately inherited a seigniory and endeavoured to embody his tenants as
militiamen. They strongly objected, saying that they become subjects of England and
did not consider themselves as Frenchmen any longer. In the course of this contro-
versy, La Corne came to blows with some of the noisiest among them, and was roughly
handled and obliged to return to Montreal without success. He came back afterwards
accompanied by Captain Henry Hamilton, and as his tenants had assembled, carrying
firearms or clubs, they were asked by the latter what they meant by such disobedient
behaviour. They replied that if the governor would appoint English officers or even
private soldiers as their leaders they were quite willing to serve under them, but de-
clined to obey their seigneur. Mr D'Eschambault, an officer still in the French service
but on leave, had even a more disagreeable experience when he attempted to embody
the tenants of his father's seigniory on the Richelieu. He became so exasperated by
their insolent gestures and words that he drew his sword, on which he was disarmed
and badly beaten. It was even reported that several hundreds of them had collected
The War of the American Revolution 11
with such weapons as they could provide themselves with, intending to resist any force
sent against them, but dispersed on receiving a conciliatory message from the gover-
nor.
James Cuthbert, a British officer on half pay, who had purchased the seigniory of
Berthier, summoned his tenants to meet him at his residence. They refused to do this
and assembled instead at a crossroads beneath a large wooden crucifix and when he
commanded their military service according to the French law they stubbornly refused
to obey him, and after his departure, it is stated, took a solemn oath that they would not
bear arms and if any of their number should agree to support the government they
would immediately burn his buildings and kill his cattle.
Charles de Lanaudiere went to his own seigniory at St. Anne, where he succeeded
in, enlisting about seventy men, few of whom had arms. On marching with them to
Berthier, he was surrounded by the people of that parish who made him a prisoner, and
his followers immediately dispersed. His captors had at first declared their intention
of handing him over to the invaders, but changed their minds and liberated him. He
then crossed the river to Sorel, and joined Colonel Maclean who had arrived there from
Quebec with some recruits of his own corps and 300 militia whom he had embodied in
the parishes below. It had been the governor's intention to form an entrenched camp
near Chambly with Maclean's force, but he was compelled to abandon this design
owing to the pronounced hostility of the people of the neighbouring parishes. Major
de Rigauville, who had been despatched to Vercheres was still more unfortunate. He
had succeeded in assembling one hundred and forty militiamen, all of whom were arm-
ed but was attacked during the night by a detachment of Montgomery's force, aided by
some disaffected inhabitants, and was taken prisoner. Only one of his men was killed
but the rest instantly dispersed and went home. When this event occurred late in the
month of October, Carleton had actually assembled about nine hundred militia men at
Montreal but they deserted in large parties at night.
The Caughnawaga Indians had accepted a present of a thousand dollars in money
from Montgomery on the understanding that they would remain neutral and not more
than sixty or eighty other Indians obeyed Carleton's summons after the departure of
Colonel Johnson. Many others were expected but they were easily discouraged and
evidently intended to be on the side of the strongest party. They also professed dis-
content because they had been forbidden to cross the frontier lest they might commit
depredations on the peaceful inhabitants in which the innocent would suffer with the
guilty.
By calling in small detachments from other stations the number of regular troops
had been increased to eighty of all ranks. On the 16th September, Carleton addressed
a very urgent demand for assistance to General Gage, at Boston, which was despatched
by a small swift sailing schooner from Quebec. He seems to have delayed his oper-
ations for the relief of St. Jean, in the hope of receiving reinforcements. Finally as
no reply was received and having collected a force consisting of nearly one thousand
men of all descriptions including 800 militia and eighty Indians, he determined to cross
the river to Lorigueuil and co-operate with Colonel Maclean who was directed to move
up the Richelieu at the same time, and actually advanced as far as St. Denis. The
passage of the river was opposed by Colonel Warner with not more than three hundred
men from New Hampshire. The boats turned back and the troops were landed on the
island of St. Helen where they remained for three days, during which cannon were
mounted on several boats. A second attempt on the 31st of October was repelled by a
sharp fire of musketry and in the course of the day, the Americans brought up a gun
from Chambly which began firing upon the troops on that island who were then with-
drawn to Montreal. In this skirmish, a few men were killed and wounded on both
sides, and some Canadians who had landed near Longueuil were taken prisoners, two
of whom were at once sent to Montgomery's camp before St. Jean, to persuade the
garrison to surrender by giving an account of their defeat. The loss of that place
was made known to Carleton by the receipt of a copy of the terms granted the garri-
son on the 4th November, and he prepared at once to evacuate Montreal. The popu-
lation of that island had increased since the conquest of the province to about ten
thousand, of whom more than half resided in the town and suburbs. It had become the
headquarters of the fur trade with the western Indians, and a large stock of goods for
that purpose was in the hands of the principal merchants who were naturally desirous
of preserving their property and making the best terms possible with the invaders. The
defence of the town against the attack of so large a force as that commanded by Mont-
gomery was clearly hopeless under existing circumstances. The merchants were
greatly alarmed and the other inhabitants discontented or dispirited. Maclean had
been abandoned by most of his militia, and obliged to re-embark his troops on the
12 The War of the American Revolution
vessels lying at Sorel, which had been armed at Quebec for the protection of trade and
the communication with Montreal by water. Carleton had also received information
by this time that a strong invading force was advancing by the way of the Chaudiere
against the city of Quebec, where there was not a single regular soldier, and a ma-
jority of the people were believed to be scarcely more loyal or resolute than those at
Montreal.
The field artillery and military stores were soon embarked but contrary winds,
blowing steadily for several days, prevented the departure of any ships from Montreal
until the llth of November, when a fair breeze springing up, the entire garrison with
the governor's staff went on board in the -evening and the three armed vessels set sail,
taking under their protection eight other small craft loaded with stores and provisions.
While Carleton was thus detained, Montgomery had taken possession of St. Helen's
island, and landed troops on the island of Montreal, a few miles above the town. On
the 9th , he summoned the inhabitants to surrender by a letter in French, addressed to
the noted Pierre Du Calvet, in which he threatened the town with a destructive bom-
bardment and urged them to surrender before his guns opened fire, at the same time
taking care to contradict the reports set in circulation that the place would be pil-
laged. This letter was either intercepted or handed over to Carleton. The princi-
pal merchants sent out a deputation to propose terms of capitulation in which they
stipulated for the protection of their property and liberty to continue their trade with
the Indians in the upper country. After some debate, terms were agreed upon and
Montgomery took possession of the town soon after Carleton's departure. On the day
following one of Carleton's armed vessels ran aground, which caused several hours'
delay. In the evening the wind failed altogether before they reached Sorel and then
continued persistently adverse for several days. A strong hostile force had occupied
Sorel and even sent a detachment across the river to occupy Berthier. Artillery was
placed on commanding positions on both shores to prevent the passage of the ships
through the channel among the islands near the mouth of the Richelieu, and a floating
battery on a raft was moored three miles above to assist in this. On the 15th, the fire
of these guns forced the ships to shift their anchorage to get out of range and on the
night of the 16th-17th, as the wind still blew from a contrary direction Carleton per-
suaded Captain Bouchette, the master of one of the vessels, to take him past the batter-
ies in a whale boat accompanied only by his aide-de-camp, Charles de Lanaudiere, and
a Canadian orderly sergeant. At Three Rivers, he overtook the ships conveying
Maclean's force and eventually arrived at Quebec on the 20th.
CHAPTER IV.
The Siege and Blockade of Quebec.
On the Sunday (17th Sept.) following Carleton's departure from Quebec, the
British and Canadian militia were reviewed by the Lieutenant-Governor and arms
were distributed. Six companies of British and eleven companies of the Canadian
militia were present on parade. Besides these, an artillery company had been formed
from each body and placed on duty at the fortifications. The Canadian population ex-
pressed their firm determination to support the government and defend their property.
They had already mounted guard and performed patrol duty for some time. The total
strength of the Canadian militia, according to the rolls then prepared was 994 of all
ranks. Two companies of the British militia mounted guard that night. Many
breaches in the walls of the town still needed repair, and only a few cannon were
mounted for service. No letters from England had been received of a later date than
the 15th of April or from General Gage later than the 3rd of July, and little hope was
entertained of receiving reinforcements from either quarter. Although the gentry,
clergy and most influential merchants had actively exerted themselves to persuade
the country people to take up arms in defence of the province, they had met with little
success. It was still believed that the arrival of troops and a few ships of war would
change their attitud^. Within a few days the road to Montreal was so menaced by the
enemy that it was deemed no longer safe to send important letters by post or by the
couriers usually employed by the government. Despatches were at last received from
the Secretary of State for the Colonies dated in June and the beginning of July, by
one of which the governor was directed to enlist 3,000 Canadians to act as light infan-
try, and be placed on the same footing as provincial troops enlisted in the last war,
except that Canadian officers were to have no claim to half pay or rank in the army
except while serving with other troops, when each officer would be junior to the young-
est officer of the same commissioned rank in the regular army. No reference was
The War of the American Revolution 13
made to the despatch of any reinforcement. As there were no ships of the navy then
at Quebec for the protection of the navigation of the river, Cramahe hired and armed
four small vessels for that purpose. To man them, he was obliged to lay an embargo
until the 20th of October, upon five transports which had arrived from Boston to ob-
tain hay and other supplies for the garrison of that place, as well as on all other ships
in the harbor. Besides the number required, this would supply a body of eighty able
seamen for the defence of the town. Before the end of the month, the fortifications
were placed in a much better state. Thirty-two guns were mounted and tested by the
companies of militia artillery. Addresses to the Canadians appealing to them in the
strongest terms to come to the assistance of the government for the protection of their
religion, their churches, and homes were published in the only newspaper printed in the
city, and also circulated in the form of hand bills. The departure of Colonel Maclean
with the recruits of his own regiment and a small detachment of the Royal Fusiliers,
left the defence of Quebec entirely in the hands of the militia, at a time when it was
menaced by an attack from an unexpected quarter.
Shortly after his return to Ticonderoga, from hjs raid upon St. Jean, such
serious complaints were laid against Arnold that the Congress appointed a committee
to investigate them. On learning this, Arnold at once resigned his command and joined
the army besieging Boston. The defenceless state of Quebec had become known to him
probably through letters received from discontented citizens. In his trading voyages he
had on several occasions visited that port for the purpose of buying horses and ship-
ping them to the West Indies. He had also made the acquaintance of merchants who
were disaffected and still corresponded with some of them. Early in September, he
proposed to lead a sufficient force by the overland route from the head waters of the
Kennebec River to the Chaudiere, in the hope of taking the city by surprise as in the
absence of the regular troops it was not expected that the militia would offer any re-
solute resistance.
Washington approved of this plan expecting either to create a diversion in favour
of Schuyler by drawing Carleton from Montreal or taking Quebec in his absence. The
distance from the mouth of the Kennebec to Quebec as the crow flies was estimated at
210 miles but was more than double that distance by the route proposed. Arnold was
instructed to ascertain the real sentiments of the Canadians and if they would not
co-operate with him or at least acquiesce in his attempt, he was to desist. He was to
distribute the printed addresses from Congress to them, with copies of which he was
abundantly supplied, as soon as he entered the province. Strict discipline must be
maintained and any attempt at plunder or ill treatment of the people was to be se-
verely punished. Reliable information must be obtained at any risk, and he was ad-
vised to communicate with Schuyler by means of the Indians of St. Francis who had
promised their assistance. If he was able to join Schuyler he was to place himself
under his command. He was provided with money and ordered to pay full value for
provisions and avoid taking cattle or other supplies by force. His soldiers were to
be restrained from ridiculing the ceremonies of the Catholic religion or insulting its
priests or adherents as it was feared they might be inclined to do.
Arnold left Cambridge on the 15th September, with a force estimated at 1,200 of all
ranks, embarking at Newburyport in a flotilla of sloops and schooners in which he
ascended the Kennebec as far as the head of navigation for such vessels, then trans-
ferring his men into batteaux to perform the rest of the journey. This movement be-
came known to General Gage a few days later but he was uncertain whether an attack
was contemplated upon Halifax or Quebec. Reinforcements were sent to the former
place and on receiving Carleton's application some weeks later, orders were given for
the embarkation of a battalion of marines for the latter. The transports to receive
them were ready on the 13th of October, when a letter was received from the admiral
condemning any attempt to enter the St. Lawrence so late in the season as extremely
dangerous and the proposal was abandoned. On that very day Arnold had arrived at
Dead River, on the height of land about 160 miles from Quebec, and wrote a letter
addressed to John Dyer Mercier, a well known merchant of that city, informing him
of his advance with two thousand men, and asking him for information as to the feel-
ings of the Canadians, the number of troops in the garrison, and whether any news
had been received of his march. It is probable that his force was purposely overstated.
A letter to General Schuyler was enclosed and despatched by an Indian. By great good
fortune these letters were intercepted on the 28th of October before delivery. Mercier
was at once arrested and sent on board a sloop of war in the river. A deputation of
the citizens called upon the Lieutenant-Governor to enquire the reason of this rather
startling measure which he declined to make known to them Next morning, however,
he assembled the captains of the British militia to whom the intercepted letters were
14 The War of the American Revolution
read, which satisfied them that the arrest was necessary for the safety of the place.
As several days must necessarily elapse before Arnold could possibly arrive, the time
was diligently employed in strengthening the fortifications and making other arrange-
ments for defence. The frigate "Lizard" opportunely arrived from England bringing
despatches with arms, accoutrements and clothing for 6,000 men and £20,000 in money.
About the same time, Malcolm Fraser returned from Newfoundland and the island of
St. John, with more than a hundred recruits for the Royal Highland Emigrants and a
number of artificers and carpenters. These men, with thirty-five marines from the
"Lizard" were immediately landed and added much strength to the garrison although
many of Maclean's recruits were described as "Irish fishermen totally unacquainted
with the use of arms/' The prisoners sent down from Montreal or taken elsewhere
were sent to England to avoid detailing guards for their safe keeping. On his arrival
at Ste. Marie, eight miles from Point Levi on the 8th November, Arnold received a
letter from Montgomery dated the 29th of October, informing him of the capture of
Chambly and the prospective surrender of St. Jean. To this he immediately wrote
a reply giving him information of his arrival and stating his intention of crossing the
river and attacking Quebec. ' So certain was the Congress of success that handbills
had been printed and circulated in the southern provinces announcing the capture of
Quebec and describing circumstantially the quantity of military stores taken. Arnold
had learned the extent of the reinforcements received by the garrison and that his
messenger with previous letters, had been captured or betrayed him, as the garrison
had been warned of his approach and had destroyed or taken away all boats on that
side of the St. Lawrence, but as he had been joined by forty Indians with a number of
birch canoes he expected to be able to cross without any difficulty when he would
endeavour to blockade the town and perhaps compel the garrison to surrender. A
similar letter was written to General Washington and both were given to an Indian
from Lorette, who undertook to carry them to Montgomery. On his way this mes-
senger met a party of Colonel Maclean's corps marching towards Quebec to whom he
delivered the letter, mistaking them for Americans, and was consequently arrested. On
arriving at Point Levi the same afternoon a boat from the Hunter sloop of war was
fired on and narrowly escaped capture and a midshipman who attempted to reach his
ship by swimming was taken by his Indians. Caldwell's mills were occupied but his
men were soon driven out by the guns of the Hunter.
In his adventurous march along an ill defined Indian trail through the wilderness,
following a route, now marked by a mountain, stream and small lake, bearing his name,
Arnold had encountered unforeseen obstacles and hardships which caused delay and
consequent exhaustion of supplies. He had provided himself with rough maps pre-
pared by a former explorer, Captain John Montresor. On reaching the height of
land he decided to send back all weak and sickly men to economize provisions, but was
unexpectedly deserted by the division in rear, consisting of nearly one-third of his
whole force. On approaching the Canadian settlements so little food was left that he
was obliged to go forward himself with a small party in the hope of securing provis-
ions, as his men were weak with hunger and fatigue. The inhabitants were friendly
and he succeeded in obtaining a supply which they assisted him in conveying to his
main body. The merest chance had prevented him from reaching Quebec without
being discovered, and possibly taking the town by surprise. His own letters had not
only supplied the garrison with the first intimation of his approach, but now after his
arrival in sight of the town gave them timely notice of his intentions and the diminished
number and feeble state of his force as well as the knowledge possessed by him of the
strength of the garrison and the assistance that he expected to receive from some of
the inhabitants.
On the 2nd of November, Cramahe had received letters from Boston definitely
informing him that no reinforcements could be expected from that place. All com-
munication by land had been cut off by the enemy who by besetting the roads on both
sides of the river, had stopped the couriers and detained some travellers whom they
had since released and permitted to proceed to Quebec. Easterly winds had pre-
vented any vessels from coming down the river. The surrender of St. Jean and
the contemplated evacuation of Montreal were unknown when Arnold appeared at
Point Levi on the 9th. A council of war was held on the llth, composed of the lieuten-
ant-governor, the conservators of the peace, the commanding officers of the ships of
war and the troops and British militia, at which it was decided to lay an embargo
on all shipping, sailors and British inhabitants, prohibiting them from leaving the
province at such a critical time and to offer a bounty of £3 to all seamen who
would volunteer for military service. It was also resolved to put the city in the best
possible state of defence and ascertain the exact strength of the militia, the num-
The War of the American Revolution 15
ber of the inhabitants, and the quantity of provisions and fire-wood in the city. It
was not until the night of the 13th-14th, that Arnold succeeded in crossing the St.
Lawrence without opposition when he took up quarters near the town, occupying all the
roads by small parties who prevented supplies of any kind from being brought in. It
was then known in the garrison that the governor had embarked at Montreal several
days before, but that batteries had been constructed to prevent his passage through
the islands at the mouth of the Richelieu, and no letters had been received from him
since the 5th. During the day a body of some hundreds of Arnold's men paraded in
sight of the town, sending forward a flag of truce which was fired upon and driven off
without being able to deliver a letter to the governor, demanding the surrender of the
place, and promising protection for private property in that event, but threatening
"every severity practiced on such occasions" in case he was obliged to carry the town
assault when he intimated that the merchants who might then save their property
would "probably be involved in the general ruin." Next morning the flag of truce
again approached the gate and succeeded in delivering this letter and another com-
plaining that his flag had been fired upon the day before and that he was informed that
a prisoner taken from his party had been placed in irons.
The council of war re-assembled on the 16th and agreed in an opinion that "it is
for the Benefit and Honor of His- Majesty's Service, at all Events to defend the Town
to the last Extremity." They recommended that the suburb of St. Jean and all the
houses adjoining the fortifications and defences of the town which could afford shelter
to the enemy should be destroyed ; that as many pilots as could be procured should be
sent to Europe in the "Packet" which was about tcT sail with despatches; that signals
should be arranged for communication between the garrison and the fleet expected to
arrive for its relief in the following spring; and that the masters of the vessels detained
by the embargo should be granted compensation for their losses. The state of the
garrison laid before them, including troops, marines, seamen of the navy and mer-
chant shipping, artificers and British and Canadian militia, actually on duty, showed
a total of 1178 of all ranks, to which must be added a detachment of troops with the
seamen on board the two armed vessels on their way down from Three Rivers. The
whole number of persons within the town was estimated at five thousand, and with the
greatest economy the provisions in store might be made to last until the middle of May.
The council of war faced the prospect of a siege probably lasting six months with
notable courage and composure. Several of its members had undergone a similar ex-
perience in the town fifteen years before. Captain John Hamilton of the Lizard,
the senior officer of the navy, was formally requested in writing by the civil and
military members to lay up his ships and order the seamen on shore for the defence of
the city which he promptly agreed to do on receiving their written assurance that
they were determined to resist to the last, and orders were at once given for that pur-
pose. A deserter who came in, brought the information that Arnold's force was short
of ammunition and clothing, and on being informed that a sortie was intended, had
retreated into the woods in hopes of being reinforced by a body of 2,000 men reported
to be on its march from Montreal.
His retreat up the river was eventually continued as far as Pointe aux Trembles,
a distance of more than twenty miles, where the approach of Montgomery's troops
was awaited. The arrival of Carleton three d ys later accompanied by a small detachment
of troops in the two armed vessels raised the spirits of the garrison and the prepar-
ations for defence were vigorously continued. Learning that several persons liable
to military service had stubbornly refused to enroll themselves in the militia and
that others, already enrolled, had declined to serve any longer, he published a procla-
mation commanding all such ill disposed persons with their wives and children to
quit the town inside of four days and leave the limits of the district before the first of
December, under penalty of being- treated as rebels or spies. They were ordered
to furnish the commissary with a true statement of all provisions and stores in their
possession for valuation and purchase at a fair price before their departure. By this
decisive measure he expected "to rid the town of all useless, disloyal, and treacherous
persons." Letters were forwarded by special vessels sent off for that purpose to
England, and also to General Howe at Boston, describing the perilous situation of the
garrison and urging that troops should be despatched for its relief as soon as the
navigation of the river became practicable in the spring.
In his official letter to Lord Dartmouth, written the day following his return to
Quebec, Carleton frankly confessed that the project of raising a Canadian force seemed
clearly impracticable but that he considered that everything had been done during
his absence for the defence of the town that circumstances would permit and if the
inhabitants and seamen could be depended upon, he believed that he might be able
16 The War of the American Revolution
to defend it until troops arrived next spring, but, he added, sadly, "we have so many
enemies within, and foolish People, Dupes, to those Traitors, with the natural Fear of
Men unused to war, I think our fate extremely doubtful, to say nothing worse."
The ships becalmed among the islands at the mouth of the Richelieu were unable
to pass the batteries and compelled to surrender. General Prescott and more than
ene hundred soldiers and seaman became prisoners of war. Montgomery, in conse-
quence, obtained possession of a considerable quantity of ordnance and munitions with
a useful flotilla of vessels, thus enabling him to continue his movements down the river
with much ease.
The two light armed vessels under the command of Captain Napier at Quebec,
were accordingly ordered to ascend the river to watch his movements, and did not
return until the first day of December. Their appearance probably delayed Montgom-
ery's advance for several days.
Carleton's misgivings were well concealed from his subordinates. His bearing when
in their company was always serene and confident and he naturally became the soul
of the defence. He was loyally supported by Maclean and Caldwell although both were
inclined at times to grumble at their chief's reticence. Hamilton's battalion of sturdy
seaman supplied a number of experienced officers and skilled gunners. A habitan
of Lorette was sternly drummed out of town for spreading discouraging reports.
Arnold's men wore linen jackets and the first story spread through the country
described them as 'vetu en toile," clad in linen. This was afterwards trans-
formed, either through malice or mistake into "vetu en tole," and the sim-
ple inhabitants marvelled at the tale of an invasion by men clothed in armour of
sheet iron. They prevented supplies of reaching town, and even unloaded some boats
intended for Quebec. Montgomery's advance was by no means rapid. He was probably
delayed by the necessity of collecting supplies. On his way down the river he landed
at Three Rivers, assembled the officers of the local militia and informed them that
they would be allowed to retain their commissions. On the 3rd of December he landed
his heavy guns at Cap Rouge where they were apparently tested as the sound of firing
was distinctly heard at Quebec, Country people who came in vaguely estimated the
strength of his force at 4,500, provided with many cannon. Next day Montgomery
took possession of several nouses in the suburbs near the gates and cut off all commun-.
ication with the country .His main body bringing with it some field guns, occupied
Ste. Foye and Montgomery established his headquarters at Holland House, within
easy view of the walls. The number of French Canadians in the city liable for mil-
itary service had been reduced during the autumn by the departure of young men for
the fisheries in the gulf, and other employment to 710 of all ranks. This was further
diminished by an inroad by Duggan with a force of Canadians into the suburb of Saint
Roch by night. All militiamen found there were disarmed and paroled, it was strongly
suspected with their own connivance in many instances. An address to the principal
merchants was prepared by Montgomery in French and English urging them to sur-
render to avoid the "confusion, carnage and plunder" which must result from an
attack. With this he enclosed a letter addressed to Carleton in which he said that
"a great extent of works in their nature incapable of defence, manned with a motly
Crew of Sailors the greatest part our friends, of Citizens who wish to see us within
their walls, and a few of the worst Troops who ever stiled themselves Soldiers; — the
impossibility of relief, and a certain prospect of wanting every necessary of life, should
your opponents confine their operations to a Blockade, point out the absurdity of
resistance — such is your Situation," and warned him to refrain from the destruction
of stores or no mercy would be shown. This letter was given to an old woman to deliver
She manaered to enter the town but was subsequently arrested, sent to jail for a few
days and then drummed out Copies of these letters were afterwards attached to
arrows and shot over the walls.
Montgomery's correspondence at this time indicates that he had recovered his
spirits and was now sanguine of success. In a letter to Schuyler, dated on the 5th
of December, he stated that "Arnold's corps is very fine, superior in discipline, and
accustomed to cannon shot at Cambridge." He had with him two hundred Cana-
dians under arms, commanded by James Livingston. A number of persons expelled
from the city bv the governor joined him, one of whom, Edward Antill, a lawyer
formerly a resident of Montreal who had signed the articles of the loyal association
in that city, he had appointed his chief engineer. Another, Udney Hay, became his
Deputy Quarter Master General. John Bondfield was made commissary officer and
John Welles acted as his secretary. Some of these refugees had given him valuable
information. "The works of Quebec," he reported, "are extremely extensive and very
incapable of being defended. His garrison consists of McLean's banditti, the sailors
The War of the American Revolution 17
from the frigates and other vessels laid up, together with the citizens obliged to take
up arms, most of whom are impatient of the fatigues of a siege and wish to see mat-
ters accommodated peaceably." Favorable results were expected from the letters
he had addressed to Carleton and the inhabitants. If the garrison did not surrender,
he proposed to occupy its attention by formal siege operations with the intention of
taking the lower town by assault. A battery, to mount five twelve pounders and a
howitzer, was constructed on the heights within about 700 yards of the walls, and five
mortars were placed in position in the suburb of Saint Roch. His riflemen
occupied many of the houses near the walls and kept up a lively fire while daylight
lasted. Several deserters came in, one of whom had served, in a British regiment.
On December 8th, while Montgomery was visiting his advanced post at Menut's Tavern
a well aimed round shot killed the horse drawing his cariole. Next day, other
deserters came in, who estimated the effective force of the enemy at not more
than 1,500 men, and stated that some cases of small pox had been discovered
amongst them. The weather then turned very cold. The bombardment from Saint
Roch began shortly after midnight on the morning of December 10th. ' Twenty-eight
small shells were thrown into the the town from mortars with little effect. When
dav broke a battery protected by gabions packed with snow, was discovered 800
yards from St John's gate. It was vigorously assailed by the guns within range,
and as some of the houses in that surburb obstructed the view of the garrison, they
were burned. The bombardment was continued on the three following nights and a
brisk rifle fire maintained during the day from the highest buildings outside. Sharp-
shooters were discovered in the cupola of the intendant's palace within easy range of
the walls. A gun was turned on that building and it was observed that many injured
men were removed. On December 15th a flag of truce accompanied by Arnold him-
self, approached with letters but he was not admitted nor were the letters received.
He went away angrily exclaiming, "then 1st the governor be answerable for all the
consequences that may arise in future." Their batteries again opened fire soon after
but a vigorous reply from the citadel shattered their flimsy works and it was surmised,
disabled some of the guns.
At a meeting of Arnold's officers held on the evening of the 16th, a majority
favored an assault as soon as the men could be provided with bayonets, spears, hatch-
ets, and hand grenades. Vigorous preparations were made for that purpose. Many
scaling ladders were constructed. The intermittent bombardment of the citadel and
Lower Town was continued and several men in the garrison were wounded by rifle
fire from Saint Roch. Reports received from without stated that Montgomery had
told his men that he would dine in Quebec on Christmas Day or die in the attempt,
and a letter received from a prisoner in their hands stated that "the Canadian rebels
leave him very fast and his own people are quite tired of the expedition." On the
contrary, an officer of the garrison noted that "there is a very conspicuous martial
spirit among us". The weather continued to be intensely cold. On the 22nd December,
Colonel Caldwell's confidential clerk escaped from the besiegers and brought in a de-
serter with him. He stated that five hundred .scaling ladders had been made, and
that Montgomery had promised his men eight hundred dollars each, as prize money
if they were successful. He thought that an attack would be made on the ni^ht
of December 23-24. One thousand men were consequently kept under arms. During
the night a solitary man, who proved to be a deserter, formerly of the 28th regiment,
approached the gate of St. John, fired his musket in the air and asked to be let in.
Ropes were thrown down and he was hauled over the wall. He then stated that the
attack had been put off owing to the escape of the clerk.
In fact Montgomery had resolved to risk all on a single desperate effort to take
the town by assault. "Strain every nerve to send a large corps of troops down the
instant the lake is passable," he wrote to Schuyler on the 26th, "it is of the utmost
importance we should be possessed of Quebec before succors can arrive; and I must
here give it to you as my opinion, and that of several sensible men acquainted with this
province that we are not to expect a union with Canada till we have a force in the
country sufficient to insure it against any attempt that may be made for its recovery."
On the following night two-thirds of the garrison lay on their arms. Carleton
and other officers, not on actual duty slept at the Convent of the Recollet Order in
their clothing. Many light signals were observed in various directions, but no attempt
at an assault was made. The bombardment was not renewed. In the afternoon Mont-
gomery had addressed his troops on the subject of the contemplated assault in a very
determined way. Why it was again postponed is not known. The following day was
so intensely cold that the soldiers could scarcely handle their arms. On the evening
of the 27th his troops had actually assembled for the assault when an order was issued
18 The War of the American Revolution
for them to return to their quarters as it was not considered advisable to make the
attempt then. The garrison had been thoroughly on the alert for many days and
every man fit for duty had been mustered. The most recent state showed a total
strength of 1,800 of whom 328 were regular troops; 450 seaman including masters
and mates of merchant ships; 330 British militia; 543 Canadian militia; 35 marines
and 120 artificers. The Canadian militia, under Colonel Noel Voyer had been re-
organized into one company of artillery and seven companies of infantry, one of the
latter being solely composed of volunteers and students, and another of old and unfit men
as guards for the prisoners. The seamen had been formed into a navy battalion of
eight companies under the command of Captain Hamilton of the Lizard. Most of the
masters and mates of the merchantmen were given manuscript commissions as officers
and one at least of these has been preserved. On December 30th, another deserter
came in who stated that the attack would be made the first dark or stormy night as
Montgomery in his speech had informed his troops that he would soon ask them to
follow him to an easy conquest. A fresh supply of shells had just been received from
Montreal. This part of his information was confirmed by a renewal of the bombard-
ment. One-third of the shells thrown into the town that night, however failed to burst.
The last night but one of the year was very dark with a stiff wind from the north-east.
Snow was steadily falling and drifting. At four o'clock in the morning, Captain Mal-
colm Fraser, who commanded the main guard, while going his rounds, observed signals
in the suburbs near St. John's gate which led him to believe that an attack would soon
be made. He reported this to the governor who ordered an alarm to be given. Run-
ning along St. Louis Street, Fraser shouted "turn out" so loudly that he was heard by the
pickets at their various stations. The drums beat and the church bells rang. In a
few minutes every man was at his alarm post. Carleton instantly ordered the main
guard to march to the post near St. John's gate. The sentries all along the castle
wall, between Cape Diamond and the palace gate saw many swiftly recurring flashes
like distant lightning all around; and on the heights of Abraham, a long row of lights
resembling lanterns hoisted on tall poles at intervals. The weather was so stormy and
the falling snow so thick that at some of the distant posts on the ramparts, neither
the bells nor drums were heard but they were already sufficiently alarmed by the flashes
they had seen. Presently two rockets were thrown up from the foot of Cape Diamond
and a hot rifle fire burst forth. All the siege batteries began throwing shells into
the town.
The troops for the assualt had actually assembled two hours earlier. Those who
were to make the attack near Cape Diamond mustered at the general headquarters at
Holland House on the heights and were headed by Montgomery in person. Another
column led by Arnold and composed entirely of his own troops advanced through the
suburb of St. Roch against the Saut au Matelot. Livingston with his body of Cana-
dians, and Brown, with a detachment of troops from Boston, were directed to make
demonstrations against the walls south of St. John's gate and attempt to set that
gate on fire with inflammable material prepared for the purpose. It was suspected by
some of his men that Montgomery's plan was simply to burn the lower town and the
ships lying there and that he had no intention of assaulting the citadel.
All these parties were ordered to begin the attack exactly at five o'clock. The
great depth of snow combined with other causes to retard Livingston's movement.
Montgomery's column was accompanied by several carpenters provided with axes and
saws to cut down the palisades near Cape Diamond. This attack commenced precisely
at the hour fixed. A guard of seaman posted at Pres de Ville, consisting of about
thirty men, occupied a large house belonging to Simon Fraser, called the "Pot Ash,"
which had been carefully prepared for defence and several small field guns mounted.
It was commanded by Captain Barnsfare of the navy battalion, master of a merchant
ship. His men were fully on the alert. The guns were loaded with grape shot and bags
of bullets, and the gunners stood ready with lighted matches when a body of men was
seen advancing swiftly along the narrow street in front. They halted within fifty
yards as if consulting or receiving instructions and then rushed rapidly forward. All
the guns were fired; loud cries and groans were heard; the surviving assailants disap-
peared around the cliff. A steady fire of artillery and musketry continued to sweep the
street for some minutes. The assault was not renewed. Not until the morning was it
discovered that Montgomery, both his aides-de-camp and ten others had been slain by
the first deadly volley. The remainder had instantly dispersed although for some
time they kept up a rambling fire of musketry against the ramparts.
At first Arnold's column met with a degree of success. Its advanced guard labor-
iously dragged with it a field piece mounted on a sledge to make a breach in a battery
built upon Lymburner's wharf, which they then expected to carry by scaling while
The War of the American Revolution 19
another party tried to get around it on the ice. The depth of snow delayed the move-
ment of this gun and they were finally forced to leave it behind. The main body lost
its way among the storehouses and wharves. It was also considerably harassed by a
brisk fire of musketry from the ramparts overlooking the suburb and from the Hotel
Dieu. A company of riflemen under Captain Daniel Morgan drove out the defenders
of the battery, or forced them to abandon their guns and seek cover, by firing into the
loop-holes or embrasures, and it was taken after only a single round had been fired.
Some prisoners were captured, the others made their escape to the next barrier about
three hundred yards further on. Arnold himself was badly wounded in the leg and
carried off to the hospital with some others who had fallen, resolutely encouraging
his men to continue the attack as he passed them. The arrival of the main body was
awaited before beginning a further advance. Nearly half an hour elapsed. From
the houses on both sides of the narrow street a hot rifle fire was kept up against the
second barrier or barricade, which finally drove the defenders from a blockhouse or
elevated battery within. The storming party advanced and raised scaling ladders
against the barrier which they began to ascend. Charles Charland, a strong and bold
French-Canadian private, belonging to Captain Fremont's company wrenched the lad-
ders from the hands of those who held them and dragged them over the barrier. For
this gallant conduct he was specially mentioned and rewarded. The attack was soon
repulsed with considerable loss. The assailants took shelter in the adjacent buildings
and endeavoured to pass around the barricade by making their way from house to
house, and firing from the windows. As the other attacks had been discontinued, Car-
leton saw that the opportune moment for overpowering this body had arrived and
promptly seized it. Captain Lawe, with a strong party was ordered to sally out by
the palace gate and attack it in rear. Maclean ordered Capt. McDougall with a de-
tachment of Emigrants to support Lawe, while Major Nairn, with another party of the
same regiment was sent to the support of the defenders of the second barrier who were
chiefly French-Canadian militia. Their septuagenarian commanding Officer, Lieut-
Colonel Noel Voyer, was conspicuously active in his efforts to animate them. He was
afterwards joined and aided by Lieut.-Golonel Henry Caldwell of the British Militia
accompanied by some of his officers and men. Nairn followed by Ensign Dambourges
and a few men ascended a ladder and, entering at a window, drove out a party of men
who had taken possession of a house, through which they had attempted to turn this
barricade. By this means they secured possession of a commanding post which over-
looked the battery on the wharf and the street as well. The remnant of the assailants
was absolutely hemmed in and entrapped in a situation where they could scarcely
make any resistance. After enduring a well directed fire for a few minutes they called
loudly for mercy. Thirty- two officers and 350 un wounded men surrendered here besides
which forty-four wounded were ^also taken. The prisoners were described by their
captors as fine looking fellows, most of whom had pinned strips of paper on the front
of their caps on which they had written the words "Liberty or Death. A few had
made off and escaped across the river St. Charles on the ice.
The loss of Arnold's division in killed and in wounded men who had got away was
roughly estimated at one hundred. Two thirds of his column composed of the best dis-
ciplined troops in the besieging force had thus been put out of action. The storm
continued with unabated fury, and many bodies were soon buried by drifting snow
where some of them remained concealed until it disappeared several months later.
The loss of the garrison was small. Captain Anderson of the navy battalion and
five privates were killed and double that number wounded. Of the British militia two
men, George Kerr and John Fraser, were killed, the latter being a well known master
shipbuilder. Of the French-Canadian militia, Pte. Louis Valerant was killed, Claude
Cognac died of wounds, and privates J. Bte. Guste, Charlery the elder, Antoine Bisto-
dau, Joseph Crete and Joseph Rainville were wounded.
After the prisoners had been marched in and placed in confinement a strong body
was sent to burn some houses in Saint Roch. It took possession of seven small guns
and a quantity of shells, all of which were brought into the citadel without molestation.
The bodies of Montgomery and others who had fallen in the attack at Pres de Ville were
also brought in and the officers recognised. At that time the whole force of the be-
siegers was apparently collected at their advanced post, near Menut's Tavern, probably
with the intention of opposing a sortie against their battery on the plains. They had
been joined by a considerable number of the lower class of Canadians probably at-
tracted by the hope of plunder. During the following night, an incessant fire was
maintained from the citadel upon the houses still occupied by the enemy in the suburb
of St. Roch. The investing force was, however, so much weakened by its losses, in-
cluding their principal leaders, that it was quite unable to renew the attack and scarcely
any reply was made to this fire.
20 The War of the American Revolution
Among the prisoners taken, were several Canadians and two Indians, all of whom
Carleton set at liberty at once from motives of policy. The bodies of Montgomery and
his two officers were decently buried by the order and at the expense of the lieutenant-
governor. One of the senior officers among the prisoners was permitted to leave the
town for the purpose of bringing in their baggage and making them as comfortable
as possible. A slight thaw began on the 4th of January which continued for three days
and enabled the garrison to repair and strengthen the barriers and outworks at the Saut
au Matelot. The siege batteries sullenly fired a few shots at great intervals. Cold
weather followed during which, for several days, little activity was shown on either
side. Another great snow storm then began which blocked many of the streets and
made them almost impassable until the snow could be cleared away. On the night of
January lOth-llth, many flashes of light were again seen and rockets were thrown up
in several directions which caused an alarm and some small parties of riflemen com-
menced firing from the suburb of St. Roch. They were driven off by artillery.
Nearly one hundred of the prisoners, all born in the British Isles or elsewhere in
Europe, made an application for enlistment in the Royal Emigrants, declaring that
their engagement with the enemy had terminated on the last day of December. With
some misgivings, their request was granted and they were duly enrolled to serve in
that corps until the first of June.
Firewood had become very scarce and fatigue parties under proper protection were
sent out into the suburbs to bring in a supply which was mainly obtained from the
ruins of houses. Reports were received that many of the enemy had deserted but also
that they still spoke of renewing the assault with four thousand men. Many loaded
sleighs were seen crossing on the ice from the island of Orleans and it was supposed
that they were forming magazines of provisions for the reinforcements that they ex-
pected to receive. Night after night houses in the suburbs of Saint Roch and Saint
John were seen to burst into flames and it soon became evident that this was the work
of the enemy probably for the purpose of depriving the garrison of fuel. The ration
of food was considerably reduced. A few desertions mainly from the Emigrants
followed. Snow continued to fall until the ditches were filled and the embrasures
could be reached by short scaling ladders. As the fires in the suburbs recurred
nightly, efforts were made to drive away the incendiaries by artillery fire with small
success. On February llth, an officer again approached the gate with a flag of truce
saying he had letters from British officers who were prisoners, but the governor
resolutely refused to receive them. A short interval of fine weather then enabled the
working parties to clear the ramparts where the guns were entirely buried in the snow,
and dig out the ditches into which, in some places, they were able to walk from the
embrasures. All men not on duty were steadily employed at this labor.
On the 14th of February, great activity was noticed among the besiegers. Many
loaded sleighs were seen to arrive and loud cheering was heard near the hospital at
night. It was supposed that they had received a large reinforcement or news of its
approach. During the night three men deserted. The burning of houses in the sub-
urbs continued and an attempt was made to set on fire some of the vessels lying at
the wharves in the suburbs of Saint Roch. Other batteries began to show increased
activity. All the guns in the citadel were tested by discharge and it was found that
112, including those of every calibre, were in a serviceable state. Six of the prisoners
who had enlisted in Maclean's corps deserted on the 16th after overpowering a Can-
adian sentry and disarming him. The remainder of these men were at once confined.
The destruction of the suburb of St. John had been nearly completed but a large guard
was then posted at night outside the walls for the purpose of protecting the remaining
houses and large quantities of wood were brought in during the day. On the night
of the 24th-25th, a deserter approached the walls and was drawn up by ropes. He
stated that the besiegers had lately been reinforced by four hundred men from Mon-
treal.
Bodies of men were seen marching in various directions and the garrison again
lay on its arms as a general barking of dogs seemed to indicate some unusual move-
ment. Light signals were observed in the neighbouring parishes, drums were heard
and the sounds of platoon firing in the direction of St. Foye.
On the 6th of January, the Congress sitting at Philadelphia had received a letter
from Schuyler urging it to send large reinforcements at once to Canada. The failure
of the assault was not known to Schuyler when he wrote. Two days later, Congress
ordered two regiments to march at once to Montreal. On January 17th, Congress
was informed of Montgomery's death and the repulse of his force. Washington,
who had been asked for troops, replied that he had not a man to spare but referred
the request to a board of officers attended by several members of the General Court
The War of the American Revolution 21
cf Massachusetts who determined to call for a regiment from each of the provinces
of Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire to be enlisted for one year for
special service in Canada. This proposal was approved by the provinces concerned and
measures taken for the immediate organization of these corps. A letter written by
General Wooster, commanding at Montreal, to Colonel Warner who had returned to
New Hampshire, had been intercepted and sent to Carleton who authorized its pub-
lication in the Quebec Gazette. It showed extreme anxiety and called for reinforce-
ments by small parties as fast as they could be collected. "It must have a good
effect upon the minds of the Canadians to see Succours coming in", Wooster re-
marked. He sent on some small detachments from Montreal and St. Jean, and for-
warded parties of recruits as soon as they arrived from Lake Champlain. Moses
Hazen was given the rank of Colonel, and authorized to raise a regiment of four
battalions in Canada. A bounty of forty livres was offered to each recruit but
he was required to furnish his own clothing and accoutrements. During the siege
of St. Jean, the invaders had spent money lavishly among the inhabitants, paying
them in cash for everything they supplied, to gain their good-will. Their money
was soon exhausted and Schuyler was forced to borrow £5,000 from James Price, a
merchant in Montreal, whom he appointed his commissary. This sum had long
since been expended and they were forced to pay for what they obtained in paper
money and notes of hand. The country people became suspicious and unwilling to
sell. Great efforts were made to gain the favor of the clergy but the great majority
of them continued to be actively hostile and finally took the extreme step of refus-
ing absolution to those of their parishioners who joined the invaders.
In spite of all these discouraging circumstances, Arnold, who had succeeded
Montgomery in the command of the force besieging Quebec, stubbornly maintained
a close blockade in the hope of compelling the garrison to surrender from starva-
tion and want of fuel. A Canadian from Chambly who came into the town on the
last day of February reported that the enemy were afraid to abandon the siege as
the Canadians had threatened to murder them if they failed to make another as-
sault, and that French speaking patrols were kept on all the roads to prevent com-
munication. Desertion from the Emigrants still continued and increased the appre-
hensions of a renewed attempt to storm the town. Fire balls were frequently thrown
from a mortar at night and burning fire pots and lanterns hung outside the walls
to light up the approaches. A sentry box was elevated upon a mast thirty feet in
height on the highest point of the ramparts on Cape Diamond. From this the road
leading to Sainte Foye, could be closely watched. The besiegers responded by hoist-
ing a red flag with a black border supposed, by some, to be in commemoration of the
"Boston Massacre" and by others as a notice that they intended to give no quarter.
In spite of the vigilance of their sentries, two French-Canadians succeeded in enter-
ing the place on the 8th of March, one of whom had come overland from New York by
way of Montreal in thirty days. He brought information of a riot among the in-
vaders at the latter place, in which several men had been killed and wounded.
The approach of a large body of men near Cape Diamond caused a general alarm
on the night of the 10th, by which the entire garrison was summoned to their posts.
Four days later an officer with a flag of truce made his appearance stating that he had
letters for the general who once more refused to receive them saying that he would
not accept any message but one imploring the king's mercy Canoes and boats were
sent up the river for time to time to reconnoitre and messengers frequently went out
and returned. From information brought in by them it was believed that an assault
would be made within ten days and rockets were sent up and signal lights frequently
shown during the night to confuse their parties. On the 19th of March, it was dis-
covered that a new battery was under construction at Point Levi, very near the position
of those established by General Wolfe. Many shot and shell were fired at this work
and considerably delayed its completion. A deserter who came in reported the arrival
of the first Pennsylvanian regiment and the near approach of another adding that Gen-
eral Wooster had arrived from Montreal to take over the command. On the last day
of March a plot to escape was discovered among the prisoners, and many of them were
consequently put in irons. Orders were given for the whole garrison to be under
arms at two o'clock next morning. The new battery was unmasked on the 3rd of
April, and commenced firing with five guns, one of them being a twenty-four pounder,
three twelve pounders and the fifth, a nine pounder.. Their fire was directed partly
at the shipping and partly at the upper town. Little damage was done but the Lizard
was struck by one shot. When flanking batteries from the city began to reply, the
enemy's guns ceased firing and on the following days only discharged a few shots at
considerable intervals, after which the gunners were seen to run from their battery and
22 The War of the American Revolution
seek cover. The fire from the citadel was effective and observed to damage the
epaulements covering the guns. On one occasion a group of three persons was ob-
served on the commanding ground, apparently closely examining the fortifications, one
of whom from the information of the last deserter was identified as Wooster by his
enormous wig, the second wearing a scarlet coat was thought to be Arnold and the
third, was certainly Edward Antill, their engineer.
Arnold was injured the same day by a fall from his horse, and as he was evidently
in ill humor at being superseded, he was permitted at his own request to retire to
Montreal. A marked and significant change was apparent in popular feeling. The in-
habitants refused to accept colonial paper money and insisted on being paid in hard cash.
Supplies and labour could only be obtained by compulsion. Some persons in the
neighbouring villages were maltreated and at least one killed in the defence of his
property. The wanton destruction of buildings in the suburbs caused great indig-
nation. The hostility of the clergy and the gentry had never been concealed and
increased in bitterness. Writing on the first of April from Montreal, to Schuyler,
Hazen remarked with great frankness, "I beg leave to observe that I think the clergy
or guardians of the souls and conductors of the bodies of these enthusiasts have
been neglected, in some cases, ill-used. Be that as it will, they are unanimous, though
privately, against our cause and I have too much reason to fear many of them with
other people of some consequence have carried on a correspondence the whole winter
with General Carleton at Quebec, and are now plotting our destruction. The peasantry
in general have been ill-used. They have in some instances been dragooned at the
point of bayonet to supply wood for the garrison at a lower rate than the current
price. For carriages and many other articles furnished, certificates have been given,
not legible, (or) without signature, and one half in consequence rejected by the quar-
ter master general. It is true, payment has been promised from time to time, yet they
look on such promises as vague. Their labor and property lost, and the congress or
united colonies bankrupt, and in a more material point they have not sufficient force
in the country to protect them. These matters furnish very strong arguments to
be made use of by our enemies. With respect to the latter sort of people, both
French and English, seven-eighths are Tories, who would wish to see our throats cut
and perhaps would readily assist in doing it."
He strongly urged the formation of a respectable army under able generals and
the despatch of a committee of Congress to Canada amply provided with hard cash
and a printing press. He had not succeeded in recruiting many men, and desertions
were numerous.
Vigorous efforts were taken to send strong reinforcements to the army in Canada.
Washington despatched two companies of artillery provided with' several heavy mortars,
two companies of engineers, a company of artificers, a company of riflemen, four
regiments of infantry and a considerable supply of provisions by water from his camp
at Cambridge. These troops were embarked in a fleet of small sailing craft on which
they were transported as far as Albany under the command of Brig.-Gen. Thompson.
An officer was provided with a considerable sum of money to open a new road from
Newbury to Canada which would shorten the march of troops from any part of New
England east of the Connecticut river by five or six days. In announcing the departure
of the first division of these troops, he remarked in a letter to Schuyler, "the com-
motions among the Canadians are really alarming, I am afraid proper measures have
not been taken to conciliate their affections or rather that they have been insulted
and injured than which nothing could have a greater tendency to ruin our cause in
that country."
The two Canadians who had entered Quebec on the 15th of March, on being
brought before Carleton informed him that many of the inhabitants on the southern
bank of the St. Lawrence wished to take up arms in defence of the government
and he gave them a letter to M. de Beaujeu, formerly an officer in the colony troops,
living in retirement on the Isle aux Grues below Quebec, in whose loyalty he had full
confidence. De Beaujeu was instructed to assemble as many of these men as could
be provided with arms and attempt to surprise the force stationed at Pointe Levi.
Assisted by William Ross, late of Eraser's Highlanders and M. de Gaspe, he suc-
ceeded in assembling a body of Canadians variously estimated to number from 150
to 500. About the end of March, his advanced guard consisting of fifty men, under the
command of M. Couillard, also formerly a colonial officer, advanced as far as Riviere
du Sud in the parish of St. Pierre. Information of this movement was carried to
Arnold by a disaffected habitan, and he immediately sent a strong detachment of a
Pennsylvanian regiment, accompanied by some Canadians to attack this party. The
The War of the American Revolution 23
house where it had taken post was surrounded and after an obstinate resistance in
which three of the loyalists were killed and a priest, M. Bailly, with ten others were
wounded, the remainder numbering thirty-four were taken prisoners. It was remarked
that in this engagement "fathers were seen fighting against their sons and sons
against their fathers." Six of their assailants were killed and a considerable number
wounded. De Beaujeu was in consequence obliged to disband the remainder of his
force and conceal himself to escape arrest. Eighteen of the principal prisoners were
sent to Montreal, and the remainder allowed to return to their homes after pledging
themselves not to take up arms again.
During the second week in April, the siege batteries continued to fire at intervals
until a rapid thaw flooded them, directing their fire sometimes at the lower town or
citadel and sometimes at the shipping on which it inflicted some damage. A second
plot among the prisoners to escape was discovered and it was found that some of them
has succeeded in filing the rivets in their handcuffs. The arrival of reinforcements
for the besiegers had been observed and the whole garrison was kept under arms all
night, in expectation of an attack. Fire balls suspended from projecting angles of the
walls were lighted and kept burning during the darkest hours. A blockhouse about
100 yards in advance of the gate of St. Louis had been built and garrisoned with a
small party. Deserters continued to come in and reported increasing discontent, par-
ticularly among the men from New York whose time had expired and who refused to
re-enlist Many were sick mainly from inoculation for the small pox. On April 20th,
two men, one of whom had formerly served in Fraser's Highlanders, arrived from Cap
Rouge in a canoe and informed the garrison that the enemy had converted the brig
Gaspe into a fireship which they intended to send down the river in the hope of des-
troying the vessels at their anchorage, and had offered a large reward to any person
who would undertake to pilot her into the Cul de Sac. Two days later a new siege
battery was opened near the ferry house and men were observed working at another
battery on the heights. Hot shot was fired by them upon the town without much effect as
the batteries from the citadel returned at least five shots for one, and greatly dam-
aged their works. On April 23rd, a canoe arrived from Montreal bringing the infor-
mation that a reinforcement of 1200 men had been passed on the way down, under the
command of General Thomas, escorting a number of heavy guns. It was also reported
that a body of troops and Indians from Niagara were in their way to attack Montreal.
The arrival of a squadron from England for their relief was then daily expected but
the vigilance of the garrison was not relaxed. In the course of a sortie for fire wood
made from the gate of St. Louis, many scaling ladders were discovered hidden near the
walls which were left undisturbed in the hope that another assault would be attempted.
On May 3rd, the arrival of a large body was observed which was supposed to be the
advanced guard of General Thomas's force. As it grew dark that evening a small
vessel was seen rounding Point Levi, which was at first welcomed with great delight
as she was presumed to be a schooner bearing despatches from the squadron coming
to their relief and consequently allowed to approach without apprehension. Then being
hailed several times and making no answer, several guns were fired at her on which
a boat was seen to leave hastily with several men. An instant afterwards this vessel
burst into flames, and had she been able to approach a little nearer, would have drif-
ted into the Cul de Sac, when the ships lying there and a large part of the lower
town would have been in great danger. As she continued to burn fiercely, many gren-
ades and shells exploded on board, but at too great distance to do much damage. The
tide soon ebbed and carried this fire-ship away without having accomplished her ob-
ject. It was afterwards learned that she was the property of Simon Fraser, an active
loyalist, and had been taken by the enemy at the Isle of Orleans. The garrison was
again retained under arms all night as an attack had undoubtedly been intended if
the fire-ship had been successful.
The two following days were uneventful, although an sssault was still believed
to be imminent. At dawn, on the 6th, unusual activity was observed near the siege
batteries and at 6 o'clock the British frigate "Surprise" was seen rounding Pointe
Levi. The signals agreed upon were exchanged and a boat sent on board to direct her
course. Her arrival was naturally followed by an outburst of frantic joy on the part
of the garrison and the inhabitants. "News soon reached every pillow in town," an
officer wrote, "people half dressed ran down to the grand battery to feast their eyes
with the sight of a ship of war displaying the union flag."
The troops ordered by Washington to proceed to Canada had been retarded after
their arrival at Albany by a great thaw which eventually broke up the ice on the
lakes above and rendered them impassable for the movement of troops for several
weeks. Two regiments advancing from New Hampshire cut a road through the Green
24 The War of the American Revolution
Mountains to Otter Creek, a distance of about forty miles, and descended that stream
on rafts hastily built for the purpose. Washington himself went to New York to ac-
celerate the movement of reinforcements. Schuyler had written from Fort George on
April 12th, urging haste as the news he had received from Canada was most alarming.
He had sent back the messenger at once with an assurance that all the troops at his
disposal would be sent and soon followed by three of four thousand more. "This
intelligence," he remarked "will keep up their spirits and intimidate our enemies." The
letters and papers received from him were forwarded at once by Washington to Con-
gress and that body ordered six more regiments of infantry to be sent to Canada
from the army stationed at New York. In announcing this to Washington, the presi-
dent of Congress remarked; — "the important intelligence these papers contain makes it
necessary that the most vigorous measures should be adopted, as well to defend our
troops against the Canadians themselves as to insure success to the expedition. The
Congress being determined on the reduction of Quebec and the security of that country
for reasons too obvious to be mentioned, have left nothing undone which can anyways
contribute to that end." The troops mentioned, amounting in all to 2,500 men, em-
barked at New York for Albany on the 26th April, but were delayed there for several
days until boats could be provided to convey them further. Washington had agreed
to the departure of these troops with some reluctance and questioned the policy of sen-
ding any more as after the evacuation of Boston, Sir William Howe had sailed to
Halifax where he still remained with his whole force and it seemed uncertain whether
he intended to go to the relief of Quebec or make an attack upon the city of New
York. Large supplies of provisions and stores, together with three hundred thousand
dollars in coin and a heavy chain to be used as a boom for the obstruction of the
river Richelieu were sent on at the same time.
General Thomas, who had been ordered to take over the chief command in Canada,
arrived before Quebec on the 1st of May, bringing with him about a thousand men.
The force then besieging the town numbered 1,900, of whom rather more than half
were effective but it was so much scattered that a body sufficient to resist a resolute
sortie, could scarcely be assembled anywhere. The supply of provisions and
ammunition was scanty with little prospect of immediate replenishment. The failure
of the attempt upon the shipping in the harbour with the fire-ship put the climax to
the discouragement of his troops. Despairing of success, Thomas convened a council
of war, consisting of all the field officers of his command on May 5th, and it was
unanimously resolved to raise the siege and retire to Deschambault and Jacques Car-
tier where positions could be fortified to command the navigation of the river. The
Saint Lawrence was then filled with floating ice and the arrival of a relieving squad-
ron seemed improbable for several days. The appearance of a British frigate shortly
after daylight the next morning came upon the besiegers as an absolute surprise.
Scarcely any preparations had been made for the retreat. Two other vessels, the
frigate "Isis" and sloop "Martin" came in sight soon after. These three ships had on
board two companies of the 29th regiment besides one hundred marines who were lan-
ded at once and joined the garrison already assembled for the purpose of making a
sortie against the siege batteries on that side of the river. The whole force num-
bering about 800 men, with four field guns marched out of the gates of St. John and
St. Louis at noon and formed in line of battle on the heights. Only a few shots were
exchanged as the besiegers had already begun their retreat leaving behind them all
their artillery, several hundred muskets, quantities of military stores and scaling lad-
ders, besides important papers and orderly books, which furnished convincing evidence
of their demoralization. This movement was so rapid that very few prisoners were
taken, except a number of sick. Further pursuit by land seemed useless. The "Sur-
prise" and "Martin" however sailed up the river and captured a large schooner, aban-
doned by its crew on their approach, and recaptured the Gaspe, which had been scuttled
by the enemy but was not greatly damaged. Some boats on their way down loaded
with artillery and ammunition were also taken. The detachments at Pointe Levi and
Charlesbourg, after throwing some of their heavy guns into the river, were forced to
make a long and toilsome march through the woods by the advance of these ships and
prevented from rejoining the main body for some days. Many of the fugitives threw
away their arms and even their clothing and by midnight most of them had reached
Pointe aux Trembles, thirty miles above Quebec, where they halted for a few hours
but resumed their retreat before daylight on the 7th. They halted again at Descham-
bault, forty-five miles above Quebec where they were met by a small reinforcement.
"After having been such Bobadils all Winter," a besieged resident of Quebec wrote,
"they have been suddenly planetstruck, and must be in a most terrible situation and
in the greatest confusion."
The War of the American Revolution 25
A council of war was again called and resolved by twelve votes to three, that
it was inexpedient to make a stand below Sorel as the troops had little ammunition and
only provisions enough to last for a few days. General Thomas seems to have dis-
sented from this decision as he despatched a messenger to Montreal, asking for
provisions, entrenching tools, reinforcements, and boats to remove the sick. The Com-
missioners of Congress, who were then at Montreal, at first pronounced against any
attempt to hold that position. They even directed that the advance of Sullivan's bri-
gade should be countermanded as no further supplies could be obtained in Canada,
and reinforcements would only increase their distress for provisions. Arnold differed
from this opinion and the commissioners yielded to his insistence. Reinforcements
were accordingly ordered to Deschambault from Sorel, but before they could join
Thomas he had withdrawn his outpost from Jacques Cartier, abandoned his position
and continued his retreat to Three Rivers. Three British ships, one of them being the
captured schooner, had ascended the river to the vicinity of Deschambault on May 9th,
and landed some troops, who, after a short skirmish were re-embarked. On his arrival
at Three Rivers, on May 15th, -Thomas was joined by two companies of artillery on
their march to Quebec. His sick were left there under the protection of a single
regiment of his force and joined Arnold at Sorel, where Thompson's brigade had
arrived from Lake Champlain the night before. On May 20th, he ordered the troops
left behind at Three Rivers to rejoin him there. Next day he was seized with the
small pox and relinquished the command to Brigadier-General Thompson. He was
then removed to a hospital at Chambly where he died ten days later.
Lieutenant Thomas Pringle, R.N., who carried Carleton's despatch of the 20th
November, 1775, and other official letters reporting the critical situation of Quebec and
his decision to stand a siege, delivered these in London on Christmas day. Orders were
given in consequence for the equipment of a small squadron for the relief of the
garrison under the command of Captain Charles Douglas. It consisted of the fifty
gun ship "Isis," the frigates "Surprise" and "Triton," the sloop "Martin," and five
store ships and transports loaded with provisions for three months for three thousand
men. The 29th regiment was also embarked in this squadron. Orders had been given
the preceding summer for six regiments of infantry stationed in Ireland, to embark
at Cork in time to reach Canada before the close of navigation in the St. Lawrence.
Ships could not be procured until too late. Orders were now given for the increase of
this force sufficiently to insure the reconquest of the province in the event that Quebec
had been taken which seemed more than probable. Two regular regiments from Eng-
land with four companies of artillery and a large battering train of guns were
added to the troops already under orders in Ireland, to sail by the 20th of March.
This force was placed under command of Major-General John Burgoyne, a member of
Parliament and an officer who had gained considerable distinction in the last Euro-
pean war and stood high in the favor of the government. He was to serve under
Carleton, and Lord Cornwallis, another general officer, was directed to join him later.
A contingent of five thousand foreign troops furnished by the Duke of Brunswick and
the Prince of Waldeck were to follow, more than half of whom, it was expected
would be ready to embark on the Elbe early in March. The fall of Quebec and the
entire loss of the province were freely predicted in London but General Conway, a
leading member of the parliamentary opposition still expressed his firm confidence
in the courage and capacity of Carleton, whom he had described as a very able officer.
The "Isis", commanded by Captain Douglas, sailed alone from Portland on the
llth March, and sighted the Island of St. Pierre in the Gulf of St. Lawrence a month
later. This ship then made her way with great difficulty under sail for more than 150
miles through large fields of thick ice, reaching the Island of Anticpsti on the 21st of
April, On the 30th, she anchored in a heavy snowstorm nea,r Pilgrim Island and
when the weather cleared, columns of smoke which seemed to be signals, were observed
rising from cape to cape in the direction of Quebec. Delayed from day to day by fog,
calm weather, or contrary winds, Douglas arrived at the Isle aux Coudres on the 3rd
of May, where he was joined by the "Surprise" and "Martin" which had sailed from Ply-
mouth on the 20th March. All the pilots who could be found were taken on board and
the "Surprise" was directed to ascend the river as swiftly as possible to Quebec, and
inform the garrison of the approach of the remainder of the squadron. On May 8th,
H.M.S. "Niger" also arrived with three transports under her convoy, having on board
the 47th regiment sent from Halifax by Sir William Howe, in consequence of the
application for assistance made to him by Carleton the preceding autumn. Two days
later the "Triton" with the store ships and transports from England under her convoy
arrived. The interval since the retreat of the enemy had been employed in collecting
the artillery and stores abandoned by them, and in making arrangements for an
26 The War of the American Revolution
immediate pursuit by water. Forty-three guns and eleven mortars had been found
in the batteries or taken in the boats on which they were embarked, with a consider-
able quantity of ammunition and other ordnance stores. Seventeen of these guns,
however, were of very small calibre, throwing shot weighing only half a pound.
Pilots were sent down the river to assist the fleet daily expected to arrive with
the troops under General Burgoyne, and armed vessels stationed suitably for their
assistance and escort. Provision boats were sent down to the villages below Quebec
for the use of the troops in the event of their transports being delayed by contrary
winds to enable them to disembark and march by land. The other ships and transports
provided with pilots for the upper river and having troops on board, slowly ascended
the St. Lawrence as far as Three Rivers, which was selected as a suitable place for
their concentration.
CHAPTER V.
THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR
SIR GUY CARLETON, 1775-1778.
During the winter, the Montreal merchants engaged in the western fur trade had
become seriously alarmed for the safety of their agents and servants at distant trad-
ing posts as they had been unable to send up the usual supplies of provisions and
merchandize in the autumn. As has been already mentioned, they had attempted
to secure this privilege by the terms of capitulation. Finding that they must obtain
the approval of the Congress they had despatched a deputation to Philadelphia, headed
by Benjamin Frobisher, with this object. Permission to forward a limited supply of
goods was granted on the express condition that they should have no communication
with the British posts, which it was clearly impossible to fulfil. Commissioners from
Congress were subsequently instructed to proceed to Canada, negotiate with the
inhabitants, and if possible, regain their confidence and secure their assistance. Dr.
Benjamin Franklin, Charles Carroll and Samuel Chase, were appointed and accom-
panied to Canada by the Revd. John Carroll, a priest of the Society of Jesus, whose
influence with the clergy was expected to be particularly potent. A report that a
considerable force of regular troops, Canadians and Indians was preparing to descend
the lake and attack Montreal, was then in circulation. Information of its arrival at
Oswegatchie had reached Montreal. James Stanley Goddard, Richard Walker and
Lorimier, three well known loyalists, deeply interested in the furtrade, had stealthily
left the town for the upper country. The latter had subsequently conducted a party of
soldiers and Indians from Oswegatchie to the Cedars, where they collected and re-
moved all the provisions they could find, spreading a report that a large force would
soon descend the river to recover Montreal. The permission given Frobisher to send up
supplies was instantly cancelled. Toward the end of April, Colonel Timothy Bedel,
with detachments from New Hampshire and Connecticut regiments, which had just
arrived, was ordered to occupy a position at the Cedars, forty-three miles above Mon-
treal "to prevent any goods being sent to the upper country, and to guard against
a surprise from the enemy or other Indians." He took with him two field guns and
commenced the construction of a stockade at the narrows of the river to command
its navigation. Scarcely had this work been completed when he was informed by
his Indian scouts that a force consisting of a small party of regulars and several
hundred Canadians and Indians had landed about ten miles above. Bedel turned
over the command of his troops to the next senior officer, Major Isaac Butterfield,
and returned to Montreal to ask for reinforcements. At his request a detachment of
one hundred and fifty men from a Connecticut regiment under command of Major
Henry Sherburne, was ordered to march to La Chine the next day and ascend the
river in boats to join the garrison at the Cedars. On the 17th, Captain George
Forster of the 8th regiment, who had organized a force at Oswegatchie, consisting of
forty men of his own regiment, drawn from the garrison at Niagara, nearly one
hundred Canadians, mainly employees of the fur merchants and between four and
five hundred Indians of the Six Nations and Missassaugas, invested the redoubt at
the Cedars and cut off all communication. A harassing fire of musketry was kept up
on the garrison which was unable to make any effective reply owing to scarcity of
ammunition, and the fact that their assailants were seldom visible. For two days
and nights the garrison was kept constantly on the alert by this method of attack
although only one man was wounded. On the 19th, a flag of truce was sent in to
demand a surrender to which Butterfield eventually agreed on the condition that his
troops should be treated as prisoners of war and their private baggage protected.
Scarcely had possession been taken- of the post when Forster received information
of the approach of the relieving force which had landed the night before at the
head of Lake St. Louis. The movements of Sherburne's party had been delayed
from inability to obtain boats until the 18th, when he ascended the lake and landed.
An officer sent forward to communicate with Butterfield was captured but subse-
quently released. Sherburne then re-embarked and returned to Ste. Anne on the island
of Montreal. Being informed next morning that the garrison at the Cedars was still
holding out, he again crossed the lake, landed at Quinze Chenes and began his march
through the woods towards that post. He had advanced within four miles of the
Cedars when he was attacked from ambush by a body of Indians commanded by
Lorimier and Montigny. After an obstinate resistance his force was surrounded and
27
28 The Province of Quebec
compelled to surrender. While this fight was going on, the prisoners taken at the
Cedars were left in charge of a guard, mainly composed of Indians, who seem to
have roughly handled and plundered some of them.
The Indians engaged in the action became terribly enraged as their principal
chief and several warriors had been killed and wounded. They killed two or three
of their prisoners and stripped others of most of their clothing. Their lives were
saved with great difficulty through the entreaties of their officers. Even then, a
number were carried off to their villages by the Missassaugas, of whom twelve were
redeemed several weeks afterwards.
Arnold had returned to Montreal from Sorel, and marched at once to the relief
of his advanced parties, taking with him the greater part of his garrison. On ar-
riving at La Chine, he received information of the defeat of Sherburne and the sur-
render of the garrison at the Cedars. There he halted and entrenched himself in
some large stone buildings where he was soon reinforced. After securing his prison-
ers from further ill-treatment, Forster landed in the parish of Ste. Anne, on the
island of Montreal. A blockhouse occupied by an advance party of Americans was
abandoned on his approach with some stores by its garrison who retired to La Chine.
A message had been sent to the Commissioners of Congress, then at Sorel, who at
once ordered a regiment of infantry to proceed to Montreal which joined Arnold on
the 25th of May. By that time, Forster's force had been considerably diminished by
the desertion of Indians, and, hearing nothing of the approach of any co-operating
force from Quebec, he retired early the following morning to Quinze Chenes in the
seigniory of Vaudreuil where he prepared a position for defence. Arnold advanced
to Ste. Anne and attempted to cross the river but was easily repelled by artillery and
rifle fire. He then sent over ^ a party of Caughnawaga Indians to demand the surren-
der of . the prisoners, threatening in case of refusal to destroy the Indian villages
below, and kill every Indian who fell into his hands. This demand was refused and
the Indians then angrily replied that if any further attack was made they would
immediately murder the whole of the prisoners. Major Sherburne was taken by For-
ster into their council to hear the speeches of their chiefs who declared that the fact
that they had put to death so few of their prisoners was an example of mercy never
shown before in any of their wars, and that General Arnold must be told that in
future, they would kill every one of his soldiers who fell into their hands. Arnold
then assembled a council of war which sat for several hours without coming to
any decision until an officer arrived with a proposal from Forster for an exchange of
prisoners. After some deliberation, this was agreed to as well as a cessation of hos-
tilities for six days, to carry it into effect. In accordance with the terms of this
agreement, thirty-one officers and 443 other ranks were liberated and landed at
Caughnawaga whence they were pledged to proceed to St. Jean and return at once
to their homes. An equal number of British troops of the same rank were to be
released within two months. Twelve Canadians were excluded from this agreement
but afterwards set at liberty. Four officers of the rank of captain were retained as
hostages for the due performance of these terms. Complaints having been made by
the inhabitants of the Cedars and the neighbourhood of damage to their property,
Arnold undertook to compensate them. Having received no information on the ter-
mination of the armistice of Carleton's advance, Forster retired to the Cedars and
was eventually obliged from want of provisions to retreat to Oswegatchie when the
Indians dispersed to their villages.
The invaders were suffering severely from the same cause Aand the lack of other
necessary supplies. The Commissioners of Congress in their official correspondence
described the state of their army in Canada in the gloomiest terms. On May 17th,
they wrote, "We want words to describe the confusion that prevails through every
department relating to the army. Your troops live from hand to mouth." Writing
from Montreal on May 26th, to General Thomas, they said "our soldiers will be soon
reduced to the dreadful alternative of starving or of plundering the inhabitants.
The latter will surely happen, if our troops should not be supplied with bread in a
regular way." Next day they informed the president of Congress, "you will have a
faint idea of our situation if you figure to yourself an army, broken, disheartened, half
of it under inoculation and other diseases, soldiers without pay, without discipline,
and altogether reduced to live from hand to mouth, depending on the scanty and pre-
carious supplies of a few half starved cattle and trifling quantities of corn, which
have hitherto been picked up in different parts of the country
The army is in a distressed condition, and is in want of the most necessary articles,
meat, bread, shoes and stockings
Administration of Carleton, 1775-1778 29
"Genaral Wooster is, in our opinion totally unfit to command your army and con-
duct the war. We have hitherto prevailed on him to remain in Montreal. His stay
in this colony is unnecessary and even prejudicial to our affairs. We would there-
fore advise his recall."
On learning that the siege of Quebec had been abandoned, General Schuyler or-
dered Sullivan to stop the further advance of his brigade, believing that an increase
of the force in Canada would only contribute to its distress, owing to the scarcity
of provisions. This delay did not continue long- as Sullivan with his advanced guard
arrived at St. Jean on the first day of June, and the remaining regiments came on
a few days later. Next day he went on to Chambly, where he learned that General
Thomas had just died and he at once assumed command of the whole force in Can-
ada. General Thompson commanding at Sorel was strongly reinforced while Arnold
remained in command at Montreal, scarcely concealing his displeasure at his subor-
dinate position. Wooster was already on his way to his home in Connectciut.
On being informed shortly after the siege was raised that many sick and wound-
ed men left behind on the retreat, were concealed in the woods and neighbouring
parishes where they were suffering and in danger of perishing for want of proper as-
sistance, Carleton published a proclamation commanding the officers of militia to
make a search for these persons, give them relief and bring them to the general
hospital for treatment, informing all such fugitives at the same time that as soon
as they recovered their health, they would be set at liberty and allowed to return
to their homes. Learning, a day or two later, that the terms of this proclama-
tion were likely to be misconstrued to the advantage of those persons who had been
expelled from the city before the siege began, he published a second proclamation
prohibiting all such people from entering the city again without permission. A con-
siderable number of sick and wounded men were discovered and brought in. When
they became convalescent they were provided with clothing and provisions, liberated,
and sent to their homes.
Messages were received from several French-Canadian residents in Montreal and
neighbouring parishes, giving careful, and, as it proved, very accurate information
respecting the distribution of the enemy's troops, their artillery, and the prepara-
tions being made for defence and the collection of supplies. In these letters, the
movement of troops from Albany, day by day, and their arrival at St. Jean or Sorel
was recorded with an estimate of the numbers of each regiment.
On May 22nd, Carleton embarked, taking with him the 29th and 47th regiments.
His movement up the river was greatly retarded by calms and adverse winds, but he
was ultimately able to reach Three Rivers, which he had already occupied with a de-
tachment of Canadian militia to act as an advanced guard and gain information of
the enemy's movements. The regular troops were landed a short distance below
that town and billetted upon the inhabitants. On his way, he received on May 25th,
a report from Captain Forster, describing his success at the Cedars but on arriv-
ing near Three Rivers, he learned that Forster had retired from the island of Mon-
treal and released his prisoners. As the wind continued to blow steadily down the
river and prevent any further progress under sail, Carleton returned to Quebec to
accelerate the construction and equipment of row boats to assist in the transport of
troops. On his arrival there, he found that the greater part of the troops under the
command of General Burgoyne were coming up the river and the transports had
been instructed to proceed on to Three Rivers singly, without stopping at Quebec.
Forster's success at the Cedars, followed by his landing^ on the island of Montreal
had created a veritable panic among the garrison and the disaffected residents retired
at one to Ticonderoga. They were soon followed by the Commissioners of Congress
All supplies of flour and other provisions in the hands of the merchants were forcibly
taken from them and sent to Sorel. The sick and the heavy baggage of the troops at
that place were removed to Chambly and St. Jean to facilitate a further retreat. The
construction of fortifications there with batteries on both sides of the river was vig-
orously carried on under the direction of Haxen. The delay in Carleton's advance up
the river, and the retreat of Forster's party to Oswegatchie, combined with the arrival
of Sullivan's brigade from Lake Champlain temporarily restored confidence. Berthier
was re-occupied by a strong outpost and two regiments were sent down the river as
far as Nicolet. Brigadier-General Thompson followed a few days later with the remain-
der of his brigade, having received instructions for Sullivan to cross the river at once
and expel the British garrison from Three Rivers. A letter from tHe president of
Congress, enclosing a series of resolutions declaring that the retention of Canada was
of the highest importance was read to this force for the purpose of strengthening
its morale. "Should our troops retire before the enemy," this letter declared, "and
30 The Province of Quebec
entirely evacuate the province, it is not in human wisdom to foretell the conse-
quences. In this case the loss of Canada will not be all — the whole frontiers of the
New England and New York governments will be exposed, not only to the ravages of
Indians, but also to the British forces. Congress are determined not to relinquish the
expedition or to give up." Sullivan apparently felt confident of success, and even pro-
jected an advance against Quebec. "I venture to assure you and the Congress," he
informed Washington after arriving at Sorel, "that I can, in a few days, reduce the
army to order, and with the assistance of a kind Providence, put a new face to our affairs
here, which a few days since seemed almost impossible. The enemy's ships are now
above Deschambault, and if General Thompson succeeds at Three Rivers, I will soon
remove the ships below Richelieu Falls, and after that, approach Quebec as fast as
possible."
Brigadier-General Fraser, with four battalions had arrived and landed at Three
Rivers, about the end of May and before Thompson could make his attack, a second
brigade, commanded by Brigadier-General Nesbitt ascended the river under the pro-
tection of the sloop Martin with some other small armed vessels which anchored about
three miles above the town where the troops were retained on board the transports.
The appearance of these ships caused Thompson to postpone his passage of the river
until night, when the boats conveying his troops succeeded in crossing without being
seen, out of reach of their guns. This very bold, and as it proved, very rash enterprise
was probably based on insufficient information of the strength of the force then at
Three Rivers. Landing at Pointe du Lac, nine miles above that town, before daylight
on the morning of the 8th of June, with more than 2,000 men, organized into five
distinct corps, he commenced his march against Fraser 's position along the road near
the river. His advance was discovered by the ships which opened fire and compelled
the column to abandon the road and continue its march through the fields. The ad-
vanced guard approached the town early in the morning and commenced a feeble at-
tack upon the British outposts, which they found already on the alert, having been
alarmed by the sound of the guns. It was soon joined by the remainder of the
column, but the attack was not seriously pressed, probably because the opposing force
was stronger and better posted than had been expected. Then observing that troops
were being landed from the transports in his rear with the evident intention of
cutting off his retreat, Thompson ordered his whole force to retire to the woods
and regain its boats, keeping under cover as much as possible. Fraser pursued by the
high-road, while at the same time, the Martin and other armed vessels ascended the
river in the hope of capturing the boats. The fugitives soon broke up into small parties
whose flight was much impeded by pools of water and swampy ground. Many of
them surrendered without resistance. The remainder generally threw away their arms,
and dispersed in the woods where they concealed themselves in the hope of finding
means to recross the river, as the officer left in command of the boats on seeing that he
was menaced with an attack, crossed the river and retired to Sorel. More than 200 of
all ranks were taken prisoners, among them being Brigadier- General Thompson and Col-
onel Irvine, his second in command, with sixteen other officers. On the night of the 10th
a remnant of the beaten force assembled at Berthier, and succeeded in crossing the St.
Lawrence. They had lost between twenty-five and fifty of all ranks in killed, and
possibly double that number wounded, many of whom were included among the pri-
soners. The "Martin" ascended the St. Lawrence as high as Riviere du Loup, and
captured two boats which had fallen behind the others. The British loss consisted
only of one sergeant and seven privates killed and nine privates wounded, belonging
to three different battalions of Fraser's brigade.
Sir Guy Carleton arrived from Quebec late in the afternoon of the same day ana
took command of the whole force. Nesbitt's brigade re-embarked on the transports and
Fraser was ordered to advance along the north shore with the remainder of the troops.
A fair wind sprang up which enabled the entire fleet of transports to sail slowly up
the river and it arrived off Sorel on the evening of the 14th. That place had been
evacuated a few hours before. Nesbitt's brigade was landed and soon supported by
other troops. General Burgoyne was given command of this division with instructions
to follow the enemy up the Richelieu River as far St. Jean, but without risking an en-
gagement until he was certain of support by the column on his right. The remainder
of the transports ascended the river to Longueuil, where it was learned that Montreal
had been evacuated and that Arnold, with the garrison, had crossed at that place a few
hours before. This force was landed next morning under command of Major-General
Phillips and advanced by way of La Prairie, towards St. Jean. On approaching that
post early in the morning of the 19th he learned that Burgoyne had taken possession
of the redoubts without opposition the night before. All the buildings, and all the boats
Administration of Carleton, 1775-1778 31
which the invaders had been unable to remove above the rapids were left in flames.
The heaviest of their guns had been concealed in the woods and every evidence of
haste and panic marked their retreat. Both columns had been joined in the advance by
many militiamen, and that under General Phillips by the greater part of the Indians
living at Caughnawaga. •
After the defeat at Three Rivers, Sullivan's force was much diminished by de-
sertion; 3,000 men were sick in hospital. The effective strength of his army conse-
quently did not exceed 5,000 and these were discouraged by successive disasters and
privations. Sullivan had lost confidence in his troops and they had none in him. A
council of war, assembled after the British fleet had entered Lake Saint Pierre
decided without a dissenting voice upon an immediate retreat. The artillery, baggage,
and other stores were embarked in small vessels which attempted to ascend the Riche-
lieu under sail. After passing Chambly they were becalmed and the guns and stores
were transferred into boats. The ships were then set on fire and abandoned. The
ascent of the rapids was accomplished with great difficulty. The outpost at Berthier
had been cut off, obliged to abandon its boats, and escape by way of Montreal where
it joined Arnold and crossed to Longueuil. Arnold himself had written to Sullivan a
few days before saying "the junction of the Canadas with the colonies is now at an
end. Let us quit them, and secure our own country before it is too late." After
joining him at St. John, another council of war was held and decided to retreat to
Isle aux Noix and eventually to Crown Point. The movement up the river to the
former place was accomplished without great difficulty, and about 8,000 men were
huddled together upon a low flat island, about a mile long by a quarter of a mile
in width, on swampy malarious ground. Sickness naturally increased and many died.
"I am almost distracted," Sullivan wrote a few days later "with the thoughts of losing
so many men as daily go up by sickness. To give you a particular account of the
miserable state of our troops here, and the numbers which daily keep dropping into
their beds and graves, would rather seem like the effect of imagination than the his-
tory of facts
One fortnight longer in this place will not leave us well men enough to carry off
the sick."
On the 24th of June, a party who had crossed to the mainland on a fishing
excursion was surprised by Indians sent out from St. Jean. Two officers and two men
were killed, and four officers and two privates taken prisoners. This incident in-
creased the feeling of insecurity. The movement of the sick to Crown Point had
already begun and was continued from day to day until completed. "I send on the
sick," Sullivan wrote to General Schuyler, "the looks and numbers of which will present
you the most dismal spectacle from our army in this quarter of the globe." On the
26th of June, he began his retreat to Crown Point, selecting Isle la Motte as an inter-
mediate station.
Further pursuit after the recovery of St. Jean was clearly inexpedient until a
squadron of armed vessels could be built and equipped, to pass up the river Richelieu
and regain command of Lake Champlain, followed by a sufficient flotilla of boats to
convey the troops and supplies destined for further operations. One battalion of
regular troops was detached to occupy the island of Montreal and re-establish inter-
mediate posts of communication with Oswegatchie. The militiamen who had joined the
army on its advance were thanked and permitted to return home with orders to hold
themselves in readiness to march when the pursuit was resumed. Magazines of pro-
visions were established at Chambly and St. Jean, for the supply^ of the large body
of troops quartered in the neighbourhood. Every effort was made to assemble
workmen for building vessels and boats and moving them up the rapids at Chambly
or over the portages. On the departure of Lieutenant Pringle, the autumn before, he
had received explicit verbal instructions from Carleton to state the necessity of
sending out a sufficient number of small vessels and flat-bottomed boats to regain the
command of Lake Champlain and pursue the enemy in that direction. Only ten of
such boats and materials for the construction of fourteen more, each intended to carry
a single gun in its bow, had arrived. Carleton was consequently compelled to col-
lect materials for building the remainder of the necessary fleet. The officers of the
navy undertook this service with much energy, but many weeks' delay was unavoidable
before any further movement could be undertaken. The vessels placed under construc-
tion at St. Jeari were a ship, two schooners, and a ketch or bomb-ship, besides twelve
gun-boats. Instructions were given at the same time for building 500 flat-bottomed
boats at that place, and 120 in other parts of the province. With these means, it
was considered practicable to transport the necessary force across Lake Champlain,
and attempt the recovery of the posts still occupied by the enemy on the route to
32 The Province of Quebec
Albany. Carleton established his headquarters at Montreal, where he was joined the
day after his arrival by Sir John Johnson, accompanied by two hundred volunteers from
the Mohawk country in the province of New York, most of whom were his own
tenants, many being Scotch Highlanders, whom his father had assisted to emigrate
and settled upon his large estate there. He reported that many other loyalists in that
province were ready to join him and he was given authority to recruit a battalion of
these men of the same strength as the other regiments, serving in America, which was
named the King's Royal Regiment of New York. Having made all the arangements
in his power to prepare a naval force for service on the lakes, and provide boats for
the transportation of the troops with necessary artillery, provisions and stores, the
governor returned to Quebec for the purpose of establishing courts of justice and for-
warding the naval supplies which were expected from England. Isle aux Noix was
recovered by a small body of troops before it had been entirely evacuated by the enemy.
A few prisoners were taken on this occasion. On the 2nd of July, a party of light
infantry accompanied by some Canadians and Indians under the command of Captain
James H. Craig, of the 47th regiment, who afterwards became Governor-General of
Canada, advanced up Lake Champlain as far as Isle la Motte. Here Craig encoun-
tered a reconnoitering party from Crown Point, of nearly the same strength which
after a brief resistance was compelled to surrender. Two of the enemy were killed
and thirty made prisoners including two officers of a Pennsylvanian Regiment. Sul-
livan had halted at Crown Point where he began the difficult task of re-organization.
In consequence of the defeat at Three Rivers, Congress had appointed Major-General
Horatio Gates to the command of its northern army. "We have ordered you to the
post of honor, and made you dictator in Canada for six months," John Adams infor-
med him. A reinforcement of 4,000 men was placed under his command, His appoint-
ment was warmly resented by Schuyler, who declined to serve under him, and also by
Sullivan, who promptly tendered his resignation and actually left the army a few
days after he assumed the command. Schuyler and Gates then agreed, to act together
until the question of command could be settled by a reference to Congress. Both these
generals, accompanied by Arnold who met them at Albany, arrived at Crown Point on
the 5th of July. Schuyler then reported that "sickness, disorder and discord reigned
triumphant, the latter occasioned by an illiberal and destructive jealousy which sub-
sists between the troops raised in different colonies." Gates stated that since the
beginning of May, more than 5,000 men had been lost in battle or by death and desertion,
while 3,000 were unfit for service through disease. Washington warned the president
of Congress with respect to the controversy existing between these officers that " the
evils which must inevitably follow a disputed command are too alarming to admit of
a moment's delay in your decision thereupon." The Congress, however, upheld Schuy-
ler's claim to seniority and advised the two generals "to carry on the military oper-
ations with harmony and in such a manner as shall best promote the public service."
An engineer officer who accompanied Gates had recommended the fortification of a
naturally strong; position near Crown Point but a council of war, composed of five
generals, decided that it would not be tenable and recommended that the whole force
should be withdrawn at once to Ticonderoga. This decision excited grave dissatis-
faction among other officers who signed a written protest. Washington also strongly
dissented. "When intelligence was first received here, that Crown Point was aban-
doned," he wrote to Schuyler from the city of New York, "it was the cause of general
alarm, and filled the minds of those who heard it with no small degree of anxiety and
chagrin." Nearly at the same time he informed Gates that: "Nothing but a belief
that you had actually removed the army to Ticonderoga and demolished the works of
the former, and the fear of creating dissentions and encouraging a spirit of remon-
strating against the conduct of superior officers by inferiors have prevented me by the
advice of the general officers here from directing the post at Crown Point to be held till
Congress should decide upon the propriety of its evacuation. I must, however, express
my sorrow at the resolution of your council and wish that it had never happened, as
everybody who speaks of it also does, and that the measure could be changed with pro-
priety."
The evacuation of Crown Point was accomplished by the middle of July. Three
hundred men had been buried there before this was done.
Vigorous efforts were being made to strengthen their naval force on Lake George
and Champlain. A well equipped saw mill had been built at Skenesborough some
years before, which was taken over for this purpose. A company of carpenters arrived
from Philadelphia and another from the province of Connecticut. The construction of
a number of gun-boats and other small vessels called gondolas was commenced at once.
Gates, however, strongly advised that his army should not be reinforced immediately for
Administration bf Carleton, 1775-1778 33
fear of spreading disease among the new troops. Acting on Washington's advice, he
had instantly re-occupied Crown Point as an advanced post. Writing to him on the
29th of July, from Ticonderoga, Gates said:
"It would be in the last degree improper to order reinforcements to Crown Point,
or even hither, until obliged by the most pressing emergency, as that would be only
heaping one hospital upon another. Those troops, when they arrive, are all ordered
to halt at Skenesborough. Everything about this army is infected with the pestilence,
the clothes, the blankets, the air and the ground they walk upon. To put this evil
from us, a general hospital is established at Fort George where there are now between
two and three thousand sick, -and where every infected person is immediately sent, but
this care and caution have not effectually destroyed the disease here. It is, notwith-
standing, constantly breaking out."
"Our little fleet already built is equipping under the direction of General Arnold
with all the industry which his activity and good example can inspire. As fast as
they are fitted, they are sent to Crown Point, where the 6th battalion of the Pennsyl-
vanians, commanded by Colonel Hartley is posted. Three hundred men and officers
have been drafted from the corps here to man the vessels, one half as seamen, the
other to act as marines. As soon as all the vessels and gondolas are equipped, Gen-
eral Arnold has offered to go to Crown Point to take command of them. This has
exceedingly pleased me as he has a perfect knowledge of maritime affairs, and is
besides, a most gallant and deserving officer. The command of the water is of the
last importance, for should the enemy ever get a superior force to ours upon the Lake,
the command thereof is theirs, let who will possess Crown Point. As to their pene-
trating the eastern governments they may attempt that by Onion river which empties
itself into the Mississqui Bay, sixty miles below Crown Point." -
On the 24th of July, Brigadier-General Gordon, commanding the troops quartered
at La Prairie, while riding along the road leading from that place to St. Jean, was
deliberately shot and mortally wounded by an American officer lurking in a thicket
near by. The perpetrator of this act, who had entered the province with a small
scouting party, succeeded in making his escape. Gordon's death caused great indig-
nation among the troops and was denounced by Carleton, as a cold blooded murder.
A few days later, another American officer bearing a flag of truce arrived at
Isle aux Noix with letters addressed to General Burgoyne. He was detained while
they were forwarded to Burgoyne's headquarters at Chambly. Among them was a
letter from Washington, enclosing a series of resolutions passed by Congress, rati-
fying the exchange of the prisoners taken at Cedars but nullifying it by the absurd
condition that before the prisoners in their hands were returned, the British commander
in Canada, should be required to deliver up "the Authors, Abettors and Perpetrators
of the horrid Murders committed on the Prisoners, to suffer such Punishment as their
Crime deserves; and also to make Indemnification for the Plunder at the Cedars, taken
contrary to the Faith of Capitulation." This was practically a demand for the sur-
render of Captain Forster as a criminal. Compliance with such a request was of
course impossible, and it was obviously made to justify their repudiation of the terms
of the agreement. It was forwarded to Quebec for Carleton's decision and interpreted
by him as unquestionable evidence of an intention- on the part of Congress to destroy
all hopes of reconciliation. In reply, he published a general order prohibiting all
communication with the insurgents and directing that all persons approaching the
outposts, whether carrying a flag of truce or otherwise, should be placed in arrest and
the papers borne by them, delivered to the Provost Marshall, and burned "by the hands
of the common Hangman," unopened and unread. "It belongs to Britons," he declared,
"to distinguish themselves not less by their humanity than their valor. It belongs to
the King's troops to save the blood of his infatuated subjects, whose greatest Fault,
perhaps, is having been deceived by such Men to their own Ruin. — It belongs to
the Crown — 'tis the duty of all faithful Servants of the Crown to rescue from Op-
pression and restore to Liberty, the once happy, free and loyal People of this Conti-
nent."
In conclusion this order announced that all prisoners from the rebellious provinces
who chose to return to their homes were to. prepare for their departure at an early
date. The commissary was directed to inspect the transports prepared for their con-
veyance and see that they were provided with proper provisions and necessary clothing.
They were directed to consider their respective provinces as their prison and remain
there until further enlarged or summoned to appear before the commander in chief.
This politic and generous treatment greatly surprised them, and Carleton shrewdly
remarked that if they fulfilled their engagements they should become good subjects,
and if not, their number would not be sufficient to turn the scale. One of their officers
34 The Province of Quebec
and sixty-four men had died in the hospital. Fifty-nine officers and 685 other ranks
still remained for disposal. A copy of this order was forwarded to Washington as
the only reply he thought proper to make to the resolutions of the Congress. The
disaffected inhabitants had likewise been gently dealt with and there were practically
no reprisals upon them.
Carleton's stay at Quebec was short as he set out his return to the army on the
17th of August. One of his first acts after his arrival at Chambly was to exempt the
inhabitants on the Richelieu from all military service, corvees, or fatigues of any
kind and direct that boats with provisions and other supplies for the army were to be
manned by soldiers in relays. At a session of the court of quarter sessions held at
Montreal early in September, all persons entering the province were ordered to appear
before two justices of the peace to render an account of themselves, for the purpose of
preventing correspondence with the insurgents. As the second division of German
troops had arrived, the captains of militia in the several districts were ordered to supply
the necessary boats, carriages', and other aid and assistance in their march to Montreal.
The vessels under construction were then approaching completion, and militia offi-
cers were required to assemble their companies at an early date and take the names
of all officers and men who would volunteer to join the army and forward lists of such
persons. This was apparently done for the purpose of testing their disposition rather
than with the intention of utilizing their services as the force of regulars was deemed
amply sufficient for the operations contemplated.
Meanwhile, great efforts had been made to increase the force under Gates. Boun-
ties were offered for recruits throughout New England and the regiments ordered to
join the Northern army were offered a penny a mile and one day's additional pay
for every twenty miles travelled by them, to expedite their march. During the month
of August, Gates was joined by eight regiments of militia from those states and by
four regiments of continental troops stationed in Massachusetts besides several com-
panies of artillery and at least one company of Stockbridge Indians. These reinforce-
ments seem to have increased his force to fully 10,000 men. A flotilla of ten small
armed vessels had been equipped and manned by Arnold. With these he entered Lake
Champlain early in September and took post at Windmill Point, within sight of a
British outpost on a small island some distance in -advance of Isle aux Noix, and en-
deavoured to blockade the entrance into the Richelieu river by anchoring his vessels in a
line across the lake. Before the end of the month, he was joined by six other vessels,
increasing his squadron to sixteen sail, mounting ninety-four guns and manned by
800 of all ranks. General Fraser had advanced to Isle aux Noix on the 10th of August
and commenced the construction of magazines and quarters for troops. Having col-
lected* a sufficient number of boats to transport his whole force, Carleton commenced
his movement up the Richelieu river a month later, when his first brigade actually
advanced as far as Isle aux Noix. Arnold's appearance at the lower end of the lake,
however, caused further delay as it became evident that the small vessels already
launched would not bs sufficient to contend with his force. Three days after his
arrival in the vicinity of Isle aux Noix, the keel of a small ship named "The Inflex-
ible" was laid at St. Jean under the direction of Lieut. John Schank, afterwards an
admiral and a commissioner of the admiralty, who drove forward its construction
with remarkable energy. This vessel was completed and equipped in twenty-eight
days but it was found necessary to take her into deeper water near Isle aux Noix,
before she could receive her armament of eighteen twelve pounders. Writing to Schank
a quarter of a century later, on the occasion of his retirement, that accomplished sea-
man, Sir Edward Pellew, remarked, "I believe a more arduous situation or a service
so replete with difficulty and so complicated in its nature, never before or since fell
to the lot of a Sea Officer; that it was conducted throughout with Honor to the
Country and to the satisfaction of both departments, can be testified by the whole
Army and Navy."
In fact, Arnold had already stated his opinion in an official letter, a copy of which
was afterwards captured, that it would be absolutely impossible for a British squad-
ron to appear on Lake Champlain that season in sufficient force to encounter his.
Captain Douglas had drafted and forwarded a body of 600 seamen from the ships of
war and transports under his command, to assist in building and equipping these
vessels and in the course of six weeks a fleet of thirty ships and gunboats had been
built or put together, which, with a captured gondola and upwards of six hundred
large boats,, were hauled up the rapids of the river or transported over the portages.
This fleet was placed under the command of Captain Thomas Pringle, who hoisted his
flag on the schooner Maria. Besides the Inflexible, it consisted of the schooners
Carleton and Maria, and the ketch, or radeau, Thunderer, having a particularly heavy
Administration of Carleton, 1775-1778 35
armament consisting of six long twenty-four pounders, six twelve pounders and two
howitzers, the gondola, Loyal Convert, and twenty gun boats, several of them also
being armed with long twenty-four pounders and howitzers; four long boats from the
ships, armed with carriage guns, and twenty-four other boats loaded with provisions.
The gun boats were partially manned by officers and men of the Royal Artillery, to
work their guns. The other vessels were manned by 679 seamen from the ships and
transports in the river, of whom 223 had volunteered for this particular service. They
were well armed and equipped in every respect, and amply supplied with ammunition.
Each of the larger vessels took on board a company of the 29th regiment to act as
marines, and half a company was placed on the gondola. Sailing from Isle aux
Noix on the 4th of October, Pringle ascended the lake as far as Isle la Motte, accom-
panied by the governor. Here the fleet anchored and scouting vessels were sent out
to gain information. Discovering no sign of the hostile squadron which had disappeared
up the lake some days before, the fleet again set sail on the 9th and next day a
report was received that some of the enemy's vessels had been seen near Grand Island.
That evening it again anchored among the islands, still out of sight of the enemy. Pass-
ing Cumberland Head next morning with a fair wind, a single schooner was dis-
covered and chased inshore by the Carleton. Then Arnold's whole fleet of fourteen
sail, one schooner having been sent away for supplies, was seen lying at anchor between
Valcour Island and the mainland, so well concealed that it could scarcely be seen
from the lake. The Carleton, commanded by Lieut. Dacres was the first of Pringle's
squadron to come within range of Arnold's flag ship and three of his gunboats, whose
combined force was much superior. In endeavouring to beat against the wind in this
narrow channel, the enemy's ship, the Royal Savage, ran aground near the island and
was boarded and taken. Many of Arnold's papers were found in the cabin, but as it
was not considered possible to get her afloat, she was burned that night. By noon,
most of the gun boats came to the support of the Carleton, and a body of Indians
who had followed the British fleet in their canoes landed on the island and harassed
the American ships with musketry. The heavy long guns of the British gunboats
inflicted considerable damage on the larger American vessels, carefully avoiding coming
nearer than seven hundred yards, at which distance the enemy's shot had little effect.
One of these, the Philadelphia, was reduced to a sinking condition and actually went
down before dark. Two others, the Congress, to which Arnold had transferred his flag,
and the Washington, were much damaged and lost several officers and many men.
Having exhausted their ammunition in a contest of five hours, the British gunboats
were withdrawn and came to anchor, waiting for a favourable wind to enable the other
ships to engage. Arnold's loss in killed and wounded had been serious. Most of nis
ships were considerably injured both in hull and rigging. He called a council of war
which advised a retreat. The night was dark and foggy, and he succeeded in accom-
plishing this movement without being discovered, passing close to the British fleet
under shortened sail and with muffled oars, as it had anchored in a position designed
to intercept any movement in the direction of Crown Point. Two of his gunboats
were abandoned, and scuttled next morning; the remainder continued to make way
against a contrary wind by tacking and using their sweeps. On the morning of the
13th, the fog was so dense that it was scarcely possible to see fifty yards, but when
it cleared off, the British -squadron came in sight at a distance of about five miles,
being favoured by a fresh breeze. The Maria, having outsailed the other vessels
came within range after a chase of seven hours and commenced firing with great
spirit. She was soon joined by the Carleton, and later by the Inflexible After an ac-
tion of two hours, the Congress with Arnold on board, ran ashore followed by five gon-
dolas which were all set on fire and blew up before possession could be taken of them.
The Washington, row galley, with Brigadier-General Waterbury. second in command,
on board, was taken as well as the Lee, a cutter, and Jersey, a gondola. A schooner, a
sloop and a single gondola were consequently the only vessels that escaped to Crown
Point and eventually sought shelter at Ticonderoga. Arnold with the greater part
of the crews of the ve.ssels which he had been forced to destroy, made his way by land
to Crown Point. He stated his loss at eighty killed and wounded. That of the British
was not more than forty, of whom nearly one half were killed or wounded on the
Carleton. He attributed his defeat mainly to a deficiency in experienced seamen and
gunners, stating that he had been obliged to aim many of th> guns on the Congress
himself. The garrison of Crown Point set fire to all the ouildings at that place,
including a saw mill and retreated to Ticonderoga. The deserted works were occu-
pied next morning by a detachment of troops from the victorious squadron and a
message was sent to General Bm*goyne, who embarked at once with two brigades.
Carleton treated his prisoners with characteristic kindness and tact. The wound-
ed men received careful attention. Waterbury, who had served in six campaigns :n
36 The Province of Quebec
the last war with France, was received by him with the greatest courtesy as a guest
in his own cabin. The remainder of the crews of the captured vessels were assembled
and addressed by Carleton, who praised their bravery, regretting that it had not been
exerted in the service of their lawful King and declared his intention of permitting
them to return to their homes on signing an agreement not to bear arms again until
regularly exchanged. On the 14th of October, Captain Craig was sent forward with
General Waterbury and 110 officers and men who were released at Ticonderoga. These
men were so cordial in their praise of the kindness and generosity with which they had
been treated that it was considered impolitic by Gates to allow them to mingle with
the garrison and they were sent hastily away. Doubtless Craig made the best use of
his opportunities for gaining information as he was an extremely capable officer.
Finding that every building in the vicinity of Crown Point had been destroyed, and
that the collection of materials for the construction of quarters would be almost im-
practicable, Carleton came to the conclusion that the army must find winter quarters
in Canada as the season seemed now too far advanced to permit of further operations,
with a fair prospect of success. Several parties of loyalists from the province of New
York joined him while at Crown Point and were attached to the corps commanded by
Sir John Johnson.
The arrival of so many troops at that place caused great apprehensions of an
attack upon Ticonderoga. The works there were strengthened by every means in their
power and a boom of heavy logs chained together was thrown across the narrows to
prevent the passage of vessels. The force under Gates was estimated at 9,000 effect-
ive men. Washington informed Schuyler that he ought to keep his assailants at bay
until cold weather compelled them to retire but prudently advised him at the same
time to remove all carriages and draft-cattle from the neighbouring country in case
they should endeavour to turn his position, and march directly upon Albany. Gates
and his colleagues had made an urgent call for ten or fifteen thousand militia and the
provincial committees of safety for New York and New Hampshire responded by order-
ing a levy en masse. Besides these iroops eight regiments of militia from New Eng-
land were ordered to march to Ticonderoga. The militia from New York obeyed
slowly and with evident reluctance. Many of them soon deserted.
On the 27th of October, General Fraser with a small force advanced up the lake
about nine miles and established an advanced post. The position at Ticonderoga was
afterwards closely examined by scouting parties who took a few prisoners. After being
questioned these men were also released on parole. On the 2nd of November, Carle-
ton began his retreat and by the afternoon of the 4th, the evacuation of Crown Point
was completed and the whole of his force on its way to winter quarters. The head-
quarters of the army was established at Montreal, which was garrisoned by the 29th
regiment and the Royal Artillery. The King's Royal Regiment of New York was bil-
letted in the parishes of Lachine, Pointe Claire and Ste. Anne, and the Royal High-
land Emigrants at La Chenaye, Terrebonne and the Riviere du Chene, with the re-
mainder of General Fraser's corps on the south side of the St. Lawrence from La
Prairie to Varennes. General Powell's brigade was quartered on the Richelieu river
between Chambly and Sorel, and in several parishes on the north side of the St. Law-
rence. Isle aux Noix and St. John were garrisoned each by a battalion. Two battal-
ions were stationed in the district of Quebec and the whole of the German troops quar-
tered in the district of Three Rivers. Colonel Tonnancour who commanded the Mili-
tia of that district was significantly directed to warn the inhabitants that they could
not expect as generous treatment under these circumstances as they would have re-
ceived if they had displayed due zeal and loyalty in the past.
Carleton returned well satisfied with the success of his recent operations which had
evidently far exceeded his expectations. Burgoyne wished to return to England before
the close of navigation, to attend the session of Parliament. He took with him a
memorandum from the governor, asking for a reinforcement of 4,000 men, in which
he proposed that a strong corps should be sent by way of Oswego to operate on the
Mohawk river where there were many Loyalists ready to join it. He suggested that
another force might be usefully employed in an expedition to the Connecticut river.
Six months provisions for 20,000 men would be required. He considered the organi-
zation of a corps of boatmen indispensable for the successful conduct of all operations
in a country so much intersected by streams and lakes.
His efforts for the re-organization of the militia had been attended with a fair
measure of success and he directed that a considerable sum of money should be distri-
buted as a bounty to all men who had served during the campaign. Committees of
officers in each district were appointed for its future regulation. Three companies had
Administration of Carleton, 1775-1778 37
already been recruited on a permanent footing and officered with a captain, two lieu-
tenants, and two ensigns for each company. All of these officers were selected without
exception from well known influential families.
As a reward for his services in the defence and relief of Quebec, Carleton had
been made a Knight of the Bath; Baronetcies were conferred on Captains John Hamil-
ton and Charles Douglas of the royal navy; and Lieutenant Pringle was promoted to
be a Post Captain. The crews of the Isis and other ships of the squadron who had ex-
erted themselves so successfully in forcing their way through the fields of floating
ice in the gulf were granted double pay from the time of their departure from England
until their arrival at Quebec.
The natural feeling of exultation on the part of the Ministry upon receiving the
first intelligence of the relief of the city followed by successive reports of the rapid
advance of the troops and easy recovery of the remainder of the province raised ex-
travagant hopes of an immediate invasion of New York and the occupation of Albany.
Writing to Sir H. Mann (llth August, 1776), that implacable critic of the Minis-
try and all its acts, Horace Walpole, after stating that General Carleton had driven
the provincials out of all Canada, sourly added: "It is well he fights better than he
writes. General Conway has constantly said that he would do great service.''
Accordingly, when it became known that Carleton had retired from Lake Cham-
plain and taken up winter quarters in Canada, a sentiment of bitter disappointment
succeeded and Lord George Germain was particularly severe in the expression of his
displeasure. This was emphasised by a curt refusal to receive Burgoyne or admit
him to an audience of the king. That officer was, however, a skilful courtier and finally
succeeded in overcoming the minister's resentment regarding himself. Germain's
anger with Carleton, to whom the responsibility for the failure to recover Ticonderoga
or advance beyond that point was attributed, was embittered by the intelligence of
Washington's successful attacks upon the outlying winter quarters of Howe's army in
New Jersey. It was presumed, probably, with some truth that these operations were
made practicable by reinforcements drawn from the troops under the command of
Gates, which Carleton's retirement had enabled him to detach. There is also reason
to believe Germain nursed a personal grudge against Carleton which his appointment
as a Secretary of State now enabled him to gratify. Such, at all events, it appears
from the correspondence, was Carleton's own opinion. Germain's official letters in the
year, 1776, contain however no indication of it. Late in August, he had written
Carleton to return to Quebec and carry on the duties of the civil government, de-
tailing Burgoyne or some other officer to conduct the operations against the prov-
ince of New York, with orders to place himself under the command of General Howe,
as soon as direct communication could be opened with him. This letter did not
reach Carleton until the following May, as the ship conveying it after entering the
Gulf of St. Lawrence three times and being blown off the coast by adverse gales, was
ultimately compelled to return to England. Upon conferring with Burgoyne and re-
ceiving lengthy observations from him on the future operations from Canada as a
base, Germain decided to place that officer in command of the troops employed, thus
ignoring or overruling the commission formerly given to Carleton, as commander in
chief. The proposal to detach a force to Oswego to advance by the route of the Mo-
hawk river proposed by Carleton with the intention of placing Burgoyne in com-
mand was approved, but its strength greatly diminished, and the command given to
Lieutenant-Colonel St. Leger, a junior officer. In his letter announcing this decision,
Germain took occasion to comment upon his "mortification" at the successful attack
upon Howe's winter quarters and directly attribute it to Carleton's retirement from
Lake Champlain. The reinforcement ordered from England consisted of only 600 re-
cruits formed into eleven provisional companies under conducting officers, to be ab-
sorbed by the regiments already in Canada. Less than 4,000 men were to be left be-
hind for the defence of the province and nearly 8,000 employed in these two expedi-
tions for the invasion of New York, which, in the event of success were to unjte at
Albany and come under the command of Sir William Howe.
Burgoyne had reported that a chain of patrols and posts of Canadian troops es-
tablished in the woods in the rear of the regular troops would be necessary to inter-
cept communication between the enemy and disaffected persons in Canada, prevent
desertion, obtain intelligence, and perform of other necessary services. The number
of men required for this purpose, he estimated, would be 500. Another great demand
upon the inhabitants would be for the supply of labour on the fortifications projected
at Sorel, Chambly, St. Jean and Isle aux Noix. He recommended that all disobedient
and refractory men should be sent to the latter post, from which it would be difficult
for them to desert. Two thousand men would probably be required for the completion
38 The Province of Quebec
of these works during the coming summer. Quite as large a draft from the militia
must be made for the transport of the artillery, provisions, and stores from the depots
and magazines to the boats and afterwards over the various carrying places. Not
less than 2,000 men would be required for this task with many horses and carts. It
would be attended with serious inconvenience to the farmers as it must take place at
seeding time. In addition, he proposed that 1,500 or 2,000 militia should be attached
to his army for actual military duty. He admitted, however, that "when these num-
bers are cast up, Canada will be found to contribute what the Country can afford.
I will venture to assert much more than they will afford, if any Diminution is made in
the number of Regulars proposed to be left among them.*' Already there was some
evidence of secret hostility on the part of the French Government, and although the
influence of the insurgents in Canada seemed to have been effectually destroyed, it
was not improbable that French emissaries might revive disaffection. It can scarcely
be doubted that Burgoyne's demands were greatly in excess of the resources of the
province. The Minister contented himself with general instructions to Carleton to
furnish both expeditions with sufficient bodies of Canadians and Indians, adding with
apparent malice that he knew that his influence among them was so great that there
could be no doubt that he would be able to fulfil his expectations.
On the 29th of March, 1777, the first ordinance for the regulation of a militia of
the province enacted since the conquest was passed by the legislative council. By its
provisions, all males, with certain exceptions, in town and country between the ages
of sixteen and sixty were declared liable for service in the militia of the parish, in
which they resided. Any one refusing or neglecting to enrol himself was made
liable to a fine of five pounds for each offence and deprived of the privilege of keep-
ing or carrying any fire arm, and further made liable to furnish sleighs or other
carriages for the public service in double proportion to his neighbours in the same par-
ish doing duty as militiamen, and at half the wages paid them. At the expiration of
one year, any person convicted of such offences, upon making public submission to
the captain of militia at the church door on a Sunday, duly approved by the Gover-
nor, Lieutenant Governor, or Commander in Chief, might be reinstated in his corps
and again become entitled to the privileges of which he had been deprived. Cap-
tains of militia were required to transmit lists of their officers and men to the
Colonels of militia or inspectors of their districts annually. Militiamen changing their
places of residence were required to give notice of this and of the parish where they
intended to settle to their commanding officers in the parish they left, and in that to
which they removed, under a penalty of forty shillings for the first offence and a
similar penalty for a second offence, combined with imprisonment for one month. The
captains of militia were ordered to assemble their companies on the last two Sundays
in June and the two first in July, for inspection of their arms, target practice, and
further instruction in their duties, and every militiaman who failed to appear on
such training days was made liable to a penalty of ten shillings for each offence. In
case of war, . rebellion, or other public emergency, the governor was authorized to
draft such proportion of officers and militiamen as he deemed necessary. All per-
sons who refused or neglected to obey were made liable to a penalty double that im-
posed for failure, to enrol, and in addition, to be expelled from the militia and pro-
hibited from ever re-enrolling. Persons who purchased arms, ammunition or equip-
ments issued to the militia were made liable to a penalty of five pounds for each of-
fence. All persons above the age of sixty, and keeping one servant, as well as all
others holding lands en roture were required, when ordered by the government and
called upon by the captains of militia, to furnish carts, sleighs, or other carriages for
the public service at such a rate of pay per day as might be fixed by the Commander
in Chief, and all persons neglecting or refusing to furnish such carriages or desert-
ing- or leaving the service without being duly discharged, were made liable to the
same penalties as for neglect to enrol themselves. Captains and other officers of mili-
tia guilty of disobedience, or convicted of acting with partiality in exempting some
militiamen without being properly authorized or ordering others put of their turn,
were to be deprived of their commissions and obliged to serve as privates. They were
required to arrest deserters, stragglers, and persons suspected of acting as emissaries
or spies on behalf of the rebels or of spreading false reports, or leaving the province
without a pass, and any person convicted of concealing such deserter or suspected per-
son was liable to a fine of ten pounds and a month's imprisonment, if residing in the
towns; or if residing in the country, a penalty of five pounds with imprisonment for
the same period, and a double fine and double period of imprisonment for the second
and any subsequent offences. Members of the executive council, judges and other
officers of the Civil Government, the seigneurs, the noblesse so privileged under the
Administration of Carleton, 1775-1778 39
former government of the country, half-pay or retired officers, the clergy, the stu-
dents of the seminaries of Quebec and Montreal and persons employed in offices of
public utility were exempted from serving in the militia or furnishing carriages, but
the ordinance was not to be construed to exempt seigneurs or members of the noblesse
from rendering such personal services as were agreeable to ancient usage and to which
they were bound by the tenure of their lands when called upon by the governor or
other proper authority. In transmitting this ordinance, Carleton explained that it
had been "framed upon the principle of securing the Dependence of this Province
upon Great Britain, Suppressing the Spirit of Licentiousness and Independence that
has invaded all the British Colonies upon this Continent and so making, through the
Endeavours of a turbulent faction here, a. most amazing progress in this Country;
and in the Hopes of rendering Canada of use to Great Britain, by its Military Strength
as well as by its Commerce." It was to continue in force for two years "by way of
Trial and as an Essay towards training the Canadians to Obedience by Degrees, un-
til we have time to perfect a more solid and permanent system."
Fully anticipating that he would receive instructions to resume offensive opera-
tions in the spring, Carleton made extensive preparations for the coming campaign.
The construction of a ship to carry twenty guns was commenced at St. Jean. Sev-
eral new gunboats were also built at that place during the winter. Before his vic-
tory on Lake Champlain, he had despatched orders to the commandants of Niagara
and Mackinac to make arrangements for sending to Canada a» large a number of In-
dians as could be assembled at their respective posts.
Toward the end of February, Captain Samuel MacKay, late of the Royal Amer-
ican Regiment, who commanded the Canadian company raised at Montreal, was in-
structed to reconnoitre the enemy's posts on Lake George. He left St. Regis in com-
pany with three French officers, one English officer of the Indian department and
fourteen Indians. On approaching Ticonderoga, they surprised a small company of
recruits on its way to join the garrison of whom an officer and four men were killed
and the captain and eighteen men taken prisoners. Only one man, who was supposed
to be badly wounded, escaped. From these prisoners and a loyalist, living in the
neighbourhood of Crown Point, MacKay succeeded in securing fairly accurate and cir-
cumstantial information respecting these forts. One of them was also closely exam-
ined by a detached party under the command of an officer. Although the wilfulness
of the Indians prevented him from executing his mission as thoroughly as he had in-
tended by a personal reconnaissance of the enemy's positions, he returned without loss,
bringing in twenty-two prisoners.
^Further important intelligence was obtained from parties of refugee loyalists who
arrived from time to time. One of these, led by Ebenezer Jessup, from the neighbour-
hood of Albany, consisted of nearly one hundred men, and another of about the same
number, under Captain Macdonell of Maclean's regiment, came in from the Mohawk
Valley, where they had long been waiting for a favorable opportunity to make their
escape. Some of the latter party were recruits for that corps but the majority were
enlisted in ±he Royal Regiment of New York, which was increased to a strength of
more than three hundred of all ranks. The Canadian companies had been recruited
up to their establishment of one hundred each.
A proclamation was issued prohibiting the exportation of cattle and live stock,
grain and flour, to continue in force until the storeships from England arrived and
information was received whether General Howe's army was in need of such sup-
plies.
Burgoyne arrived at Quebec on the 9th day of May. The ship in which he came
also brought despatches from Germain, informing Carleton of the proposed plan of
campaign. The censure implied by the change in the military command was hotly
resented by him and he effectively defended his past conduct in a lengthy despatch
by a comparison with former campaigns.
"In spight of every obstruction a greater marine was built and equipped," he
wrote, "a greater marine force was defeated than had ever appeared on that lake be-
fore; two Brigades were taken across, and remained at Crown Point till the 2nd No-
vember and for the sole purpose of drawing off the attention of the rebels from Mr.
Howe, and to facilitate his victories the remainder of the campaign. Nature had
then put an end to ours. His winter quarters, I confess I had never thought of cov-
ering1." He declared that Burgoyne should receive every assistance in his power and
that 300 Canadian militia would be added to his force. That officer, in fact, reported
officially that he always had the most cordial support from the governor, and years
afterwards repeated this statement in the House of Commons.
40 The Province of Quebec
The two Canadian companies recruited in the districts of Quebec and Three
Rivers, were ordered to Montreal and placed under the command of MacKay. The
Commissaries of transport and Captains of the militia were instructed to make every
possible effort to assist in forwarding the troops and supplies for the intended op-
erations. A ship from New York brought the Canadian officers and gentlemen taken
prisoners at St. John with the exception of two who had died in prison. They were
again placed on duty and rendered efficient service.
The concentration of the troops intended for operations on Lake George at
Chambly and St. Jean, commenced at once. St. Leger's expedition was equipped at
Montreal. The force retained in Canada consisted of three battalions of the regular
army, without their grenadier and light infantry companies, Maclean's corps and de-
tachments of invalids and unfit men left behind by other regiments. Carleton ac-
cordingly requested that the state of the province should be brought to General Howe's
particular attention in case it was again threatened by invasion. Reports had reached
him that his removal was probable, which he asserted greatly lessened his influence
with the inhabitants, and to which he very frankly referred in the course of later
correspondence in such a manner as to increase Germain's evident displeasure. In
his first letter to this minister, after his return to Quebec, Burgoyne reported that he
could expect very little assistance from the Canadians. The men composing the three
independent companies had chiefly been drafted from the militia under the recent
ordinance. He described those whom he had seen as "awkward, ignorant, disinclined
to the service & spiritless". This change in the disposition of the people he attributed
largely to the unpopularity of the seigneurs combined with the influence of emissaries
from the insurgents. Soon after his arrival in Montreal, he reported many deser-
tions from these companies and proposed a corvee of a thousand men to accompany
the expedition for transport with seven or eight hundred horses hired from the in-
habitants. This arrangement, he believed would not be unpopular. Carleton as-
sented and ordered the corvee required, but remarked that the militia ordinance was
a temporary measure and that its satisfactory operation would require much patience
and tact. "In the present situation of the Province," he wrote, "having a vast Num-
ber of Men employed in the Fur Trade and Fisheries, and by Way of a Beginning
only, which, I think, never can be too gentle, while I expected to conduct the expedi-
tion in person, a Draft of three hundred militia was ordered, not so much from an
Expectation of their performing great Services, well knowing how unwilling they
were to engage in the Affair, as from a Desire to break them in by Degrees; and this
is as much, considering the Numbers destined to watch the several Inlets into the
Province, for the transporting Provisions, Stores, &c., as we can Hope to effect.
Ordering more would only tend to increase their Disobedience and our Difficulties."
As a remedy for desertions, he issued stringent orders for each parish to supply two
able bodied married men to take the place of each deserter from its quota, and hoped
that this would prove effectual.
The district of Quebec was required to furnish five hundred men for this corvee
and the Lieutenant- Cover nor was authorized to employ troops to enforce compliance
if necessary. Detachments were sent for that purpose to Nouvelle Beauce* and Kam-
ouraska. On the 29th of May, Carleton left Quebec for St. Jean to expedite the de-
parture of the troops from that place. Burgoyne was requested to permit all the
militia men placed upon service with his fprce to return to their homes by the first
of November as this promise had been already made to them. One of the independ-
ent companies under the command of Captain de Rouville was directed to accompany St.
Leger while the two others were placed under Burgoyne's command. As complaints
of desertion were still frequent, Maclean's corps was marched into the parishes on
the south side of the St. Lawrence, and along the Richelieu river to enforce the cor-
vee which was regarded as an intolerable burden by the inhabitants in that part of
the country whose reluctance to obey was scarcely concealed. German troops were
sent to L'Assomption for the same purpose. By these severe measures, the move-
ment of the last of the troops from St. Jean was accomplished by the 20th of June.
Nearly all the warriors from the Indian villages in the province had already joined
Burgoyne and the number of those arriving from the west was so great as to cause
embarrassment in supplying them with provisions. This, in fact, seems to have been
one of the chief causes which ultimately contributed to the disastrous failure of this
expedition. St. Leger began his movement from Montreal about the same time.
Carleton was able to report that the corvee from the district of Quebec had been
furnished more willingly than he expected. A bounty was offered by him for vol-
unteers and Messrs St. Luc La Corne, Lanaudiere, and other gentlemen succeeded in
assembling one hundred and seventy men with whom they joined Burgoyne. Carle-
Administration of Carleton, 1775-1778 41
ton thought proper to remark, however, in reporting these matters, "these services
are a considerable burthen upon the People, and after the Disuse of them for many
years, it is not surprising, they should forget the Duty, to which they were bound by
the Tenure of their Lands, and their original Government. Nor is it a Matter of
Wonder, that after so many concurring circumstances to destroy that Obedience, for
which they formerly were remarkable, and ,to encourage all kind of Disrespect to the
King's Authority in this Province, that I should meet with difficulties in restoring
those ancient Usages, without either Laws, Strength in Government, or even Your
Lordship's Countenance; as Minister to assist me". He had requested the opinion of
the Attorney General whether deserters from the Canadian companies were liable to
punishment under "the rules and articles of war'', and was informed that as these
companies were placed on service as part of the militia they would only be subject to
the penalties prescribed by the ordinance for its regulation.
Both expeditions were impeded by frequent heavy rains and the resultant diffi-
culties of transport. After taking Ticonderoga, Burgoyne made an application to
have that place garrisoned by troops from Canada which Carleton felt bound by his
instructions to refuse. He decided, however, to send on the recruits who had arrived
from England for the seven regular battalions under Burgoyne's command. A con-
siderable number of the men furnished upon corvee were also employed in the con-
struction of fortifications at Crown Point and Ticonderoga until the beginning of Oc-
tober when more than a hundred of them, with a part of the garrison, stationed as an
outpost at the landing place, were surprised and taken prisoners by a raiding force
commanded by Colonel John Brown, already mentioned as having been active on for-
mer occasions. A subsequent attack upon an outpost on Diamond Island was sharp-
ly repelled. Brown was closely pursued by the gunboats. One of his armed boats
was taken and he was compelled to destroy the remainder and take to the woods..
All communication with Burgoyne's army was then cut off. Captain Monin com-
manding one of the Canadian Companies had been killed in the course of the expedi-
tion. Captain MacKay, with more than one hundred of the militia men and volun-
teers, succeeded in escaping before the capitulation and joined the garrison at Ticon-
deroga. Other small parties subsequently came into that place. The remainder were
permitted under a special article of the terms of capitulation to retire to Canada on
parole. Carleton had long since returned to Quebec where he received information of
the attack upon Ticonderoga, and the critical situation of Burgoyne's division. He
immediately recalled Captain Lutwidge of the Triton frigate, who had just sailed, and
sent him to St. Jean, with eighty seamen to strengthen the naval force on Lake Cham-
plain. By his assistance the evacuation of Ticonderoga and Crown Point was ef-
fected and all artillery and stores removed. This was completed early in November
and the whole of the vessels and boats employed on that lake were safely laid up for
the winter at St. eJan.
Believing that his recall would not long be delayed, Carleton continued to force
it upon the attention of the Minister, and the tone of his letters to Germain con-
stantly grew more petulant and bitter. One of them, dated on the 16th of October,
has a distinct flavor of the style of Junius and the Minister was soundly scolded for
not having removed him before.
"Your intimate knowledge of the Practice of Men in sacrificing the Interest and
Safety of the State to Private Interest, Ambition, and to every private Passion, to-
gether with your being an intire stranger to my particular Character afforded you
no Reason to hope I should not follow this ruinous Practice and on this side sacri-
fice the public Service to private Discontent, you therefore should not have left it in
my Power".
It concluded by advising him "to suffer Gentlemen intrusted with Commands to
follow the Dictates of their own Sense and Judgment; if they have Abilities, they
must upon the spot see what is most expedient to be done, if not your Lordship can-
not mend matters by positive Orders but by sending Persons better qualified to super-
sede them, while they are recalled." His expectation that he would be recalled that
autumn was not fulfilled but he must have felt that by writing such a letter he had
made it inevitable. When General Powell and the officers commanding at the western
posts requested instructions, they were informed with perhaps unnecessary emphasis
that as the conduct of the war had been taken out of his hands, he could give them
none.
He did not, however, relax his vigilance and exertions "for the defence of the
province. After raising the siege of Fort Stanwix, St. Leger had been compelled
to return to Montreal with the intention of joining Burgoyne. This he was unable
42 The Province of Quebec
to do, although the governor had hastened to St. Jean to facilitate his movement.
The entire force in the Montreal district was then placed under the command of Mac-
lean with the temporary rank of Brigadier- General. He was directed to advance with
two battalions, one of them being his own corps, to Chimney Point on Lake Cham-
ploin near Crown Point, to maintain communication with the garrison of Ticonderoga,
taking with him some artillery, entrenching tools, and provisions for two weeks. He
was instructed to retire before severe cold weather set in, and accompanied the
troops under Powell in their retreat. The withdrawal of this force from the line
of communications added upwards of a thousand rank and 'file to that formerly
available for the defence of the Montreal district.
John Butler, the deputy superintendent of the Six Nations, who had been com-
pelled to abandon his station on the Mohawk river and seek refuge at Niagara had
arrived at Montreal with several leading chiefs who declared their fidelity, but asked
that a military post should be established at Oswego for their protection, or that a
body of soldiers should be stationed in their villages. Butler held the rank of Lieut-
enant-Colonel in the New York militia and had also served as a judge for Tryon
County in that province. He was a man of wealth and had long experience in the
Indian department and great influence among the Indians and the loyalists of the
frontier. He had already recruited a small company of rangers with the approval
of the commandant of Fort Niagara, at the head of whom and a large body of Indians
of the Six Nations he had joined St. Leger. He now strongly recommended that a
corps of rangers should be organized to serve with the Indians and assist them in
the defence of their country. Carleton gave him beating orders to recruit a battalion
of eight companies of fifty rank and file each, with instructions to join General Bur-
goyne at an early date.
• A memorandum signed by Captain Foy, the governor's military secretary, recom-
mended that a Canadian regiment should be raised by a royal order supported by an
ordinance subjecting it to proper military discipline as it was remarked that "The
Canadians tho' not rich, yet being generally in a state of easy Circumstances, have a
strong repugnance to the life of a common soldier, and a very few, if any, will em-
brace it from choice," he proposed that such a corps should be formed by drafts from
the companies of militia. To humor their prejudice against being considered as
professional soldiers it was considered advisable to apply the name of militia to
this corps. They were to be informed that this new regulation was merely intended
as an improvement on the former militia law and designed for the better defence of
the province, without exempting them from the obligation for service elsewhere if
required by emergency. They were to serve for three years, one-third being dis-
charged annually and replaced by fresh drafts and be officered by the gentry of the
province. The success of this plan would in a great degree depend upon a strict en-
forcement of the militia act. Lieutenant-Colonel Deschambault was accordingly re-
quired to prepare a further memorandum for the improvement of that act. Pie pro-
posed that the militia should be organized by districts, and that a distinction should
be drawn between the residents of the cities and those residing in the country, the
town militia being organized into battalions under the superintendence of inspectors
of militia. He recommended that the town militia should be exercised at target
practice four times a year and prizes offered for their encouragement. The rural
inhabitants of the province were to be divided into two classes, the first composed
of such a number as was considered necessary for the public defence, the second of
those liable for employment upon corvees by land and water and other unforeseen
services. The militia of the first class were also to be organized by districts and
parishes into companies consisting of three officers, two sergeants and sixty privates.
He proposed that they should be provided with a musket, bayonet, belt and hatchet.'
Each militiaman was to be liable for the proper care of his arms, presenting them for
inspection at qach review, and turning them over in a good condition to the man who
replaced him. The name of the parish was to be stamped on each musket. Their
training would be limited to target practice at such times as prescribed by the ordin-
ance and they would be furnished for the purpose with ammunition. When on service
they would receive the same pay and allowances as other troops and would be supplied
with tents and one camp kettle for every seven men. Chaplains, surgeons, drummers
and fifers would be supplied by the government. One officer would always remain in
each parish to superintend the services required from the remaining inhabitants. The
officers were to receive commissions and when they retired, be exempt from any ob-
ligation for billettine: trcops and service on corvees, as well as the exemption of one
domestic servant. When in the field the militiamen were to be made subject to mili-
tary law and regulations. When not on service they would be required to furnish
Administration of Carleton, 1775-1778 v 43
guards for prisoners arrested by the order of the government or the civil authorities.
The second class of militia would be liable for service on corvees only. Both of these
documents were forwarded to England for consideration. The governor also evinced
his interest in the militia of the City of Quebec by attending the assembly held by
them to commemorate the first anniversary of Montgomery's assault, dressed in full
militia uniform and wearing his ribbon and star.
A resolute effort was made to enforce respect for the militia act by the prose-
cution of refractory men. Fines varying from five to ten pounds were imposed in
a considerable number of cases.
A careful return of the effective strength of the militia had been compiled. The
British militia of the city of Quebec consisted of eight companies, having a total
strength of twenty-nine officers and 819 other ranks. The French militia of the city
consisted of eight companies having a total strength of forty-one officers and 819
other ranks. In the district of Quebec, the rural militia was organized into fifty-four
companies composed of 113 officers and 6,945 other ranks. The militia of the city of
Montreal was composed of nine companies having a strength of 31 officers and 523 other
ranks. The rural militia of the district of Montreal was organized in eighty -seven
companies with a total strength of 253 officers and 6,483 other ranks. The rural
militia of the district of Three Rivers consisted of twenty-three companies having a
strength of sixty-one officers and 1,924 other ranks. The militia of Detroit and ad-
jacent settlements had been formed into six companies, having a strength of twenty-
eight officers, and 484 other ranks, besides which a company of volunteers had been
formed consisting of one officer and 45 other ranks.
In midwinter vague but alarming rumors of preparations for a second invasion of
the province on a large scale, conducted by French officers, reached the governor. For
fully a year, war against England had been freely debated in Paris, but while se-
cretly favored by the French Government, all hostile intentions were stoutly denied
until the time seemed ripe for an open declaration. "France to us sends most fair
words," Horace Walpole wrote, (18th June, 1777), "to America, stores and officers."
In the summer of 1777, the Marquis de La Fayette and the Baron de Kalb, with
fourteen other French officers, who had engaged under an agreement with Silas Deane
the envoy of Congress in Paris, for service in the Continental Army, arrived in South
Carolina and subsequently reported at Philadelphia. La Fayette and De Kalb had been
promised the rank of Major-General; two others, that of Colonel; two, the rank of
Lieutenant-Colonel; three, the rank of Major, and the remainder, the rank of Captain
or Lieutenant. Many other officers, chiefly adventurers or soldiers of fortune had
previously arrived from France or from French West Indies to offer their services.
Their applications were generally attended with such exorbitant claims for rank,
pay and privileges that made their employment practically impossible. Deane's agree-
ment with La Fayette and and his companions increased the embarrassment and il)
humor of the Congress. As La Fayette himself desired to serve without pay, he was
granted the honorary rank of Major-General, but a resolution was passed thanking
Baron de Kalb and the other officers, who had accompanied him, for their zeal and
authorizing the payment of their expenses on returning to France. They had already
taken their departure when they were recalled and commissions granted to them with
the rank promised. La Fayette was attached to Washington's staff and was wounded in
the battle of Brandywine. He was afterwards employed in some small detached op-
erations and ingratiated himself generally with the officers with whom he acted,
by his unvarying politeness and tact. The decisive victory gained by Gates at Sara-
toga had increased that officer's reputation to a greater height than his military
talents justified, while on the other hand, misfortune had constantly attended the oper-
ations directed by Washington. A movement to supplant the latter in chief command
by the victor of Saratoga secured much support even in Congress. A new committee
was appointed for the management of military affairs of which Gates was made
president. His friend, Conway, was promoted to be a Major-General over the heads
of several officers who were senior to him. Without consulting Washington on the
subject, La Fayette was nominated for the command of an independent expedition for
the invasion of Canada. The first intimation Washington received of this,' was con-
tained in a copy of the order making the appointment. 'On the 22nd of January, 1778,
Congress adopted a resolution authorising the war department to undertake an
expedition against Canada under the orders of general officers to be selected later
by that body and to make the necessary financial arrangements. On the following
day, Major-General, the Marquis de La Fayette, Major-General Conway and Briga-
dier-General Stark, who had gained great popularity by his victory at Bennington, were
nominated for its command. La Fayette accepted this appointment with much
44 The Province of Quebec
eagerness as the hope of the reconquest of Canada excited his imagination. He was
then barely twenty years of age and was quite carried away by dreams of military
distinction. Still in accepting the command of this expedition he stipulated that he
should act under the orders of Washington and be treated simply as one of his
officers detached for special service, .to report directly to him. When these conditions
were accepted, he began his preparations for a winter campaign which must neces-
sarily be attended with much hardship. His instructions gave him the command of a
brigade composed of five regiments among them being those of Livingston and
Hazen, nominally recruited in Canada, and a company of rangers, having a total
strength, it was estimated, of 2,500 rank and file. The greater part of these troops
had already served in Canada. The whole brigade, with the exception of Bedel's
regiment was assembled at Bennington. That corps had been directed to march from
Co-os, where it had been recruited, to the mouth of the Onion River, which was selected
at the point of final concentration. General Stark, Colonels Warner, Bedel, and Hazen,
the latter being appointed Quartermaster-General, were believed to be familiar with
every road, pass and military post in the country. Orders had been issued to provide
this force with the necessary artillery ammunition, provisions, and carriages required
for the service. As success would depend mainly on the vigour and rapidity of his
movements, the committee advised him to lose no time. The winter being very
severe, although healthy, the officer in charge of clothing at Albany was directed to
provide the warmest woollen uniforms in his possession, as the expedition must en-
camp during the night in the woods. As the troops were experienced in providing
shelter for themselves, tents were considered an unnecessary encumbrance.
After taking possession of St. Jean, or Montreal, he was directed to address a
proclamation to the Canadians explaining his intentions and urging them to join the
invading force. Hazen's regiment consisting of four battalions was to be first com-
pleted to full strength with Canadian recruits, who were to receive the liberal bounty
offered by a former resolution. If it was found that the Canadians were not disposed
to join his force, he was directed to issue a manifesto requiring their strict neutral-
ity. In that event he was ordered to destroy all fortifications and vessels at St. Jean,
Chambly and Isle aux Noix, and retire by the best route to Saratoga and the Ameri-
can advanced posts. If the Canadians were willing to join the United States they
must agree to obey the orders of Congress, and accept the paper money issued under
its authority on the same terms as in the otner states. They would be permitted to
send delegates to represent them in Congress on condition of accepting the constitu-
tion already adopted. After taking possession of Montreal, which was designated as
the principal object of the expedition, he was instructed to seize all arms, munitions
and military stores, including cotton and woollen clothing, in that town or in its vicin-
ity, for which compensation was to be paid to the inhabitants, and he was given au-
thority to requisition for supplies to such an extent as he considered necessary. Plun-
der or misconduct which might disturb the minds of the Canadians and consequently
be prejudicial to the interests of the United States, was strictly forbidden. He was
advised, when on his way to Albany, to consult the governor, senate and assembly of
the state of New York, then in session at Poughkeepsie, on all matters which might
contribute to the success of the expedition. These orders were qualified considerably
by a supplementary memorandum over the signature of General Gates which clearly
stated the scope of the expedition as a raid with the object of the destruction of ships
and provisions and removal of all merchandise which might be useful to the enemy or
the army of the United States, after which he was to return.
It was then near the end of January, and if Lake Champlain was to be crossed
on the ice, it was necessary to lose no time. On arriving at Albany, on the 17th Feb-
ruary, he learned to his great disappointment that he had been misinformed and that
General Stark knew little or nothing respecting the proposed expedition. Generals
Schuyler, Lincoln and Arnold had agreed in the opinion that such an enterprise was
inexpedient. The troops were decidedly reluctant to leave their winter quarters in
such cold weather and instead of 2,500 or 3,000 men, he found that the number fit for
service did not exceed 1,200, and that they could not be provided with winter cloth-
ing. They were greatly discontented from not having received their pay for many
months. Information received by a deserter led him to believe that the enemy's force
was much stronger than he expected. "J'ai consulte tout le monde," he wrote, "et
tout le monde m'a repondu quMl serait fou de la tenter''.
He remained at Albany for some- weeks and in company with Schuyler attended
a council of the Indians in the Mohawk valley and detailed a French engineer officer
to superintend the construction of a fort in the Oneida village.
Administration of Carleton, 1775-1778 45
Meanwhile Carleton had been engaged in active preparations to repel an invasion.
The effective troops in the province considerably exceeded 5,000 rank and file. Many
refugee loyalists from New York and New England had arrived- and joined Maclean's
corps, the Royal Regiment of New York, and a corps of rangers organized under the
command of Jessup. 4 After inspecting the British and Canadian militia of the city
of Quebec, assembled under arms for that purpose, the governor proceeded to St.
Jean, Isle aux Noix, and Montreal in the middle of March, to review the troops sta-
tioned there, and stated his warm approval of the good discipline and activity he no-
ticed everywhere. One third of the militia of the district of Three Rivers under
Lieutenant Colonel Tonnancour and a third of the rural militia of the district of Mon-
treal commanded by de Longueuil and Lanaudiere were already under marching
orders when reliable information was received that the design of an invasion had been
abandoned. Carleton reported that the disposition of most of the disaffected parishes
seemed greatly changed for the better, with the exception of one in Terrebonne, the
inhabitants of which afterwards declared their penitence, as well as a few individuals
in other parishes who had disobeyed orders.
An official return dated 1st June, 1778, shows that the Royal Highland Emi-
grants had a strength of 413 of all ranks; the King's Royal Regiment of New -York
numbered 353, and Butler's Rangers, 106. Besides these, 562 Loyalists, who had effected
their escape to Canada when Burgoyne capitulated, were receiving pay and rations;
one hundred of them, described as "gentlemen", being graded as officers and the re-
mainder, described as "ordinary men/' being paid as non-commissioned officers and
privates. They were mostly survivors of the corps organized during the summer un-
der the command of Ebenezer Jessup, John Peters and other officers who had been
granted commissions by Burgoyne under the Carleton's authority as governor of Que-
bec. They were supplied with arms and clothing from the public stores. Being
well acquainted with the country and eager to avenge their personal sufferings and
wrongs, detachments of them were stationed at the frontier posts to act as scouts
and assist in the apprehension of spies and deserters. The three Canadian com-
panies had fallen considerably below their establishment of one hundred each.
Major-General Frederic Haldimand, formerly Lieutenant-Governor of the district
of Three Rivers, had been selected as Carleton's successor in September, 1777, but no
information of his appointment reached Canada for several months. The ship under
orders to take him out and bring Carleton back to England was so long detained by
contrary winds that another was substituted in April, 1778. Haldimand's familiarity
with the French language, his former acquaintance with the province, and long service
in various commands in North America were considered special qualifications for this
appointment. He arrived at Quebec on the 26th of June and took the oath of office
the following day. His proclamation assuming the Government was dated on the 30th.
Carleton did not sail until the 31st of July, when his departure was marked by many
demonstrations of sincere regret on the part of tffe leading inhabitants.
ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS
ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS
(l)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11, pp. 190-1.
The 18th May.
Gentlemen. I have the Pleasure to acquaint you that Lake George and Cham-
plain with the Fortresses, Artillery, &c. Particularly the Armed sloop of George the
Third with all water carriage on these lakes are now in Possession of the Colonies.
I expect the English Merchants as well as the virtuous disposed Gentlemen will be
in the Interest of the Colonies. The Advance Guard of the Army is now at St.
John's and Desire Immediately to have a Personal .Interview with you. Your Imme-
diate Assistance as to Provisions Ammunition and Spirituous Liquors is wanted and
fourthwith Expected, not as a Donation for I am Impowered by the Colonists to
purchase the same and Desire you would fourthwith and without further Notice Pre-
pare for the use of the Army of these Articles to the Amount of Five Hundred Pounds
and deliver the same to me at St. Johns or at least a part of it almost Instantaniously
as the Soldiary press on faster than Provision. I need Inform you that my direc-
tions from the Colonies is not to contend with or in any way molest the Canadians or
Indians, but on the other Hand treat them with the greatest Friendship and Kind-
ness. You will be pleased to communicate the same to them and some of you Imme-
diately visit us at this Place, while others are Active in Delivering the Provisions.
I write in Haste and am Gentlemen Your obedient Humble Servant
Ethan Allen Commander of the Army.
Dated at St. Johns the Day and Date aforesaid.
To the Merchants of Montreal.
Directed to Mr. James Morrison,
and the Merchants that are friendly to the cause of Liberty in Montreal.
(2)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11, p. 192.
Dear Sir,
The Bearer Capt. Ninham from Stockbridge is going on an Embassy to Cockna-
waughs with a Belt & Speech from his Tribe, any Assistance and Advice you are kind-
enough to give him will be gratefully acknowledged by Dr Sir
Your most obed't
H'ble Serv't.
Bened't Arnold.
Ticonderoga, 20 May, 1775.
To
Thos. Walker, Esqr.
Montreal.
(3)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11, pp. 193-5.
Crown Point, the Head Quarters of the Army, the 24th day of May, 1775.
By Advice of Council I Recommend our Trusty and beloved Friend and Brother
Capt. Abraham Ninham of Stockbridge as our Imbassador of Peace to our good
Brother Indians of the Four Tribes, namely Kocnawagos, the Swegatches, the Can-
esandangas and the Saint Fransawas, Loving Brothers and Friends I have to inform
you that George our former King has made War against his former good Subjects
in this Country of America, and sent his Army and they have killed some of your
Good Friends and Brothers that lived at Boston and in the Province of Massachu-
setts Bay, then your Good Brothers in that Province and in all the Colonies in Eng-
lish America made war with King George and have begun to kHl the Men of his
47
48 . Illustrative Documents
Army and have took Ticonderoga from him and Crown Point and all the Artillery
and also a Great Sloop which was at St. Johns and all the Botes in the Lake and
have Gathered Two Great Armies, one has gone to fight the King's at Boston and
the other is come to Ticonderoga and Crown Point to fight the King's Troops in Can-
ada, but not to fight with our Brother the Indians or our Brothers the Canadians,
and as King George's Men first killed our men we hope as Indians are Good and
Honest Men you will not fight for King George Against us as we have done you no
wrong and would chuse to live with you as Brothers. I always love Indians and
Have Hunted a Great Deal with them & know how to shute and Ambush just like
Indians and want your Warriors to come and see me and help me fight Regulars. You
know they all stand close Together Rank and file and my men fight so as Indians
Do and I want your Warriors to join with me and my Warriors Like Brothers and
Ambush the Regulars, if you will I will Give you Money, Blankets, Tomahawks,
Knives and Paint and the Like as much as you say, because they first killed our men
when it was Peace time and Try to kill us all therefore we want our Brother In-
dians to help us fight for I know you are good Worriers and can shoot well and I
think it right for us to kill them and that our Brother Indians also kill them be-
cause they Did begin to kill us without cause, therefore we are obliged to fight, but if
you our Brother Indians Do not fight on Either side still we will be Friends and Bro-
thers and you may come and Hunt in our Woods and Pass through our Country in
the Lake and come to our Joust and have Rum and be Good Friends. We have sent
our Friend Wintrpp Hoit to Treat with you on our Behalf in friendship you know
Him for he has Lived with you and is your Adopted Son and is a good man. Capt.
Ninham and he will tell you about the Whole matter More than I can write. I hope
your Worriers will come and see me it may be at Crown Point or St. Johns and
Possably at Montreal if I have Good Heart and fight well So I bid all our Brother
Indians Farewel, Ethan Allen, Col.
Directed to
The Councillors at Kocanawago,
pr Favor of Capt. Ninham.
(4)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11, p. 196.
Crown Point, 24th May, 1775.
Dear Sir,
I wrote you a line the other Day from St. Johns but omitted being particular
as I expected it would fall into the hands of the Enemy. I have now to beg the
favour of you to advise me from time to Time of the Number of Troops with you,
their Movement (& Designs if possible) & if Joined by any Canadians or Indians. If
any Number of the former you may assure them they will soon see an Army of
Primkins here Men in the Heart of their Country. I have here and at Ticonderago
about one Thousand Men & expect to be joined in a few Days by two Thousand more.
We are making new Carriages for the Guns & expect Tools and Artificers every
Minute to repair Tie and Put in a formidable condition. We yesterday received ad-
vice that Four hundred Regulars were making Preparations at St. Johns to come
this Way but to our great Mortification the news has been contradicted.
I beg my Compts to all Friends
& am respectfully, Dr. Sir,
Yours &ca.
Bened't Arnold,
Thos. Walker Esqr. at Montreal.
(5)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, May 25, 1775.
On Saturday last Advice was received in Town, that a Number of arm'd Men,
said to be from New-Hampshire, headed by one Benedict Arnold, had taken Posses-
sion of Ticonderoga by Stratagem, and after disarming the Commander and his
Party, had sent them Prisoners into New- Hampshire. That on Thursday last a Party
of about 90 of them, headed by one Allen, had come down to St. John's, about 27 miles
above Montreal, where they took Possession of the King's Schooner George, the Bat-
toes, and such Ammunition ano^ Provisions as they found there. As soon as it was
Illustrative Documents 49
known at Montreal a Detachment of the 2 6th Regiment under the Command of Major
Preston was immediately ordered out in Quest of them, and about four o'clock on
Friday morning came up with and attacked them getting into the Battoes to return,
when after exchanging several Shots some of the Free-booters being wounded, and
one taken Prisoner, the Rest made off.
In Consequence of the above Intelligence the 7th Regiment, under the Command of
Major Stopford, marched early on Monday Morning for Montreal; and in the After-
noon a Schooner commanded by Zachariah Thomson Capt, of this Port, and a Sloop
commanded by Capt. Algeo, having on Board Capt. Godwin's Company of Artillery,
some Field-pieces Ammunition, &c. sail'd for the same Place.
The same evening, between five and six o'clock, His Excellency Major-General
Carleton, Commander of the Northern District, also set out for Montreal.
(6)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS. Series Q. Vol. 11, p. 227.
Lettre addressee aux Habitans opprimes de la Province de Quebec.
De la part du Congres General de 1'Amerique Septentrionale, tenu a Philadelphie.
Aux
Habitans Opprimes de la Province de Quebec.
Nos Amis & Compatriotes,
Les desseins formes par un Ministre arbitraire pour extirper la Liberte & les
Droits de toute 1'Amerique, nous ayant alarmes; un pressentiment du danger com-
mun se joignant aux mouvements de 1'humanite, fit que nous vous engageames par
notre precedente Addresse a preter votre attention a ce sujet de la derniere impor-
tance.
Depuis la conclusion de la derniere guerre nous vous avons consider es avec sat-
isfaction comme sujets du meme Prince que nous: & depuis le commencement du plan
actuellement an execution pour subjuguer ce continent, nous n'avons vu en vous que
nos compagnons de souffrance. La divine bonte d'un Createur indulgent nous ayant
donne a tous un droit a la Liberte, & etant tous egalement voues a une ruine com-
mune par les cruels edits d'une Administration despotique, il nous a paru que le sort
des Colonies Protestantes & Catholiques etoit etroitement lie ensemble & consequement
nous vous invitames. a vous unir avec nous dans la resolution M'etre libres & a re-
jetter avec dedain les fers de 1'Esclavage, malgre 1'artifice, qu'on auroit employe
pour les polir.
Nous devons nous affliger sincerement avec vous de ce que le jour est arrive, pen-
dant le quel le Soleil ne peut eclairer de ses rayons un seul homme libre dans toute
1'etendue de votre pays: Soyes assures que votre degradation si peu meritee a emeu
de la pitie la plus sincere toutes vos soeurs les Colonies, & nous nous flattens que
vous ne souffrires jamais, (en vous soumettant lachement au joug que 1'on veut vous
imposer) que cette pitie soit supplantee par le mepris.
Lorsque 1'on forme des attentats audacieux pour depouiller les hommes de ces
droits qui leur ont ete departis par 1'Etre Supreme, lorsque pour donner entree au
despotisme on fraye des routes au travers des pactes les plus solemnels, lorsque la
foi que le gouvernement a engagee cesse de donner de 1'assurance a des Sujets fidelles
& obeissants, & enfin lorsque les manoeuvres & les stratagems insidieux de la paix
deviennent plus terribles que les operations les plus sanglantes de la guerre. C'est
alors pour eux le terns de maintenir ces droits & de s'opposer avec une indignation
vertueuse au torrent de 1'oppression qui vient se precipiter sur eux.
Par 1'introduction de la forme actuelle de votre gouvernment ou plustot la forme
actuelle de Tyrannie, vous, vos femmes & vos enfans sont fait esclaves vous
ne possedes rien que vous puissies dire vous appartenir & chaque fois qu'un gou-
verneur avare ou un conseil rapace seront portes a les demander on peut vous ravir
tous les fruits de vos labeurs & de votre Industrie. Vous etes Sujets par ces edits a
etre transportes en pays etrangers pour livrer des batailles dans les quelles vous n'aves
aucun interet & repandre votre sang dans des combats desquels vous ne pouves retirer
ni honneur ni profit, la jouissance meme de votre religion, suivant le present systeme,
depend d'un corps legislatif auquel vous n'aves aucune part, & sur lequel vous n'aves
point d'authorite, & vos pretres sont exposes a etre chasses, bannis, & ruines, chaque
fois que leurs richesses & leur possessions en fournira une temptation suffisante: ils ne
peuvent pas s'assurer qu'il y aura tou jours un Prince vertueux sur le trone & si jamais
50 Illustrative Documents
un Souverain mechant & negligeant concurroit avec un ministere abandonne a vous de-
pouiller des richesses and des forces de votre pays, il est impossible de concevoir jusqu'a
quelle extremite & quelle diversite de misere vous pourries etre reduits sous la forme
de votre establissement actuel.
Nous sommes informes qu'on vous a deja requis de prodiguer vos vies dans un de-
mele avec nous: Si vous vous soumetties a votre nouvel etablissement en acquiescant
a cette demande & qu'une guerre s'alluma centre la France, vos biens et vos fils pour-
roient etre envoyes pour perir dans des expeditions centre les possessions de cette na-
tion dans les isles de 1'Amerique.
II n'est pas a presumer que ces considerations ne seront d'aucun poids aupres de
vous, ou que vous soyes si fort denues de tout sentiment d'honneur — Nous ne croirons
jamais que la presente race de Canadiens auroit si fort degenere qu'elle ne possederoit
plus 1'ardeur, le courage & la valeur, de leurs ancetres; certainement vous ne permet-
tres pas que 1'infamie & la disgrace d'une pusillanimite, pareille rejaillit sur vos tetes
& que les consequences qui s'en suivroient retombassent pour tou jours sur celle de vos
enfans.
Quant a nous nous sommes determines a vivre libres ou a mourir, et nous som-
mes resolus que la posterite n'aura jamais a nous reprocher d'avoir mis un monde une
race d'esclaves.
Permettes que nous vous repetitions encore une fois que nous sommes vos amis &
non vos ennemis, & ne vous laisses point en imposer par ceux qui peuvent tacher de
faire naitre des animosites entre nous, — quant a la prise du fort & des ammunitions
de Ticonderoga, de meme que celle du fort de la pointe a la chevelure, & des batimens
armes sur le lac; elle a ete dictee par cette grande loi, notre conservation propre, ces
forts etoient destines a nous nuire & a inter rompre cette correspondence amicale & cette
communication qui a subsiste jusqu'a present entre votre colonie et les notres, nous sou-
haitons que cette affaire ne vous aye cause aucune inquietude & vous pouves faire
fonds sur les assurances que nous vous donnons que ces colonies ne poursuivrons au-
cunes mesures quelconques que celles qui seront dictees par 1'amitie & une attention pour
notre surete & notre inter et reciproque.
Comme 1'interet que nous prenons a votre prosperite nous donne un titre a votre
amitie, nous presumons que vous ne voudries point en nous faisont injure nous reduire
a la triste necessite de vous traiter en ennemis.
Nous conservons encore quelque esperance que vous vous jpindres a nous pour la
defence de notre liberte mutueUe & il y a encore raison de croire que si nous nous
joignions pour implorer Tattention de notre souverain aux oppressions inouies & in-
justes de ses sujets americains, il sera enf in detrompe & defendra -a un ministere licen-
tieux de continuer d'exercer desormais ses violences sur les ruiries du genre humain.
Par Ordre du Congres,
Jean Hancock, President.
Philadelphie, le 29me May, 1775.
Endorsed : —
In Govr. Carleton's (No. 14) of 14th August, 1775.
(7)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11, pp. 145-6.
Whitehall, 7th June, 1775.
No. 17.
Governor Carleton,
Sir,
I have rec'd your Despatch of the 13th of March, No. 9, and laid it before the
King.
The Enemies of the Constitution appear to be unwearied in their Endeavours to
convey every Misrepresentation that may have the Effect to weaken the Hands of Gov't
and to encourage Faction and Discontent. It is hoped, however, that the Firmness of
the present Parliament in support of the Measures which the last Parliament thought
fit to adopt for America in general and for regulating the Government of Quebec in
particular, will have the Effect to quiet the apprehensions and remove the Prejudices
which ill designing men have so artfully endeavoured to create.
The Attempts made to raise new Difficulties to Gov't on the ground of the Petitions
of the old subjects in Quebec was supported by the whole strength of the Opposition —
how little impression it made within Doors will best appear from the great Majority in
Illustrative Documents 51
both Houses against the Proposition that was moved upon those Petitions; and I have
the Satisfaction to assure you that it met with no greater encouragement without Doors,
and that to all appearance the People of England in general concur in the Measures
which have been adopted for America.
I have also the satisfaction to acquaint you that an account published here of a
skirmish between the King's Troops and the Provincials in the neighborhood of Bos-
ton, of which, however, we have received no Intelligence from General Gage, has had no
other Effect than to increase that just Indignation, which every Friend to Government
feels, for the Insult offered to the Constitution in the rebellious Resistance to the au-
thority of Parliament by the People of North America.
I am, &ca.
Dartmouth.
(8)
Montreal, June the 8th, 1775.
Sir
I have ordered a party of Savages into the woods from the Isle aux noix till below
your post, but don't depend upon them so far as to omit taking the same precautions
you would observe, were there no such people. I recommend to you, that the two re-
doubts, one to enclose Hazen's house, the other to enclose the barrack, be finished as
soon as you can ; you will then have more men at liberty — The soldiers might work two
or four hours at most & then be relieved, so the business might go on briskly. I shall
allow half a pint of rum to those who work, or have any extraordinary fatigue to mix
with their water, at your discretion, but all who get drunk are to be struck off this al-
lowance.
Your
most humble
Servant.
Guy Carleton.
P.S.—
If you
want entrenching
tools, you may
get some from
Chambly.
Addressed
to
Major Preston
commanding the troops
at St. Johns.
(9)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 11, p. 235.
Copy of a paper dropped at several of the Habitans Houses in June, 1775.
Onis y soit qui mal y pence
a celui qui ne suivra le bon chemin,
Baston.
Endorsed : — Boucherville.
In Gov'r Carleton's (No. 14) of 14th August, 1775.
(10)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 11, p. 184.
(No. 12) Montreal 7th June, 1775
My Lord,
The 19th of last Month in the Evening, I received Intelligence from General Gage
by Sea of 'the Rebels having commenced Hostilities in the Province of Massachusets,
and Requesting I would send the 7th Regiment with some Companies of Canadians and
Indians to Crown Point, in order to make a Diversion, and favour his operations.
The next morning, Captain Hazen arrived Express at Quebec, and brought me an
account, that one Benedict Arnold said to be a native of Connecticut, and a Horse
52 Illustrative Documents
Jockey, landed a considerable number of armed men at St. John's, distant from this
Town eight Leagues, about eight in the Morning of the 18th, surprised the Detachment
of the 26th doing Duty there, consisting of a Serjeant and ten men, and made them
Prisoners, seized upon The King's Sloop, Batteaus, and every other Military Store, and
a few Hours after departed, carrying off the Craft, Prisoners, and Stores they had
seized.
From this Party we had the first Information of the Rebels being in Arms upon the
Lakes, and of their having, under the Command of said Arnold, surprised Ticonderoga,
Crown Point, the Detachment of the 26th doing Duty at these two Places, and all the
Craft employed upon those Lakes; Arnold told Captain Hazen, He had for that Pur-
pose received a Commission of Colonel from the Congress of the Massachusets, with
the Command of five hundred Men, that Volunteers to the Amount of fifteen hundred
followed him, but he did not wait for them all. v
The same Evening another Express brought an Account of the Rebels having land-
ed at St. John's a second Time, in the night between the 18th and 19th, this Party was
said to be three hundred strong, and that nine hundred more were at the Isle aux Noix ;
this second Party however was not near so numerous as at first reported, and most
probably would have been cut off by a Detachment of one hundred Men from the 26th
Detachment, under the command of Major Preston, had they not been advised of the
March of the Troops, as they went down the River.
While this Party, Commanded by one Ethan Allen, said to be outlawed in the Pro-
vince of New York, remained at St. John's, He sent a Letter by this same Bindon, ad-
dressed to one Morrison and the British Merchants of Montreal Lovers of Liberty, de-
manding a Supply of Provisions, Ammunition, and spirituous Liquors, which some of
them were inclined enough to furnish, had they not been prevented.
The little Force we have in the Province was immediately set in motion, and ord-
ered to assemble at or near St. John's ; The Noblesse of this Neighbourhood were called
upon to collect their Inhabitants, in order to defend themselves, the Savages of those
Parts likewise had the same orders ; but tho' the Gentlemen testified great zeal, neither
their Entreaties or their Example could prevail upon the People; a few of the Gentry,
consisting principally of the Youth, residing in this Place, and it's neighbourhood,
formed a small Corps of Volunteers under the command of Mr. Samuel Mackay, and
took Post at St. John's; the Indians shewed as much Backwardness as the Canadian
Peasantry.
The Consternation in the Towns and Country was great and universal,, every In-
dividual seemed to feel our present impotent situation, for tho' in Danger of Internal
Commotions, we are equally unprepared for Attack or Defence ; Not six hundred Rank
& File fit for Duty upon the whole' Extent of this great River, not an armed Vessel, no
Place of Strength; and ancient Provincial Force enervated and broke to Pieces; all Sub-
ordination overset, and the minds of the People poisoned by the same Hypocrisy and
Lies practised with so much Success in the other Provinces, which their Emissaries and
Friends here have spread abroad with great Art and Diligence; had it not been for
those few Troops, three hundred Rebels might have procured all the Arms, Ammu-
nition, and Provisions can afford, and have kept Post at St. John's with great Security.
We are at present fortifying a Post there and at Oswegatchie, tho' there are other
Avenues into the Province, I hope the above may be made sufficiently strong to
resist any sudden Attack of this Sort; a considerable Force here might not only secure
ourselves, but assist General Gage in extinguishing the Flames of Rebellion in the
other Provinces more speedily, I fear he has none to spare, and it may be too late
in the year to have them from Europe, however I shall see what in our present Situ-
ation is further practicable for the King's Service.
Within these few Days the Canadians and Indians seem to return a little to their
sense, the Gentry and Clergy have been very useful upon this Occasion and shewn great
fidelity and Warmth for His Majesty's Service, but both have lost much of their Influ-
ence over the Peo pie : I propose trying to form a Militia, and if their Minds are favour-
ably disposed, will raise a Battalion, upon the same Plan as the other Corps in America,
as to numbers and Expence, and were it established, I think, it might turn out of great
public Utility; but I have many Doubts whether I shall be able to succeed.
These Measures, that formerly would have been extremely popular, require at pre-
sent a great Degree of Caution and Circumspection: so much have the Minds of the
People been tainted by the Cabals and Intrigues I have from time to time given Your
Lordship some information of, I am as yet uncertain whether I shall find it advisable
to proceed in the aforementioned undertaking; to defame their King and treat him
with Insolence and Disrespect, upon all occasions to speak with the utmost Contempt
of His Government, to forward Sedition and Applaud Rebellion seem to be what too
many of His British American Subjects in those Parts think their undoubted Right,
Illustrative Documents 53
For my Part since my Return to this Province, I have seen good Cause to repent
my having ever recommended the Habeas Corpus Act and English Criminal Laws;
these Laws, now used as Arms against the State, require more public Virtue, and greater
Fidelity to their Prince, than is generally to be met with amongst the set of People
here, that take all the Lead upon all occasions: To render the Colony of that advantage
to Great Britain, it certainly is capable of, would require the reintroducing of French
Criminal Law, and all the Powers of it's Government.
Our Communication with the other Provinces being entirely stopped, we run a Risk
of being at great Loss for Money, to defray the ordinary and extraordinary Expences,
the Service here must be attended with. The Money Contractors, as well as Trade, at
this Time of the year, being used to procure large Supplies of Cash from New York and
Philadelphia, with which Places we have at present no intercourse; if fifteen or twenty
thousand Pounds were sent here as soon as possible, it would be of great Use to Gov-
ernment, which must lose considerably by the present low course of Exchange, likely to
fall every Day ; could it be procured in Dollars, and some part in small silver, the same
would prove highly beneficial to this Country, where that species is become extremely
scarce. /
I am with much Respect and Esteem
Your Lordship's
Most Obedient and Most Humble Servant.
Guy Carleton.
Earl of Dartmouth
One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State.
P.S. 8th June. Since I wrote the above, I find the Rebels are returned, and have taken
Post near to St. John's, and there have the King's Sloop and Major Skene's Schooner well
armed, with several Bateaus ; tho' I have not as yet been able to procure exact accounts
of their Numbers or Intentions, I have Reason to believe from the imperfect. Information
already received, they are more in Number than upon their former Incursions. G.C.
Endorsed:— Montreal 7 June 1775. Govr. Carleton (No. 12) R. 29 July 1775.
(11)
By His Excellency Guy Carleton, Captain-general and Governour in Chief, in and
over the province of Quebeck, and the territories depending thereon in America,
Vice-admiral of the same, and Major-general of his Majesty's forces, commanding the
Northern District, &c. &c.
A PROCLAMATION.
"WHEREAS a rebellion prevails in many of his Majesty's colonies in America,
and particularly in some of the neighboring ones; and whereas many of the afore-
said rebels have with an armed force made incursions of late into this province, at-
tacking and carrying away from thence a party of his Majesty's troops, together with
a parcel of stores and a vessel belonging to his Majesty, and are at present actually
invading this province with arms in a traitorous and hostile manner, to the great ter-
ror of his Majesty's subjects, and in open defiance of his laws and government,
falsely and maliciously giving out, by themselves and their abettors, that the mo-
tives for so doing are to prevent the inhabitants of this province from being taxed
and oppressed by government, together with divers others false and seditious reports,
tending to enflame the minds of the people and alienate them from his Majesty: To
the end therefore that so treasonable an invasion may be soon defeated, that all such
traitors with their said abettors may be speedily brought to justice, and the publick
peace and tranquillity of. this province again restored, which the ordinary course of
civil law is at present unable to effect, I have thought fit to issue this proclamation,
hereby declaring that, until the aforesaid good purpose can be attained, I shall, in
virtue of the powers and authority to me given by his Majesty, execute Martial Law,
and cause the same to be executed throughout this province: and to that end I shall
order the militia within the same to be forthwith raised. But, as a sufficient num-
ber of commissions to the several officers thereof cannot be immediately made out,
I shall in the meantime direct all those having any militia commissions from the
Hon. Thomas Gage, the Hon. James Murray, Ralph Burton, and Frederick Haldi-
mand, Esquires, heretofore his Majesty's governours in this province or either of
them, to obey the same, and execute the powers therein mentioned, until they shall re-
ceive orders from me to the contrary; and I do accordingly in his Majesty's name
hereby require and command all his subjects in this Province, and others whom it
may concern, on pain of disobedience, to be aiding and assisting- to such commissioned
officers, and others who are or may be commissioned by me, in the execution of
their said commissions for his Majesty's service.
54 Illustrative Documents
Given under my hand and seal of arms at Montreal, this ninth day of June, one
thousand seven hundred and seventy-five, in the fifteenth year of the reign of
our Sovereign Lord George the Third, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain,
France, and Ireland, King, defender of the faith, and so forth.
GUY CARLETON.
By his Excellency's command.
H. T. CRAMAHE.
GOD SAVE THE KING.
(Additional papers concerning the Province of Quebeck by Francis Maseres, Pp.
(12)
Proclamation du Gouverneur pour retablir les milice du 9 Juin.
"Par Son Excellence Guy Carleton, Capitaine General et Gouverneur en Chef
dans toute la province de Quebec et Territories en dependants en Amerique, Vice-
Admiral, Commandant le Department septentrional, &c., &c., &c.
PROCLAMATION.
"L'esprit de rebellion s'etant manifest e dans plusieurs des Colonies de Sa Ma-
jeste en Amerique, et particulierement dans quelques cantons voisins de cette Prov-
ince, et plusieurs des dits rebelles ayant fait a armee des incursions dans cette prov-
ince; ou ils ont attaque et enleve une partie des troupes de Sa Majeste avec differ-
ents effets et^une barque appartenant au Roy, et comme ils continuent encore leurs
hostilites traitresses et tachent de penetrer dans cette province a la grande conster-
nation des bons sujets de Sa Majeste et au mepris manifesto des loix et du gouv-
ernement, prenant faussement et malicieusement pour pretexte de leur conduite qu'ils
n'ont d'autres vues que de mettre les habitants de cette province a L'abrl des taxes
et de Poppression du gouvernement, ce qu'ils tachent d'insinuer par eux-memes et
par leurs fauteurs, en y ajoutant plusieurs autres rapports egalement faux et sed-
itieux, tendant a indisposer Pesprit des peuples et a les detacher de obeissance qu'ils
dpivent au Roy: — Afin done de repousser promntement et efficacement une invasion
si criminelle et perfide, et de mettre en etat de punir, comme ils le meritent les au-
teurs cette sedition et leurs adherents, et pour retablir la paix et la tranquillite pub-
lique dans toute 1'etendue de cette province, ce qu'il n'est pas possible dans les cir-
constances presentes d'executer par le cours ordinaire des loix civiles: — J'ai jugee a
propos de publier le presente Proclamation, par laquelle je declare qu'en attendant
qu'on puisse executer ce qui est propree cy dessus, en vertu des pouvoirs et autorites
que j'ay recus de Sa Majeste, j'ai resolu d'employer le secours des loix militaires dans
toute 1'etendue de cette Province, et d'ordonner en consequence qu'on mette incessam-
ment sur pied les milices de la dite Province. Mais comme il n'est pas possible
d'expedier sur le champ un nombre suffisant de commissions pour tous les off icier s
qui doivent etre employes, je fais sgavoir en meme temps a tous ceux qui ont eu
cy-devant quelques grades dans la milice par des commissibns recues de 1'Honorable
Thomas Gage, de 1'Honorable Jacques Murray, de Ralph Burton et Frederic Haldi-
inand, Ecquers et cy-devant Gouverneurs pour Sa Majeste dans cette Province, d'exe-
cuter ce qui leur etoit enjoint par les dites commissions, et de faire usage des pou-
voirs qui leur etoient donnes, jusqu'a nouvel ordre de ma part. Et moi en conse-
quence, et au nom de Sa Majeste, je commande et ordonne a tous les sujets du Roy
dans cette Province et a tous ceux qu'il appartiendra, sous peine de disobeissance, de
donner aide et secours, en tout ce qui peut concerne le service du Roy, a tous le dits
officiers pourvus des dites commissions ou de celles qu'ils pourroient recevoir de
ma part.
Donne sous mon seing et le sceau de mes armes, a Montreal, ce 9 jour de Juin
1775, dans la 15 annee du regne de Notre Souverain Seigneur George Trois, par
la grace de Dieu Roy de la Grande-Bretagne, de France et d'Irlande, Defenseur de
la Foy, &c., &c., &c.
(13)
"GUY CARLETON."
Etat major des milices nomme a Montreal et a Quebec. Celui de Montreal abuse de
ses pouvoirs. Mecontentements qu'il excite.
En consequence de cette proclamation — M. Dufy-Desauniers fut nomme Colonel
M. Neveu-Sevestre Lieutenant Colonel, et M. St. George-Dupre Major des milices du
district de Montreal — a qui il donna les pouvoirs de retablir la milice et de nommer
les officiers — Ces trois Messieurs commencerent a faire des injustices — par favoriser
leurs families et leurs amis — de maniere que les anciens Lieutenants de milice, ils en
Illustrative Documents 55
firent des Enseignes, et des personnes qui n'avoient jamis ete dans les milices — des
Captaines, et laisserent plusieurs anciens officiers qui n'eurent point de places — Cela
fit nombre de mecontents — Toute la ville de Montreal murmuroit, et pour comble de
malheur la populace refusoit de se mettre en milice — sous pretexte que le Colonel Tem-
plere leur avoit promis qu'ils se formeroient en compagnies de trente hommes, et
qu'ils auroient la liberte de nommer leurs officiers, — Tout ceci se passoit sous les yeux
du Gouverneur, — Malgre les representations qui luy furent faites, il ne voulut y avoir
aucun egard — au contraire il fit expedier les commissions pour ceux qui avoient ete
nommes par Messieurs Dufy-Desauniers, Neveu-Sevestre et St. George- Dupre. A Que-
bec, Messieurs Voyer Colonel; Dumont, Lieutenant-Colonel, et Dupre Taine, Major.
Dans ce moment critique — les mauvais sujets n'epargnoient point leurs peines
pour indisppser le peuple et y mettre la confusion, — Us repetoient continuellement.
(Invasion du Canada, 1775, par L'Abbe Verreau, P. 36-37.)
(Translation)
A Militia Staff appointed at Montreal and Quebec. That appointed at Mon-
treal abuses its authority. Discontent caused by this.
As a result of this proclamation M. Dufy-Desauniers was appointed Colonel, M.
Neveu-Sevestre, Lieutenant-Colonel, and M. St. George, Major of the Militia in the
district of Montreal, to whom was given authority to reorganize the militia and nom-
inate officers. These three gentlemen began to act unjustly, to favor their families
and their friends so that old Lieutenants of the militia were made Ensigns and men
who had never been in the militia were made Captains, and several old officers had
no rank. This caused much discontent. The whole town of Montreal was in an up-
roar, and to increase the trouble the people refused to serve in the militia under the
pretext that Colonel Templer had promised to form them into companies of thirty
men and that they would have the privilege of electing their own officers. All this
took place under the eyes of the Governor. Despite the representations made to
him he would pay no attention, on the contrary he caused commissions- to be sent out
for those who had been nominated by Messrs. Dufy-Desauniers, Neveu-Sevestre and
St. George-Dupre. At Quebec Messrs. Voyer, Colonel; Dumont, Lieutenant-Colonel, and
Dupre, the elder, Major.
At this critical moment ill-disposed subjects spared no pains to prejudice the peo-
ple and create confusion. They reiterated continually
(The Invasion of Canada, 1775, by Abbe Verreau, Pp. 36-37.)
(14)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA, HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 215, pp. 1-2.
By His Excellency The Honourable Thomas Gage, General and Commander in
Chief of all His Majesty's Forces in North1 America.
To Lieutenant Colonel Allan Maclean.
You are hereby impowered with the Officers under your command, by Beat of
Drum or otherwise, to enlist for His Majesty's Service in any of His Provinces of
North America, such Highlanders, or such other Loyal Subjects as you may be able
to procure to be formed into a Corps of two Battalions, to be paid as His Majesty's
other Regiments of Foot, and to receive Fifty Shillings Bounty; they are to consist
of Ten Companies each, which Companies are to be composed of One Field Officer or
Captain, two subalterns, three Serjeants, three corporals, two drums, and Fifty pri-
vate men. The whole to consist of one Colonel in Chief, one Lieutenant Colonel
Commandant, two Majors, one of the two Majors to be Major Commandant, seven-
teen Captains, two Captain-Lieutenants, Twenty Lieutenants, Eighteen Ensigns, two
Adjutants, two Quarter Masters, two Surgeons, two Surgeon's Mates, and one Chap-
lain.
The whole Corps to be cloathed, Armed and Accoutred in like manner with His
Majesty's Royal Highland Regiment and to be called the Royal Highland Emigrants.
You are to rendezvous on Lake Champlain or bring them to this place as you
shall find most practicable, but should they be formed in Canada, you will act under
the Command of General Carleton until further orders.
Given under my hand,
at Head Quarters, Boston,
12 June, 1775.
THOMAS GAGE.
56 Illustrative Documents
(15)
HALDIMAND PAPERS. Series B, Vol. 102, pp. 196-9.
To His Excellency Frederick Haldimand, Esquire, General and Commander in
Chief of His Majesty's Forces in the Province of Quebec and Frontiers, thereof, etc.,
etc., etc.
The memorial of Colonel Allen MacLean, Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of the
1st Battn, 84th Regt.
Sheweth,
That in the beginning of the year 1775 the memorialist knowing that in North
America there was a great many Emigrants from the Highlands of Scotland, He had
the honor to hint to His Majesty's Ministers that the Associations then beginning
to be formed by the Rebels might receive a very Effectual check by engaging proper
persons who had influence among the aforesaid Emigrants to form Counter Associa-
tions which with the assistance of the Loyal part of the Natives, and both being
properly supported by His Majesty's Governors, and Commanders might if adopted
in time have produced very salutary Effects without having recourse to Arms.
After some Deliberation the measure was adopted and the memorialist was sent
out with Instructions to the Commander in Chief of the Army in America and to the
Governors of the different provinces to co-operate with him and such other Gentle-
men as he should Engage, But hostilitys having commenced and Rebellion reared its
horrid head, the memorialist found it necessary to change his plan.
The memorialist after travelling many journeys from Philadelphia to New York,
thence to Boston, back to New York, and from thence to Canada in disguise and often
without a Servant or Baggage, with great Expence, imminent danger and incrodible
fatigue Had the good fortune to raise two Battalions with one of which he had the
Honour to be highly Instrumental in preserving the province of Canada, and the
other Battalion has in a great measure protected that of Nova Scotia. The Levy
money for those Battalions was only forty shillings when four Guineas were allowed
at Home.
When the memorialist was sent to America, and as he understood by His Maj-
esty's Official approbation, Lord North promised that in case of the memorialists
death in the course of the undertaking, his Widow should be provided for by a hand-
some pension, His Lordship the year afterwards was so well satisfied with the mem-
orialist's zeal in His Majesty's Service that he gave assurance to the Memorialist
and to Mrs. Maclean that what was engaged to be given on the contingency of his
death, should be granted to her immediately.
(16)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 11, p. 226.
A Return of the Shipping on the Lakes Ontario, Erie and Huron.
Tons. Guns.
fSnow Haldimand, Lake Ontario 140 18
Belonging to His Majesty. { Schooner Gage, Erie 120 16
[ Ditto, Dunmore, Huron 90 12
Sloop Charity, Lake Ontario 60
2 sloops on the stocks
30 tons each, ditto 60
Belonging to Mr. Grant.
Schooner flope, Lakes Erie and Huron 60
Sloop Angelica, ditto, ditto 60
] Sloop Chippaway, ditto, ditto 50
I Schooner Faith, ditto, ditto 30
Messrs. McTavish and McBeath. \ Sloop Felicity, Lakes Erie and Huron .30
John Askin . Sloop Archange 15
Tons 705 Guns 82
Alexr. Grant.
Montreal, 12th June, 1775.
Endorsed :— In Gov'r. Carleton's (No. 14) of 14th August, 1775.
Illustrative Documents 57
Vol. 420, P. 224.
EXTRACT. (17)
GENERAL GAGE TO SECRETARY OF STATE.
Boston, 12th June 1775.
Colonel Prescott goes immediately to Canada to assist General Carleton, for I
hear the Rebels, after surprising Ticonderoga, made Incursions, and committed Hos-
tilities upon the Frontiers of the Province of Quebec, which will justify General
Carleton to raise both Canadians and Indians to attack them in his turn, and we
need not be tender in calling upon the Savages, as the Rebels have shewn us the Ex-
ample by bringing down as many Indians against us here as they could collect.
(18)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, June 15, 1775.
We hear from Montreal that his Excellency the Governor has been pleased to
appoint the following Gentlemen Field-officers of the Militia for the City and Pre-
cinct of Montreal, viz. Mr. Dufils Desaunier, Colonel; Mr. Silvestre, Lieutenant-col-
onel; and Mr. St. George Dupre, -Major.
(19)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11, pp. 233-4.
In Provincial Congress, New York, June 2d, 1775.
Friends and Countrymen.
The parent of the Universe hath divided the earth amongst the children of men
and drawn out the line of their habitations — This great God having ordained that all
our joys and sorrows here below should proceed from the effect of human actions
upon human beings, our situation has drawn together this great bond of mutual de-
pendance and enabled us to deal out injuries and kindnesses to each other. We con-
sider you as our friends and we feel for you the affection of Brothers.
The great question between Britain and her Colonies is whether they are Sub-
jects or whether they are Slaves.
The rights delivered down to us by our forefathers, the venerable laws of our
Country, have subjected our own property to our own disposal, nor hath any earthly
power a right to take it away. Mankind ought to be governed by the dictates of Jus-
tice and not by the hand of oppression. The peaceable enjoyment of what we yet call
our own, and that Liberty which confers on every man the right of adoring his God
in the manner which he thinks most agreeable to the divine nature; these are the
objects of all our labors and of all our cares.
Ministerial Tyranny hath endeavored throughout all these Colonies to rend from
us the dearest rights of humanity and in- the defence of those rights some persons
have taken certain forts in this colony which are near your Frontiers.
We have heard that others have made an attack upon the Post of St. John's, an
attempt without our Council or participation and altho' we have taken measures for
the defence of our own Fortresses yet our only intention is to prevent any hostile
incursions upon us by the Troops in your Province.
Confident that the enemies of our King and his people will take every opportun-
ity to excite Jealousy and Discord Among us, we beseech you not to be imposed on
by their Artifices but call to your remembrance the complicated horrors of a barbar-
ous War, avoid those measures which must plunge us both into distress and instead
of consenting to become miserable slaves, generously dare to participate with your
fellow subjects in the sweets of that security which is the glorious lot of freedom.
We are with sincere affection
your brethren and friends,
To the inhabitants P. V. B. Livingston, Presid't.
of the Province of Quebec.
Endorsed: In Gov'r Carleton's (No. 14) of the 14th August, 1775.
(20)
Par Son Excellence GUY CARLETON, Ecuyer, Capitaine General et Gouverneur
de la Province de Quebec, et Dependances, Vice Admiral d'icelle, Marechal des
Camps et Armees de sa Majeste, Colonel du 27eme. Regiment, Commandant au De-
partement Septentrional de 1'Amerique, &c., &c., &c.
58 Illustrative Documents
Etant necessaire pour le service du Roi, et pour 1'execution 'de nos ordres de
Retablir les Milices de la Ville et Banlieu de Quebec, et etant bien informe du Zele
et de la bonne Conduite du Sieur. NOEL VOYER, ci devant Capitaine des Milices, et
de sa Fidelite et affection sur Service du Roi; Nous, en Vertu du Pouvoir a nous donne
par sa Majeste lui donnons le present Brevet de Colonel des Milices de la dite Ville
et Banlieu de QUEBEC, pour en jouir avec tous les honneurs et prerogatives, et en
faire les Fonctions en la dite qualite, et executer les ordres quf lui seront donnes de
nous, ou de notre part, durant notre bon plaisir.
ENJOIGNONS a tous les Officiers et Miliciens de la dite Ville et Banlieu, de lui
obeir et entendre en tout ce qu'il leur Commandera pour le Service du Roy, en Execu-
tion de nos ordres, sous peine de desobeissance.
EN FOI de quoi Nous avons Signe le present Brevet, a celui fait apposer le Cachet
de nos Armes, et Contresigner par notre Secretaire
FAIT a Montreal ce 25 de Juin, 1775.
GUY CARLETON.
Par Son Excellence,
H. L. CRAMAHE.
(21)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 11, pp. 204-5.
State of His Majesty's Troops in 1
L.c. M. C.
Chambly 1 3
the P
Lt.
6
13
1
1
1
1
rovince of Queb
E. S. D.
8 4
3 16 9
2
1 5
1
275
1 1
1
ec.
R.&F.
92
341
32 7th and 26th
53
24
92
26
13
11
61
Regts.
St. John's
1 7
St Francois
Quebec
1
Montreal
1 3
Oswegatchie
Lachine
On Furlough
Prisoners
1
2
1
3
1
Total 1 2 15 25 7 40 24 745
Royal Artillery.
C.Lt. Lt.lst. Lt.2nd. S. C. B. G. M. F. Dr. T.
St. Johns 112224 5-" 25 .. 2 44
Chambly 1 .. .. 1 3 .. .. 5
Quebec 2 3 .. 1 6
Montreal 1 .. 1 .. 1 1 4
Oswegatchie . . . . 1 1
Niagara 1 .. .. 1 2 4 .. .. 8
Detroit 1 .. 2 .. .. 3
Michilimackinac ' .. 1 .. 2 .. .. 3
Prisoners 1 .. .. 3 .. .. 4
Total 2 1 4 2 4 7 14 46 1 4 85
Guy Carleton.
(22)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 11, p. 201.
(No, 13) Montreal, 26th June, 1775.
My Lord:
Since the Postscript of my last I have proclaimed the Martial Law, and ordered
the Militia to be enrolled; what I shall be able to make of them, or of the Savages, I
cannot yet positively say, but I am sure it is become highly necessarily to try; Cir-
cumstanced as we are, no other Measure is likely to secure the Province. The Party
Illustrative Documents 59
of Rebels, mentioned in my last, came near enough St. John's to exchange a few Shots
with the Troops, and then retired; they seemed to have designed taking Post there,
but found it too difficult for the Force they had with them to accomplish.
The Rebels give out, they will return with five thousand men ; I believe it is pretty
certain, they are constructing a Number of Craft near Crown Point, and that Rein-
forcements with Provisions have joined them from New York, besides Seamen from
the other Provinces; they even talk of Penetrating into the Province through the
woods, and small Parties armed have appeared at different places upon the South
Side of the St. Lawrence ; these hitherto could only be considered as Spies, one Party
consisting of four Men, was taken near the Chaudiere, with a single Letter, but by
Mismanagement made their Escape; they have indeed many Inducements to attempt
making themselves Masters of this Province.
I have lately received a Letter from General Gage empowering me to draw for
Money, and putting all the upper Posts under my immediate Command, with written
Instructions to the Officers Commanding there in future to look this Way for their
orders and subsistence; these Posts are likewise threatened by the Rebels, who talk
as if they would make themselves Masters of the whole Continent, before we ever
perceived, We ought to prepare for War: the Truth is, that those who retain their
Fidelity to the Crown, are astonished at their Numbers and Activity, and greatly in-
timidated at seeing no Force or Power able to protect them.
By the inclosed Return, Your Lordship will perceive, I have not been able- to
assemble five hundred Men, Artillery included, at St. John's and Chambli, leaving
but very slender Guards indeed at the Towns, Magazines, and Inlets to the Province
by the Chaudiere and River St; Francis.
Ten or twelve thousand Men here with a Corps of Artillery, Engineers and Mili-
tary Stores in Proportion, would cause a great Alteration, not in this Province
alone, their operations might have a great influence over the whole Continent, and
very effectually second those of General Gage; ten thousand stand of arms would also
be necessary, for at present the Province is in want of them.
The 14th instant I received by Mr. Hey Your Lordship's circular Letter of the
15th April, and one of the same' Date No. 16.
Just as I was finishing the foregoing, I received a Letter from Colonel Guy John-
son at Fort Stanwix, then on his Progress to Ontario where the Indians of the upper
Nations were to meet him; He had pretty direct Intelligence, he tells me, that very
important communication was threatened from the Susquehannah and other Quarters,
and has applied for Provisions, Ammunition, Leggings, Paint, Blankets, and a small
Body of Troops, alledging their appearance thro' the Machinations' of designing Men,
to be very necessary to encourage the Indians persevering in our Interests; I have
and shall supply him with every Article demanded, except Troops, but tho' I per-
fectly agree with the Colonel, in the Propriety of the Measure, was there a Possi-
bility of complying therewith, the Service here will not admit of our sparing any,
while the Rebels are so near us, and can do such infinite Mischief, should they find
Means to penetrate into the Province.
I am with much Respect and Esteem Your Lordship's Most Obedient and Most
Humble Servant,
Guy Carleton.
Earl of Dartmouth
One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed: Montreal 26 June 1775. Govr. Carleton (No. 13)
R. 29th July 1775. (1 Inclosure)
•
(23)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 11, pp. 152-4.
No. 18. Whitehall, 1st July, 1775.
Separate.
Governor Carleton.
Sir.
The Transaction in the Province of Massachusetts Bay on the 19th of April and
subsequent steps taken by the rebels decide upon the Situation of the King's Affairs
in that Country and leave no room in the present moment for any other consideration
than that of the most effectual means of augmenting the Army under General Gage.
60 Illustrative Documents
The King relies upon the Loyalty and Fidelity of his Canadian Subjects for their
Assistance to suppress Rebellion, and it is His Majesty's Pleasure that you do, if
you see no objection, immediately upon the Receipt of this Letter, take proper steps
for raising a Body of 3,000 Canadians in such form and manner as you shall judge
most proper, to act as Light Infantry, either as a separate Corps or in conjunction
with His Majesty's Troops as shall upon consulting General Gage be thought most
expedient.
It is His Majesty's Intention that the Corps should be raised to serve upon the
same footing as the Provincials raised in America in the last War, but you will observe
that the Commissions given for this purpose must be in your own name without
conveying to the Officers who are to be appointed 'from amongst the Canadians, any
claim either to half pay when reduced or to Rank in the Army, except when serving
with His Majesty's other Troops, in which case each Officer will take place next
to the youngest Officer of the same' Rank having His Majesty's Commission.
In all other Respects it is His Majesty's Intention that they should have the same
Pay & Advantages as His Majesty's other Troops, subject to the same Stoppages
& Deductions; and it will not only be proper in general but also a considerable Saving
to the Public that the Officers of Mons. Rigauville's Corps should serve upon this oc-
casion, and that during such service their Pensions upon the Establishment should
be discontinued.
I have already given the necessary Orders for providing Arms, Ammunition,
Cloathing & Accoutrements for 3,000 men, the whole will be ready in 10 days, and
will be sent to you in a ship taken up for that purpose.
The Expence of the Cloathing will be defrayed here and for the rest of the
Expences attending to the Levy and pay of /the men, they must be defrayed by your
Bills upon the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury.
. I will write to you more fully by the Store Ship and therefore will not interrupt
the Attention you will immediately give to the Orders contained in this Letter by
stating to you those Reflections that occur to me upon the surprisal of the Fort and
Garrison of Ticonderoga and which are particularly painful to me when I consider of
how much Importance this Event is to the Province under your Government upon the
Efforts of which we are now to depend for the Recovery of that Post.
I have said that the Officers of the Corps you are authorized to raise are in
general to be Canadians but it is not meant to preclude you from giving a Commis-
sion to a natural born subject in any case in which you shall judge it proper.
I am &ca.
Dartmouth.
(24)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, July 6, 1775.
On Thursday last the following ADDRESS from the British Subjects residing
in and near Quebec was transmitted to His Excellency Major-General Carleton at
Montreal.
Quebec, 28th June, 1775.
Sir. . j
As it has been found necessary to withdraw His Majesty's Troops from this Gar-
rison, We the Subscribers think it our duty in the present Situation of Affairs to offer
our Services in protecting the King's Magazines, as well as our own Property in this
Place; and we do therefore most humbly entreat your EXCELLENCY to order
the Militia of Quebec to be embodied, and to appoint such Officers for the Purposes
of protecting His Majesty's Subjects here as to you may seem expedient; Having
the Honour to be His Majesty's most faithful Subjects,
And your EXCELLENCY'S
Most Obedient and
Most humble Servants.
His EXCELLENCY Major-General CARLETON, Captain-General and Governor in
Chief of the Province of Quebec, &c., &.
To which His EXCELLENCY has been pleased to return the following ANSWER.
GENTLEMEN:—
"I Thank you for your Address, full of good Sense, and Duty to a Sovereign, whose
"first Care is the Happiness and Protection of his Subjects having now nearly
"compleated the Militia in the Districts of Montreal and Three-Rivers, I shall im-
Illustrative Documents 61
"mediately arrange that in the District of Quebec, when I flatter myself, all who
"attempt to disturb the Tranquility of this Province, either by arms and violent Inva-
"sion, or by false and treasonable Reports Shall meet with the Chastisements their
"Crimes deserve.
GUY CARLETON,
Montreal, 3d July, 1775."
(25)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA, HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 20, pp. 8-9.
Extract of a letter from Quebec, dated July 20th, 1775.
"I believe my coming here has very much disconcerted Genl. Carleton in the
Dy. Qr. Mr. Genl's Department for he had appointed Mr. Garden to act as Provincial
b.Q.M. Genl. & superceded Jack Hay; however: I am told he is relieved from his
embarrassment on acct of Mr. Garden for I am told he is to be appointed Major of
Brigade, would you believe my good Friend there is not yet a single Canadian
rayzed nor is there any appearance of it, those people have lost all their Spirit and
seem indeed very averse to fighting, nor can Mr. Carleton get a Single Regiment of
Militia to Embody, they are all frighten'd out of their Witts, and the most violent
of them only talk of defending their own Province, many of them wou'd lay down
their Arms to the Yankies did they but Appear, in fact the Seigneurs have no
influence nor can they command out a single man but the Conversation at the Head
Quarters of the Province is that its to be hoped in time the Canadians will be pre-
vailed to take Arms in favor of Government Mr. C n I am told is very much out
of Temper and down in the mouth, we are all very anxious to have a Certain Acct.
of the affair at Bunkershill, Mr. Carleton is expected in a few days when he will try
and embody the Militia, but I think you need not expect any divertion in yr favr.
from this Province this year and indeed I have my doubts whether they will act
Spiritedly without a body of regular Troops to oblige them, the Enemys of the Quebec
bill who are numerous among the British Inhabitants rejoice at the supiness of the
Canadians and you may depend upon it, the Yankies have had their Emiceres among
the French and made them thus lukewarm to Government besides it appears that a
twelve years peace has Extinguished their martial Spirit and that together with the
Sweets of British Government makes them desire to live in Quiet, I am of opinion
(and so is many others here) that could the rebels march a body of Troops sufficient
to overpower the regular Troops at St. John which only consist of two regiments they
would make a very easy conquest of Canada but I hope they will have enough to do
at home we tryed here Yesterday to get the British Militia of this City and District
to Assemble in order to form and have Officers Appointed but the very respectable
number did not exceed seventy, thus you may see how the English Merchant Traders
and Inhabitants are inclined, it is certain that all Winter the people of our Colonies
have been corresponding with the Canadians and English people settled here and I am
apt to think that is the cause of the present coolness."
Endorsed :
"For Major Hutchison.
Extract of a letter from Quebec, received at Lond, the 19th of Sepr."
(26)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, July 20th, 1775. %
We hear two Battalions of Highlanders, to consist of 20 Companies of 50 Men
each, are to be raised here immediately; to be commanded by Colonel M'LEAN, and
called THE ROYAL HIGHLAND EMIGRANTS; their Uniform to be same with that
of the 42d Regiment.
On Saturday last between twelve and one o'Clock the British Inhabitants of Que-
bec to the Number of about 200, muster'd on the Parade, for the Purpose of forming
a Militia; where being drawn up, with the HON WILLIAM HEY, Esq.; at their head,
the first Characters in the Place falling into the Ranks indiscriminately, after having
their Names taken down and giving threa Huzzas for the King, they march 'd off
again, the Bag-pipes playing Lochabar no more.
62 Illustrative Documents
(27)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. ll,pp. 158-160.
No. 21. Whitehall, 12th July, 1775.
Governor Carleton,
Sir.
This letter will be delivered to you by of His Majesty's Ship Lizard
who takes under convoy the Jacob, Store Ship, Thos. Brown, Master, having on board
Arms, Ammunition, Accoutrements, and Cloathing for 3,000 men and four light Brass
three Pounders.
The present state of Rebellion in North America and the Measures which the
Insurgents are pursuing in order to cut off the Communication with Canada by Land
by possessing themselves of the Posts upon Lake Champlain and Lake George call
for the greatest Activity of the Friends of Government in Quebec and I am not with-
out some hope to hear that Ticonderoga has been recovered, or at least that the pro-
gress of Rebellion on that side has been stopped.
Our Situation, however, demands the most vigorous Efforts and it is the King's
Intention that they should be exerted both by Sea and Land to reduce His rebellious
Subjects to obedience. Besides the Body of Troops which you are authorized by my
Letter of the 1st Instant to raise for His Majesty's Service in the present Exigency,
it is under consideration to augment the Army in America by other means and orders
are given for such an Addition to the Naval Strength in North America as may en-
able Admiral Graves to make such a disposition of his Fleet as that besides the Squad-
ron necessary for the Naw England Station, in Chesapeake Bay and upon the coast of
New York, within the Bay of Delaware, there may be separate squadrons at Carolina.
After what had passed there can be no doubt what ought to be the plan of
operations for the squadron upon the New England station and I think it necessary
to acquaint you for your own Information that Admiral Graves will be instructed
to exert the most vigorous Efforts for suppressing the Rebellion now openly avowed
and supported in the Country and to seize & detain all ships and vessels belonging
to the Inhabitants thereof, such only excepted as are the property of persons who are
friends of Government and have shewn an Attachment to the Constitution.
There is still some Room to hope that the Colonies to the southward may not
proceed to the same Lengths with those of New England. It is, however, His Ma-
jesty's Intention that the Commanders of the separate Squadrons I have mentioned
should be instructed to prevent all Commerce within their separate Stations and any
other places than Great Britain, Ireland, and His Majesty's Islands in the West Indies,
that they should receive on board and give Protection to any officer of the Crown,
who may be compelled by the^Violence of the People to seek for such an Asylum and
to proceed as in the case of a Town in actual Rebellion against such of the Seaport
Towns being accessible to the King's Ships as shall hereafter offer any violence to the
King's Officers or in which any Troops shall be raised or Military Works erected
other than His Majesty's Authority or any Attempts made to seize or plunder any
public Magazine of Arms or Ammunition.
With regard to the plan of operations to be adopted by General Gage, it must
depend upon his own Judgement and the opinions of the able Generals with him, and
therefore I have only to add that it is His Majesty's express Command that you do
exert every Endeavor and employ every Means in your power to aid and support him
and Admiral Graves in all such operations as they may think proper to undertake
for carrying the King's Orders into full Execution and restoring the Authority of His
Majesty's Government.
I am &ca.
Dartmouth.
(28)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 11, p. 182.
No. 22. Whitehall, 24th July, 1775.
Governor Carleton.
Sir,
Since my Letters to you of the 1st & 12th Inst. we have received Dispatches from
General Gage of the 12th June containing his idea of the force that will be neces-
sary for suppressing the Rebellion at present subsisting in North America in" case we
Illustrative Documents 63
t
shall be under the necessity of continuing hostilities for another campaign, and it
having been judged proper upon a consideration of these Dispatches that the number
of Men to be raised in Canada should be double what was first proposed, it is His
Majesty's Pleasure that instead of 3,000 men which you were authorized to raise by
my Letter of the 1st July, the number to be raised be 6,000, and I have accordingly
given directions for an additional supply of Arms, Cloathing, and Accoutrements in
proportion, which will be sent out in another Store Ship that will be ready to sail
in about ten days.
The manner and form of raising this additional 3,000 is also left to your judge-
ment and the Commissions which you are to give for the Officers must be on the
like conditions as are presented in my letter of the 1st Inst. Vizt" that none of them
when reduced are to be entitled to half pay or to rank in the Army from having
served in that Corps."
I am &ca.
Dartmouth.
(29)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 11, p. 236.
Chambli, Aug't 1st 1775.
Gentlemen, —
Desire to see you as soon as Possible at this Place (the name of the House the
Bearer will inform) on Business of high importance, you may well Judge your im-
mediate attendance will much promote pub lick Welfare and very much oblige your
most obedient Humble serv't.
Jno. Brown.
N.B. have sent to Caughnawaga for certain Friends to attend at the same time
have sent you a Letter from Gen'l Schyler with't Direction least it might fall into
hands which would endanger you. I think you can't fail in compliance in a Matter
so interesting if it should happen, write me by the Bearer, a trusty Friend, you know
my stay must be very short.
To Messrs. Walker Price & such others as they shall communicate.
Endorsed : —
In Gov'r Carleton's (No. 14) of 14th August, 1775.
(30)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 11, pp. 198-200.
No. 23. Whitehall, 2d August, 1775.
Governor Carleton.
Sir.
On the first Intelligence of the surprizal of His Majesty's Fort of Ticonderoga
by the Rebels and of their rash Attempt upon St. John I had no doubt from the con-
fidence I have in your zeal & Activity that Measures would be taken to resist their
Efforts; but I was not sanguine enough to suppose that with your small Force you
would be able to recover what we have lost. Your Letters of the 17th & 26th of
June Just rec'd shew I was not mistaken in my Ideas; and tho' the Backwardness of
the Canadians is a discouraging circumstance for the present, I trust that the Reso-
lution here to act with Vigour, and the knowledge of Measures intended for exerting
ourselves on the Side of Canada as explained in my former Letters will have a good
Effect & inspire more Confidence.
His Majesty hopes to have an Army of 20,000 men in North America next Spring
exclusive of Canadians and Indians and you may depend upon a Reinforcement of
the Regular Troops in Canada, the whole of which will be under your entire command
during the Absence of General Gage, who, as the campaign of this year appears to be
over, has leave to return to England.
In this case His Majesty, considering of how much Importance your Presence
in the Province of Quebec will be, and that the Service to be carried on there cannot
be entrusted to any body but yourself has thought fit that General Gage shall have
64 Illustrative Documents
a new Commission as Commander in Chief, without the clause of Devolution a*nd that
the Command of the Army in America should in his Absence be divided; that of
Troops employed in Quebec & upon its Frontiers being given to you by a Commission
I have now the honour to inclose, and that of the Troops to be employed in the
Colonies upon the Atlantic being given to General Howe.
But it is His Majesty's Pleasure that if in the course of the Service & of Events
as they may arise, the Two Armies should be joined, the command of the whole do,
in that case devolve upon you as the Senior Officer.
In consequence of your last Letters, a further sum of £10,000 will be put on board
the Lizard and also an additional Supply of 3,000 Arms, the remainder of the cloathing
with the Presents for the Indians will go in the Store Ship that sails in about ten
days ; and I shall hope to hear that they have been employed to effect and that Major
Campbell has by his zeal and Activity Justified the -Confidence that has been placed
in him.
I am, &ca.
Dartmouth.
P.S. I think fit to acq't you that in consequence of the Commission I have the
Honor to send you it is intended that you should have the full appointments of Com-
mander in Chief.
(31)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, August 3, 1775.
Extract of a Letter from Montreal, dated the 30th Ult.
"As for News — We have the Savage Chiefs, with their Wives and Children here,
in all to the Number of 1,600. They have declared in Council that they are unan-
imous in the Intention of leading their several Nations against the Bostonians, &c.
The Grand Council was held by General CARLETON in one of the Churches,
and was conducted with a Solemnity and Decorum that made the Assembly a very
respectable, as well as an agreeable Sight."
On Thursday last a Recruiting Party, began beating up here for Volunteers for
Capt. William Dunbar's Company of the Royal Highland Emigrants, and we hear they
have already enlisted fourteen.
About six o'Clock the same evening The Hon. HECTOR THEOPHILUS CRA-
MAHE, Esq; arrived in this City from Montreal.
Yesterday about 7 in the Evening, His Excellency General CARLETON arrived
also in Town from Montreal.
(32)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 11, p. 220.
Secret Intelligence, August 6th 1775.
The New York Troops under the Command of Colonel McDougle ordered to march
immediately for Ticonderoga, when joined by one Thousand Riflemen, will amount at
least to Three Thousand Men. These to be joined by Four Thousand New England
Forces to Rendezvous at Crown Point, from thence to proceed to Montreal & Quebec,
(even if over the Ice) better than half the Canadians have promised to join these
Forces.
Endorsed: —
Copy of Secret Intelligence transmitted by Gov'r Tryon in his letter
of 9th August, 1775.
Copy enclosed in Lord Dartmouth's Letter to Major General Carleton of 14th
Sept'r. 1775.
(33)
Sir Montreal August 5th, 1775.
I am to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's date;
It would no doubt be easy to surprise & take the Rebells posted at point au Fer,
but we must not at present attempt anything beyond the Line of the Province.
I have ordered two Batteaux to be sent to you from Chambly.
Inclosed I send you an account of the Affair of the 17th just come to hand. A
thousand of the Rebels deserted from their Camp the day after the Action.
I am, with great regard, Sir,
Yr. most obedient
humble Servt.
Rd. Prescott.
Illustrative Documents 65
The motions of all the Partisans of the Rebels must be carefully watcned, & no
one suffered to go beyond St. John's except such as are employed on the King's Ser-
vice by my order, or the Commanding Officer there.
(34)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series -Q. Vol. 11, pp. 238-43.
Deposition de Pierre Charlan, detenu prisonnier dans les cazernes de la ville de
Montreal en la Province de Quebec, faite devant Monsieur le Brigadier General Pres-
cott et devant Henry Kneller, Ecuyer, Procureur General du Roy, redigee par Pierre
Panet, Notaire et Avocat.
A dit qu'environ cinq jours apres la Saint Pierre, vingt neuf Juin, le nomme,
Joseph Menard, habitant de Chambly, lui proposa d'aller au camp des Bostonnois dans
le lac Champlain, en presence du nomme Jesus, charpentier, qui etoit apres lever une
etabie, de Quenon, Frichet, et de Joseph Laros, neveu du dit Joseph Menard, lui pro-
mettant de nourrir en son absence sa famille; et lui disant que Mr. Walker qui etoit
alors sur la montagne de Chambly avec des longues-vues pour decouvrir si 1'armee des
Bostonnois venoit, lui donneroit plus de la valeur de deux mille francs, qu'un Acadien
qui demeurs a St. Ours lui donneroit autant qu'il y avoit deux jours qu'il cherchoit le
aeposant pour cela. II lui ajouta que Mr. Walker, qu'il venoit de laisser sur la mon-
tagne de Chambly lui avoit promis deux barils de poudre et que le dit Sieur Walker
lui avoit dit qu'il n'y avoit pas deux jours qu'il avoit regu des lettres des Bostonnois
Que le dit Joseph Menarl dit au deposant de s'adresser au General des Bostonnois
pour lui dire que les troupes vouloient faire prendre les armes aux habitans de Cham-
bly et que comme les Bostonnois leur avoient ecrit de ne pas les prendre, ils ne
savoient comment faire; qu'il devoit leur faire savoir s'ils avoient envie de venir ou
non, qu'ils venoient les habitans etoient prets a leur rendre service; qu'ils etoient
meme revoltes pour ne pas prendre les armes contr'eux. Que le deposant partit ce
meme jour muni d'un pain que lui donna le dit Joseph Menard avec deux livres de
lard et se rendit ches lui ou il coucha. Que le lendemain il partis de grand matin et fut
coucha a la riviere a la Colle sans etre vu que du dit La Bonte avec lequel il fut
boire un coup d'eau-de-vie ches le bonhomme Vignola. Que de cet endroit il fut dans
1'anse de la Pointe au fers, ou il croyoit trouver 1'armee, parceque le dit La Bonte
1'assura qu'il la trouveroit en cet endroit. Qu'il ne trouva personne dans cet endroit et
revint sur ses pas au bout de la Pointe ches le nomme Petty-Grew, engage de Mr.
Christie pour lui demander un canot; que cet homme lui ayant dit qu'il n'en avoit pas,
il fut au bord de 1'eau et rencontra deux Accadiens, 1'un nomme Peter Granger, de-
meurant a la Prairie, 1'autre nomme Jo. Commo, demeurant a la Petite Riviere de
Chambly. Que ces deux hommes lui ayant dit qu'ils en alloient pour travailler dans
la Nouvelle Angleterre, il fit route avec eux dans leur canot. Qu'ils furent coucher
tous trois ensemble ches le bonhomme La Framboise dans 1'ance de la pointe aux
Roches. Qu'ils partirent le lendemain et furent coucher ches William Hay ou ils
trouverent M. Guilnane. Que le lendemain ils furent coucher a la entree de la
Riviere Bagnet et le lendemain ils se rendirent a la Pointe ou le deposant troaive le
Colonel Allen, a qui il dit le sujet de son voyage, que ce Colonel le prit pour un espion
voyant qu'il n'avoit aucune lettre, et le tient trois Jours a la garde. Que le troisieme
Jour le deposant fut conduit au fort de Carillon, accompagne du dit Colonel Allen,
de deux ministres et de quatre matelots. Qu'il fut presente au Commandant de Car-
illon, lequel lui demanda s'il avoit des lettres, et sur ce qu'il lui dit que non, ce com-
mandant le soup conna d'etre un espion. Cependant le dit deposant 1'assura qu'il n'etoit
point tel ; qu'il venoit de la part du Captaine Menard pour s^avoir si les Bostonnois
venoient pour prendre le Canada ou non; qu'on vouloit forcer les habitans de Chambly
a prendre les armes contr'eux, ce qu'il ne vouloient pas faire. Que le deposant fut
encore garde pendant trois Jours au bout du quel terns il dit au commandant qu'il
pourroit s'informer a deux francois qu'il avec lui, qui le commandant bien s'il etoit
capable de les trahir. Que ces deux francois, nommes Champenois et Ronon ayant
dit au commandant qu'ils avoient connu le deposant et pensoient qu'il disoit vrai, le
dit commandant lui dit qu'il s'en retourneroit a Chambly accompagne d'un Colonel
Strong, d'un capitaine nomme Bole, et d'un sergent nomme Toit, et d'un Accadien in-
terprete, nomme Jean Roger. Qu'effectivement le deposant parti avec les quatre
sus-nommes, le dimanche, ily a aujourdhui, quinze Jours et se rendirent le dimanche
d'ensuite ches le nomme Thibault au coteau des Hetres, Baronie de Longueuil; qu'ils
coucherent dans la maison du bon homme Le Maitre, appartenant a Pitre. Que le
66 Illustrative Documents
/
lendemain ils envoyerent le deposant chercher Joseph Menard qu'il ont leur parler.
Que ce meme jour le dit Menard se rendit avec le deposant ches le dit Le Maitre,
ou ils trouverent les quatre Bostonnois sus-nommes. Que le Colonel Strong n'eut
rien de plus presse, sitot qu'il vit entrer Menard de lui demander si que le deposant
lui avoit dit de sa part etoit vrai, a quoi Menard repondit qui oui; aussitot le Colonel
tira une portugaise de sa poche et la donna au dit Menard, lequel dit Menard dit au
colonel que s'il avoit besoin de boeufs, chevaux, voitures et autres choses, il pouvoit
compter dessus qu'il en avoit a son service. Que le colonel ecrivit une lettre qu'il donna
au dit Menard pour remettre a M. Walker a Montreal. Que le deposant partit ce meme
soir avec le dit Menard et arriva a la pointe du jour ches le bonhomme Goguet,
fermier de Brunei; que de ce lieu ils se rendirent le meme jour, mardi, a Longueuil
et se firent traverser par Louis Bouteiller. Que le deposant et le dit Joseph Menard
etant arrive vers le midi a Montreal furent ensemble ches M. Thomas Walker; que
1'ayant demande, un commis leur dit qu'il n'y etoit pas, qu'il etoit au Point-du-Jour.
Que le dit Menard remit a ce commis la lettre dont il etoit le porteur. Ensuite le com-
mis remit au dit Menard une pettite lettre qu'il le charge de porter a M. Walker.
Que le dit Menard loua une caleche du nomme Bertrand pour se rendre ches M. Walker
mais que le deposant etant avec le dit Menard au fauxbourg de Quebec fut arrete par
M. Perthuis avec des sauvages. Que Menard s'echappa et ne le vit plus. Ajouta le
deposant que lorsqu'il a arriva a la Pointe. il y a avoit environ quatre cens hommes;
que lorsqu'il a arriva a Carillon, il pouvoit y avoir huit cent hommes. Que quatre
-Jours apres Tarrivee du deposant a Carillon, le General Dewer y arriva avec environ
cinq a six cent hommes; et il fut dit au daposant que 1'armee qui etoit prete d'arriver
consistoit en quinze mille hommes. Que lorsque le deposant a laisse Carillon, il
pouvoit y avoir en tout deux mille hommes; qu'une partie de cette armee travailloit a
faire des Retranchemens ; qu'il y avoit a Carillon deux batteaux plats nouvellement
faits, arm°s de huit canons et de pierriers. Qu'a la Pointe il y avoit deux autres
batteaux dont un n'etoit pas acheve. Qu'en partant il a rencontre la barque pris a
St. Jean qui conduisoit une gabarre qu'a fait construire M. Hey, de soixante pieds de
long et de seize pieds de dedans en dedans. Qu'il a oui dire au Colonel Strong qu'il
avoit couche deux nuits dans les bois vers les fourches de la Petite Riviere de
Montreal, dans le terns qu'il portoit des lettres a M. Walker, que ce colonel lui montra
memes les endroits. Que Menard (Joseph) a asura le deposant que M. Walker rece-
vroit des lettres tous les huit Jours par le village des sauvages du Sault St. Louis. Que
les Bostonnois lui ont dit qu'ils fassoient tenir tous les huit Jours des lettres a Mon-
treal par les sauvages du dit Sault St. Louis. Qu'Amable Courtemanche lui a dit en
presence de Joseph Menard et du petit Joseph Laros, il y aura demain huit jours,
etant ensemble ches le dit Joseph Laros, qu'il n'y avoit huit Jours qu'ils avoient re$u
des lettres des Bostonnois, qu'ils avoient envoyees au Grand Cadien de St. Ours.
Lecture faite au dit Pierre Charlan de sa deposition, a dit icelle contenu verite,
et ne sachant signer, a faite sa marque ordinaire au bas de chaque page a Montreal
ce sixieme jour d'aoust mil sept cent soixante quinze.
Pre Charlan, sa marque. "
R. Prescott, Hen. Kneller et Pre. Panet.
Pour veritable copie de Poriginal.
(Signe)
Pre Panet.
Endorsed: — Copy of the Deposition of Pierre Charlan at Montreal, 6th Augt. 1775.
In Govr Carleton's (No. 14.) of 14 August, 1775.
(6)
(Translation)
The deposition of Pierre Charlan, a prisoner in the barracks of the town of
Montreal in the Province of Quebec, taken before Brigadier-General Prescott and
Henry Kneller, Esquire, Attorney General, written by Pierre Panet, a notary and
advocate.
About five days after St. Peter's day, the 28th of June, one Joseph Menard, an
inhabitant of Chambly, proposed to him that he should go to the camp of the Bos-
tomans on Lake Champlain, in the presence of a carpenter named Jesus, who was
employed in building a stable, Quenon, Frichet, and Joseph Laros a nephew of the
said Joseph Menard, also being present, promising to support his family in his ab-
sence; and telling him that Mr. Walker who was then on Chambly mountain with a
telescope watching to see whether the army of the Bostonians was advancing, would
give him more than two thousand francs and that an Acadian, living at St. Ours would
give him as much, and that he had been seeking the deponent for two days with this
object. He added that Mr. Walker, whom he had left on the Chambly mountain
Illustrative Documents 67
had promised him two barrels of powder, and that the said Mr. Walker had told him
that he had received letters from the BostDnians not more than two days before. That
the said Joseph Menard told the deponent to inform the General of the Bostonians,
on his behalf, that the troops wanted to make the inhabitants of Chambly take up
arms, and that as the Bostonians had written to them not to take up arms, they did
not know what to do; that he ought to tell them whether they intended to come or
not; that if they came, the inhabitants were ready to help them; that they had even
rebelled in order to avoid taking up arms against them. That the deponent set out
the same day taking a loaf of bread and two pounds of bacon given him by the said
Joseph Menard, and went home where he slept. That the next day he started early
in the morning and slept that night in the granary of a small barn belonging to
Joseph La Bonte, without being seen by anybody except the aforesaid La Bonte with
whom he drank a glass of brandy at the house of good man Vignola. That from this
place he went to the cove at Pointe au Fers, where he expected to find the army because
the aforesaid La Bonte had assured him that he would find it there. That he found
nobody there, and returned to the end of the Pointe to the house of one Petty-Grew,
an employee of Mr. Christie to borrow a canoe, that this man,, having told him that
he had none, he went down to the water's edge where he met two Acadians, one
named Peter Granger living at La Prairie, the other named Jo Commo, living at
Petite Riviere de Chambly. That these two men having told him that they were going
to work in New England, he went along with them in their canoe. That the three of
them slept together at the house of goodman La Framboise at the cove at Pointe
aux Roches, that they set out the next day and slept at the house of William Hay,
where they met M. Guilnane. That the next day they slept at the mouth of the
Riviere Bagnet and the following day went to the Point, where the deponent found
Colonel Allen, to whom he stated the purpose of his journey. That the Colonel took
him for a spy because he had no letters and kept him for three days in the guard
house. That on the third day the deponent was taken to the Fort at Carrillon, ac-
companied by the said Colonel Allen, two clergymen and four sailors. That he was
taken before the commandant of Carillon, who asked him if ' he had any letters, and
when he said he had not, the commandant suspected him of being a spy. However
the said deponent assured him that he was not; that he came on behalf of Captain
Menard to learn whether the Bostonians were coming to take Canada or not; that
they wanted to compel the inhabitants of Chambly to take up arms against them,
which they did not wish to do. That the deponent was kept in custody for three
days longer at the end of which he told th3 commandant that he might obtain infor-
mation from the two Frenchmen who were with him, whether he was likely to betray
them. That these two Frenchmen named Champenois and Ronon having told the com-
mandant that they knew the deponent and thought he was speaking the truth. The
said commandant told him to return to Chambly accompanied by a Colonel Strong, a
Captain named Bole, and a Sergeant named Toit, and an Acadian interpreter named
Jean Roger. That in fact the deponent set off with those four above named persons
on Sunday, now fifteen days since, that on the following Sunday, they arrived at the
house of Thibault, at Coteau des Hetres in the Barony of Longueuil; that they slept
at the house of goodman Le Maitre belonging to Pitre. That the next day they sent
the deponent to find Joseph Menard and bring him to talk with them. That the same
day the said Menard came with the deponent to the house of the said La Maitre where
they found the four above named Bostonians. That when Colonel Strong saw Menard
come in, the first thing he asked was whether what the deponent had told him on his
part was true to which Menard answered that it was; the Colonel at once took a
Portuguese coin out of his pocket which he gave to the said Menard on which the said
Menard told the Colonel that if he needed cattle, horses, carriages and other things, he
could depend on his supplying them. That the colonel wrote a letter which he gave
to the said Menard to hand to Mr. Walker at Montreal. That the deponent set off
the same evening with said Menard, and at break of day arrived at the house of
goodman Goguet, a farmer at Brunei; that from this place they went the same
day, Tuesday, to Longueuil, and were ferried over by Louis Bouteiller. That
the deponent and the said Joseph Menard arriving towards noon at Montreal
went together to the house of Mr. Thomas Walker; that having asked a clerk for
him they were told that he was not there but at the Point-du-Jour. That the said
Menard gave this clerk the letter which he carried. Afterwards the clerk gave the
said Menard a note which he told him to take to Mr. Walker. That the said Menard
hired a carriage from one Bertrand to go to Mr. Walker's house; but that the de-«
ponent being with the said Menard in the Quebec suburb was arrested by M. Per-
thuis with some Indians. That Menard made his escape, and he has not seen him since.
The deponent added that when he arrived at the Point about four hundred men were
68 Illustrative Documents
•
there and about eight hundred at Carillon when he arrived there. That four days
after the arrival of the deponent at Carillon, General Dewer arrived there with about
five or six hundred men, and the deponent was informed that the army which was
about to arrive would consist of fifteen thousand men. That when the deponent left
Carrillon, there might be about two thousand men there; that part of this army was
working on entrenchments; there were two flat boats newly built at Carillon armed
with eight cannon and other pieces. That at the Point there were two other boats,
one of which was not finished. That on leaving he met the bark taken at St. Jean
towing a raft sixty feet long and sixteen feet in width which had been constructed
by Mr. Hey. That he had heard Colonel Strong say that he had slept for two nights
in the woods near the forks of the Petite Riviere of Montreal when he was carrying
letters to Mr. Walker. That the Colonel showed him the very spots. That Menard
(Joseph) assured the deponent that Mr. Walker would receive letters every eight days
by way of the Indian village at Sault St. Louis. That the Bostonians told him that
they would send letters to Montreal every eight days by the Indians of the said
Sault. St. Louis. That Amable Courtemanche, in the presence of Joseph Menard, and
little Joseph Laros, it will be eight days ago tomorrow being together at the house
of the said Joseph Laros said that not eight days previous they had received letters
from the Bostonians, which they had sent on to the big Acadian at St. Ours.
His deposition having been read to the said Pierre Charlan and having said that
it was true and not knowing how to sign his name he made his customary mark at
the foot of each page at Montreal this 6th day of August, 1775.
A true copy of the original.
(Signed) Pre. Panet.
(35)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. II, p. 221.
EXTRACT. On board the Duke of Cumberland Packet,
Captain Jeff cries, August 10th, 1775.
I have not yet heard of Mr. Finlay's arrival in Canada. I imagine he will be able
to keep the Posts on foot in that Country, provided a conquest is not made of it, for the
day before yesterday Seven Hundred Men commanded by Colonel McDougall embark-
ed on board a number of Albany sloops within three hundred yards of the Asia Man of
War on their way to attack Montreal. They have at the three Posts of Ticonderoga,
Crown Point, & Lake George 1,700 effective men & it is said on shore that Col. Mc-
Dougall has orders to take what part of the militia he thinks necessary out of between
4 & 5,000 men now in training, embody them, & immediately join Col. Schyler, who is
appointed by the grand continental Congress to command the Expedition.
Endorsed: —
Extract of a Letter from Mr. John Fox croft to Mr. Todd, dated 10th August, 1775.
Copy inclosed in Lord Dartmouth's Letter to Major Gen'l Carleton of 14th Sept'r.
1775.
(36)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, August 10, 1775.
Conditions to be given to such Soldiers as will engage in the Royal Highland Emi-
grants.
They are to engage during the present Troubles in America only.
Each Soldier is to have Two Hundred Acres of Land in any Province in North-
America he shall think proper ; the King to pay the Patent Fees, Secretary's Fees and
Surveyor-general; besides Twenty Years free of Quitrent. Each married Man gets
Fifty Acres for his Wife, and Fifty for each Child, on the same Terms.
And as a Gratuity besides the above Great Terms, One Guinea Levy-money.
Allan Maclean,
Lieutenant-colonel Commandant.
Illustrative Documents 69
(37)
GENERAL GAGE TO SECRETARY OF STATE.
Vol. 420, P. 256.
EXTRACT.
Boston, 20th August 1775.
I hear from General Carleton that the Canadians are not so ready for war as
hoped, and some of the Indian Tribes in that Country copy them and appear backward
in joining. The Canadians have enjoyed too much quiet and good living since under
our Government, and much pains too has been taken both to terrify them and poison
their Minds. But a good Force alone is wanted in Canada to set them all in Motion, and
if I may venture to take the Liberty to give an opinion, I think no time should be lost
to reinforce General Carleton with four thousand men, a number of Arms and other
Military Stores, and large quantities of Indian Goods.
(38)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q., Vol. II, p. 222.
(No. 14.) Quebec 14th August 1775.
My Lord,
The Militia has been formed in all the Parishes of the Districts of Montreal and
Trois Rivieres, a few excepted, where the People were most corrupted, some by a more
immediate Intercourse with the Rebels upon their Borders, and others by the Friends
of Rebellion residing amongst Us; the Difficulty, I have found in proceeding so far,
convinces me, till their minds change, it will be unadvisable to attempt assembling any
Number of them, except it becomes absolutely necessary to try that Measure, for the im-
mediate Defence of the Province, and that there is no other Resource whatsoever.
The Indians residing upon the Borders of the St. Lawrence have promised to give
their assistance, and together with some Messisages, from the north shore of Lake
Ontario, have done Duty with the Troops at St. John's ever since the 18th of June.
The 16th of July Colonel Johnson arrived at Montreal accompanied by some Chiefs
of the Six Nations, and was followed by more; at a Congress held in that City with
these and the Provincial Indians, they all promised great Things : it is at present abso-
lutely necessary to gain them, and perhaps at all times, tho' at a very considerable
Expense, but they are not to be depended upon, especially by those who are in a weak-
ly Situation.
As Colonel Johnson intends residing in this Province, I could wish his Rank and
Command were clearly described, and how far the General Officers, and others upon
the same Service may, or may not interfere with, or direct, him, least private Jeal-
ousies, and the Desire of Command, might prove detrimental to the King's Interests.
Immediately after the Council of the Savages, which broke up
the 29th of last Month, was over, I left Brigadier General Prescotrt, who arrived at
Montreal ten days before, to inspect that part of the Province, with the works erecting,
and craft building at St. John's, in order to form some arrangements for the Courts
of Justice, as well as to forward the compleating of the Militia of this District, which
I lind mpre backward, than I could have imagined.
By recent Intelligence, the Rebels at Crown Point and Ticonderoga are consider-
ably augmented in Point of Numbers, perhaps from fear of our Militia and Savages,
who are now formidable only in Idea, but in Truth very different from what we found
them in 1759; the Rebels still give out, they will overrun this Province, I hope soon
however to have Craft sufficient, if we can contrive to Man them, to dispute with
them the Passage of Lake Champlain : I have required Lieutenant Hunter, Commander
of His Majesty's Brigantine Gaspe, who accidently came up to this Place for Provis-
ions, to proceed up the River, and give his assistance, which he has very Chearfully com-
plied with, unfortunately his Compliment is but twenty-nine, Boys included; I find by
General Gage's last Letter, I am to have neither Troops or Seamen from that Quarter,
altho* He expects a considerable Diversion to be made from hence.
What adds to our Distress, is the feeble state of the vessels upon the upper Lakes,
which are all very ill manned, and no ways prepared for war, yet are they much
threatened, and the consequences would be fatal to the upper Posts and Country,
should they fall into the Enemies Hands; inclosed is the Copy of a Report of these Ves-
70 Illustrative Documents
sels, and their Guns, but I have been able to learn nothing further, than that they are
all in the contract Service, and in great want of Hands, I fear even those, they have are
not to be relied on in the present Quarrel.
I also inclose Letters from the Continental and New York Congresses, of which
there has been a vast Importation into the Province, and the copy of a Scrip of Paper
dropped at the Door of every Habitant in the Parishes almost opposite to Montreal,
which may convince Your Lordship, how indefatigably industrious, the Enemies of Gov-
ernment, without and within the Province, have been, to impose upon the credulous
Simplicity of the Canadian Peasantry; at the same time you will receive the Copy of a
Letter from one Brown, the same I apprehend, that harangued publickly last April in
the Coffee house at Montreal, who had the Impudence to venture himself into Chambli
Parish; We have the Messenger, who was Bearer of it, a man of a notorious bad
character, and suspected to have been constantly employed in that capacity by the
Party, closely confined, but have not been able as yet to lay hold of Mr. Brown.
I am with much Respect and Esteem
Your Lordship's
Most Obedient and
Most Humble Servant
Guy Carleton.-
Earl of Dartmouth
One of His Majesty's
Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed: Quebec 14th August 1775.
Governor Carleton.
(No. 14)
R. 18th Septr
(6 Inclosures)
Entd.
(39)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q., Vol. 12, p. 203.
Quebec Aug. ye 28th 1775.
My Lord,
Sinee I had the honour of writing to your Lordship soon after my arrival here,
by Captn. Brash, The affairs of this Province are so far in a better train as the appre-
hensions of any decisive invasion from the Garrisons of Crown Point and Ticonderoga
seem to be removed by the lateness of the season, and an appearance of less alacrity on
their Part for a business of that sort than they shewed a month ago, or when I dispatch-
ed my other Letter to your Lordship. Whether this arises from the fears which the
Congress may have entertained of opening the wound they have given the Mother
Country too wide to admit of being closed by treaty, or from those of Individuals in
the danger of the attempt, I am at a loss to determine, & can only say, that, from some
cause or other, the Expedition appears to be suspended, if not wholly abandoned, & un-
less they mean to take advantage of the winter when they may pass the Lake upon
snow shoes, I should think the latter the most probable.
I could hardly expect to find credit with your Lordship for what I asserted of the
backwardness of the Canadians when the situation of things here, made it necessary for
Gen. Carleton to declare Martial Law, and call upon the Militia to turn out in defence
of the Province; unhappily every day furnishes too many instances of it, and gives
me an Idea of the real character of the Canadians very different from what I used to
entertain, and constantly represented to your Lordship whenever I had occasion to speak
of them. Your Lordship will remember how much has been said by us all of their Loy-
alty, obedience & Gratitude, of their habitual submission to Government, & their de-
cent civil & respectful demeanour to those who had the conduct of it, but time and acci-
dent have evinced that they were obedient only because they were afraid to be other-
wise & with that fear lost (by withdrawing the troops) is gone all the good disposi-
tion that we have so often and steadily avowed in their names & promised for them in
ages to come. Yet I am sometimes willing to think that fear, joined with extreme ig-
norance and a credulity hardly to be supposed of People, have been overmatched by
the subtility & assiduity of some Colony agents who were very busy here last winter,
& that they are not at bottom an ungenerous or disobedient People. That temperate
management and gentle methods of persuasion and instruction may yet bring them to a
sense of their duty & indeed their interest, & when they are made to understand that
Illustrative Documents 71
the true point of fear should be that of sitting still & not putting themselves into a
state of defence, they will take arms not only for their present defence, but when sup-
ported by a body of the Kings troops be ready for any offensive service that the times
may demand ; which in my poor opinion who pretend to nothing less than military know-
ledge, would strike more terrour into the Colonies than Gen. Gage's army doubled or
trebled at Boston, where from the nature of the Ground & a thousand other circum-
stances there can be little hopes of making any decisive impression. But be that as it
may, your Lordship who has indulged me in a freedom of expressing my thoughts
with respect to this country upon points of less importance will forgive me upon one
which appears to me so essential, tho it should happen to be a little out of my Line &
fall more immediately within that of another to whose circumspection however & Judge-
ment I pay the utmost deference, I mean the Governor's.
It appears to me that while England has a firm hold of this Country, which a good
Body of troops & nothing else will give her, her cause with the colonies can never be
desperate 'tho' she should not have an inch of ground in her possession in any one of
them, from this Country they are more accessible, I mean the N. England People,
(Paradoxical as it may seem) than even from Boston itself, & I believe it to be as true
as any thing can be that has not been reduced to absolute proof that the Colonies with-
out the assistance of England, would have been reduced from North to south by this Pro-
vince in the last war. They thought so themselves, & the Pains thay have taken to
keep the Canadians quiet which a good appearance of troops from England would soon
remove, convince me that they are in dread of it at this hour, and I do most firmly be-
lieve that if the army at Boston was removed here ready to begin its operations from
hence in the spring & the fleet continued (if that could be done) to block up their ports
& prevent their trade, it would ha-ve a better effect & produce terms of accommodation
more likely to be received than any other method that could be adopted, except that of
pouring in the whole strength of G. Britain by sea & land & carrying destruction &
Ruin thro' every accessible part of the Province. If this be so & there is anything like
truth in this observation what a melancholy thing it is to reflect in what a precarious
situation this province stands by being deprived of the few Regiments we had here
before these troubles broke out, so much so that the very preservation of it in the
interest of the Crown depends more upon our Enemies than ourselves. We have hardly
500 men at St. Johns the most obvious pass to defend & are obliged to leave many
others intirely neglected, & from what we have had occasion to see of the Cana-
dians very little dependance is to be had upon them. They -are terrified or corrupted
to a degree that your Lordship can have no Idea of, & are impressed with the strang-
est ideas that ever entered into the minds of men. Sometimes they believe they
are to be sent to Boston and nothing can persuade them that a few transports
which are waiting for Provisions, are not lying in wait to receive them, at other
times they are told that the People of Boston are fighting merely to prevent the re-
turn of the stamps, which they seem to think a matter of great Politeness & do not
wish to see them disturbed in so good a work. Some amongst them believe they are
sold to the Spaniards (whom they abominate) & that Gen. Carleton has got the money
in his Pocket, in short such a mixture of ignorance fear perverseness & prejudice never
yet I believe took possession of the human mind or made it more difficult to know what
to do with them, in this situation it will readily occur to your Lordship that our ohly
object at present is to keep these Ruffians from invading us in the course of the win-
ter, & wait 'till better & more sober times for the Establishment of the Country
under the new Act of Parliament. And yet something of that sort at least in a
temporary way must be done and is indeed in agitation at present, in the course of
which as far as it has gone it is wonderfull to observe as great an instance of folly
& strange infatuation amongst the Canadians as in the article of the Militia, what
will be your Lordships astonishment when I tell you that an act passed for the ex-
press purpose of gratifying the Canadians & which was supposed to comprehend all
that they either wished or wanted is become the first object of their discontent & dis-
like, English officers to command them in time of war, & English Laws to govern
them in time of Peace, is the general wish, the former they know to be impossible
(at least at present) & by the latter if I understand them right, they mean no Laws
& no Government whatsoever — in the mean time it may be truly said that Gen.
Carleton has taken an ill measure of the influence of the seigneurs & Clergy over
the lower order of People whose Principle of conduct founded in fear & the sharp-
ness of authority over them now no longer exercised, is unrestrained, & breaks out
in every shape of contempt or detestation of those whom they used to behold with
terrour & who gave them I believe too many occasions to express it. And they on
their parts have been and are too much Elated with the advantages they supposed
72 Illustrative Documents
they should derive from the restoration of Jtheir old Priviledges & customs, & in-
dulged themselves in a way of thinking & talking that gave very just offence, as well
to their own People as to the English merchants. The little I have seen of them in
Council gives me no Idea of their abilities or moderation inflexible to any arguments
either of expediency or Justice they will admit no alteration in their antient Laws
particularly in the article of commerce which I insist upon, & believe shall carry in
favour of the English Merchants, with whom almost the whole trade of the Country
lyes, & which without them was & without them will continue except in a very few ar-
ticles & those to no extent, a country of no trade at all in short & to relieve your Lord-
ship from this unpleasant prospect of things in7 detail, Let me say in general that
this country affords as gloomy an one in point of security & in the fll humours & evil
dispositions of its inhabitants, to one as anxious as I hope I am for the prosperity of
my own deeply interested in this, as can be imagined. For the share I have been
made to take in it, tho* the most distant from my wishes I repent not but on the con-
trary will much re Joyce if I shall be found to have been an instrument in preventing
a still more ruinous state of things, or may be made the means of restoring them
to a better. That is at present all my consolation in an office to which I find myself
as little equal as I am inclined, & from which I will expect of your Lordships bounty
(I had allmost said Justice considering the great weight your Lordships recommenda-
tion had in sending me a second time hither) an honourable & decent retreat in your
Lordships own department I neither expect nor desire it, such of the Employments in
your Lordships disposal as require legal ability to fill them I am unequal to in every
light, & to those that do not, there must be so many that have better Pretensions to
your Lordships favour, indeed there can be none that have less, I do not presume to
request, I will hope however for your Lordships general Protection & Countenance &
will trust that you will concurr with the rest of his Majestys Ministers in thinking
that ten years honest, however imperfect, Endeavours to serve the Crown in an un-
pleasant & something critical situation deserve to be compensated with moderate &
reasonable means of Retirement which I should prefer to the first office of distinction
or Profit that the Crown has to bestow.
In this hope I take my Leave of your Lordship desiring your Lordship will be
so good as present my best respects to Lady Apsley & Miss Bathurst, & believe me
with most perfect Esteem & Gratitude.
My Lord
Yr Lordships most obliged & most obed. Hble Sert.
W. Hay.
P.S. It is I hope unnecessary for me to say that I would have executed your Lord-
ships commission with respect to the Nut trees if I could have found an opportunity,
but they are not the growth of this Province & your Lordship knows we have no
communication with any other. I am told Lord Gage has trees of them of all sorts
sent many years ago by his Brother the General from New York.
Sept. llth.
I am sorry to be obliged to inform your Lordship that matters are much worse
since I began this letter which I have not yet found an opportunity of sending No
ship having sailed from hence to England during the Interval.
The Rebels are returned into this Province in great Numbers well provided with
every thing & seemingly resolved to make themselves masters of this Province.
Hardly a Canadian will take arms to oppose them & I doubt all we have to trust to
is about 500 men & 2 small forts at St. Johns. Every thing seems to be desperate &
I cannot but fear that before this reaches your Lordship Canada will be as fully
in the Possession of the Rebels as any other Province upon the Continent, I shall stay
'till every hope is gone which will I fear be but a short time.
Sept. 17th. The Rebels have succeeded in making Peace with the Savages who have
all left the camp at St. John's many of the Canadians in that Neighbourhood are
in arms against the King's Troops & not one hundred except in the Towns of Mont-
real & Quebec are with us. St. John's & Montreal must soon fall into their hands &
I doubt Quebec will follow too soon in this situation I hold myself in readiness to
Illustrative Documents 73
embark for England where I possibly may be of some use your Lordship will I hope
agree with me that I can be of none here.
Endorsed : — Original Letter from Mr. Hay Chief Justice of Quebec to the Lord Chan-
cellor dated Augt. 20th. Sept. 11 & 17th communicated by his Lordship 12 No-
vember 1775.
G. P.
S.
w.
D.
(40)
Montreal, August 31st 1775.
In Baker's papers, mention is made of Macdonald Col; Christie's Overseer at
Riviere la Colle, as a person that was very kind & free in telling him all the pro-
ceedings of the Regulars, which he found to agree with all his other accounts, but
more full & particular.
Be so good as to send a Party & take this fellow up, confine him at St. John's
& examine him strictly, that we may see if he is equally inclined to inform us of
what he knows respecting the Rebels, You must frighten the Rascal & inform me of
what you can get out of him, I then will send you directions how he is to be disposed
of.
Be so good as to acquaint me when the schooner is launched & when you think
she will be equip'd for Service;
The Wiind has been easterly for some time past & will consequently have de-
tained the Rebels on the other side of the lake, when it changes they will probably
send some of their people to reconoitre. I wish you wou'd send some parties out to
watch for them in different places & surprise them, but not beyond the limits of the
Province, they certainly keep up intelligence with some of our Tray tors by way of
Misisqui Bay.
No arrivals from England or Boston.
I am
Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant.
Rd. Prescott.
Major Preston.
I desire that no person may be admitted to St. John's but people of known prin-
ciples, in case of doubt, away with them.
(41)
Mme. Benoit to Frs. Baby.
"Tu as, sans dout, appris les alarmes que nous ont donnes les Bastonnois. La
mauvaise volonte du plus grand nombre des Canadiens, et qui n'etait que trop mani-
feste, obligea le colonel (Templer) de menacer de faire sauter la ville par les poudres
s'y on ne voulait pas se garder. Tu ne saurais t'imaginer Ifc tferreur panique qui
s'est emparee de tous les esprits sans distinction de sexe; plusieurs ont envoye a la
campagne leurs papiers et ce qu'ils avaient de plus de consequence, et beaucoup sont
prets a partir." (No date given.)
( Translation)
From Madam Benoit to Francis Baby.
You have, no doubt, heard of the alarm which the Bostonians have given us. The
ill-will of the greater part of the Canadians, which was only too apparent, obliged
the Colonel (Templer) to threaten to blow up the town with powder if they would
not defend it. You can imagine the panic which seized everybody without distinc-
tion of sex; several people have sent their papers and other valuables to the country
and many others are ready to leave.
(42)
Letter from General Prescott to M. de Longueuil, Inspector of Militia.
Monsieur.
Je recois a 1'instant 1'honneur de votre lettre. J'avais lieu de penser, d'apres
les temoignages que m'avaient rendus des personnes accreditees et qui meritaient
ma confiance que les habitants canadiens neuse refusaient pas a marcher, des qu'ils
seraient commandes de la part du Roy; ils ne sentent pas le tort qu'ils se font par
leur desobeissance. Tachez, mon cher Monsieur, de faire partir seulement les habi-
74 Illustrative Documents
tants des paroisses voisines; leur exemple engagera les autres a les imiter. Si vous
ne pouvez reussir en vingt-quatre heurs, revenez-vous-en en ville avec les volontaires
qui sont avec vous. Bien convaincu de votre zele, je vous prie d'etre assure de la
parfaite estime avec laquelle je suis &c.
(Histoire Populaire de Montreal, par A. Leblond, Brumath, pp. 261-2, note, from
papers in possession of M. de Beaujeu, no date given.)
( Translation)
Sir,
I have had the honor of receiving your letter this moment. I should have thought,
according to the assurances which had been given me by creditable persons who de-
served my confidence that the Canadians would not refuse to march when they re-
ceived orders on behalf of the King; they are not aware of the harm they caused
by their disobedience. Endeavour my dear Sir to induce the inhabitants of the neigh-
bouring parishes, only, to set off; their example will induce others to imitate them.
If you cannot succeed in twenty-four hours return to the town with the volunteers
who are with you. Well convinced of your zeal, I beg to assure you of the great
esteem, with which I am, etc.
(43)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, August 31, 1775.
A Correspondent has sent us the following Account of a Skirmish happened on Lake
Champlain.
"On Tuesday the 22d Instant, Lieutenant Willington of the 26th Regiment went
'from St. John's with eight Indians in two canoes. Lieutenant Willington with four
'Indians to the West-side of the Lake, to make what Discoveries they could. Upon
'the Return of the four Indians on the East-side of the Lake, in the Evening on this
'side of River La Cole, they discovered a Battoe covered with Branches along the
'Shore, which they took away. On their Way back, about a league this side of
'River La Cole, they were fired upon by about 16 of the Rebels commanded by Cap-
'tain Baker, by which two of the four Indians were wounded; the others returned the
"Fire of the Enemy, but it being almost dark they could not see whether or not they
"had killed or wounded any of the Enemy. Next Morning Major Preston sent our
"Captain Gordon with 25 Indians, 33 Soldiers, and 5 or 6 Volunteers; when they came
"to the Place where the Indians were fired upon the Evening before, they went on
"Shore, and fourfd Captain Baker lying dead, and a place where a Grass Bed had
"been made for a wounded Man at some Distance from the dead Man. The Indians
"cut oif the Head of Captain Baker and brought it to Montreal.
"The Skirmish happening about three Leagues within the Boundary of this Prov-
ince, it is to be hoped the Canadians will feel like Men on the Occasion, and re-
"sent the injury by the Law of Retaliation."
(44)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11, pp. 258-60.
a Messieurs les Habitans du Canada.
Chers Amis & Compatriotes.
Les divers raisons qui engagent aujourd'hui les anciens colonies Angloises de
PAmerique a la facheuse necessite de prendre les Armes et les detestables menees
d'un Ministere tyrannique qui s'obstine a vouloir mettre 1'Amerique aux fers, ont etc
mises dans un si grand jour dans les differens placets, memoires & representations
publiee par ordre du Grand Congres qui represente le corps des dittes colonies que nos
freres, les Canadiens a qui 1'on prepare les memes chaines, qu'a nous, ne sauroient
manquer d'en avoir une parfaite connoissance et de yoir avec plaisir le parti que le
dit Grand Congres a pris de faire marcher une armee en Canada pour en deloger
s'il est possible les troupes de la Grande Bretagne, qui agissant aujourd'hui par les
ressort et sous les ordres d'un Ministere despotique, cherchent a mettre leurs compat-
riotes et freres sous le joug d'une dur servitude.
Mais quelque necessaire que soit une mesure soies persuades, Messieurs, que le
Congres ne se fut jamais determine a la prendre s'il eut en lieu de croire qu'elle vous
eut desagreable; mais jugeant de vos sentimens par les leurs ils ont cru qu'il n'y avoit
qu'une pressant necessite qui put vous porter a essuier les insultes et les outrages
Illustrative Documents 75
qu'on vous fait journellement et voir d'un ceil tranquile preparer les chaines qui
doivent vous enveloper avec nous dans une esclavage comun, et notre posterite la
plus reculee.
Soies done persuades, Messieurs, que le Congres n'a d'autre vue en ceci que de
vous mettre a couvert aussi bien que nous d'un esclavage aussi funeste, de prevenir
le degat que pourroient faire en Canada les troupes du Ministere si elles y restpient
plus longtems, et de vous remettre dans la pleine possession des droits dont doivent
jouir les sujets de PEmpire Britannique de quelque rang et condition qu'ils soient
quelque religion qu'ils professent, et dans quelque lieu de 1'Empire qu'ils resident.
Tels etant come vous ne sauries en douter les sentimens du Congres je me flatte
que vous n'aures pas de peine a croire que je n'ai recu les ordres les plus expres
d'accueiller le plus favorablement qu'il me sera possible chaque habitant du Canada
en particulier et generalement tout partisan de la Liberte; de ne point les chagrin-
er dans la possession de leurs biens; mais au contraire de les proteger dans la pleine
jouissance de leurs privileges temporels & spirituels.
De mon cote, Messieurs, je suis si assure de la bonne disposition ou les troupes
tqui forment mon armee sont envers leurs compatriotes, les Canadiens, qu'ils re-
gardent presentement come leurs freres que je ne crois pas que j'aurais le moindre
occasion de punir une seule offence de ce genre.
Je vient depuis peu de se conclure a Fort Orange, autrement dit Albany un traite
avec les six nations autrement dit les Iroquois. Je suis charg4 de presents consid-
erables pour les distribuer a leurs freres les Caghnawagnas & autres nations sauvages
du Canada. Si quelqu'un d'entr'eux a perdu la vie, j'en un sincere regret, ca ete
commis centre les ordres les plus expres et par les persones mal intentionnees & enne-
mies de la cause honorable et glorieuse que nous soutenons. Je me ferai un plaisir
tout particulier d'enterrer leurs morts et d'essuier les larmes de ceux de leurs parents
qui leur survivent, ce que je vous prie de leur communiquer.
(Signe) Ph. Schuyler,
Major General & Commandant
de 1'Armee des Colonies Unies
de 1'Amerique Angloise.
a I'lsle aux Noix,
le 5e 7bre. 1775.
Endorsed: — Copy of General Schuyler's Manifesto, 5th Sept. 1775.
In Lieut. Gov'r Cramahes, Letter of 24 Sept'r 1775.
(45)
(Probably first week of September, 1775.)
Montreal, Tuesday Evening, five o'clock.
Sir
I have just received your's of this day's date — we are preparing here to give the
Rebels a good reception. You must defend St. John's to the last Extremity — send fre-
quent Parties for Intelligence & communicating to me by Express all that passes —
if a Prisoner cou'd be taken it wou'd be of infinite use — Garden will send you paint,
tobacco, &c. without loss of time — Canoes will be difficult to be got, but I will do my
utmost to supply you. I am raising the Militia — the English Inhabitants are already
under Arms — the Canadian Gentry well disposed & assembling — A few days or Hours
respite will, I hope, enable us to repell all attempts. I am, with fervent wishes for
your Success Sir
Your most faithfull
humble Servant
Major Preston. Rd. Frescott.
(46)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, September 14, 1775.
Account of the Battle happen'd near the Camp at St. John's on the 6th Instant.
Major Preston, of the 26th Regiment, commanding at St. John's being inform'd
that the Rebels, to the Number of 1500, approach'd, with Intention on making a De-
fence, order'd out Capt. Tice, the two Lorimiers, Volunteers, and a Detachment of 60
Indians, to reconnoitre and watch their Motions; they advanced to the Point to the
North-west of the River St. John, where they perceived the Enemy landing and en-
trenching themselves, and at the same time discover'd 600 men in ambush lying on
their Bellies at about 200 paces distance, who fir'd on them, wounded Capt. Tice in the
Thigh, and killed two Indians; thereupon the Lorimiers with their small Detachment
f6 Illustrative Documents
attacked them briskly, kilFd two of their officers, and drove them back to their En-
trenchment, where being reinforced, they again advanced, and an unequal Combat en-
sued, in which an Indian of the Falls of St. Louis kilPd three, and had engaged a
fourth, when he received a Ball in the Thigh; the other Indians animated by his
Example obliged them to quit the Field, where they left several of their dead. How-
ever, confiding in Numbers, they again return'd to the Charge, but the Indians,
flush'd with Success, again charg'd them so vigorously that they retir'd under Cover
of their Entrenchement.
The Indians had four kilPd and as many wounded In the Action, and the Rebels
own'd to the Inhabitants of the Place where it happen'd, that they had forty kill'd
and thirty wounded. The next Day they reimbark'd, and made sail towards Isle aux
Noix.
In consequence of some Dispatches from St. John's, on Thursday last His Excel-
lency the Governor set out for Montreal, as did several of the Members of the Honor-
able the Legislative Council.
On Saturday last Col. Maclean, with the Recruits of the Royal Emigrants, march'd
for Montreal; and Yesterday Morning a Detachment of the 7th Regiment (or Royal,
Fusiliers) arriv'dx here from St. Igan in their Way to the same Place.
On Saturday Evening last at six o'Clock the British Inhabitants muster'd on the
Parade, when his Honor the Lieutenant-governor took them under his immediate Com-
mand, and appointed, Major Caldwell to command under him; and the same Evening
twenty-five Gentlemen Volunteers mounted Guards.
On Sunday Morning at 6 o'Clock four Companies of the Canadian Inhabitants
also muster'd on the Parade in Presence of his Honour Lieutenant-governor, when
His Excellency the Governor's Commission was read to them; and Commissions de-
liver'd to the several Officers; And on Tuesday Morning six other Companies, with
one Artillery, likewise muster'd on the same Place, where their Officers received
their Commissions.
(47)
Montreal, Sept. llth 1775.
Sir
General Carleton is arrived here, I have his direction to acquaint you, that Capt.
Hasen the Bearer, has his authority to raise Men & has his orders to joyn you with
them & put himself under your Command — the General intended paying you a Visit
this morning but an idle Report that the Communication was cut off, prevented him —
he Joyns me in Compliments & good Wishes to you & all with you.
Ever Your's
Rd. Prescott.
Major Preston.
Addressed to
Major Preston,
Commanding at St. John's.
(48)
Montreal, Sept. 15th 1775.
Sir
In addition to the letter wrote to you by General Carleton & sent by Monsieur
Belletre of this day's date, I am to inform you that whenever it may be found neces-
sary to send our Detachments to harrass or attack the Enemy, you will do well to
consult with hin^ upon the best manner of conducting them, as he is an officer of ex-
perience & perfectly acquainted with the manner of carrying War in this Country, &
indeed he is capable of advising upon every measure which may become necessary.
Do not forget giving written Orders to any Messenger you may send here, as
without one they will not be furnished with Boats or Horses. Most faithfully
Your's
Rd. Prescott.
Major Preston.
(49)
16 Sept. 1775.
By the Honble. Hector Theophilus Cramahe, Esq. Lieutenant-Governor of the Prov-
ince of Quebec, &c., &c.
A PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS great Mischiefs and Inconveniences may and are likely to ensue from
permitting Strangers, who may be in the Interest of the Rebels, to resort to the Town
of Quebec, and by that means obtaining and conveying to them intelligence which
may prove highly prejudicial to His Majesty's Service.
Illustrative Documents 77
I do hereby strictly Order and Command all Persons not settled Inhabitants of
this Place who since the Thirty first day of August last have, or who hereafter shall
come into the Town of Quebec, either to repair themselves immediately, or to signify
to one of the Conservators of the Peace, or to such Persons as may from time to time
be appointed for that purpose, their Names and place of abode, together with the
occasion of their coming into the Town, upon pain of being considered and treated as
Spies if they remain therein for the space of two hours without repairing them-
selves or giving notice as aforesaid.
AND I do likewise strictly Order and Command all Tavern keepers, keepers of
Publick houses, and all Persons who shall receive any Stranger or Strangers after the
Publication of this Proclamation, to Report the Name, place of abode, &ca. of all
.such, in like manner to some one or other of the Persons aforementioned within
two hours after the coming of such Stranger or Strangers, upon the like Pain and
Peril as herein before expressed.
GIVEN under my hand and Seal at Arms at Quebec this Sixteenth day of Sep-
tember, in the Fifteenth year of His Majesty's Reign, and in the Year of Our Lord
1775.
In the Absence and by the Order of His Excellency the Governor.
H. T. CRAMAHE.
GOD SAVE THE KING.
16 Sept. 1775.
Par Thonorable Hector Theophile Cramahe, Ecuier, Lieutenant-Gouverneur de la
Province de Quebec, &c., &c.
r. PROCLAMATION.
Comm'il peut arriver de grands malheurs et inconveniens, et qu'il en est prob-
ablement arrive de permettre a des etrangers, qui peuvent etre dans les interets des
Rebels, de Venir dans la ville de Quebec, pour avoir des intelligences et en donner des
connaissances, qui peuvent etre infiniment prejudiciables au Service de sa Majeste.
J'ordonne et je commande vigoureusement, par ces presentes, a toutes personnes
qui ne sont point censes etre habitans de cette place, qui sont arrivees dans la ville
de Quebec depuis le trente-unieme jour du mois d'aout dernier, ou qui y arriveront
par la Suite, de paraitre immediatement en personnes, ou de declarer devant un des
conseryateurs de la paix, ou devant telles personnes qui seront dans aucun terns
nominees a cet effet, leurs noms, le lieu de leurs demeures, et les raisons pour les
quelles ells sont venues en cette ville, sous peine d'etre regardees et traitees comme
Espions, si elles y demeurent 1'espace de deux heures, sans paraitre en personnes ou
donner les connaissances ci-dessues.
Et j'ordonne et commande aussi rigoureusement, a tous hoteliers, cabaratiers et
a toutes personnes qui recevront aucuns etrangers quelconque apres la publication de
cette Proclamation, de donner les noms, le lieu des demeures &ca., de tous tels etran-
gers, de la meme maniere, dans deux heures de 1'arrives de tels etrangers, sous les
memes peines et dangers cy dessus exprimees.
Donne sous mon Seing et le Sceau de mes armes a Quebec ce seizieme jour de
Septembre, dans la quinzieme annee du Reyne de Sa "Majeste, en 1'annee de Notre
Seigneur 1775.
Dans 1'absence et par 1'ordre de son Excellence le Gouverneur.
(Signe) H. T. CRAMAHE.
Traduit par ordre du
Lieutenant Gouverneur.
VIVE LE ROI.
(50)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 11, p. 255.
La Pointe Olivier, le 16 Sept, 1775.
Messieurs.
Vous saurez que Nos Gens sont arrives, avec nous ils vous prient de leur en-
voyer de la Farine. Vous serez bien satisfait de vos depence ils esperent que vos
coeurs se joindront aux leurs qui travaillent pour la continuation de vos biens et
tout autre Droit afirme sous leurs Armes et Consciance. Si vous juges a propos
78 Illustrative Documents
d'entertenir un Amitie fraternel avec eux c'est de vous transporter en milice pour
joindre nos braves Canadiens de la Riviere Chambly le plus promptement que vous
pouves transporte la dite de Paroise ent paroise jusqu'a Quebec.
Par ordre du General Bastonois.
Jas. Livingston.
J. Duggan.
L'adresse est a Messieurs Les Capitaines des Cotes jusqu'a Quebec.
Endorsed: — Copy of a Circular Letter from Livingston & Duggan, 16th Sept'r 1775.
In Lieut. Governor Cramahe's Letter of 24th Sep'r, 1775.
(Translation)
Point Olivier, 16th Sept. 1775.
Gentlemen :
You know that our people have arrived, together with us they request you to send
them flour. You will be well paid for your trouble, they hope that your hearts will
unite with theirs which labor for the protection of your property and all other privi-
leges confirmed by their arms and conscience. If you think proper to maintain a
fraternal friendship with them you should come as a militia to join our brave Canadians
as quickly as you possibly can forward this from parish to parish as far as Quebec.
By order of -the Bostonian General.
Jas. Livingston
J. Duggan.
Addressed to the Captains of parishes as far as Quebec.
(51)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS,,
Series Q, Vol. 11, p. 252.
La Pointe Olivier, ce 18 Sept. 1775.
Messieurs,
Le General Bastonnois ne scait comment vous themoigner sa Reconnoissance, il
voye votre Bon Coeurs et votre Fidelite et il espere que vous transporter prompte-
ment a la Pointe Olivier avec vos Armes afin de pouvoir empecher des flanx que nous
sommes menacees par des Jens qui ne cherche en tout que notre esclavage; mais vous
aves peut comprendre que nos amis Bastonnois cherche a nous rendre maitre de nos
Biens en abolisant des Taxe que Ton veut nous mettre De plus cest le Bien spirit-
uelle qui les anime de prendre nos propres Interest afin d'entertenir avec nous une
correspondence paternelle par ordre du General Bastonay. Je suis avec Respect,
votre &ca.
Jas. Livingston.
N.B. this same Gentleman is from the Province of New York, was licenced as an At-
torney, but has not practiced for some years, turned Wheat Merchant and has lived
upon the Sorell these five or six years.
Endorsed: — Copy of an intercepted Letter, 18th Sep'r, 1775. In Lieut. Governor
Cramahe's Letter of the 21st Sept'r, 1775.
(Translation)
Point Olivier, 18th September, 1775.
Gentlemen :
The Bostonian General desires to testify his gratitude. He is aware of your good-
will and your fidelity and hopes that you will come soon to Point Olivier with your
arms to protect our flanks which are menaced by the people seeking our slavery; but
you should understand that our Bostonian friends desire to make us masters of our own
property by abolishing the taxes which they wish to place upon us. Moreover it is
spiritual good which animates them to look after our interest and to keep up with us
a paternal correspondence by order of the Bostonian General.
I am with respect, yours, etc.,
Jas. Livingston.
Illustrative Documents 79
Vol. 420.
P. 257. (52)
EXTRACT.
GENERAL GAGE TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
Lieut. Colonel McLean has taken pains to raise his Corps of Highland Emigrants
and posted Officers in many of the Provinces to collect them, but the great difficulty is
to transport them to Canada where the Colonel has established his Head Quarters. He
writes from thence that he has recruited 100 men at Quebec and had engaged 400 more
on the Mohock River; who waited opportunity to get to Canada, which will not be easy
as the Rebels have possessed themselves of Lake Champlain.
(53)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. II, p. 261.
Montreal September 21st 1775.
My Lord,
The beginning of this month a body of two thousand Rebels, returned to this
Province. The Militia men formerly warned to hold themselves in readiness were
ordered to march and succour St. Johns. The 7th Inst a landing was made in the
woods above the forts. The Indians, who were there, attacked, and drove them back
to their boats. The rebels, retired to the Isle aux Noix, sent out some parties, who
did us little harm, but their emissaries and friends, who are spread all over the Coun-
try, have injured us very much.
The Canadians w'd not march, a very inconsiderable number excepted, notwith-
standing every effort has been tryed, and every argument urged by the Clergy, the bet-
ter sort of Citizens, and Gentlemen of the Country, who have all manifested great zeal
for the Kings Service; the greatest part of these joined the Militia, and form a Corps
at the fort of St. Johns, not exceeding one hundred, under the Command of Mr. Belles-
lettres. The Rebels have been much more successfull with them, and have assembled
them in greater numbers. The Indians too have left us, and mostly made their peace,
the rest will not act, unless they see the Canadians exert themselves also. The rebels,
succeeding so well, by their friends, returned, and with the assistance of the Canadians
have invested the forts. A few days ago I had hopes of assembling a Corps on the Sor-
ell, and another at La Prairie, either of which might have saved the Province for this
year ; but the friends of rebellion dissipated both by their intrigues and lies. The great
importance of this province, has induced me to be obstinate in its defence, in hopes we
should not be abandonned by all the Earth, and that assistance might come to us from
some quarter: it is now above four months, since the operations against us, first began,
yet we could not fit out our vessels, nor man. them in our weak situation. I shall spin
out matters, as long as I can, in hopes, that a good wind may bring us relief. Yester-
day a party of the rebels came to La Prairie, which greatly alarmed the town, many
thought it time to capitulate, to prevent their being pillaged ; 'they have been laughed
out of this for the present, and as the party retired in the night, all is well for the
hour, I can not answer for the next. I send this by Lord Pitt, who has been a Spec-
tator of this disagreeable scene, and is qualified to give your Lordship a detail of the
several transactions ; and have only to add, that, whatever is our fate, I think that this
war can not be carried on more advantageously, than from hence, and that a body of
ten or twelve thousand men here, early next spring, completely equipped, with some
frigates might greatly change the face of things on this Continent.
I am with much respect and esteem
My Lord
Your Lordships most Obedient and
most Humble Servant
Guy Carleton.
Earl of Dartmouth
Endorsed: Montreal 21st Septr 1775.
Genl. Carleton
R Novr. 2d 177C
Entd.
80 Illustrative Documents
(54)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
\ Series Q. Vol. II, p. 249.
Quebec 21st Septr. 1775.
My Lord!
I am sorry to transmit to your Lordship the disagreable account of a disagreable
Business, some time in the Beginning of this Month, upon News of the Rebel Army ap-
proaching, General Carleton set out for Montreal in great Haste; the 7th instant the
Rebels landed in the woods near St. John's, and were beat back to their Boats by a
Party of Savages incamped at that Place; in this Action the Savages behaved with
great Spirit and Resolution, and had they remained firm to our Interests, probably the
Province would have been saved for this Year, but finding the Canadians in General
averse to the taking up Arms for the Defence of their Country, they withdrew, and
made their Peace.
After their Defeat the Rebels retired to the Isle aux Noix, where they continued
till lately, sending out some Parties, and many Emissaries, to debauch the Minds of the
Canadians and Indians, in which they have proved too successfull, and for which they
were too well prepared by the cabals and Intrigues of these two last years ; We knew of
their being reinforced, and very considerably, I suppose, as they appeared in Numbers
near St. John's last Sunday Evening; where or when they landed, or the Particulars
since, we have but very imperfect Accounts of, all communication with the Forts of
St. John's and Chambli, being, as far as I can find, entirely cut off.
No Means have been left untried to bring the Canadian Peasantry to a sense of
their Duty, and engage them to take up Arms in Defence of the Province, but all to
no Purpose; The Justice must be done to the Gentry, Clergy, and most of the
Bourgeoisie, that they have shewen the greatest zeal and Fidelity to the King's Ser-
vice, and exerted their best Endeavours to reclaim their infatuated Countrymen; some
Troops, and a Ship of War or two, would in all likelihood have prevented this general
Defection.
Some of the King's old Subjects have joined the Rebels, and it were to be wished
all of them, inclined to that cause, had done the same, we should be the safer for it, the
Copy of an intercepted Letter from one of them is herewith inclosed; some Canadians,
I understand, are with the Bostonians upon every Road.
As the ship this goes by sails to morrow very early, I have not time to enter into
particulars, Lt. Col. Maclean with about eighty of his new raised corps, and twenty of
the fusileers, besides a Militia composed of the Inhabitants of the Town, is all that
we have to repair it's Breaches, and defend it; General Carleton, who is still at Mont-
real, has not received a Line from Your Lordship since the 15th of April, or from Gen-
eral Gage since the 3rd of July last.
I have the Honor to be with great Respect
My Lord!
Your Lordship's Most Obedient and
* Most Humble Servant
H. T. Cramahe.
Earl of Dartmouth
One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed: Quebec 12th Septembr 1775.
Lieut. Govr. Cramahe
R. 23rd Octobr
(1 Inclosure)
Entd.
(55)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, September 21st, 1775.
Sunday Morning last the Eleven Companies of Canadian Militia were reyiew'd
on the Parade by His Honor the Lieutenant-governor, when Arms were distributed
to them. His Honor was highly pleased to find the Canadians of this City firmly
resolved to support the Crown and defend their Fortunes against the Rebels. They
had before mounted Guard, besides serving on Patroll.
At the same Time the six Companies of the British Militia of this City were also
reviewed by His Honor the Lieutenant governor, and two Companies of them moun-
ted Guard at six o'Clock in the Evening.
Illustrative Documents 81
Extract of Letter from Montreal, September, 18.
"The Rebels have sent circular Letters to some of the Parishes above, upon the
South Shore, threatening them with Military execution if they do not send to their
Camp fifty men each, completely armed, with four Days Provision, at their own ex-
pence.
"To these they returned a spirited and indignant Answer, and are preparing
to Arm, and join the King's Troops.
"The Canadians appear now to be sensible (and providentially it is not too late)
of the danger they run in giving credit to false promises of Friendship and Union,
or even neutrality from these People, propagated by a set of miscreants, who, while
they are promoting their own Malignant ends, knew they were setting the Repu-
tation, Safety and Welfare of a generous (but deluded) People at Stake, and in-
volving them in certain ruin under pretence of relieving them from imaginary Griev-
ances, fancied dangers, and the oppression of a Government whose Delight and
Glory it has been, and ever will be, to protect, enrich and make the Subject happy.
(56)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 11, pp. 253-4.
Quebec, 24th Septr., 1775.
My Lord,
Since my last of 21st September we have further disagreable accounts from above,
the Roads are become so precarious that we dare not trust Letters of consequence^ t3
the Post, or the couriers usually employed by the Government. The General has
made fresh Efforts to raise a Corps of volunteers and Indians to scour the woods
without being able to succeed.
It would not, however, require I believe, a very considerable Force to send the
Rebels about their Business, the 18th instant a Body of about two hundred, headed
by Attorney Brown, the same who harangued in the Public Coffee House in Montreal
last April as mentioned in one of General Carleton's Letters, was attacked by a Detach-
ment from the Fort at St. Johns of half that number and defeated, the Detachment
was composed of some Troops and Canadian Gentlemen Volunteers who suffered no
very great loss.
The Party at Point Olivier by recent Intelligence, has got down to the Point of
Sorel, and it is said at present to consist of three hundred and fifty or four hundred
men, what their designs are we have not been able to discover, the inclosed copy of
a circular Letter from the Persons who avow themselves the Leaders, it would prove
them to be of no very great consequence, their Major Duggan, formerly a Barber
in this Town, latterly a broken Wheat Merchant and who has resided some years
upon that River, can add no Weight to their cause.
Your Dispatches by the Adamant, dated the 7th June*, 1st and 4th July were
received the 2d instant, the original of that of 7th June has never reached this
Place; upon the contents of these, if the General does not soon return, 1 propose
writing to your Lordship when our present Hurry of Business will allow me.
I have the Honor to be with great Respect, my Lord, your Lordship's most
Obedient and most Humble, Servant.
H. T. Cramahe. ^
Earl of Dartmouth One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State.
*N.B. These Letters contain directions for raising 3,000 Canadians, &c. J.P.
Endorsed: — Quebec, 24th Sept'r, 1775.
Lieut.-Governor Cramahe.
R-25 October.
(1 inclosure.)
(57)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, October, 5th, 1775.
On the 25th September, at nine o'Clock in the morning His Excellency General
CARLETON having received advice that a party of the Rebels had landed near Long-
Point, immediately assembled the Citizens on the Parade; and in a few words rep-
resented to them .the danger the Town was in, and the Necessity of repelling them.
The faithful Citizens of Montreal, both English and French, wanted little persuation;
82 . Illustrative Documents
in a moment the whole Town appear 'd under arms, and the General, taking the ad-
vantage of their martial eagerness sent them out to attack the enemy, under the
command of Major CAMPBELL, together with a party of only thirty-four soldiers from
the garrison under Captain Crawford. After an hour's march they discover'd the
Rebels, who had posted themselves very advantageously behind some houses in the
neighbourhood of Mr. Christie's farm. The Rebels, aided by their situation, suppor-
ted for some time a kind of engagement, but were at length dislodged and totally de-
feated. The loss of the enemy amounted to fifteen men Killed or wounded, and after
their overthrow, from thirty to forty taken prisoners. It is with much regret that
the publick are informed that some Canadians from Chambly were found among the
prisoners, who have since acknowledged that the pitiful Wages of thirty-coppers a
Day, and the prospect of Plunder, induced them to take up arms; the melancholy
Supineness of the Province cannot not but be lamented, and more especially when it
is known to be in power of its inhabitants, by a moment's Exertion, to drive off
those Vagabonds, who come with no other View but that of Plunder and Pillage. On
our Side the loss is small as to the number, but considerable as to the Persons; Major
GARDEN, a brave Man and gallant Officer, is killed. Mr. Alexander Patterson is
dangerously wounded. There are two other Persons killed and three wounded.
Extract of an authentick Letter from Montreal, dated September, 28.
"On the 25th in the morning we were informed that Ethan Allen, with a party
of Rebels and a number of Canadians were landed on this side of Long-Point, with an
intention to march up and attack the town. We lost n<f time, but sent out to meet
them 34 soldiers, 80 English volunteers, and 120 Canadian townsmen. We met them
within three miles or less of the town, where they had taken shelter behind a barn,
trees, and a natural breast-work which the banks of the little river Truteau afforded
them. Our advanced party fired at two or three whom they saw: we never saw above
that number at a time untill they took to their heels, which they did in a short
while after our general fire began. A party of ours pursu'd them and took Ethan
Allen their commander, 17 Yankeys, and 16 Canadians, prisoners. We march'd back
to town destroying every boat and canoe we could find. I know not how many there
was of the enemy; I think I saw about 100, most of them scamper'd towards the
Wood. We killed five of them and wounded ten. On our side we lost Major GARDEN,
had one soldier killed and one man shot through the thigh; Mr. Beaubassin was slight-
ly wounded, and Mr. Alexander Paterson shot through the body as he boldly
advanced towards the Rebels; his Spirit and activity can never be enough commended;
we hope our brave friend will soon recover. This party was to have had thirty
coppers a day, and the town of Montreal for plunder, but if they get it, they'll pay
dear for it."
(58)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, October 19, 1775.
To the PRINTER OF the QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Sir;—
On reading in your paper an account of the skirmish between the Rebels and
Royalists at MONTREAL, on the 25th of September, and thinking it rather imper-
fect, I have endeavoured to give you as a true and perfect an account as possible,
which I shall be glad you'll print in your Paper.
I am, Sir, Yours
NAUTICUS.
On Monday the 25th of September, from day light till 9 o'Clock, were discovered
several canoes passing and repassing, 'twixt Longueuil and the Island of Montreal;
and on enquiry were found to be a party of Yankey Rebels, and Canadians, (who had
join'd them from Chambly River) commanded by Ethan Allen, with intention (as
they themselves confest afterwards) to invest and plunder the city of Montreal;
which greatly alarmed the inhabitants, and occasioned the drum beating to arms.
Immediately the Citizens in general both French and English, by His Excellency the
Governor's direction assembled on the parade, and from thence part of them marched
to the barracks, and after a short parley about eighty of the English Citizens and
one hundred and twenty ;French, joined Major Campbell and Captain Crawford,
with Ensign Campbell and a detachment of about thirty men of the 26th Regiment
twenty of Colonel Guy Johnson's Indian department, with 6 or 8 Savages. The
Troops Led the van, and the Citizens eagerly followed, and marched down the road
to Long-point, destroying every canoe and water carriage as they went along for
fear the Vilains, should escape, soon after an advanced party about ten in number
fell in with the enemy, and found them lodged in houses, barns, behind trees, and in
Illustrative Documents . 83
a natural breast-work formed by the banks of the little river Truteau, where they
sustained a heavy fire for a few minutes before the main-body got up. Then the
general fire began on both sides and continued about fifteen minutes, when the Rebels
gall'd by a constant and steady platoon fire from the Regulars (who were within
sixty yards of them, covered by the gable end of a house) and finding they were
surrounded by a flanking party of our Volunteers, some of them gained way and
the rest followed, and Allen, with thirty-five prisoners were taken. The loss of our
side was Major GARDEN, a brave Officer, who tho' extremely corpulent was one
of the first in the field, and unfortunately received a wound of which he expired in
8 hours after, one volunteer shot; a soldier of the 26th Regiment since dead of his
wounds. Mr. Alexander Paterson shot thro' the body as he boldly advanced towards
the Rebels, this GENTLEMAN'S conduct and courage is worthy of imitation he is
now in a fair way of recovery. The Rebels had five killed on the ifield and ten
wounded, two of which are since dead. In this party there were about one hundred
and fifty who came to a general Skirmish. Several of the Citizens both French and
English distinguished themselves on this occasion; but we cannot help recommending
the behaviour of Mr. Johnson and Mr. Butler of the Indian department, who with
about six or seven volunteers and one savage were the first up with ALLEN'S party,
who being about sixteen in number, threw down their Arms and surrendered, when
Allen immediately delivered his sword to Mr. Johnson.
(59)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, September 28, 1775.
We hear that the beginning of last Week a Party of Soldiers, Canadians, and
some Volunteers, under the Command of Capt. Strong, went out from St. John's and
fell in with about 200 of the Rebels, when a Skirmish ensued, in which about 40 of
the latter were killed and taken prisoners. Capt. Hazen, Ensign Tucker, and a Gen-
tleman of New- York are said to be of the Number- taken.
Last Sunday Evening a Deserter from the Rebels came into Montreal.
Last Tuesday Evening Lord PITT arrived in this City from Montreal.
(60)
(Probably last week of September, 1775.)
Montreal, Thursday
Sir . Afternoon five o'Clock.
I wrote to you about half an hour since by your Express. I desire you will on receipt
of this Letter, order Mr. Hasen to come to Montreal without delay & appear before
me, as he shall answer the contrary at his Peril.
Dear Sir
Your's most faithfully
Major Preston. Rd. Prescott.
A Reinforcement of Canadians & Indians will I hope soon be with you.
(61)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, October 12, 1775.
By the HONORABLE HECTOR THEOPHILUS CRAMAHE, Esq.
Lieutenant-governor of the Province of Quebec, &c., &c.
A PROCLAMATION.
It being absolutely necessary in the present Disorders, to provide in the most
effectual Manner for the Defense of the Town and Province of QUEBEC; And where-
as great Assistance may be derived from the Sailors on Board the Ships and Vessels
in the different Parts of the Province it is hereby Ordered that no Ship or Vessel
now in any Port of the Province, or that shall come into any Port of the Province,
do proceed in her Voyage to England, or elsewhere, before the Twentieth Day of Octo-
ber next; and the Officers employed in the Collection of His Majesty's Customs are
hereby commanded to suffer no Ship to clear out till the aforesaid Time.
GIVEN under my Hand and Seal at Arms at QUEBEC, this 28th day of Septem-
ber, in the Fifteenth Year of His Majesty's Reign, and in the Year of our Lord, 1775.
In the Absence, and by Order of His Excellency the GOVERNOR.
H. T. CRAMAHE.
GOD SAVE THE KING. _*
84 . Illustrative Documents
LA GAZETTE DE QUEBEC.
JEUDI LE 12 OCTOBRE, 1775.
Par 1'HONORABLE HECTOR THEOPHILE CRAMAHE, Ecuier,
Lieutenant-gouverneur de la Province de Quebec, &c., &c.
PROCLAMATION.
Etant absolument necessaire dans les troubles presens, de pourvoir le plus effi-
cacement qu'il est possible a defence de la Province de QUEBEC; Et comm'on peut
retirer un grand secours des matelots des batimens et vaisseaux qui sont dans les
differens ports de cette Province, II est par ces presentes ordonne, qu'aucuns batimens
ou vaisseaux etant presentement dans tous les ports de cette Province, ou viendront
dans quelqu'uns des ports d'icelle, partiront ou feront route pour l'ANGLETERRE,ou
pour tout autre endrpit, avant le vingtieme jour d'Octobre prochain; et il est par ces
presentes commande a tous les officiers emploies dans les Douanes de sa Majeste, de
ne delivrer aucunes expeditions a tous vaisseaux avant le dit terns.
Donne sous mon seing et le sceau de mes armes, a QUEBEC, ce vingt-huitieme
jour de SEPTEMBRE, dans la quinzieme annee du Regne de sa Majeste, et de Tannee
de Notre Seigneur 1775.
Dans 1'absence et par ordre de son Excellence le GOUVERNEUR.
H. T. CRAMAHE.
Traduit par Ordre du Lieutenant-gouverneur.
F. J. CUGNET, S.F.
VIVE le ROI.
(62)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 11, pp. 256-7.
My Lord, .
Lord Pitt brought me the rough Draft of the enclosed from General Carleton,
which I copied fair, and is herewith transmitted to your Lordship in his own words; by
Intelligence received since of the 26th, we have an account that a Party of the Re-
bels having crossed over from Longueuil to Long Point in the Island of Montreal in
the night of the 25th and that morning the Inhabitants of the Town sallied out with
a few Troops at their Head, and met the Rebels about Two Miles from the Town,
when after a pretty smart Engagement, the latter fled and dispersed, five or six and
thirty Prisoners had been brought in, Colonel Ethan Allen, the Commander of the
Party being one of the number. In this Action an old and faithful Servant of the
Crown, Major John Garden, was mortally wounded, since dead, and cannot be too much
regretted, Mr. Alexander Paterson, Merchant, was dangerously wounded, and Mr.
Beaubassin, a Canadian Gentleman, slightly, four or five soldiers and Canadians were
killed and wounded.
The Rebels have in every Parish on their Road plundered the Houses and Farms
of the Gentlemen and Habitans, that had joined the King's Forces. We have many
Reports about this Affair which I do not trouble your Lordship with, as I have not
them from the best Authority.
The Want of Ships of Force to command the Navigation of the River has been so
sensibly felt that I have hired and am arming vessels for that Purpose and have been
obliged to lay an Embargo till 20 October next, upon the Shipping in order to man
them. With the Assistance of Lieut.-Colonel MacLean, who is very zealous and has
been extremely diligent upon the occasion, we have got the Town in a little better
Posture of Defence, to which the Body of eighty stout seamen, besides the number
wanted for the armed vessels will prove no Inconsiderable Reinforcement.
A Copy of the Manifesto published by General Schuyler upon his arrival is here-
with inclosed. It is said that he has returned upon Account of an ill State of Health,
Illustrative Documents 85
perhaps to procure more Forces, and that Mr. Montgomery, formerly a Captain in the
17th, stiling himself Brigadier General, now Commands at the Isle aux Noix.
I have the Honor to be with great Respect,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's
Most Obedient and Most
Humble Servant.
H. T. CRAMAHE,
Earl of Dartmouth, One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed: — Quebec, 30 Sept'r 1775.
Lt.-Gov'r. Cramahe.
R.-Nov'r 2nd, 1775.
(63)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, October 5, 1775.
On Monday last the Artillery Company under Messrs. George Gregory first Lieu-
tenant and John Johnson Second Lieutenant, scaled the Cannon mounted in the diiferent
parts of the Garrison, when 3 twenty-Pounders, 10 twelve-pounders, and 3 nine-poun-
ders were ready for action; and in two or three Days as many more will be in readi-
ness, exclusive of 16 of thirty-six, thirty-two and twenty-four, which may be fit for
action in an hour's time. During the firing the Cannon the Concussion of the Air,
as is supposed, occasioned the falling of an immense Quantity of Rock from the Pre-
cipice behind the Castle of St. Louis into Champlain Street which considerably dam-
aged a house.
On Tuesday last the arm'd Snow, Fell, compleatly equipp'd with 16 nine-poun-
ders, besides Swivels, &c., and 100 true tars, on board of which Commodore NAPIER
hoisted his flag, hauled out into the Stream, and is now moored before this City; and
in two or three Days the Ship, Charlotta, Capt. Littlejphn will be ready; besides two
others already fitted out under the Command of Captain Chabot and Lizot.
Whereas the publick peace and tranquility as well as the Trade and Commerce of
this Province has for some time past been greatly interrupted and almost wholly
impeded by a set of Invaders who have come into the Province, in a hostile manner
and taken up Arms against and attacked His Majesty's Troops, and the peaceable
Inhabitants of this Province, whereby their Lives and Properties have been exposed
to the greatest danger. We the Subscribers, His Majesty's faithful Subjects, being
convinced that the most effectual means to prevent their wicked designs will be to
promote harmony and unanimity among ourselves, Do unanimously resolve and sol-
emnly promise and agree to and with each other respectively that we will, to the utmost
of our Power, oppose their Intentions, and defend our Lives and Properties against
all such Invaders, their Adherents, Associates and Abettors, and that we will make
the cause of each of us the General Cause of the whole. Dated at Montreal the
second Day of October, 1775
(Signed.)
Joseph Bleakley William Kay Rich'd, McNeale
Sam Bernie Simon Evans William Aird
Sam'l Judah Jno. Stenhouse John Wood
John Gregory Jas. Doig Jas. D. White
James Finlay Wm. McCarty Sam'l. Holmes
Michael Phillips Rich'd Walker Allan Paterson
Joseph Howard Alex'r Milmine James Blake
Peter Arnold! Rich'd Pollard Levy Solomons
Thomas McMurray Jacob Jordan Thos. Fraser
L. Genevay Da'd Geddes Edward Chinn
John Burke Alex. Hay Edw. Wm. Gray
Benj'n. Frobisher James Morrison Isaac Todd
Peter McFarlan Robt. Cruickshank John McGill
Jas. Farquharson Sam'l. Morrison Rich'd. Dobie
Solomon Mittleberger Jno. Bell G. Grant
Edw'd Antill John Mittleberger Jno. Porteous
James McGill J. Grant John Thomson
86 Illustrative Documents
Lawrence Ermatinger Henry Edge Ezekiel Solomons
Jas. Stanley Goddard Nath'l Hellish Jacob Vander Heyden
John Lilly Geo. Singleton Hugh Ferries
Thos. Walker, Jun'r. Jos'h. Bindon John Vienne
Alex. Henry John Blake
John Neagle Thomas Burn
Endorsed:— 2nd Oct., 1775.
(64)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11. pp. 307-8.
Deposition of J. Bte. Bruyeres.
Du 4bre 1775.
Jean Bte. Bruyeres de Belair, capitaine de milice de PAssomption, apres serment
fait par devant nous Juges Conservateurs de la paix pour le district de Montreal
depose:
Que le 25 de 7bre d'er le nomme Sene, forgeron du bourg de 1'Assomption en-
voya chercher lui, deposant, par un jeune gargon, nomme PEsperance, apprentif
dud't Sene; lequel lui dit que deux capitaines Bostonnois le demandoient pres de 1'eg-
lise. Qu'il se rendit et vit venir aud't lieu un capitaine ou off icier Bostonnois, es-
corte de deux fusiliers et avec ces trois personnes le Sieur Thomas Walker, marchant
au milieu d'eux.
Que le d't Walker le presente a cet off icier et dit en frangois a lui, le deposant:
Bon jour, capitaine, et lui donna la main, ainsi qu'a plusieurs personnes du village qui
s'etoient rendus au d't lieu. Que de ce nombre etoient le Sieur Durocher, marchand,
Galleneau, habitant, Corbiere, forgeron, et son fils, ainsi que le nomme Neveu, maitre
d'ecole. Que le dit Walker dit au d't Neveu: Retire-toi, coquin, ne te presente jamais
devant moi, car j'aurai soin de toi.
Que Toff icier Bostonnois, qui parloit un peu frangois, dit a lui: Bon jour, Capitain,
voulez-vous me faire le plaisir d'inviter votre monde de venir demain avce moi etre
temoin lorsque je prendrai la ville de Montreal.
Que lui dit le deposant Tepondit qu'il alloit avertir les habitans et fut dans quel-
ques maisons faire ce dont il avoit ete charge, en leur expliquant neanmoins qu'ils ne
devoient tirer sur personne, ne rien entreprendre sur la ville.
Que le lendemain, mardi, 26 dudit mois de 7bre, lui, deposant, alia au portage ou
il vit environ 80 ou cent hommes, sans armes, hors trois seulement qui avpient leur
fusil. Qu'il leur demanda ce qu'ils vouloient faire avec leur fusil, et leur dit qu'il ne
vouloit pas qu'aucun d'eux marchat arme, a quoi ces gens repondirent que leur in-
tention etoit de ne tirer sur personne. Que Walker qui etoit present, dit a lui, d't de-
posant: Capitaine, cela fait rien, que ceux qui ont des armes, les portent; ils pre-
serveront ma maison et mes biens qui sont dans la ville, et me sauveront centre les
gens qui voudroient me piller. Je prierai meme le General Bostonnois de faire en sorte
que la ville ne soit pointe pillee. Qu'alors tout le monde se disperse. Le deposant
n'a rien dit de plus et a signe apres lecture a lui faite de sa deposition.
(Signe) Bruguier.
John Marteilhe, J.C.P.
Hertel De Rouville, J.C.P.
A true Copy. H. T. Cramahe.
Endorsed: — Copy of J. Bapt. Bruyeres
Dep'n. 4 Oct. 1775.
In Lieut. Gov'r Cramahes Letter
of the 9th Nov'r. (8).
(Translation)
Deposition of J. B. Bruyeres.
4th October, 1775.
Jean Bte. Bruyeres de Belair, Captain of Militia for L'Assomption, having made
oath before us, Justices of the peace for the district of Montreal, deposes that on the
25th of September last, one Sene a blacksmith of the town of L'Assomption sent a mes-
' sage to him by a young man named L'Esperance, an apprentice of the said Sene; who
told him that two Bostonian Captains were asking for him near the church. That he
Illustrative Documents 87
went thither and saw a captain or Bostonian officer come to the said place escorted by
two soldiers and with these three persons, Mr. Thomas Walker walking with them.
That the said Walker introduced him to this officer, and said in French to him,
the deponent: Good-day Captain, and shook hands with him, and also, with several per-
sons belonging to the village who had come to the said place. That among these were
Mr. Durocher, merchant, Galleneau, a habitant, Corbiere, a smith, and his son, likewise
one Neveu, a school master. That the said Walker said to the said Neveu : Go away
you rascal, do not show yourself before me, for I will take care of you.
That the Bostonian officer, who spoke a little French, said to him : Good-day, Cap-
tain, will you do me the favor of inviting your people to come to-morrow with me to
look on while I will take the town of Montreal.
That the deponent said to him in reply that he would go and warn the inhabi-
tants, and went into some of the houses to do as he was told, explaining to them, how-
ever, that they must not fire on anybody nor attempt anything against the town.
That on the following day, Tuesday, the 26th of the said month of September, he,
the deponent, went to the Portage where he saw about eighty or one hundred men,
without arms, except three only who had their muskets. That he asked them what
they were going to do with their muskets and said to them that 'he did not wish any of
them to take arms with them, to which these men replied that they did not intend to
fire on anybody. That Walker, who was present, said to him, the said deponent : Captain,
that is nothing, let those who have arms carry them; they will protect my house and my
goods which are in the town, and preserve them from the people who want to rob me.
I will request the Bostonian general to take care that the town will not be plundered.
That afterwards the crowd dispersed. Further the deponent sayeth not and hath
signed his deposition after it was read to him (Signed)
Bruguier,
John Marteilhe, J.C.P.
Hertel de Rouville, J.C.P.
(65)
LA GAZETTE DE QUEBEC.
Monsieur, Jeudi le 5 octobre, 1775.
Vous etes prie de faire inserer dans votre Gazette prochaine 1'ecrit suivant.
MEA CULPA.
Peuple Canadien, ne craignez-vous pas de dire un jour ces paroles MEA CULPA,
de vous avoir laissez seduire et intimider par des coeurs laches et rebels a leur Souver-
ain, et qui ne cherchent qu'a vous rendre aussi-mal-heureux qu'eux; cependant vous
avez du discernement, et une Religion qui vous enseigne le devoir que vous devez a
votre Roi, et qui vous apprend a aimer Dieu et honorer le Roi; Lisez 1'Epitre de
Saint Paul aux Remains, chapitre xiii. verset 5, vous y trouverez par ces paroles
Deum Timete, Regem Honorificate. Vous voyez par ces paroles de 1'Apotre que vou-
loir se dispenser de cette obeissance sur quelque pretexte que ce soit, c'est resister a
1'ordre expres de Dieu, qui a etabli les Rois comme les lieutenants et ses ministres
sur la terre; car il n'y a point de puissance (dit la Sainte Ecriture) qui ne vienne
de Dieu, et comme c'est lui qui a etabli toutes celles qui sont dans le monde, il veut
aussi que tout le monde y soit soumis. C'est done aux ordres de Dieu que vous vous
refusez en vous rendant desobeissants a votre Roy, auquel vous avez tant de graces
a rendre pour tous les biens-faits dont il vous a honore; n'y eut-il que la libre jouis-
sance de votre religion qu'il vous a accorde de sa bonte roialle ; avez- vous done oublie
ses bien-f aits ainsi que les peines qu'a essuye cette illustre personne votre Gouver-
neur, sur les elements les plus perfides, pour vous procurer un bien-etre futur, et
vous ass'urer une jouissance paisible de vos biens. Reflechissez sur votre etat actuel,
et souvenez vous du serment de fidelite que vous avez prete a votre Roi. et vous verrez
que votre conduite n'est pas telle qu'elle devroit etre a son egard; vous reconnoitrez
votre faute mais il sera trop tard, il ne vous restera pour ressources que vos plaintes
et vos gemissements, qui seront toujours accompagne de ces paroles MEA CULPA.
Car pouvez vous croire que ces gens qui deviendront vos maitres (s'ils peuvent),
vous laisseront jouir de la religion que vos ancetres ont professe, et que vous sui-
vrez actuellement ; vous aurez devant les yeux le spectacle le plus affreux, vos
Ministres seront envoyes, vos Eglises pillees et brulees, en un mot il ne restera pas
le moindre vestige de cette Religion qui doit faire tout votre bonheur. Que craig-
nez-vous en prenant le parti du Roi votre pere et le mien? rien, au contraire vous at-
tirez sur vous et votre posterite les graces et les benedictions que le Seigneur a
promis a ceux qui feroient sa volonte.
Illustrative Documents
Seroit-il possible que par un entetement impardonnable, vous voulussiez fletrir et
couvrir de honte pour toujours, le peuple Canadian, qui a etc regarde de tout terns
comme un peuple brave, soumis et fidel a son Roi, ainsi que le reconnoissent vos pres-
ents Ennemis'dans leur lettre du 26 Octobre 1774. Croyez-vous qu'ils auront la
meme opinion de vous (suppose qu'ils deviennent vos maitres) non, ils vous re-
garderont comme des traitres et des parjures, et auront tout juste droit de craindre
que vous leur fassiez un jour ce que vous faites aujourd'huy a celui a qui vous
devez votre vie, vos biens et votre liberte.
Enfin la derniere raison qui doit vous engager (quoiqu'inferieur aux preceden-
tes) cest de voir que des gens auxquels vous n'avez rien fait viennent dans votre
province pour s'emparer de vos biens les armes a la main, sous pretexte d'etre vos
tfien-taiteurs, pensez vous que ces gens demies de vivres et de munitions, vous laisse-
ront jouir tranquillement du fruit de vos travaux, non; ils vous prendront vos
grains, vos bestiaux et tout ce que vous aurez (dont ils auront besoin) qu'ils vous
payeront avec des Billets (qu'ils appellent Province Bills, ou, Bills of Credit), que
±erez vous avec une pareille monnoie? rien. Helas: de quelque cote que je puisse
tourner la tete, je ne vois aucun moyen de liberte qu'en vous rendant obeissant a
votre Roy et le mien, car je suis • Canadian, et le zele que j'ai pour ma patrie m'a
fait hazarder de vous representer le triste etat ou vous etes. Fasse le Ciel? que mes
pemes ne soyent point infructueuses, et que compatriotes puissent lever le voile qu'ils
ont devant les yeux, afin qu'unis de coeur et d'esprit nous puissions chanter pendant
toute notre vie, et dans le Royaume des Cieux, GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO.
CIVIS CANADIENSIS.
(Translation)
The Quebec Gazette.
Thursday, 5th October, 1775.
Sir,
You are requested to insert in your next gazette the following letter.
"MEA CULPA".
People of Canada, do you not fear some day to have to utter these words MEA
CULPA for permitting yourselves to be seduced and intimidated by wicked men and
rebels against their Sovereign who wish to make you as wretched as themselves;
still you have discretion and a religion which teaches the duty that you owe to your
king, and which teaches you to love God and honor the king; read the epistle of Saint
Paul to the Romans Chapter XIII, verse 5, you will find there these words DEUM
TIMETE, REGEM HONORIFICATE. You see by these words of the Apostle that
whoever wishes to dispense with this obedience on any pretext whatever disobeys the
express orders of God, who has established Kings as his lieutenants and his ministers
on earth; for there is no power (saith the Holy Scripture) which comes not from God,
and as he has established all those which exist in the world, he wishes also that every-
body should obey them. It is then the orders of God that you disobey in becoming dis-
obedient to your King, to whom you owe so many thanks for all the favors with which
he has honored you; do you not owe the free enjoyment of your religion to his royal
benevolence; have you then forgotten his favors as well as the pains taken by that il-
lustrious person, your governor, to overcome the most perfidious of elements, to secure
your future welfare and ensure to you the peaceable enjoyment of your property. Con-
sider your actual condition and remember the oath of fidelity which you have taken to
your king, and you will see that your conduct is not what it ought to be in that respect.
You will acknowledge your errors but it will be too late. Your only resource then will
be complaints and groanings, which will always be accompanied by these words MEA
CULPA. For can you believe that these people who will become your masters (if they
can) will allow you to enjoy the religion professed by your ancestors, and which you
actually follow; you will have before your eyes a most frightful spectacle. Your min-
isters will be sent away, your churches plundered and burned, in a word there will not
remain the slightest trace of this religion which ought to make you happy. What do
you fear in taking the side of the king, your father, and mine? nothing. On the con-
trary you will gain for yourself and your posterity the favours and blessings which
the Lord has promised to those who do his will.
Is it possible that by unpardonable stubbornness you wish to disgrace and cover
with shame fqrever the Canadian people who have always been considered a brave peo-
ple, obedient and faithful to their king as your present enemies admit in their letter of
the 26th October, 1774. Do you think that they will have the same opinion of you
Illustrative Documents 89
(supposing they become your masters) no, they will consider you as traitors and per-
jurers and will have good reason to fear that you will one day treat them as you now
treat him to whom you owe your life, your property and your liberty. Finally the last
reason which ought to convince you (although inferior to the foregoing) that these peo-
ple to whom you have done no harm, come into your province to take your property with
arms in their hands under a pretext of being your well-wishers, can you think, that
these people who are without food and ammunition will allow you to enjoy peacefully
the fruits of your labors, no; they will take your grain, your cattle and everything
that you have (of which they have need), and they will pay you with notes; (which
they call Province Bills, or Bills of Credit) what will you do with such money? noth-
ing. Alas; on whatever side I turn I see no way of liberty except in your becoming
obedient to your king and mine, for I am a Canadian and the love I have for my coun-
try causes me to take the risk of representing to you your sad condition. Heaven
grant that my efforts may not be fruitless and that my countrymen may lift the veil
which they have before their eyes so that united in heart and mind we may sing all the
rest of our lives and in the Kingdom of the skies, GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO.
CIVIS CANADIENSIS.
(66)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES, SERIES B. 184-1. Vol. I. pt. I. p. 15.
HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Papers belonging to L'Anglais of the Ecureuils taken the 5th of Sept. 1779, at his
House being orders and received from the Officer of the Rebels in 1775-1776.
Extrait d'une lettre du grand congres au General Schuyler.
Messieurs du Congres sont convaincus de la necessite qu'y a de faire attention a
la situation dans laquelle le Canada se trouve actuellement et se reposant dans cet
affaire sur votre prudence et vos soins ils jugent qu'il n'y a pas de necessite de deputer
a ce sujet aucuns membres de leur corps, du moins pour le present. Ce qu'ils esperent
de vos soin a cet egard ce serait d'engager Messrs, les Canadiens d'acceder a Punion
de nos colonies pour ne faire qu'un Corps avec elles. Pour cet effet il serait apropos
qu'ils se formassent un congres provincial a la fac.on des notres qui soit compose de
membres tirez des suffrages du peuple, de leurs diverses parroisses et district, et que
le dit congres provincial envoye des deputez de son corps Au Grand Congres du conti-
nent, pour y representer leur province et cpmme dans Petat imparfait ou cette pro-
vince se trouve Aujourd'huis, on ne sgaurait guere s'attendre a une election aussi
reguliere qu'elle pourrait 1'etre dans les temps plus tranquilles il faudra se contenter
du choix qui se fera dans les districts ou paroisses que se trouvent se disposees a
s'unir a nous. Vous pouvez les assurer quelques droits et previleges nous tiendrons
autant a coeur que les notres propres, Et qu'une fois qu'ils seront unis a nous nous ne
negligerons rien pour les mettre en possession de leur posterite apres eux, des avan-
tages inestimables qui decoulent d'un gouvernment libre, tels que sont la surete de
leurs personnes, de leurs biens et autres privileges qui emanent de 1'heure se forme
de gouvernement auquel nous avons droits et qui sont les appanages de tous Citoyens
Anglais dans quelque partie de Pimpire qu'il reside. Vous pourez de plus leur declarer
que nous tenons pour sacrer les droits de la confience et qu'ainsi ils auraient grand
tort de supporter que nous, fussions aussi in consequents que de leur contester
jamais le libre exercice de leur religion. Si la divine provdience eu egard a la justice
de notre cause daigne donner heureux succes a vos Armes vous delibererez avec Vos
officiers de Petat Major sur le nombre troupes qui sera necessaire pour le deffence
du Canada et des differentes postes de la grande pointe (au fort St. Frederic) et de
Carrillon et sur la manier la plus convenable de lever les dittes troupes pour le
service pour ces places si vous remarque que le Canadien soit porte d'inclination a
prendre les armes Vous pourez tout de Suitte lever un regiment parmi eux au frais
du Continent et creer tels officiers que vous jugerez leur etre le plus agreable et en
meme temps les plus propres pour le service. L'etablissement d'un gouvernement civil
en Canada est un objet de la derniere consequence et demande les conseils les plus
deliberez car il faut connaitre a fonde Phonneur; le natural avec les circonstances
locals, ou se trouvent nos freres de dittes Colonie avant que de pourvoir rien decider
sur une question si delicate. Vous chercherez done quels pourraient etre eu egard les
sentiments les plus judicieux et de plus discrets d'entre les principaux tant des Cana-
diens que des Anglais etablis parmi eux. Afin de communiquer au congres leur opinion
a ce sujet avec vos remarques.
90 Illustrative Documents
Le congres est resolu quoi qu'il en coute de conserver le commandement du lac
Champlain et Souhaite en consequence qu'on prenne les mesures les plus propres a
cette fin. Et S'il arrivait que nos ennemis se trouvassent reduits a evacuer le ville
de Montreal on ne negligera rien pour s'assurer le fleuve St. Laurent et empecher soit
par navires Batteries et autres obstacles de cette nature que les troupes du ministere
ne regagne cette ville deux ratture nulles.
/ Signe
John Hancock president
Coppie avec 1'ordre du Congres a la pointe aux trembles ce 4e 8bre 1775.
C. N. Desdevens depute
Endorsed: — Avis Du Grand congres le Sieur Pierre L'Anglais Captaine des Ecureuils.
C. N. D.
(67)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, VoL 11, pp. 309-10.
Michel Guillette, habitant de la paroisse de Vercheres, Enseigne dans la com-
pagnie de Quintal, dit qu'il s'est rendu aujourd'hui en cette ville, les autres officiers
et miliciens de la dit compagnie n'etant point partis, comme ils 1'avoient projette.
Que la raison pour laquelle ces habitans ne sont point partis est qu'un nomme
Joseph Casavant dt La Debauche, aussi habitant de Vercheres, est arrive hier matin
de Chambly et a repandu dans la paroisse le bruit que le nomme J. Bte. Testreau,
habitant de St. Charles, attache au parti des rebelles, lui avoit fait voir un ordre du
chef des dts rebelles a St. Charles, par lequel ordre il etoit commande au dit Test-
reau de se mettre a la teste de cent cinquante hpmmes et d'aller prendre prison-
niers les Sieurs Malhiot, St. Laurent et un troisieme dont il ne se rappelle pas le
nom. Qu'il a sc,u ces particularites par le nomme Joseph Amiot, forgeron, au dt Ver-
cheres, qui lui a dit les tenus du dt Joseph Casavant dt La Debauche; auquel lui dit
deposant n'a pas parle mais qui le dit Amiot, aussi que le capitaine Quintal et plus-
ieurs autres qui etoient disposes a partir pour se rendre en cette ville, ont dit a lui,
deposant, que ces bruits leurs faisant craindre que leurs maisons ne fussent pillees
et ruinees, si le dit Testreau effectuoit 1'ordre dont il s'est dit charge; ils ont pris la
resolution de rester ches eux quoiqu'ils ayant dit a lui, deposant, qu'ils se rendroient
a leur devoir lorsque le bruit repandu dans la dite paroisse de Verchehes, seroit
prouve faux. Que lui, dt Deposant, n'a pas ose, pour cette meme raison apporter
avec lui son fusil, leur disant qu'il venoit pour s'instruire ici la verite, et qu'il iroit
les desabuser si il lui etoit permis.
Ne dit rien de plus, et apres serment par lui fait sur les Sts. Evangiles a dit
que sa declaration est veritable, et a fait sa marque ordinaire declarant qu'il ne sc,ait
signer, a Montreal le 9 8bre.
de
Marque x Guillette.
Ml.
Affirme veritable pardevant moi, Pun des Juges conservateurs de la paix pour le
district de Montreal expressement charge de ce faire par son Excellence le Gouverneur
de la Province au dt Montreal les Jours et au que dessus.
(Signe) Hertel de Rouville.
(a true copy.)
Endorsed :— Copy of Michel Guillette's Deposition, 9th Octr. 1775.
In Lieut. Governor Cramahe's Letter of the 9th Novmr.
(Translation)
Michael Guillette, an inhabitant of the parish of Vercheres, an ensign in Captain
Quintal's company, states that he came to town to-day, the other officers and militia-
men of the said company not having started as they had intended.
That the reason why these habitans have not come is that one Joseph Casavant
called La Debauche, also an inhabitant of Vercheres, arrived there yesterday morning
from Chambly and spread in the parish a report that one J. Bte. Testreau, an inhabi-
tant of St. Charles belonging to the rebel party, had shown him an order from the chief
of the said rebels at St. Charles, by which order he had commanded the said Testreau to
put himself at the head of one hundred and fifty men to go and make prisoners of
Illustrative Documents 91
Messrs. Malhiot, St. Laurent, and a third, whose name he does not remember. That
he learned these particulars from one Joseph Amiot, a smith at the said Vercheres, who
told him that he had received them from the said Joseph Casavant, called La Debauche,
with whom the said deponent had not talked, but whom the said Amiot as well as Cap-
tain Quintal and several others who had intended to come to this town, had told him,
the deponent, that these reports made them fear that their houses would be plundered
and destroyed, if the said Testreau executed the order he had received ; they had come
to the resolution to remain at home, although they had told him, the deponent, that
they would perform their duty if the report spread through the said parish of Ver-
cheres, was incorrect. That he, the said deponent, had not dared, for the same reason,
to bring with him his musket, telling them that he would come here to learn the
truth, and that he would return to give them true information if he was permitted.
Further he sayeth not and after making oath on the Holy Gospels, has stated that
his declaration is true, and has made his usual mark declaring that he did not know
how to write, at Montreal the 9th October.
of
Mark x Guillette
Ml.
Declared to be true before me, one of the justices of the peace, for the district of
Montreal, particularly authorized so to do by His Excellency the Governor of the pro-
vince, at Montreal the day above stated.
(Signed) Hertel de Rouville.
(68)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA, COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 11, pp. 301-.
Province de Quebec
district de Montreal.
Pardevant nous commissaires etablis par son Excellence le Gouverneur est com-
paru Joseph Deschamps, habitant et passager de la Seigneurie de Repentigny, lequel
apres serment par lui fait sur les Saintes Evangiles de dire verite, a depose que
vers le commencement du mois de Juin dernier, Mr. Thomas Walker, marchand, de-
meurant a PAssomption, vint ches lui, et lui demanda s'il sc.avoit des nouvelles; Que
le deposant lui ayant repondu qu'il n'en sc.avoit aucune, le dit Thomas Walker
lui dit, Eh, bien, moi, j'en s^ais et suis en etat de vous les apprendre; Qu'auss-
itot lui dit que les Bostonnois venoient en grand nombre et que la ville de Montreal
seroit pris avant peu, Que ces memes Bostonnois ne venoient pas dans le dessein de
faire du mal a personne au contraire; ma is que ceux qui prendroient les armes con-
tre'eux feroient fort mal. Qu'il conseille au deposant d'avertir les habitants de sa
connoissance de prendre garde a eux, et de ne pas se meler dans cette querelle.
Qu'environ quinze jours apres le deposant allant dans le haut 1'Assomption pour
voir son beaufrere arreta a la maison du dit Thomas Walker qui lui demanda encore
s'il s^avoit des nouvelles; a quoi le deposant lui repondit que non. Que le dit Thomas
Walker lui dit qu'il ne falloit pas que les habitans remuassent et prissent les armes
contre le Gouvernement, parce que ceux qui seroient dans ce cas s'en trouveroient
tres mal. Que la Dame Walker qui etoit presente dit a son mari: Prenez garde, Mr.
Walker, vous parlez trop; vos paroles pourroient vous nuire.
Que le lundi vingt cinq du mois de Septembre dernier, jour auquel le parti des
rebelles fut attaque et defait pres cette ville, le nomme Piquet, traversier du bout de
celle isle de Montreal, et son engage conduisant ches le deposant deux hommes ar-
mes, Que le dit Picquet lui ayant crie du milieu de la traverse de Repentigny d'at-
teler sa voiture; ils la trouveront preste en arrivant ches lui. Que le deposant les
ayant vus et lui paroissant etrangers; il lui demanda au dit Piquet qui les etoient;
lequel lui dit que c'etoit des Bostonnois; ce qui lui fut confirme par Tun des deux
etrangers, Accadien, lequel servoit d'interprete fran^ois a 1'autre, qui Ton lui dit etre
un off icier Bostonnois; que ce pretendu off icier etoit vetu d'un capot de couverte et
avoit une plume a son chapeau.
Que le deposant dit a ces etrangers qu'ils ne pouvoit pas les conduire a moins
qu'ils n'eussent un ordre; quoi, PAccadien dit au deposant, C'est Monsieur, qui vous
commande a present; Qu'ayant persiste a dire qu'il ne pouvoit mener personne sans
ordre, Piquet lui dit: Deschamps que voulez-vous faire contre des hommes armes;
Qu'il n'avoit alors aucun de ses engages ches lui et que sa femme 1'ayant prie de ne
pas resister, il les conduisit dans sa voiture ches le dit Thomas Walker a PAssomp-
tion.
92 Illustrative Documents
Qu'avant d'arriver ches le dit Thomas Walker, ces etrangers demanderent au de-
posant ou demeuroit le Sieur Correy ; que leur ayant dit qu'il lui sgavoit ils resterent
sur le chemin, vis-a-vis leglise et envoyerent le deposant sur le bord de la riviere crier
au dit Correy de se rendre ches le dit Thomas Walker.
Que ce pretendu officier Bostonnois etant arrive ches le dit Walker s'arrete hors
de la maison pour quelque besoin; que PAccadien ayant parle a la Dame Walker en
Anglois, elle entr'ouvrit sa porte au moment que Correy traversoit la riviere. Que
Pinstant apres la dite Dame ouvrit sa porte entierement et introduisit ces deux etran-
gers dans sa maison, dans laquelle Correy entra Pinstant apres, que le dit officier
donna la main a Correy. Que le dit Thomas Walker n'etoit pas alors ches lui; que
son epouse envoya un negre le chercher dans son champs, et que s'appercevant que le
negre :n'alloit pas asses vite, elle prie le deposant d'aller avertir le dit Sieur Walk-
er que deux Messieurs Bostonnois le demanderoient; qu'il y alia; et que le dit Walk-
er, auquel il fit cette commission lui dit: Prenez garde a ce que vous dites, a quoi le
dit deposant repliqua: cela est ainsi.
Que le dit Thomas Walker etant rendu a sa maison, entra dans une chambre
separee avec le dit officier Bostonnois, avec lequel il reste enferme environ une demi
heure; qu'ensuite il rentra dans Pappartement ou etoit le deposant avec six a sept
autres habitans de PAssomption et dit hautement, parlant aux dits habitans : n'est il
pas vrai que j'ai trois a quatre cents habitans a ma disposition? A quoi les dits as-
sistans repondirent unanimement: Oui, Monsieur et nous aussi. Que de ce nombre
etoit Amable Jean Vaine, le nomme Regis, Joseph Raimond, un autre Jean Vaine,
cousin du premier, qu'il ne connoit pas les autres par leurs noms, mais seulement
de vue. Que dans le meme moment le dit Accadien qui servoit d'interprete et suivroit
1'officier Bostonnois, pria ces memes habitans qui etoient dans la chambre d'aller dire
aux Accadiens etablis a PAssomption de le venir voir au dessus de la Longue Pointe,
ajoutant qu'il y avoit parmi ces Accadiens plusieurs de ses parens.
Que le dif Sieur Walker se renferma encore avec le dit officier Bostonnois. lequel
peut avoir reste ches le dit Thomas Walker Pespace d'environ une heure et demi de
terns. Qu'ensuite PAccadien et le dit Thomas Walker dirent au deposant d'aller
passer sa caleche a une bacq qui etoit plus haut. Qu'avant de partir le dit Accadien
dit aux habitans eres nommes : Venez-vous voir, nous serons au dessus de la Longue
Pointe; Que Poff icier Bostonnois donna la main a tous les habitans qui se trouverent'
ches le dit Thomas Walker.
Que le deposant se rendit ches le dit Correy, ou Pofficier Bostonnois et le dit
Thomas Walker arriverent Pinstant apres ; Que Correy avoit pris le devant et y etoit
rendu avant eux. Qu'il vit a la port du dit Correy les nommes Belair, capitaine de
milice, Galineau et divers autres qu'il ne peut dire les noms.
Que Pofficier Bostonnois et PAccadien se mirent dans la caleche du deposant ou
le dit Thomas Walker vint les conduire. Qu'etant parti et etant a environ un demi
arpent de la maison du dit Correy, ce dernier fit arreter la caleche et parla en An-
glois a Pofficier Bostonnois.
Qu'etant arrive pres de la demeure de Mile La Valterie, les deux etrangers ren-
contrerent les cures de St. Sulpice et PAssomption; que Pofficier Bostonnois fit arret-
er la caleche, et descendit pour les saluer, et parla en Anglois au cure de PAssomp-
tion. Que le deposant entendit que PAccadien dit a ces Messieurs : Nous sommes cent
hommes au dessus de la Longue Pointe. Que les deux etrangers arreterent ches le
nomme St. Germain, ou ils burent une bouteille de vin, et auquel PAccadien dit qu'ils
etoient huit mille hommes.
Que de la il conduisit ces etrangers a sa maison et les fit ensuite traverser par
un homme qu'il avoit ches lui au bout de Pisle lequel homme les conduisit au pied
ches le nomme Dubreuil, maitre de poste. Que ces etrangers ayant appris ches cet
habitant la defaite de leur parti revinrent ches le nomme Piquet qui les traverse a Pisle
Ste Therese.
Ajoute le deposant qu'il se rappelle que lorsqu'il f ut de retour de PAssomption,
et arrive ches lui, PAccadien, interprete lui demanda s'il ne traverseroit pas les Ac-
cadiens que lui deposant repondit qu'en payant il les traverseroit. Qu'il demanda au
nom. Ajoute le deposant que Pofficier Bostonnois a mange et bu ches le dit Thomas
Walker. Dit en outre que le dit Thomas Walker etant a la porte de la maison du dit
Correy dit au nomme Neveu de PAssomption, qui passoit: Retire toi, coquin, j'aurai
soin de toi et te reconnoitrai, et n'a rien dit de plus.
Illustrative Documents 93
Fait a Montreal le dix Octobre mil sept cent soixante quinze; le dit deposant
ayant declare ne savoir signer, a fait sa marque ordinaire, apres lecture a lui faite
de sa deposition.
sa
Joseph x Deschamps.
marque.
Affirme devant nous. Hertel de Rouville.
(Signe) Lemoine.
Pre Panet.
(a true copy.) H. T. Cramahe.
Endorsed: — Copy of Joseph Deschamps Deposition at Montreal, 10th Octr. 1775.
In Lieut. Governor Cramahe's Letter of the 9th Novemr.
(7).
f Translation)
The deposition of Joseph Deschamps.
Province of Quebec.
District of Montreal.
Before us Commissioners, appointed by His Excellency the Governor, hath ap-
peared, Joseph Deschanps, a habitant and teamster of the Seigniory of Repentigny,
who after making oath on the Holy Gospels to speak the truth hath deposed that about
the beginning of the month of June last, Mr. Thomas Walker, merchant living at L'As-
somption, came to his house and asked him if he had heard the news; that the deponent
having replied that he had not, the said Mr. Walker said to him. Well then I have and
can tell you ; that he told him that the Bostonians were coming in great numbers and
that the town of Montreal would be taken in a little while, that these same Bos-
tonians did not come with the intention of doing harm to anybody, but on the con-
trary; but that those who took arms against them would do very wrong. That he
advised the deponent to warn the inhabitants of his acquaintance to take care and not
mix up in the quarrel.
That about fifteen days after, the deponent going into the upper part of L'As-
somption to visit his brother in law stopped at the house of the said Thomas Walker
who asked him again if he had heard any news, to which the deponent replied that he
had not, that the said Thomas Walker said to him that should the inhabitants not
rise and take up arms against the government they would find themselves badly off.
That Mrs. Walker who was present said to her husband: take care Mr. Walker, you
talk too much; your words may do you harm.
That on Monday the 25th of September, the day on which the rebel party was
attacked and defeated near this town, one Piquet, the ferryman from the end of this
island of Montreal and his hired man, brought over to the house of the deponent
two armed men, that the said Piquet having called out to him from the middle of the
ferry of Repentigny to hitch up his carriage; they found it ready on arriving at his
house. That the deponent having seen that they appeared to be strangers asked the
said Picquet who they were; he said that they were Bostonians; which was confirmed
by one of the two strangers, an Acadian,, who acted as a French interpreter to the
other, who he said was a Bostonian officer wore a blanket overcoat and had a feather
in his hat. That the deponent said to these strangers that he could not drive them
unless they had an order; what, the Acadian said to the deponent, It is this gentleman
who commands you now; that having persisted in saying that he could not convey
anybody without an order, Piquet said to him: Deschamps, what can you do against
armed men; that he had none of his employees with him and his wife having beg-
ged him not to resist, he conveyed them in his carriage to the house of the said
Thomas Walker at L'Assomption.
That before arriving at the house of the said Thomas Walker, these strangers
asked the deponent where Mr. Correy lived; having told them that he knew him, they
stopped on the road opposite the church, and sent the deponent down to the bank of
the river to call out to the said Corey to go to the house of the said Thomas Walker.
That this alleged Bostonian officer having arrived at the house of the said Walker
stayed outside of the house for some personal need; that the Acadian having talked
with Mrs. Walker in English, she half opened the door at the moment when Corey
crossed the river. That a moment after the said lady opened her door entirely and
admitted these two strangers into her house, into which Correy entered a moment
after. That the said officer shook hands with Correy. That the said Thomas Walker
was not at home. That his wife sent a nsgro to look for him in the fields, and that
94 Illustrative Documents
observing, that the negro did not go fast enough she begged the deponent to go and
warn the said Mr. Walker that two Bostonian gentlemen were asking for him; that
he went; and that the said Walker, to whom he gave this message, said to him: take
care what you are saying, to which the said deponent replied, that is a fact.
That the said Thomas Walker having gone to his house, went into a room apart
with the said Bostonian officer, with whom he remained shut up for about half an
hour; that afterwards he returned into the room where the deponent was together
with six or seven other inhabitants of L'Assomption, and said in a loud voice, speaking
to the said inhabitants: is it not true that I have three or four hundred inhabitants
at my disposal? to which the said persons replied unanimously, yes sir and we also.
That among the number were Amable Jean Vaine, one Regis, Joseph Raimond, an-
other Jean Vaine, cousin of the first, that he did not know the others by name, but only
by sight. That at the same time the said Acadian who acted as interpreter and accom-
panied the Bostonian officer asked these same inhabitants who were in the room to
go and tell the Acadians settled at L'Assomption to come and see him above Long
Point, adding that among these Acadians there were several of his relatives.
That the said Mr. Walker again shut himself up with the said Bostonian officer
who may have remained at the house of the said Thomas Walker about an hour
and a half. That afterwards the Acadian and the said Thomas Walker told the
deponent to go and take across his carriage at a ferry higher up. That before leaving
the said Acadian said to the before named inhabitants : come to see us, we will be above
Long Point; that the Bostonian officer shook hands with all the inhabitants who were
at the house of the said Thomas Walker.
That the deponent went to the house of the said Correy where the Bostonian offi-
cer and the said Thomas Walker arrived the moment afterwards; that Correy had gone
on before and arrived there before them. That he saw at the door of the said Correy's
house, one Belair, a Captain of militia, Galineau and several others whose names he
cannot remerriber.
That the Bostonian officer and the Acadian got into the deponent's carriage to
which the said Thomas Walker came with them. That having started and being
about half arpent distant from the house of the said Correy, the latter stopped the
carriage and spoke in English to the Bostonian officer.
That having arrived near the house of Mile. La Valterie, the two strangers met
the cures of St. Sulpice and L'Assomption; that the Bostonian officer stopped the
carriage and got out to salute them and spoke in English to the Cure of L'Assomption
That the deponent heard the Acadian say to these gentlemen, we have a hundred
men above Long Point. That the two strangers stopped at the house of one St.
Germain, where they drank a bottle of wine, and to whom the Acadian said that they
had eight thousand men; that thence he took these strangers to his house and had
them ferried across afterwards to the end of the island by a man whom he had
there, which man took them on foot to the house of one Dubreuil, a postmaster.
That these strangers having learned of the defeat of their party, at this man's
house, returned to the house of the said Piquet, who ferried them over to the Island
of St. Therese.
The deponent added that he recollected that when he returned from L'Assomption
and had arrived home, the Acadian interpreter asked him if he would not ferry over
the Acadians and the deponent replied that if they paid him, he would ferry them
over. That he asked the said Acadian why he put this question? he replied that
he hoped that several of them would come to see him. That he did not know the
name of this Acadian; that he had heard the name of the Bostonian officer who they
said was a Captain, but did not remember it. The deponent added that the Bostonian
officer had eaten and drunk at the house of the said Thomas Walker. Further that
the said Thomas Walker being at the door of the said Correy's house said to one
Neveu of L'Assomption, who was passing; go away you rascal, I will take care of
you, and will remember you and further he sayeth not. Made at Montreal the 10th
October, 1775; the said deponent having declared that he did not know how to write
his name has made his usual mark after his deposition was read to him.
Joseph Deschamps
Affirmed before us,
Hertel de Rouville.
(Signed) Lemoine.
Pre. Panet.
Illustrative Documents 95
(69)
Vol. 279, P. 247.
GUY JOHNSON TO LORD DARTMOUTH.
Montreal, 12th October, 1775.
My Lord: —
The uncommon trouble and various Difficulties I met with in the Discharge of
my Duties the last Summer, together with the uncertainty of Events prevented my
writing to your Lordship for some time past, and indeed there only offered a Single
opportunity since I came into the Province, however I would not let the vessel sail at
this time without doing myself the Honor of giving .your Lordship a brief sketch of
my past Transactions, hoping to lay the whole before you more fully in a Little time.
Finding in May last that all necessaries for the Indians were stopped by Order
of Committee, and myself threatened with an Attack from a Considerable force, and
having then received secret Instructions and despatches from General Gage respecting
the measures I had to take I left home the last of that month, and by the help of a body
of White men and Indians arrived with great difficulty at Ontario where (in a little
time) I assembled .1458 Indians and adjusted matters with them in such a manner,
that they agreed to defend the Communication, and assist His Majesty's Troops in
their Operations. The beginning of July I set out for this place, with a chosen body
of them and Rangers to the number of 220: not being able to get any Craft, or even
provisions for more, and arrived here the 17th of the month and soon after convened
a second body of the Northern Confederates to the Amount of 1700, and upwards who
entered into the same engagements, notwithstanding they had declined coming in some
time before on Governor Carleton's requisition, their minds having been corrupted
by New England Emissaries and most of them discouraged by the backwardness of
the Canadians. These Indians remained encamped for a considerable time waiting
the motion of Troops, and I detached from them about 100 Indians to serve as Scouts
and Covering Parties to the Troops at St. Johns, who were then exposed. These
Indians had several Skirmishes with the New England ers, in which they killed Capt.
Baker, an outlaw of N. York, and a very daring and dangerous Rebel, who was
returning to the Enemy with a particular State of the force at St. Johns.
The Preparation for the Defence of this Province and the annoyance of the Enemy
going very slowly, thro' the prejudices of the Canadians, and the want of influence
among the Noblesse, and Governor Carleton not judging it expedient to permit the
Indians to pass the Limits of the Colony, the latter after a stay far beyond what is
usual with Indians, began to return to their respective Countries giving Assurances
of their readiness to return whenever there was a prospect of Troops, or Military
Operations, leaving me with however a body of about 500 in three camps.
On the 6th of September the Rebel Army advanced in View of St. Johns, and
the first Division consisting of about 700 men under a General Montgomery began to
land near that place. On which the Indians were marched out, and tho' unsupported
by army Troops &c., gave them so warm a reception that after being twice repulsed
they retired with precipitation with the loss of about 100 killed and wounded, on our
side one of my Captains was shot through the thigh, and 6 Indian Warriors killed
and as many wounded. The number of Indians in that Action was under 90 and at
that time I had in different encampments 403 of the several nations. This my Lord,
was the Critical time for striking such a blow as would have freed the Country of
these Invaders and greatly contributed to assist General Gage's operations, but
such was the Infatuation of the Canadians that they could not with all General
Carletons endeavors be prevailed upon, even to defend their Country, and the Enemy
after a pause of some days at Isle aux Nois returned Invested the small body of
Regulars at St. Johns, cut off all Communcation with it and Montreal, and Scattered
their parties thro' the Country, some of whom came within sight of the City, whilst
the Indians disappointed at finding none to Co-operate with them, began to take
measures for their own Security and many of them retired. During all this time
the Enemy employed their most fitting Officers with parties to draw in the Cana-
dians to joyn them, and numbers did so. Encouraged by this, and relying on some
persons said to be disaffected in the City. Allen their most daring Partizan advanced
with a body of about 140 Rebels very near Montreal which was thrown into the ut-
most confusion, a body consisting of some Regulars, Volunteers and 32 officers and
men of my Department with a few Indians marched to oppose them on the 25th of
Sept. and engaged them within less than three miles of the Gates where the Rebels
were defeated and Col. Allen being vigorously pressed by those of my Corps sur-
rendered to Mr. Johnson one of my Officers.
96 Illustrative Documents
This small affair promised great Consequences and had the Governor been able to
pursue it immediately, this Colony would now have been freed from the distress under
which it has long laboured, but the Canadians have not as yet come in in such numbers
as to answer the design of Government and the season being very far advanced in
the Cold Climate, the few remaining Indians propose to return home in a day or two.
This my Lord is but a hasty Sketch of the Summer past, every part of which
would require much Enlargement and therefore finding my Person proscribed, my
Estate advertised for Sale and nothing to be done till next May, I have judg'd it best
after regulating the Affairs of the Department and posting my Officers in proper
places for preserving the friendship of the Indians, to pay my personal respects to
your Lordship, receive His Majesty's Commands, and fully explain the several mat-
ters required of me in your last Letter, as well as several other things of Such
Essential Importance and requiring such immediate regulation that when I have the
Honor of an Interview myself your Lordship will be fully satisfied with the propriety
of this measure.
As the nature of the service I had to perform in persuance of the General's
Instructions occasioned an expence far exceeding the ordinary peace establishment
of the Department I have after Consultation with Governor Carleton, as there is no
money to be had here and the Communication with General Gage over for the Season
found it necessary to satisfy those who have supplied me with Cash and Goods by
giving two or three Orders on the Lords of the Treasury in which I hope to be justi-
fied from the peculiar situation of Affairs here and Circumstances which I can fully
explain, and your Lordship may be Assured that I shall take every possible measure
for promoting the Interests of Government with the Indian Nations during my
necessary Absence.
I have the Honor to be with the utmost respect.
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient and most faithful humble Servant.
The Rt. Honble,
The Earl of Dartmouth.
The Indians who live in the Neighborhood of this % City have assur'd me that
should any body of Troops advance against the Rebels, Late as the Season is, they
will joyn them.
(70)
EXTRACTS from the Records of Indian Transactions under the Super-Intendency of
Col. Guy Johnson during the year, 1775.
Col. Johnson having early Perceived that the different Colonies were about to
follow the example of the Massachusetts Bay and finding that various measures were
taking by New England Missionaries and other to alienate the affections of the Indians
and Spirit them up to bad purposes he Communicated the same to Lord Dartmouth
in march and soon after sent messengers to call the Six Nations, &c., to a General
Congress. The 14th of may he Received by Express an acco't that a party of New
Englanders were on their way to make him prisoner on which he fortified his house
and kept a large Guard at a Considerable Expence, a few days after he found that his
Expresses to the Indians had been "stopped and the purport of his messages altered
and that the provisions, &c, his Agent had provided at New York were seized together
with the Ammunition and Goods he was providing for the intended Congress, finding
this and that his Communication with the Indians would soon be totally obstructed
he Resolved to proceed to the Westward (with such presents as he then had) and
meet them in their own Country while it remained practicable and during his Pre-
paration for this secretly received a dispatch from General Gage containing Instruc-
tions, he then with such of the Mohacks as were at home and a body of armed White
men making together about 250 marched to the upper Settlements under every Cir-
cumstance of Difficulty and leaving all his property at the discretion of the mis-
guided populace, from thence he proceeded to Fort Stanwix where he met 250 Oneidas
and Oughgaugas (?) with whom he held a conference but was obliged to take
leave of them for want of provisions the whole Country being then in Arms behind
him and no possibility of obtaining supplies from thence he accordingly wrote to the
Commanding Officers at Niagara and Oswegatchy (?) for Vessels and provisions and
on the 17th of June he arrived at Ontario to which place he had directed them to be first
sent and where one small Sloop shortly arrived with 90 Barrels which tho' all that
could be spared from Niagara was very unequal to supplying the Indians who Assem-
bled there in a few days to the No. of 1458 with about 100 White men including
the Officers of the Department, from the State of the Country and the Vilianious
Illustrative Documents 97
Stories Propagated it required some time with great skill and influence to remove
false reports and fix the Indians heartily in the Interests of the Crown he however
had the good fortune at Length to bring them to resolve to co-operate with His
Majesty's Troops in the defence of the Communication and waters Emtying into the
River St. Lawrence and in the Annoyance of the Enemy and also to send their band
of warriors present with him to Montreal, to inspire their dependants there with the
same Resolutions, he also procured the like engagements from the Huron Chiefs of
Detroit who attended the Congress which they very faithfully observed and thereby
prevented the Design of the Virginians against that Country as the papers in his
hands will shew, — after which he delivered them a handsome present and a parcel
of New Arms, &c., and his provisions being nearly Exhausted prepared to proceed
to Montreal but the Indians having few canoes and those unfit for Crossing the Lake
he was obliged to set out July llth with the Sloop and four or five Small Boats
Carrying together 220 White men and Indians the Remainder of the Latter being;
necessitated to return home for want of craft to Transport them, after giving him as-
surances of their readiness to follow when called upon. Col. Johnson on his landing
at Montreal July 17th with 220 Indians from Ontario he had immediately an Interview
with General Carleton to whom he Communicated his Information and Design to As-
semble the Indians in that Country to join those that had accompanied him, he also
acquainted him with the Accounts he had received of the preparations making by the
New Englanders at Ticonderoga and that they Considered Canada as an Essential
Object, adding that it would be Extremely Necessary to put the Indians as soon as
possible in motion as they were unaccustomed to remain Long Idle. The General
observed that he had only a slender Force of Regular Troops, and that the Province
of Quebec must depend on the Canadian Militia that he had some hopes in a Little
time of Assembling a good Body of them and that the Indians must in the mean
time be amused in the best manner that could be found as he did not think it prudent
to let them go beyond the 45th deg. of Lat. or over the Province Line. Col. Johnson had
proposed to hold his conference with the Indians at La Chine to prevent the Int2m-
perance to which they must be exposed at Montreal and the Indians were so sensible
of this that they were prevailed on with difficulty to come into town to oblige General
Carleton who wanted to see them there. On the 26th of July the Indians all assembled
pursuant to Col. Johnson's summons and finished their Business on the last of the
month when their number amounted to 1664 who readily agreed to the same mea-
sures engaged by the Six Nations after receiving a valuable present were disposed
of in different camps on the Island of Montreal, an Indian Officer and thirty men were
also sent to St. Johns to remain there at the desire of General Carleton, On the 5th
of August the Indian Officer at St. Johns informed Col Johnson of his having dis-
covered a Large Body of the Enemy near Pt. au fer (above St. Johns on Lake Cham-
plain) who fired on his party and of the eagerness manifested by the Indians to form
a Large Body and go against them. Col. Johnsbn immediately Communicated this to
Brig'r. Prescott who Commanded on General Carleton's Departure for Quebec he
also told Gen. Prescott that the Warriors of the Several Nations were to assemble that
day when he would give them the War Belts as they appeared very spirited and in
consequence of the Rebels approach would gladly go and dispossess them of any Posts
they had taken on Lake Champlain, and that he should be glad to have his sentiments
upon it. The General answered that if any Parteys were sent out to gain intelligence
and to see what the Enemy were doing it might be well, but at present he did not in-
tend Acting out of the Line of the Province. On Col. Johnson remarking that Indians
could not be managed as other people it being necessary to keep up their Spirit and
encourage on that Subject. The General replyed that arguments were needless on
this occasion his orders being such as not to act out of the Line of the Province. Col.
Johnson observed that this did not appear to correspond with his Instructions from
General Gage and that it would be a very difficult matter to manage Indians under
such Circumstances and Limitations, on which the General concluded with saying that
all in the Province must be subject to General Carleton's orders, and that Colonel
Johnson must act in the best manner he could without going out of the Colony.
However the Indians being assembled Col. Johnson delivered each Nation a War
Belt to be held ready for service which the Indians chearfully accepted but said they
were afraid the Axe would cut them if they kept it long without using it. Several
of the Six Nations Oughquissasmis, &c., having waited till the 12th of August in
hopes of some Operations Returned with their War Belts to Onandaga after assuring
Col. Johnson that they would be ready to return whenever there was a Prospect of
vigorous measures. Col. Johnson continued to Releave the Party at St. Johns by
detachments from the different Indian Encampments and endeavoured all in his
98 Illustrative Documents
power to render them contented with their situation. The Party at St. Johns contin-
ued to Scout on Lake Champlain (within the limits prescribed) and on the 22nd of
August 4 Indians detached from a Larger Party seized a New Barge with which the
Rebels were Reconnoitring which brought on a Skirmish Capt. Baker a noted Rebel
was killed whose head together with his instructions plans etc., they Brought into St.
Johns in this Affair three Indians were wounded. For some time notwithstanding all
the cares to prevent it some of the Inhabitants &c., combined to sell Liquor to the In-
dians and to strip them of their Cloathing propagating also many Dangerous reports
among them, and telling them that they approved of the Rebels coming as it was for the
Interest of the Colony. The Indians complained much of all this and as they had
already waited inactive far beyond what they had ever done before, Col. Johnson
wrote to General Carleton Representing their urgency to go against the Rebels or
attack their Communications with his opinion that it would answer great Purposes.
Whilst Restraining men unaccustomed to inactivity would abate their Ardour and
might occasion their defection. To which the General answered that no one thing had
yet happened to make him Alter his Opinion in Regard to the Keeping the Savages
within the Line. Col. Johnson therefore took all possible pains to amuse them and
satisfied them on that head. On the 3rd of September in Consequence of Reports
Brought by the Indians that the Enemy were advancing Col. Johnson Augmented the
party at St. Johns to 4 officers and 121 Indians and on the afternoon of the 4th Gen-
eral Prescott desired him to stop sending any more Parties but keep them about the
Town least the Rebels might make an attempt on the City of Montreal by Crossing
the Country. The next day an Express arrived from one of Col. Johnson's officers at
St. John Informing that a Scouting Party of Indians had discovered the Rebel Army
on the Isle aux Noix (16 miles from St. John) and that a Second Scout had fallen in
with some of them and exchanged a few shots by one of which an Indian wounded.
The General immediately ordered the Walls of Montreal to be Repaired and sum-
moned the Inhabitants to appear Armed on the Parade that evening, and Col. Johnson
sent of an Officer and party of Indians to Cover the Kings Magazines near La
Chine ; a body of 86 Canandaga Warriors also Came in and Joyned Col. Johnson who
told them the General requested they should remain in readiness to march where their
Services was most wanted. The next day the Rebel Army Came before St. John
and on the 7th at daylight two Indians arrived with Letters giving an Acct that the
day before the first division being about 1,000 men under a General Montgomery
Covered with Vessels Row Galleys, &c., began to Land about a mile from St. John
when the Indians sallied out and engaged them with so much success that they obliged
them to Retire twice and that they had at length Crossed the Lake and afterwards Re-
treated to Isle au Noix the loss of the Rebels according to the best Accts was one
field Officer 2 Capts. 2 Lieuts. and about thirty men killed and the wounded were since
found out to be double that number on our side Capt. Tice one of Col. Johnson's Officers
was shot through the Thigh, Captain Daniel a faithful Mohack one Conijaharie with
two Caughnawagas killed and several wounded of which 3 Dyed soon after. The Indians
complained much that there were no troops to support them and in the Evening a
Detachment of 16 of the 26th Regiment with some of the Recruits and Volunteers
were ordered out with which Col. Johnson sent 2 Officers and 70 Indians on the 10th
of Sept. on a Report that some Canadians had assured the Caughnawagies that the
Rebells would destroy their town Daniel Glaus Esq. Dept. Agent was sent there to
Remove any fear on that head to whom the Indians complained that they had lately
been much Traduced by some of the French Gentlemen who were too apt to be busy
about them and Resented that the Indians would not attend to them observing that
at the reduction of Canada they had been assured that such Persons should no longer
interfere with them they added that their Case was now very hard as they were
threatened with ruin by the Rebells assured by the Canadians that they would not
oppose them, and that there appeared no prospect of relief from any other Quarter
from all which Col. Johnson perceived that these people were so Circumstanced that
they could no longer be depended on. And this day Major Campbell arrived being
appointed agent of Indian Affairs for the Province of Quebec. The next day a Party
of Indians Reconnoitring were fired on , by a Considerable body of the Enemy and
Pathinis an Interpreter with an Indian Surprised and killed at a house on Lake
Champlain on the 12th Col. Johnson held a Conference with the Caughnawagas to Re-
move their Apprehensions and on the 13th another was held in presence of General
Carleton (then returned from Quebec) in consequence of Intelligence given Col. John-
son by the Six Nations that the Rebels had employed agents to negotiate a Neutrality
with the Caughnawagas this day General Carleton gave his thanks to the Indians in
Gen'l. Orders in the words following.
Illustrative Documents 99
The General gives his Thanks to the Indian Chiefs and Warriors who behaved
so gallantly in the action of the 6th Inst. near St. Johns and desires that the same
may be Communicated to them and their Nations by Col. Johnson their Superinten-
dent.
FRANS LE MAISTRE,
Major Brigade.
Montreal, Sept. 13th 1775.
Col. Johnson continued his endeavours notwithstanding the General discourage-
ment among the Indians that they might be in readiness in Case the General could
raise any force to go against the Enemy. On the 20th one of Col. Johnsons officers with
his party of Indians from St. Johns which was not now Compleatly invested and
acct's Received that a certain Livingston with the Inhabitants of Sorelle had joined
the Rebells on which the Generals, &c., put their papers and Baggage on Board the
Vessells in the River. The Rebells had now over ran all the Country and were in
many places Joyned by the Perfidious Canadians. The Indians thus without prospect
of aid began to provide for their own Security after complaining bitterly of the
disappointment of their hopes of Succour. And on the 25th Colo. Ethan Allan Crossed
to the Island of Montreal and with a party of about 140 Canadians began his march
for that City when he was opposed by a Small party of the 26th Regiment some Vol-
unteers and thirty Officers, Rangers and Indians of the Indian Department the Latter
of whom fortunately falling on the flank where Allen was he delivered up his Sword and
surrendered to one of Col. Johnsons Officers who with his party took the most of
those made prisoners, On the 27th Col. Johnson renewed his applications to General
Carleton for marching a body of men in which Case he could Still get many of the
Neighbouring Indians to cooperate to which the General answered verbally (by the Sec-
retary of Indian Affairs) that he hoped that Affairs were taking a more favourable
turn and that he should very soon be able to form a better Judgment. From this
time to October 12th every art and means was made to assemble the Canadians and
several came in were Cloathed and Armed and afterwards Joyned the Enemy, fin-
ding therefore the Season very far advanced the Indians almost all withdrew discon-
tented and unwilling to Credit any further promises of aid, than those that remained
Ernestly sollicitted for troops to be sent out and that Colo. Johnson should procure
them the Redress of Sundry Grievances they had they had often Represented and also
having at the same time Received Dispatches from the Secretary of State directing
that their several Grievances should be immediately laid before Ithe King, finding
likewise that Major Campbells powers as Agent to Canada must occasion some diffi-
cultys that would effectually obstruct the service Colo. Johnson signified his intention
to go to England get these points in some measure adjusted before the Indians from
their Respective Nations could take the field next year in which resolution he was
confirmed by the Indians who deputed a faithful Young Chief to accompany him and
having posted his Officers at such places as they might be most useful to preserve the
Fidelity of the Indians with proper Instructions; he proceeded for Quebec from whence
he sailed for England the llth of November.
The foregoing is a brief abstract from the Minutes of Indian Affairs and may
serve to give a general sketch of his Conduct and success; the last Campaign tho* la-
bouring under every Circumstances of disadvantage but the points necessary to be
enquired into and Regulated on which the future good conduct of those hitherto faith-
ful People must depend and the Reasonableness and Propriety of Colo. Johnsons pro-
ceedings will appear from the annexed State which is honestly and impartially sub-
mitted.
London Jany. 26th 1776.
A true Copy of Extracts from the Indian Records.
JOSEPH CHEW,
Secy, of Indian Affairs.
Endorsed to Colonel Johnson 26th Jany. 1776.
(71)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 11, pp. 297-8.
Dead River, about 160 miles from Quebec,
13th October, 1775.
Dear-Sir,
I am now on my march for Quebec with 2,000 Men, where I expect to have the
pleasure of seeing you soon. This Detachment is designed to co-operate with General
100 ^ Illustrative Documents
Schuyler to frustrate the unjust and arbitrary mesures of the Ministry and restore Lib-
erty to our Brethren of Canada, to whom we make no doubt that our exertions in their
favour will be acceptable and that we shall have their assistance or at least their
Friendly wishes as the expedition is undertaken at the request of many of their prin-
cipal inhabitants. I beg the favor of you on the receipt of this, which will be delivered
to you by one Eneas, a faithfull Indian, that you will immediately write me by him of
the Disposition of the Canadians, of the number of Troops in Quebec, by whom com-
manded, and every advice you may have received from General Schuyler, and the situ-
ation of matters in general, what ships are at Quebec, and in short what we have to
expect from the Canadians and Merchants in the City, whether any advice has been
received of the march of this detachment. — If any Gentleman of my acquaintance will
undertake to meet me on the Road, he will be received with pleasure and handsomely re-
warded. The inclosed letter to General Schuyler I beg the favor of you to forward by
express, which charge shall be reimbursed you with thankfulness.
I am with much esteem
Dear Sir,
Your Fr'd & very
humble serv't
Bened't Arnold.
To John Mercier, Esq.
Endorsed: — Copy of an Intercepted Letter from Bened't Arnold to John Mercier,
Esq., 13th Oct'r 1775.
In Lieut. Governor Cramahe's Letter of the 9th Nov'r.
(72)
LA GAZETTE DE QUEBEC.
Jeudi le 12 Octobre, 1775.
ADRESSE AUX CANADIENS.
De la part de leurs Compatriotes.
PEUPLE infortune du CANADA, ne sera-ce pas avec juste droit, que le Roi
pourra vous dire les paroles que disoit autrefois notre Seigneur au peuple d'israel —
POPULE MEUS, QUID SECI RIBI? aut in quo contristavi te? Mon peuple, que vous
ai-je fait? ou en quoi vous ai-je attriste. Parce que je vous ai regarde comme mes
propres enfants, et que je vous ai assure la jouissance de vos biens, vous etes devenu
infidele et rebelle parce que je vous ai assure 1'entier excercice de votre Religion, vous
avez livre vos loiaux sujets entre les mains de mes ennemis; parce que je vous ai
accorde vos anciennes loix municipales, comme vous devant etre plus agreables, vous
avez pris les armes centre moi et vous m'avez trahi.
Peuple autrefois connu pour brave et fidele, mais devenu dans ces malheureuses
circonstances, abominable aux yeux de Dieu et des hommes, voila les reproches que
vous devez attendre de vptre Roi, ne sont-ils pas justes, et ne devez-vous pas atten-
dre d'avoir pour la punition que merite une telle perfidie? Dieu est trop juste pour
laisser un pareil crime impuni; car pensez que vous etes coupable du crime de Leze-
majeste, divine et humaine, et que tot ou tard vous recevrez le chatiment que vous
meritez.
Cette personne illustre qui vous a gouverne avec tant de douceur depuis plusieurs
annees, devoit-elle s'attendre a un traitement aussi cruel de votre part, apres avoir
risque sa vie sur les'elemens les plus perfides pour vous procurer votre bienetre 0
Peuple ingrat, vous avez mis le comble a vos bassesses, et votre perfidie sera connue
de la posterite la plus reculee; Ton ne vous connoitra plus sous le nom de braves
CANADIENS, ni de CHRETIENS; ce sera au contraire sous le nom d'infideles, de
traitres et de barbares; puisque vous n'avez pas epargnez votre propre sang pour
executer votre horrible dessein. Quelles raisons pensez-vous alleguer pour vous ex-
cuser d'une telle perfidie? Depoiis que vous etes sous la domination de la GRANDE
BRETAGNE, quelles peines vous a-t-on faites? vous avez Joui paisiblement de vos
biens, vous les avez augmentes; vous n'avez paie aucunes taxes; en un mot vous
avez du vous regarder comme le people le plus heureux. Ah! croiez-vous, rejettez
tous ces mauvais conseils, qui vous sont suggeres par des coeurs laches; ouvrez les
yeux, et vous verrez le danger ou vous etes. Cependant il, est encore terns de repa-
rer votre faute; ne retardez done pas, et des a present implorez le clemence de votre
Prince; esperez tout de sa bonte, quisqu'il vous regarde comme ses propres enfants.
Y auroit-il parmi vous de >ces esprits pusillanimes, qui aimeront mieux etre couverts
de honte, que de recourir aux graces de leur Roi; mefiez-vous de ces personnes dan-
gereuses, qui ne cherchent qu'a vous engloutir dans les abimes les plus profonds.
Illustrative Documents 101
Fasse le DIEU TOUT-puissant, que vous puissiez vous reconnoitre avant qu'il
soit trop tard; et soiez assure, que ceux qui vous adressent cet epitre, sont de vos
sinceres amis et vrais sujets de sa Majeste.
.CANADIENS.
( Translation)
An address to the Canadians from their Countrymen. Unhappy people of Canada,
might not the king justly use towards you the words which formerly our Lord used
to the people of Israel POPULE MEUS QUID SECI RIBI? aut in quo contristavi te?
My people, what have I done to you? or in what way have I made you sorrowful?
•Because I have considered you as my own children and I have guaranteed you the en-
joyment of your property, you have become unfaithful and rebellious, because I have
guaranteed you the service of your own religion, you have delivered your loyal sub-
jects into the hands of my enemies; because I have granted you your ancient mun-
icipal laws as being most agreeable to you, you have taken arms against me and be-
trayed me.
A people formerly known as being brave and faithful but in these unhappy
circumstances has become hateful in the eyes of God and of men. Such are the
reproaches which you may expect from your king, are they not just and ought you
not to expect the punishment which such p erfidy deserves ? God is too just to leave
such a crime unpunished; for remember that you are guilty of the crime of high
treason, divine arid human, and that sooner or later you will receive the chastise-
ment which you deserve.
Had this illustrious person who has governed you with such gentleness for sev-
eral years, any reason to expect such cruel treatment on your part, after having risk-
ed his life on the most treacherous of elements to advance your welfare. Oh un-
grateful people, you have put the finishing touch to your baseness, and your perfidy
will be known to the most distant posterity; you will no longer be known by the name
of brave Canadians nor of Christians; but on the contrary by the name of faithless
people, traitors and barbarians; for you have not spared your own blood relations in
the execution of your horrid design. What reasons can you allege to excuse you for
such perfidy? Since you have been under the rule of Great Britain, what grievances
have you had? You have enjoyed your property in peace, you have increased your
wealth; you have paid no taxes: in a word you should have considered yourselves as
the happiest of people, ah, listen to me, cast aside all these evil counsels which have
been suggested to you by base hearts ; open your eyes, and you will see the danger you
are in, however, there is still time to remedy your error; do not delay and at once im-
plore the mercy of your Prince; you may hope for everything from his kindness, since
he considers you as his own children. Should there be among you weak spirits who pre-
fer to be covered with shame than to apply to the benevolence of their King; suspect
these dangerous persons who only seek to engulf you in the deepest abysses.
May the Omnipotent God enable you to see this. before it is too late; and be sure
that those who address you this letter are your sincere friends and true subjects of His
Majesty.
CANADIANS.
(73)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. II. p. 289.
Boston, 12th October, 1775.
Sir,
From different conversations I have had on the subject of Navigating the River St.
Lawrence at this time of the year and on the probability of Vessels getting to Que-
bec who may sail in a few days from Boston, I have been led to take the opinion Of
Captains Hartwell and Macartney upon the likelihood of the Cerberus and Transports
arriving at Quebec supposing they were ready to depart.
These Gentlemen assure me and authorize me to say the attempt is extremely dan-
gerous and that to persevere after getting into the River will be fatal to the whole
102 Illustrative Documents
and that they look upon the scheme to be impracticable, the reasons they have given are
so forcible that I am entirely of their opinion and think it not advisable to attempt it.
I am, Sir,
with great regard and esteem,
yours &ca.,
Sam'l Graves.
Endorsed: — Copy of a Letter from Vice Admiral Graves to Major General Howe,
12th Oct. 1775.
In Lieut. Governor Cramahe's Letter of 9th November.
(74)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. II. p. 288.
Boston, 13th October, 1775.
In consequence of your Excellency's Letter of the llth Sept'r, received here by the
schooner Success the 10th instant in the afternoon after the departure of General
Gage for England, in the morning, I ordered two transports to be immediately prepar-
ed for the Reception of a Battalion with an Experienced Officer to proceed to Quebec
under the convoy of the Cerberus Frigate. The Troops and Transports would have
been in readiness on the 15th but the inclosed Letter received last night from Admiral
Graves has, I am concerned to say, frustrated my intentions by stating difficulties
that did not occur/to me/. — under such cirumstances I hasten to dispatch back the
schooner Success and shall be extremely anxious to hear the result of your critical sit-
uation.
a true Copy.
H. T. Cramahe.
His Excellency
Major-General Carleton.
Endorsed: — Copy of a Paragraph of a Letter from Gen'l Howe to Gen'l Carleton,
13th Oct'r, 1775.
In Lieut. Gov'r Cramahe's Letter of the 9th Nov'r.
(75)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 11. pp. 311-2.
Province de Quebec,
district de Montreal.
Pardevant Nous,
commissaires etablis par son Excellence le Gouverneur, &c. est comparu le Sieur Ger-
main Le Roux, marchand, demeurant a 1'Assomption en ce district, lequel apres ser-
ment fait sur les Saints Evangiles de dire verite a depose qu'il y a environ trois
semaines cinq a six habitans vinrent ches lui pour 1'avertir que le Sieur Thomas
Walker, marchand, demeurant au meme lieu de I'Assomption, youloit le faire piller
et bruler. Que sur les rapports le deposant, inquiet, fut le dimanche, vingt quatre
Septembre, dernier, ches le dit Thomas Walker, vers une heure apres midi, pour en
faire part; qu'y etant arrive, il lui demanda si ces rapports etoient vrais, et ajouta:
Seroit-ce, Monsieur, parce que je suis attache a mon Prince? Je pense que ce seroit
une raison pour acquerir 1'estime des honnetes gens et des Bostonnois memes; d'ail-
leurs ma conduite ne merite pas un pareil traitement. A quoi le dit Thomas Walker
lui rep'ondit — Pourquoi avez-vous souffert ce coquin de Rouville ches vous, et avez-
vous de concert avec cinq a six des plus notables de la paroisse, signe un certificat
centre moi? vous ne deviez pas recevoir ches vous, vous deviez au contraire le
prendre par le bras et le jetter a la porte. Qu'il s'appercevoit bien que le deposant
etoit de concert avec le dit Sieur de Rouville pour lui faire du tort. Ensuite le dit
Thomas Walker ajouta sitot que j'aurai pris la ville de Monrteal je ferai mener ce
Illustrative Documents 103
gueux de Rouville par la ville, la corde au col par la main du Bourreau et nombre
d'autres qui se souviendront de Walker. Qu'apres ce discours le deposant se retira.
Le quel deposant n'a rien dit de plus,
fait a Montreal ce 13e 8bre, 1775.
(Signe) Leroux.
Affirme pardevant nous
les jour et sus dits.
Pre. Panet.
(Signe) Lemoine.
Edw. Wm. Gray.
(a true copy.)
Endorsed: — Copy of Germain Le Roux's Deposition, Montreal, 13th Octr. 1775.
In Lieut Governor Cramahe's Letter of the 9th Novr.
(10.)
(Translation)
•Province of Quebec,
District of Montreal, before us Commissioners appointed by His Excellency, the
Governor, etc., hath appeared Mr. Germain Le Roux, merchant, living at L'Assomption
in this district, who after making oath on the Holy Gospels to speak the truth, hath de-
posed that about three weeks since five or six Habitants came to his house to warn him
that Mr. Thomas Walker, merchant, living at the same place, L'Assomption, wanted to
cause his property to be plundered and burnt. That the deponent, becoming apprehens-
ive, on Sunday the 24th of September last, went to the house of the said Thomas Wal-
ker about one o'clock in the afternoon, to make this known to him; that having arrived
there, he asked him if these reports were true, and added, Is this Sir, because I am at-
tached to my Prince ? I think that this ought to be a reason to gain the esteem of hon-
est men and even of the Bostonians; besides my conduct does not deserve such treat-
ment, to which the said Thomas Walker replied — why have you allowed that rascal de
Rouville in your house, and why have you in conjunction with five or six other leading
persons of the parish signed a certificate against me? You ought not to allow
him in your house. You ought on the contrary to take him by the arm and
throw him out of the door. That he saw very well that the deponent was acting with
the said Mr. de Rouville to do him wrong, afterwards the said Thomas Walker added as
soon as I shall have taken the town of Montreal I will cause that beggar de Rouville to
be led through the town with -a rope around his neck by the hands of the hangman, and
a number of others who will remember Walker. That after this conversation the de-
ponent withdrew. The said deponent hath said nothing further. Done at Montreal
this 13th October, 1775.
(Signed) Leroux.
Affirmed before us the day aforesaid
(Signed) Pre. Panet,
Lemoine,
Edw. Wm. Gray.
(76)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
•
Series Q, Vol. II. pp. 299-300.
Dead River, 160 miles from Quebec,
13th Oct'r, 1775.
Dear Sir,
I make no doubt his Excellency General Washington has advised you of ordering
me with a detachment of the Army at Cambridge to march against Quebec, in conse-
quence of which I left Cambridge the 15th Sept'r and after a very fatiguing and hazard-
ous March over a ruff country, up Kinnebes Rwer, against a very rapid stream, thro'
an uninhabited Country and meeting with many difficulties — which we have happily sur-
mounted, and at last arrived at the Dead River, which we have examined to the Chaud-
iere Pond, and hope in a Fortnight to have the Pleasure of meeting you in Quebec. Any
104 Illustrative Documents
advice or intelligence you can communicate will be gratefully received as this Detach-
ment was intended to co-operate with your Army.
I am
with much esteem
Dear Sir
Y'r mo' ob't
h'ble serv't
Bened't Arnold.
To the Honorable
Philip Schyler, Major Gen'l and commander in Chief of the Northern Army 'or in
his absence to Brig'r Gen'l Montgomery.
Endorsed: — Copy of a Letter from Ben't Arnold to Gen'l Schuyler and inclosed to
John Mercier, Esq., dated 13th Oct'r 1775.
In Lieut. Governor Cramahe's Letter of the 9th November.
EXTRACT. (77)
GOVERNOR TRYON TO LORD DARTMOUTH.
ON BOARD THE "DUTCHESS OF GORDON,"
NEW YORK HARBOUR, llth NOV. 1775.
Fort Chamblee fell into the hands of the Rebels the 18th of last month, but as St.
John's by Letter from Ticonderoga of the 31st of October was still besieged it is hoped
the attempts of the Enemy on that Fort will be defeated through the bravery of the
Garrison, favored by the Severity of the Season, or relieved by General Carlton, who it
is confidently asserted has Levied a Body of Highlanders and Canadians, for that pur-
pose.
The following is Mons. I. Oriet's Acct. :
Six Parishes on the River Sorrel amounting to 1500 fit to bear Arms renounced
their Allegiance at the instigation of James Livingston and one Du Gand, two Coun-
try Traders, on- that River; but the principal Farmers, the officers of Militia &c. (Few
in Number) disapproved of the Conduct of the others and endeavoured to persuade them
to return to their Allegiance and had so far succeeded on the 15th of Sept., that the In-
habitants of one of the Parishes (St. Denny) had requested of Governor Carleton to
offer them a Pardon, provided they returned to their duty in three Days, which the Gov.
agreed to and sent a Proclamation for that purpose by Mons. Oriet a Merchant of Mont-
real; who on the 17th of Sept. was made a Prisoner at St. Denny, by a party of 20 Cana-
dians and as many English of Montgomery's Army Commanded by E. Allen and Liv-
ingston, this entirely defeated the Plan of which Mons. Oriet conceived would have
been attended with the greatest success.
The Canadians in general are well affected to Government especially those on the
North Side of the River St. Lawrence including the Inhabitants of Montreal and would
cheerfully join in attacking the Provincials, provided there were a sufficient Number of
King's Troops in the Province to support them in case of a defeat, the want of which
makes them remain neuter, tho' they are greatly displeased with the attack made on
their Province.
Quebec he apprehends is in no danger, for that it contains 3,000 inhabitants fit to
bear Arms, who will defend it against any attempt that can be made by twice that Num-
ber.
St. John's is well fortified and supplied with plenty of Ammunition and three
month's Provisions from the 1st of Sept. 20 Pieces of Cannon are mounted on the two
Redoubts from 12 to 18 Pounders, and three large Mortars. . . Major Preston of
the 26th Commands and has 600 Regulars and 70 Canadians. Montgomery's Army
consisted of 3,000 Men, the Batteries he had erected Oriet conceives cannot batter it
in breach and he laughs at the Idea of it being carried by assault. ... No Indians
have been employed oh their side since the first attempts to land by Schuyler and Mont-
gomery with 1,200 men, who were repulsed by a party of 60 Indians and 3 Canadians
under the Command of Capt. Tice. . . The Loss of the Provincials on that Occasion was
40 killed. ... of Tice's party 4 killed and two wounded.
The intercourse between St. John's and the Country is stop'd. One of the Prison-
ers (La Mott by name) was sent with a Letter from Gov. Carleton to the Commanding
Officer at St. John's with orders for him to retreat down the Sorrel to Quebec; pro-
vided he could bring off every articles in the Fort, he was also to burn the Settlement
on the River Sorrel; this he says was with an intent to encourage the Inhabitants on
the North Side of the River St. Lawrence, who would then have formed a Body to join
the King's Troops.
Illustrative Documents 105
Gov. Carleton was at Montreal the 20th Sept., and had the promise of the Citizens
both French and English to protect him and defend the Place, which was garrisoned by
50 of the King's Troops. . . There was a Sloop of War of 20 Guns lying at Montreal,
and also a well arm'd Vessel at the mouth of the Sorrel and another half way up the
River. . . The arm'd Schooner lays opposite St. John's and had not made an attempt
to get into the Lake when Mons. Oriet was taken. The Pickets of the old Fort and two
Vessels yet on the Stocks he apprehended will be sufficient for fire wood in case of neces-
sity. . . Ethan Allen was taken on the Island of Montreal on the 27th of Sept, his
party consisted of about 90 men, French and English. . . Mons. Oriet entertains the
most flattering hopes from this Circumstances, he conceives the Inhabitants are rousing
from their Lethergy. . . The two Onidas that were sent by the Commiss. from Al-
bany prevented the Indians from joining the King's Troops, who would otherwise have
acted in favor of Government. . . 200 Canadians have joined Montgomery's Army,
commanded by James Livingston. . . No acct of Col. Arnold when Mons. Oriet left
Canada.
Mons. I. Oriet gave the above narration while a prisoner at Albany. He has since
been removed into Connecticut Government.
In Gov. Tryon's (No. 17) of llth Nov. 1775.
Some Particulars of the Garrison of St. John's &c. from Lieut Richardson of the 86th
Regiment.
The Garrison of St.. John's consisted of Detachments from the Royal Regiment of
Artillery, the 7th, 26th, Col. McLean's Corps, Canadian Volunteers, and some Sailors
and Carpenters, who had been employ'd in building Vessells for the Lake.
Royal Artillery, including Officers 38
7th Regt 228
26th Regiment 189
McLean's 37
Sailors 19
Carpenters 22
Canadian Volunteers 78
611
The 7th and 26th were employed from the latter end of May to the middle of Sept.
in constructing two Redoubts under the direction of Engineer, Capt. John Marr.
Some Beds and Blankets were sent from Montreal, but not sufficient to accommo-
date one third of the Garrison, who lay on boards. The 7th and 26th were ordered to
take only their Summer Cloathing towards the latter end of the Siege, the men suffer-
ed much on this Account. The Houses they had used as Barracks were from the
Enemy's JSftoc ana aneiis re idered uninhabitable and the only Shelter for the whole
Garrison was the Cellar of Col. Christie's House in the North Redoubt, which also serv-
ed for an Hospital, Magazines, &c. Col. McClean's and the Canadians did not arrive
untill the Redoubts were finished. The Volunteers never did any Duty being composed
of the Canadian Noblesse. During the Siege at different periods Major Preston sent
four Expresses to Montreal, to Generals Carleton and Prescott, but could never hear
from either. The Garrison after having been on half allowance for three Weeks, & hav-
ing a considerable number of Sick & Wounded, without a proper place for them or nour-
ishment, and their Ammunition expended were reduced to the mortifying necessity of
capitulating A Schooner mounting twelve Guns, Six, Four, & three Pounders,
and a Row Galley, that carried a 24 pr. had been built The Command of these
Vessells were given to Lieut. Hunter of the Navy, who was sent by Gen Carleton
to St. John's for that purpose. Major Preston often pressed Hunter to attack the
Enemy, offering him every Assistance from the Garrison. Hunter wrote him a Letter
in which he offered several reasons, for his declining to do it.
The Schooner was sunk by the Enemy's Shot
In Gov. Tryon's of the 7th Dec. No. 23.
(78)
14th Octobre Proclamation qui pourvoit aux des champs pour ceux qui etaient sous
les armes.
"Par Son Excellence Guy Carleton, Capitaine General et Gouverneur en chef dans
toute la Province de Quebec et Territories en dependants en Amerique, Vice-Admiral
d'icelle, Marechal des camps et armees de Sa Majeste, Commandant de Department
septentrional, &c., &c., &c.
"A tous les Capitaines et autres Officiers commandants les milices dans la Prov-
ince de Quebec, &c.
Vu qu'un nombre considerable de fideles sujets de Sa Majeste qui se sont rendus
pres de nous, pour donner des preuves de leur zele et fidelite envers sa dite Majeste,
106 Illustrative Documents
ont laisse beaucoup de travaux imparfaits chez eux, et qu'il ne seroit pas juste que
de tels sujets souffrissent pour s'etre d'ailleurs tres-interessant pour le bien general
de cette Province que les ouvrages de la campagne soient faits avant le mauvaise
saison:
*A ces causes, nous vous ordonnons de faire faire, chacun dans vos districts
respectifs, par les habitants qui sont restes chez eux, et ce par corvees que vous
reglerez avec equite et conduires avec exactitude, tous les ouvrages et travaux que
les dits habitants de vos dits districts — qui servent pres de nous ou ailleurs par nos
ordres — n'ont pu et ne peuvent faire: faucher les foins, couper les avoines ou autres
grains, serrer & engranger le tout bien conditionne, faire les guerets et labours, re-
parer et mettre les batiments en etat d'hivernement.
"Nous vous declarons que, faute par vous de tenir la main, a Pexecution du pres-
ent ordre, vous nous en serez personnellement responsables, et que nous ferons payer
et rembourser par les contrevenants toutes pertes ou dommages que 'pourroient souff-
rir les fideles sujets du Roy qui ont genereusement prefere son service et la tran-
quillite de cette Province a leurs interets particuliers.
"Nous vous mandons et ordonnons de faire immediatement publier, tant a M porte
des eglises dans vos districts respectifs que partout ailleurs ou besoin sera, notre dit
present ordre, et d'en certifier a Messieurs les Colonels des milices, chacun dans
leurs districts, aux quels il est par les presentes ordonne d'en rendre compte, scav-
oir: — pour les paroisses de Quebec a notre Lieutenant Gouvcrneur, et pour celles des
Trois-Rivieres et de Montreal a nous, ou, en notre absence, a Toff icier commandant.
"Donne a Montreal, le 14 Novembre, 1775.
"Guy Carleton."
(Invasion du Canada, 1775 par L'Abbe Verreau Pp. 57-58.) .
(79)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 11. p. 283.
Return of his Majesty's Garrison of Chambly made prisoners by the Rebels, 17th
October, 1775.
Corps. Maj. Capts. Lts. Surg. Sgts. Drs. &fifers R. & F.
Royal Fusiliers ..1 1 4 1 5 3 62
Capt. Lt. Corp. Matrosses.
Royal Artillery .1 1 3
Names of officers taken.
Royal Fusiliers.
Major Stopford.
Capt. Brice.
Lt. Harrison.
Lt. Shuttleworth.
Lt. Hamer.
Lt. Barrington.
Surgeon Huddleston.
Royal Artillery.
Capt. Lt. Godwin.
Guy Carleton.
(80)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. II, p.
Camp before St. John's, Oct'r 22d.
Sir,
I have received information from different Quarters that the Prisoners you have
made are treated with cruel and unnecessary severity being loaded with Irons and
that Colonel Allen himself meets with shocking Barbarity.
Your Character, Sir, induces me to hope I am ill informed — Nevertheless the
Duty I owe the Troops committed to my charge lays me under the necessity of ac-
quainting your Excellency that if you avow this Conduct and persist in it, I shall
(tho' with the most painfull Regret) execute with Rigour the just and necessary Law
of Retaliation upon the Garrison of Chambli now in my possession and upon all those
Illustrative Documents 107
who may hereafter fall into my Hands. I must be understood to stipulate for the un-
fortunate Canadians, your Prisoners, who have thrown themselves into the Arms of the
united Colonies for Protection — whose enraged Countrymen have with Difficulty been
restrained from Acts of violence on the Garrison of Chambli.
I shall wait your Excellency's Answer six days. I must interpret your silence
into a Declaration of a barbarous War.
I cannot pass this opportunity without lamenting the Melancholy and fatal Neces-
sity which obliges the firmest Friends of the Constitution to oppose one of the most
respectable Servants of the Crown.
I have the Honour to be with great Respect,
Ric'd Montgomery,
Brig'r General
Cont'l Army.
Endorsed: — Copy of a Letter from Richard Montgomery, stiling himself Brig'r
Gen'l, Cont'l Army, dated at the Camp before St. John's, 22d Oct'r, 1775.
In General Carleton's Letter of the 25th October, 1775.
(81)
(Extract from Additional Papers concerning the Province of Quebeck, by Francis Mas-
eres, London, 1776.)
"About the beginning of December last 1775, a gentleman of Quebeck, of exceed-
ing good sense, and who is well acquainted with that province, (which has been his
usual place of residence ever since the year 1768,) related to me some very extraordin-
ary facts, concerning the dissatisfaction of the great body of freeholders of Canada, at
the late Quebeck-act, on account of the general revival of the French laws of the pro-
vince in all civil matters, which is contained in it, and which, in their apprehension, in-
cludes a revival of the powers of Government, that were formerly exercised over them
by their Noblesse and the officers of the crown, during the subjection of the province
to the French King; of which powers they have a great dread and abhorrence. They
have been more particularly alarmed at some endeavors which have been made by
some of the Seigniors or Lords of manors, in the province to call out their tenants to
attend them, as soldiers, to oppose the American army under General Montgomery,
under pretence of a right to command their military service on such occasions, by vir-
tue of their tenures of their lands. These attempts of the seigniors have so disgusted
the peasants of the seigniories in which they have been made, that they have broke
out into acts of open violence to resist them. Of these tumultuous proceedings of the
peasants, the gentleman above alluded to, gave me three remarkable instances, of which
I shall now proceed to insert the following narrative, which was drawn up by that gen-
tleman himself, at my desire, as I did not care to venture to relate them myself from
the verbal accounts which he had given me of them, for fear of making some material
mistake.
"A Narrative of the tumultuous conduct of the freeholders of divers seigniories in
the province of Quebec in the summer of the year 1775, in opposition to the endeavours
used by their Seigniors to call them out to take arms against the American army, that
had invaded the province: Shewing their aversion to being commanded by their Seig-
niors, and the little influence their Seigniors, and the other Noblesse of Canada, have
over them.
(Written by a Gentleman very lately arrived from Quebeck).
"An opinion prevails in the Province of Quebeck, (whether just or not, I will not
pretend to determine) that the Seigniors owe military service to their Sovereign, by
the tenure of their lands; and that in the acts of (Foi et Homage), or fealty and hom-
age, they promise to perform the same to the Crown, when called upon: And that,, by
the same act, they also engage for the personal service of all their vassals, and other
tenants, who hold their lands from them, either par foi et homage or par cens et rente,
or (as it is often expressed) en Roture. It is universally believed, that the Seigniors
have by the customs of Canada, (which are revived by the late Quebeck act) a legal
right, to command the personal service of all holders of land under them, whenever
the Sovereign, or his Representative, calls upon them, (the seigniors) for that purpose:
And Government has thrown out hints, that those inhabitants, who refused to obey
their seigniors last Summer, when called upon to oppose the provincials, have, by such
refusal, forfeited all title to their lands, which ought, on that account, to revert to the
seigniors; And that, as soon as things shall be settled in the province, suits of law
should be instituted in the Courts of Justice, to dispossess them. The inhabitants them-
selves acquiesce in the truth of this doctrine; but they are determined to hold possess-
ion of their lands by force.
108 Illustrative Documents
"Mr. La Corne, a young man of about twenty-two years of age, and nephew to Mr.
La Corne de Saint Luc, was sent by General Carleton to raise the inhabitants of Terre-
bonne, a village of which he, (the younger Mr. La Corne), is Seignior. He addressed
them in a very high tone, mentioning the above right, which he had, by the tenure of
their lands, to command their military service. They answered, "that they were now
become subjects of England, and did not look on themselves as Frenchmen in any re-
spect whatever." Mr. La Corne was imprudent enough to strike some of them who
spoke loudest. This provoked the people to such a degree, that Mr. La Corne found
it necessary to get away from them, and go back immediately to Montreal, but threat-
en'd to return speedily amongst them with a party of two hundred soldiers, who would
make them dearly pay fer their refusal to obey him. The people, hearing this, forth-
with armed themselves, some with guns, others with clubs; and they all resolved to die
rather than submit to be commanded by their seignior. General Carleton hearing of
the disturbance that Mr. La Gome's behaviour had occasioned, instead of complying
with his desire of sending troops to enforce obedience to his authority, thought it ad-
visable, to send with him an English officer of merit, Capt. Hamilton, (late of the 15th
Regiment, and now Lieutenant Governour of Detroit,) to pacify the people. Capt.
Hamilton asked them, what they meant by assembling in that riotous, disorderly man-
ner? They answered, that their intentions were to defend themselves from the soldiers,
with whom they were threatened by Mr. La Corne their seignior. "If General Carle-
ton (said they) requires our services, let him give us Englishmen to command us: such
a man as you, for instance, we would follow to the world's end." But, replied Mr.
Hamilton, English military gentlemen are not to be found in sufficient numbers, in the
province, to take the command of you. "Then, said they, "give us common soldiers to
lead us, rather than those people. For we will not be commanded by ce petit gars,
that is, (literally by that little boy, but in their sense of it,) by that insignificant, raw,
young man. "At last, upon Capt. Hamilton's promise, that their seignior should come
no more among them, they dispersed. Whether or not those people would have kept
their word, and followed English Leaders, is uncertain, because General Carleton has
never thought proper to make the experiment.
"The behaviour of these people is the more remarkable, because Mr. La Corne is a
very pretty young man in his person and appearance, and not despicable in point of
understanding, and not less than three and twenty years old; so that nothing but his
quality of seignior, and the odious powers which they suppose to be connected with that
character, can have rendered him disagreeable to the people.
"Mr. Deschambaud the son, (an officer at this time in the service and pay of the
king of France, who is absent from his regiment upon leave,) went over to a seigniory
belonging to his father, situated on the river Richlieu, and began to harangue the in-
habitants of the seigniory, much in the same stile that Mr. La Corne had used at Terre-
bonne. Like consequences ensued. The people were exasperated at his treatment of
them. They replied with sharpness. He drew his sword: they surrounded him, and
beat him severely. He returned to Montreal, and complained of them to General Carle-
ton. The next day Mr. Deschambaud, the father, went over and told the people, that
the go vernour was highly displeased at the treatment his son had received from them:
But that all would be forgiven, if they would repair to Montreal and ask his (young
Deschambaud 's) pardon; otherwise they might expect to be severely punished for their
behaviour. ,
"This speech served only to provoke them still more: they armed themselves imme-
diately, went to the traders on the river Richlieu, and purchased all the ammunition
they had in their stores, paying so great a price as five shillings a pound for powder,
which is usually sold for less than a third part of that sum. They assembled to the
number of near three thousand at Fort Chambly and began to march towards fort St.
John's, to face the two regiments of regulars, that were in garrison there; that being
the force, which, they imagined, General Carleton would employ against them. But
he, upon notice of their proceedings, sent an English officer to disavow the message de-
livered them by Mr. Deschambaud, the father, and to acquaint them, that all would be
well, if they would disperse, and retire, each to his home. This was immediately com-
plyed with.
"Mr. Cuthbert, an English gentleman, who is the proprietor of an extensive and
valuable seigniory, called Berthier, summoned the inhabitants on his seigniory to as-
semble at his house. They sent him for answer, that, if he had any thing to communi-
cate, he might come to them: and 'they accordingly assembled at a place where three
roads meet, and where there is a cross erected. Mr. Cuthbert came thither to them,
Illustrative Documents 109
and made a peremptory demand of their services on the French system, as being their
seignior. They told him, if that was his business with them, he had best retire to his
own home, and trouble them no more ; for that not a man of them would follow him. And
as soon as he was gone, they all made oath on the cross, round which they were as-
sembled, that they never would take arms against the provincials; — That, if one among
them offered to join government, they would directly burn his house and his barn, and
destroy his cattle: — And, that if General Carleton should attempt to compel them into
the service, they would repel force by force. And, having thus sworn, they went
home. This happened in the latter end of July, or the beginning of August. After-
wards, (I think) about the end of September, Mr. Lanaudiere, the son, (who is owner
of a seigniory at another place, called Saint Anne's), came to them from Montreal, and
said, that he was employed by General Carleton to lead them against the provincials;
that he was going at that time to his estate at St. Anne's, but should return to Berth-
ier in a few days, when he expected that they should be prepared to follow him; other-
Wise, he assured them, that their lands and houses should be burnt and laid waste. He
accordingly did return to Berthier some days after; and, on entering the limits of the
parish, he, and Mr. Tonnancour, the son, with sixteen others, were surrounded and
made prisoners by the inhabitants. Warm debates ensued amongst them, whether or
not, they should send Mr. Lanaudiere to the provincial camp near St. John's. It was, at
length, agreed to set him and his friends at liberty, on his promise to obtain for them
General Carleton's pardon for this outrage, and on his further promise, never to come
again amongst them on the like errand.
"Violent, as the proceedings of these people may appear, and averse as they may
seem to the service required of them; they have, notwithstanding, often declared, to
Mr. Charles Gordon, a young man of knowledge and excellent character, from whom I
had this intelligence, and who has resided two years in that parish; they have, I say,
declared to him, that, if General Carleton would promise, (by aifixing a writing, to that
purpose, to the church door,) that he would use his interest and endeavours for the re-
peal of the Quebec Bill, and for restoring to them those privileges of which they were
deprived by its operation; in that case, the inhabitants of that district (who are very
numerous) declared themselves ready, to defend the province for Government "But (say
they) as things are now circumstanced, what have we to fight for? We have enjoyed
very valuable privileges, since we became subjects of Great Britain: We had the Royal
Promise for the continuance of that enjoyment. On a sudden, without our having
done any thing to merit such treatment, we are deprived of those inestimable privi-
leges, and reduced to our former state of slavery. The people, whom we are desired to
regard as enemies, tell us, they are our real friends, and they give us convincing proofs
of their sincerity. They are now in arms for our defence from our oppressors; and
they make the repeal of the Quebeck Bill one of the conditions on which they offer to lay
them down. Which party then ought we to assist? Certainly that one, which is fight-
ing for the restoration of that liberty to us, of which we have been wantonly and most
cruelly deprived by the other. "And this is not the language of the inhabitants of that
district only: the same is in the mouths of the most ignorant peasants all over the pro-
vince.
There are in Montreal many English Gentlemen of experience in military affairs,
who offered their services to Governour Carleton, and would have been glad of being
employed to head the Canadians. But their offers were not accepted; while Mr. de
Rigouville, a French Gentleman, whose talents either for the Cabinet or the Field are
not in the highest reputation, was invested with a command. The consequence was, that
his party all away, and he himself was surprised in his bed, and taken prisoner. Maj.
Cox, an English Officer of eminence, and Lieutenant Governor of Gaspe, offered to go
to St. John's, with 25 men, which he had raised at Beaufort: but he was told, (as Mon-
sieur Le Brun had been on his making a similar offer of his services) de rester tranquil
chez lui: to stay quietly at home and not meddle in the business. The English in-
habitants of the province, though they felt for their treatment from Administration,
and from General Carleton, yet did not think that treatment could justify their coun-
tenancing in any degree, those who were in arms against their sovereign. Accordingly
they have been very active in the defence of the province; and those few Canadians,
who have taken part with Government, have been influenced entirely by their ex-
ample.
"Pp. 69-80.
110 Illustrative Documents
Addressed
To Major Preston, Commanding,
at St. Johns.
The Garrison of Chambli having passed their baggage to the Encampment of the
Continental Army — The General with the most painful reluctance desires the* Com-
manding Officer of St. John's to prepare for his defence.
Edwd. Fleming
Camp before St. Johns, Dep; Adjt. General in
ye; 21st October, 1775. the Continental Army.
Addressed - (83)
The Commanding Officer, St. Johns.
Sir
Being obliged to surrender Fort Chambly and made prisoners of War, am under
the necessity of applying to you for permission for five Batteaux to pass & repass
your Forts to convey our Women, Children, and Baggage, to Genl. Montgomerys
Camp, if this request cannot be granted we shall loose all our baggage & be under
the necessity of leaving our Women and Children behind, as we are to be sent to
New England immediately, I have pledged my honor that our Drum Major returns
as soon as possible.
I am Sir Your Humble Servant,
Addressed J. Stopford, Major
To Major Preston
Commanding at St. Johns.
, (84)
Extract of a letter from Quebeck, dated October 24, 1775, shewing the dissatis-
faction of the body of the French, or Canadian, inhabitants of the province of Que-
beck at the revival of the French laws by the late Quebeck act.
"Monsieur, Quebec, Octobre 24, 1775.
Je crois ne pas etre le premier a vous apprendre la triste situation de notre
malheureuse province. Mais je puis avec certitude vous apprendre, que 1'annonce
de 1'etablissement des loix Francoises, et la nomination des Conseillers et Juges pour
la ditte province, — que le tout ensemble, dis-je, a fait un mecontentement si general
et une consternation si grande que la foudre la plus redoubtable n'a jamais pu faire
sur un peuple.
"On en a aussi ressenti les effets aussitot. Car dans ce meme moment nos
frontieres ayant ete envahies par les ennemis du roi, on a voulu avoir recours aux
habitants pour defendre ce malheureux pais. Mais, loin de s'y preter, plusieurs
cantons se sont joints aux rebelles: et, en general, aucuns n'ont voulu prendre les
armes, ni, disent-ils, defendre un tas de b de pensionnaires ni leurs f loix
Francoises. Voici, Monsieur, les propres termes dont se servent, — Ajoutez a cela que
Ton ne se sert envers eux que des personnes qui leur sont en abomination.
"Vous scaurez que dernierement Monsieur Walker de Montreal a ete arrete
comme traitre et rebelle, et est en consequence detenu prisonnier comme tel. J'au-
rois eu 1'honneur de vous adresser une relation exacte de tout ce qui s'est passe
dans ces contrees depuis le mois de Mai: mais, comme Ton a etabli ici les loix despo-
tiques, nos vies et nos biens ne sont pas en surete, je craindrois que Ton ne s'avise
d'ouvrir ma lettre, et que Ton ne me fasse un mauvais parti a ce sujet, c'est a dire,
pour dire et ecrire la verite.
Translation of the foregoing extract of a letter from Quebeck, dated October 24,
1775.
Sir,
I Presume that, before this reaches you, you will have received from other hands
an account of the dismal situation of our unhappy province. But I can assure you
with the greatest certainty, that the news of the revival of the French laws in this
province, together with the appointment of the members of the legislative council
and the new judges for the said province, have spread such discontent throughout
the province, and thrown it into so great a consternation, that the most violent
storm of thunder and lightning could not have produced a greater effect upon a people.
"The ill effects of this new establishment have been felt almost as soon as it
took place. For at that very instant the frontiers of the province were invaded
by the king's enemies, and the Governour endeavoured to excite the inhabitants of
it to take arms in its defence. But they were far from complying with his exhor-
tations. For many of the parishes joined the rebels: and throughout the rest of
Illustrative Documents 111
the country the inhabitants have, in general, refused to take arms for the govern-
ment, and to defend, as they express it, a pack of rascally pensioners of the crown,
and their damn'd French laws. For those, Sir, are the very words that they make
use of. Add to this, that no persons have been employed to endeavour to raise them
on this occasion but such as they hold in utter detestation.
"You will no doubt have heard that Mr. Walker of Montreal has lately been ar-
rested, upon a suspicion of treason and rebellion, and is kept prisoner on that ac-
count. I should have given you an exact account of every material occurrence that
has happened in this province since the month of May last, if it had not been for
the establishment of martial law in it. But as under that arbitrary law our lives
and fortunes are not in safety, I was afraid that my letters might have been
opened, and that I might have been brought into trouble on that account, that is
for speaking and writing the truth.
(Additional papers concerning the Province of Quebeck. by Francis Maseres, Pp.
96-9.)
(85)
An account of the state of the province during the last summer, and the motives
that have caused the Canadian, or French inhabitants of it to decline taking arms
for the defence of it; extracted from a letter, dated at Quebeck, on the 25th of Oc-
tober, 1775.
Quebeck, Oct. 25, 1775.
"Administration may now easily see (if they are not determined to remain in
perpetual blindness and ignorance) what operates with the Canadians in this grand
unhappy contest, and that it is not in the power of a Governour, a beggarly Nob-
lesse, or their seigniors, (whom they detest) nor in the power of their clergy with
all their threats and interdictions (if you can suppose they preach the same in
private, as they do in publick) to make the Canadians take up arms to shackle
themselves in slavery. If we dared to apply to the Canadians for an union with
us to petition the King for an amendment of the Quebeck bill, we should find the
tradesmen, most of the merchants, and all the country-inhabitants, unanimous in
our favour. But we are deemed, and (I do believe,) are represented by those per-
sons who are the authors of all our misfortunes, to the Ministers of State to be
worse than the Bostonian rebels, for infusing the principles of Liberty, (the birth-
right of every Briton), into our fellow subjects in Canada. For they must make
somebody or other bear the blame of the behaviour of their faithful Canadians, as
they used to call them, which has been so contrary to the false reports they had
made, concerning their sentiments, to his Majesty's Ministers of State. And if the
secret, wicked plots of these persons take place against us, many innocent persons
must suffer on account of this defection of the Canadians, though the real causes
of their behaviour, at this time, are these: First, a general cowardice; for they
seem to have a horrid aversion to taking arms : secondly, £ sharp remembrance
of their former state of slavery; and a dreadful apprehension of returning into the
same state, under their ancient laws and customs now confirmed to them; to which
we must add, in the third place, that the canting Enthusiasts, who have come at dif-
ferent times from New England to preach Liberty and independence among them,
have had more influence over their principles, (if you allow them to have any), in this
unhappy contest, than all the Jesuits in France, before their expulsion from tha|t
Kingdom, could have had; and, lastly, the behaviour of their seigniors towards them
(for General Carleton would hardly employ any others to command them) increased
their disobedience to government. This days post brings advice that a strong body
of men was to have crossed over the river Saint Lawrence on Tuesday last, and that
another body was to march up under the command of Colonel MacLeane, a very active
officer: and that then both these bodies were to clear the country before them, join
each other, and relieve the Fort of St. John's. This week must determine our fate,
whether there be a probability to keep the country until we have a re-inforcement from
England next Spring, or become subjected to the American colonists.
(Additional papers concerning the Province of Quebeck, Pp. 91-3.)
(86)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. II, p. 267.
(No. 16) Montreal, October 25th 1775.
My Lord
After my Letter by Lord Pitt, the Disobedience of this People encreased, & bore
some proportion to the encrease of the Rebels on the opposite side of the River; these
112 Illustrative Documents
received several Reinforcements, & their Emissaries travelled through the Country
with less danger, than the King's Servants.
The 24th of September it was so generally believed the Rebels wou'd cross the
River & storm the Town, that all those who had Ladders in the Suburbs, were or-
dered to lodge them within the walls; this they refused with Insolence, & even
Menaces, against whoever shou'd attempt to carry it into Execution; it was very
doubtful if a Guard for the Gates cou'd be procured from the Militia the next day ;
We had about sixty Soldiers in the place, the walls extensive & defenceless.
The next morning it was rumored the Rebels had crossed the River in the night,
& were posted -about three Miles below the Town, this was soon confirmed; the
Drums beat the alarm, all the old Gentlemen & better sort of Citizens English &
Canadian, turned out under Arms, some of the lower Classes followed their Ex-
ample; they were ordered to joyn the Troops at the Barracks, & from thence to the
further end of the Quebec Suburbs ; Captain Crawford with thirty Soldiers marched
first; a few mostly Colonists, then stept forward & turned off the contrary way, the
rest, with some Officers who have retired, or are on the Staff, and a few Indians,
followed the Troops very gallantly, & hurried them forward without further com-
mand & without much Order; They soon came up to the Rebel's Post, & in a little
time put them to the Rout. These were about one ' hundred & fifty in number, two
thirds Canadians; they say they expected all in the Suburbs, some in the Town, &
many from the neighbouring Parishes wou'd have joyned them, & that they were to
march in without opposition; Ethan Allen their Chief, & about thirty five Men, were
taken Prisoners, five of these wounded.
Major Garden who was our Senior Officer in the Action, & very capable of con-
ducting an affair of this sort, was mortally wounded; Mr. A. Patterson, an english
Merchant, received a bad wound, but is likely to recover, three or four Soldiers &
discharged Soldiers killed or wounded. This for a time, gave a favorable turn to
the Minds of the People; some of the Parishes now began to send in their Quotas
from the Militia.
On information that Mr. Walker still continued to preach up Disobedience & Re-
bellion, a party of Troops with some Canadians were sent to apprehend & bring
him Prisoner, he had prepared his House for defence, & fired several Shot at those
who surrounded it. Ensign Macdonald was wounded in the arm, & a soldier re-
ceived a bad wound in the thigh, occasioned by their Humanity; the House was
then sett on fire, & Mr. Walker, his Wife & Servants surrendered, this occasioned
our numbers to encrease, & willing to profit by these favorable Events, several
officers were employed to make another Effort, to bring up some Militia; Mr. Lan-
audiere arrived at Berthier with about seventy, mostly unarmed, the People of this
Parish took him Prisoner,, & those he led immediately dispersed; their first design
was to have carried him to the Rebels, but those who had charge of him, repented
& let him go; he has since joyned Lt. Colonel Maclean, who, about this time, marched
with the small remains of the Troops from Quebec, & with what Militia he cou'd
assemble below, has taken post at Sorel. I had purposed on the first alarm to have
formed a considerable Corps here, & shou'd have encamped them at Chambly, had
not this wretched People been blind to Honor Duty & their own Interest.
Rigouville, on the same business, met with still a worse fate at Verchere, the
Inhabitants of that Parish sent for some Bostonians & joyning them attacked him
in the night, he had but one old man killed, out of an hundred & forty, all armed,
he was taken Prisoner & carried off, the rest of his Party returned in their Boats.
These two Events, trifling as they are, have occasioned great Desertion, I had
assembled about nine hundred Men since our little Combat, but they disappear
thirty or forty of a night, & if this continues a little longer, we shall be in as for-
lorn a state as before, Chambly surrendered about a week ago, the Garrison are
Prisoners, this I fear, will sink their Spirits still more.
About three score Savages from one of our villages are come in this Evening,
for after the departure of Colonel Johnson, I summoned them all except the Cagh-
nawagas, this Gentleman understands he has the supreme Command over all the
Indians, & I wou'd not dispute it, though I believe we can manage' those of this
Province better. I expect many more soon, but they are as easily dejected as the
Canadian Peasantry, & like them, choose to be of the strongest side, so that when
they are most wanted, they vanish.
I yesterday received a Letter from Mr. Montgomery, a copy is herewith inclosed:
'tis true the Rebels have been in Irons, not from choice but necessity, we have neither
Prisons to hold nor Troops to guard them, so that they have been treated with as
much humanity, as our own safety wou'd permit; I wou'd not even suffer a Savage
Illustrative Documents
113
to pass the Frontier, though often urged to let them loose on the Rebel Provinces,
least cruelties might have been committed, & for fear the innocent might have suf-
fered with the Guilty. I wish to explain this matter to Your Lordship, but I shall
return no answer, nor enter into any correspondence with Rebels. I shall treat all
their threats with a silent contempt, & in this persevere, were I certain of falling
into their hands the following week, not thinking myself at liberty to treat otherwise
those who are Traytors to the King, without His Majesty's express Commands.
I am with much respect,
Your Lordship's
Most obedient & most humble Servant
Guy Carleton.
Earl of Dartmouth. •
(87)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol II, p. 284.
Liste des Messieurs les Officiers & Gentilhommes Canadiens qui ont servit en
qualite de Volontaires sous les ordres de Mr. Belletre & pris prisonniers dans la Gar-
nison de St. Jean sous le Commandement du Major Preston.
Officiers et gentilhommes.
Belletre, Chev'r de.
St. Louis,
de Longueuil.
Du Chenay.
Rouville.
Deschambault.
St. Blain du Verger.
La Ronde.
La Morandiere.
Boucherville.
Chevalier Hertel.
Cuisy.
La Madelaine.
Lotbiniere.
Saint Ours.
Fleurimont.
Tonnancourt.
Soumandiere.
Sallabery.
Pothier Varenne.
Gaucher.
Miliciens des Villes & des campagnes.
Joseph Etier. f
Francoeur.
Guerbois. \ Montreal.
Rouillard.
Joseph Le Brun.
Raphael Comieres. <} 3 Rivieres.
Pierre Le Merise.
Pierre Le Clair.
Michel Beauchamps. [ Mascouche.
Joseph Etie. f
Gabriel Etie. <| St. Eustache.
Paul Etie.
Amable Richard, Varennes.
Jean Bte. Millet, f
Alexis Gelina.
Joseph Gautier.
Etienne Duval.
frs. La Fleur.
Andre Courreaud.
Charles Texier.
1 Machiche.
Pte du Lacq.
Ste Marie Moussette.
Ste Marie Pacquin.
Chs. Hauclair.
frs. Lamirande.
Anthe Des Jarlais. <{ Riviere du Loup.
Piere Plante.
Joseph Grenier.
Louis Lessar.
Anthe Lessar.
Volontaires. — Particuliers.
Montesson, Capt.
& Chev'r St. Louis.
Mackay.
Mounier.
Luc Schmitt.
Roberson.
Officiers de milice. Citoyens des Villes
de Montr'l & 3 Rivieres.
Hervieux.
Gamelin.
Mocquin.
Des Ruisseaux.
Jacques Hervieux.
Giasson 1'aine.
Giasson, cadet.
Desprez.
Foucher.
La Marque.
Demusseau.
Bellefeuille 3 Rivieres.
Boulanger.
Duchenay.
Jean Bte. Dupuis.
Lamothe.
Officiers de Milice des Campagnes.
Felix Jolly,
frs. Corbin.
114 Illustrative Documents
Mieh. Baussin. Volontaires de Mr. Mackay.
Pierre Auge. King.
Augustin La Ronde. Groan.
Bapte. Pothier. Sears.
Joseph La Sarte. Ab. Baron.
Louis Tirnis1. Thos. Baron.
Fras. Rouville. Jean McNeal.
Leveiller. - La Coste.
2 Sauvages.
(Sgd) Guy Carleton.
Endorsed: — Canadian prisoners. In Governor Caisleton's of the 5th November, 1775.
(88)
First Letter.
Camp before St. Johns.
Nov. 1st.
Sir
From an anxious desire to spare the effusion of my fellow subject's blood, I per-
mit a taken in an action with Governor Carleton at
Longeuil a few days since to pass to the Fort, from him you will learn how small
your prospect of relief. By your deserters we find the low state of your provisions;
that you throw away and destroy the Artillery, Stores, tools, Etc. —
Let me entreat you Sir to spare the lives of a brave Garrison entitled to every
indulgence consistent with my duty to the Public. Should you continue to destroy
the Stores and obstinately persist in a defence which cannot avail you — I will as-
semble the Canadians, and shall deem myself innocent of the melancholy consequen-
ces which may attend it.
I am, Sir, with great esteem,
Your most humble servant
Richard Montgomery.
Brigd. Gen.
Addressed
To Major Preston 26th Regt.
or Officer Commanding
St. Johns.
(89)
Second Letter.
Sir
The advanced season of the Year will not admit of your proposed delay — I do
assure you upon the honour of a Gentleman, that what the Prisoner has informed
you of, is true as far as has come to my knowledge however if it wants further con-
firmation, Mr. Depane of Montreal who is also my Prisoner will I believe give you
the same intelligence.
Having now acquitted my conscience I must to save time & prevent trouble ac-
quaint you that if you do not surrender this day, it will be unnecessary to make any
future proposals. The Garrison shall be Prisoners of War — they shall not have the
honours of War & I cannot ensure the Officers their baggage.
Should you wish to send an Officer to Mr. Depane who is on board the Sloop
you have my permission Captn. Stewart carries an order for that purpose.
But should you be inclined to perish in a useless defence you will be so good,
as to fire a cannon without shot for a signal.
I am Sr.
Your Most Obnt. Servnt.
Richd. Montgomery.
Brigr. Genl.
Camp before St. John's Continental Army.
Novr. 2d.
Addressed.
Major Preston 26th Regt.
Commanding
at
St. Johns.
Illustrative Documents
(90)
115
St. Johns, 1st November 1775.
State of the Troops Under Command of Major Charles Preston, 26th Regt, on
the 17th day of September last, with the Occurrences which since happened.
.
e
N.B. One Mattross
Artillery con-
sisted of.
1
a
2
s
3
"»
5
5
i
•
•j
i
.2?
1
1
nners.
i
2
"H
Killed by the Enemy
& One Killed by an
Accident.
3
•
o
£
i
i
0
O
i
1
3
O
B
Q
g
3 Killed.
17th Septr.. .. 1123227 18.. 2 38 3 Killed.
Detachments of the 7th & 26th Regiments.
,
1
KILLED.
Regimts. ^
o
Captains.
Lieuts.
Ensigns.
Adjutant.
Mate. '
.2
I
5
M
» e
|<S
£
1
I
Captains.
Lieuts.
Ensigns.
Adjutant.
o
III
«3
9
11
5
ftfl9
1
1 .
3
9fi+V« 1
4
Q
3
1 1
10
6
188
.
Tnfal 1
9
15
s
1 1
21
11
412
1
1 .
5
N.B. Seven Men from the Rebels Joined the 26th Regiment at different times, One
of which had Deserted ; 9 Men Wounded at different times who are Recovering.
EMIGRANTS.
Captain. Sergts. Rank & File. N.B. One man Killed.
Total
17
Kill'd—
Artillery 3
Fusiliers 5
26th Regiment 2
Emigrants 1
Savages 6
Canadians 3
20
Wounded —
Artillery
Fusiliers
26th Regiment
Canadians . . .
Carpenters . . .
23
(91)
St. John's 2d Novr. 1775.
Articles of Capitulation proposed by Major Charles Preston for His Majesty's Forts
at St. John's in the Province of Canada.
Art. 1. All Acts of Hostility shall cease on both sides 'till the Articles of Capi-
tulation shall be agreed upon and signed. Agreed —
Art. 2. The Garrison shall be allowed all the Honours of War, and suffered to pro-
ceed with their Baggage and Effects to the most convenient Port in America, from thence
to embark for Great Britain as soon as they shall be furnished with Transports and
Provisions by His Excellency General Gage or Commander in Chief of His Majesty's
Troops in America.
(Ans.) — The Garrison shall march out with the Honours of War — This is due to their
fortitude and Perseverence. The Noncommissioned Officers and Privates shall ground
their Arms on the Plain south of the Fort, & immediately embark on board such boats
as shall be provided for that Purpose. The Officers shall keep their side arms; & their
fire arms shall be put up in a box, & delivered to them when these unhappy disputes
are ended if they do not dispose of them before.
116 Illustrative Documents
The Garrison must go to Connecticut Government or such other province as the
Honble. the Continental Congress shall direct, there to remain till our unhappy differ-
ences shall be compromised, or 'till they are exchanged.
Our prisoners have been constantly treated with a brotherly affection — The effects
of the Garrison shall not be withheld from them.
Art. 3d. An Officer or Quarter Master from each Corps shall be allowed to pass
to Montreal upon Parole of Honour, there to transact & settle the Business of his re-
spective Corps, and to bring up their Baggage, Cloathing and Pay, for which purpose
they shall be furnished with Carts and Batteaux.
Agreed to its fullest Latitude —
Art. 4. The Canadian Gentlemen, Inhabitants and other Persons residing in the
Province, and now at St. John's, shall be permitted to return unmolested to their respec-
tive homes, with their Arms & Baggage, and remain secure in their Property and Ef-
fects.
Answered in the second; the Canadian Gentlemen, & others being part of the Gar-
rison.
Art. 5. The Sick and wounded shall be taken care of and permitted to join their
respective Corps or return to their respective homes upon their Recovery.
The sick & wounded shall be taken care of by their own surgeons, & when recover-
ed follow their respective Corps. —
Art. 6. As soon as the above Articles shall be 'signed, Major Preston will de-
liver up the Forts with the Ammunition, Provisions &c.
Tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock the Garrison will march out, having first collected
their baggage & effects together in a convenient place for embarkation, & leaving a
guard for its protection. The officers must be upon honor with respect to their bag-
gage; for should any Canadian or other effect his escape, his baggage shall be given
as plunder to the troops.
The Quarter Master General, with proper Commissaries, will attend at 8 o'clock to
receive the Artillery, Ammunition, Naval Stores, &c. —
The deserters from the Continental Army shall not be included in the stipulation
for the Garrison. The Commanding Officer to sign & deliver the Articles of Capitula-
tion by sunset this evening.
Major Preston's reply to Montgomery's Articles of Capitulation.
The Answers to the above articles will be assented to by Major Preston, provided
the Expression (in Answer to Article 2d) "I WISH THEY HAD BEEN EXERTED IN
A BETTER CAUSE" be entirely erased; the Garrison being determined rather to die
with their arms in their Hands, than submit to the Indignity of such a Reflection.
(92)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. II, p. 274.
Montreal November 5th 1775.
My Lord
Yesterday I was informed that the Troops at St. John's surrendered the day be-
fore; inclosed is a copy of the Capitulation, & the returns both of the Troops, Cana-
dians & Seamen, as accurate as can be made out amidst some confusion, there are also
some Artificers taken, of them I have not yet procured an account. Thus the three
great points I endeavoured to effectuate for the defence of the Province, are brought
to a conclusion; the construction of Vessels to dispute the passage of Lake Champlain,
failed for want of hands, to build as expeditiously as the Rebels, they had Artificers in
abundance from their maritime Provinces, the few sent me from Halifax did not arrive
till a Month after the place of construction and Redoubts were invested, the entrenched
Camps that might have been formed near Chambly & St. John's, were effectually pre-
vented by the corruption, & I may add, by the stupid baseness of the Canadian Peas-
antry, who not only deserted their duty, but numbers of them have taken arms against
the Crown: in this manner St. John's, left to its own strength, in works of their own
constructing, after having retarded the operations of the Rebels two months since their
last arrival in the Province with a large Force, were reduced to surrender the Indians
who remained with me till this Event, have since taken their leave; the remains of the
Militia from the Parishes, deserted: the good Subjects in the Town greatly frightened,
both at the Rebels in open Arms without, & at those Traytors within, who by their Art
& insinuation are still more dangerous to the publick safety.
I have no doubt but as soon as the Rebels, land on this side they will give up the
place on the best terms they can procure, unless Troops arrive immediately; to say the
truth, as the greatest part of the lower people will not act, and some are dissastisfied.
Illustrative Documents 117
the rest cannot make a defence with the assistance of eighty Soldiers in a place of this
sort; I shall try to retard the evil hour, for reasons formerly given, tho' all my hopes
of succour now begin to vanish.
The prespect at Quebec is not much better; Accounts say B. Arnold is on the Chaud-
iere, with twelve or fifteen hundred Men, we have not one Soldier in the Town, & the
lower sort are not more loyal than here.
Lieut. Colonel Maclean, whom I sent up the River Sorel, with about sixty of
the Fuziliers an hundred & twenty of his own Recruits, with what Canadian Militia
he cou'd raise, has also been abandoned by his Militia, & obliged to embark the Troops
on board Vessels lying off the mouth of that River; these Vessels were armed for the
protection of the Trade & to preserve our communication, otherwise very doubtfull. I
have the honor to be with great Esteem & regard
My Lord
Your Lordship's
Most obedient & Most humble
Servant
Guy Carleton.
Earl of Dartmouth.,
Endorsed: — Montreal Novr 5, 1775.
Govr. Carleton
R 23d Deer 1775.
Entd.
(93)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11, pp. 321-2.
Messieurs les habitans de Montreal.
Messieurs,
La vive douleur que je ressens a la vue du malheureux sort dont votre ville est
menacee me porte a vous exhorter d'emploier tout le Credit que vous pouves avoir
sur 1'esprit de la Bourgeoisie pour la determiner prendre les mesures necessaires
pour prevenir la Position de mes Batteries centre le Montreal. Quand je considere
les funestes suites d'un Bombardement, Fextreme detresse que accompagne toujours
1'Incendie mais plus encore dans une saison que vous ne permet pas d'en reparer a
terns les Ruines, quand je me represente combien de Persones innocentes souffront de
celle Catastrophe, et que les Amis meme de la Liberte qui peuvent se trouver parmi
vous seront envelopes dans une meme Ruine avec les Organes iniques de la Tyrannic,
mon Coeur fremit de la cruelle necessite ou je me trouve de livrer cette ville infor-
tunee a la fureur des flammes.
Je vous conjure done parce que vous aves de plus cher et par les liens sacres de
1'humanite de faire votre possible pour engager votre Gouverneur a compatir aux
miseres qui menacent la Peuple commis a ses soins, dans le terns qu'une vaine Re-
sistance ne pourront servir qu'a augmenter les malheurs de votre etat et a servir
chez lui le charactere de 1'humanite.
Je suis avec les voeux les plus sincere s pour le success de cette negotiation.
messieurs,
votre tres humble serviteur,
Rich'd Montgomery, Brig'r Gen'l.
Cont'l Army.
a la Prairie le 9e Novre, 1775.
P.S. Je viens d'apprendre qu'on vous a malicieusement raporte nous venons dans
le dessein de mettre la ville au pillage, pour refuter une calomnie aussi odieus, j'en
appelle a la Conduite que nous avons tenu jusqu'ici et que vous ne sauriez ignorer.
Aves vous oui quelqu'un plaindre d'un pareil precede de notre part depuis notre En-
tree dans votre Province?
Endorsed : — A Monsieur,
Pierre Du Calvet,
Negotiant
au Montreal.
In Governor Carleton's Letter of the 20th Nov'r.
118 Illustrative Documents
\ (Translation)
To the inhabitants of Montreal.
Gentlemen :
The great sorrow that I feel with respect to the unhappy fate by which your
town is threatened causes me to urge you to exert all the Influence you can have
upon the opinion of the Citizens to induce them to take the necessary measures to
prevent the establishment of my Batteries against Montreal. When I think of the
fatal results of a bombardment the extreme distress which always accompanies a
Conflagration, but more particularly at a time of the year which will not permit you
to repair the Damages at once, when I reflect how many innocent Persons will suffer
by this Catastrophe, and that the Friends, even of Liberty who may l?e among you
will be involved in the same Ruin with the wicked Instruments of Tyranny, my
Heart aches at the cruel necessity in which I find myself of giving over this un-
fortunate town to the fury of the flames. I adjure you then for the sake of all you
hold most dear and by the sacred ties of humanity to do everything possible to in-
fluence your Governor to take pity on the miseries which threaten the people com-
mitted to his care, at a time when a futile Resistance can only serve to increase the
misfortunes of your condition and to preserve for himself the reputation of human-
ity.
I am with the sincerest wishes for the success of this negotiation.
Your very humble servant,
Richard Montgomery, Brig. General,
Continental Army.
La Prairie, 9th Nov. 1775.
P.S. I have just learned that you have been maliciously informed that we intend to
give up the town to plunder. To contradict such an odious calumny, I refer to the
Conduct which we have observed so far arid of which you cannot be ignorant. Have
you heard any one complain of such an act on our part since our Entrance into your
Province?
Endorsed, to Pierre Du Calvet,
Merchant at Montreal.
(94)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11. pp. 334-5.
Point Levy, 8th November, 1775.
May it please your Excellency,
My last Letter was of tht 27th ulto from Chaudier Pond advising your Excel-
lency that as the Detachment was short of Provisions by reason of losing many of
our Batteaus, I had ordered Colonel Enos to send back the sick & feeble and those
of his Division who could not be supplied with fifteen days Provisions & that I
intended proceeding next day with fifteen men to Sartigan to send back Provisions
to the Detachment. I accordingly set out the 28th early in the morning and de-
scended the River amazingly rapid and rocky for about twenty miles when we had
the misfortune to stave three of our Batteaus & loose their Provisions &ca., but
happily no lives. — I then proceeded with the two remaining Batteaus and five men
and very fortunately reached the French Inhabitants, the 30th at night, who received
us in the most hospitable manner, & sent off early the next morning a supply of
fresh Provisions, Flour, &ca. to the Detachment, who are all happily arrived (except
one man drowned, one or two sick and Colo. Enos's Division, who, I am surprised to
hear, are all gone back), and are within one or two days march.
I have this moment received a Letter from Brigadier General Montgomery, ad-
vising of the Reduction of Chamblie, &c. I have had about 40 savages join me and
intend as soon as possible crossing the St. Lawrence. I am just informed by a
Friend from Quebec that a Frigate of 26 guns & two Transports with 150 Re-
cruits arrived there last Sunday, which with another small Frigate & four or five
small armed Vessels up the River is all the Force they have except the Inhabitants,
very few of whom have taken up Arms & those by compulsion, who declare (Except
a few English) that they will lay them down whenever attacked. The Town is
very short of Provisions but well Fortified. I shall endeavour to cut off their com-
Illustrative Documents 119
munication with Country, which I hope to be able to Effect & bring them to Terms,
or at least keep them in close Quarters, until the arrival of General Montgomery
which I wait with Impatience.
I hope at any rate to be able to effect a Juncture with him at Montreal.
1 am
with the greatest Respect,
-your Excellency's
most obedient
humble servant,
(Signed) Bened't Arnold.
His Excellency General Washington.
Endorsed: — Copy of a letter from Benedict Arnold to Mr. Washington, 8th Nov'r
1775.
In Lieut. Governor Cramahe's Letter of the 19th Nov'r.
(95)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. II. pp. 331-3.
Camp at St. Maria,
2 1/2 leagues from Point Levy.
8th Nov'r, 1775.
Dear Sir,
Your favor of the 29th ultimo I received at one o'clock this morning which gave
me much pleasure. I heartily congratulate you on your success thus far. I think
you have had great reason to be apprehensive for me, the time I mentioned to Gen-
eral Washington being so long elapsed. I was not then apprized nor indeed appre-
hensive of one half of the Difficulties we had to encounter of which I cannot at pres-
ent give you a particular Detail, can only say we have hauled our Batteaus over
Falls, up rapid streams, over Carrying Places & marched thro' morasses, thick
woods & over Mountains about 320 miles, many of which we had to pass several
times to bring our Baggage. These difficulties the Soldiers have with the greatest
Fortitude surmounted & about two thirds of the Detachment are happily arrived
here or within two days march, most of them in good health and high spirits, — the
other part with Colo. Enos returned from the Dead River without my expectation,
he having orders to send back only the sick & those that could not be furnished with
Provisions.
I wrote General Schuyler the 13th October by an Indian I thought trusty, in-
closed to my Friend in Quebec, and as I have had no answer from either, and he pre-
tends being taken at Quebec I make no doubt he has betrayed his Trust which I
am the more confirmed in, as I find they have been some time apprised of our com-
ing in Quebec, and have destroyed all the canoes at Point Levy to prevent our pass-
ing— this difficulty will be obviated by Birch canoes, as we have about 20 of them
with 40 savages who have joined us and profess great Friendship, as well as the
Canadians by whom we were very friendly received and who will be able to furnish
us with a number of canoes.
I am informed by the French that there are two Frigates & several small armed
vessels lying before Quebec & a large ship or two lately arrived from Boston, how-
ever, I propose crossing the St. Lawrence as soon as possible, and if any oppor-
tunity offers of attacking Quebec with success shall embrace (it) otherwise shall
endeavor to join your Army at Montreal. I shall as often as in my power advise you
of my proceedings & beg the favor of hearing from you by every opportunity. The
inclosed letter to His Excellency General Washington I beg the favor of your for-
warding by express.
I am very respectfully,
Dear Sir,
your most obedient
humble Servant,
Bened't Arnold. ,
Brigadier General Montgomery.
P.S. Since writing the above I have seen a Friend from Quebec, who informs a
Frigate of 26 guns & two Transports with 150 Recruits arrived from St. John's
Newfoundland last Sunday which with the Inhabitants who have been compelled to
120 Illustrative Documents
take up arms amounting to about 300 men. That the French & English Inhabi-
tants in general are on our side & that the City are short of Provisions. I shall
endeavor to cut off their communication with the country & make no doubt, if no
more Recruits arrive to bring them to Terms soon or at least keep them in close
Quarters until you arrive here, which I shall wait with impatience, but if St. John's
should not have surrendered & you can possibly spare a Regiment this way, I think
the city must of course fall into our hands.
P.S. I have paid the Indians Ten Dollars expences and promised them they shall
be well rewarded if they make Dispatch.
B. A.
Endorsed: In Lieut.-Gov'r Cramahe's Letter of the 19th Novem'r.
(96)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 11. p. 285.
My Lord! Quebec 9th-- Novr. 1775.
Inclosed Herewith Your Lordship will receive a Copy of a Letter wrote to Gen-
eral Gage by General Carleton in the Month of Feby. 1767, and another in Feby. last;
they relate to the Occurrences of the present times, and shew the Judgment He had
long since formed upon the Subject.
The 2d instant the very uncomfortable Account was received, that we had no
Succours to expect from Boston, Copies of Paragraph of General Howe's Letter, and
of Admiral Grave's to him are herewith inclosed, and annexed thereto a Report of
the Arrivals of Shipping at the Port of Quebec in the Month of Novr. since the Es-
tablishment of the Custom house, in the year 1760 two ships arrived so late as the
24th of Novr.
Tho' General Gage did not seem to believe it, a Body of Men are certainly ar-
rived by the way of the Chaudiere, and their advance Guard is actually at Point
Levi; for the Defence of the Town we have only about fourscore Recruits of Colonel
Maclean's Corps, just arrived from St. John's, Irish Fishermen, unacquainted with
the use of A.rms, and about five and thirty Marines, landed out of the Lizard, the
rest are Militia, with Difficulty brought to Mount Guard, and consequently not much
to be depended on.
The Rebels are now upon the North Shore of the St. Lawrence, have cut off the
communication by Land with Montreal, stopped the Post, and seized some Persons
travelling down this Way, whom they since Released, and the Winds hanging to the
Eastward, prevent the General's coming down by water, if that is his Intention; The
Rebels, being in Force, have upon their side the Canadian Peasants, whom neither
the zealous Exertions of the Gentry, Clergy or Bourgeoisie could prevail upon to
do their Duty, and for want of a Force, we could neither awe or compel them to it;
two Battalions in the Spring might have saved the Province, I doubt whether twen-
ty would regain it.
From the peculiar Situation of Things, we are obliged to send Home the Rebel
Prisoners, having no proper Gaols to confine them in, or Troops to Guard them, a
List of them is herewith transmitted, and the Master having insisted upon it, as
a Condition without which he would not take them on board, I have been obliged
to write a requisitorial Letter to any of the Officers Commanding the King's Ships or
Forts upon the Coast, to receive them until further Directions could be given therein:
Copies of some Affidavits in regard to Mr Walker, and of two intercepted Letters,
upon which I took up Mr. Mercier of this Town, are likewise inclosed.
Should a large force be sent out to this Country next Spring, Mr. Brook Wat-
son, with whom I have conversed upon the Subject, and who knows the Country, can
give the King's Servants several useful Hints, which the Shortness of Time, and the
Hurry and Confusion attending this near approach of the Enemy, prevent my com-
mitting to writing.
I have the Honor to be with great Respect
My Lord!
Your Lordship's Most obedient and Most Humble Servant
H. T. Cramahe.
Earl of Dartmouth
One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed: — Quebec 9th Novr. 1775.
Lt. Govr. Cramahe.
R 23d Deer. 1775.
Illustrative Documents 121
(97)
Extract of a letter from Quebeck, dated Nov. 9, 1775.
Lieutenant Governor Cramahe told Mr. MacAulay of this place, a few days ago,
in great anger "that it was our damn'd committees that had thrown the province
into its present state, and prevented the Canadians from taking arms; but that he
should hear more of that hereafter." By these words we presume we are to under-
stand, that if they had power in their hands to enforce their authority, a star-cham-
ber would be erected to harrass those who might differ in opinion from them, or
might make any attempts, by future applications to the Throne, for a redress of
their grievances; for we are told that all meetings are illegal by martial law. The
new arrangement of government under the Quebeck-bill, met with a general disap-
probation. Not to mention the English inhabitants, (who could not but dislike it,
as it was totally different from what they had expected and applied for) the Canadians
in general were displeased with it, and declared that it was not at their desire or
solicitation that it was passed; and that they had not been made acquainted with the
petition which was presented to the King from a few persons in the province, and
was made the ground of passing it. They said that the persons, who had signed
that petition, consisted principally of their ancient oppressors, their Noblesse, who
wanted nothing more than, as formerly to domineer over them; and they exclaimed
against them bitterly on that account; but intimated that they had better take care
of themselves, and not be too forward to put their intentions into execution. The
Lawyers and Notaries, and such of the citizens as had been induced to sign that
petition (or rather, had been afraid to refuse to sign it, for fear of being pointed
at by the friends to such measures) almost unanimously declared their disapproba-
tion and dislike of the Act of Parliament, more especially when the appointments
of the members of the new council came to be made, and it was found that none but
the Noblesse, or those who had the Croix de Saint Louis, were appointed to it,
without a single person taken from the commercial part of the French inhabitants
of the province. This, with the giving the half-pay to a set of French officers who
had served on a Battoe, expedition against the Indians in General Murray's time,
and the appointment of Monsieur de Rouville for one of the Judges at Montreal, and
of Claude Panet for Quebeck, with salaries, as it is given out, of £700 a year each,
and, in short, the wantonly and profusely inventing places for creatures and syco-
phants, with which the Goyernour was continually surrounded, has given great dis-
gust. It is indeed alarming to think how all this money was to be raised. A very
little matter would have induced the Canadians to unite in a body to petition for
a Repeal of the Act. But no one cared to step forth, and set forward any measure
of that kind, partly thro' fear of the ill treatment, which they might be made to suf-
fer in consequence of having done so, now that the Governour's authority is so
extensive, and partly through the hope that we continually entertained of hearing
from England of the Repeal or Amendment of it. Peter Panet, of Montreal, who
is brother to the other, but quite another sort of man, had every reason to expect to
be made a Judge, if any of the French were to be made so. He is really very clever,
and had been Clerk to the Court of Captains of the Militia immediately after the
conquest of the country, or, one may almost say, both Clerk and Chief Judge; and
he certainly ought, on this occasion, to have had the preference by far to Rouville.
Indeed, the nomination of the latter to this office is so offensive to the Canadians
at Montreal, that they were quite exasperated at it, and were going to prefer a
petition to the Governour against his being appointed to it. But the taking of Crown
Point and the subsequent disturbances in the province, put a stop to every thing, and
has prevented any part of the Act from taking place.
"(The Canadian inhabitants of this province openly avow their affection to the
English manners and customs, and declare that they never wish to live quieter or
more happy than they have done since the commencement of civil government. In-
deed it is surprising to see how much they have flourished and increased in riches
within these few years, by meeting with so good a market for their produce. This
is owing to the great spirit of speculation— r-trade that prevails among the English mer-
chants here and their Friends at Home, and cannot in any degree be attributed to
the French Merchants, who have nothing of the spirit of trade in them. This flour-
ishing state of the province, since the establishment of the English laws in it, makes
the Canadians fond of those laws, and desirous of their continuance: And number-
less are the proofs that might be given of their preferring them to the French laws
by which they were formerly governed, were it not for the artifices of a very few
persons, the Noblesse of the province, who, by having gained the support and as-
sistance of Government, have had it in their power to disguise the truth, and pre-
122 Illustrative Documents
vent an ui/ion between the old and new subjects in making application to the Throne
to obtain a settlement of the province upon the foundation of the English law.
When any strangers from England have come to these parts by way of curiosity,
who on their return might have represented things in a true light, they have been
kept up amongst a small circle of people, and have hardly ever appeared in pub-
lick, or conversed with the people at large, and have thereby been prevented from
getting true and general information concerning the real state of the province and
the sentiments of its inhabitants.
"The Canadians, very early this Spring, declared, that the Noblesse had no man-
ner of authority over them, and that even their seigniors had no right to command
their military service. They acknowledged, that they owed them respect as their
Lords of the Manor; but they insisted, that, when they had paid them their quit-
rents, and all their other just dues, together with certain compliments which were
customary at different seasons, they owed them nothing further, and were not bound
to submit to any power they might presume to exercise over them. For some of the
seigniors have pretended to some authority over their tenants; of which there
was an instance in the seigniory called La Beauce behind Point-Levi, where
the young seignior, Mons. Taschereau, caused one of his tenants to be con-
fined for refusing to march at his command against the Provincials, who had in-
vaded the province; but he soon thought it best to sollicit the man's release and did
not afterwards try the same experiment with any other of them. But in other parts
of the province several of the Canadians have been threatened with the same treat-
ment, if they did not obey their seignior's order to take arms for the defence of
the province, in order to frighten them into the service. But it has had the con-
trary effect, and has been found to be of bad consequence. Nothing of this kind
had appeared before the Quebeck Bill passed. But the strongest verbal proof that
I can give you of the dislike of the Canadians to the Quebeck Bill is this: Mr. John
Thompson (who is a very honest man) told me yesterday that he was present at
the Coffee-house at Montreal when Mr. James Finlay of that place declared pub-
lickly, that the Captain of the French Militia had, in his presence, told Governour
Carleton, "That the Canadians in that town, themselves included, would not take arms
as a Militia, unless His Excellency would assure them on his honour, that he would
use his utmost endeavours to get the Quebeck Bill repealed;" and that he thereupon
promised them, that he ^ould do so. But now all these considerations are at an
end for the present, as we are likely to have new masters shortly.
"The governour's reason for establishing Martial Law in this province was, that
he might be able by means of that law (which he thought would authorize him so
to do), to force the Canadians to take arms. But he has entirely failed of success
in this attempt. Indeed, it was a most ridiculous attempt, as he had no troops at
hand to enforce his authority or commands. Great threats are frequently thrown
out, and every now and then people are put under confinement by the militia. On
Saturday, the 28th of October, Mr. John Dyer Mercier, as he was going into the Up-
per-Town, was laid hold of by the Town- Serjeant, and conducted to the main guard,
and there confined, and his papers were seized and examined, merely by order of the
Lieutenant-Governour, without any crime or accusation alledged against him; and, at
day-break the next morning he was put on board the Hunter Sloop of War. This
was very alarming to the citizens of Quebeck, who thereupon had a meeting, and
appointed three of their number to wait on the Lieutenant-Governour to know the
cause of so remarkable a step. He made answer, "that he had sufficient reasons for
what he had done, which he would communicate when and to whom he should think
proper." But he soon thought better of it. For the next morning he called together
the six Captains of the British Militia, and communicated to them one or more in-
tercepted letters directed to Mr. Mercier, of a nature that was sufficient to warrant
his being secured for the safety of the town. But nothing was found that pro-
ceeded from him, or that could serve as a proof to convict him of any crime. This
communication gave a good deal of satisfaction. It is a piece of Justice to the French
inhabitants of the province to say, that those of them who have taken arms for the
defence of the province, are not corrupted in their tempers by the use of them, so
as to be ready to act as the instruments of arbitrary power over their fellow citi-
zens, but rather decline being so employed. Of this we had lately a remarkable
instance at Montreal. For General Prescott, who commands at Montreal, having
thought fit to place centinels at the fore and back doors of Mr. Walker's house to be
a guard upon Mrs. Walker (notwithstanding her husband is no longer with her, but
a prisoner on board a sloop of war) ordered Pascal Pillet, one of the French inhabi-
tants of Montreal who had taken arms for the defence of that city, to attend that
duty. But Pillett would not do it, but replied, "that he took up arms for the defence
Illustrative Documents 123
of the city, and was willing to stand sentry in his turn on the walls to oppose the
enemy, but would not be employed as a gaoler to watch his fellow-citizens, but would
sooner throw down his arms, though they were his own property, and let those per-
sons take them who would consent to be so employed.
General Prescott upon being told of this refusal, thought proper to drop his de-
sign of setting a guard upon Mrs. Walker, and said, it was hardly worth while
to watch an old woman. This certainly does honour to the spirit and temper of the
French inhabitants who have entered into the Militia upon this occasion. Shortly
after this affair we heard that Fort Chambly was taken, with eight officers and 60
men. Then it was said that a plan was formed for General Carleton and Col. M*-
Lean to .join their forces and march to the relief of St. John's Fort. It was given
out that General Carleton had 1500 Canadians with him. Proper signals were agreed
on, and General Carleton was to cross over the River St. Lawrence with his army,
which consisted, first, of the militia of Montreal; and, secondly, of a number of
Canadians that he had with him, and whom he had maintained for some time before
at Montreal; and, thirdly, a few troops that he had with him, who might amount to
about 100 men, and who were to have headed the Canadians; and, lastly, some In-
dians. They accordingly set off from Montreal in high spirits, and attempted to
cross the River St. Lawrence, and land at Longueuil; but they were so warmly re-
ceived by the provincials on the other side the river, that they could not make good
their landing, but were thrown into great confusion, and retired with precipitation.
Some of them ran aground on an island, and had like to have perished, but were
saved by the New England men. Two Indians were killed, and two more taken pris-
oners. The next Express informed us, that, upon Colonel M'Lean's party hearing of
this repulse, his Canadians had all left him, and retired to their homes. And the
night before last an Express brought the News, that the garrison of St. John's
had capitulated (being starved out) and were all made prisoners of war; and that
Montreal was invested, and its communication with the country entirely cut off; and
that the provincials were on St. Helen's Island, over-against the town, and were
there erecting a battery to fire upon it, in case they shall refuse to capitulate; and
that Governour Carleton was on board the Fell, an armed snow.
"There are also 1500 provincials arrived at Point Levi. We have within a few
days heard of their approach, and our guards have been doubled on that account.
Our fate (at least for some time) must soon be decided. There are fifteen Com-
missaries appointed, consisting of the six English and six French Captains- of
Militia, and the three Judges. Three of them sit every day, to examine into small
matters, and give passes to all the canoes that come into, or go out of, the town.
This, with the means made use of to get Canadians from the neighbouring country to
do duty in the town has so intimidated the inhabitants of the Country, that very
few of them venture to come to town, so that we have hardly a supply of provisions
from hand to mouth, much less to stand a siege.
"P.S. Just now an order is come down for eight men from each of the six com-
panies of the British Militia to appear on the parade without Arms, to receive One
Shilling and a pint of Porter for the business they were to do. Orders are also
given for a party of Marines to be on the parade armed. So we are inclined to
judge the intentions of our Government to be to force us to a defence of the town,
and sacrifice our lives and properties. The Shilling and a pint of Porter are sup-
posed to be considered as King's money to enlist us, and subject us to military
discipline. The Lord protect us from our enemies within and without.
(Additional papers, concerning the Province of Quebeck, by Francis Maseres,
Pp. 101-11.)
(98)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 13, pp. 48-56.
Memorandum of the Rebel Invasion of Canada in 1775.
In the Beginning of May, 75, Col. Allen took Tiyondarogon Garrison by Sur-
prize after midnight, and immediately prepared, crossing Lake Champlain in Bat-
teaux in Quest of the King's Vessell and finding she had got to St. Johns, pro-
ceeded with 150 men to that place garrisoned by a Serjeant's party and landed out
of sight of the place, his party consisting mostly of Inhabitants about Lake Cham-
plain that had a daily Intercourse with the people at St. Johns, they gradually en-
tered the place, as it were accidentally, without being suspected, (the taking of Tiy-
ondarogo, or other Disturbances at Boston & the Colonies not being known or heard
124 Illustrative Documents
of there), till they took an opportunity of surrounding the chief part of the Garri-
son without their Barracks, then securing the rest & their Arms within, and seized
the King's Sloop laying at the Wharff, one of the Soldiers, however, made his Es-
cape to Montreal and carried the News to Lt. Col. Templer of the 26th Regt, who
sent off a party with a field piece to St. Johns and would have surprized the Rebels
and taken them prisrs had not one Benton, a Mercht of Montreal got to St. Johns
before the party and apprized them of it, and they were not out of Canon Shot when
the Troops arrived at St. Johns, being luckily favored with a fair wind to carry
them over the Lake to Tiyondarogon. This Expedition to St. Johns happened abt the
middle of May. The Rebels then in the course of June sent Reinforcements and Provi-
sion & ammunition to Tiyondarogo, and having intercepted the Return of the few
Troops left in Canada and being in possession of all the Vessels & Crafts in Lake
Champlain set their Invasion of Canada on Foot, constructing Batteaux & making
other preparations.
On the 1st of June I left my House on the Mohawk River to proceed to Canada
by way of Oswego, (a great round abt, the Communication by Lakes George & Cham-
plain being cut off by the Rebels,) <& at the same time assisting Col. Johnston to as-
semble the Six Nations Indians and apprize them of the Rebels proceedings; ar-
rived abt the middle of July at Iro-Aughquisasne or St. Regis, an Iroquois Town on
the River St. Lawrence, and summoned those Indians to a Congress at Caghnawagay,
alias Sault St. Louis, the Fire or Council place of the Indian Nations in Canada,
where I arrived the 17th of July. Col. Johnson brought some of the Six Nations
with him and proceeded immediately to Montreal. I remained opposite Caghnawa-
way to meet and conferr with those Nations upon the Situation of Affairs and they
being summoned, they immediately attended and expressed their great satisfaction of
seeing me, then related to me all that had happened since the Affair at St. Johns,
and what Consternation and Alarm the Rebels occasioned in Canada, and the fear of
Defection of the Canadians on Acct. of the defenceless state of the country. That
the Governor sent for them and desired as their assistance to have a Look out to
watch the motions of the Rebels who were expected to pay another visit soon in
Canada. They replied that this being an Affair of Moment & a Surprise they must
first consult upon it being strangers to the nature of the Dispute between the King
and his Children, the Colonists, and in short were at a Loss how to act, that at our
taking of Canada in 1760, they were desired and treated with to consider the King's
English subjects as their friends & Brothers for the future, forgetting all former
Hatred agst them, which they then promised and hitherto fulfiled. Now they were
desired to act agst them when the Inhabitants of the Country who had more reason
to do were so backward & defected, a thing they could not so easy determine upon.
At which they said the Governor seemed to be displeased & angry, acquainting them
that in case of their persisting in their Denial, they must expect having their Lands
taken from them & be deprived of other privileges they enjoyed. They answer d that
if their Lives were at stake, they could not rashly & inconsiderately enter into a
War, the nature of which they were unacquainted with, that they considered them-
selves independent & free agents in that Respect and could say no more abt it & so
the meeting broke up.
They therefore repeated agn they were very happy at my arrival and begd &
entreated me to give them a full acct of this extraordinary & unexpected Dispute. Ac-
cordingly I begun with the original settling of the Colonies, Governments care, In-
dulgence & protection of them at an immense expence to the British Nation, some
of which instances they were themselves sensible of, vizt. their protection from be-
coming French Subjects in the Beginning of the late War, and the consequent con-
quest of Canada by the british Arms only wch secured to them peace & Tranquility
after many years War & Troubles. I then recounted to them the Colonists, particu-
larly ye New Englanders most ungratefull Returns for these Favours & Blessings
from the Time of the Stamp Act to the destroying of ye Tea at Boston. The necess-
ity of Government sending an Armament to enforce the Laws of the Kingdom, the
New Englanders insulting the Troops and becoming the Aggressors at Lexington,
their unwarrantable & rebellious Invasion of Canada, a country not in the least con-
cerned in the Dispute; their being then in possession of the Territory abt Lake
Champlain wch His Majesty allotted them for Hunting & fishing, the danger of
their losing those Means of Subsistence in case the Rebels should get a footing
there; Their ill usage of the Indians in general & striping them of all their Lands
if not guarded against by the Crown; the striking example of their own people
living among the Colonists, some of whom they made slaves & servants of & got their
Lands from them in a fraudulent Manner, which would be the case with all In-
dians, should they become the Rulers of the Continent of America; with several other
Illustrative Documents 125
touching arguments on the Subject with which they were so struck and roused that
immediately they determined of attacking & laying waste the New England fron-
tiers. I advised them to declare first their sentiments to Sir Guy Carleton at the
public Meeting to be held at Montreal in a few days and that I was of opinion that
they ought first to warn the New Englanders off their Territory at Crown Point &
Tiyondarogon, and if they refused, to acquaint them of their Resolution.
Accordingly in the Beginning of August a Congress of upwards of 1500 Indians,
including abt 600 Warriors, took place at Montreal, when the Indians in public
Council made the above Offers & proposals to Sir Guy Carleton, who in his Answer
thanked them for their good Will but did not at all approve of the scheme. That
all he wanted and desired of them was to keep a party of 40 or 50 of their young
men at St. Johns to have a Lookout from that Garrison & watch the motions of
the Rebels at Crown Point but they were not to go beyond the Line of the Prov-
ince of Quebec. After this Meeting Sir Guy Carleton went to Quebec wch was to-
wards the middle of August. The Indians were something disgusted at their Offer
being rejected, however, they kept such a party of abt 50 of their Warriors at St.
Johns who being attended by two Indian Officers, made several discoveries, killed
one Capt. Baker & wounded some of his party, in the Capts side pockets were found
his Journal & other papers relative to his Discoveries abt St. Johns & Chamblee.
About the Middle of Sept. a Relief of Indians was sent to St. Johns and before
the relieved party came away the news was brought that the Rebel Army was in
Sight, upon which Major Preston ordered the Indian Officer with all the Indians
to march out of the Fort and meet the Rebels without any other White Man, ac-
cordingly they came up with the Rebels abt 1 1/2 miles from the Fort on the west
shore, who were landing & partly landed, the Indians attacked them with all the
advantage they could, the Rebels being abt 10 to 1 Indn, made them give way at two
difft times and at last obliged them to retreat to the Isle aux Noix, 15 miles from
St. Johns. The Indians had 8 killed & some wounded and the Rebels it was thought
upwards a hundred, they carying off their Dead in their boats; the Works at St.
Johns on the side where the Rebels landed not being finished, they must have soon
carried the place and Montreal & Quebec being unguarded & open must have made
an easy Conquest.
General Schuyler who must have commanded that Expedition, fell sick after the
Repulse and returned home, when the command devolved on Genl Montgomery, who,
after the defeat, sent very threatening Messages to Caghnawagay, (the nearest In-
dian Town, to his Army & no River to cross from where he was, to attack their
Town), acquainting them with his Displeasure at their late enimical Behaviour at
St. Johns against him (their being the most numerous Nation in the attack) and
desiring their* sending Deputies to him at the Isle aux Noix immediately, otherwise
they would march against their Town, burn it and destroy their families. The Cagh-
nawagey Indians were much alarmed at these Messages, seeing themselves exposed
to the Resentment of the Rebels and no appearance of protection from Government
and the disaffected Behaviour of the Canadians & being left in the Lurch by the
Troops when they attacked the Rebels at their Landing had no Resource or means
left to extricate themselves from obeying the Summons & saw themselves obliged to
send Deputies with great Dread & Fear of ill Treatment. However, on their arri-
.val at ye Isle aux Noix, they were well rec'd by Mr. Montgomery, who upbraided
them at the same time for interfering in a Dispute they had no Business with and
hoped they would not do so for the future, that as he did not want the assistance
of any Indians & it was to be supposed so powerfull a prince as the King of Eng-
land did not want the help of Savages. In the meantime he kept these Deputies of
the Caghnawageys by way of Hostages untill their People were removed from St.
Johns making the,m a present of 1000 Dollars, then proceeded with his Army to
invest St. Johns a second time which was about the 20th of September and suc-
ceeded, however, the Garrison had time to prepare themselves since the first At-
tempt and he was obliged to besiege it regularly. After this the Caghnawagey In-
dns were signalized as Traitors altho' they repeatedly offerd to join any Body of
Troops or Canadians that should be sent to raise the siege of St. Johns and being
one day informed of such a party to be sent, they in a Body went to meet them at
la prairie but finding a false Report they returned home.
About the latter end of Sept. Col. Allen attempted with abt 200 men to take
Montreal by a coup de main, being met by a Body of Troops & Canadians they
were dispersed, some killed & wounded, Allen was pursued by two young Indn Offi-
cers, a few Rangers and Indians and was taken prisr with a party of his best Men.
After this Affair the Canadians came to Montreal under an appearance to lend
126 Illustrative Documents
their services, they were armed, accoutred, &ca., and ordered to be ready when
called upon but many of them disappeared. Towards the middle of October the Reb-
els having exhausted their ammunition & provisions, planned the Taking of Chamblee
Garrison well stocked with these Articles. Its to be remarked that after St. Johns was
invested that post could be of no service to the former but would have added great
strength to our Troops at the Sorell or Montreal. Accordingly the Rebels tempted with
so valuable an acquisition and so little Risque, (the place being defenceless agst Artil-
lery), brought two light pieces of Iron Cannon thro' the woods out of reach of St.
Johns Fort and soon made a Breach into the thin walls of Chamblee, so that Major
Stopford who commanded saw himself obliged to surrender with his Garrison when the
Rebels found upwards 100 Barrls of Powder & Shot in proportion & 200 Barrls of Pro-
vision by which Means they were enabled to take St. Johns, otherways by their own
Confession must have quitted Canada, having but few Rounds of Ammunition & very
little provn left. The Rebels were fortunate enough at the Beginning of the siege to
take a parcell of Provision & Cloaths intended to be thrown into St. Johns for the
Troops, which Articles they much wanted at that season. The latter end of October
Sir Guy Carleton made an Attempt to relieve the Garrison at St. Johns and endeavour-
ed to cross at Longueuil with a Body of Canadians & Indians but the former seemingly
could not be depended upon and the latter thereby drew the Rebels upon them, lost
their chief Warrior & others wounded & taken, the effort proved abortive and St.
Johns was obliged to surrender for want of succour & provision the beginning of Novr
& soon after Montreal. Its to be observed that after the Rebels Repulse from St.
Johns, Montreal & Quebec were put in as good a State of Defence as the Time would
permit; Several Armed Shipping arrived at the latter & Capt. Hamilton in the Lizard
on the 9th of Novr. The llth of Novr. I embarked for Europe.
Danl Glaus,
late Agt for Indn Affairs, Provce
Quebec.
Endorsed: — Memorandum of the Rebel Invasion of Canada in 1775,
By Colo. Glaus.
(99)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. II. p. 327.
Camp before Quebec, 14th Nov'r, 1775.
Sir,
The unjust, cruel, and tyrannical Acts of a venal British Parliament tending to
enslave the American Colonys have obliged them to appeal to God and the Sword for
redress That being in whose hands are all human events has hitherto smiled at their
virtuous efforts and as every artifice has been used to make the innocent Canadians in-
struments of their cruelty by instigating them against the colonies and oppressing
them on refusing every oppressive mandate — The American Congress induced by mot-
ives 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 Quebec. I do therefore, in the name of the united Col-
onies, demand immediate surrender of the Town Fortifications, &c. of Quebec, 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 se-
cured 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 Pro-
perty will probably be involved in the general ruin.
I am,
Sir,
your most obedient, humble Servant,
Bened't Arnold, Coll.
& commanding the American
Forces.
Hon'ble Hector Theophilus Cramahe, Lieutenant Governor & Commander of Quebec.
Illustrative Documents 127
(100) .
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. II. pp. 329-30.
Camp before Quebec, 15th Novem'r, 1775.
Sir,
I yesterday sent the inclosed with a Flag and an Officer, who approaching near
the Walls of the Town was contrary to humanity and the Law 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 would not have expected from a private
soldier, much more from an Officer of your Rank, and thro' me offered to the united
Colonies will be deeply resented, but any any rate cannot redound to your honor or
valor. I am informed you have put a Prisoner of mine 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 treat-
ed in the same manner in Future as you treat mine.
I am, Sir,
your humble Serv't
Bened't Arnold, Coll. &c.
Hon'ble Hector T. Cramahe.
Endorsed: — Copies of two letters, dated 14th & 15th Nov'b'r. from Bened't Arn-
old.
In Lieut. Governor's Letter of the 19th Novem'r.
(101)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. II, p. 323.
Head Quarters, Sorel, one o'clock,
15th Nov'r, 1775.
Sir,
By This you will Learn that General Montgomery is in possession of the Fortress
Montreal. You are very sensible I am in Possession at this Place, and from the
Strength of the United Colonies on both sides, your own situation is Rendered very
disagreable — I am therefore Induced to make you the following Proposal, viz.
That if you will Resign your Fleet to me Immediately without destroying the Ef-
fects on Board, you and your men shall be used with due Civility, together with wo-
men & children on Board — to this I expect your direct and Immediate answer.
Should you Neglect you will cherefully take the Consequences which will Follow.
I am, Sir, &ca.
James Easton.
To Gen'l Carleton or
Officer commanding the
Fleet in St. Lawrance.
Endorsed: — In Governor Carleton's Letter of the 20th Nov'r.
(102)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. II, p. 345.
Quebec, Nov'r 16th, 1775.
Sir,
It haveing been found adviseable by the Council of War this day to attempt the
defence of the Town of Quebec and it being impossible to defend it without the assist-
ance of King's Ships and Seamen under your Command you are requested by the
128 Illustrative Documents
Lieut. Governor, the Civil Magistrates and the Military Gentlemen who was pres-
ent at the Council of War to lay up the Ships and order the seamen on shore for the
Immediate Defence of the Town.
We are with great regard, Sir,
your most obedient and
most Humble Servants,
H. T. Cramahe.
Allan Maclean.
Nichs. Cox.
Thos. Faunce.
Adam Mabane.
Henry Caldwell.
Thos. Dunn.
Thos. Jones.
Geo. Lawe.
Copy,
John Hamilton.
Captain John Hamilton, Commanding His Majesty's Ships in the Province & Har-
bor of Quebec.
Endorsed: — In Capt. Hamilton's of the 20th Novem'r.
(103)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. II, pp. 342-4.
,At a Council of War held at Quebec, the 16th Nov'r, 1775.
Present, Hector Theophilus Cramahe, Lt. Governor.
Lt. Colo. McClean. Capt. Hamilton, Lizard.
Major Cox. Capt. McKenzie, Hunter.
Major Caldwell. Lieut. Nunn, Magdalen.
Capt. Jones. Lieut. Pringle,- Lizard.
Capt. Lawes. Lieut. Fooks, Lizard.
Lieut. Faunce, acting Town Major.
Adam Mabane I Conservators of the Peace and
Thomas Dunn | Members of His Majesty's Council;
The annexed Returns of Provissions, of the men in the Garrison and of those in
the Ships in Quebec Harbor who may be employed in the defence of the Town, having
been laid before the Council of War by the Lieut. Governor. It is the unanimous
opinion of the Council of War that it is for the Benefited Honor of His Majesty's
Service at all Events to defend the Town to the last Extremity.
It is likewise there Opinion that the Suburbs of St. John's and all Houses adjoin-
ing to the Fortifications and defences of the Town which may aiford shelter to the
Enemy should be destroyed as soon as Possible.
Also that as many Pilots as can be procured should be sent to Europe on board
the Express which is to carry the Dispatches of the Lieut. Governor, of Captain Ham-
ilton, Commanding Officer of the Troops, and the determination of this Council of War.
That a Signal should be agreed upon by the Lieut. Governor & Captain Hamilton
and be by them communicated to His Majesty's Secretary of State and the Command-
ing Officers of the Fleet and Army at Boston, by which it may be made known to the
Fleet and Army, which may come to the relief of Quebec next Spring whether it is in
the Possession of the King's Troops or not.
That as several Masters of Vessels which have been detained in consequence of
the Embargo laid upon Shiping for the defence of the Province have been subjected to
Illustrative Documents 129
great Inconvenience (and who are zealous for the Service), some immediate Provission
should be made for them by the Lieut. Governor and their case represented to His Maj-
esty's Secretary of State.
H. T. Cramahe.
Jno Hamilton.
Allan Maclean.
Nichs. Cox.
Henry Caldwell.
Thos. Mackenzie.
Thos. Pringle.
Willm. Fooks.
Thos. Faunce.
A. Mabane.
Geo. Lawe.
Thos. Dunn.
Copy.
John Hamilton.
(104)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. II, pp. 324-7.
Quebec, 19th Novr., 1775.
My Lord,
My last of the 9th instant gave your Lordship a disagreable Account of the
State of this once flourishi.no; Province its situation at present is truly critical and
dangerous.
Since the 5th instant I have not had a Line from Governor Carletoh, and tho' sev-
eral Persons have at different times been employed and no Expense spared to convey to
him Intelligence of what was passing here, I have Reason to believe that only one short
Letter ever reached him, if the last obtained can be depended on; the little Force he had
still remaining, consisting of about eighty or ninety Men, as well as I can Judge, with
the Powder, Artillery, Stores, and Provisions had embarked at Montreal on board some
armed and River Vessels in Order to make their Way down to this Place, at the same
time I received advice the Rebels had raised Batteries in different Places to prevent
their passage through the Islands at the Mouth of the Sorel and if the same winds
prevailed above, that we had here, they could not attempt sailing by them before yester-
day, should they be so fortunate as to pass those Batteries and come down safe before
any Accident happens to us, it will add Vigor and Spirit to the Defenders of this Town.
In the Night between the 13th and 14th instant Arnold's Party crossed over from
Point Levi and took Post about a Mile and a half from Town, where spreading them-
selves, and posting small Guards on all the Avenues they actually Prevent fuel or Re-
freshments of any kind being brought in.
The Enemy without, however, are not to be dreaded as much as their numerous
Friends in the Town, they endeavour to alarm and threaten to storm us as your Lord-
ship will see by the inclosed Copies of Arnold's Letters; the circumstances of firing
upon his Flag of Truce is an arrant Falsehood calculated for figuring in the Ameri-
can Prints, a body of two or three hundred paraded before the Town and were fired
upon as they deserved, of his March hither your Lordship will see his own Account
in Letters of the 8th Instant, by the mistake of his Courier, an Indian of Lorette de-
livered to a Party of Lt.-Col. Maclean's then moving downward.
In this difficult situation I was under the necessity of consulting His Majesty's
sea and Land Officers and the result of their deliberations is hereto annexed; whether
we shall be able to execute what we judged our Duty and the Interest and Honor of
our Country required us to undertake, is more than any one thoroughly acquainted with
our situation can venture to say.
Whether the Enemy do or do not possess themselves of the Town, it will require a
very large and powerful Land and Naval Armament to reconquer the Country and seize
a proper hold of it, no time should be lost, they will undoubtedly spare no Pains to
the Equipment for this Undertaking, no dependence ought to be had on the Ships and
Stores at present in the Place, its Preservation being extremely precarious.
To get here early in May is absolutely necessary, and whether the Garrison
stands or falls before that time, upon that most probably will depend the whole suc-
cess of the Expedition. Captain Hamilton and I have agreed upon a private signal to be
made when the Fleet come up in Spring, which is herewith enclosed.
130 Illustrative Documents
Inclosed you have the Copy of a Memorial from the Masters of the Merchant Ships,
who with their men have been detained for the Defence of the Town, we have determ-
ined to make them an allowance, and hope themselves and owners will receive some
compensation for their Loss of Time and Trouble.
In the Hurry and Confusion of the present disagreable Time, I scarcely have a
Moment's Leisure, and therefore beg leave to refer Your Lordship for further Par-
ticulars to Lieutenant Pringle, whom Captain Hamilton sends home with his Dispatch-
es, and to Mr. Wm. Grant, whom I have entrusted with mine, the former, tho* but a
short time in the Province has taken Pains to inform himself of its present situation,
Circumstances and the Measures to be taken for the Recovery of it, the latter has re-
sided in it many Years, is sensible and intelligent, well acquainted with the Country,
and the People.
Just as this Letter was finishing I received Information of the Rebels having
marched upwards, whether in the intention of joining Mr. Montgomery's Corps, and
providing themselves with Warm cloathing of which they are in great want, attempt-
ing some of our armed Vessels, or of returning hither and surprising the Town, is
altogether uncertain; if the latter is their scheme, redoubled vigilance on our Parts,
will, I hope, defeat it.
I have the Honor to be with great
Respect, My Lord,
your Lordship's
most Obedient and
most Humble Servant,
H. T. Cramahe.
Earl of Dartmouth,
One of His Majesty's
Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed: — Quebec, 19th Novem'r, 1775.
Lieut. Governor Cramahe.
R/25 December.
(105)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. II, p. 344.
Return of Men for the Defence of the Town of Quebec this 16th November 1775.
Officers. Privates.
Royal Artillery 1 5
Recruits belonging to Royal Emigrant Regt 14 186
Lizard Frigate Marines 2 35
Seamen effective 19 114
Hunter Sloop 8 60
Magdaline armd Schooner 4 16
Charlotte arm'd Ship 4 46
Masters, Mates, Carpenters & Seamen belonging to the Trans-
ports & Merchant Ships that have not been impressed . 0 74
Artificers & Carpenters 0 80
British Militia, including Officers 200
Canadian Militia, including Officers • 300
52 1,116
Royal Fuseleers on board the Fell & Providence arm'd Vessels ex-
pected to arrive soon v 3 60
Seamen belonging to said Vessels 8 72
63 1,248
Return of Provisions in the Garrison
Flour 1950 Barrels
Wheat 7,840 Bushells will make in Flour 1500 do
Rice in Tierces about 450 Lb. each 146
Bisket 1100 Quintals
Butter 406 Firkins
Pease 800 Bushells
Endorsed; In Capn. Hamilton's of the 20th Novemr.
Illustrative Documents 131
(106)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. II, pp. 339-41.
My Lord,
Consistant with my Duty, I have the Honor to acquaint your Lordship we held a
Council of War the llth Instant, to propose means for the defence of Quebec as the
Rebels were on there march to invest it when it was resolved to lay an Embargo on all
Shiping, British Inhabitants and Seafaring People from leaveing the Province at this
critical Time, & to offer a reward of Three Pounds for all Seamen entering voluntary
into His Majesty's Service, to put the city into the best state of defence Possible,
whether it was absolutely necessary to detain the King's Ship, which last was refered
to a Council of War to be held the 16th for many reasons, to collect the number and
Force of the Garrison, the Quantity of Provissions and fireing. The number to be fed
and what Time it would last which could not be ascertained before the time proposed
for the Council to be held, a copy of which I have enclosed. The Provissions in the
Garrison with the greatest frugality will not last longer than the middle of May, and
the Garrison has received no reinforcement except Colo. McClane and about 100 of his
men, it was judged by the members that it was absolutely necessary that the King's
Ships should be detained and lain up as soon as possible as the Inhabitants would look
on themselves as deserted if they sailed and would not defend the Place. I therefore
informed the Members that if they were determined to defend the Garrison I would
assist all that lay in my Power, and have given the necessary Orders for their being
dismantled and lay'd up as soon as Possible and if the Place is^not betray'd into the
Hands of the Rebels before we can accomplish it, as in the Intrim we are neither in a
state to Act at sea or on shore, but when once landed shall think we have little to fear
— Your Lordship will find what a distress'd situation we are in and cannot be extricat-
ed from but by a sufficient Force and quantity of Provissions as early as possible. —
I have wrote to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty by this opportunity and as
I have it not in my Power to give your Lordship so distinct and perfect an account in
writing as I could wish and as your Lordship might be desirous to be informed of many
things relative to the true State of Affairs here I have dispatched Lieutenant Pringle
of His Majesty's Ship Lizard under my Command, who will explain and inform you of
every particular and to whom I beg your Lordship may be refer'd.
B a deserter that came from the Rebels we learn that Arnold's Men are short
of ammunition and cloathing, and that on hearing a Salley was intended from the
Garrison had retreated into the woods to Wait being joined by a Party of 2,000 men
said to be on their march from Montreal. I have the Pleasure to acquaint your Lord-
ship that since I wrote this General Carleton is arrived.
I am,
my Lord, your Lordship's,
most Obedient and
most Humble Serv't,
John Hamilton.
Lizard, 20th Novem'r, 1775.
The Rt. Hon'ble The Earl of Dartmouth.
Endorsed: — Lizard, off Quebec,
Capt. Hamilton,
8th Novem'r, 1775.
R/25 Decem'r.
(107)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. II, p. 337.
Private Signal for the Information of the Fleet.
In case any of His Majesty's Ships should be afloat and not in the Hands of the
Enemy, I shall hoist a Blue Pendant at the Main top GalPt Mast or upper Mast
Head with a Union Jack under it and fire five guns and if the ships are not there the
Fort will hoist the same on the Flag Staff and fire the same number of Guns.
To be answered by the Fleet by a Red Flag at the main top Gall't Mast head and
a Union at the Mizen Top Gall't Mast Head & fire 7 Guns.
John Hamilton.
Quebec, 20th Nov'r, 1775.
Endorsed : — Signals.
In Lieut. Governor Cramahe's Letter of the 19th
132 Illustrative Documents
(108)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. II, pp. 349-50.
To the Honorable Hector Theophilus Cramahe, Esqr. Lieutenant Governor of Que-
bec, &c. &c.
The Memorial of the Subscribers, Masters of Vessels in this Port,
Humbly Sheweth.
That in consequence of a Council of War held yesterday, the llth instant it was re-
solved to lay an Embargo on the Shipping under their command. — That this day a Sig-
nal was made on board His Majesty's Frigate the Lizard, John Hamilton, Esqr. Com-
manding, for all masters of Merchant Ships to repair on board, with which your Mem-
orialists complied; when the said Commander addressed himself as follows, vizt.
"That the present situation of affairs in this Province were such that he could
not suffer any Shipping to go from Quebec this Winter; and recommended to your
Memorialists to get their Vessels hauld on shore as soon as possible into some place
of safety."
That your Memorialists have His Majesty's Service much at heart and the next
points in consideration with them is the safety of their vessels, loss of time, Damages
and many other unavoidable Expenses, which may accrue during their detention here
being circumstances which may in the end tend to their total ruin.
That your Memorialists further represent to your Honor that it is highly necessary
for the preservation of the Vessels that two Persons should remain on board and as
their present situation cannot admit of defraying the Expenses which must necessarily
attend such Persons, your Memorialists having it not in their power to earn six pence
for themselves, owners or others concerned.
Therefore your Memorialists, (the Premisses considered), humbly hope that
Provision will be made adequate to such circumstances and that your Honor
will be pleased to give a favorable answer to this their Memorial in writing.
And your Memorialists will ever Pray.
Quebec, 12th Novem'r,
1775.
Signed. Richard Littelwort. Signed. Hilary Gosselin.
Owen Bryan. Edward Roland.
Joshua Cofin. Thos. Frazar.
David Roche. Robert Smith.
Wm. Gill. John Coppinger.
Robt. Quick. Charles Thomson.
Sam'l Blow. Robert Grant.
Endorsed: — Memorial of the Masters of Merchant Ships in the Port of Quebec to
Lieutenant Governor Cramahe, inclosing their Petition to the King.
R/26th December.
(109)
Quebec 20 Nov. 1775.
My Lord.
I will offer to enter into the various unfortunate circumstances, that have contrib-
uted to the loss of Canada the Town of Quebec being at this moment the only spot of it
that remains subject to his Majesty's obedience.
To enter into that disagreeable detail would be both tedious and difficult, besides
as taciturnity and Inactivity were the ruling maxims in this Province, a person not
thoroughly conversant with all the circumstances of every Operation of Government
might apt to mistake and lay the Blame where there was none due. That there have
been Gross Blunders Committed I think I may venture to Assert with great defference
to our Rulers. On the other hand our military force has certainly been very small.
But what Contributed most to the loss of the Country is the treachery and Villainy of
the Canadians, for it is a certain fact that 2,000 of those fellows never could have done
us any mischief had they not been joined by the Canadians.
I have the misfortune to be the Oldest King's Officer in Canada our Governor
and General Prescott being both taken prisoners at Montreal by the Rebels; Many
Officers now at home, know the situation of Quebec, and the difficulty of defen-
ding it, even with a Good Garrison, the enclosed Return of our Numbers will convince
you of the very disagreeable situation we are in, we have been now ten days inves-
ted so that we can get nothing into the Town, and our provisions are by no means
Adequate to Maintain the Number of Inhabitants, and if we turn out some thousands,
we run a very great risk of having the Canadian Militia Mutiny. The Coppy of the
Illustrative Documents 133
Council of War enclosed will show our determination, and small as our means of
defence are, did. they all keep firm and that we could depend upon them I should not
be afraid by activity and firmness to foil the enemy. But what above all gives me
the greatest uneasiness is, that the very best Train of Artillery in Canada fell into
the hands of the Rebells at St. John's, there is not a single piece of Brass Ordnance
in the Whole Province that they have not got, and if they have got a ship that lay at
Montreal with 2000 Barrells of Powder, which I am afraid is the case, we shall be
undone, the defences of the Town are in a most ruinous condition. I have not been idle
since General Carleton sent me here, but except the few of my own Regt. and the
sea men I cannot get a man to repair the works, not an Engineer nor an Artillery
man but Capt. Jones and six private men; we shall however do all that can possibly be
done; and if v/e fall it shall not be pur faults. I must refer you for particulars to
Capt. Pringle who can give you a distinct clear account of everything necessary for
the Knowledge of His Majesty and I have the honour to be &c., &c.
Allan McLean.
Lt.-Col. Commandant.
Ld. Vt. Barrington.
This moment Gen. Carleton arrived here having made his escape from Montreal
in a canoe and he has given his approbation to my proceeding while I commanded
in his absence. I am sorry your nephew is also a prisoner.
(110)
Ste Anne, November 21., 1775.
In behalf of the Continent I make Seizure of all the Effects, goods and Chattels
belonging of the estate of Charles De Lanaudiere Tprry and Ennemy to the American
Constitution I therefore forbid every person removing . or destroying any thing there
unto belonging unless for the use of the Continental army.
By Order of Colonel Arnold.
(Signed)
Mathew Ogden, Capt.
Endorsed:
Copy of the Seizure,
No. 3.
(HI)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 11, p. 318.
•Quebec Novr. 20th 1775.
My Lord:
After the taking of St. John's, I waited but for a fair Wind to bring the few
Troops that were at Montreal to this Town in the Gaspe and two armed Vessels
detained there for that purpose; all communication but by water was rendered imprac-
ticable by the Rebels, who had crossed over to Berthier, where they were joined by
many Canadians: They also crossed over in large Bodies, with Cannon, above the
Town; the llth instant in the Evening, the wind being tolerably fair, the Garrison,
about ninety men, with Brigadier Prescott and all the Military Department embar-
ked, sailed an Hour before Night, taking under convoy the Provision Vessels, and what
small craft remained, the whole consisting of eleven sail; besides the advantage of
gaining time in this advanced season, it became advisable, if possible, to set out with
a fair Wind, as their Measures till then would all tend to reduce Montreal, and im-
mediately after our Departure, be turned against the lower part of the Province,
and to intercept our Passage.
The 12th one of our armed Vessels ran aground, which occasioned a considerable
Delay, in the Evening the Wind failed Us near Sorel, and became contrary for
several Days; the 15th the Rebels made Us shift our anchoring Ground by some Can-
non from the Shore, and a floating Battery a League above Sorel; The Wind still
continuing adverse, the 16th in the Night I with Difficulty procured the Master of
one of the Vessels to pilot me through their Guards in a Whale boat, and arrived here
Yesterday. The seaman tell me the Wind was fair for passing by Sorel last Night,
Yesterday, and the Night before.
On my arrival here I received a commission as Commander in Chief in this Pro-
vinuce, &c., and cannot enough express my gratitude for this Mark of. favor and con-
fidence His Majesty has been graciously pleased to Honor me with; nor can I enough
134 Illustrative Documents
lament the blind Perverseness of this People, who frustrate all His Paternal inten-
tions for their own Protection, Interest and Happiness, by an unprecedented Defection
without even pretending the least cause of Complaint.
Besides this base Desertion of the Canadian Peasantry, which renders imprac-
ticable any scheme for their own Defence, founded on the Provincial Strength alone,
another would arise from the Mode prescribed by your Lordship, for raising a Body
of Canadians: the Gentlemen, who have given ample Proofs of their Zeal for the
King's Service, and many of them have suffered both in their Persons and Proper-
ties during the course of this Campaign, have ever held it dishonorable to serve in
the Militia, and Rigauville's Regiment was greatly disappointed and humbled to
find themselves treated as such.
So far as I have had the time to inform myself, since my Return, I find every
thing has been done in my absence for the Defence of this Place, the unfortunate
Situation of Things would permit: could the People in the Town, and Seaman, be de-
pended up, I should flatter myself, we might hold out, till the Navigation opens
next Spring, at least till a few Troops might come up the River, for I fear the
Delays commonly attending a large armament; but tho* the severe weather is far ad-
vanced, we have so many Enemies within, and foolish People, Dupes to those
Traitors, with the natural Fears of Men unused to war, I think our Fate extremely
doubtful, to say nothing worse.
I am with much Regard and Esteem,
Your Lordship's
Most Obedient and Most Humble Servant
Guy Carleton.
Earl Dartmouth
One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed: — Quebec 20th November 1775.
Guy Carleton
R 25th Decembr.
Entd. 2 Inclosures.
(112)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 12, p. 24.
By His Excellency Guy Carleton Captain
General and Governor in Chief in and
over the Province of Quebec, and the Ter-
ritories depending thereon in America
Vice Admiral of the same and Major
General of His Majesty's Forces, com-
manding the Northern District &c., &c.,
&c.
A Proclamation
Whereas it has been found expedient to raise and embody a Militia within this
City, to co-operate with, and to assist His Majesty's Troops in this Garrison in the
preservation of the City, and of the Persons and property of his Majesty's good and
Faithfull subjects resident therein, against certain rebellious Persons who have in-
vaded this Province, a Number of whom have lately appeared in Arms before the
Walls of this Town AND WHEREAS Information has been given me that some per-
sons resident here have contumaciously refused to enroll their Names in the Militia
Lists, and to take up Arms in Conjunction with their Fellow-Citizens for the purpose
aforesaid; and that others who had enrolled their names and had for some time car-
ried arms in the Defence and preservation of the City, have lately laid them down:
And also that some persons are busy in endeavouring to draw away and alienate the
Affections of His Majesty's good and faithfull Subjects of this City from his Maj-
esty's Person and Government for these Reasons, and in order to rid the Town of all
useless, disloyal and treacherous persons I have thought fit to issue this proclamation
And I do hereby strictly order and enjoin all and every person and persons whatso-
ever liable to serve in the Militia and residing at Quebec who have refused or declin-
ed to enroll their Names in the Militia Lists, and to take up Arms in Conjunction with
his Majesty's good Subjects of this City, and who still refuse or decline so to do; as
well as those, who having once taken up arms have afterwards laid them down, and
will not take them up again, to quit the Town in four Days from the Date hereof,
Illustrative Documents 135
together with their wives and children, and to withdraw themselves out of the Limits
of the District of Quebec before the first Day of December next, Under pain of
being treated as Rebels or Spies, if thereafter they shall be found within the said
Limits.
And inasmuch as the persons who in Obedience to this Proclamation are to
quit this Town and District, may have bought up a considerable Quantity of the
Provisions brought in for the subsistence of the Inhabitants of the Town, and it would
be imprudent to suffer those provisions to be carried out, more especially as the
Country abounds with the Necessaries of Life; I do hereby further order and enjoin all
and every such person and persons to deliver in forthwith to the Honble George All-
sopp Esqr. Commissary, a true List or Inventory of their provisions and Stores, in
order that they may be fairly and justly valued, and the full Price paid to the respect-
ive proprietors before their Departure.
Given under my Hand and Seal of Arms
at the Castle of St. Lewis in the City of
Quebec this twenty second Day of Nov-
ember one thousand seven hundred and
seventy five in the sixteenth Year of the
Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the
Third by the Grace of God of Great Brit-
ain, France and Ireland, King Defender
of the Faith and so forth.
(Signed) Guy Carleton.
By His Excellency's Command
(Signed) H. T. Cramahe
God save the King.
Endorsed: — Copy of General Carleton's Proclamation dated 22nd November 1775.
In General Carleton's Letter of the 24th May No. 2.
(113)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, November 23, 1775.
On Sunday last at Noon the arm'd Snow Fell, Capt. Napier, arrived here from
above, having on board his Excellency Major-general Carleton, Charles Delanaudiere
junr. Esq., his Aid-de Camp, Capt. Owen and Lieut. Selwyn of the 7th or (Royal
Fusileers) with several Men of their Corps. His Excellency was saluted on his ar-
rival by the Garrison, and the Frigates and arm'd Vessels in the Harbour.
(114)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol II, p. 338.
Intelligence from Quebec, 25th December, 1775.
The Elizabeth Store Ship left Quebec the 22d of November in order to proceed
to Boston but being driven off the coast of America by Contrary Winds is arrived
at Portsmouth, and the Master, Lieut Parry, is come up to Town.
By the Letters from Capt. Hamilton of the Lizard to Admiral Graves, it appears
that Carleton was come down to Quebec, and that it was resolved in a Council of
War on the 16th. of Novem'r to defend the Town to the utmost. The Garrison
amounted in the whole to 1600 men including the marines and seamen of the Lizard,
Hunter sloop, Magdalen schooner, &c., and people of all Descriptions. They had
Provisions sufficient to last till the middle of May; a ship called the Polly came
down the River with the Elizabeth having on board a Deserter from the Rebels and
Dispatches from General Carleton.*
The Rebels had not on the 22d of November come down from the upper part of
the River; about 500 of those belonging to Arnold had crossed over and came under
the Walls of Quebec but dispersed on being fired at.
* — N.B. She is not yet arrived.
Endorsed: 25 Dec'r, 1775. Intelligence from Quebec, 22d Nov'r, 1775.
1/2 pt. 10 a.m.
136 Illustrative Documents
(115)
Extract. — General Howe to Secretary of State.
27th November 1775.
General Gage would of course acquaint your Lordship that a vessel arrived ex-
press from Quebec on the 10th October with letters to him from General Carleton
and Lieutenant Gov. Cramahe, copies of which are herewith enclosed. In consequence
I determined to send, and had ordered a Battalion of Marines to embark immediately
on Board Transports and proceed to Quebec, under the Convoy of the Cerberus Fri-
gate, as had been settled with Admiral Graves. The Transports were in readiness
to receive the Troops the 13th following, when I received the enclosed letter, No. 1,
from Admiral Graves, declaring the Attempt unadvisable and impracticable for
Transports, upon which I wrote to him, that I should drop the idea of sending the
Troops in Transport upon his Representation, as ,your Lordship may observe by a
Copy of my Letter enclosed No. 2, intending at that time to procure smaller vessels
better adapted to working their way up the River St. Lawrence, but not being able
to have them fitted for sea in reasonable time to undertake the voyage with
the least prospect of succeeding, I judged it most prudent to decline sending the
Reinforcement, and dispatched the Express Vessel back to Quebec on the Evening of
the 13th of October.
(116)
Whereas the Crews of His Majesty's ships & Vessels and Merchant ships at
Quebec are disembarked to do duty as soldiers in the garrison — and as I have
thought fit to appoint you to act as second Lieutenant — I dp therefore hereby ap-
point you to act as second Lieutenant accordingly in the Eighth company of the
Navy Battalion of British seamen willing and requiring all the officers and men
to behave themselves with due respect and obedience to you their said Lieutenant
and you are to execute all such Orders as you shall receive from His Excellency Gen-
eral Carleton, me or any other your superior officers for His Majesty's service for
which this shall be your Order.
Given under my Hand at Head Quarters at Quebec this 1st day of December,
1775.
John Hamilton.
To
Mr. Harrow
hereby appointed second Lieutenant in the Navy Battalion of British Seamen
at Quebec.
(117)
Dr gir. Sandwich, 20th August 1800.
Being informed that an Advertisement is published for all those who served in
Quebec during the Blockade '75 & 1776, to give in their names that they may re-
ceive waste Lands of the Crown. As I did serve during the Blockade as 2d Lieuten-
ant of Captain Little John's Company of British Seamen in that Garrison, as will ap-
pear from my Commission from the late Sir John Hamilton of the Royal Navy, then
Colonel of the Navy Battalion, I would beg the favor of you to make application
at the office or place pointed out, and in my name and for my account, for what quan-
tity may be allowed to officers of similar appointments. If any other identification is
necessary be Pleas'ed to inform me, Mr. Frost, the C'l of the Port at Quebec was my
brother Lieutenant. I am known to Mr. Dunn, Govr. Lancaster? Mr. Lester, Mr.
Scott and all the old loyal Standers? I beg to inclose you the Commission I acted
under, And I am,
Dr. Sir,
Your very obedt. Servt.
Allex Harrow.
Thos. Forsyth, Esq.
(118)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 12, pp. 18-9.
My Friends & fellow subjects.
The unhappy necessity which subsists of dislodging the Ministerial Troops
obliges me to carry on Hostilities against your City, which they now occupy. Tis
with the utmost Compunction I find myself reduced to Measures which may over-
whelm you with Distress. The City in Flames at this severe Season. A general at-
Illustrative Documents 137
tack on wretched works defended by a more wretched Garrison. The Confusion,
Carnage & Plunder, which must be the consequence of such an Attack fill me with
horror. Let me intreat you to use your endeavours to procure my peaceable Admis-
sion. You cannot surely believe the ungenerous Falsehoods propagated to our Dis-
advantage by Ministerial Hirelings. The Continental Arms have never been sullied
by any Act of Inhumanity or Violence. We came with the professed Intention of
eradicating Tyranny, and giving Liberty and Security to this oppressed Province,
Private Property having ever by us been deemed sacred.
I have inclosed you my Letter to General Carle ton, because he has industriously
avoided giving you any information which might tend to shew you your true In-
terest. If he persists & you permit him to involve you in that Ruin which perhaps
he covets to hide his shame, I have not the Reproach to make my own Conscience
that I have not warned you of your Danger.
(Signed.) Richard Montgomery.
Brig'r Gen'l.
Continental Army.
G.C.
Holland House.
Deer. 6th.
Endorsed: — Copy of a Letter in English from Mr. Montgomery commanding the Rebel
Army, to some of the English Merchts, dated 6th December, a translation of
which in French was likewise addressed to some French Merchants and sent in
by the same old Woman on the 7th December, 1775.
In General Carleton's Letter of the 14th May, 1776.
(119)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 12, pp. 20-1.
Head Quarters, Holland House, near Quebec.
15th December, 1775.
Parole, Connecticut.
Countersign, Adams.
The General having in vain offered the most favorable Terms of Accommodation
to the Governor and having taken every possible Step to prevail on the Inhabitants
to desist from seconding him in his wild scheme of Defence, nothing remains but to
pursue vigorous measure for the speedy Reduction of the only Hold possessed by the
Ministerial Troops in the Province. The Troops flushed with continual success, confi-
dent of the Justice of their cause and relying on that Providence which has uniform-
ly protected them, will advance with alacrity to the Attack of Works incapable of being
defended by the Wretched Garrison posted behind them, consisting of Sailors unac-
quainted with the use of Arms, of Citizens incapable of the Soldier's Duty, and a few
miserable Emigrants. The General is confident a vigorous and Spirited Attack must
be attended with Success. The Troops shall have* the Effects of the Governor, Garri-
son, and of such as have been acting in misleading the Inhabitants and distressing the
Friends of Liberty, to be equally divided among them, each to have the one hundredth
share out of the whole which shall be at the disposal of the General and given to such
Soldiers as distinguish themselves by their Activity and Bravery and sold at Publick
Auction. The whole to be conducted as soon as the City is in our hands and the Inhabi-
tants disarmed. A Guard to mount this evening: at 4 0 'Clock to be paraded at Colonel
Nicholson's Quarters, consisting of two Captains three subs, 4 serjts. 4 Corpls., and one
hundred men.
Colonel Arnold's Party is to give one Capt. one Sub. 2 serjts. 2 Corpls. and 60 men.
Colo. Nicholson's Party is to give one Capt. one Sub. 2 serjts. 2 Corpls. and 40 men.
Field Officer for to-day, Major Bidelow.
The Guards both of Colo. Arnold's in the suburbs of St. Roch and the Guards at
the Battery are to observe each other in case of an Attack that they may be enabled to
succor each other and to give timely notice tp the rest of the Troops. The Field Officer
of the whole Army to attend at 7 O 'Clock this Evening.
The General at Head Quarters.
(Signed.) Fred. Weisenfels, Major
of Brigade.
Endorsed: — Copy of an Order of Mr. Montgomery's, commanding the Rebel Army,
15th Decem'r, 1775.
In General Carleton's Letter of the 14th May.
No. 1.
138 Illustrative Documents
y
(120)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1776.
(Published by Authority.)
Letter from Mr. Montgomery, sent into Town by an old Woman the 7th of De-
cember, a Copy whereof was shot in upon an Arrow some Days after.
HOLLAND-HOUSE, December 6th.
'Notwithstanding the personal ill treatment I have received at your hand, and
notwithstanding your cruelty to the unhappy Prisoners you have taken, the feelings
of humanity induce me to have recourse of this expedient to save you from the De-
struction which hangs over you. — Give me leave, Sir, to assure you I am well ac-
quainted with your situation: — A great extent of works in their nature incapable oi
defence, manned with a motly Crew of Sailors the greatest part our friends, of Citi-
zens who wish to see us within their Walls, and a few of the worst Troops who eve*
stiled themselves Soldiers; — the impossibility of relief, and the certain prospect of
wanting every necessary of life, should your opponents confine their operations to a
simple Blockade, point out the absurdity of resistance — such is your Situation — I am
at the head of troops, accustomed to success, confident of the Righteousness of the
Cause they are engaged in; inured to danger and fatigue, and the ungenerous means
employed to prejudice them in the minds of the Canadians; that it is with difficulty
I restrain them till my Batteries are ready, from insulting your works which would
afford them the fair opportunity of an ample vengeance and just retaliation.
Firing upon a Flag of Truce, hitherto unprecedented even among Savages, prevents
my taking the ordinary mode of communicating my sentiments — However I will at
any rate acquit my conscience — Should you persist in an unwarrantable defence, the
consequences be on your- own Head.
Beware of destroying Stores of any kind public or private, as you have done at
Montreal and in the River — if you do, by Heavens there will be no mercy shewn.
(Signed) RICHd. MONTGOMERY.
Brigadier-general Continental Army.
The Direction upon the Cover,
His Excellency Major-general CARLETON.
QUEBEC.
(121)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1776.
(Published by Authority.)
Montreal, January 6th, 1776
DEAR SIR,
With the greatest distress of Mind, I now sit down to acquaint you of the Event, of
a,n unfortunate attack made upon Quebec, between the Hours of 4 and 6 of the Morning
of the 31st of December, Unfortunate indeed, for in it, fell our brave General Mont-
gomery, his Aid de Camp M'Pherson, Captain Cheeseman, Capt. Hendricks of the
Riflemen, and 2 or 3 Subaltern Officers, and between 60 and 100 Privates, the number
not certainly known, and about 300 Officers and Soldiers taken Prisoners, amongst
which are Lieut. Col. Green, Major Bigalow, Major Meigs, and a number of Captains
and inferior Officers, Col. Arnold was wounded in the leg in the Beginning of the Ac-
tion, as was Major Ogden in the shoulder, and brought off to the General Hospital;
I have not time to give you all the Particulars, but thus much, will serve to shew you,
that in consequence of this defeat, our prospects are rendered very dubious, and unless
we can be quickly reinforced, perhaps this may be fatal, not only to us who are station-
ed here, but also to the Colonies in General the Frontiers especially very greatly de-
pends upon keeping Possession of this Country, — You know as well as any Man, the
Tempers, Dispositions and Character of the Canadians, they are not Persevering in Ad-
versity, they are not to be depended upon, but like the Savages, are exceeding fond of
chusing the strongest Party; add to this our enemies in this Country, of whom there
are very many, use every Method to excite the Canadians against us, — the Clergy re-
fuse Absolution, to all who have shewn themselves our Friends, and preach Damnation
to those who will not take up Arms against us, and tell them, that now it is not too
late, that we are but a handful of Men, &c. — I have sent an Express to Gen. Schuyler,
Gen. Washington and the Congress, but you know how far, they have to go, — and that
it is very uncertain how long it will be, before we can have relief from them; Therefore
Illustrative Documents 139
let me beg of you to collect immediately as many Men as you can, 5 or 6 or 7 hun-
dred, if it can be done, and some how or other get into this Country, and stay with us,
nil we can get relief from the Colonies. — You are sensible we have Provisions of all
kinds enough, and the Weather in this Country, is far from being so frightful as many
have imagined, — You will see that proper Officers and Soldiers are appointed under
you. — And both Officers and Soldiers shall be paid, as other Continental Troops, it will
be well for your Men to set out, as fast as they can be collected, — not so much matter
whether together or not, but let them set out by 10,20, 30, 40 or 50, as they can be col-
lected, for it must have a good effect upon the minds of the Canadians to see Succours
coming in. — You will be good enough to send Copies of this Letter to the People below.
I can't but think our Friends will make a Push, to get into this Country, I am confi-
dent you will not disappoint my most fervent wish and Expectations of seeing you
here, with your Men in a short time, Now, Sir, is the time to distinguish yourself and
obtain the united Applause of your ever grateful Countrymen, of your distressed
Friends in Canada, and your sincere Friend, &c.
(Signed) DAVID WORSTER.
To Col. WARNER.
(122)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. SERIES B. Vol. 184-1. pt. 1. p. 121.
Pour le Service du congres.
De la part de Monsieur le general Wooster comandant en chef de Parmee auxil-
iaire du continent en Canada.
A tous les Capitaines de Milice et autres officiers qui comandent les diverses
parroises et districts de cette Colonie: Salut.
Attendu que le grand congres, qui represente aujourd'hui les treize Colonies unies
de I'Amerique Anglaise a juge necessaire pour surete de PAmerique en general et la pro-
tection de cette province en particuliere, d'envoyer dans cette Colonie, Parmee qui se
trouve actuellement pour chasser les troupes du ministere Et ainsi mettre ces habitans
a couvert de la servitude general dans laquelle le ministere Britannique s'efforce
d'envelopper toutes nos colonies, et attendu que le dit congres a depuis resolu de
renforcer la ditte armee d'un autre corps de troupes encore plus considerable que le
premier lequel doit penetrer dans cette province par le lac Champlain sitost que la route
en sera pratiquable nous esperons que nos freres de cette colonie Concourrons de tout
leur pouvoir a favoriser un si louable dessein, Et comme il se trouve encore dans cette
province certaines personnes mal intentionnees et disposees a nuire a la cause com-
mune que nous deffendons Vous etes Enjoints par les presentes de publier selon les
formes ordinaires et faire Scavoir a tous les sujets de yos diverses parroisses et dis-
tricts afin que pejsonne N'en puisse pretendre cause d'ignorance la notification sui-
vante.
Scavoir.
Que tous Citoyens et autre habitan du Canada qui sera trouve a nuire ou en aucune
maniere a porter prejudice aux interets du congres et au progres de nos Armes soit par
des discours et propos injurieux s 'eduction de bons sujets protection de deserteurs aussi
que de toutes personnes suspects de fournir des Viyres et de tenir ou favoriser aucune
correspondante avec la Ville de Quebec comme aussi toutes personnes coupables de cou-
tumace et des obeissance au officiers par nous crees serons par nous declarez en-
nemis de la liberte general traitres a la patrie et comme tels punis avec rigueux faits
prisonniers et meme transportes hors le la province si le cas le requiert.
Donne a Montreal par 1'ordre de Monsieur le general le Sixieme Janvier de Pan
1776.
Signe a Poriginal
Fred Weissenfel Major of Brigade.
Et pour Coppie.
C. N. Desdevens Capitaine
( Trans la tion)
On Service of Congress.
From General Wooster, Commander in Chief of the Auxiliary Continental army
in Canada.
To all captains of militia and other officers commanding the different parishes
and districts of this Colony; Greeting.
As the general Congress now representing the thirteen united Colonies of English-
America has judged necessary for the safety of America in general, and the pro-
tection of this province in particular, to send into this Colony the army which is
140 Illustrative Documents
actually here to drive out the ministerial troops and also to protect the inhabitants
from the general slavery to which the British ministry is endeavouring to subject all
our colonies; and as the congress has since determined to reinforce the said army
with another body of troops still larger than the first which will enter this province
by Lake Champlain as soon as that route becomes practicable, we hope that our bre-
thren in this colony will unite with us with all their power to assist so praiseworthy
a design, and as there are still in this province certain ill-disposed persons who wish
to damage the common cause which we uphold You are enjoined by these presents
to publish in the usual way and make known the following notification to all resi-
dents in different parishes and districts, so that nobody can profess ignorance of it.
To Wit.
That all Citizens and other inhabitants of Canada who are found opposing or in
any way injuring the interests of Congress and the progress of our Arms, whether by
speeches and injurious remarks seducing good subjects, protecting deserters, also all
persons suspected of furnishing Supplies and maintaining any correspondence with the
Town of Quebec, as well as all Persons guilty of contumacy and disobedience to officers
appointed by us will by us be declared enemies of public liberty, traitors to their coun-
try, and as such, punished with severity, made prisoners and even banished from the
province if their case requires it.
Given at Montreal by order of the General, the 6th January, 1776.
(Signed in the original)
Fred. Weissenfel,
Major of Brigade,
and in the Copy
C. N. Desdevens, Captain.
(123)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 12, p. 11.
Copy of a Letter from General Carleton to General Howe dated at Quebec 12th Janu-
ary 1776.
Sir,
The 5th of December Mr. Montgomery took Post at St. Foix, within less than
two Miles of Quebec, with some Field Artillery; his heavy Cannon were landed at
Caprouge: at the same time Arnolds Party took Possession of the other Avenues lead-
ing to the Town, and prevented all Communication with the Country.
The 7th a Woman stole into Town, with Letters addressed to the principal Mer-
chants, advising them to an immediate Submission, and promising great Indulgence, in
Case of their Compliance; inclosed was a Letter to me in very extraordinary Lan-
guage, and a Summons to deliver up the Town, the Messenger was sent to Prison for a
few Days, and drummed out.
To give more Efficacy to these Letters, five small Mortars were brought to St.
Rock's, and a Battery of five Cannon and one Howitzer raised upon the Heights, within
about seven hundred Yards of the Walls ; soon after Arnold appeared with a white
Flag, said he had a Letter for me, but was refused Admittance, and ordered to carry
back his Letter.
After every preparatory Stratagem had been used to intimidate our wretched
Garrison, as Mr. Montgomery was pleased to call it, an assault was given the 31st of
December, between four annd five of the Morning, during a snow storm from the North
East; The Alarm was general: from the Side of the River St. Lawrence, along the
fortified Front, round to the Bason, every Part seemed equally threatened; two real
Attacks took Place upon the Lower Town; one under Cape Diamond, led by Mr. Mont-
gomery; the other by Mr. Arnold, upon the Part called the Saut au Matelot; this at
first met with some Success, but in the End was stopped, a Sally from the Upper
Town, under Captain Laws, attacked their Rear, and sent in many Prisoners, Captain
Macdougal afterwards reinforced this Party, and followed the Rebels into the Post they
had taken; Thus Mr. Arnold's Corps, himself and a few others excepted who were
wounded and carried off early, were compleatly ruined; They were caught as it were in
a Trap; We brought in their five Mortars and one Cannon; the other Attack was soon
repulsed with -Slaughter, Mr. Montgomery was left among the Dead.
The Rebels have on this Assault between six and seven hundred men, and between
forty and fifty Officers, Killed, wounded, and taken Prisoners; We had only one Lieu-
Illustrative Documents 141
tenant of the Navy, doing Duty as a Captain in the Garrison, and four Rank and File
wounded, two of the latter are since dead.
You will be pleased to transmit a Copy of my Letter to the Secretary of State,
by the first Opportunity, for His Majesty's Information, &c.
G. C.
P.S. Please to give the Bearer what money he may want for his Return.
Endorsed: — Copy of a Letter from General Carleton to General Howe dated the 12th
January 1776.
In Genl. Carleton's Letter of the 14 May No. 2.
(124)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES, SERIES. B. 184-1. VOL. I. pt. I. p. 23.
Extrait d'une lettre adressee au soussigne Maurice Desdevens Capitaine de milice,
a la pointe aux trembles par ordre de Mr Le colonel Arnold commandant en chef 1'ar-
mee Americaine, dattee au quartier general de St. Jean devant Quebec Le 13 Janvier
1776. Lequel contients:
Monsieur Dugan de la riviere Chambly, homme universellement connu en Canada,
et fort estime, a regu un brevet de colonel dans notre armee, pour lequel il doit lever un
regiment, il me charge de vous ecrire pour vous prier de lui procurer autant de gens
de bonne volonte que vous pourre en trouver, ils s'engagerons dans le service jusqu'a
la fin du moi de May. Auquel terns ils seront dechargez, ou plutost, si quebec est rendu
avant ce terns la.
II faut qu'ils soyent armez, et comme il pourra s'en trouver qui n'auront pas d'armes,
vous visiteres les maisons ou il y en aura, Vous prendrez celle que vous y trouveres en
leur donnant un recu des armes qu'ils vous remettrons et par ce re$u vous vous en-
gagere a les leur remettre en bon ordre, ou a leur en payer la valleur a la fin de la
campagne; pour votre decharge a ce sujet le colonel vous donnera des regus pareils a
ceux que vous aurez Livres. si vous voule prendre la peine de les conduire vous memes
jusqu'en il vous defrayera. Ceux qui apporterons avec eux leurs couvertes recevront
121b en payement de ditte Couverte, et on en fournira ici a ceux qui n'en auront pas,
ils auront 40 francs par mois et les provisions comme le reste de nos troupes. II faut
qu'ils apportent leur corne a poudre, sac a plomp etc. Vous obligere Nos messieurs
infiniment, si vous vous enpresse a remplir cette affaire. Vous communiquere cet des-
sein a Monsieur Langlois des Ecureuils, en le priant d'agir de son cote pour 1'accomplis-
sement de ce projet et de s'y porter avec le meme zele, en attendant votre reponse je
demeure tres parfaitement, Monsieur.
Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur ~
J. P. Tetard.
Quartier General de St. Jean devant Quebec le 13 Janvier 1776 Je certiffie le pres-
ent extrait conforme a 1'original reste a mes mains, j'exhorte Monsieur Langlois et tous
nos autres Messieurs les Capitaines de Milice de s'y conforme ponctuellement, et de
les faire penetrer le plus possible, Et je garrantis les executions en vertus du pou-
voir a moi donne par Monsieur le General Montgomery, a la pointe aux trembles ce
16 Janvier 1776.
C. N. Desdevens, Capitaine.
(Translation)
Extract of a letter addressed to the undersigned Maurice Desdevens, Captain of Mil-
itia at Pointe aux Trembles, by order of Colonel Arnold, commander in chief of the
American army, dated at headquarters at St. Jean, before Quebec, the 13th January,
1776, which reads:
Mr. Dugan of Chambly river, a man universally known in Canada and greatly es-
teemed, has received a brevet of colonel in our army for which he is about to raise
a regiment, he directs me to write to you to request you to obtain for him as many
volunteers as you can find, they will enlist in the service until the end of the month of
May at which time they will be discharged, or sooner, if Quebec surrenders before
that date.
As they must be armed, and as some of them may have no arms, you will visit
houses where there are any and take such as you find, giving a receipt for the
arms which they deliver you, and by this receipt you will undertake to return them in
good order, or to pay their value at the end of the campaign; for your quittance
in this matter, the Colonel will give you receipts similar to those which you will
142 Illustrative Documents
have given. If you will take the trouble of conducting them hither, yourself, he will
pay your expenses. Those who bring with them their blankets, will receive 121b in
payment for each of the said blankets, those who have none will be supplied here.
They will receive forty francs per month and rations like the remainder of our troops.
They must bring their own powder horn, bullet bag, etc. You will oblige our gentle-
men, extremely if you will endeavour" to perform this business. You will communicate
this design to Mr. Langlois of Ecureuils, requesting him to act in his neighbourhood
for, the accomplishment of this project and to execute it with the same zeal.
Awaiting your reply, I remain,
Very truly, Sir, etc.
J. P. Tetard.
Headquarters at St. Jean, before Quebec, the 13th January, 1776.
I certify the present extract agrees with the original remaining in my hands.
I urge Mr. Langlois and all other captains of Militia to carry it out punctually and
cause it to be distributed as widely as possible, and I guarantee the execution thereof
in virtue of the powers granted me by General Montgomery at Point aux Trembles,
this 16th January, 1776.
C. N. Desdevens, Captain.
(125)
THE MEMORIAL OF CHARLES DE LANAUDIERE, ESQ., OF THE PROVINCE
OF QUEBEC.
Sheweth,
That the said Charles De Lanaudiere in a Memorial which he had sometime ago
the Honor of presenting, has, among other things Stated his Claim to a compensation
for the Damage, done to his property by the Americans during the Invasion of the
Province of Quebec in the Years 1775 and 1776.
As your Memorialist has heard that an answer has been given by the Lords
of his Majesty's Treasury to an application on Behalf of the Sufferers at Quebec,
which may be supposed to affect his Claim, he begs leave to submit that his situation
is totally different from that of those Sufferers, and that an attention to his particular
case would form no precedent at all inconsistent with the answer given to the General
Application. He knows it to be impossible for any Government to indemnify its
Subjects against all the calamities that are the necessary consequences of war and
Invasion. But when the particular exertions of an individual expose him to a loss
which he would not otherwise have suffered, your Memorialist presumes that such
Individual has in Reason & Justice a fair Claim to a liberal Compensation For it would
be singularly hard that the Public should reap the Benefit of such services as a private
man may have it in his power to perform, & yet leave him to bear all the loss
which the very performance of those Services shall have brought upon him. In this
Situation your Memorialist Stands Settled as a private Gentleman on his own Estate
& bound by no Military tie to expose himself to the Hazards and Inconveniences of War
he might have remained at home as others who held Employments under the govern-
ment actually did, & might by so doing have preserved his property safe & untouched,
But he chose to act a more honorable, and he hopes he shall not find it a less prudent
part. During two Campaigns, & during the Siege of Quebec, he exerted himself with
indefatigable Zeal and altho' he will not again enumerate the Services which he has
Stated in his former Memorial, he must be permitted to say that some of those Ser-
vices were such as no other person in the Service could have rendered to Govern-
ment.
Your Memorialists conduct necessarily rendered him particularly obnoxious to the
American Commanders. They declared him an Enemy to their cause and therefore
ordered his Estate and Effects to be seized for the use of the Continental Army. This
was accordingly done. The Houses on his Estate were greatly damaged and the
moveables disposed of, or carried away to a considerable Amount. Your Memorialist
submits whether it be Just that a Loss suffered in such a manner, and for such a
reason should be borne by him. No man in your Memorialists Situation, whatever
may be his Zeal, can afford to sacrifice his private Fortune to the Public Service. The
active Exertions of particular Persons may Sometimes be of the utmost Consequence
to the State, but your Memorialist apprehends that such Exertions are seldom to
be expected if men, after risking their Lives, and undergoing every personal Hazard
and Inconvenience, are obliged to bear the Loss of that property which they might
preserve by remaining at home in Ease and Safety.
Illustrative Documents - 143
The Losses of the Inhabitants of Quebec & its Neighbourhood were the inevitable
Consequences of a Siege, but your Memorialists Property was situated at a Distance
from the scene of Action, & was marked out for Plunder only on account of the de-
cided part he had taken in favor of the British Government. Always considering his
case as Distinct from that of those Sufferers he did not think, it proper to appear with
them before the Commissioners appointed by Sir Guy Carleton so that he was not
included in the General application lately made, nor as he hopes in the general answer
given to that application.
Your Memorialist begs leave further to observe that not being in the Military Ser-
vice he could not look to Military Honors & preferment as a recompense for his
sufferings. He quitted a private Station at a moment of Difficulty and Danger,
because he thought that, circumstanced as the Province then was, he could be essen-
tially useful to the Public, He had reason to expect that after a Series of faithful
& Zealous Services he should not be permitted to return to that Station in a worse
condition than when he left it. Far from doubting that he should receive a com-
pensation for his losses, he has always indulged the Hope that his Services would not
be thought undeserving of a liberal Reward. For the one he thinks he has a Claim on
the Justice of Government. The other he Trusts entirely to its generosity. On
this last Subject however as well as the Loss of his Employment he does not mean
to enlarge at present, this Memorial being intended only to obviate any objections
that the above mentioned answer of. the Lords of the Treasury might be Supposed
to furnish against his Claim on an Indemnity for the Losses he sustained by the In-
vasion of the Province of Quebec.
(126)
THE MEMORIAL OF CAPTAIN MALCOLM FRASER.
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA, Series C. Vol. 15, p. 18.
To His Excellency the Right Honourable Guy Lord Dorchester General and Com-
mander in Chief of His Majesty's forces in North America.
The Memorial of Captain Malcolm Fraser of His Majesty's late 84th Regiment
of foot.
Sheweth, That he entered into His late Majesty's Service as an ensign into the
78th Regiment of foot on the 18th July, 1757. That he was promoted to the rank of
Lieutenant on the 25th Sept., 1759 and was appointed Adjutant to the said Regiment
in the year 1761 and did duty as such till the Regiment was disbanded.
That the 78th Regiment having been disbanded in the month of December^ 1763,
the Memorialist was on half pay as Lieutenant from that time till the 14th of June,
1775, when he was promoted to the rank of Captain in the first Battalion of His
Majesty's late 84th Regiment of foot in which he served till the 24th of June, 1784,
when the Battalion was disbanded and your Memorialist is now on the half pay as
Captain of the said 84th Regiment.
That he served at the Siege of Louisbourg in the year 1758. That he was present
at the first Battle of Quebec on the 13th Septr. 1759 when he was wounded. That
he served in the Garrison of Quebec during the winter 1759/60, was present at the
second battle of Quebec on the 28th April, 1760 where he was again wounded. That he
went with the Army from Quebec under the command of General Murray and which
joined that under General (now Lord) Amherst to whom the Town of Montreal and
all Canada surrendered in September, 1760. That in the year 1775 he was ordered
on the recruiting service to the Island of St. John's and returned to Quebec in Novemr.
of that year with a considerable number of men and having with them served under
your Lordship during the blockade of Quebec by the (then) Rebels, he, on going his
rounds as Captain of the main guard, on the morning of the 31st December, 1775, had
the good fortune to be the first, (as he verily believes), who discovered by some sig-
nals that the enemy intended an attack and having immediately reported to your
Lordship, you was pleased to order the alarm to be given and thus the Garrison had
time to receive them.
Quebec, 31st March, 1791.
Malcolm Fraser.
144 . Illustrative Documents
(127)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 27, pp. 385-6.
Par Moise Hazen, Ecuyer, Colonel et Commandant d'un des Regiments qui doivent
etre levee en Canada, &ca.
En vertu du pouvoir et de Pautorite a moi donnes par 1'honnorable Congres du
Continent seant a Philadelphie, et en consequence des ordres que j'ai rec.u de 1'honnor-
able Philippe Schuyler, Major General, de former un regiment de quatre Bataillons pour
agir Conjointement avec les Troupes des Colonies unies pour la Defense de leurs Droits
et privileges; lesquels pouvoirs & ordres ont ete communiques a 1'honnorable David
Wooster, Major General, commandant des Forces du Continent en Canada.
Vous etres par ces presentes autorises & Pouvoir vous est donne d'engager au
son du Tambour ou autrement toutes personnes capables de servir et qui voudront
s engager volontairement pour le terns et 1'espace d'une annee du jour de leur engage-
ment jusqu' a la fin des presents troubles.
A ce fin vous aurez soin de n'engager que des hommes capables de servir a tous
egards et en etat d'etre recues a la revue car vous serez responsable du Contraire.
Et pour encourager et avancer les dites engagements vous payerez a chacun des
dites engages volontaires, en passant leurs engagements quarante livres en form de
gratification, en outre il leur sera paye par chaque mois a chacun d'eux la somme de
quarante Livres, a compter du jour de leur engagement. Les dits volontaires se
fourniront eux-memes tous les habillemens et equipements necessaires pour le service-
Ou bien les dits habits & equipements leurs seront fournis & a compte de leur
solde.
A Montreal,
ce 10th Fevrier, 1776.
Endorsed: 10th fevr. 1776 warrt, from Col. Hazen.
(Translation)
By Moses Hazen, Esq., Colonel and Commandant of one of the Regiments which are to
be raised in panada, etc.
By virtue of the power and authority given to me by the Honorable Continental
Congress sitting at Philadelphia, and in pursuance of orders which I have received
from the Honorable Philip Schuyler, Major-General, to organize a regiment of four
battalions to act in conjunction with the Troops of the United Colonies for the De-
fence of their just Rights and privileges; which powers and orders have been communi-
cated to the Honorable David Wooster, Major-General, commanding the Continental
Forces of Canada.
You are by these presents authorized & Power is given to you to enlist by beat
of Drum or otherwise all persons fit for service and who desires to enrol themselves
voluntarily for the time and space of one year from the date of their engagement,
or until the end of the present troubles
With this object you will take care to engage only such men capable to pass
inspection as you will me responsible in the contrary case.
And to encourage and promote the said enrolment you will pay to each of the
said recruited volunteers on passing their attestation, forty pounds as a bounty, besides
which each of them will be paid every month the sum of forty pounds, to date from
the day of their enlistment. The said volunteers will supply themselves with all
clothing and equipments necessary for the service or the said clothing & equipment will
be furnished to them and deducted from their pay.
At Montreal,
this 10th February, 1776.
Endorsed: 10th February, 1776, Warrt. from Col. Hazen.
(128)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 12, pp. 1-3.
No.l. Whitehall, 17th February, 1776.
Governor Carleton,
Sir,
The Events which happened in the Province under your command in the month
of November last, left no room for any other consideration but that of sending as
early as possible a relief to the Town of Quebec, in case you should have been able
Illustrative Documents 145
with the small Garrison you had collected together, to maintain possession of it
during the Winter, such relief to be followed by a Body of Troops sufficient to retake
the Town in case it should have fallen into the hands of the Rebels, and to effect the
Recovery of the whole of the Province to His Majesty's Possessions.
To this End it was judged Expedient immediately upon the arrival of Lieutenant
Pringle in the Nancy to equip a small Squadron of His Majesty's Ships, consisting
of the Isis of 50 Guns, the Surprise and Triton Frigates, and the Martin Sloop of
war. This Squadron has accordingly been prepared with the greatest Dispatch and
will be accompanied by three victuallers & two large Navy Transports, having on
board Provisions for 3,000 Men for three Months.
His Majesty has also thought fit to direct that the 29th Regiment should be dis-
tributed on board the different Ships in the manner stated in the inclosed Paper and
the whole being now ready to sail, inclosed I send you a Copy of my letter of Instruc-
tions to Lieutenant Colonel Gordon and of the Instructions given by the Admiralty
to the captains of the several Ships, pursuant to the Directions I had the Honor to
send their Lordships by His Majesty's command.
Every Effort is making to push forward the Second Embarkation of Troops so
that they may be able to sail by the 20th of next month.
That Embarkation will consist of six Regiments from Ireland and two from Great
Britain with four companies of Artillery, and a large Battering Train, the whole to
be under the command of Major General Burgoyne, who, together with Major General
Lord Cornwallis, is appointed by the King to serve under you on the side of Canada,
but it will possibly be some time before you can have the Assistance of Lord Corn-
wallis, as he is at present appointed to serve under Major General Clinton upon an
Expedition to the Southward, but he will proceed to Quebec with his Regiment as soon
as that Service is over.
To this force it is proposed to add about 5,000 foreign auxiliary Troops furnished
by the reigning Duke of Brunswick and the Prince of Waldeck, of which about 3,000
will be ready to embark on the Elbe in the beginning of March and the remainder
as soon after as possible.
Inclosed I send you the State of the British Regiments that are to proceed under
th command of Major General Burgoyne and I am to signify to you His Majesty's
commands that you do give the necessary Directions for the Disembarkation of the
said Regiments as well as of the foreign auxiliaries, and that you do employ them in
such manner as you shall think most Effectual for His Majesty's Service.
Major General Burgoyne will be so fully Instructed in every point in regard to
the important Services that are to be carried on, on the side of Canada, that it
will be unnecessary now for me to say any thing on that subject and therefore I have
only to inclose to you His Majesty's Warrant containing a signification of His Maj-
esty's pleasure for your Direction in carrying into Execution the Powers vested in
you by your Commission of posting Officers to vacancies.
I am, &ca.
Geo. Germain.
Endorsed: — Draft to Governor Carleton.
17th February, 1776.
(No. 1.)
(129)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. ,HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 27, pp. 387-8.
Montreal, 10th March, 1776.
Dear Antill,
I wrote to you a few days past to tell you that Recruiting goes on slow in this
part of Canada I hope you have better success at and about Quebec Indeed my money
is now exhausted and am not like to get any more till it arrives from below — General
Lee is daily expected. I hope he will bring a supply of every necessary.
Mr. Bondfield, tells me that Mr. Duggan's recruiting officers have brought a no.
of men from below Quebec. I think you should endeavour to re-enlist them or at
least such as you are willing and form the others into separate Companies to serve
in the same Regt. during the time which they are engaged, before the period of which
146 Illustrative Documents
matters may make a change more favorable for recruiting in this country, you must be
very active and diligent in this business. Lay the aside the delicate Gentleman and put
on the recruiting officer. Let me hear from you often, pay great attention to Mrs.
Antill and believe me to be,
Dear Sir,
Yours most sincerely,
Moses Hazen.
P.S. I think I told you in my last of Mr. Duggan's elopement, he is gone with-
out General Wooster's or Arnold's letters which is all that I would wish. I shall always
adhere to our resolution with respect to his being employed.
Gotldard, Dick Walker, and Lorimier have stole away into the upper country they
passed by St. Regis on Wednesday last.
M. H.
Addressed to
Colo. Edward Antill,
at the camp before Quebec.
(130)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 27, pp. 398-400.
Montreal, 20th April, 1776.
Dear Antill,
I have your letter of the 10th Current by General Arnold, am sorry to hear of
your ill-luck in Recruiting you have long since heard of Mr. Goddard, Walker's and
Lorimier's exit, the last mentioned rascal was seven days since at the Cedars with your
Batteaux and a party of soldiers from Oswegatchie enlisting men and stirring up the
Indians to cut our Throats, assuring them that Eight Hundred Indians with the Garri-
sons of Detroit, Niagara, &c., together with all the French inhabitants in that country
would be at the Cedars in Twenty days time, which has caused great convulsions in
that part of the country. Indeed there is nothing but plotting and preparations making
against us throughout the whole District. The Priests are at the bottom. I have good
intelligence and you may depend upon what I say to be fact. Mr. Lorimier has re-
turned with his Batteaux Laden with Provisions, on this information I ordered Colonel
Birtle (Bedell) with a detachment of his Regiment who were just then arrived at St.
John's, to march immediately to take post at the Cedars, intending also to establish
another at Car ignon (Carillon). General Arnold soon after arrived and much approved
of this measure as it will totally cut off all communication with the upper country.
I have been very attentive in my endeavors to secure the Indian natijons at
Caughnawaga, Canasadaga, St. Regis and St. Francois in our favour and hope we shall
succeed, indeed I have so far as to induce the Caughnawaga tribe to call together
the Heads of those other nations in general Congress. We must at any rate have
them in our interest, after which we shall have nothing to fear from the upper Country.
Frobisher is returned, his Business is refered to a Committy of Congress who is
supposed now to be at Fort George. General Thomas is said to be at or near that
place on his way to take the Command in Canada. General Howe with his whole Army
has left Boston. You will remember my remarks to Congress with respect to this
matter. We have no certain accounts of Lake George being open but I take it for
granted that it is before this Consequently the arrival of our Army before Quebec
will depend upon wind and weather as its all water carriage. You cannot now ex-
pect them at Quebec before the 5th or 10th of May. General Wooster has ordered me
to join him at Quebec with the handful of men I have, calling it a Regiment, not con-
sidering, I am sure, the situation I am in, a sample of you see by Brandimour's Com-
pany, when 9 out of Twenty two deserted on their way down. It will not do to break
faith with the Canadians & I know it is impossible to march from this until they are
paid. Indeed in all appearances it has been with difficulty that I have prevailed on
them thus far to dp their Duty, in which Pier (Pere) Floquette has assisted by
giving them Absolution when every other Priest in the Country refused, he has now the
name of my Chaplain.
I have necessary intelligence through that quarter, indeed, I have laid myself out
for it and believe I have what may be depended upon, a stroke must by and by be
struck here. I only wanted force to put it in Execution before this. I have been free
in revealing secrets, your Prudence will manage them in a proper manner.
To Colo. Edward Antil, Yours, &c.,
at Camp before Quebec, Moses Hazen.
Illustrative Documents
147
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148 Illustrative Documents
(132)
Le vingt cinq mars — il se forma un party de Canadiens Royal- 20 mars 1776.
istes— dans les campagnes du sud en bas de Quebec — au nombre Wooster
•d'environ trois cent cinquante hommes — commandes par Mr. Beaujeu quitte
— ancien capitaine canadien — II fit avancer une avant garde de cin- Montreal,
quante hommes — jusque dans la paroisse St. Pierre — commandee par
le Sieur Couillard — pour favoriser sa marche jusqu'a la Pointe- Tentative
Levy — vis-a-vis Quebec pour entrer dans la ville— s'il etoit possible — de Mr. de
afin de donner du secours. Mais il s'assembla un autre party d'habi- Beaujeu dans
tants de differentes paroisses, avec environ cent cinquante hommes les paroisses
des Bastonnois, qui cernerent la maison ou etoit 1'avant-garde des du sud.
Royalistes, les attaquerent vivement & les firent prisonnires, — Dans
ce combat il y eut trois habitants royalistes de tues, dix de blesses
avec Mr. Bailly, pretre, qui etoit avec eux — Us auroient tout ete tues, apres s'etre
rendus prisonniers — si les Bastonnois ne 1'eurent empeche — II fut envoye dix huit
prisonniers a Montreal— des principaux — le reste renvoye chez eux, avec promesse de
ne plus prendre les armes, — Mr. Beaujeu fut oblige de congedier sa petite armee et
de se cacher de crainte d'etre fait prisonnier — L'on vit -dans cette affaire les peres
se battre contre leurs enfants et les enfants centre leurs peres — ce qui paroitra sans
doute bien extraordinaire.
(Invasion du Canada, 1775, Par M. L'abbe Verreau.)
P. 105-106.
( Translation)
20 March, 1776, Wooster leaves Montreal. Attempt of Mr. de Beaujeu
in the southern parishes.
On the 25th of March a party of Canadian Royalists numbering about 350 men was
organized in the southern parishes below Quebec under the command of Mr. Beaujeu,
formerly a Canadian captain. He sent forward an advanced guard of fifty men as far
as the parish of St. Pierre, commanded by Mr. Couillard, to aid his march upon
Pointe-Levy opposite Quebec to enter the town if possible and relieve it. But another
party of the inhabitants from different parishes assembled with about 150 Bostonians,
who surrounded the house where the advanced guard of the Royalists was posted,
attacked them briskly and made them prisoners In this combat three Royalist
habitans were killed, ten wounded, with Mr. Bailly a priest, who was with them. They
would have all been killed after being taken prisoners if the Bostonians had not pre-
vented it. Eighteen of the principal prisoners were sent to Montreal, the remainder
sent home under a promise not to take arms again. Mr. Beaujeu was obliged to dis-
charge his little army and hide himself through fear of being made prisoner. In this
affair, fathers were seen fighting against their children and children against their
fathers, which will no doubt appear very strange
(The Invasion of Canada, 1775, By the Abbe Verreau, Pp. 105-106.)
(133)
Les prisonniers du coup que les Bostonnois ont faits dont nous avons parle le
30 du mois dernier, sont arrive aujour d'hui au nombre de 21, au lieu de 30 qu'un
nous avoit annonce. II n'y a rien de plus execrable et qui repugne plus a la na-
ture, que de voir des pauvres malheureux conduits par leurs compatriottes, sans
qu'ils en soient le moindrement touches; au contraire, les miserables le menent avec
une jubilation sans pareille et comme s'ils menoient des gens dont ils n'aurient ja-
mais entendu parler, ou leurs plus grands ennemis. Ces prisonniers disent qu'ils
avoient rec,u des ordres de Mr. le Genl. Carleton pour venir secourir la ville de Que-
bec, et qu'ils etoient 500 hommes sous le commandement de M. Beaujeu qui en
avoit envoye 50 pour 1'avant garde (dont ils etoient du nombre) ; et que les gens
de la riviere du Sud en ayant eu nouvelles les avoient arrettes; et que Fr. Bailly,
prestre, qui etoit leur aumonier, avoit ete blesse.)
(Invasion du Canada, 1775, par M. L. Abbe Verreau.)
P. 197.
Illustrative Documents 143
(Translation)
The prisoners whom the Bostonians made in the affair of which we have spoken
on the 30th of last month, have arrived to-day to the number of twenty-one, in place of
thirty as we had been informed. There is nothing more abhorrent and repulsive to
human nature than to see these poor fellows guarded by their countrymen without
being the least affected by it; on the contrary these wretches escorted them with un-
parallelled exultation and as if they were escorting people of whom they had never
heard, or their greatest enemies. These prisoners said that they had received orders
from General Carleton to come to the relief of the town of Quebec, and that they num-
bered five hundred under the command of M. Beaujeu, who had sent forward fifty as an
advanced guard (to which they belonged) ; and that the people of Riviere du Sud,
having had information had arrested them ; and that Mr. Bailly a priest, who was their
chaplain had been wounded . . !
(The invasion of Canada, 1775, by Abbe Verreau, P. 197.)
(134)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 27, p. 389.
De la pointe de Levis,ce 16 Mars 1776.
Monsieur,
Comme etant necessaire de vous instruire ce qu'il se passe dans les Cotes j'ai
cru qu'il seroit necessaire de vous temoigner La chose est qu'il y a apparence que
quelque personne que vous croye estre sincere au vis-a-vis de Congres ces sont des
personnes reelement qui cherche a vous trahir, attendre que nous avons ete avertis
par vous directe que ces sortes des gens avoit des communiquations avec la ville et
assurent par les Costes que vous n'etiez que 12 ou 13 cent homes insinuan pour ainsi
dire La Revolte a tous les paroisses du Cote du Sud, disant meme et probable que
ceux que sont a vostre service que ce n'etoit que pour les amuser vous que vous ne
les payerai point, c'est ce qu'il cause une grande trouble parmis ces paroisses que
vous ne pourrit pas avoir aucun secours en quelque facon que se puisee etre. Je
vous prient, Monsieur, que pour les convaihcre ces sortes de gens attendre qu'il en
a par ici a votre service de ces paroisses qu'il avoit necessaire de les payer en argent
si vous le juger a propos pour mettre la calme a tout cela et que par la presque tous
ceux qui sont ici s'engagerent plus facilement. Je vous prie de me croire, soyez
persuade que le chose nous touche d'asse pres; je vous prie d'envoyer a moi Lieuten-
ant Mac giberne et une baillonete vous obligerai vostre serviteur,
piere Ayot.
/
(Translation).
Pointe Levis,
this 16th March, 1776.
Sir,
As it seems necessary to inform you of what is going on in these parts, I have be-
lieved that it will be necessary to make known to you that some people whom you con-
sider to be faithful with respect to Congress, are the people who are really trying to
betray you, as we have been warned by you direct that these kind of people have com-
munication with the town and assure the people in these parts that you are only 12 or
13 hundred men, instigating so to say a revolt in all the parishes on the south shore,
they say even that it is likely that those who are in your service are there only to amuse
you and that you will not pay them. What causes great anxiety in these parishes is
that that you cannot have any kind of assistance. I beg you, Sir, that to satisfy this
kind of people here who are in your service from these parishes it will be necessary
to pay them in cash if you consider it proper to set their minds at rest and by the same
means all who are here will enlist more easily. I beg you to believe me. Be certain
that this matter concerns you closely; I beg that you will send me Lieut. Mac a car-
tridge box and a bayonet you will oblige your servant,
piere Ayot.
150 Illustrative Documents
Dear Sir,
(135)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA.
HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 27, pp. 392-3.
Montreal, 26th March, 1776.
As I am ordered to take command of this District for the present and as I shall
Reside in the Chateau I have offered Mrs. Antill what rooms she has has occasion for
and my table until she can be better provided for.
I have about 250 men enlisted, the General has ordered two companies to be sent
down to you, one to remain in this town and one at Chamblie but I am much afraid
they will not be able to get to Quebec before the Roads break up. The want of both
Arms and Accoutrements and money has occasioned great delays.
The General has given over to me Mr. Duggan's Accts., enclosed you have what
regards the people about Quebec which you must endeavour to settle. I told you be-
fore that I thought you ought to take those men under your charge and I suppose the
General will order it to be done. I know the embarassment it will occasion to us, but
at the same time it will ease the General of a great deal of trouble and be for the good
of the service. I shall leave this place for the River Chamblie the instant which the
General leaves town and I shall endeavour to despatch a company to Quebec imme-
diately, suppose it will be Mr. Brandimour's? which you complain so much of but if he
has acted amiss he may be suspended or broke. If I were not to give him his commis-
sion now his men would not march.
I believe he has interest with the people about Quebec and may be useful to your
recruiting service.
Yours &c.
v Moses Hazen.
Addressed to
Colo. David Antill,
in camp before
Quebec.
(136)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q., Vol. 12, pp. 4-6.
No. 2. Whitehall, 28th March, 1776.
Governor Carleton,
Sir,
I have already informed you in my letter of the 17th February, of which I now in-
close a Duplicate, that the Force to employed in Canada under your command would
consist of nine British Regiments and about 5,000 foreign auxiliaries.
I hope that by this time the Regiments from Ireland are nearly ready to proceed,
and this letter will be delivered to you by General Burgoyne, who accompanies the first
Embarkation from hence, consisting as you will see by the inclosed ^tate of about
2,000 Brunswick Troops, being the first Division of that Corps, and also of the 21st
Regiment from Plymouth.
It is impossible on account of the difficulty of procuring Transports to say when
the second Division of the Brunswick Troops will be ready to embark but I hope it will
be in the course of next month.
Inclosed I have the Honor to send you a List of Commissions by which His Ma-
jesty gives military Rank in America to his General Officers serving there, and it is
hoped that this arrangement will have the Effect to prevent any Embarassment or
Inconvenience from any claim in the General Officers of the foreign Troops to have
Command in consequence of superior Rank to the natural born subjects of Great
Britain, upon whom it is His Majesty's Intention that the Command shall in all cases
devolve.
The defeat and repulse of the Rebels on the 31st December, was a great and happy
Event & I am commanded by the King to express to you the sense His Majesty En-
tertains of your Services on that important Day, and of the services of all those who
distinguished themselves upon that occasion.
Illustrative Documents 151
It is hoped and believed that so severe a Check will have had the consequence to
deter the Rebels from any other such attempt upon Quebec, and we trust the armament
now sending out will arrive in time to prevent them forming any regular siege of that
important Post.
If the Rebels should Attempt to keep Possession of Montreal, or any other place in
Canada on your side the Lakes, the Army Under your Command will be sufficient to
drive them from that part of the Province, and there is no doubt if you succeed in
these first Operations but that you will endeavour to pass the Lakes as early as pos-
sible, and in your future progress to contribute to the success of the Army under
General Howe. — if contrary to all our present Expectations Quebec should have fallen
into the hands of the Rebels, a battering train of Artillery is sent out with Engineers
and a strong Detachment of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, to enable you to regain
that place either by immediately attacking it or by seizing Montreal and by that
means cutting off all communication between Quebec and the Rebellious Provinces,
but these Operations must be left to your judgment and discretion, as it would be highly
improper at such a distance to give any positive Orders, especially as so much confi-
dence is placed in your knowledge and Military Experience.
(137)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA.
HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 27, pp. 39&-6.
Dear Antill, Montreal, 3rd April,. 1776.
We have at this place letter after letter from Camp before Quebec on matters of
the utmost importance but not a line from you or any one Public Officer ; are you all
dead or what is the matter?
The Roads are now breaking up; very few men more will join your camp before
the river opens, am a-making all possible preparations against that time.
I am sorry to find that thg Garrison at this place so determined to return down
the Country on the opening of the Lake. I suppose Quebec will be in the same situ-
ation, indeed there is no probability of stopping the men if they remain determined.
But the officers may and I should think on the present amergency ought to be stop-
ped. I am convinced if such an order was given, at the same time encourage the men
to remain with their officers until matters take a change there would be in that case
many men re-engage for the service who would otherwise go home immediately. I
don't mean by such an order to keep officers here without men, no further than to try
the experiment for a few days which I do think would have a good effect. Mention
this to Generals Wooster and Arnold.
I am
Yours,
Moses Hazen.
P.S. — Brandimour is gone down to you, he has interest, as he says, amongst the
Canadians, will soon fill his Company, perhaps more, I think. I have advanced him
300 dollars, you will be able to give him money at Quebec, tell him he shall have his
Commission as soon as his Company is full, that is the rule I follow here. I have
mustered Duval as an Ensign in Lieber's company, can at any time raise him to a
Lieut, if he wants it. You had best let him know it. If he was here he might be ser-
viceable to me as Clerk.
Yours
Addressed to Moses Hazen.
Colo. Edward Antill.
(138)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 12, p. 39.
My Lord) Quebec, 10 May, 1776.
I congratulate my King and Country on the Appointment of Lord George Germain
to be Secretary of State to the American department in these times of such dangeress
and difficulties as those we now have.
152 Illustrative Documents
A full and Accurate detail of affairs here will be given your Lordship by My brave
honest friend Colonel Caldwell who carries the Generals dispatches; Colonel Caldwell
Commanded the Regiment of British Militia who so bravely and so greatly contributed
to defend Quebec, and its but Justice to say that his merit on this occasion deserves
the greatest favours his King and Country can confere upon him, his fidelity and
attachment to his King and Country have made him the object of the Vengance &
Resentment of the Rebells, for they burnt his Houses and destroyed his Property to a
very considerable amount, all I shall say about myself is that I endeavoured to do my
duty, and am happy that my Endeavours have in some Degree Contributed to the
Glorious End, that has crowned our Endeavours with success — the moment the rest
of the 29th Regiment are arrived at Quebec with the 47th now in the River from Hali-
fax, I hope we shall follow the Rebells closs at their heels, and not give them time to
recover from the Panick and Consternation that their late Precipitate retreat from
Quebec has reduced them to. I have now my Lord a Glorious Prospect before us Early
in the Season. I also hope we have had Experience Sufficient to convince us that our
Unactivity and want of Spirit was what greatly contributed to the distresses to which
this province has been reduced last year, timidity in the, field My Lord is a dangerous
matter, for I am convinced few Generals are capable of conducting a defensive War.
I have the honor to be with the most profound respect
My Lord
Your Lordship's Most Humble & most obedient Servant,
Allan Maclean.
Endorsed: Quebec 10th May 1776. Lieut.-Col. Maclean.
R. 10 June,
(139)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, November 14, 1776.
Quebec, May 10, 1776.
My dear Friend,
When I arrived here on the 5th of November last, I found the Place in a most
defenceless State. I had persuaded the Master of the vessel I was in to take on board
upwards of 100 Men, who were waiting at Newfoundland for a Passage hither; for
I had some Intimation of the State of Affairs here, tho' nothing near so bad as I found
it; and it was fortunate we did bring these Men, for the greater part of them were
Carpenters, and other Artificers, and were of the greatest Service in repairing our
Defences, and making Platforms for our Cannon; so that I sincerely think we could
not have done without them. We had at that Time not a single soldier. On the 12th of
November, Colonel Maclean arrived with about 170 Men of his Regiment, and it
was lucky he did; for on the 14th Arnold appeared before the Town, and I really be-
lieve the Gates would have been opened to him by the Disaffected and Faint-Hearted
among us, if it had not been for the Colonel. On the 19th General Carleton arrived,
and it was then I first began to conceive tolerable thoughts of the Defence of the City ;
though I was before determined to wait the Event, for I could not bear the idea of
shewing about in London the Face of a Man, who had run away from Quebec at such
a Crisis. The first thing the General did Was to turn out those he suspected and to
permit the departure of all who would not assist in the Defence of the Place. This
occasioned a great trooping out of Town, but though it diminished our number, it
added greatly to our Strength, and has proved our Safety; for what could we have
done with such a Parcel of false Friends, and trembling ones? As it was, God knows
we had enough to do.
On the 1st of December Montgomery landed at Point-aux Trembles; he appeared
before the Town on the 5th, and sent us a Summons, which was turned back without
being attended to. On the 10th he began to throw Bombs into the Town, and on the
17th he began to cannonade, but with very little Effect. At different times he at-
tempted several Proposals,but none were hearkened to. About the 20th we were in-
formed by Deserters that he was preparing to storm us; on the 25th some of their
People were seen near the Walls before Daylight, and we had a terrible Alarm, but
they did not follow their Purpose. From that time to the 31st the Garrison were all
under Arms every Night; and that Day, in the Morning, they made their Attack in
good earnest. While two parties made false Attacks in two different Parts of the
Wall. Montgomery attempted the South End, and Arnold the Northern End of the
Lower-town, Montgomery was killed at the first Discharge, and a very great number
Illustrative Documents 153
of his men fell about him; Indeed his whole Party must infallibly have been cut off
if a Canadian Officer had not failed in his Duty. On the other Side "of the Town
Arnold was surrounded, and got off, very early, with about 20 more of his Party; the
Retreat of the rest was cut off by a well-concerted Sortie from the Palace Gate, and
they were all either killed or taken Prisoners. They acknowledged they lost about
800 Men, and they are not given to exaggerating their own Losses.
The Prisoners we made amounted to 452, Officers included; and they may very
well be included with their common Men, for I am persuaded you would find it difficult
to distinguish them. Arnold then turned his Siege into a Blockade, and we continued
pretty quiet till the 16th of February. We then found they were beginning to receive
Reinforcements, and have been in continual uneasiness and expectations ever since.
They erected three new Batteries, with which they did some damage to the Shipping
in the Cul de Sac, and killed a few People. At last on the 3d. of May, they took the
Opportunity of the Flood to send a fire Ship up the River, in order to set fire to the
shipping, and at the same time we could see them drawn up, ready to attack the Walls,
if the fire ship took Place; In truth their Scheme was tolerably well laid. The ship
coming from below was at first supposed to be a friend arrived from Sea to our Re-
lief; It was Night, and it was not till she was very near our shipping that she was
discovered to be an Enemy. On this we began a heavy fire on her; and when they
found they were discovered they lighted the Train, and in a Moment she was in a
Blaze; her Sails immediately took Fire, and checked her Way, and the tide then be-
ginning to ebb she was carried down the River by it. The Fellows on board her at-
tempted to make their escape in three Boats, one of which it was thought was sunk by
a ball from us. Had their Scheme succeeded it must have thrown us into great Con-
fusion; and if they had taken that Opportunity to assault, for which they prepared,
we should have been in imminent Danger; but it pleased God to preserve us. Their
Ladders were laid round the Town at Hand for them a day or two before. On the 6th
of May, in the morning, we were again alarmed with another Ship, and we all repaired
to our Alarm Posts; but we were soon agreeably disappointed at finding it to be the
Surprize Frigate come to our Relief, which was presently followed by the Iris of 54
Guns, and the Martin Sloop. They had on board about 100 Marines, and two Com-
panies of the 29th Regiment, which were landed with all Expedition, and at Noon we
marched out to attack the enemy, but they did not chuse to wait for us. Some few
shot fell near where I was, but they fell harmless, and I believe were the only shot
they fired. They ran as if the Devil was after them, and we never could get near
them. We have taken all their Ammunitions, Baggage, &c., in such prodigious
Quantities, that it is inconceivable where they could get it. Many of them threw
away their Firelocks, and even their Coats and Waistcoats, that they might move off
the faster, and by Midnight they had marched, or rather run thirty Miles to the Pointe
aux Trembles; here they stopped for two hours till two in the Morning of the 7th,
when they were alarmed with an Account of our being within two leagues of them;
On this they set off again on the run, and we have not since heard where they are got
to. The Surprize frigate, and the Martin Sloop, with two armed schooners that we had
here, sailed up the River about the time we marched out, and have taken on the River
the Gaspee Sloop of War, which the Rebels had seized last November, with a Number
of other Vessels and Boats, and a great Quantity of Artillery and Ammunition, and a
Number of Prisoners, we know not precisely how many. In truth this Rout has been
a most wonderful Affair; the utmost of our Numbers that marched out did not ex-
ceed 800 Men, for no Militia was ordered out, only such as offered themselves as Vol-
unteers, and the Rebels considerably exceeded 3000 Men; so that after having been
such Bobadils all Winter, they have been suddenly Planet-struck, and must be in a
most terrible situation, and in the greatest confusion; and it is very probable not one
will be able to get out of this country. If that should be the case, the Quebec Expedi-
tion, from first to last, will cost the Congress 6 or 7000 Men.
My share in the Transactions is very small indeed. Possibly I might have been
an Officer, if I had asked, but when I saw so many desirous of being Officers, that it
was impossible to content a quarter part of them, and that hardly any body consider-
ed the great want of private Men, I thought I did more service by taking up a brown
Musquet and putting on a Soldier's Coat,than I could do any other Way; I therefore
enlisted in Capt. Johnson's Company as Private, and as such I have served during the
Siege. I was Volunteer on the Sortie the 31st of December from the Palace Gate, and
helped to bring in a great Number of the Prisoners, and on the 6th of May, I was the
Right-hand man of the Left-wing of our little Army. My fatigue has been great. Be-
fore this Affair, I scarcely ever laid two successive Nights in my Cloaths, but on this
154 Illustrative Documents
Occasion I slept in my Cloaths 80 successive Nights, (except when I was on Duty, and
did not sleep at all) and my Room was a Guard-room. We have not wanted provisions,
but we have wanted Wood very much, which in this excessive cold Country is terrible
indeed; however we have got through it, God be praised successfully.
This, as nearly as I can make out, was our Garrison during the Siege:
Col. Maclean's Men 170
A Company of the 7th Regiment .... 60
Marines 40
Seamen 450
Militia, about 800
1520
Out of these we had scarcely any that could be called Regular Troops. CoL
Maclean's is a Corps just beginning to be raised, and the Company of the 7th is com-
posed of three Fourths of Recruits lastSpring (most of them Norfolk Men) In-
deed the Militia was of more Importance than you can conceive, and behaved very well
(140)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 12, p. 31.
By His Excellency
Guy Carleton,
Captain-general and Governor in Chief in and over the Province of Quebec, and the
Territories depending thereon in America, Vice-Admiral of the same, and Major-
general of His Majesty's Forces, commanding the Northern District, &c., &c.
A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas I found it necessary, by a Proclamation dated the twenty-second day of
November, One thousand seven hundred and seventy-five to order and enjoin all and
every Person and Persons whatsoever, liable to serve in the Militia, and residing at
Quebec, who had refused or declined to enroll their Names in the Militia Lists, and
to take up arms in conjunction with his Majesty's good Subjects of the said City, as
well as those who having once taken up arms and afterwards laid them down and re-
fused to take them up again, to quit the Town in four Days from the date thereof,
together with their Wives and Children, I Do now Hereby Order, That no Person or
Persons of the above Description, who quitted the City of Quebec in consequence of the
said Proclamation, nor any Person or Persons who either before or after the said
Proclamation, deserted or withdrew from any corps to which they once belonged, shall
presume to enter the said City again without a Permission in writing under my Hand,
or under the Hand of the Lieutenant-governor of this Province.
Given under my Hand and Seal of Arms at the Castle of St. Lewis, in the City of
Quebec, this Twelfth Day of May, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-Six, in
the sixteenth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third by the Grace
of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, and so
forth
Guy Carleton.
By His Excellency's Command
H. T. Cramahe.
GOD SAVE THE KING.
(141)
LA GAZETTE DE QUEBEC.
Par Son EXCELLENCE.
GUY CARLETON.
Capitaine-general et Gouverneur de Chef dans toute la Province de QUEBEC, et ter-
ritoires en dependans en AMERIQUE, Vice-amiral d'icelle, et MARECHAL des Camps
et Armees de sa Majeste, Commandant le Departement Septentrional, &c., &c., &c.
PROCLAMATION. '
COMME J'AI TROUVE NECESSAIRE D'ORDONNER ET D'ENJOINDRE,
par une Proclamation en date du Vingt-deuxieme jour de Novembre Mil sept cens
Illustrative Documents 155
soixante-quinze, a toutes et chacunes personnes quelconques, capables de servir dans
la Milice, residents a QUEBEC, qui ont refuse ou elude de faire inscrire leurs noms
dans les roles de la Milice, et de prendre les armes conjointement avec les bons Sujets
de sa Majeste de cette dite ville, ainsi qu'a celles qui aiant une fois pris les armes,
les ont ensuite mis has et refuse de les reprendre, de vuider la ville, sous quatre
jours de la date d'icelle, avec leurs femmes et leurs enfants, j'ORDONNE PRES-
ENTEMENT PAR CES PRESENTES, que toutes telles personnes designees ci-
dessus, qui ont quitte la ville de QUEBEC en consequence de la dite Proclamation,
ainsi que toutes celles qui ont deserte ou sorti d'aucun corps, sans une Permission par
ecrit donnee sous mon seing, ou sous le seing du Lieutenant-gouverneur de cette Prov-
ince.
Donne sous mon seign et le sceau de mes armes, au chateau St. Louis, dans la
ville de QUEBEC, le douzieme jour de MAI, mil sept cens soixante-seize, dans la
seixieme annee du Regne de Notre Souverain Seigneur GEORGE trois, par la Grace
de Dieu, Roy de la GRANDE-BRET AGNE, de FRANCE et d'IRELANDE, Defen-
seur de la Foy, &c. &c. &c.
(Signe) GUY CARLETON.
Par Ordre de son EXCELLENCE,
(Signe) H. T. CRAMAHE.
Traduit par ordre de son Excellence
F. J. CUGNET, S.F.
VIVE le ROI.
(142)
QUEBEC GAZETTE.
By His Excellency
Guy Carleton,
Captain-General and Governor in Chief in and over the Province of Quebec, and the
Territories depending thereon in America, Vice-Admiral of the same, and Major-
general of His Majesty's Forces, commanding the Northern District, &c., &c., &c.
A PROCLAMATION.
"Whereas I am informed that many of his Majesty's deluded subjects of the
neighbouring provinces, laboring under wounds and divers disorders, are dispersed in
the adjacent woods and parishes, and are in great danger of perishing for want of
proper assistance. All captains and other officers of militia are hereby commanded
to make diligent search for all such distressed persons, and afford them all necessary
relief and convey them to the general hospital, where proper care shall be taken of
them. All reasonable expenses which shall be "incurred in complying with this order
shall be paid by the receiver-general.
"And lest a consciousness of past offences should deter such miserable wretches
from receiving that assistance which their distressed system may require, I hereby
make known to them, that as soon as their health is restored they shall have free
liberty to return to their respective provinces.
"Given under my Hand and Seal of Arms at the Castle of St. Lewis, in the City of
Quebec, this Tenth Day of May, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-six, in the
sixteenth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third by the Grace of
God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c., &c., &c.
"Guy Carleton."
By His Excellency's Command,
H. T. Cramahe.
(143) '
LA GAZETTE DE QUEBEC.
Par Son EXCELLENCE.
GUY CARLETON.
Capitaine-general et Gouverneur en Chef de la Province de QUEBEC, et territoires
en dependans; Vice-amiral d'icelle, Marechal des Camps et Commandant en Chef des
armees de sa Majeste, dans la Province de QUEBEC et frontieres d'icelle, &c. &c. &c.
PROCLAMATION.
Comme je suis informe que beaucoup des sujets abuses de Sa Majeste des Prov-
inces voisines, qui souffrent de leurs blessures et d'autres maladies, sont disperses
156 Illustrative Documents
dans les bois et paroisses voisines, et qu'ils courent grand risque de perir faute de
secours necessaires; II est ordonhe par ces presentes a tons Capitaines et Officiers
de Milice, de faire une prompte recherche de toutes telles personnes malades, de
leur procurer les secours necessaires, et de les faire conduire a 1'Hopital-general, ou
on en aura grand soin; toutes les depenses raisonnables qui auront ete faites en obeis-
sance a cet Ordre, seront remboursees par le Receveur-general.
Et de peur que la crainte du chatiment de leurs crimes passes n'empeche point
ces malheureux de recevoir les secours que leur miserable situation peut exiger, je
leur donne a connaitre par ces presentes, qu'aussitot que leur sante sera retablie, ils
auront 1'entiere liberte de retourner dans leurs differentes Provinces.
Donne sous mon seing et le sceau de mes armes, au chateau St. Louis, dans la ville
de QUEBEC, le dixieme jour de Mai, mil sept cens soixante-seize, dans la seizieme
annee du Regne de Notre Souverain Seigneur GEORGE trois, par la Grace de Dieu,
Roy de la GRANDE-BRETAGNE, de FRANCE, et d'IRELANDE, Defenseur de la
Foy, &c. &c. &c.
(Signe) GUY CARLETON.
Par Ordre de son Excellence,
(Signe) H. T. CRAMAHE.
Traduit par ordre de son Excellence,
F. J. CUGNPT, S.F.
VIVE le ROI.
(144)
Carleton to Barrington.
Quebec 14th May 1776.
My Lord,
The 8th instant I received your Lordship's letter of 9th September last; should the
Camp Equipage of the 26th arrive here, tho' we have had the misfortune to lose that
Corps, we may find some use for it; a Letter from some of the King's faithful subjects
at Montreal, they found means to introduce into the Town last March, mentions the
Post of Oswagatchie being safe the end of February.
Your Lordship will learn, from my Dispatches to the Secretary of State, the event
of 31st December, and that after blocking up the Town the whole Winter, and receiving
very considerable reinforcements, upon Marching out two hundred men of the 29th and
Marines, with a great part of the Garrison the rebels fled, leaving them all their
Artillery, Ammunition, Provisions, and Baggage.
To give a few regular troops we had, composed chiefly of Recruits, some consis-
tence I formed the small remains of the Fusiliers under Captain Owen the Marines
of the Lizard, and Lieutenant-Colonel Maclean's Emigrants into one Corps, Command-
ed by the Lieutenant Colonel, Major Cox of the 16th acting as Major, with some other
experienced officers under them, and they have gone through the service all the Winter,
with a steadiness and resolution which could hardly have been expected from raw
undisciplined troops, and for which they cannot be too much commended.
I cloathed this Corps, as indeed I did the Seamen and two Militias, out of the
Cloathing sent out by Sir Thomas Harley, which was of great service both in respect
to keeping the men warm and in health, during the severe Season, and exciting an
Emulation amongst the Corps; Lieutenant Colonel Maclean, who is very anxious to
get his Regiment into Order; wishes to have it assembled in this Province. I think it
may prevent confusion both in Accounts and Commission; He has also desired I should
recommend to your Lordship, that the reckonings might be paid; I don't clearly under-
stand how this matter is, but am persuaded, his being a zealous and faithful Servant
to the Crown will prove a sufficient recommendation to your Lordship for everything
that is reasonable.
This will be delivered to your Lordship by Major Caldwell, who Commanded the
British Militia here and has approved himself a zealous Subject of His Majesty's, and
an active diligent officer; He and every other Loyal Subject in the Province, are great
sufferers by this hostile Invasion of their fellow subjects.
I am with great regard,
Your Lordship's
Most Obedient and
Most Humble Servant,
Guy Carleton.
P.S.: — Inclosed is a Garrison Return of the 1st May, G.C.
Lord Viscount Barrington,
His Majesty's Secretary at War.
Illustrative Documents 157
(145)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 12, pp. 21-3.
Copy of Intelligence received from Montreal at Quebec the 14th May from a,
Person who never yet deceived.
A Carillon une Garde, 60 Hommes, aux Cedres, 150, au bout de L'Isle d'enhaut
environ 60 Hommes. II est passe par la Riviere Chambly 2 Mortiers de 13 Pouces
Diametre, 2 Canons de 32, 2 de 24, 4 de 18, 4 de 12, 4 de 9, 4 de 6 six de 4, et six de
2, et environ 1200 Hommes avec il y en a en viron 2,000 sur le Lac Champlain et
Carillon, mais le 10 Mai aucun de ces demiers n'avoient paru a St. Jean. Le Gen-
eral Thomas doit arriver vers le 12 a Berthier avec quelques Troupes revenant de
Quebec. Le General Prussien y est arrive le 10 au matin, de la Us feront traverser
leurs Troupes a Sorel. Monsr Hafcen est a St. Jean y faisant faire des Retranche-
ments. Mr. Arnold commande a Montreal. Monsieur Franklin est reparti le 11 a 8
heures avec Madame Walker et Madame Price dans un bateau. 3 Messieurs du Con-
gress nommes Chace, Carrol et un Jesuit sont encore a Montreal. Monsieur Price y
est arrive le 10 au soir et doit en repartir le 12. Les Messieurs du Congress ont
donnes des Permis a quelques Voyageurs sous condition qu'ils n'assisteroient en au-
cune maniere les Troupes du Roi. Messieurs Welles, Maccarty, Meredith, Tucker, Hey-
wood, Bindon et beaucoup d'autres, aussi tous les Juifs, s'appretent pour partir. M.
de Lorimier et le Commandant de la Galette sont venus aux Cedres le 11 Avril y
prendre 125 quarts de Provision et assurant que dans peu il y auroit beaucoup de
sauvages et des Troupes rendues aux Cedres et depuis ce terns rien de nouveau. Les
Bostonnois ont pris aujourd'huy de Force chez Messieurs Moquin et Le Moine beau-
coup Quart? de Farine, promettant de payer bientot.' Les Habitans ont a present
peur, craignent il y a environ 200 Hommes de Garrison a Montreal Mais il n'y a
point d'argent pour rien payer ni en espece ni en Papier.
tout ceci est vrai.
G. C.
Endorsed: — Copy of a Paper of Intelligence from Montreal received at Quebec, 14th
May, 1776. In General Carleton's Letter of the 14th May.
(146)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 12, p. 7.
(No. 1.)
Quebec, 14th May, 1776.
My Lord,
After this Town had been closely invested by the Rebels for five months, and had
defeated all their attempts, the Surprise Frigate, Isis, and Sloop Martin came into the
Bason the 16th Instant.
As soon as that part of the 29th they had on board, with their Marines, in all
about two hundred, were landed, they, with the greatest part of the Garrison, by this
time much improved, and in high Spirits, marched out of the Ports of Sk Louis and St.
John's, to see what those mighty Boasters were about; they were found very busy
in their Preparations for a Retreat a few shot being exchanged, the Line marched for-
ward, and the Plains were soon cleared of those Plunderers; all their Artillery, Mili-
tary Stores, scaling Ladders, Petards, &c., &c., were abandoned, the Surprise, Martin,
and a Province armed Vessel went up the River, when they also quitted the Gaspe, and
the Armed Schooner Mary; the Rear of the Rebels have halted at Dechambault, and
the Surprise with the other two Vessels, are a little upon this side of the Falls of
Richelieu.
Thus ended our Siege and Blockade, during which, the mixed Garrison of Sol-
diers, Sailors, British and Canadian Militia, with the Artificers from Halifax and
Newfoundland, shewed great zeal and Patience under very severe Duty, and uncommon
Vigilance, indispensable in a Place liable to be storm'd, besides great Labor necessary
to render such Attempts less practicable; Notwithstanding the inclement Season they
preserved good health and their Spirits increased every day; a copy of my Letter to
General Howe will inform your Lordship of our situation to the defeat of the Rebels
upon the 31st of December.
158 Illustrative Documents
For three Months after they confined their operations to the preventing all sup-
plies from coming to Town, and in burning our Suburbs, and Shipping; the lattel
have almost all escaped but the greater part of the Suburbs of St. Rock and St. John
have been burned, the remainder was brought into Town for Fuel, which was much
wanted.
The beginning of February the Rebels again attempted to enter into a corres-
pondence by a Flag of Truce, encouraged to it, I suppose, by a permission granted foi
the Prisoners Baggage to enter the Town, but as they were told immediately to with-
draw, unless they came to implore the King's Mercy, they have not since returned.
March the 25th the advance Guard of a Party raised by Mr. Beaujeu to relieve the
Town, was defeated, the rest dispersed; the 31st it was discovered that the Rebel
Prisoners had formed a Plot to escape, to seize the Guard at St. John's Gate, and let
in Mr. Arnold, which was effectually disappointed.
The 4th of April the Rebels opened a Battery of four Guns and one Howitzer from
the opposite side of the River St. Lawrence, and the 22nd another of two Guns, and one
Howitzer from the opposite side of the River St. Charles, these were also intended to
burn the Town and Shipping, from both they fired red hot Ball; the 23rd they at-
tempted throwing some shells into Town from a Battery on the Heights opposite to
Port St. Louis, all these Batteries were much damaged by our Artillery.
May the 3rd about ten at Night a Fire Ship attempted to run into the Cul de Sac,
where the greatest part of our Shipping were laid up, but this also proved abortive,
and she burned to the Water's edge without doing us the least Injury; 'tis supposed
they intended a general Assault, had they succeeded in setting fire to the Ships and
lower Town.
I cannot conclude this Letter without doing Justice to Lieutenant Colonel Maclean,
who has been indefatigably zealous in the King's Service, and to his Regiment, wherein
he has collected a number of experienced good officers, who have been very useful;
Colonel Hamilton, who commanded the Battalion of Seamen, his Officers and Men dis-
charged their Duty with great Alacrity and Spirit, the same thing must be acknow-
ledged of the Masters, inferior Officers, and Seamen belonging to His Majesty's
Transports, and Merchant Men detained here last Fall; only one Seaman deserted
the whole time; the Militias British and Canadian behaved with a steadiness and Re-
solution, that could hardly have been expected from Men unused to arms, Judges and
other Officers of Government, as well as Merchants chearfully submitted to every In-
convenience to preserve the Town; The whole indeed upon the Occasion shewed a
Spirit and Perseverance, that does them great Honor.
The 47th from Halifax, and the greatest part of the 29th are since arrived.
Major Caldwell, who commanded the British Militia all Winter, as Lieutenant
Colonel Commandant, and is Bearer of these Dispatches to your Lordship, has proved
himself a faithful Subject of His Majesty's, and an Active diligent Officer; and indeed
almost every loyal Subject, are very considerable Sufferers by the present hostile
Invasion.
I am with due Respect
Your Lordship's Most Obedient and
Most Humble Servant
Guy Carleton.
Lord George Germain
one of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State
Endorsed: Quebec 14th May 1776.
General Carleton
(No. 1) R 10th June.
Entd.
(147)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 12, pp. 14-5.
No. 2.
Quebec, 14th May, 1776.
My Lord,
Your Lordship's circular Dispatches of the 10th and 23rd December, and the par-
ticular one numbered 1, of the 17th February, with the King's Warrant for posting
Officers in case of Vacancies, and the several other Inclosures thereto annexed, were
Illustrative Documents 159
delivered to me the 10th instant by Lieutenant Colonel Nesbitt in the Niger Frigate,
who had left the 47th Regiment sent by General Howe to our relief, below in the River.
Your Lordship will herewith receive a Proclamation, I found necessary to issue
for the safety of this Town, on my Return from Montreal in November last, Copies
of Mr. Montgomery's Letter to the Merchants, and of that inclosed to me, smuggled
into Town by an old Woman, who was sent to Prison and afterwards drummed out,
Duplicates whereof tied to Arrows were shot in a few Days after, and of an Order of
Mr. Montgomery's, dated 15th December, extracted out of some of their Orderly Books,
a Return of the Rebels taken prisoners, 31st of December, of their killed and wounded
who fell into our Hands that Day, besides which many perished in the River and
their Hospitals were crowded.
I likewise inclose two Proclamations issued since the Rout of the Rebels, and a
Copy of a Paper of Intelligence received from Montreal this Day.
I am with due Respect,
your Lordship's
most obedient and
most Humble Servant,
Guy Carleton.
P.S. inclosed is a
Garrison Return of the 1st Instant.
G. C.
Lord George Germain,
One of His Majesty's
Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed: — Quebec, 14th May, 1776.
General Carleton, No. 2.
Rd. 10th June.
(10 Inclosures.)
(148)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 12, pp. 41-3.
My Lord,
Permit me to embrace this opportunity of acquainting your Lordship that after
in some degree a troublesome passage owing to the quantity of Ice, we encountered in
the Gulph of St. Lawrence, I arrived in the Lord Howe Transport at the Isle of
Coudre upon the sixth of this month, where I got information that the town of Quebec
was still closely Besieged, in consequence of which I made the best of my way up and
came to Anchor here the 8th. I will not take up your Lordship's time with a long detail
of the Sortie made by the Garrison and the Rout of the Rebel Army; these will be
transmitted to you by more able and authentic hands. I shall only say that the Gar-
rison both Soldiers and Seaman have behaved with the utmost Courage and persever-
ance during a long and fatiguing Siege, and that the Rebels whose Rear Guard con-
sisting of 600 men at Dechambeau, have left their Artillery, Ordnance Stores and
almost everything behind them.
It is impossible to describe the good effect of the early arrival of Capt. Lutwidge's
Convoy, the Rebels are in the greatest consternation and his Majesty's Troops in the
best spirits, in short my Lord, if I might be permitted to Judge, I would say that the
Armaments you have sent and are now sending to this Country will be of the utmost
consequence to his Majesty's Service, and I hope in a short time will convince
America that He can punish as well as protect Her.
There is at present a report but with what truth I cannot say that Col. McLean is
to be advanced directly with some Troops and I am well convinced that what can be
will be done by him. He has deservedly the character of an Excellent Officer and
seems peculiarly calculated for this Service, Beloved, Dreaded, & indefatigable.
Give me now leave, My Lord, after congratulating you upon the success of the
Expedition, to return my best thanks for the Preferment I have received by your Lord-
ship's Protection, two days after my arrival here, I had the honour of being promoted
to the rank of Master and Commander of the Lord Howe Armed Ship by Commission
160 Illustrative Documents
dated the 10th, and although no opportunity may ever offer of approving myself
worthy the preferment confer'd upon me under your Lordship's Patronage, I shall at
least studiously endeavour to show myself ready to deserve your protection. I have
the honour to be with the utmost respect, &c.
Thos. Pringle.
Lord Howe, Quebec.
14th May, 1776.
After having wrote the foregoing I have the pleasure to acquaint your Lordship
that we have got information of the Rear Guard of the Rebels being retired to Three
Rivers which is ninety miles from hence.
Endorsed: — Quebec, 14th May, 1776.
Capt. Pringle.
(149)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, September .26, 1776.
From the LONDON GAZETTE, June 11.
ADMIRALTY-OFFICE June 11, 1776.
By letters from Capt. Douglas, of his Majesty's ship the Isis, dated Quebec the
8th and 15th of May, received yesterday by Capt. Hamilton, late of the Lizard, who
arrived from thence in his Majesty's sloop the Hunter, it appears that the Isis,
which sailed from Portland on the llth of March, having succours on board for the
relief of the place, made the island of St. Peter's on the llth of April; that he had
from thence with the greatest difficulty made his way, pressing the ship by force of
sail for 50 01* 60 leagues through large fields of thick ice, that on the 21st of April,
when he got clear of the ice, he made the island of Anticosti, and the same evening
entered the River St. Lawrence; that on the 30th he anchored in a snow storm near
the Pilgrim Island, and from thence, as the storm cleared up, observed successive
smoaks from Cape to Cape towards Quebec; and that, after various obstacles from
fogs, calms, .or contrary winds, he arrived on the 3d of May near Isle aux Coudres,
where he was joined by his Majesty's ship the Surprize, and Martin sloop, which
sailed on the 20th of March from Plymouth, having likewise succours on board. Capt.
Douglas adds, that having secured here all the French Pilots, and every hour be-
coming more and more precious, he gave orders on the 5th of May to Capt. Linzee, of
the Surprize, to make the best of his way, and gave notice to Governor Carleton of
the approaching relief. Capt. Linzee arrived in view of the town at six o'clock the
next morning, and after answering the private signal from the garrison, came to an
anchor in the bason of Quebec, between the Rebel-battery on Point-Levi and the
Lower-town, where the Isis and Martin came to an anchor also, very soon after; and
the several detachments they had on board were immediately landed. Capt. Douglas
further observes, that the General wisely availing himself of the different impressions
which the arrival of the ship had made on the rebels, marched out to give them battle,
but that they as instantly retreated; on which Capt. Douglas ordered Capt. Linzee and
Capt. Harvey of the Martin sloop, with a Province armed vessel, to proceed up the
river as far as the Rapids, in hopes to annoy them in their retreat, which was at-
tended with good effect, as it hindered the parties on the opposite sides of the river
from joining in their flight towards Montreal. He represents their flight to have been
very precipitate, as they left not only their cannon undischarged, their ammunition,
scaling ladders, intrenching tools, and provisions, but even many of them their
musquets.
The Surprize and Martin were further successful in taking an armed schooner
belonging to the Rebels, carrying four 6 pounders and six three pounders but the men
escaped into the woods; they also recovered his Majesty's schooner Gaspe, which in
the winter had fallen into the hands of the Rebels, and had been sunk by them, but
was soon weighed and found to be not materially damaged. It also appears, from
Capt. Douglas's letters, that on the 8th of May his Majesty's ship Niger arrived
with three transports having on board the 47th regiment, from Halifax; and that
on the 10th, Capt. Lutwidge, of his Majesty's ship the Triton, arrived with the Lord
Howe and Bute transports, having troops on board, together with the British Queen,
Agnes, and Beaver, victuallers, from England.
Capt. Douglas speaks highly in commendation of the Captains and Officers of the
ships employed to carry succours, for their perseverance and exertion in the many
difficulties they had to encounter in their passage through the Gulph, and in every
other part of the service.
Illustrative Documents 161
(150)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 12, p. 49.
On board the Maria, opposite St Ann's May 25 1776. (No. 3)
My Lord
I have this moment received an account from Captain Forster, that He, with a
detachment of the 8th regt, some Canadians & a number of Indians, had taken the
19th inst. a fort at the Cedars two pieces of Cannon, & 390 rebels, prisoners at dis-
cretion. The day following a party of 120 rebels crossed from the island of Montreal
to Kinchin, these were attacked by Mess. Lorimier & Mongtiny, defeated and taken.
The small force that is already arrived is drawing nearer to the Rebels to see if
any assistance can be given to the Kings good Subjects above, who have begun rather
sooner than I could have wished. The Rebels are still numerous in the province, &
talk of large reinforcements.
I am with all due respect
My Lord
Your Lordship's Most obedient
Most humble servant
Guy Carleton ^
Lord George Germain
Endorsed: — On board the Maria, opposite St. Ann's May 25th 1776.
Govr. Carleton
Entd. (No. 3) R 24th June.
(151)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 12, pp. 50-2.
Quebec, 25th May, 1776.
My Lord,
The inclosed Intelligence was sent down to me by General Carleton to be for-
ward by the Express which carries Home Duplicates of his Dispatches to your Lord-
ship of the 14th May.
We have since received an account of a party of the Rebels posted at the Cedars
having been defeated by a Detachment of the 8th, some Savages / and Canadians
from Detroit. I believe the Account to be true, tho' the Particulars have not yet reach-
ed us.
The Rebels have evacuated Trois Rivieres and by the last Accounts from above,
after plundering the Seigneur of Berthier's Corn and Cattle, were just upon the point
of crossing from thence to Sorel, where they cannot have less than three or four and
twenty hundred men.
By a variety of Accounts and from sensible People the number of Rebels in the
Province, including the Party at the Cedars, which had been reinforced to between
three and four hundred men, cannot be less than five thousand, and an article from
New York, in some of their papers, dated 29th April, mentions a Brigadier General
Sullivan being to march from thence to this Province in a day or two with six Regi-
. ments.
As the Rebels are in Possession of that Part of the Country which abounds most
with Corn and it appears to be their intention to strip it of every thing that can be
of use to His Majesty's Forces, no great Dependence ought to be placed upon the Pro-
duce of this Province for supplying them with Provisions, of which to me seems neces-
sary to give your Lordship the earliest Information, that some care be taken in a Point
which may prove of the last Importance and which at this time it is impossible in the
present Confusion of things to form any or precise Idea.
The Rebels are in want of Provisions and except what they plunder from
Persons attached to Government it is the article they pay for in Cash, with which they
are supplied by Bills their Friends have drawn upon Britain; the enclosed Bills were
intended to supply a Mr. Bondfield, who has served them all the winter in that way
and was lately, I understand, appointed by the Continental Congress, Commissary to
their Northern Army, they were put into General Carleton's Hands by one of their
Friends but who wanted to make his Peace, and the General has been pleased to
direct their being transmitted to your Lordship that Government may be informed of
those who support their cause.
162 Illustrative Documents
Inclosed is a list of Sailors maimed and wounded at different Places during the
course of this Invasion and sent Home in the Hope Transport; tho' they did not be-
long to the Navy it is hoped some Provision will be made for them in consideration
of their faithful Services, and of what they have suffered in Consequence, twenty
Dollars out of the money remitted to General Carleton for the Relief of the Army,
&c. serving in America, have been given to each of them for a present supply of
shoes, stockings and other necessaries.
Since my letter was begun we have a confirmation of the Defeat of\ the Rebel
Guard at the Cedars, consisting of two hundred and forty men and of a reinforce-
ment that was coming to them of one hundred and forty, these Accounts do not
mention who commanded the King's Troops upon this occasion but added our Loss was
trifling, only one man killed and two wounded.
Unfortunately the North Easters common at this Season of the year have not pre-
vailed as usual and prevent the Arrival of the expected Succours from Britain, as
well as the 29th and 47th with General Carleton proceeding up the River, but as the
wind is ndw fair, hope they will be, able to get on a good way.
I have the Honor to be &c.
H. T. Cramahe.
Lord George Germain,
One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed : — Quebec, 25th May, 1776. Lieut. Govr. Cramahe. R./ 24th June.
(2) Inclosures.
(152)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 12, p. 69.
Quebec 25 May 1776.
Sir,
I took the Liberty of writing a few Lines to my Lord North, by the Hunter Sloop of
War, of the Great and fortunate Events that have happened here on the 31 Deer.
1775 and the 6th May 1776, but I would not presume to trouble His Lordship with a
Long and tedious detail of particulars he will have that from Publick Authority in a
much Better Manner than I could possibly do ; tho' I can say with truth as second in
Command I bore a Large Share in all those Long and Laborious transactions. The
Account you had from the Rebels on the 31 was not the whole truth, for their Loss
amounted to 650, in which number we burried 220 and since the snow went away we
found 20 more that lay all winter under the snow, on the arrivall of the Surprise Fri-
gate and the Issis Man of war the 6th May, early in the Morning they landed 100
Men of the 29 Regt. and 80 Marines, with these and 720 of the Garrison we marched
out at 12 O'clock the same day the General at one Gate, and I at the other Gate, all
my Regiment were relieved from the different Guards in Town by the Militia, as we
were the only Kings Soldiers that were to defend Quebec; and I do say that no
troops could behave better than my young men, indeed the Officers were all old tryed
Experienced Officers who had been Long in the Service, that no danger or difficulty
could startle, or make them deviate from their duty and I am convinced General
Carleton will do them Justice — On Marching out of Town Capt. Nairn of my Regiment
commanded the advanced Party, he in a moment seized upon and took two Batteries
the Rebells had raised against the Town, and in half an hour the General with his
whole detachment was in possession of the heights of Abraham, for the moment Capt.
Nairn marched on to Attack the Batteries the Rebells after firing a few Muskets ran
away, and by the time we were formed upon the heights with our 900 men and four
field Pieces, the route of the Rebells became General; tho they were 3000 Strong; Many
of them threw away their arms, the General when he went out, intended nothing more
than to demolish their Batteries, and did not mean to bring on any Genii Engagement,
but when we got a full view of the enemy it was then found that they ran away so fast
that it was impossible to bring them to any engagement their two Generals were amongst
the first fugitives and after a retreat was ordered, my Regiment Eat the Dinner of
the two Generals found upon the table in good order, we took all their Cannon, Am-
munition Artillery Stores, Provisions, Baggage, & all their Papers, thus never was a
more Compleat Victory, without the Loss of a man, we took a good many Prisoners,
many of them sick; and its very certain that this defeat, at the beginning of a Cam-
paign, is a glorious Prospect for us, and a ruinous one for them ; they made no stop till
they came to the Sorell River, 140 miles from Montreal they are now fortifying them-
gelves there. Yesterday an Express arrived with the news that a part of the Eight
Illustrative Documents 163
Regiment from the upper Posts with some hundreds of Indians, and the Canadians of
Detroit, had come down to a place called the Cedars about 45 miles above Montreal,
where they attacked and Beat a Guard of 400 Rebells Commanded by a Colonel Battle,
and that our People were on the March to Montreal after those that Escaped ; so that I
do apprehend the stay of the Rebells in Canada will not be long, its a Pity the troops
from Europe were not arrived for we should not allo\^ any of these Scoundrels ever to
get home; General Carleton left this three days ago with the 29 Regiment, 600 and the
47th Regiment from Halifax 340 men, But we have such constant gales of N. westerly
winds, but they have made Little progress. I am left here to wait for the arrival of
the troops to hasten them up, the Country, and I promise that I shall not be defficient
in that Respect — you will pardon this long detail, but as I look upon myself as account-
able for all my actions to Lord North I do mention these circumstances for his infor-
mation I hope I have kept my word with his Lordship and that I have not disgraced his
Recommendation, I will Even Venture to say that I have contributed greatly to saving
Quebec & of course Canada, I found the means, on my first arrivall here, to Reconcile
the English Merchts of Canada, to Government here, as they were greatly soured by
the preference, (which they insisted) was constantly given to the Canadians, and I
will say that 330 British Militia of Quebec did their duty like brave men, many of the
men and all the officers at their own Expence ; the General I am convinced will do them
and my Regiment Justice — I therefore confess I was greatly mortified to find that my
Regiment had not been put on any Establishment not on my own Accoun^, but on ac-
count of the Officers Who are all men that have served Long & well none of my cap-
tains less than 20 years, that many of them have had their houses Plundered & their
Effects taken away & yet Young Regiments are Raising & Establishing at home who
never have done their Country any Service whilst many of my poor Fellows have
been knocked on the head and wounded, besides I will say that my Regiment did
keep Quebec & preserve Canada, with respect to myself I have nothing to say, I
did not ask anything when I left England; when I do go home; which will be at
the End of the Campaign if alive I know Lord North will keep his word with me, and
will get his Majesty to do for me what he thinks I deserve, but I really for my officers
who are all men of real worth & long Service and who have been severe sufferers
in their Property's in this Country on account of the firmness Loyalty & attachment
to their Country & Sovereign that they should be forgot while a parcell of young
men who hitherto have no claim, in Frasers Regiment, who never saw an Enemy are
to be taken care of, I have however no doubt but Justice will be done them by Lord
North, their merit is great & they have done real & Emenient Service, the General
has appointed me Adjutant General to the Army and would have given me Colonels
Rank, but had he had the Power —
I am with regard
Sir
Your most obedt. Humble Servt
Allan Maclean.
(153)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 12, pp. 53-5."
Copy of a- Paper of Intelligence from Montreal by a Person whose Veracity
may be depended on. Received at Quebec 22d May, transmitted to General Carleton
on board the Mary schooner and returned by him, 24th May, 1776.
II est partie d'Albanie pour venir en Canada quatre Regimens, commande par le
General Thompson, sc.avoir le premier Regiment, consistant de 375 Hommes, est parti
le 26 Avril, le 2d le 27 Avril de 325 Hommes, le 3me le 28 de 320 Hommes et le 4me
partit le 29 de 420 Hommes, ensemble 1440 Hommes. Le premier de ces Regimens
arriva a Sorel le 8 Mai, le 2me est arrive a St. Jean le 9 Mai et le 4me Regiment
etoit le 8 Mai matin au Debarquement de Carillon avec le General Thompson et le
Colonel St. Clair, et comme le vent a continue au sud jusqu'a L'Apres dinee du 11
Mai ce dernier doit etre arrive a St. Jean le 11 Mai.
Le 2 Mai est arrive a Albany 50 Hommes faisant partie de la Brigade du Gen-
eral Sullivan qui a Ordre aussi de marcher en Canada. Le Vent etoit alors favor-
able et le 3 du mois on attendoit le reste de cette Brigade qui dit-on, doit etre com-
posee de 2,500 Hommes.
Le 8 Mai il y avoit a Carillon 4 Batimens ou Barques, scavoir, im Bateau et un
Goelette du Roi, La Goelette du Major Skene que les Bostonnois ont prise a St. Jean,
dans le mois de Mai, I/Annee derniere, et la Goelette que le Roi a, ;fait construire
164 • Illustrative Documents
L'ete dernier a St. Jean, une de ces Goelettes est percee pour mettre 16 Canons
et un autre pour 8, ces Barques n'etoient aucunement agrees mais en tres mauvais
etat, et avec la plus grande Expedition et assiduite on ne peut les rendre utiles
avant le fin du mois de Mai, cependant le 9 Mai les matelots et capitaines pour
ces Batimens sont arrivees a Carillon. Si les soltfats du Congres sont repousses jus-
qu'a St. Jean, avant le 25 Mai, il n'y a aucun doute que les Troupes du Roi ne peu-
vent aisement s'emparer du Fort, la point Carillon et Fort George. Les Troupes
du Congres sont frappees d'une Terreur panique, et dans la plus grande Confusion,
a Montreal ils ont trois Goelettes devant la ,ville abord desquelles ils ont mis le
11 Mai trois cents quarts de Farine qu'ils ont pris a un negociant de cette Ville.
M. Franklin, un des Deputes du Congres, arrive depuis peu, est parti le 11 a 8 Heures
du matin, quelques uns se proposant d'accompagner Messieurs Chace et Carrol et
le Jesuite qui doivent partir aujourdhuy, 12 Mai a trois Heures, ils etoient tous
partis, Haywood, Maccarty, General Arnold, Tucker, John Welles & d'autres partirent
le 13 en grande nombre.
Nota. Le Regiment de 325 Hommes qui etoit a St. Jean le 9 Mai est arrive a
la Prairie le 12 a deux heures apres midi, commande par le Colonel Peterson. La
Frigate dans la quelle est embarque la Farine est parti aujourdhuy de Port de Mon-
treal pour aller yers Sorel.
Tout ceci est vrai.
Other Intelligence from a Parish almost opposite Sorel.
Aujourdhuy (12 Mai), j'arrive de Sorel ou ils sont environ 1200 Hommes ayant
ete joint le 11 par trois cens, venus du Colonies; les officiers du camp m'ont dit
qu'ils esperoient que leur armee seroit bientot de 10,000 Hommes; ils font un Re-
tranchement a environ 300 pieds du moulin a Vent au Nord Est au bord de la Riv-
iere avec des Fascines, ils en doivent f aire un pareil dans ' L'Isle St. Ignace, mais
il n'est pas meme trace et les Fosses de celui de Sorel ne sont pas meme moietie
faits, ils ont 14 pieces de canon, que j'ai touche" et compte dont 5 de 32, 4 de 24, ou
de 18, les autres sont de 12, de 6, et de 4. La Galere et deux Batiments sont devant
Sorel. J'ai vu les Generaux Arnold, Wooster, et la Prussien, dont, j 'ignore le nom,
et 1'ingenieur Antill.
H. T. C.
Endorsed: — Copy of Intelligence received 22nd May, 1776. In Lieut. Govr. Cramahe's
of 25th May, 1776.
Copy of a Paper of Intelligence from Montreal by a Person whose Veracity may be
depended on. Received at Quebec, 22nd May, transmitted to General Carleton on board
the Mary schooner and returned by him, 24th May, 1776.
(Translation.)
Four Regiments commanded by General Thompson, have left Albany to come into
Canada, to wit, the first Regiment, consisting of 375 Men left the 26th April, the 2d the
27th April of 325 Men, the 3d the 28th of 320 Men and the 4th left on the 29th being
420 Men, altogether 1440 Men. The first of these Regiments arrived at Sorel on the
8th May, the second arrived at St. Jean, the 9th May, and the 4th Regiment on the
morning of the 8th May was at the landing place at Carillon with General Thompson
and Colonel St. Clair, and as "the wind continued in the south until the afternoon of the
llth May the latter ought to have arrived at St. Jean on the llth May.
On the 2nd May, 50 Men arrived at Albany being a portion of General Sullivan's
Brigade which also had Orders to march into Canada. The Wind then being favorable
the remainder of this Brigade which it is stated would be composed of 2,500 Men would
arrive on the 3rd of the month.
On the 8th of May, four Vessels or Barks were at Carillon, to wit, a Batteau and a
King's Brig, the Brig belonging to Major Skene which the Bostonians took at St. Jean
in the month of May last year, and the Brig which the King had built at St. Jean last
summer. One of these Brigs is pierced to carry 16 Guns and another for 8, these Barks
were not equipped but in a very poor condition and with greatest Expedition and assid-
uity cannot be rendered useful before the end of the month of May, however on the 9th
of May, the sailors and captains for these Vessels have arrived at Carillon. If the sol-
diers of Congress are driven back as far as St. Jean before the 25th of May, there is no
doubt that the King's troops can easily take possession of the fort, Point Carillon and
Fort George. The troops of Congress are stricken by a panic, and are in the greatest
confusion; at Montreal they have three brigs in front of the town on board of which
they placed on the llth of May, 300 quarters of Flour which they have taken from a
merchant in the town. Mr. Franklin, one of the Delegates from Congress, who arrived
a short time ago departed on the llth at 8 o'clock in the forenoon. Some others are
Illustrative Documents 165
proposing to accompany Messrs. Chace and Carrol and the Jesuit who intend to go to-
day. The 12th May at 3 o'clock they had all gone, Haywood, Maccarty, General Arnold,
Tucker, John Welles, and many others left on the 13th.
Note. The Regiment of 325 Men which was at St. Jean on the 9th of May, arrived
at La Prairie on the 12th at 2 o'clock in the afternoon under the command of Colonel
Peterson. The Frigate on which the flour was embarked left the port of Montreal to-day
going towards Sorel.
All this is- true.
Other Intelligence from a Parish almost opposite Sorel.
(Translation.)
Today (12th May) I have arrived from Sorel where there are about 1200 Men,
having been joined on the llth by three hundred, who came from the colonies; officers
in the camp told me that they hope their army would soon consist of 10,000 Men; they
are making an entrenchment at about 300 feet from the windmill to the north east on
the bank of the River with Fascines, they intend to make another on the Island of St.
Ignace, but it is not yet even laid out and the Ditches of the one at Sorel are not yet
half made, they have fourteen pieces of cannon; which I have seen and counted, of
which five are thirty-two pounders, four twenty-four or eighteen pounders, the others
are twelve pounders, six pounders and four pounders. The Galley and two vessels are
lying before Sorel. I have seen Generals Arnold, Wooster, and the Prussian whose
name I don't know and the engineer Antill.
H. T. C.
Return of the following seamen who were wounded in the King's service since the
commencement of the Invasion by the Rebels in this Province.
William Money of the Province Armed Snow Fell, had his thigh broke last Fall
at Sorel by a Cannon Shot from the Rebels.
William Wadlow of the same vessel had his right Breast shot off at the same time
and place by a cannon shot from the Rebels.
John Edge of the same Vessel was shot through his head by a Musquet ball on the
morning of the attack of the 31st December, 1775, at Saut au Matelot.
John Johnson who served in Capt. Littlejohn's Company of seamen during the Win-
ter, had almost lost his eyesight by inclemency of the season.
H. T. Cramahe.
Quebec, 25th May, 1776.
(154)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, September, 19, 1776.
Copy of Articles of Capitulation agreed to between Captain FORSTER of the
Eighth Regiment of Foot and Benedict Arnold as General of the Rebel Forces, respect-
ing an Exchange of Prisoners.
After the maturest Deliberation of the Customs and Manners of the Savages in
War, which I find so opposite and contrary to the humane Disposition of the British
Government and to all civilized Nations; And to avoid the inevitable Consequence of
the Savages Customs in former Wars, (which by their Threats and Menaces are not
changed) of putting their Prisoners to Death to disencumber themselves in Case of
their being attacked by their Enemys; I therefore in Compliance with the above Dis-
position in Government, and the Dictates of Humanity, thought fit to enter into the
following Articles of Agreement with General Arnold in the Name of the Power he is
employed by, and of the Officers and Soldiers who shall be released by this Agreement,
whose Rank and Number shall be endorsed on this Cartel.
I. That there shall be an exchange of Prisoners faithfully made, returning an equal
Number of his Majesty's Troops of the same Rank with those released by this Agree-
ment as soon as possible, within the Space of two Months, allowing a moderate time
for Casualties that may render the Performance of this Article impracticable.
II. That the Prisoners shall be conducted with safety and all possible Convenience
and Dispatch that Circumstances will permit, to the South Shore of the River Saint
Lawrence, from which they are to repair to Saint John's and return to their own
Country immediately, without committing any Waste or Spoil on their Arrival thither;
allowing ten or twelve days to go to Montreal to transact their private affairs.
166 Illustrative Documents
III. That the Prisoners so returned shall not on any Pretence whatsoever, either in
Words, Writing or Signs give the least Information to the Enemys of Government or
their Adherents now in Arms, that may in any degree be prejudicial to his Majesty's
Service.
IV. That the Batteaux or other Conveyances made use of to transport the Prisoners
to the South Side of said River and the necessary People to conduct them, shall return
unmolested.
V. That Hostages be delivered for the Performance of Articles to the full, according
to the Sense and Spirit of this Agreement, without any Equivocation whatever.
VI. That the Security of the Subscribers be given to the Inhabitants for all the
Waste and Spoil committed by the Detachment under Colonel Bedle on fair Account
stated and signed being delivered for which the Hostages are not to be accountable.
It being our full Intention to fulfill the above Articles, we mutually sign and in-
terchange them as Assurance of Performance.
Vaudreuil. Given under our Hands this 27th day of May, 1776.
(Signed)
GEORGE FORSTER, Captain,
Commanding the King's Troops.
To the above Requisition BENEDICT ARNOLD, the Rebel General, acting under
the Authority of the CONGRESS return'd the following Answers.
Article II. - The Prisoners shall be sent to the South Shore of the River Saint Law-
rence, within one League of Caughnawaga, and from thence to Saint John's and their
own Country, except twelve who have Liberty to go to Montreal, for which Purpose six
days shall be allowed and Hostilities to cease on both sides.
Art. IV. Four Captains shall be sent to Quebec as Hostages, and remain there untill
Prisoners are exchanged.
Art. VI. The Continental Troops from Principle have ever avoided plundering; upon
Proof being made of any Waste being committed by Colonel Bedle's detachment, Repar-
ation shall be made.
Saint Ann. Given under our Hands this 27th day of May, 1776.
Vaudreuil. (Signed) B. ARNOLD.
GEORGE FORSTER, Captain,
Commanding the King's Troops.
Rank and Number of Prisoners as indorsed on the Cartel.
Two Majors.
„. Nine Captains.
Twenty Subalterns.
Four Hundred and forty-three soldiers.
(155)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 12, p. 69.
(No. 4.) Quebec, 2d June, 1776.
My Lord:
Since my Letter to Your Lordship No. 3., Captain Forster, incumbered with more
than 500 Prisoners, was obliged to retire from the Island of Montreal, the Rebels having
sent a very superior Force against him ; 'tis reported, that after his Retreat, to get rid
of the Prisoners, who in Numbers far exceeded his Detachment, He, or the Savages,
sent them all back, except some of the Chiefs, retained as Hostages, upon the express
Condition, they would never more serve against the King, untill released by an equal
number of our Prisoners taken at St. John's and Chambli.
The Winds constantly blowing down the River, I could get no higher up with the
29th and 47th Regiments, than within a short Distance of Trois Rivieres, where I pos-
ted a Canadian Guard, to advise me of the Enemy's Movements, and returned to this
Place, to make some necessary Arrangements, and to hasten the refitting and building
of Batteaux, of which we stand in much need, and the want whereof greatly retards
our Operations.
The Regiments from Ireland under Lt. Colonel Fraser, and General Burgo'yne
with his Division, are, I apprehend, mostly arrived, tho' the Transports being ordered
Illustrative Documents 167
to proceed without stopping, and lying at a Distance from one another, it has been im-
possible to obtain exact Returns, or to ascertain whether the whole is yet come up.
I am with all due respect,
My Lord:
Your Lordship's Most Obedient and
Most Humble Servant
Guy Carleton.
P.S. 6th June.
Since the writing of the above, I have heard from Capt. Forster, and inclose a Copy
of the Settlement, his Situation obliged him to make, in Regard to his Prisoners, the
Rebels still continuing to pour up Numbers against him. He has been under the
necessity of retreating to Oswegatchie; I am advised of Lt.-Col. Fraser's arrival
with a Body of Troops, and some Transports, at Trois Rivieres, which I have appointed
the General Rendes vous of the Force, I can at present conveniently assemble.
' G. C.
Lord George Germain
One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed:— Genl. Carleton June 2d Quebeck, 1776.
Rec'd Kew July 27th 1776 (No. 4.) Enclosing Capt.
Forsters Agreement with the Rebells. (1 Inclosure)
Entd.
ON BOARD THE HUNTER, SLOOP-OF-WAR, JUNE 15, 1776.
My Dear General (General James Murray),
In my last letter I gave you a full account of the state of our Province at that
time. I am not now certain whether Arnold had arrived when my letter went away;
he, however, with the greatest difficulty, got, with about 800 men, to Sertigan, in the
beginning of November. The people, from hunger and fatigue, were in a weak con-
dition, so much that fifty men properly posted, might have been made the whole party
prisoners; nor, indeed, could they have got forward, had not the Canadians sent
bullocks and other provisions to meet them. The 8th, they got to Pointe Levy,
where they took post, as also at my mill. The fellow whom I had employed to put the
mill in order, and who was to have had a share in the profits of it, turned out a great
scoundrel, put me to a great expense, and has proved to be in the rebel interest. He
contrived to detain some of my flour, and two hundred bushels of my wheat, which
was at the mill, for the rebels' use; he afterwards was appointed their commissary of
provisions, and acted in that position till the siege or blockade — whichever you please
to term it — was raised, which happened on the 6th May, on the arrival of the Isis,
man-of-war, and two frigates with some transports, and the 29th Regiment; a frigate
also arrived a few days after,. with the transports of the 47th Regiment from Hali-
fax. I think, in my last letter, I mentioned to you the surrender of St. John's; a few
days after Generals Carleton and Prescott evacuated Montreal, with about one hun-
dred and fifty men, the remains of the 7th and 26th Regiments, with the staff, who
embarked in the Gaspe, sloop-of-war, and some armed vessels that lay there; they fell
down the river till they got within a few leagues of Sorel, where the enemy, by that
time, had taken post, and erected batteries of 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12-pounders each. The
wind not serving, the ships stopped there about the 16th of November, when Gen.
Carleton quitted the Gaspe in the night, escaped in a birch canoe, and arrived at
Quebec about the 20th. Two days after, as we were told, the pilots on board the
vessels mutinied, and refused to conduct them past the batteries; and Prescott, with
his people surrendered, with, I suppose, about 100 seaman, chiefly Canadians, that
were on board the different vessels — I must confess, to my very great surprise. Nor
have I been able to account for it, since there must have been some circumstances with
which we were unacquainted; for the pilots might have been obliged to do their duty
and, waiting for a leading gale of wind, the ships might have passed the narrows with
little loss, in spite of the batteries on shore, or a floating battery, which, by means of
a heavy gun, might have been kept at a distance, and annoyed them a little. Be it
as it may, our garrison at Quebec suffered considerably in the loss of the men and
officers that were taken. In the mean time, Arnold as I before told you, had taken
post at Pointe Levy, with about 800 men; not a soldier at Quebec but Col. McLean,
who just arrived about that time from Sorel, from whence he had been obliged to
decamp, with about 100 of his new corps of emigrants; about 60 of the Fusiliers, com-
posed chiefly of their recruits, and about 100 recruits of McLean's corps, which Mal-
colm Fraser and Captain Campbell had raised in Newfoundland, and had just landed,
168 Illustrative Documents
The LIZARD, frigate, arrived also about the same time, with £20,0.00 cash ; though that
gave us some spirits, yet the town was in great danger of being given up, through the
cabals of the disaffected, whom Cramahe permitted to remain in town, notwithstanding
the repeated representations made to him to order them away. Indeed, to tell the
truth, I believe he was thoroughly frightened. However a kind of council of war was
summoned, at which the Captains of the LIZARD and HUNTER, sloop, Colonels Mc-
Lean and I, with some others, assisted. It was there determined that the town should
be defended to the last, and that it was for the King's service that the LIZARD and
HUNTER should winter at Quebec, and their crews assist in the defence of the place.
That an embargo should be laid on the ships in the harbour, and that their masters
and crews should also assist. The money was got on shore, and the militia assembled.
The Canadians at first were very luke-warm, and said if the English inhabitants would
defend the town they would; and the British subjects, to their eternal honour, not
only set an example on that, but on every other occasion during the siege. We were
about 330, officers included; every body did duty, either as officers or privates, and I
can assure you, duty was never done With more punctuality or earnestness. Inhabitants
worth £3,000 or £4,000, standing sentry in their turn, during our severe winter nights,
with the greatest alacrity; and what is still more to their honour (as it was found
necessary to mix the guards, British and Canadians), they submitted with the greatest
cheerfulness to the command of the Canadian Officers, whom they held cheap, and
who were in reality their inferiors, both as to education and fortune. Indeed, in
general. I had the greatest reason to be satisfied with my corps (for Cramahe gave up
his share of the command of it, never making his appearance out of doors the whole
winter). Indeed, the better kind of people, by keeping up a spirit of emulation
amongst them, hardly ever put it in my power to reprimand them; those of a lower
class were kept in very good order, by fining them of their pay, and by the black-
hole on bread and water, a punishment they were much afraid of ;and though at first
I didn't attempt it, yet in a little time, I brought them to it without murmuring. Arnold
crossed the river about the 14th of November, landed at Wolfe's Cove and Sillery,
and marched directly to SANS BRUIT, where he surprised some of my servants,
who were busy loading some of my carts and waggons for town. !They got there
before day, seized on iall my working bullocks about 20, and 4 or 5 fat ones, with
all my horses; and there they lived on my beef and potatoes about a week, when
they retreated to Pointe-au-Tremble on a rumour of our intentions to attack them
from the town, for their ammunition had been spoiled carrying through the woods,
so that they had not more than 4 rounds a man; and their shoes and clothes were all
in pieces, .and the men themselves but ill recovered from their fatigues; we had indeed
talked of attacking them the morning they passed the river, and I wished for it much
from the idea I had formed of their situation, but our field pieces were not in read-
iness, and that plan was laid aside; the day Arnold retreated, General Carleton ar-
rived. I saw as affairs were situated, that the public service suffer, by being on bad
terms with him, and resolving that every thing should give way to that, I went to
see him, which I had not done for six months before; and we have been on good terms
ever since. On the General's arrival, he ordered all the people that were disaffected
and those that did not choose to take up arms, out of town, on pain of being taken up
and treated as spies. That order strengthened the garrison considerably. We could
guard against open and avowed enemies, but not against these lurking about town;
cabals then ceased, and every body seemed zealous for the public service, the Bon-
fields left the town on that occasion, Wells, Zachary McCauley, Murdock, Stewart,
John McCord, and several others amongst whom were four or five of the militia
officers appointed by Cramahe. It is not doubted whether your friend, Mr. Allsop,
would have been of the number, had it not been for the employments he held. He
continued, however, to be almost the only man in the garrison that did not do duty,
pleading his business as commissary to which Mr. Carleton named him. When Arnold
retreated, I got in a little of my hay, some oats, wheat, &c., but they returned
whilst I had about 15,000 bundles of hay out; and a day or two before their return,
as I suppose, some Canadians, wanting to pilfer something at SANS BRUIT, where I
had only an old man to take care of the house, the fire from his pipe, I imagine, fell
in some hay (of which there was a quantity in each room to serve as beds to the
Yankees) set it on fire, and before morning, the house was burned to the ground. The
out-house, however, still remained, and La Gorgendiere's house was then in pretty
good repair; but when the siege was raised, it was pitiful to behold the desolation
and waste that reigned about all my farms; the barns and stables torn to pieces and
burned; the fences torn all to pieces, and though the house at La Gorgendiere's was not
burned, yet it was torn to pieces. In the inside, the floors torn up and useless, the
windows all broken, and the offices entirely destroyed; that, however, must be my
Illustrative Documents 169
future residence, and I have given orders to have it repaired. What I have suffered in
my fences and farms, &c., &c., including hay, carts, and ploughs, and at my mill in
wheat and flour stolen, independent of the destruction of my houses and offices,
which you can form an idea of, (and which must have cost you about £2,000) is not
less than £1000 sterling, for I had just got every thing in order, and was beginning to
put myself snug and comfortable, when those plunderers came to disturb me. However
they have not gained much by their expedition, and I flatter myself Government will
take compassion on a poor ruined farmer, who, has not been inactive in their service.
The burning of my houses led into this digression. The day after this happened,
my clerk, (Joshua Wolf) trying to save some more work, was taken prisoner by
some of the enemy's flying parties, and a few days after, Gen. Montgomery (brother
to him, you might remember at Quebec) and lately a Captain in the 17th Regiment, and
your old acquaintance and friend, Colonel Donald Campbell, quartermaster-general
arrived at Holland's house (now the rebel headquarters.) We were not idle, in the
mean time, in town; we got the merlons and embrasures repaired; platforms laid, guns
mounted, the picketing at Cape Diamond and behind the Hotel Dieu repaired; barriers
were made between the upper and lower town, and at the extremities of the lower
town, at Sault-au Matelot, and at the other side, at Pres-de-Ville, which you may re-
member, is on the further side of the King's wharf, past the old King's forges; these
posts were strengthened with cannon. In that situation, we were in the month of
December; about the 14th, Mr. Montgomery got a battery formed of gabions, filled
with snow, and rammed close, with water thrown on it, which made it freeze, which
intermixed with fascines and snow, did not answer well; but, as well as could be
expected. On this battery, he mounted five guns, 12 and 9-pounders, and then sent
a flag of truce, which the General would not receive, except on condition that they
came to implore the King's mercy, which indeed, was the way he treated several flags
of truce that the enemy wanted to send in. Mr. Montgomery then contrived to
have several letters thrown in to the town on arrows, directed to the merchants;
and inhabitants of the town, full of threats and scurrility. He then opened his
battery which was erected on a rising ground, in a line with the tanners, who
lived on the road to SANS BRUIT, but without effect; and Arnold's corps, which
took post in St. Roch, under our walls, were continually firing at our sentries —
the three Rifle companies in particular — these sometimes wounding a sentry. They
also got seven Royals behind Grant's house * and threw a number of shells
into town, also to no effect; and their battery was soon silenced, and some
of their guns dismounted by the superior fire from the town. About the 23d,
at night, my clerk made his escape, and brought with him one of their people.
He effected it by getting a bottle of rum, and making the sentry over him drunk. He
brought the first certain accounts of their intention to storm the town; of their having
ladders prepared, and of the different attacks that they were to make, as talked of
amongst their troops; that Mr. Montgomery had declared his intention of dining in
Quebec on Christmas day; and in public orders he promised the plunder of the town to
the soldiers, which we afterwards found out wah true. We had before kept a good look
out but this put us more on our guard. The few regular troops, such as they were, were
off guard, ordered to be accoutered, with their fire-arms beside them; the sailors, formed
into a corps, under the command of Capt. Hamilton, of the LIZARD, lay in their bar-
racks in the same manner; and the two corps of militia, assembled at different points
to take their rest, in the same manner also. They remained quiet until the 31st of
December; about five o'clock in the morning we were alarmed at our picket by Capt.
Fraser, who was captain of the main guard, and returning from his round, told us
that 'there was brisk firing kept up at Cape Diamond. The morning was dark, and at
that time a drizzling kind of snow falling. McLean (who was second in command
in the garrison, and who really, to do him justice, was indefatigable in the pains he
took) begged that I would take part of my corps to Cape Diamond, and if I found
it a false attack (as we both supposed it to be), after leaving the necessary reinforce-
ments there, I might return with the rest. I accordingly went there, found the enemy
firing at a distance, saw there was nothing serious intended, and after ordering a
proper disposition to be made, proceeded to Port Louis. There I met Captain Laws,
an officer to whom the General had given the command of an extra picket, composed
of the best men of the detachment of the 7th and McLean's corps there; him I
ordered back again to wait the General's orders, and proceeded to St. John's Gate,
where I first learned that the enemy had surprised the post at Sault-au-Matelot, and
had got into the Lower Town. I still had part of the B. Militia with me, and took
upon me also to send some whom I found unnecessary on the ramparts, to the party to
* Grant's house stood about the centre of St. Roch.
I
170 Illustrative Documents
wait for orders; and took an officer with a small party of the Fusiliers with me, by
Palace Gate, just at the time when the officer I had mentioned to you, with about 70
men, was ordered to make a sortie and attack the enemy at Sault-au-Matelot in the
rear. I hastened, with what expedition I could, by the back of the Hotel Dieu, in the
Lower Town, and on my way passed by the picket drawn up under the field officer of
the day, who was Major Cox, formerly of the 47th, and now Lieut.-Governor of Gaspe.
I got him to allow me to take your friend Nairne, with a subaltern and thirty men,
and then proceeded to the Lower Town, where I found things, though not in a good
way, yet not desperate. The enemy had got in at the Sault-au-Matelot, but, neglec-
ting to push on, as they should have done, were stopped at the second barrier which
our people got shut just as I arrived. It was so placed as to shut up the street of the
Sault-au-Matelot from any communication with the rest of the Lower Town. As I
was coming up, I found our people, the Canadians especially, shy of advancing towards
the barrier, and was obliged to exert myself a good deal. To do old Voyer, their
Colonel, justice, though he is no great officer, yet he did not show any want of spirit.
However, my coming up with Nairne and a Lieutenant, with fifty seamen, gave our
people new spirits. I posted people in the different houses that commanded the
street of Sault-au-Matelot; some in the house where Levy the Jew formerly lived, others
at Lymeburner's; the officers of the Fusiliers I posted in the street with fixed bayo-
nets, ready to receive the enemy in case they got on our side of the barrier; they had on
their side of it, fixed some ladders, and then another to our side as it were to come
down by, that was usefull to us. I ordered it to be pulled away and fixed it to the
window in the gable end of a house towards us; the front of which commanded the
street of the Sault-au-Matelot, and their side of the barrier. ' Then I sent Captain
Nairne, and Dambourges, an officer of McLean's corps, * with a party of their people;
Nairne and Dambourges entered the window with a great deal of spirit, and got into
the house on that side, just as the enemy was entering it by the front door. But
Nairne soon dislodged them with his bayonets driving them into. the street; nor did
they approach the barrier afterwards. They however kept up a brisk fire from back
windows of the houses they had occupied in Sault-au-Matelot street on our people in
Lymeburner's house, on his wharf, and the street adjacent, from one of their houses.
I had a narrow escape, for going at day-break to reconnoitre on the wharf under
them, just as they took post there, they asked, "who is there?" At first I thought they
might have been some of Nairne's people, who I knew were, next door to them, and
answered "a friend" — Who are you? they answered "Captain Morgan's company." I
told them to have good heart for they would soon be in the town, and immediately got
behind a pile of boards beside me, not above ten or twelve yards from them, and
escaped. Their fire, however, a good deal slackened towards nine o'clock, especially
after I brought a 9-pounder on Lymeburner's wharf to bear upon them; the first shot
of which killed one of their men and wounded another. I then called out to Nairne in
their hearing, so that he should let me know when he heard firing on the other side;
our General had sent 500 men to hem the enemy in on that side; they soon after began
to give themselves up and surrendered to Nairne, who sent them through the win-
dow to us. They then began to crowd in in such numbers, that we opened the barrier,
and they all gave themselves up on that side, while the party that made the sortie
were busy in the same manner on the other side of the post, and which had delayed
so long from coming up, in taking and sending in by Palace Gate some straggling
prisoners; but they had not fired a shot at them, and just arrived on that end oi
the post, the enemy surprised at the time the officer I sent to take possession of
our old post, arrived with a small party, supported by Nairne with 100 men; thus
ended our attack on that side, in which the enemy had about 20 men killed, upwards
of 40 wounded, and about 400 made prisoners. Had they acted with more spirit,
they might have pushed in at first and possessed themselves of the whole Lower Town,
and let their friends in at the other side, before our people had time to have recovered
from a certain degree of panic, which seized them on the first news of the post being
surprised. In the mean time, Mr. Montgomery made his attack at Pres-de-Ville ; rock-
-ets were thrown up as a signal to Arnold that both attacks might be made at the
same time. He got past some pickets, where at first established our advance
post; the guard was alarmed in time and prepared for his reception, but the post was
much stronger than, I believe, he imagined, and defended by four cannons there and
a 4-pounder; they were served by some seamen under the orders of the master of the
* It was there that an athletic Canadian, named Charlant, distinguished himself, together with Capts.
Dumas and Dambourges.
Illustrative Documents 171
transport; his name was Barnsfare. The guard was under the command of a *
Canadian officer of Militia; the men, Canadians and British, mixed, Barnsfare declared
he would not fire till he was sure of doing execution, and with the utmost coolness,
waited till the enemy came within his view, at about 30 yards distance, where they
received a general discharge from the cannon and musketry. Nothing but groans
were heard, and the rebels immediately retired; their General, his Secretary, two or
three other officers, and about five privates being killed on the spot; their wounded
got off. We had a block house on Cape Diamond, over Drummond's wharf, where the
enemy formed. Had the officer of the Canadian Militia, who commanded there, done
his duty, great havoc might have been made among the enemy, who was quite exposed
directly under them, and not a shot fired at them. Soon after the enemy was repulsed
at that side, some old women brought an account that the rebels had surprised the
post at Sault-au-Matelot, and had got into the Lower Town; part of the garrison
that had lately behaved so well, were struck with a panic and began, some to hide their
arms, some to throw them into the river; the officer began to feel a
little frightened, when a Mr. Coffin, a British gentleman, who, with his wife and
twelve children had taken refuge there, expecting to find there peace and quietness,
and who had served previously in our Militia, drew his bayonet, and declared he
would put the first man to death who laid down his arms or attempted to abandon his
post, by which means he re-established order, and with the assistance of Captain
Barnsfare, who commanded the seaman, got two of the guns pointed on the opposite
side, in case Arnold's people having got into the Lower Town should attempt to force
the post on that side; they however, at that time surrendering themselves prisoners,
and immediately having secured the post that had been surprised, I ordered all the rest
of the men to the parade, to wait the General's orders, in hope that we should have
marched out directly and completed our victory. But all that was done was going
out -as far as Mr. Grant's in St. Roch, and bringing in 7 Royals, that were placed
behind his house; one small brass-field piece was also taken, and a few of the houses
in which the enemy had before posted themselves, and from whence they had much
annoyed us, were burned. The General did not choose to risk anything further, his
ideas seemed entirely to centre in the preservation of the town, certain of succours
arriving in the spring; nor did he seem to carry his views towards the operations
of the summer campaign, which might have been much forwarded by the entire route
of the enemy, as in that case, St. John's might have been recovered, some of their
craft, and the entrance into Lake Chambly secured. Indeed, by the intelligence we
received afterwards, their little army was thrown by our success into the greatest
confusion. Above three or four hundred remained in a body together, and parties from
them were continually in the march after large parties that were deserting with the
intention of going homewards. We were, however, kept blocked up in the town, re-
ceived little or no intelligence; indeed such was the extent they were obliged to guard
that, had I been in their situation, the expectation of having my quarters beat up
would have prevented me from sleeping very sound. From the 31st, things wore an-
other face in town; the Yankees were no longer held in a respectable light; our suc-
cess at least was equal to a reinforcement of 500 men; the garrison was in high spirits,
and wished for nothing more than a second attack. Never were people more alive or
watchful; for my part I never thought the enemy could be brought to a second
attack, though, for example sake, I hardly ever lay at my own house at night; on
duty for a great part of the winter every second day, never less than the third day,
and nobody in the garrison ever took off his clothes, and the men of the militia who
were not for guard the next day, always assembled at pickets in the evening, in order
to turn out, if necessary, at a moment's warning. Thus we remained the remainder
of the winter, always on the QUI VIVE. The army of the rebels retreating, for as
they had engaged only to certain periods, so when their time was up, many insisted
on going home, and those were replaced by others; nor do I think that troops of
that kind can be ever formidable, for as they only engage for a year or a year and-a-
half, as soon as they know anything, they are discharged, and as their officers are
very little their superiors in point of birth, they cannot enforce the respect which is
necessary to keep up proper discipline; and, indeed, I believe also that the Quebec
expedition will make them heartily sick of engaging in war out of their Provinces,
as I do not think, by all accounts, they could have lost by sickness less than 500 men
* Error: two Canadian Militia officers were in command of this post; "alors le sieur Chabot et le sieur
Alexandre Picard, qui commandaient ce jour la la garde, donnerent ordre de mettre le feu au cannons
charges a mitraille" — Sanguinet's Journal.
172 Illustrative Documents
in the course of the winter; the small-pox also raged violently amongst them, and
of those we had taken prisoner, not less than 200 were cured of that disorder. A great
part of their army was also composed of Europeans; on these they had the greatest
reliance, and with some reason, the spirit that caused them then to imigrate would
naturally operate in every other circumstance of life. Of the prisoners we took,
about 100 men of them were Europeans, chiefly from Ireland; the greatest part of
them engaged voluntarily in Col. McLean's corps, but about a dozen of them deser-
ting in the course of a month, the rest were again confined, and not released till the
arrival of the ISIS, when they were again taken into the corps. You can have no
conception what kind of men composed their officers. Of those we took, one Major was
a blacksmith another, a hatter; of their captains, there was a butcher, a , a
tanner, a shoemaker, a tavernkeeper, &c., &c., Yet they all pretended to be gentlemen.
They, as well as their privates, were treated well, had full allowance of provisions,
and allowed as much liberty as the nature of our situation would admit; some of
them abused that liberty, and suffered for it. Some officers tampering with the
sentries were discovered and put in irons; and their privates had actually laid a plot,
named their officers, and proposed seizing one of the gates, and endeavour to open
it for their friends, how they found means of informing of the design, by one of them
making his escape. The plot was discovered, and the delinquents put in irons; they
were, however, all released on the arrival of the ISIS. Nothing very violent as at-
tempted after the 31st. Their numbers for two months after that period did not
by all accounts, exceed 1400 men. Finding, however, that we Attempted nothing
against them, they were enabled effectually to block the town, so as to prevent any
fresh provisions coming into it, and but little intelligence of what was passing. Of the
former we were not very much in want of, the hospital was sufficiently provided.
Most families had taken care to provide themselves; those that did not; could buy
from the butchers at Is. per Ib. The militia that would receive pay had Is. per
day, and provisions for themselves and family; they lived by that means at least
as well as they had ever done before. It is true they were dear troops, but the situ-
ation of affairs made that necessary. The rebels, as I mentioned before, continued
to hem us in on every side. They raised a battery of four guns at Pointe Levy another
of three guns near the ferry on the river St. Charles, and they were busy erecting
another of six guns on the heights of the town between Port Louis and St. Jean, which
was to have opened on the 8th of May. From the two former they cannonaded the
'town as briskly as they could (with red hot shot), considering the fire that opposed
them; and sometimes from Pointe Levy they fired at our shipping in the Cul-de-Sac,
but to very little purpose. The women and children were at first a little afraid, but
in a short time walked about the town as usual. By their whole fire we lost but
one man and one child killed, and three men and one child wounded. In the mean
time we had strengthened ourselves in the Lower Town, which was most accessible. We
made ourselves very strong from Levy the Jew's house to Lymburner's wharf, as
well as in every other accessible place. We kept the ditches clear of snow, every man,
without distinction, taking a shovel on that occasion; we got at length about 140
pieces of cannon mounted in different parts about the town; we had not originally
above 30, carriages made from the King's ships, and the carriages made during the
winter, the rest were completed. Things were at this situation on the 1st of May,
plenty of provisions in the garrison, and everybody in good spirits, expecting soon to
be relieved, when on the 2nd, in the evening about 9 o'clock, a vessel * was seen
coming round Pointe Levy; everybody was in high spirits, expecting it to be the fore-
runner of the fleet. She came up to the great joy of every one in town within hail
of our battery, when not answering, she was fired upon, and then soon proved what
she was, for she sheered into the Cul-de-Sac, (where all our shipping were laid, a 28-
gun frigate, a King's sloop, and 30 merchant men and transports) and was immediately
set on fire. Had she got one hundred yards further, she would have effected her
purpose, but the people were frightened and quitted her too soon. When the sails
took fire, which they did immediately, she lost way; an eddy tide took hold of her,
and she dropped down clear of the shipping, which had they taken fire must have
communicated to the Lower-Town, and in the confusion consequent thereon, it is ima-
gined the enemy intended to attack us. They knew, at this time, of the ISIS being
in the river; and being now near 3000 strong, they attempted this as their last effort;
we were, however, prepared to receive them well everywhere, every man retiring to
* The Gaspe, which belonged to Simon Fraser^ had wintered at the Island of Orleans and been taken
possession of by the Yankees.
Illustrative Documents 173
his alarm post. On the 6th of May, early in the morning, a frigate hove in sight,
and in about an hour after, the Isis and a sloop-of-war appeared to the great joy of the
whole garrison. Lord Petersham with the grenadiers, and a small party of the 29th
were on board the ISIS. They, with the marines, were immediately landed, to the
amount of about 200 men. A sortie was immediately ordered, not with the intention
of attacking, but merely to see what the enemy was about. Our sortie consisted of
from 1000 to 1200 men. When we got on the heights, a few straggling shots were
fired at us from a distance, by part of their guard, left I suppose, to cover their re-
treat and prevent our getting intelligence of their motions. We also saw some small
parties filing otf by Holland's house, and some people at Mabane's house * which they
had made an hospital of; and I had got the wood near the back gate of SANS BRUIT
reconnoitred, and intended getting near the ruins of the house, in order to try
and some of those people and get a nearer view of the enemy, but did not
succeed. My scheme would have been to have pushed the rebels off the heights as
far as Cape Rouge, at least, as far as LA SUEDE which, if you remember, is the
cross road which leads from old Lorette to St. Foy. By taking post there, we must
have cut off all out-parties that had been on the lower road of the General Hospital
and Beauport, which they had no time to call in, which must have past that way. I
mentioned it to Major Carletori who arrived in the ISIS; he spoke of it to his brother,
the General, but he still (perhaps with propriety) adhered steadily to his resolution of
running no risk as to the safety of the place. No body was more ready than he was
at all times to expose his person, his timidity was only shown in respect to others,
and the safety of the town. Other people in his situation perhaps might have ex-
tended their views to the recovery of the country, and to the operations of the summer
campaign. I confess those ideas struck me in the course of the winter. No body
knows better than you do how far the minds of mankind are depressed on receiving
a check, and that in all military operations there are particular circumstances which
authorize a commander to undertake, with propriety, what with reason may be deemed
rashness at another time; that there are particular moments which, if lost, may never
be regained, when it is of the greatest consequence to see with quietness and judg-
ment, and execute with rapidity. By all accounts which we afterwards received, had
we followed up our blow of the 31st December, the enemy might have been driven out
of the Province. Not more than 400 of them kept together, and they were obliged to
send large parties two or three days afterwards to bring back their fugitives; and,
indeed, during a great part of the winter we were blocked up by the rebels, not
superior to us either in numbers or the goodness of their troops, and they were of
necessity obliged to post themselves round us in such straggling manner, to cut off
our communication with the country, (which they absolutely effected), that had we
taken advantage of it, their headquarters might have been beaten up , and they
punished for their temerity. Had they been the best troops in the world, and the
best officered, we could not have treated them with greater respect. However, a great
many circumstances combined to do as we have done, and^which were more, I believe
than was expected from us. Nor is it possible to conceive that people unused to arms
could do more than our Militia, the British in particular. I forgot to mention a circum-
stance in favour of the Canadians, (I would willingly say as much in their favour
consistent with truth, as I could) A HABITANT (peasant) from Beaumont (the only
one that crossed to town during the winter from that side) came to Quebec in a
canoe with some fresh provisions, and mentioned that many of the inhabitants of the
South side were inclined to serve the government, if they knew how. The General by
this man wrote to Mons, de Beaujeu, who lived in obscurity on the Isle aux Grues,
to try and endeavour to assemble the Canadians, and cut off the guards they then had
at Pointe Levy. He engaged about 150 Canadians in that design; but they were be-
trayed by others of the disaffected Canadians. Some of them assembled in a house
together, were surrounded and about thirty taken prisoners. Messire Bailly, a priest,
was shot through the body, and also taken; he, however, has since been released,
and recovered of his wounds. The priests in general behaved well, and refused to
confess the Canadians in the rebel interest, for which they suffered persecution
Messire de Lotbiniere, alone excepted, he they proposed to make Bishop. Mons.
De was almost the only person of the NOBLESSE that did not do everything
he could for the public service. I mentioned to you before of having refused the' com-
mand of the Militia without the rank of Colonel in the King's service.
* Judge Mabane had purchased this property from the reverend gentlemen of the Seminary, shortly
after the conquest. It had previously belonged to Bishop Dosquet and changed its name of "Samoa" to that
of "Woodfield."
174 Illustrative Documents
(156)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 17.
Longueil, 18th June 1776.
4 o'clock Evening-.
Sir,
A considerable Body of Canadians and Indians have marched to day to La Prairie,
and this evening they move on towards St. Johns, and I intend tomorrow to follow
them myself with a corps of the army. I approve entirely of your intention.
jl am, Sir, &c.
(Signed) Guy Carleton.
To Lieut.-Genl. Burgoyne.
(157)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 18.
Longueil 18th June 1776
/ - 4 o'clock in the Evening.
Sir,
The general directs that you should send on the Canadians and Indians immed*
iately towards St. Johns, and that you move on yourself with the Troops you have
at such distance as you shall think proper.
Intelligence is received that the greatest part of the Rebels is already gone from
St. Johns, that nothing remain but a party to cover their Baggage, which the Indians
may possibly intercept if they are expeditious. ' ^The general recommends the bearer
particularly to you.
(Signed) Edward Foy, D.A.G.
To Major Carleton.
(158)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 12, pp. 64-7.
No. 5. Montreal, the 20th of June, 1776.
My Lord,
In a former letter I informed your Lordship that the Troops were ordered to
assemble at Three Rivers; they all pushed forward with great expedition as fast
as they were arrived off Quebec, by land or water as best answered that end. The
eighth Instant the Rebels attempted a very bold enterprise indeed; they crossed over
from Sorel, in Fifty boats, better than Two Thousand men, land at Pointe du lac
before daylight, and march to attack the Troops at Three Rivers, disregarding the
Sloop Martin, some armed Vessels and Transports full of Troops, that were at anchor
Three Miles above the Town, otherwise than to keep out of reach of their Cannon.
They made some attempt to force the 62nd Regiment but whether they found Briga-
dier-General Fraser, who commanded at Three Rivers, too strong and too well posted
or that they were alarmed by Brigadier-General Nesbitt, who landed the Troops from
the Transports behind them, tis certain they soon gave up offensive measures and
retreated with all speed up the river, keeping in the woods. The Brigadiers Nesbitt
& Fraser pushed up likewise but kept by the water side in hopes of getting their
boats and cutting off their retreat, the first as far as Machiche, the latter to the
Pointe du lac. The sloop Martin and armed vessels sailed as high as the River du
Loup and took two boats, but the rest were gone too far as were their troops.
I know not the number of killed and wounded of the Rebels, about Two Hundred
surrendered or were taken prisoners, amongst those was their chief, Mr. Thompson,
whom I think they call a Major General, and a Mr. Irwin, who was the second on this
expedition and some others. The killed and wounded of the King's Troops amount
to Twelve or Thirteen soldiers only.
The next day the Troops were ordered to their former Station, and all who had
Transports up, reimbarked. Brigadier General Fraser was ordered to march along the
north shore with the Troops whose Transports had not been able to get up, and measures
were taken to march a body of Troops also by the south shore had the weather
Illustrative Documents 175
continued unfavorable; for it seemed of great .importance in this unhappy war, that
the Rebels should be driven from the upper part of the Province, as soon as possible.
The wind springing up fair, the fleet sailed and arrived off Sorel the evening of the
14th Instant.
The last of the rebels had retreated from there some hours before. The Grena-
diers and Light Infantry of the Troops in this division immediately landed, supported
by Brigadier Nesbitt and part of his Brigade. The next morning more Troops were
sent on shore and the command of this column given to Lieutenant General Burgoyne,
with Instructions to pursue the Rebels up the River Sorel to St. John's, but with-
out hazarding any thing till the column on the right should be able to co-operate
with him. As soon as the regulations for the different Transports could be made out,
the remainder of the fleet sailed for Longueuil, four leagues from Chambly, (Chambly
is fifteen leagues from Sorel by the river of that name), and had not the wind fai]ed,
this column might have arrived at Longueuil the same night, and about the same time
with Mr. Arnold, and the remainder of the Rebels, returning from Montreal. The
next day the Troops landed and marched by la Prairie towards St. Johns. The advan-
ced guard was supported by all the English remaining after the disposition already
mentioned, under the command of Major General Phillips and this division followed
by two Regiments of the Brunswick Troops and that of Fraser commanded by Major
General Reidesel. The advance guard arrived the Morning of the 19th Instant near to
St. Johns when they learned that the head of Lieutenant General Burgoyne's column
had taken possession of the redoubts the night before. They found all the buildings
in Flames, all the craft and large boats the Rebels could not drag up the Rapids of
Chambly, with some provisions, were also burned. I hear that two and Twenty pieces
of Cannon are left behind, hid in the woods, several other marks appear of great
precipitation and fright on this occasion. I think they had no small cause. All His
Majesty's National and foreign Troops shewed a great zeal and eagerness to overtake
the Rebels and I doubt not but they would have given every proof of Fidelity and
valour had the Enemy delayed their retreat a little longer. The Corps of artillery
shewed great diligence likewise on the occasion, there were Brigades which marched
with both columns. Brigadier Eraser's Corps crossed from the north and fell into
the rear of the two columns on the south side, they were also joined by numbers of
Canadians and that on the right by many Indians.
Captain Le Maitre will have the honour to present to your Lordship these dispatches
he is an intelligent Officer and well qualified to give any further information of the
transactions in this province. I shall take the liberty to recommend him to your Lord-
ship as an Officer of Merit.
I am, &c.
Guy Carleton.
Lord George Germain.
Endorsed:— Montreal, 20th June, 1776.
General Sir Guy Carleton.
(No. 5.)
R/27th July.
(159)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 26.
La Prairie 20th June 1776.
, Sir,
Thank all the Canadians for their zeal, as the Rebels are gone I shall not detain
them any longer from their homes at present, but they may hold themselves in
readiness to march when we may be prepared to follow those disturbers of publick
tranquility. When you have ordered all those Matters I should be glad to see you at
Montreal, to settle with you future measures; if not inconvenient pass by St. Johns
and this road to regulate what may be amiss.
I am Sir, &c.
(signed) Guy Carleton.
To Lieutenant General Burgoyne.
176 Illustrative Documents
(160)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 12 A. PL I, pp. 189-94.
Govr. Carleton, Whitehall 21st June, 1776.
Sir,
I received on the 10th instant your letter of May 14th, together with the copy
of a letter which you wrote to General Howe on January the 12th. I
The impossibility of sending Succours to you sooner having occasioned me great
and constant anxiety. I could not but derive much pleasure from the perusal of the
first Paragraph of your Letter wherein you inform me of the arrival of the Surprize
Frigate, Isis and Sloop Martin in the Basin of Quebec in the 6th ulto., as I was con-
fident that even the smallest reinforcement which those vessels were able to Convey
to you would be sufficient to raise the siege.
The state of readiness for Action in which the Succours found your Garrison as
well as the Ardour and Alacrity with which you so directly marched out' to attack the
Rebels do you infinite Honour. I sincerely congratulate you on the success of the Day
and am happy to have it in command from the King to inform you your Sovereign
highly applauds the spirit, Discretion and perseverance you have manifested in the
defence of that important place.
His Majesty likewise much approves of the behaviour of the officers, Soldiers,
Sailors, British and Canadian Militia and the Artificers from Halifax and Newfoundland
and orders me to acquaint you that it is his pleasure that his approbation be by you
signified to them and also the Judges ami other officers of the Government and the
merchants who have so cheerfully submitted to the inconveniences of a long Siege and
Blockade.
It will give you satisfaction to know that Colonel Hamilton, who in your absence
with so much spirit stepped out of his line in order to put that Garrison in the best
state of defence and who, continuing there by his Example excited the Inhabitants
to join him in the defence of it has been honored by the Royal Approbation, as have
also been Colonel Maclean, Major Caldwell, Captains La we and McDougal.
I must necessarily regret that you have neither specified the actual force of the
Rebels, nor communicated the Intelligence which you may have received nor the
Conjectures you may have formed relative to their Intentions. Your Silence also as
to your own intended Operations and the present Dispositions of the Canadians is
much to be lamented because the Ignorance in which you have left me concerning
these matters renders it impossible for me to convey to you at present any further
Instructions.
His Majesty, however, trusts that the reinforcements which must have reached you
long ago, together with the second Division of the Brunswick forces & the Hanau
Artillery Company, (which are now arrived at Spithead, and it is hoped will sail in
a few days) , will be fully sufficient not only to reduce the Canadians to lawful
obedience, but being under the command of an officer of your Experience, will make
such an impression upon His Majesty's rebellious Subjects in Arms as will influence
even distant operations, and enable General Howe more effectually to carry into ex-
ecution those coercive measures which have unhappily been found necessary for the
maintenance of the Constitutional Authority of this Kingdom over its Colonies.
As General Howe, through his zeal and anxiety for the safety of Quebec, sent you
the 47th Regiment of Foot, without orders from hence, His Majesty has been pleased
to direct that the Regiment of the Prince of Waldeck and the Artillery thereto be-
longing, which were intended to make part of the Army under your command, shall
be forthwith conveyed to and form part of the Army under the command of General
Howe. It is therefore His Majesty's pleasure that you do not return the 47th Regi-
ment of Foot to General Howe notwithstanding any request that be made by him to
you for that purpose.
If there should be more transports than you find necessary for the service you
will be pleased to inform the Commander of His Majesty's Ships of War thereof that
he may give the necessary orders concerning them.
Inclosed you have the Embarkation Returns of the Brunswick Troops and also
of the Recruits destined for the British Regiments in Canada.
I am &c.
Geo. Germain.
Illustrative Documents 177
P.S. As the foreign ships which make part of this Embarkation cannot be employed
on any other service in America, as soon as the Troops are landed you will give orders
for their being discharged; and as, from the Behaviour of the Masters, there is good
ground to suspect that they have Stores of different kinds concealed on board, it will
be very proper that their holds should be carefully examined.
'Montreal, June the 21st, 1776.
My Lord,
Our motions have hitherto been so rapid and the Troops in their Transport
hurried up from Quebec as fast as they arrived with such expedition, that the Regi-
ments had not leasure to prepare their monthly Returns nor was there time for many
arrangements essentially necessary in all Armies; but which, for the moment, gave
place to a more urgent service, that of Driving the Rebels quite out of this Province
with all possible dispatch; this great object now accomplished, we shall soon, I hope
get into order.
Lieut. Colonel Maclean has pressed me for leave to go home to sollicit for his
Regiment, that if reduced the officers may preserve their ranks, and half pay; I have
already mentioned to your Lordship that he had collected many old officers of service,
and that both he and they were of great use in the defence of the Town of Quebec;
and I cannot now neglect adding that I think this mark of favour will be conferred
on officers of merit, if such should be the King's pleasure; I have prevailed on him to
delay his departure till I can collect and send your Lordship a State of Troops which
I flatter myself can be of no prejudice to this business.
I am with great regard and esteem,
Your Lordship's most obedient humble Servant.
Guy Carleton.
Lord Bainngton.
Montreal the 22nd of June 1776.
My Lord,
I think it proper to acquaint your Lordship that I have Brigaded the Army; and
I found it necessary for the service to appoint four Brigadiers to command the Bri-
tish, being the number of Brigades into which they are formed; the Brigadiers are
Lieutenant Colonel Nesbit of the 47th Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Fraser of the
24th Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Powel of the 53rd Regiment and Lieutenant Colonel
Gordon of the 29th Regiment.
I am My Lord your Lordships,
Most obedient and most humble servant.
Guy Carleton,
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 31.
»
Montreal 24th June 1776.
Half after 6 o'clock.
Sir,
In answer to yours of this day I am directed to acquaint you that Lieutenant Gen-
sral Burgoyne has already given directions for making a depot of provisions at St.
Johns as soon as it can be done, and one of the Commissary's is to be tomorrow at
Chambly to whom you may apply to expedite that service.
Major General Phillips has sent an order for the assembling the Country people
with their Tools, for the purposes for which you require them, and it might be proper
for you to repeat the order if you find it necessary; the only Expedient in the present
circumstances of the Artillery.
The General approves much of the precautions you are taking in regard to the
Rebels.
By order of His Excellency
(signed) E. Foy, D.A.G.
To Brigadier General Fraser.
178 Illustrative Documents
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THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, October 31st, 1776.
From the LONDON GAZETTE.
Admiralty-Office, July 30. By Letters received from Captain Douglas, of his
Majesty's Ship Isis, dated Quebec the 26th and 27th of last Month, it appears, that
immediately after raising the Siege of Quebec, of which he gave an Account in his
Letters of the 8th and 15th of May, every proper measure was taken to facilitate
the farther Operations against the Rebels, by sending down the River all the Pilots
which could be procured, to bring up the Transports that were daily expected with
General Burgoyne from England and Ireland; and, that no time might be lost on their
Arrival, and he provided Pilots for the upper River, and placed Frigates and armed
Vessels in proper Stations to assist and escort them; and also, lest the Transports
should be prevented by contrary Winds from sailing up the River, he had stationed
Vessels with Provisions at Places for the use of the Troops, if they should be obliged
to disembark and march by Land. By these Dispositions, all the Transports with
troops, which had Pilots on board, proceeded up the River without stopping Quebec,
and arrived at Three Rivers time enough to defeat the Rebels, and afterwards drive
them from St. John's, and all their Posts below Lake Champlain. Captain Douglas in
the same Letter says, that the prudent and spirited behaviour of Captain Harvey,
of the Martin Sloop, cannot be too much commended; that the Zeal, Vigour, and
Unanimity of his Majesty's Servants on both Elements was scarcely equalled on any
other occasion within his Remembrance. He also writes, that he was, in Concert with
General Carleton, considering upon a proper Establishment for armed Vessels to be
employed on the Lakes Champlain and Ontario, and in contriving the most expedi-
tious means of getting them, with other Craft on the said Lakes, in order to the
better accelerating the Passage of the Army; and that Captain Harvey, of the Martin,
was returning to Sorrel, in order to examine into the Means of floating between Camels
(as is practised in Russia and Holland) through the Rapids of Chambly into Lake
Champlain, the six armed Vessels, one of which was already arrived from England,
and the others hourly expected.
(163)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 12. p. 82.
Quebec, 7th • July, 1776.
My Lord,
I take the liberty of inclosing under your Lordship's cover some Letters from the
German Officers in the King's Service here to their Friends in Europe.*
By the last Accounts from above General Carleton was at Chambli. He is taking
every Measure and exerting his best endeavours to get a Naval Force upon the Lake,
which must be accomplished before the Pursuit of the Rebels can be renewed.
The Tartar with the Ships under her Convoy arrived yesterday. Pilots were im-
mediately put on board the Boreas and Hanley, loaded with Naval Stores, much
wanted, and they pushed -on, but as the winds, at this time of year, mostly blow
down the River, I much fear their Passage upwards will prove very tedious.
I have the Honor, &c.
H. T. Cramahe.
Lord George Germain, One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed: — Quebec, 7th July 1776.
Lieut.- Governor Cramahe.
R/ 12th August.
(164)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 12, p. 102.
(No. 7.)
Chamblie 8th July, 1776.
My Lord,
The day after His Majesty's Troops took possession of Montreal, and the Com-
munication with the upper Country thereby become open. Sir John Johnson and
about two hundred followers arrived there from the province of New York. He rep:
resents to me that there are considerable numbers of people in the part of the country
Illustrative Documents 179
he comes from, who remain steadily attached to His Majesty's Government, and who
would take up arms in its defence had they sufficient protection; on which account, in
the mean time, They suffer all the miseries that the persecuting Spirit of the Rebels is
able to inflict upon them.
In consequence of this representation, and taking it for granted that the King's
pleasure is, not only to furnish all his good and Loyal Subjects, with the means of
defending themselves against rapin and violence, but further to grant them all possible
assistance; I have therefore given Sir John Johnson a Commission to raise on that
Frontier of this province a Battalion of men (to be called The King's Royal Regiment
of New fork) of equal numbers with the other His Majesty's marching Regiments serv-
ing in America, and I have appointed him Lieutenant Colonel Commandant thereof.
The Operations of the Army against the Rebels must now be suspended for some
time. Great difficulties occur in transporting provisions, Artillery Stores &c, over
land from Chambly, to St. John's and providing the Boats and armed Vessels neces-
sary for Lake Champlain, We are employing means for transporting some of the latter
(of those taken up in the River last year) over land, if we succeed, much time will be
saved, and none lost should we fail in the attempt, and we are using every possible
diligence to compleat the number of the former.
I am with all due respect,
My Lord
Your Lordship's most obedient and most humble Servant
Guy Carleton
P.S. I have just now received an account of the arrival of the Brig Boreas and the
Snow Hanley at Quebec, two Vessels having on board Naval Stores.
G.C.
Lord George Germain
Endorsed:— Chamblie 8th July 1776.
Sir Guy Carleton
(No.7.)
R 3rd Septr.
Entd- 1 Muster only
(165)
Chambly, 8th July 1776.
My Lord.
I enclose your Lordship the General returns of the Army serving under my Com-
mand. Your Lordship will observe some vacancies which I have delayed filling up
from a Number of Volunteers now serving with the Troops only that I might be able
to learn a little of their characters, and so endeavour to make choice of the most
deserving and fit.
The day after a part of the Troops had taken Possession of Montreal Sir John
Johnson, with about two hundred followers joined me from the Province of New York ;
and upon Representation of this Gentleman, that many others of his Majesty's faith-
ful subjects, suffering in that Country under the Persecution of the Rebels for their
loyalty, would willingly take up Arms, if they could get them, and serve in any manner
which might best contribute to the success of his Majesty's designs. I thought it might
be a measure which would be approved of to encourage this Spirit, as well to draw
exery Assistance possible from it to His Majesty's Service, as to furnish people so
Circumstanced with the means of defending themselves; I have therefore, at the de-
sire of Sir John Johnson Given him an order to raise a Battalion of men on the
Frontiers of this Province, of equal numbers with those of his Majesty's other Regi-
ments serving in America, and I have appointed him Lieutenant Colonel Command-
ant, and called the Corps the King's Royal Regiment of New York.
I am my Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient servant.
Guy Carleton.
Lord Barrington.
180 Illustrative Documents
(166)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 12, p. 137.
New York, July 15th, 1776.
Sir,
I have it in charge from Congress to transmit the inclosed Resolutions to you
and have the honor to be,
Geo. Washington.
His Excellency,
General Burgoyne.
In Congress, July 10th, 1776.
The Committee to whom the Cartel between Brigadier General Arnold and Capt-
ain Forster and the several Papers thereto relating were committed, having had the
same under their consideration and made diligent inquiry into the Facts, have agreed
to the following Report:
They find that a Party of three hundred and ninety Continental Troops under
the commander of Col. Bedel was posted at the Cedars, about forty-three miles above
Montreal. That they had there formed some works of Defence, the greater part of
them picquetted Lines, the rest a Breast Work, with two field pieces mounted.
That on Wednesday, the 15th of May, Col. Bedel received Intelligence that a
Party of the Enemy, consisting of about six hundred, Regulars, Canadians, and In-
dians, were on the way to attack his Post and were within nine Miles of it, that Col.
Bedel thereon set out himself for Montreal to procure a Reinforcement whereupon the
Command at the Cedars devolved on Major Butterfield.
That on Thursday a Reinforcement under the Command of Major Sherbujrne,
marched from Montreal for the Cedars, While a larger Detachment should be getting
ready to proceed thither with Brigadier General Arnold.
That on Friday the 19th the Enemy under the Command of Captain Forster in-
vested the Post at the Cedars and for two days kept up a loo,se, scattering fire — that
Major Butterfield proposed from the very first to surrender the Post, and refused re-
peated solicitations from his officers and men to permit them to Sally out on the
Enemy.
That on Sunday afternoon, a Flag being sent in by the Enemy Major Butterfield
agreed to surrender the Fort and Garrison to Capt. Forster, capitulating with him,
(whether verbally or in writing does not appear) , that the Garrison should not be put
into the hands of the Savages, and that their Baggage should not be plundered.
That at the time of the surrender, the enemy consisted of about forty Regulars, one
hundred Canadians and five hundred Savages, and had no Cannon ; the Garrison had
sustained no injury from the fire, but the having one man wounded, they had twenty
Rounds of Cartridges a Man, thirty rounds for one field piece, five for another, half
a Barrel of Gunpowder, fifteen pounds of Musket Ball and Provisions sufficient to
have lasted them twenty or thirty days. Major Butterfield knew that a Reinforcement
was on its way and moreover was so near the main body of the army that he could not
doubt of being supported by that.
That immediately on the surrender the Garrison was put into the Custody of the
Savages, who plundered them of their Baggage, and even stripped them of their N
cloaths.
That Major Sherburne having landed on Monday the 20th at Quinze chenes about
nine miles from the Cedars and marched on with his Party consisting of One hun-
dred men to within four miles thereof, was there attacked by about five hundred of
the Enemy — that he maintained his ground about an hour and then being constrained
to retreat, performed the same in good order, receiving and returning a constant fire, for
about forty minutes, when the Enemy finding means to post advanced Parties in such
a manner as to intercept their further Retreat, they also were made prisoners of
war.
That they were immediately put into Custody of the Savages, carried to where
Major Butterfield and his Party were, and, stripped of their Baggage and wearing
Apparel.
That two of them were put to Death that Evening, four or five others at different
times afterwards, one of whom was of those who surrendered on Capitulation at
the Cedars and was killed on the eighth day after that surrender — that one was first
Illustrative Documents 181
shot and while retaining life and sensation, was roasted as was related by his Com-
panion, now in possession of the Savages, who himself saw the fact, and that
several others being worn down by Famine and Cruelty, were left exposed in an
Island, naked and perishing with cold and hunger.
That while Major Sherburne was in Custody of the Enemy, Captain Forster re-
quired of him and the other Officers to sign a Cartel, stipulating the exchange of
themselves and their men for as many of equal Condition of the British Troops in our
possession and further, notwithstanding the Exchange, neither themselves or men
should ever again bear Arms against the British Government; and for the Performance
of this, four Hostages were to be delivered; which they being under the absolute power
of the Enemy, did sign.
That on Sunday, the 20th the Prisoners were carried to Quinze Chenes, when it
was discovered that General Arnold was approaching and making dispositions to at-
tack them.
That Captain Forster, having desired Major Sherburne to attend a Flag, which
he was about to send to Genl. Arnold for Confirmation of the Cartel, carried him into
the Council of the Indians, who told him "that it was a Mercy never before shown
in their Wars, that they had put to death so few of the Prisoners, but that he much
expect and so inform General Arnold that they should certainly kill every man who
should thereafter fall into their hands," that Captain Forster Joined in desiring that
this bloody Message should be delivered to General Arnold; and moreover that he
should be notified that if he rejected the Cartel and attacked him, every man of the
Prisoners would IDC put to instant death.
That General Arnold was extremely averse from entering into any Agreement,
and was at length induced to it by no other motive than that of saving the Prisoners
from cruel and inhuman death, threatened in such Terms as left no doubt it was per-
petrated, and that he did in the end conclude it after several Flags received from
Capt.Forster, and a relinquishment by him of the unequal Article, restraining our
Soldiers from again bearing Arms.
That the Prisoners so stipulated to be given up to the Enemy were not in the
possession of Genl. Arnold nor under his direction but were at that time distributed
thro' various parts of the Continent, under the orders of this House.
That four Hostages were accordingly delivered to Capt. Forster, who were
immediately Plundered and stripped by the Savages; and on his part were delivered
one Major, four Captains, sixteen Subalterns and three hundred and fifty-five
Privates, as specified in a Certificate of Capt. James Osgood and others, of whom no
specification by their names or Numbers, has yet been transmitted, that he retained
twelve Canadians, alledging in his Justification express Orders so to do; and that
living in a Military Government, they were to be considered in a Worse light than
Deserters from His Majesty's Armies — these he carried away in Irons but afterwards
released; that he permitted the Indians to carry into their Countries several others
Natives of the United States for purposes unknown.
That during the time of their Captivity not half Food was allowed the Prison-
ers— they were continually insulted, buffeted and ill treated by the Savages, and
when the first Parties of them were carried off from shore to be delivered to Gen-
eral Arnold, Balls of mud were fired and at the last Parties, Musket Balls.
Whereupon the Congress came to the following Resolutions —
Resolved,
That all Acts contrary to good Faith, the laws of Nature, or the Customs of Civil-
ized Nations, done by the Officers and Soldiers of His Britannic Majesty or by Foreig-
ners or Savages taken into his Service, are to be considered as done by his Orders
unless Indemnification be made, in Cases which admit of Indemnification, and in all
other cases unless immediate and effective measures be taken by him or his Officers
for bringing to condign punishment the Authors, Abettors, and Perpetrators of the
Act,
Resolved,
That the Plundering of the Baggage of the Garrison at the Cedars, stripping
them of their Cloathes and delivering them into the hands of the Savages was a
Breach of the Capitulation on the part of the Enemy for which Indemnification
ought to be demanded.
Resolved,
That the Murder of the Prisoners of War was a gross and inhuman Violation of
the Laws of Nature and Nations — that condign punishment should be inflicted ,»n
the Authors, Abettors, and Perpetrators of the same, and that for this purpose it
be required that they be delivered into our hands.
182 Illustrative Documents
Resolved,
That the Agreement entered into by Genl Arnold was a mere Sponsion on his part,
he not being invested with Powers for the disposal of Prisoners not in his possession
nor under his direction — and that therefore it is subject to be ratified or annulled
at the discretion of this House.
Resolved,
That the shameful surrender of the Post at the Cedars is chargeable to the Com-
manding Officer — that such other of the Prisoners as were taken there shewed a will-
lingness and desire to fight the Enemy; and that Major Sherburne and the Prisoners
taken with him, tho' their disparity of numbers was great, fought the Enemy brave-
ly for a considerable time, and surrendered at last but on an absolute necessity, on
which consideration, and on which alone, it is
Resolved,
That previous to the delivery of the Prisoners to be returned on our part the
British Commander in Canada be required to deliver into our hands the Authors,
Abettors, and Perpetrators of the horrid Murder committed on the Prisoners to suffer
such Punishment as their Crime deserves; and also to make Indemnification for the
Plunder at the Cedars, taken contrary to the Faith of the Capitulation — and that un-
til such delivery and Indemnification be made, the said Prisoners be not delivered.
Resolved,
That if the Enemy shall commit any further Violences by putting to Death, tor-
turing or otherwise ill treating the Prisoners retained by them or any of the Hos-
tages put into their Hands, recourse be had to retaliation, as the sole means of stop-
ping the Progress of Human Butchery; and that for that purpose, Punishments of
the same kind and degree be inflicted on an equal number of the Captives from them
in our possession, till they shall be taught due Respect to the violated Rights of
Nations.
Resolved,
That a copy of the foregoing Report and Resolutions be transmitted to the Com-
mander in Chief of the Continental Forces to be by him sent to Generals Howe and
Burgoyne.
By order of the Congress,
(Signed) John Hancock.
President.
Endorsed: — Copy of the Resolves of the Congress, of 10th July, 1776, inclosed
in Mr. Washington's Letter to General Burgoyne of 15th of same month.
In Sir Guy Carleton's, (No. 10), of 10th August, 1776.
(167)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, August 29, 1776.
The following authentic Account of the Skirmish at the Cedars, will at once
show how grossly the whole of that Transsation is misrepresented in the New-
Hampshire Paper of the 15th of June, as published in our last Gazette, and corroborate
the truth of those Strictures we then threw out on that most infamous Production.
"Capt. Forster with his light Infantry Company of the 8th Regiment, a few
"Canadians and 200 Indians, attack'd and carried an entrenched Post of the Rebels
"of 400 Men, with two Pieces of Brass Cannon, at a Place on the main Land, called
"the Cedars, eight Leagues above the Town of Montreal, with the loss of one Indian
"killed and two wounded.
'The Sachems, acting here as Principals, not knowing what to do with about 500
"Prisoners which they had taken first and last, suffer'd them to depart, first re-
"ceiving Hostages, and stipulating with them never more to take up Arms against
"the King, and that they were to return the 7th and 26th Regiment in lieu."
Such is the Treaty enter'd into by the Party concern'd, and which has been as re-
ligiously observed by the Savages as wickedly broke through by the Promoters of this
unnatural Rebellion — I say, the Promoters, for the poor, deluded multitude are
more the objects of our Pity than of our Vengeance, — To such a height of political
Frenzey are our infatuated Countrymen in the refractory Colonys now arrived, that
it is become not only an Act of Justice but of Mercy to enforce Submission.
To permit them to gain by one Rebellion is to sow the seeds of another. They
have brought themselves into such a Dilemma that Great Britain can entsr into no
Negotiation, can meet no Compromise. Nations as well as Individuals have a Char-
acter, a certain Dignity which they must preserve at the risque of their Existence.
Illustrative Documents 183
She has already obeyed the dictates of Humanity beyond limits of her Reputation.
She has long had reason to complain of American Ingratitude, and she will not bear
longer with American Injustice. — Return, therefore, ye intoxicated Dupes of Faction
and Sedition, e'er yet it be too late, while yet the Arms of Mercy are extended to you
— ^if not for your own, for the sake of your innocent Posterity -i- return to your duty
and leave your base Betrayers to meet the Punishment so justly due to their com-
plicated Crimes.
(168)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, September 12, 1776
The following Orders, issued by his Excellency General Carleton, breathe such a
Spirit of Firmness and Magnanimity and at the same time display such noble Sent-
iments of Humanity towards our deluded Countrymen who have been either bullyed
or betrayed into the present unnatural Rebellion, that we could not let slip the earl-
iest Opportunity of inserting a Copy of them.
Quebec, August the 4th, 1776.
The Commanding Officers of Corps will take especial Care that every one under
their Command be informed, that Letters o: Messages from Rebels, Traitors in Arms
against the King, Rioters, Disturbers of the Public Peace, Plunderers, Robbers, As-
sasins, or Murderers, are on no Occasion to be admitted; that should Emissarys from
such lawless Men again presume to approach the Army, whether under the Name of
Flag of Truce Men or Ambassadors, except when they come to implore the King's
Mercy, their Persons shall be immediately seized and committed to close Confine-
ment, in order to be proceeded against the Law directs ; Their Papers and Letters for
whomsoever, even for the Commander in Chief, are to be delivered to the Provost
Martial, that unopen'd and unread they may be burned by the hands of the common
Hangman. At the same time the Commander in Chief expects, that neither the
Assassination of Brigadier General Gordon, nor the late notorious Breach of faith
in resolving not to return the Troops and Canadians taken at Saint John's in ex-
change for those Rebels who fell into the hands of the Savage at the Cedars and
Quinchien, purchased from them at a great Price and restored to their Country on
these express Conditions, be imputed to the Provincials at large, but to a few wicked
and designing Men, who first deceived, then Step by Step misled the credulous mul-
titude, afterwards usurped an Authority over them, established a despotic Tyranny not
to be borne and now, wantonly and foolishly endeavor to provoke the spilling the Blood
of our unhappy Countrymen of this Continent, in hopes of Covering their own Guilt,
or confirming their Tyranny by general destruction of their Country. Let their
Crimes pursue those faithless, bloody-minded Men, by those diabolical Machinations
so-many of our deluded fellow subjects now totter on the Brink of Destruction. — It
belongs to Britons to distinguish themselves not less by their Humanity than their
Valour. It belongs to the King's Troops to save the Blood of his infatuated Subjects,
whose greatest Fault, perhaps, is having been deceived by such Men to their own Ruin.
It belongs to the Crown — 'tis the duty of all faithful Servants of the Crown, to rescue
from Oppression and restore to Liberty, the happy, free and loyal People of this Con-
tinent.
All Prisoners from the Rebellious Provinces who chuse to return home, are to
hold themselves in readiness to embark at a short Notice. The Commissary, Mr.
Murray, shall visit the Transports destin'd for them, and see that wholesome Pro-
visions, necessary Cloathing with all possible Convenience for their passage be prepared
for these unfortunate Men. They are to look on their respective Provinces as their
Prison and there remain 'till further enlarged or summoned to appear before the Com-
mander in Chief of this Province or any other Commander in Chief for his Majesty
for the time being, which summons they shall obey.
General Howe will regulate their Place of Landing.
Signed E. Foy, Dep. Adjt. General.
(169)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 12. p. 119.
My Lord, Quebec, 10th August, 1776.
As soon as all the Measures in our Power had been taken to prepare a Naval
Force for the Lakes, and to provide the necessary Bateaus and other craft to transport
184 Illustrative Documents
Troops, Artillery, Provisions, &c., &c., I returned to this End of the Province for the
Purpose of establishing Courts of Justice and to make other Civil Regulations which
were indeed much wanted.
I am &c.
Lord George Germain. Guy Carleton.
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 12. pp. 135-6.
(No. 10.) Quebec, 10th August, 1776.
My Lord, ,
I have from the Beginning been convinced that the men who kindled the Flames of
Rebellion in America never entertained a Thought of extinguishing them but were re-
solved to seek their own safety and gratify their own Ambition in the continuance of
the public Confusion and public Calamities; the Resolves of Congress transmitted by
Mr. Washington to Lieutenant General Burgoyne, of which your Lordship will herewith
receive a copy, as well as of his Letter, seem calculated to hurry on a revengeful War
in order to deprive all moderate men in the Colonies of the least Hope or Thought of
a Reconciliation.
The Orders I gave out on the 4th instant were intended to counteract that malig-
nant spirit, and without lowering the Dignity of the Crown, to convince all His unhappy
Subjects that the King's Mercy and Benevolence were still open to them.
For the above purpose I had prior to these Resolves directed that all the Prisoners
should be sent Home. This surprised them not a little, if they fulfil their Engage-
ments they will become good Subjects, if not these can never turn the scale. Valor and
good Conduct in Time of Action with Humanity and Friendly Treatment to those who
are subdued and at our mercy, may, and this I hope will always prove the Characteristic
of the King's Armies.
A List of the Prisoners and a copy of my order of the 4th instant forwarded to Mr.
Washington and the only Answer he shall receive from me, are herewith enclosed.
I am, &c.
Guy Carleton.
Lord George Germain.
One of His Majesty's
Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed:— Quebec, 10th August, 1776.
Sir Guy Carleton,
(No. 10.)
R/ 23d Sept.
(7 Inclosures.
(171)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 12, pp. 149-156.
List of prisoners taken in Canada.
Prisoners taken at Three Rivers, 8th and 9th June, 1776 236
Prisoners taken at Isle aux Noix
Prisoners taken at Isle La Motte, 2nd July 30
Prisoners taken at Quebec. Officers 18; privates 369
Series Q. Vol. 12, p. 169.
Recapitulation as near as it can be made of the Rebel Prisoners taken since the
commencement of the present Troubles to 10th August, 1776.
Illustrative Documents 185
1775. Officers. Men.
September 25th. Long Point. 1 35
Sorel. 2
Decmr. 31st. At Quebec. 36 369
Do. Died in Hospital. 1 64
1776.
June 8th & 9th. At Trois Rivieres &
July 2nd Isle a la Motte. 18 256
Fell into the hands of the Savages at the Cedars and delivered
up by Agreement 31 443
Canadians taken at the same time 12
Hostages retained. 4
August 1st. Delivered by the Missassaguas to Captain Forster 11
91 1192
91
1283
Endorsed: — In Sir Guy Carleton's (No. 10),
of 10th August, 1776.
(172)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 12, pp. 230-2.
Copy of a Letter from Ebenezer Sullivan to General Sullivan, dated Montreal,
August 14th 1776.
Dear Brother,
I am allowed by his Excellency, the General, (which is a greater favor than I
expected to obtain), to inform you that I am well as are the other Hostages left with
me.
I am surprised to hear that instaad of Redeeming us according to the Cartel, the
Congress have not only refused to do it, but have also demanded to have Captain
Forster to be given up to answer for his Conduct in what they are pleased to term the
Massacre of the Cedars.
I cannot think that the Congress would ever have thought of such unheard of
Proceedings had they not had a wrong Representation of the Matter. Don't think I
am under any constraint when I say and call God to witness who must Judge of the
truth that not a man living could behave with more humanity than Capt. Forster did
after the Surrender of the Party I belonged to and whoever says to the contrary let
his Station in Life be what it will, he's an Enemy to Peace and a falacious disturber of
mankind.
What reason they can assign for not redeeming us is out of my Power to imagine ;
for had the affair of the Cedars really been a Massacre why don't they rather re-
deem their Hostages than leave them in the hands of a merciless people? or do they
regard their Troops no longer than while the Heavens render them Victorious. If
they say there is some hidden reason in the System of Politics, why we should not
be redeemed, I answer it is a hidden reason far beyond the reach of Policy to find
out: for consider the number of Prisoners already in the hands of the British Army
and also the chance of war which may throw yet greater Numbers into their hands,
and will those men rest contented when they find their own people willing to let them
remain Prisoners in the hands of what they themselves, (though unjustly) term a
merciless people, or will they not, fired with resentment, take Arms to suppress the
Power that regards no longer than while their blood is spilling in their service? If
this which appears too probable should be the case those men will surely be followed by
their friends which must naturally create great Divisions in the Colonies.
Then view Great Britain and her Allies pouring on you and let the most sanguine
expectation among them Judge how long the Colonies thus divided can stand the fury
of the combat.
If we were in the hands of a Rigorous Power as they have wrongly represented,
have they not after so enormous a breach of Faith even colour of Justice, loaded with
Chains in some horrid Dungeon, to tell us to languish out our Days under a Sentence
passed by our own people.
186 Illustrative Documents
If you suspect I write this for the sake of getting my own Liberty your suspicion
wrongs me; it is not my own Confinement but the breach of a Treaty which even
the Savages have ever held sacred that causes me to write.
I am with due resignment to my unexpected fate,
Your most affectionate Brother,
Ebenr. Sullivan.
General Sullivan.
Endorsed: — In Lieut. Govr. Cramahe's of 31st Octr. 1776.
(173)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, August 22, 1776.
Saturday last set out from this City for St. John's, His Excellency General
CARLETON, attended by his Secretary and his two Aids de Camp.
(174)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 12, A. pp. 196-8.
(No. 3.)
Sir Guy Carleton. Whitehall, 22d August, 1776.
Sir,
I have had the honour of laying before the King your letter dated Montreal, 20th
June, 1776, wherein you transmit to me the agreeable news of the Repulse of the
Rebels at Trois Rivieres and of the precipitate manner in which they had evacuated
Canada and I have the satisfaction to inform you that His Majesty much approves of
your conduct and that of the officers and Forces under your command .
The zeal manifested by His Majesty's National and Foreign Troops is very
commendable and altho' the hasty Retreat of the Enemy deprived them of an oppor-
tunity of distinguishing themselves in action I am thoroughly persuaded that the high
opinion you entertain of them is well founded and that you will upon no occasion find
yourself disappointed in depending upon their Fidelity and Valour.
The very particular and disagreeable situation that you have in your Letter of
the 2d of June, described Captain Forster to have been in, made it necessary for him
to enter into the agreement concerning his prisoners that you have sent me a copy
of, the Reasons he has given for his conduct are solid & shew the humane feelings of a
Brave Officer.
It is hoped that the Prisoners you will have been able to take will be the means
of procuring the Release of such of His Majesty's officers & Loyal Subjects as are in
the disgraceful situation of being prisoners to the Rebels; for altho' it cannot be that
you should enter into any agreement or Treaty with Rebels for a regular Cartel for
the Exchange of Prisoners yet I doubt not but your own discretion will suggest to
you the means of effecting such Exchange without the King's Dignity & Honor being
committed or His Majesty's Name used in any Negotiation for that purpose; and I
am the more strongly urged to point out to you the Expediency of such a Measure on
account of the possible difficulties which may otherwise occur in the case of Foreign
Troops serving in North America.
I have had the pleasure of finding Capt. Le Maitre, (who brought your Dis-
patches), a very intelligent Person and I had a particular satisfaction in recommending
him to His Majesty's Favor as an officer of Merit and one for whom you interest
yourself.
,1 am &c.
, Geo. Germain.
(175)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 12. A. pp. 201-3.
Sir Guy Carleton.
(No. 5.) Whitehall, 22d August 1776.
Sir.
The rapid Success of His Majesty's Arms in driving the Rebels out of Canada,
does great Honor to your Conduct and I hope soon to hear that you have been able to
pursue them, cross the Lakes and to possess those Posts upon the Frontiers which may
effectually secure your Province from any future Insult.
Illustrative Documents 187
His Majesty in appointing you Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in Canada, was
pleased to extend your Commission to the Frontiers of His Provinces bordering there-
upon, wisely foreseeing that it might be necessary for the completing your Plan of
operations that you should march your army beyond the limits of your own Govt. I
trust before this Letter reaches you that you will by your Spirit and Activity have
cleared the Frontiers of Canada of all the Rebel Forces; and will have taken the
proper measures for keeping possession of the Lakes. That Service being performed
His Majesty desires me to acquaint you that there still remains another part of your
duty to be undertaken which will require all your Abilities & the strictest application;
the restoring Peace and the establishing good order & Legal Government in Canada.
It is an object of the greatest importance to this Country; the difficulties attending it
are immense; but His Majesty depends upon your zeal and upon your Experience for
carrying it into Execution. The rewarding those who have forsaken their Allegiance
will tend to the future safety of your Province by convincing the Inhabitants that the
Laws can be executed for the Protection of the Innocent and the punishment of De-
linquents. His Majesty ever anxious for the Happiness of His Subjects commands
me to inform you that no time should be lost in beginning so important a work and
that you do therefore return to Quebec, detaching Lieutenant General Burgoyne or
such other officer as you shall think most proper with that part of your Forces which
can be spared from the immediate defence of your Province to carry on such operations
as shall be most conducive to the Success of the Army acting on the side of New York,
and that you direct the officer so detached to communicate with and put himself
under the Command of General Howe. You shall order such Artillery as you shall
judge necessary to proceed with this Detachment and as a great Quantity of Heavy
Cannon and military Stores were sent upon the supposition that Quebec might have
been in the hands of the Rebels, you will upon Requisition from General Howe supply
him with such Cannon & Stores as may not be wanted for the Protection of Canada.
I cannot finish this Despatch without repeating to you the Confidence which His
Majesty places in your Duty, your Zeal, & your Attachment to His Service, and that
you cannot more effectually recommend yourself to His Royal Approbation & Favor
than by exerting yourself as successfully in your civil Capacity as you have already
done in your Military command.
(176)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 12, A. pp. 205-6.
Sir Guy Carleton.
(No. 7.) Whitehall, 22d August, 1776.
Sir,
The proofs which many of the Indians have already given of their zeal and
fidelity and the manifest Utility which large parties of them must be to the Army
leaves me no room to doubt that you will have exerted every means in your power to
induce them to a general declaration in our Favor; and the better to enable you to
prevail upon them to do so a considerable supply of goods suitable for Presents to
them has been provided, the greatest part of which is sent out on board the Lord
Shuldham, Armed Victualler, now at Cork on her way to Quebec, & the Remainder
will be sent out by one of the Victuallers which are to sail from hence.
Inclosed I send you two intercepted letters of Bendfield & Company at Montreal,
which will .inform you of their connection with the Rebels and the service which
they proposed rendering them if they had been suffered to continue in possession of the
Province.
(177)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 110.
Chambly 24th August 1776.
Sir,
I am commanded to acquaint you that the Canadian Inhabitants from Sorell,
including the same up to Chambly on both sides the river, are during their harvest,
or until further orders, to be exempted from all Military services, Corvees or Fatigue;
and that in the mean time the boats with provisions or other articles for the army
188 Illustrative Documents
necessary to be brought up are to be passed by parties of soldiers from each Detach-
ment beginning with that of Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger's to be relieved by the
nearest, and this again by the next, and so on to the Fort of Chambly: you are
desired to give orders accordingly to your Brigade; and to communicate the purport of
this to all your Cantoonements.
I am &c.
To Brigadier General Powell,
(178)
LA GAZETTE DE QUEBEC.
A UNE COUR.
DE SEANCE GENERALE.
DE QUARTIER DE LA PAIX.
Tenue en la Chambre d 'audience a Montreal, Mardi le 10 Septembre, 1776.
fGabi. Elezd. Taschereau,
Edward William Gray,
Dufy Desaunier,
Pierre Panet,
Presens. ^ Pierre Meziere,
Jean Porteous,
P. P. Neveu Sevestre,
Jacques Finlay,
Pierre Fortier.
Equiers Commissaires.
Vu que plusieurs Etrangers sont dernierement arrives et arrivent journellement
dans cette Province dont plusieurs pourroient entretenir des correspondances avec les
Rebelles, & corrompre les fideles Sujets de Sa Majeste dans cette Province; afin
d'empecher de pareil faits a 1'avenir, il est ordonne par la Cour, que tous les Etrangers
qui sont venus dans cette Province depuis le 17 de Juin dernier, ainsi tous les
Etrangers qui pourront y venir par la suite, ayent a comparaitre immediatement a
Montreal devant deux des 'Commissaires de Sa Majeste qui sont nommes de
semaine pour tenir Seance, afin de rendre comte d'eux-meme ou de soi-meme, &
d'etre examines, et que toutes Personnes quelconque qui recevront a 1'avenir des Etran-
gers dans leurs maisons, en f assent immediatement leur rapport aux deux Commis-
saires pour la semaine comme il est dit ci-dessus; ou si pareil cas se rencontre dans
le voisinage des Trois-Rivieres, alors ce sera devant Godfrey de Tonnancour, Ecuyer,
un des Commissaires de la Paix de sa Majeste aux Trois Rivieres, pour les fins sus-
dites, sous les peines portees par la Loi & le peril qui en resultera, requerant par ces
presentes tous les bons et fideles Sujets de Sa Majeste, de se porter a aider & assis-
ter a decouvrir tous pareils Etrangers & Personnes inconnues comme il est dit ci-des-
sus.
Par ordre de la COUR.
J. BURKE, Greffier de la Paix.
(179)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 159.
Chambly 17th September, 1776.
Monsieur,
La Seconde division des Troupes allemandes etant arrivee, et Pon espere en route
pour joindre 1'armee; je suis ordonne de vpus prier de donner les ordres necessaires
a tous Capitaines des Milices et autre Officiers dans votre District de preter a ces
Troupes toute aide et assistance sur leur marche et de leur fournir les voitures
et autres choses dont ils pourront avoir besoin.
Je suis, &c.
Mons : Tonencour.
(Translation)
Chambly, 17th September, 1776.
Sir,
The second division of the German troops having arrived and it is hoped on the
way to join the army; I am commanded to request you to give the necessary orders
Illustrative Documents 189
to all Captains of Militia and other Officers in your Districts to furnish these Troops
with every aid and assistance on their march and supply them with carriages and
other things of which they may have need.
I am, etc.,
Mons Tonencour.
(180)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 180.
Chambly 23 Septembre 1776.
Monsieur,
Je vous prie d'expedier des ordres a tous les Capitaines des Milices de votre
district, d'assembler leurs compagnies au plutot possible et de prendre les noms tant
des officiers que de miliciens, qui consentent de bonne volonte a marcher pour venir
joindre 1'armee du Roi; et ceux qui veullent donner ce preuve de leur zele et devoir
se tiendront dans leurs differentes paroisses, a partir au premier ordre; en meme
terns les dits Capitaines vous enverront les listes que vous me ferez passer en toute
diligence.
Je suis, &c.
Monsieur Duify, Montreal,
Monsieur Tonencour, Trois Rivieres,
Monsieur Voyer, Quebec.
(Translation)
Chambly, 23rd September, 1776.
Sir,
I beg you to forward orders to all Captains of Militia in your district to assemble
their companies as soon as possible and take the names of the officers and militiamen
who agree voluntarily to march and join the King's army; and those who desire to
give this proof of their zeal and duty will hold themselves in readiness in their differ-
ent parishes to march at the first notice; at the same time the said Captains will send
lists to you which you will forward to me without delay.
I am, etc.,
Monsieur Duffy,
Montreal.
Monsieur Tonencour,
Three Rivers.
Monsieur Voyer,
Quebec.
(181)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 182.
Monsieur,
Le General ayant appris que vous ne vous portiez pas bien, dont il est fort
afflige comme la mauvaise saison avance, et il y aura besoin de votre compagnie quand
Parmee marchera, Son Excellence voudroit que vous vous retournassiez chez vous
pour retablir votre sante. M. de Boucherville etant nomme pour avoir le commande-
ment de la compagnie pendant votre absence; sans cependant faire tort a vous, ainsi
vous annoncerez M. de Boucherville comme tel; et s'il y a quelques autres officiers,
ou des soldats, qui se trouvent malades et incapables de soutenir la fatigue de la
campagne. le General sera bien aise que vous les envoyassiez chez eux.
Je suis, &c.
a M. de Beaujeu.
(Translation)
Chambly, 24th September, 1776.
Sir,
The General having learned that you are not well, at which he is much grieved
as the bad season is approaching, and he will need your company when the army
marches, His Excellency desires that you should return home to regain your health,
M. de Boucherville being appointed to take command of the company during your
190 Illustrative Documents
absence; without, however, doing any injury to you, you will announce M. de Bouchei-
ville as such; and if there are any other officers or soldiers who are sick and unfit to
endure the fatigue of the campaign, the General will be glad if you will send them
home.
I am, etc.
M. de Beaujeu.
(182)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 192.
Chambli 28e de Septembre, 1776.
Monsieur,
Je suis commande de vous faire dire que tous les Volontaires de la Ville de Mon-
treal, Louisbourg et tout PIsle Perot vaudreuil et cedre se tiendront pret pour se rendre
lundi prochin, avec leurs equipages, a St Jean, ou ils s'adresseront a M. le Major
St George du Pre. Vous donnerez des ordres au capitaines de la Milice de la Prairie
pour leur fournir les charettes necessaires pour les equipages.
Je suis, &c.
Monsieur du Fie
Colonel des Milices.
(Translation)
Chambli, 28th September, 1776.
Sir,
I am commanded to inform you that all Volunteers from the Town of Montreal,
Louisbourg, and the whole of the Isle of Perot, Vaudreuil and the Cedars should hold
themselves in readiness to proceed next Monday with their baggage to St. Jean, where
they will report themselves to Major St. George Du Pre. You will give orders to the
Captains of Militia at La Prairie to furnish the necessary waggons for the baggage.
I am, etc.,
Monsieur Du Fie,
Colonel of Militia.
(183)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
SERIES Q, VOL. 12, pp.188— 192.
Chambli, 28th Septr. 1767.
My Lord,
I have received your Lordship's letter of the 21st of June and cannot but think my-
self highly honoured by the notice His Majesty is pleased to take of my Services for
which I shall always remain very thankfull.
Your Lordship having expressed a regret that I neither specified the actual force
of the Rebels, nor communicated the Intelligence I received, nor the conjectures I
formed relative to their intentions, Also that my "Silence as to my own intended oper-
ations and the present disposition of the Canadians was much to be lamented, because
the ignorance in which I left you concerning these matters rendered it impossible
for you to convey to me for the present any further Instructions," I must beg leave
to observe that I could have had but one great object in view when I wrote the letter
your Lordship alludes to, the Expulsion of the Rebels from this Province in the most
rapid manner possible, which was happily executed long before I could profit by any
Instructions your Lordship might think necessary to favour me with.
The next operation of importance was to establish a naval Force on Lake Cham-
plain, to command the navigation of that Lake, and render the Passage for the Troops
in Batteaux secure in order to pursue the Rebels into their own Provinces; neither in
this could your Lordship have afforded me any assistance, had I required it in that
letter, to say the truth I flattered myself you not only knew this was the next step to
be taken, but that a number of flat bottomed Boats and materials prepared and ready
to be joyned together with all their apparatus for rigging, arming, &c., would have
been sent me from England early in the Spring, the expediency of which measure I
clearly pointed out to Mr. Pringle when he received my letters at Quebec the latter end
Illustrative Documents 191
of November last. The advanced season of the year then required his immediate
departure and the distracted state of affairs scarcely permitted the leisure to sit down
to report their situation in writing, but I pressed that oif icer to urge this business from
me to the Secretary of State for this Department to let his Lordship know that nothing
else could enable me, or whoever might command the army in this Province to act with
that vigour this unhappy war requires to bring it to a speedy conclusion.
Mr. Pringle on his return, not only informed me he had executed ^ny Commission
with great zeal and had diligently attended and importuned the different offices that
were concerned in this business; but he seemed persuaded that every thing would
have been sent out that was necessary to give an immediate superiority on the
Lake.
Only ten flat bottomed boats and materials for Building fourteen boats to carry one
gun each in their bow, have arrived here, the rest I suppose are either fallen into the
hands of the Rebels, or the almost continued westerley winds we have had this sum-
mer still retard their arrival.
The works which we have therefore had to carry on have necessarily been very
great, they are however now, near brought to a conclusion, owing to the unwearied
diligence of Major General Phillips, who has had the Superintendence and direction
of the whole, and to the great assistance afforded by Captain Douglas, Captain Pringle
Lieuts Dacres and Shanks, and other officers of the Navy; their Sailors also with the
Masters and seamen of the Transports, who have been employed, and all the Artificers
have testified great zeal in their Different occupations.
Captain Pringle -is to command our little fleet, Lt. Dacres and Lt. Shanks are each
to have an armed Vessel and Lieut. Scot, who arrived late, has desired to go as a
Volunteer, tho' an older Lieut.
The Rebels have at the entrance of the Lake a considerable naval Force; and I
expect our Fleet will soon sail with hopes of success should they come to action; I
enclose a state of .the strength of each — Unfortunately the season' is so far advanced
that I dare not flatter myself we shall be able to do more this summer than to draw
off their attention and keep back part of their Force from General Howe, who, I doubt
not, is exerting himself to the southward tho' I have heard nothing from him since he
left Halifax.
They tell me th6 Rebels have fortified crown point and have left there a garrison
of eight hundred men, also that they have taken measures to assemble nine or ten
Thousand at Tyconderoga.
As to my opinion of the Canadians, I think there is nothing to fear from them
while we. are in a state of prosperity, and nothing to hope for when in distress; I
speak of the People at large; there among them who are guided by sentiments of
honour but the multitude is influenced only by hopes of gain or fear of punishment.
I have given my opinion so amply on the affairs of Canada, how much the Can-
adians may be depended upon and under what circumstances they may be useful in
former letters, which lie in your Lordship's office, that I must beg leave to refer
you to them; particularly to one marked secret, I think it was wrote in 1769 to the
Earl of Hillsborough ; also to copies of my Letters to General Gage in February.
1775 — and early in 1767, in which and indeed in all my political letters I had a war of
this sort constantly in view as your Lordship may perceive upon perusal, and I have
not now the least reason to change my opinion of these matters.
The second division of the Brunswick Troops is arrived, except about half the
Regiment of Specht in the Vriesland Transport. They are on their March and I ex-
pect their last division will arrive at St. Johns about the middle of October.
I am &c.
Guy Carleton.
Lord George Germain.
Endorsed:- Chambli, 28th Septr. 1776
Sr. Guy Carleton.
Rec'd 15 Novr. 1776 by Capt. Lord of the 18th Regt.
(1 Inclosure.)
192 Illustrative Documents
(184)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 12, p. 193.
State of the Naval Force at and near St. John's.
Commanded by. Built in Canada. No. Guns. Pounders.
Captain Pringle, Commodore.
Lieutenant Shank. The Inflexible, ship. 18. 12.
Lieutenant Stark The Maria, schooner. 14. 6.
Lieutenant Dacres The Carleton, schooner. 12. 6.
Major Williams. The Thunderer, ketch. 16. vizt. 6 24.
Artillery. 6 12.
4 Howitzers.
Mr. Longcraft. The Gondola taken from the
Rebels, dogger. 6. 9.
12 Gun Boats
500 Flat bottom boats.
120 do. in other parts of the Province.
Received from England.
14 Gun Boats.
10 Flat bottom boats.
25 Long Boats taken from the Transports.
Series Q, Vol. 12, p. 194.
Naval Force of the Rebels on Lake Champlain.
No. Guns. Pounders.
Two sloops, each. 12. 6 & 9.
Three Schooners. 8. 4.
Two others of Inferior Force.
Besides Seven or Eight Row Gallies with
Heavy Cannon.
Endorsed : — State of the Naval Force at or near St. John's and Naval Force of
the Rebels on Lake Champlain.
In Sr. G. Carleton's Letter of 28th Sepr. 1776.
(185)
Impetieux Plymouth, Jan. 26th 1802.
My Dear Friend,
I was not sorry to find by your Letter yesterday, that you had by the Service oi
your friends begged to be one of the 2 Commissioners to retire from Active duty. I
trust your long and faithful Services will be rewarded, in a manner satisfactory to your-
self, and in some degreee Commensurate to your Merits.
I shall feel myself ashamed to offer an opinion upon the unceasing Meritorious
Conduct, I was often a witness to, during 2 years that I had the happiness to serve
under your immediate direction, although belonging to another ship. I believe a
more arduous situation, or a Service so replete with difficulty and so complicated
in its Nature, never before or since fell to the lot of a Sea Officer, that it was con-
ducted throughout with Honor to the Country, and to the satisfaction of both depart-
ments can be testified by the whole Army and Navy.
The share I had under you, drew forth your commendations, and by your Influence
was followed , by reward ; And when I reflect with no higher rank than a Lieut, that
you Commanded near 2000 Seamen, spread over a track of Lakes and Rivers for
1000 Miles, Constructed Ships, Built Radeaux and Boats, Capable of feeding and
transporting an Army from Quebec to Albany, I am only surprised that it was exe-
cuted at all. I saw you lay the keel of a 20 Gun Ship, and I saw you in the most
officer like manner bring her into Action against a very superior force on the
Thirtieth day after the keel was laid. I could not forget it for I was at the Sheer
Head, getting in the Mizzen Mast, when the Fore Guys broke, and the Sheers
and the Mast fell over the Stern by which I got a Ducking. The two Booms for bridges
were two Cables long, the Cable inclosed in Logs trenailed and woolded together;
they were towed over the Lakes and 3 men could walk abreast upon them. The
bridges across Hudson's River, were formed by Batteaux moored against the Stream,
Illustrative Documents 193
Compleated in one night, and Capable of Bearing all the Artillery, Baggage and
Cavalry — a Tete-de Pont, thrown up by the Sailors, repelled the Enemy next morning.
In short my Dear Friend, I must include the whole in one sentence, you enjoyed the
Respect and Esteem of every Man there.
I owe to you all I know at present on such Subjects, and to the latest hour of my
Life you will enjoy my Esteem and Affection.
Ever Yours,
(Signed.) Ed. Pellew.
Admiral John Schank.
(186)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol.39, p. 195.
Ile-aux-Noix 4 Octe. 1776.
Monsieur
Son Excellence le General me charge de vous dire qu'il vous est infiniment oblige
de la peine que vous avez pris a PEgard des Compagnies de Votre Milice; avoit voulu
seulement savoir leur disposition, ce n'etait pas qu'il avoit besoin de leur assistance;
les Troupes qu'il a sous ses ordres souffiront aussi bien pour apprendre leur devoir'
aux mauvais sujets de cette Province, s'il etoit a leur traiter de la vigueur qu'ils
meritent, que pour repousser les miserables Rebelles des autres.
La mauvaise Saison nous empeche de les poursuivre cette annee-ci, ainsi 1'armee
rentrera bientot en quartier d'hiver — Trois Rivieres est destine pour celui du General
Almand, et vous ferez bien d'avertir les habitants de votre District, qu'ils se prepa-
ren a recevoir ce corps de Troupes, et qu'ils ne s'attendent pas a etre traite du meme
menagement que s'ils avoient temoigne le zele et le Devoir qui est du a leur Roi.
Je suis, &c.
Monsieur Tonencour.
(Translation)
Ile-aux-Noix, 4 Octe. 1776.
Sir:
His Excellency the General directs me to inform you that he is extremely obliged
for the trouble you have taken with Respect to the Companies of Your Militia; he
only wished to know their disposition, it was not because he had any need of their
assistance; the Troops which he has under his command are quite sufficient to teach
their duty to the bad subjects in this Province, if he was compelled to treat them
with the severity which they deserve, as well as to repel the wretched Rebels from
the others.
The bad Season prevents us from pursuing them this year, consequently, the
army will soon return to winter quarterr. Three Rivers is allotted for those of
the German General, and you will do well to warn the inhabitants of your District,
that they should make preparations to receive this body of Troops, and that they need
not expect to be treated with the same consideration as if they had displayed the zeal
and Duty which is due to their King, I am, etc.
Monsieur Tonencour.
(187)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 201.
Off Point au Fer
6th Oct. 1776.
Sir,
Mr. Langlade being on his return to Michillimakinac to pass by your post I recom-
mend him to your notice as a man I have had reason to be very much satisfied with
and who from his Influence amongst the Indians of that district may be of very much
use to His Majesty's affairs I have authorized him to bring down 200 of them early
next spring.
I am just now upon the point of proceeding upon the Lake with our armed
Vessels and boats in order to clear that place of the Rebels who are upon it with
194 Illustrative Documents
a considerable naval force I fear the season is too far advanced for anything further
this year I should be glad you gave directions that all which can be spared of the
8th Regiment and all the Indians of your neighbourhood be prepared to take the field
early in the spring.
I beg to have all the Intelligence you procure from time to time.
I am &c.
To Lieut.-Col.: Caldwell:
(188)
From Sir Guy Carleton to Captain De Peyster.
Off Point au Fer, 6th Octr. 1776.
Sir:
I think it necessary to acquaint you that I have been very much satisfied with the
conduct of Mr. Langlade, but quite the contrary with that of Anis (Ainsse?)& Gau-
thier who have shown nothing but deceit and have been attentive only to their own
concerns, and personal interest. I have commissioned Langlade to bring me down 200
chosen Indians in the Spring, in which I beg you to give him every assistance in your
power and to dispatch him as early as possible--! send you two medals and a Gorget for
chiefs whom Mr. Langlade will inform you of. I am just going with the armed
Vessels and boats to endeavour to clear the Lake of the Rebels who are upon it with
a considerable naval force; but I do not expect to be able to accomplish more this
season.
I am, &c.
To Captain Depeyster.
(At Michilimackinac.)
(189)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. VoU2,pp. 195-6.
Quebec, 6th Octr. 1776.
My Lord,
I take the opportunity of Captain Lord's embarking for Britain in the Friend-
ship Transport, James Forbes, Master, to send Home seventeen Deserters belonging
to Lieutenant Colonel Maclean's Corps of Emigrants, who chose to serve in Africa or
elsewhere, rather than be tried by a General Court Martial for that crime, as appears
by a Paper they signed to that Purpose, of which a copy is herewith enclosed.
By the last accounts from above General Carleton was at the Isle aux Noix, and
most of the Vessels had dropped down to that Place; the last of them was launched
the 30th of September, and would be ready for departure the 3rd or 4th instant by
which Time, Wind and Weather permitting, the whole was intended to be put in
motion.
The Vriesland Transport, the last of the 2d Division of Brunswick Troops, ar-
rived the 4th instant, the armed ship, Howe, a Victualler from Cork, anchored in the
Bason this Day, having parted with two others off Bic and another about Cape Rosiers.
I have General Carleton's Directions to transmit copies of the inclosed Address to
him and of his Answer that your Lordship may be pleased to lay the same before
His Majesty.
I have &c.
H. T. Cramahe.
Lord George Germain,
One of His Majesty's
Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed :— Quebec, 6th Octr. 1776.
Lt. Govr. Cramahe.
Rec'd. 15 Novr. 1776.
(2 Inclosures.)
(190)
Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to M. de Longueuil.
Monsieur,
J'ai la votre du 6 novembre, avec le role de la compagnie de M. de Rouville; vous
deyez etres assures que je n'oublierai pas les veuves des Canadiens qui sont retenus
prisonners. Je ne doute point du mauvais comportement de beaucoup d'habitants; il
Illustrative Documents 195
faut esperer qu'avec le temps, on trouvera le moyen de les reduire a la raison, et de leur
faire comprendre combien ils agissent centre leurs veritables interets. Nous avons
ete tres occupes a cause du depart des vaisseaux, cela va etre fini, et sous peu vous
recevrez votre commission.
J'ai Thonneur d'etre, &c.
Guy Carleton.
(Papiers et documents de M. de Beaujeu.)
(Histoire Populaire de Montreal par A. Leblond de Brumath, p. 275 note.)
(Translation)
Sir:
I have received your letter of the 6th November enclosing the roll of M. de Rouville's
company; you may rest assured that I will not forget the widows of the Canadians who
are detained as prisoners. I have no doubt of the bad conduct of many of the Habitans ;
we must hope that in time we will find means to bring them back to reason, and make
them understand that they are acting against their true interests. We have been
very busy on account of the departure of the vessels. This will soon be completed
and in a short time you will receive your commission.
I have the honor to be, etc.,
Guy Carleton.
(191)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 12, pp. 224-5.
No. 13 On board the Maria, off Grown Point.
October 14th, 1776.
My Lord.
The Rebel Fleet upon Lake Champlain has been entirely defeated in two actions
the first on the 10th inst. between the Island of Valcour and the main, and the second
on the 13th within a few leagues of Crown Point.
We have taken Mr. Waterbury, the second in command, one of their Brigadier
Generals, with two vessels and ten others have been burnt and destroyed, only three
of fifteen sail, a list of which I transmit, having escaped, for further particulars I
refer your Lordship to Lieutenant Dacres who will be the bearer of this letter, and
had a share in both actions, particularly the first, where his gallant behaviour in the
Carleton schooner, which he commanded, distinguished him so much as to merit great
commendation, and I beg to recommend him to your Lordship's notice and favour, at
the same time I cannot omit taking notice to your Lordship of the good service done
in the first action by the spirited conduct of a number of officers and men of the corps
of Artillery who served the gunboats which together with the Carleton sustained for
many hours the whole fire of the enemy's Fleet, the rest of our vessels not being
able to work up near enough to Join effectually in the engagement.
The Rebels upon the news reaching them of the defeat of their naval Forces set
fire to all the buildings and houses in and near Crown Point and retired to Ticon-
deroga.
The Season is so far advanced that I cannot yet pretend to inform your Lordship
whether any thing further can be done this year.
I am &c.
Guy Carleton.
Lord George Germain.
Endorsed: — On Board the Maria off Crown Point.
14th Octr. 1776.
R/23d Novr. By Lieut. Dacres.
List of the Rebel vessels on Lake Champlain before their defeat.
Schooners: — Royal Savage, Mounting 8 6 Prs, 4 4 Prs. went on shore, was set fire to
and blew up.
Revenge. 4-6 Prs. Escaped.
A Sloop. 10-4 Prs. Escaped.
Row Galleys: — Congress. 2-18 Prs. in the bow; 2-12 Prs. *& 2-2 Prs. in stern, and
4-6 Prs. in sides, Blew up.
Washington, Same Force Taken.
Trimble. (Trumbull?) Do. Escaped:
196 Illustrative Documents
The Lee, a Cutter, 1-9 Pr. in the bow: 1-12 Pr. in stern and 4-6 Prs.
in sides; ran into a bay and not known whether destroyed.
Boston. 1-18 Pr. in bow 2-12 Prs. in sides Sunk'.
Gondolas: — Jersey. Do. do. do. Taken.
One name unknown, same force, ran on shore.
Five Do. Do., blown up.
Other Vessels not in Action. »
A schooner, 8-4 Prs. sent from their Fleet for Provisions.
A Galley said to be of greater force than those mentioned above. Fitting out at
Ticonderoga.
G. C.
Endorsed:— List of Rebel Vessels before their defeat upon Lake Champlain.
(192)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, pp. 26-7.
Winter Quarters.
For the British Troops as ordered by His Excellency the Commander in Chief,
November 1st, 1776.
Head Quarter^ of the Army.
Montreal.
. Royal Artillery.
29th Regiment.
General Hospital.
King's R. Regmt. New York. The Royal Highland Emigrants.
La Chine. La Chenaye.
La Pointe Claire. -Terre Bonne.
St. Anne-. Riviere du Chene.
B. General Frasers Corps.
Upon the south of the river St. Lawrence.
La Prairie.
Longueuil.
Boucherville.
Varennes et Isle Boucharet.
Centre Coeur.
Grand St. Ours.
First Brigade Commanded by Brigdr. General Powell.
Left of the Brigade. Right of the Brigade.
31st and 53d Regiments. 47th and 9th Regiments.
Upon the River Sorel. Upon the River St. Lawrence and
Chambly. District of Montreal.
Beloeil. Isle Jesus.
St. Charles. Riviere des Prairies.
St. Denys. Saut du Recolets.
St. Antoine. St. Genevieve.
St. Ours. St. Laurent.
Sorel.
Second Brigade Commanded by Brigdr. General Hamilton.
Left of the Brigade. Right of Brigade.
34th and 62d Regiments. 21st and 20th Regiments.
Quebec. Isle aux Noix.
District of Quebec. St. John.
(193)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 12, pp. 236-7.
No. 15. Quebec, 17th November, 1776.
My Lord,
In my letter, No. 14, dated at Crown Point, the 22d October, I informed your
Lordship the Army must winter in Canada. On the 2d Instant the two Brigades,
which had advanced with me, set out on their return and they are now together with
the rest of the Troops either in or on their march to their quarters in this Province,
Illustrative Documents 197
During my stay at Crown Point several parties, some with arms, of the inhabi-
tants of the Province of New York, came into us for refuge, and I have joined
them to the Corps commanded by Sir John Johnson, who, after the Campaign, de-
sired leave to go to New York, which I have permitted.
Application was at the same time made to me, on the part of the other Inhabi-
tants of that neighbourhood, praying me to issue a proclamation to offer pardon and
Protection to such Persons as having unwarily been drawn into the guilt of Rebel-
lion, was now sensible of their 'Error and desirous of returning to their duty and of
meriting by their future good Behaviour, the King's mercy, but your Lordship
having been silent how far I might venture upon Proclamation of that nature I re-
turned no other Answer than that the instances which they had of my Conduct and that
of the King's Troops towards them were sufficient for them to Judge of my future
intentions, And I have the satisfaction to assure your Lordship that no irregularity
was committed among those unhappy Wretches even by the savages.
I have heard nothing from General Howe except by a Letter containing a request
to be supplied with Hay and Oats and dated the day before an action is said to have
happened upon Long Island, tho' the Vessel which brought it and one of the Commis-
saries of that army did not sail till twelve days after.
I am &c.
Guy Carleton.
Lord George Germain.
Endorsed: — Quebec, 17th November, 1776.
Sir Guy Carleton.
(No. 15.)
R/17th December.
(194)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 13, p. 3.
Memorandum of General Carleton relative to the next Campaign communicated
to Genl. Burgoyne to be laid before Government.
A Reinforcement of four thousand Troops exclusive of completing the present
Army is necessary for Canada.
It would be desirable to encrease the present Establishment of British Regiments
to a hundred per company as part of the desired reinforcement.
With a reinforcement to the above Amount and well composed, a large Corps
may be spared to pass Lake Ontario and operate upon the Mohawk River.
Another Corps might possibly be employed to penetrate to Connecticut River.
Six months provisions for at least twenty thousand men at full rations ought to
be sent out early in the Spring. The Number of mouths to feed including Savages,
Canadians, Artificers, Seaman, &c., upon the Lakes may be reckoned a full third more
than the Troops.
Canada will furnish flour sufficiently but the drain of live cattle has been so great
the last Campaign that very little can be expected.
A Corps of Boatmen is absolutely necessary for all operations in a Country so
much intersected with Lakes and Rivers as that wherein the Canadian Army must
Act.
(195)
LA GAZETTE DE QUEBEC.
JEUDI le 19 Decembre 1776.
Messire GUY CARLETON, Chevalier du Bain, Capitaine general et Gouverneur
en chef de la Province de QUEBEC, et territoires en dependants en AMERIQUE,
Vice-amiral d'icelle, &c., &c., &c. General et Commandant en Chef des troupes
de sa Majeste dans le dite Province et frontieres d'icelle, &c., &c., &c.
Comm'il est indispensablement necessaire pour le service du Roy, et la commodite
du Public, que tous les chemins Royaux, ainsi que ceux qui y communiquent, soient en
198 Illustrative Documents
Hiver battus et entretenus, ou asses larges pour qu'ils puissent y passer aisement
deux voitures de front, sans aucun inconveniens, j'ordonne a tous les Capitaines et
autres officiers de Milice dans toute 1'etendue de cette Province, d'obliger et con-
tramdre tous les Habitans et Proprietaires de terres et emplacemens de leurs dif erentes
Paroisses, de battre chacun incessament un chemin de huit pieds de largeur sur la
devanture de leurs terres ou sur leurs parts de 1'entretenir tout 1'Hiyer en bon ordre,
et de poser des balises de sept a huit pieds de hauteur en tetes de sapin ou des Cedre,
distances de vingt-quatre pieds en vingt-quatre pieds, aux deux cotes du dit chemin; et
afin que les chemins d'Hiver soient battus egalement dans toute leur largeur, les voia-
geurs seront tenus d'en prendre toujours la droite, soit en venans dans les villes ou en
s'en retournant. J'enjoins aussi et recommande rigoureusement a tous et chacun
habitans et proprietaires de terres ou emplacements dans la dite Province, d'executer
les ordres qui leur seront donnes a cet egard par les Capitaines et autres officiers de
de leurs dif erentes Paroisses, sous peine de desobeissance.
Donne sous mon Seing et le Sceau de mes armes, au Chateau St. Louis, dans la
ville de QUEBEC, ce douzieme jour de DECEMBRE dans la dix-septieme annee du
Regne de notre Souverain Seigneur, GEORGES Trois, par la Grace de DIEU, Roi
de la Grande Bratagne, de France et d'Irelande, Defenseur da la Foy, &c., &c., &c. et
de Tannee de notre Seigneur 1776.
GUY CARLETON.
Par Ordre de son Excellence,
GEO. ALLSOPP.
v.
(196)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 315.
Quartier General a Quebec,
20th Deer. 1776.
Monsieur,
Le General vous ayant fait compter une somme d'argent pour distribuer entre
tous les Canadiens qui avoit servi la campaigne, et Son Excellence venant d'ordon-
ner le payement entier de la Compagnie de Morin, je suis commande de vous en faire
part, afin que si vous avez donne a ces gens de Targent qu'il soit de compte, ou si non
que vous sachiez qu'il ne soit plus necessaire de le faire — lorsque vous avez acheve
de distribuer 1'argent que vous avez recu vous devez renvoyer une liste des personnes
qui 1'ont rec,u, les quelles la doivent signer centre leurs noms.
Je suis, &c.
M. St. Geo: Dupre.
(Translation)
Headquarters, Quebec, 20th December 1776.
Sir: ,
The General having placed in your hands a sum of money to be distributed
among all the Canadians who have served during the campaign, and His Excel-
lency having ordered the full payment of Morin's Company, I am directed to inform
you of this so that if you have paid these men any money it may be accounted
for or if not that you may know that it will no longer be necessary to do so — when
yon have finished disbursing the money that you have received you will send in a
list of the persons who have received it which should be signed by them opposite
their names.
I am, etc.,
M. St. Geo. Dupre.
(197)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 171, p. 2.
Return of the Officers of the Canadian Companies risen in 1776 by Sir Guy
Carleton.
Illustrative Documents
199
Capts.
Lieuts.
Rouville ]
Boucherville [ Since appointed Councillor of the Legislative Council.
[ Beaubien J
Deschambault ]
Sallabery I
Destimauville |
Tonnancourt }•
Cuisy
Marcoux
DeBonne
Served in the Defence of Fort St. John & at New York under
Genl. Clinton as Capt. and paid as such & promised by
Lord Sydney to be on the List as half -pay Capt.
Ensigns
Vassall
Basin
Gaspe
Fleurimont
St. Martin
La Broquerie
Vigneau
Genie adjt. to the Three Companies —
Endorsed — Return of the Canadian Officers of the Companies risen in 1776 and Indian
Department.
(198)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 171, p. 3.
State of the Officers of the Three Canadian Companies for the campaign 1777.
Captain Rouville
Lieut. Sallaberie
St. Tours, (St. Ours.)
Ensign Vassall
Bazin
Captain Boucherville
Lieut. Cuisi
La Fontaine
Ensign De Bonne
La Broquerie
Captain Morin (Killed)
Lieut. Beaubien
Marcoux
Ensign Tonancour
Gaspe
Volonteer Vigneau
N.B. Messieurs Tonancour & Destimauville have been appointed Lieuts. and Messrs.
Fleurimont and St. Martin Ensigns and attached to Capt. Rouville's Company since
the Campaign.
All the officers of the two last Companies are under convention.
Endorsed: — List of the Canadian Officers appointed in 1777.
(199)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, January 2, 1777.
Tuesday last, being the 31st of December, the QUEBEC MILITIA, in Commem-
oration of the signal Victory obtained over the Rebels Army in their Assault on this
City, march'd in Procession to the several Churches, where Sermons were preached
suitable to the Occasion. — The principal Gentlemen of both Corps dined with His
Excellency, our worthy Governor, to whose Prudence and Perseverance they must
ever pay their most grateful Ackowledgements. — In the Evening a most elegant Ball
and supper were given by the Militia, at which were present, near 300 Ladies and
Gentlemen. An excellent Band of Musick was provided on this glorious Occasion, and
the whole Entertainment of the Day was conducted with the greatest Regularity and
200 Illustrative Documents
Elegance. At half after Six in the Evening his Excellency Sir GUY CARLETON,
Lady MARIA and LADY ANN CARLETON, attended by the Generals Redhasel and
Speke, &c., entered the Assembly Room, when the Band immediately struck up, GOD
SAVE THE KING, accompany'd with a full Chorus. At seven, an Ode written on
the Occasion was perform'd after which the Dancing commenc'd. In a Word, the
Gentlemen who acted as Managers exerted themselves in such a Manner, that it
was universally allowed to be the compleatest Entertainment of the Sort ever known
in this Province.
t
(200)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 349.
Quartier General
a Quebec,
6 Feby. 1777.
Messieurs,
Je suis commande de vous envoyer, pour en avoir votre rapport, une requete avec
des Certificatte pour et contre un homme qui sollicite a etre fait capitaine de Milice
dans la Paroisse de la Baye St. Antoine.
Je suis &c.
M.M. St. George du Pre, Panet et Gray, Commissaires pour regler la Milice.
(Translation)
Headquarters at Quebec, 6th Feby., 1777.
Gentlemen:
I am directed to send you for your report a petition with certificates for and
against a man who asks to be appointed Captain of Militia in the parish of Baye St.
Antoine.
I am etc.,
Messrs St. George du Pre, Panet and Gray,
Commissioners for the regulation of the Militia.
(201)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 13, p. 29.
Thoughts for conducting the War, from the Side of Canada.
I humbly conceive the operating Army (I mean exclusively of the Troops left
for the Security of Canada) ought not to consist of less than eight thousand Regu-
lars Rank and File; the Artillery required in the Memorandms of Genl Carleton;
a Corps of watermen; two thousand Canadians including Hatchet Men and other Work-
men; and a thousand or more Savages.
J. Burgoyne.
Hartford Street
Feby. 28th 1777.
His Excy. Lord George Germaine
Endorsed: — Thoughts for conducting the War from the side of Canada.
R/ from Lieut. Genl. Burgoyne.
(202)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol.13, p. 16.
Memorandum, & Observations, relative to the Service in Canada, submitted to
Lord George Germaine.
Observations.
It may be thought that Canadian Militia might supply part of these purposes, & I
beg leave to observe it is so intended, the above calculation being made much too low
without their assistance. It will be necessary to have chains of Canadian Patroles, &
Posts in the woods behind the Regulars, to intercept the communication between the
Illustrative Documents 201
Enemy, and the ill affected in Canada, to prevent Desertion, to procure Intelligence, &
for many other Services that will be obvious for keeping the country quiet. These Ser-
vices will be supplied by the several Parishes, as their Situations lie respectively to the
Objects, & may amount in the whole to five hundred men. Another great Call upon
the Canadians will be for Workmen at the Fortifications of Sorell. St. John's, Chamblee
& Isle aux Noix. To the latter place it may be expedient to send the disobedient, & re-
fractory, as a punishment, it being a place from which they cannot desert.
To compleat the necessary Works in the course of next summer will probably
require two thousand Men.
A still greater call upon the Canadians will be for the transport of all the Prov-
isions, Artillery, Stores, & Baggage from the Repositories to the Water and after-
wards at the carrying Places. This Service may at the opening of the Campaign re-
quire two thousand Men, besides a very large Proportion of Carts and Horses & will
happen at the time of sowing the corn.
It is to be hoped that fifteen hundred, or two thousand men armed may be attached
to the Army destined to follow the Enemy. When these numbers are cast up, Canada
Will be found to contribute to the full what the Country can afford. I will venture to
assert much more than they will afford, if any Diminution is made in the number of
Regulars proposed to be left among them. Should there be ground to suppose that
France is taking an underhand part in America, or has any future Views towards the
recovery of Canada, all the Reasons for having a respectable force there, will derive
double Weight: for safe as the Country may be against a second Seduction by the Re-
bels, it is obvious to the slightest Observation, that many parts of it are liable to be
seduced by the French, & it cannot be doubted that there are Emissaries ready for
such an Employment.
J. Burgoyne
Endorsed: -relative to the Service in Canada, submitted to Lord George Germaine.
R/from Lient. Genl. Burgoyne.
(203)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, pp. 85-6.
No. 13.
Sir Guy Carleton, Whitehall, 26th March, 1777.
Sir,
I am favoured with your letter, dated Chamblee, July 8th, 1776, wherein you ac-
quaint me with the arrival of Sir John Johnson at Montreal.
The report that you received from him of the distressed situation and loyal dispos-
ition of the People in that part of the Country from which he came might well induce
you to give orders that a Battalion should be raised on that Frontier of your Province
for the relief & Protection of his Majesty's faithful Subjects.
The measure as being founded on Wisdom & Humanity is consequently agreeable
to His Majesty — And as the Services of Sir John Johnson have been such as place
him high in the King's good Opinion, His Majesty cannot but approve of your having
conferred upon him the command of the said Regiment & trusts that Sir John has been
successful in his Levies and has before this time formed a Corps fit and ready for ser-
vice.
With regard to the Corps raised in America by Lieut. Colonel Maclean, men-
tioned in your Separate letter from Chamblee, of 13th July 1776, I am to inform you
that His Majesty has not been pleased to put that Corps upon the Establishment of the
rest of the Army — But Colonel MacLean & his officers have shewn such zeal for the
Service and are spoken of so advantageously by you that I trust they will receive some
mark of His Majesty's Favour. t
I am &c.
Geo. Germain.
Endorsed: — Drat to Sir Guy Carleton. (No. 13.) 26th March, 1777.
202 Illustrative Documents
(204)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q.Vol. 13. pp. 73-9
Separate.
General Sir Guy Carleton. Whitehall, 26th March, 1777.
Sir,
My letter of the 22d of August, 1776, was intrusted to the care of Captain Le
Maitre, one of your Aid-de-Camps. After having been three times in the Gulph of St.
Lawrence he had the Mortification to find it impossible to make his passage to Quebec,
and therefore returned to England with my dispatch, which though it was prevented
by that accident from reaching your hands in time I nevertheless think it proper
to transmit to you by this the earliest Opportunity.
You will be informed by the contents thereof that as soon as you should have driven
the Rebel Forces from the Frontiers of Canada, it was His Majesty's -Pleasure that you
should return to Quebec and take with you such part of your Army as in your Judgment
& Discretion appeared sufficient for the Defence of the Province, That you should de-
tach Lieutenant General Burgoyne or such other Officer as you should think most
proper, with the Remainder of the Troops and direct the Officer so detailed to proceed
with all possible expedition to join General Howe & to put himself under his command.
Since I wrote that Letter I have had the Mortification to learn that upon your re-
passing Lake Champlain a very considerable Number of the Insurgents, finding their
presence no longer necessary near Ticonderoga, immediately marched from thence
and joined the Rebel Forces in the Provinces of New York and Jersey — That unex-
pected Reinforcement was more particularly unfortunate for us as it enabled the
Rebels to break in, with some degree of Success, upon parts of the Winter Quarters
that were taken up by the Army under the Command of Sir Wm. Howe.
Upon these accounts and with a view of quelling the Rebellion as soon as possible,
it became highly necessary that the most speedy Junction of the two Armies should be
effected and therefore as the Security and good Government of Canada absolutely re-
quire your Presence there, It is the King's determination to leave about 3,000 men
under your command for the Defence & Duties of that Province and to employ the re-
mainder of your Army upon two Expeditions: The one under the command of Lient.
General Burgoyne who is to force his way to Albany and the other under the command
of Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger, who is to make a Diversion on the Mohawk River.
As this Plan cannot be advantageously executed without the assistance of Can-
adians and Indians. His Majesty strongly recommends it to your care to furnish both
Expeditions with good and sufficient Bodies of those Men. And I am happy in know-
ing that your influence amongst them is so great that there can be no room to appre-
hend you will find it difficult to fulfil His Majesty's Expectations.
In order that no time be lost in entering upon these important Undertakings General
Burgoyne has received Orders to sail forthwith for Quebec and that the proposed Oper-
ations may be maturely considered & afterwards carried on in such a manner as is most
likely to be followed by success, he is directed to consult with you upon the Subject
and to form and Adjust the Plan as you both shall think most conducive to His Ma-
jesty's Service.
I am also to acquaint you that so soon as you shall have fully regulated every thing
relative to the Expedition, (and the King relies upon your zeal that you will be as ex-
peditious as the nature of the Business will admit), It is His Majesty's Pleasure that
you detain for the Canadian Service.
The 8th Regt, deducting 100 for the Expedition to the Mohawk 460
Battalion Companies of the 29th and 31st Regiments 896
Battalion Companies of the 34th, deducting 100 for Expedition to the Mohawk 348
Eleven additional Companies from Great Britain 616
Detachments from two Brigades 300
Detachments from the German Troops 650
Royal Highland Emigrants 500
3,770
You will naturally conclude that this Allotment for Canada has not been made with-
out properly weighing the several Duties which are likely to be required. His Majesty
has not only considered the several Garrisons and Posts which probably may be ne-
cessary for you to take, vizt: Quebec, Chaudiere, the disaffected Parishes of Point Levi,
Montreal & Posts between that Town & Oswegatchie, Trois Rivieres, St. Johns, Isle
aux Noix, La Prairie, Vergere & some other Towns upon the south shore of the St.
Illustrative Documents 203
Lawrence opposite to the Isle of Montreal, with Posts of Communication to St.
Johns, But He hath also reflected that the several Operations which will be carrying on
in the different Parts of America must necessarily confine the Attention of the Rebels
to the respective Scenes of Action and secure Canada from external Attack, and that the
internal quiet which at present prevails is not likely to be interrupted, or if interrupted,
will soon be restored by your Influence over the Inhabitants, he therefore trusts that
3,000 men will be quite sufficient to answer every possible Demand.
It is likewise His Majesty's Pleasure that you put under the command of Lieut.
Genl. Burgoyne.
The Grenadiers and Light Infantry of the Army (except the 8th Regt.,)
and the 24th Regt., as the advanced Corps under the command of
Brigadier General Fraser 1,568
1st Brigade, Battn. Companies of the 9th, 21st & 47th Regts. deducting a
Detachment of 50 from each Corps to remain in Canada 1,194
2nd Brigade, Battn. Companies of the 20th, 53d, & 62d Regts., deduc-
ting 50 from each Corps as above 1,194
All the German Troops except Hanau Chasseurs and a Detachment of 650. 3,217
The Artillery except such parts as shall be necessary for the Defence of
Canada
7,173
Together with as many Canadians and Indians as may be thought necessary for
this Service, and after having furnished him in the fullest and completest manner
with Artillery, Stores, Provisions, and every other Article necessary for his Expedition
and secured to him every Assistance which it is in your power to afford and procure,
you are to give him orders to pass Lake Champlain, and from thence by the most
vigorous Exertion of the Force under his Command to proceed with all Expedition to
Albany and put himself under the command of Sir William Howe.
From the King's knowledge of the great preparation made by you last year to
secure the command of the Lakes, and your Attention to this part of the Service
during the Winter, His iy[ajesty is led to expect that, every thing will be ready for
General Burgoyne passing the Lake by the time you and he shall have adjusted the
Plan of the Expedition.
It is the King's further Pleasure that you put under the command of Lieut.-Col. St.
Leger.
Detachment from the 8th Regiment 100
Detachment from the 34th Regt 100
Sir John Johnson's Regiment of New York 133
Hanau Chasseurs 342
675
Together with a sufficient number of Canadians and Indians and after having fur-
nished him with proper Artillery, Stores, Provisions, 'and every other necessary Article
for his Expedition and secured to him every Assistance in your power to afford and
procure, you are to give him Orders to proceed forthwith to and down the Mohawk
River to Albany and put himself under the command of Sir William Howe.
I shall write to Sir William Howe from hence by the first Packet, But you will
nevertheless endeavour to give him the earliest Intelligence of this measure and also
direct Lieutenant General Burgoyne and Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger to neglect no
Opportunity of doing the same that they "may receive Instructions from "Sir William
Howe. You will at the same time inform them that untill they shall have received
Orders from Sir William Howe, it is His Majesty's Pleasure that they act as Exi-
gencies may require, and in such manner as they shall judge most proper for making
an impression on the Rebels and bringing them to Obedience, but that in soxdoing they
must never lose view of their intended Junctions with Sir William Howe as their prin-
cipal Objects.
In case Lieutenant General Burgoyne or Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger should hap-
pen to die or be rendered by Illness incapable of executing these great Trusts you are
to nominate to the respective commands such Officer or Officers as you shall think to
be best qualified to supply the place of those whom His Majesty has in His Wisdom at
present appointed to conduct those Expeditions.
I am &c.
Geo. Germain.
Endorsed: Draft to General Sir Guy Carleton.
26th March, 1777. Separate.
204
Illustrative Documents
Preamble
All persons from
the age of 16 to
60 to serve in the
Militia.
Exception
Penalty for refusal.
(205)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA.
ANNO DECIMO SEPTIMO GEORGII III. REGIS CHAP. VIII.
an ORDINANCE.
For regulating the Militia of the Province of Quebec, and rendering it of more
general utility, towards the preservation and security thereof.
Whereas his excellency the captain general and governor in
chief of this province is, by virtue of his majesty's commission under
the Great Seal of Great-Britain, empowered to levy, arm, muster,
command, and employ all persons within the province, and, as occa-
sion shall serve, them to march or transport from one place to another
for the purpose of resisting and withstanding of all enemies, pirates,
and rebels, both by land and by water; which commission, in the ab-
sence of the captain general, the lieutenant governor, or commander in
chief, for the time being, is authorized to execute: — And whereas
the well ordering and training of the said militia, may hereafter be
of great use towards preserving and securing the province from all
hostile invaders thereof, be it enacted by the captain general and
governor in chief in this province, by and with the advice and con-
sent of the legislative council of the same THAT
Art. I.
All persons, as well in the towns as in the country from the age
of sixteen years to " sixty, are bound to serve in the militia o£ that
parish, wherein they reside; and from and after publication of the
present ordinance, every person (excepting such as are herein after
excepted) refusing to serve or neglecting to get himself inrolled un-
der the officers appointed by his excellency the captain general or
governor in chief, in the different parishes, shall forfeit five pounds;
and upon a second refusal, he shall, over and above a like forfeiture
of five pounds for such second refusal, be rendered incapable of keep-
ing by him or bearing any fire-arm whatsoever, under the like penalty
of five pounds, and one month's imprisonment, for every time he shall
be convicted of having used or kept such fire-arm.
Art. II.
Every militia man, whose conduct or behaviour proves unwor-
thy of, or dishonorable to the corps, shall be expelled therefrom, and
in like manner rendered incapable of keeping by him, or using any fire-
arm, under the penalties mentioned in the foregoing article; and as
well those who are expelled therefrom, shall furnish sleighs and other
carriages for the king's service, when called upon, in a double propor-
tion to their neighbours of the same parish, doing duty as militia men
readily and chearfully, and for half the price; provided always that,
after the expiration of one year, any person, who has committed any
of the above recited offences, and suffered the penalties directed by
this and the foregoing articles, upon his making submission to the
captain of the militia, in the presence of the most reputable inhabit-
ants of the parish, at the church door, on a Sunday or some other feast
day shall, after report has been made thereof to the colonel of militia
of the district, and being approved by the captain general, or in his
absence the lieutenant governor, or commander in chief for the time
being, be restored to the corps, intitled to the privileges thereof, and
act therein, as if no such offence had been committed
Art. III.
The captain or captains of the militia in every parish, shall,
twenty days after the publication of the present ordinance, or sooner,
if it can be done, transmit to the colonels of militia, or inspectors
when such shall be appointed, for the respective districts, an account
of the number of officers and militia men fit for service in their respec-
tive companies; as also a list of such as may have refused to in-
roll themselves, or disobeyed the orders of their superior officers; and
Militia-men mis-
behaving to be ex-
pelled.
Farther penalties.
Proviso.
Captains of Militia
to transmit a list
of their officers and
men to the in-
spectors yearly.
Illustrative Documents
205
hereafter such lists, as well as of any alterations that may have hap-
pened within the last twelve-month, are to be transmitted by the cap-
tains to the colonels of militia, or inspectors when such shall be
appointed by the tenth or fifteenth of March *in every year at
farthest.
A militia-man
changing his place
of residence, to
give notice thereof
to his commanding
officer.
Penalty for neglect-
ing to give notice.
The captains to
draw out their
companies on the
last two Sundays
in June and two
first in July.
Penalty on every
militia-man for
non-attendance.
Art. IV.
No person belonging to a particular company of militia, shall
leave his usual residence, whereby he became subject thereto, without,
giving due notice to his captain or commanding officer, and of the
place where he intends to settle; and every person, so settling in an-
other parish wherein he settles, under a penalty of forty shillings for
the first offence, and for the second, the like sum and one month's
imprisonment.
Art. V.
Upon the two last Sundays in the month of June, and the first two
in July, the captains or commanding officers of the Militia, shall draw
out their companies in the most convenient place of their respective
parishes, in order to inspect their arms, fire at marks, and instruct
them in their duties; and such as disobey, and do not appear on such
training days, or at such other times as the colonels of militia, inspec-
tors, or other persons authorized to review or exercise them, by spe-
cial orders from the captain general, or, in his absence, the lieu-
tenant governor, or commander in chief, for the time being, shall
direct, are to forfeit ten shillings for every offence, except they
shall have first asked or obtained leave of absence, on shewing rea-
sonable cause for the same.
In the time of war,
etc., such number
of officers and mil-
itia-men to be
drawn out and
marched, as the
governor shall
require.
Penalties for
disobedience.
No person to buy
any arms, ammun-
ition or equipment
from any Militia-
man.
Under a penalty of
All 'persons holding
lands en roture,
to furnish carts,
etc., for the king's
service except
those exempted
therefrom by this
ordinance.
Art. VI.
In the time of war, rebellion, or when any other pressing exigency
of the state requires it, such number of officers, Serjeants, and militia-
men, as the governor, lieutenant governor, or commander in chief,
for the time being thinks fit to direct, shall be drawn out of the
different companies, marched from their respective parishes to such
place as they shall be ordered to, and serve tho' still as militia, in con-
junction with his Majesty's forces, under the guidance and superin-
tendance of the officers whom the commander in chief shall be
pleased to appoint for that purpose: and at the end of the campaign
or the service they were ordered upon, shall return to their homes,
but not before they had been regularly dismissed from the same; any
person refusing to obey such order, absconding, or not repairing to
the place he is ordered to. shall incur double the penalties inflicted by
the first article of this ordinance ; and any one quitting the service,
when so embodied, before he is discharged therefrom, shall more-
over be expelled the corps, and never allowed to re-enter the same;
And any person buying or purchasing arms, ammunition or equip-
ments, delivered out of his Majesty's stores to the militia when em-,
bodied, or any ammunition, furnished out of the said stores, for
training and exercising the said militia, shall incur a penalty of five
pounds for every such offence, to be recovered upon the oath of
one credible witness, before any one commissioner of the peace in the
district where such offence has been committed.
Art. VII.
All inhabitants aboye the age of sixty, and having one servant, as
well as all others holding lands en roture, and not exempted there-
from by this ordinance, shall, when ordered by Government, and cal-
led upon by the captains of the militia, in rotation, furnish carts,
sleighs, or other carriages for the king's service, at such a price per
day, as shall be fixed upon by the commander in chief; and any who
shall neglect or refuse to furnish the same, or shall desert or quit
that service, without being duly discharged therefrom, shall likewise
incur the penalties directed by the first article.
206
Illustrative Documents
Art. VIII.
Captains and offi- The captains and other officers of militia not paying due obedi-
theirdsiu°eriorf to er*ce *° their superiors, or who shall be convicted of having acted
be deprived of their with partiality, of exempting some, without being properly authori-
commissions, etc. zed so to do, or ordering others out of their turn, out of pique or
resentment, shall be deprived of their commissions, and obliged to
serve as private militia-men.
Art. IX.
officers of the The captains and other officers of militia, shall take up all de-
aSilldlesertersaISc.llP serters> whether soldiers or sailors, all strangers and other persons
travelling through their respective parishes, suspected of being emis-
saries from, conveying intelligence to, or corresponding with the
rebellious colonies, all persons spreading false reports to the detri-
ment of government, and persons leaving the province without a pass
from the captain general, or, in his absence, the lieutenant governor,
or commander in chief, for the time being; and any person, either in
town or country, lodging or concealing such deserters, strangers, or
suspected persons as above, or aiding and assisting any person leav-
ing the province without a pass, without giving immediate notice
, . . thereof to the captains of their respective companies in the country,
or harbouring0 th'em. and if in the towns of Quebec, Montreal, Trois Rivieres, to the colonels
or commanding officers, or other officers appointed for that purpose,
shall for the first offence, if inhabitants of the towns forfeit ' ten
pounds and be imprisoned one month; if residing in the country, shall
forfeit five pounds, and be imprisoned for the same time; and double
the sum, and double the time of imprisonment, for the second, and
every other subsequent offence of the like nature.
Manner of prose-
cuting: for the pen-
alties.
Art. X
In all cases where the manner of prosecuting for the penalties in-
flicted by this ordinance has not been directed; where the fine imposed
does not exceed the sum of forty shillings, any one field officer of the
militia or inspector when such officer shall be appointed, of the dis-
trict wherein the offence shall have been committed, being a com-
missioner of the peace; and where the penalty exceeds the sum of
forty shillings, or directs the imprisonment of the offender, any two
field officers, or one field officer and inspector, as before, belonging to
the district in which the offence shall have been committed, being com-
missioners of the peace, or any other two commissioners of the peace
for that district; is and are hereby authorized^ upon information
laid before them, tp take cognizance of, and hear in a summary man-
ner, all offences committed against the intent and meaning of this
ordinance to inflict the penalties, and levy the fines, by warrant under
his or their hands and seals, and all monies arising therefrom, tp be
by him or them transmitted to the receiver-general of the province,
and applied, as other public monies, to his majesty's use; subject
nevertheless in cases where the penalty is of, or exceeds ten pounds,
and where the party offending is to be imprisoned for more than one
month, or to be expelled the militia, to an appeal before the governor
or in his absence, the lieutenant-governor, or commander in chief, for
the time being, and any five members of his majesty's council (the
commissioners of the peace who shall have heard the same and given
judgment therein only excepted) who are hereby appointed a court
of appeals for that purposes, and authorized to hear and finally to de-
termine the same.
Art. XI.
Persons exempted The members of his Majesty's council, judges, and other officers
M°mia!rltc5 B of civil government, the seigniors, stiled here seigneurs primitifs,
the noblesse, so acknowledged under the antient government of the
country, half pay or reduced officers, clergy, students of the semi-
naries of Quebec and Montreal, and persons employed in offices of
public utility, are exempted from serving in the militia or furnishing
Appeal ^n certain
cases to the Gover-
nor and council.
Illustrative Documents
207
Proviso.
This ordinance to
be in force for 2
years.
carriages; PROVIDED ALWAYS that nothing in this ordinance con-
tained, be construed to exempt the seigniors, or noblesse, from render-
ing such personal services as are agreeable to the antient usage, and
to which they are bound by the tenure of their lands, whenever the
governor, or in his absence, the lieutenant governor, or commander in
chief, for the time being, shall judge to call upon them for the same.
This ordinance to be in force for two years, and to the end of the
session of the legislative council of this province, which shall be held
in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine.
GUY CARLETON.
Enacted by the authority aforesaid, and passed in council under
the great seal of the province, at the council chamber in the castle of
St. Lewis, in the city of Quebec, the twenty-ninth day of March., in
the seventeenth year of the reign of our sovereign Lord George the
Third, by the grace of God of Great-Britain, France and Ireland,
King, defender of the faith, and so forth, and in the year of our
Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy -seven.
By His Excellency's Command,
J. Williams C.L.C.
(206)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, pp. 142-6.
Captain Mackay's Report.
Montreal, March 31st, 1777.
I set off from Montreal and reached St. Regis on the 22nd, where
I and Captain Fraser had a conference with the Indians; in the Coun-
cil it was proposed that a Party of Indians should go with me to
which they consented and fourteen Indians accordingly was to follow
me.
I set off from St. Regis with Messrs, Lojft*ime, jSt. Amande, La.
Ronde, Graves and fourteen Indians for the route towards Tycon-
doroga.
I Persued my Route and now the Party was increased to Thirty
being joined by some Indians.
I opened my orders the same day and thought it would be more
prudent to mention the places only we were going to as I was appre-
hensive the Indians might have communicated the General's Intentions
to some of their People who followed us for some time and then re-
turned back which the Indians were accustomed to do.
Imagining I was near to Ticonderoga I explained my orders in
full to the party and the General 's intentions and desired they would
assist me to execute the orders of the General. The Indians refused
to go in a body to examine the different posts, alledging they would
certainly be cut off.
Finding the Indians averse to going in a Body I proposed to
divide in four different parties; one to go to Ticonderoga, One to
Crown Point, one to Skenesborough, and one to Fort George. They
agreed to go to three of the Places but objected going to Skenes-
borough.
This being agreed on, consented by the Indians we seperated, one
party, Messrs. La Ronde and King with five Outawaugh Indians
with orders to go to Fort George.
Messrs. Brancoinet and la Bonte with three Indians with orders
to go to Crown Point.
My Party arrived at Lake George about nine miles from Ticon-
deroga at twelve o'clock in the day, we intended to wait until night in
order to cross over Lake George to take a view of Ticonderoga, about
20th February, 1777
24th February, 1777
26th February
March 7th, 1777
March 13th, 1777
March 18th, 1777
March 19th
208'
Illustrative Documents
three o'clock the Indians discovered some men coming towards us with
horses — I did every thing that lay in my power to prevent the Indians
from taking of them, as it would frustrate us from executing our
Father's will, but in spite of every thing I could do or say they would
not comply with my orders. I then told them when I perceived that
they would not listen to what I wished them to do, that if they
promised to go with me to Ticonderoga, I would overlook their
taking these men though they had forced me to act in this
manner contrary to our Father's instructions. When the Indians
1 went after them I desired Mr. Lorime to see that they did not
(use) any cruelties towards them. So soon as the Indians had
taken those men they wanted to return home without executing
any thing further. During this transaction we discovered a Party
coming down Lake George — Being frustrated in accomplishing the
General's intentions by the perverseness of the Indians we followed
this party to Sabbath Day Point and took the Captain with seventeen
men — The Lieutenant and four others being killed by the Indians not-
withstanding their solemn promise to me before the attack that they
would not hurt any of them, and one other made his escape supposed
to be badly wounded. The Indians plundered the prisoners of their
cloathing which I purchased of them again in part to cover the Pris-
oners from the cold.
March 20th, 1777 In the morning we left the Lake in order to return and to repair
to the Place or rendezvous for the different Partys I appointed.
March 2ist, 1777 Finding Samuel Adams, a Royalist who lives on the Landing place
at Lake George not in a condition to follow us, after getting from
him every information I suffered him to return being afraid that by
his not being able to march the Indians might kill him.
I told Adams that the only thing that could justify me in releasing
him was that he should promise to be very particular in his attention
to observe the Motions of the (Rebels) and to obtain all the infor-
mation in his power relating to their numbers, &c, and that he was
to embrace the first opportunity to convey it to the Generals in
Canada.
March 22d, 1777 We arrived at the place of rendezvous where we met Mr. La Ronde
and his party with two prisoners they had taken between Fort
George and Fort Anne. — Mr. La Ronde examined the situation of
Fort George and the works about it and gives pretty nearly the same
account as Samuel Adams.
I have examined none of the Prisoners that we brought nor has
any of the Party.
30th We arrived at Montreal with a Captain and twenty-one men -Pris-
oners.
I must observe that the Indians in prosecuting our route to
Tyconderoga very much retarded us by idling away their time and
in not following my orders of march, as a convincing proof of it I
must take notice that we performed the same journey in ten days in
returning which had taken us Twenty three days in going.
I was informed by Messrs. Lorime and St. Amande that it was
firmly the intention of the young men among the Indians to strike a
blow upon the Rebels so soon as I had reconnoitred the Post but
falling in with these parties first they could not be restrained from
executing/it/before any thing could be done in relation to the object
for which the expedition set out other than from Intelligence.
Montreal, March 31st, 1777.
Saml. Mackay.
Endorsed: — Captain MacKay's Report.
In Sir Guy Carleton's
No. 19, of 20th May, 1777.
Illustrative Documents 209
(207)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 448.
Quartier General Quebec
28 Avril 1777.
Monsieur,
Son Excellence le General a rec.u vos deux lettres du 19 et 21 de ce mois, et il me
charge de vous repondre qu'il consent a la proposition que yo'is lui faites a 1'egard
des Canots que vous voulez envoyer sur la Riviere des Trois Rivieres, et le Passeport
necessaire se trouve ci-Inclus.
Le General vient de nommer M. votre fils Enseigne dans une Compagnie Canadienne
qui vont se former, Ainsi il peut recevoir peutetre des ordres de Son Capitaine pour
s'y rehdre, avant que les affaires sur lesquelles vous voulez 1'employer puissent s'achev-
er; pour cette raison son nom n'est pas insere dans le Rapport; en meme terns son
Excellence vous permet toujours de 1'y ajouter, ou celui d'un autre si vous le jugerez
plus convenable, et un blanc est laissee pour cet effet.
Son Excellence vous laisse maitre de faire ce que vous jugerez a propos a Tegard
du Capitaine Badeaux dont elle a vu la requete que vous m'avez envoyee.
Je suis &c.
M. Tonencour.
(Translation.)
Headquarters, Quebec, 28th April, 1777.
Sir,
His Excellency the General has received your two letters of the 19th and 21st
inst., and he directs me to inform you that he approves of the proposal which you
have made with respect to the canoes which you wish to send up the river of Three
Rivers, and the necessary passport is enclosed herewith.
The General has appointed your son an Ensign in a Canadian company which is
being organized thus he may perhaps receive orders from his Captain to report, before
the business in which you wish to employ him can be finished ; for this reason his name
is not included in the report; at the same time His Excellency will permit you to add
it thereto or that of another if you judge it more convenient, and a blank is left for
that purpose.
His Excellency will permit you to do whatever you think proper with respect
to Captain Badeaux whose request which you have sent me, he has seen.
I am, etc.,
M. Tonencour.
(208)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, pp. 173-4.
List of Ships and Boats for Service of Lake Champlain in the year 1777.
Under the command of Major Williams, Commanding the British and Hessian
Artillery in Canada.
Thunderer, Heavy 24 Prs. . . . 14
8 inch Howitzers 4
2 Boats Ditto. 2
2 ditto. Light 24 Prs 2
2 ditto. Medium 12 Prs 2
1 ditto. Light do. 1
13 ditto. Light 6 Prs 13
Under the Command of Capt. Lutwidge.
Inflexible. Heavy 12 Prs 20
Maria. 6 Prs . 14
Carleton. 6 Prs 12
Royal Convert. 12 Prs 7
New Ship. 12 Prs '. 20
Washington. 6 Prs 18
Lee. 6 Prs 8
Jersey. 6 Prs ; 5
N.B. — Each Gun Boat carries one Hundred Rounds of Fixt. Ammunition and the
other Vessels carry sixty Rounds Pr. Gun; 20 Fixt. and 40 Round Shott unfixed.
210 Illustrative Documents
(209)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, pp. 96-8.
(No. 18.)
Quebec, 9th May, J777.
My Lord,
I received by Captain Le Maitre, who arrived here with General Burgoyne 'on the
Apollo the 6th instant, your Lordship's several Dispatches from No. 3 to No. 7 in-
clusive. Your separate Letter of 26th March last and the others from No. 9 to No.
16, inclusive with the annexed Papers.
Inclosed herewith I now transmit to Your Lordship the Ordinances that have
passed in the Session of His Majesty's Council held here this last Winter; these
Ordinances have been framed upon the Principle of securing the Dependence of this
Province upon Great Britain, of suppressing the Spirit of Licentiousness and Inde-
pendence that has invaded all the British Colonies upon this Continent and was
making, through the Endeavours of a Turbulent Faction here, a most amazing Pro-
gress in this Country; and in the Hopes of rendering Canada of use to Great Britain
by its Military Strength as well as by its Commerce.
There is no doubt but the Canadians may again be reduced to that state of Defer-
ence and Obedience which they formerly paid their ancient government, tho' it neces-
sarily must be the work of some time ; until it is finally accomplished it will require a
Military Force to support the Civil Authority; the Nobless, Clergy and the greater
part of the Bourgeoisie in the course of the present Troubles have given Govern-
ment every Assistance in their Power and will greatly help in restoring a proper
subordination, without which all Regulations are vain; but this depends still more
upon your Lordship's Office and the King's confidential Servants as all the efforts of
a Provincial Administration for many years must come to nothing.
Some of the British Traders here, having taken up the Idea of a Chamber of
Commerce in place of Juries, a Plan was accordingly drawn up, which is herewith en-
closed; the Militia Ordinance is to continue only for two years by way of Trial and
as an Essay towards training the Canadians to Obedience by Degrees, until we have
time to perfect a more solid and permanent system if our present Tranquility con-
tinues uninterrupted, we shall be able next session, I hope, to make further Progress
in the settlement of this extensive Province.
With these Ordinances your Lordship will receive a Proclamation, prohibiting
the Exportation of cattle and livestock for this year and of Corn, Flour and Biscuit
untill our Victuallers arrive, and we can hear how His Majesty's Forces to the South-
ward under the Command of Sir William Howe are supplied.
We have no Parchment in the Province or the Ordinances should have been
transcribed thereon.
I am, &c. ^
; "Guy Carleton.
P.S. Your Lordship will receive a list of the principal Leaders of Sedition here.
We have still too many remaining amongst us that have the same Inclination, tho'
they at present act with more caution and so much subtilty as to avoid the Punishment
they justly deserve.
G. C.
Lord George Germain,
One of His Majesty's
Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed .-—Quebec, 9th May, 1777.
Sir Guy Carleton.
(No. 18.)
R/ 2d July By D. Burchell.
(210)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, pp. 105-6.
List of the Principal Persons settled in the Province, who very zealously
served the Rebels in the Winter, 1775 and 1776, and fled upon their leaving it, the
Place they were settled at and the country they are natives by the Initial Letter of
jt? as England, Scotland. Ireland, America, & France.
Illustrative Documents
211
Hector McNeil.
John and Aclan Bondfield.
Udney Hay.
John Welles.
Jon. White Swift.
J. D. Mercier.
Jonas Clark Minot.
John Halstead.
Freeman.
Holton.
Pelissier.
Thomas Walker.
Price.
Heywood.
Edward Antill.
Moses Hazen.
Joseph Bindon.
Wm. Macarty.
Joseph Fory & two Brothers.
David Salisbury Franks.
- Livingston & two Brothers.
John Blake.
Blakely.
At Quebec.
I. has long been settled and married twice in
America.
E. John appd. a Corny of Provisions by the Con-
gress; the other supposed to be an Asst.
Acted as D.Q.M. Genl with Rank of Major.
A sort of Secy to Wooster.
S.
E.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
F.'
E.
A.
A corny of Provns.
Do at Three Rivers.
Conductor of Art. at Trois Rivieres
At Montreal.
Lived many years at Boston.
Great Zealots originally
Barbers.
A. Lt.-Col. and Engineer.
A. half Pay Lieut of the 44th. Col. of the Rebel
Army.
E.
A.
Ans.
A.
Ans. the eldest Lt.-Col., second, Major, and young-
est Captain.
A. carried Goods down to the Colonies in Winter
& did not return; the first known to be a
rank Rebel.
Quebec, 9th May, 1777.
G. C.
(211)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, pp. 191 and 203.
No. 5 Copy of a circular letter to Colonels of Militia and Canadian Commissaries
of Transport directing them to comply with such requisitions as should be made from
Lieutenant General Burgoyne.
Quartier General a Quebec,
12e Mai, 1777.
Circulaire.
Monsieur,
Le Roi ayant commande qu'un detachment de 1'Armee en Canada soit em-
ploye sur une expedition sous les Ordres du Lieutenant General Burgoyne, Je suis
ordonne a vous signifier le plaisir du commandant en cheff que vous obeissiez a toutes
les requisitions qui pourront vous etre faites de la part du dit Lieutenant General
Burgoyne, soit en corvee ou autres choses dependante de votre departement, com-
muniquant neamnoins a son excellence tout ce que regarde en particulier la milice.
'Je suis, &c., &c.
E. Foy.
Endorsed: — No. 5.
In Sir G. Carleton's Ire
of 26 June, 1777.
A. M. de Tonencour et M. St. George Dupr«.
(Translation)
Headquarters, Quebec, 12th May, 1777.
Circular.
Sir,
The King having commanded that a detachment of the army in Canada shall be
employed in an expedition under the orders of Lieut.-General Burgoyne, I am ordered
to make known to you the pleasure of the Commander in Chief that you should obey
212 Illustrative Documents
all requisitions made upon you on behalf of the said Lieut.-General Burgoyne, whether
as a corvee or other things depending on your Department, communicating neverthe-
less to His Excellency every matter which particularly concerns the militia.
I am, etc.,
E. Foy.
M. de Tonencour,
M. St. George Dupre.
(212)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 473.
Headquarters, Quebec,
12th May, 1777.
Sir,
I have received your letter of the 7th and others of the 8th Instant.
The Cloaths which Captn MacKay mentions as proper to be gotten for the Can-
adians, are not to be had ; in the time of the French they received a blanket, shirt, pair
of shoes and pair of leggins which I apprehend they must be contented with now; as
they do not chuse the cloathing intended for them, which the company of this district,,
under Captn Boucherville, seem very well pleased with; however I should have no ob-
jection to allow them such as Mr. MacKay proposes, if it could be procured. It will
be proper to give them the articles of Blankets, Kettles, firewood, &c. in like manner
as the Troops; and endeavours must be made to get the Tents they require made for
them at Montreal.
I am etc.
To Major General Phillips.
(213)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 481.
Quartier General
Quebec
13 Mai 1777.
Monsieur,
Son Excellence le General ayant forme des compagnies Canadiennes pour servir
avec Parmee je suis commande a vous faire savoir que vous pouvez livrer, selon les
ordres du General Burgoyne ou du General Phillips tout ce qui convienne aux dittes
compagnies des effets du Roi a leur usage dont vous etes charges.
Je suis &c.
M. Fore tier.
(Translation.)
Headquarters, Quebec, 13th May, 1777.
Sir,
His Excellency the General having organized Canadian Companies to serve with
the army, I am commanded to inform you that you may issue in pursuance of orders by
General Burgoyne or General Phillips any public stores for which you are responsible
that may be required for the use of the said companies.
.1 am, etc.,
M. Foretier.
(214)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
* Series B, Vol. 39, p. 480.
Headquarters, Quebec,
13th May, 1777.
Sir,
I am commanded to acquaint you that orders are sent to Mr. Foretier to deliver
such of the effects for the use of the Canadians in his charge, as you or General
Burgoyne shall command and His Excellency, as you have concerned yourself in this
business, wishes that you would conclude it.
Illustrative Documents 213
Boucherville's Company makes no objection to the cloathing which is in store, and
the General supposes the others might easily be made contented with the same, which,
as it would be convenient, such as Mr. Mac Kay demands not being to be had, His
Excellency seems most to wish to give them, at the same time that he is perfectly ready
to approve any other equipment that can be procured, and you or General Burgoyne
should think more eligible.
I am, &c.
To Major General Phillips.
(215)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 499.
Quartier General
a Quebec
Monsieur, 19 Mai 1777'
Son Excellence le General me commande de vous faire savoir que devez incessam-
ment vous mettre avec votre compagnie en marche pour vous rendre a Montreal au
plutot qu'il se pourra sans fatigue votre monde.
Vous ferez avertir le Capitaine MacKay des que vous arriverez pres de Montreal
et vous suivrez les ordres qu'il pourra vous communiquer. -
Mr Honore Genier est nomme aide Major pour les trois compagnies Canadiennes.
Je suis &c.
Capitaine Boucherville et
Capitaine Monin.
(Translation.)
Headquarters, Quebec, 19th May, 1777. '
Sir,
His Excellency the General directs me to inform you that you are to march with
your company to Montreal as speedily as can be done without fatiguing your men.
You will notify Captain MacKay when you arrive near Montreal and you will
obey the orders which he may communicate to you.
Mr. Honore Genier is appointed Adjutant for the three Canadian Companies.
I am, etc.,
Captain Boucherville,
Captain Monin.
(216)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, p. 108.
My Lord, QuebeC M*y 14: 1777'
I cannot speak with so so much confidence of the military assistance I am to look
for from the Canadians. The only Corps yet instituted, or that I am informed can at
present be instituted, are three independent Companies of an hundred men each,
officered by Seigneurs of the country who are well chosen, but they have not been able
to engage many volunteers. The men are chiefly drafted from the Militia according
to a late regulation of the Legislative Council. Those which I have yet seen afford no
promise of use in arms — awkward, ignorant, disinclined to the service, spiritless.
Various reasons are assigned for this change in the disposition of the natives since
the time of the French government. It may partly be owing to a disuse of arms, but
I believe principally to the unpopularity of the Seigneurs, & to the poison which the
Emissaries of the rebels have thrown into their minds. Should I find the new com-
panies up the country better composed or that the well affected parishes can be pre-
vailed upon to turn out volunteers, tho' but for a short occasion as they did last year,
I shall move Sir Guy to exert further measures to augment my numbers.
J. Burgoyne.
His Exy Lord George Germaine
Principal Secretary of State &c., &c., &c.
Endorsed :— Quebec 14th May 1777
Genl. Burgoyne
Rd. 3rd July 77
214 Illustrative Documents
(217)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, p. 211.
Headquarters Quebec
19th May 1777.
'Sir,
I am commanded to acquaint you that the companies of Monin and Boucherville are
ordered to march with all possible expedition to Montreal there to receive further
orders from you who are to follow such directions and commands respecting the three
Canadian companies as shall be given you by Lieutenant General Burgoyne.
Mr. Honore Genier is appointed Adjutant to the three companies of Canadians.
I am Sir
&c &c.
(Signed) E. F.
Captain MacKay.
Endorsed :— No. 11. In Sir G. Carleton's Ire of 26 June 1777.
. (218)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 13, p. 111.
Quebec, 20th May, 1777.
My Lord, — Had your Lordship's dispatch of the 22nd August arrived in due time,
it might have relieved me from many doubts; I thereby should have learned your
wishes were not for my remaining on this side Lake Champlain the remainder of
the year, as I at times apprehended. My, fears did not arise from your silence on
that head, this I imputed to an opinion, pretty general, that any officer entrusted with
supreme command, ought, upon the spot, to see what was most expedient to be done,
better than a great general at three thousand miles' distance; but considering your
Lordship well knew how impossible it was for me to make the least preparations,
during the winter; and that agreeable to my desire, your Lordship had been frequently
importuned for boats, prepared timber, with other materials necessary for suddenly put-
ting together and equipping a marine force, for the lake service, and its immediate
passage; and seeing all those solicitations disregarded by your Lordship; that all the
artificers, sent out for this great work', dropped in, few at a time, and mostly late in
the season, as if destined only to prepare matters for the following year, I naturally
concluded, either that your Lordship had taken your measures with such great wis-
dom, that the rebels must immediately be compelled to lay ' down their arms, and
implore the King's mercy without our assistance, or that you had suspicions the forces
here might become necessary for the defence of the Province, and that your Lordship
might not wish I should have the power, least, with an indiscreet ardour, I should
push on so as not to be able to return, as might become necessary, for the defence of
Canada.
At times I flattered myself our progress had outstript all your hopes, that you
judged the aids I had demanded for a marine, could not possibly be employed in '76,
and that before '77 all must be over.
These doubts might have been removed by your Lordship's letter No. 5, wherein
you tell me you hope soon to hear I have driven the rebels across the lakes, and taken
possession of those posts upon the frontiers which may effectually secure this Province
from any future insult; but the order for detaching that, part of the force which
might be spare4 from the immediate defence of this Province, to carry on such
operations as should be most conducive to the success of the army acting on the side
of New York, the officer commanding to correspond with, and put himself under the
orders of General Howe, this would have embarrassed me exceedingly.
Your Lordship's letter was dated 22nd of August I might have received it early
in November.
To set out upon such operations, in that season of the year, and in this climate,
under the circumstances that then existed, that detached corps, my Lord, must have
perished by hunger or cold, or been cut off by the insurgents, before it could have joined
General Howe's army; I say this fully persuaded they would have done everything
that ought to be expected from good troops, led by an able officer.
Illustrative Documents 215
A little reflection on the nature of this climate, will, I hope convince your Lord-
ship. Troops cannot encamp in that advanced season, withont perishing from the
cold alone;- the inhabited country at a great distance;- and should the troops when
there, avail themselves of the thinly scattered houses, for protection from the
weather, they must have been dispersed so, that not one quarter only, but all might
have been cut off, before they could have reassembled for their mutual defence.
Your Lordship perceives I here make no difficulties, even in that country, about
transporting of baggage, military stores, provisions and such matters as are not at-
tended to by persons little used to the movements of armies, tho' objects of great im-
portance with officers of service; nor do I suppose an enemy in their way till they ar-
rive in the rebel country, but if an enemy had been found strongly posted, as at Ti-
conderoga, this with the frost must have multiplied the difficulties, so that I regard it
as a particular blessing, that your Lordship's dispatch did not arrive in due time.
Your letter of the 26th March recapitulates these orders, and imputes to my re-
passing Lake Champlain, that the rebels were enabled, with some degree of success, to
break into the winter quarters of Sir William Howe's army.
If your Lordship means the affair of Trenton, a little military reasoning might
prove the rebels required no reinforcement, from any part, to cut off that corps, if
unconnected and alone; the force they employed on that occasion clearly demonstra-
ted this. Without my troubling your Lordship with any reasoning upon the matter,
a little attention to the strength of General Howe's army, will, I hope convince you
that, connected and in a situation to support each other, they might have defended
themselves, tho' all the rebels from Ticonderoga had reinforced Mr. Washington's
army.
After this severe charge, your Lordship proceeds to tell me, that on these ac-
counts, and in order to quell the rebellion speedily, Lieutenant-General Burgoyne is to
have the command of almost this whole army, to attack Tycemderoga, which you con-
sider as one of those posts necessary to possess upon the frontier, in order to secure
this Province from future insults; and I am ordered to remain behind at a time your
Lordship must know all business of legislation is over till January, and where there is
a Lieutentant-Governor, whose experience, abilities, and attachment to the King's
service entitle him to no small confidence.
All this is stated in such a manner and so strongly pointed at me by your Lord-
ship, that I shall add a little to convince you, from a parallel instance, more was done
last year, on this side, than you had reason to expect, as I already have, I hope, that
more was done, than I reason to imagine, till very lately, your Lordship really wished.
Permit me to remind your Lordship of the campaign fifty-nine when General
Wolfe was sent with a small army to reduce Quebec. You cannot be a stranger to
the difficulties he had to contend with ;- a considerable body of regular Troops to op-
pose him, many Indians, a multitude of excellent and obedient Militia, the whole com-
manded by an officer of reputation add to all this a climate so severe that unless the
place was taken before the cold weather set in, the whole armament must retire, and
all begin anew the following campaign.
General Amherst could not but know all this, and your Lordship must allow, sel-
dom are stronger motives to induce, a co-operating General to exert his utmost en-
deavours, than General Amherst had, upon that occasion to urge him to make every
effort, in order to draw off part of those great numbers which opposed Mr. Wolfe, and
no doubt he did everything in his power.
General Amherst had a very superior army, his situation furnished him with as
many artificers, labourers, and materials for building a marine on Lake Champlain as
he could wish, with every other assistance that the hearty concurrence of all the
English colonies could supply.
He was at liberty to arrange his own Plan, and make his own preparations ; amidst
all those advantages, from the preceding autumn, to say nothing of those already pre-
pared by his predecessor, General Amherst was free to begin his march, as early in
the spring as he thought proper; — met with no enemy to impede his progress, and
tho' his arrival on the Canada side in due time, might have been of the most essential
use to Mr. Wolfe's army, and the King's service, yet Mr. Amherst did not pass this
same Lake Champlain, that critical campaign, tho' the French had but a small Marine
Force upon the Lake, and a small Land Force at the Isle-au-Noix ; notwithstanding
which General Amherst received no censure from the then Minister, who was not, I
believe, over indulgent to officers who neglected opportunities to exert themselves for
the King's service ; nor was an opinion encouraged that the misfortunes, which hap-
pened in this neighbourhood the following spring, were occasioned by General Amherst,
216 Illustrative Documents
because he retired into quarters in November, in place of continuing his operations
during the winter; and your Lordship should know such measures are no less imprac-
ticable on this side the Lake than on the other.
But I, pent up in this town till May, in a Province most disaffected, and overrun
by rebels; — when troops arrived a numerous enemy to expel, who, in their retreat
burned and destroyed all that might be of use; — arrived at the end of those navi-
gable waters, not a boat, not a stick to employ; neither materials nor workmen, stores
nor covering; trees and axmen, all must be sought for amidst confusion, and the
distracted state of an exhausted Province.
In spight of every obstruction a greater marine was built and equipt; a greater
marine force was defeated than had ever appeared on that Lake before; two Brigades
were taken across, and remained at Crown Point till the 2nd of November, for the
sole purpose of drawing off the attention of the Rebels from Mr. Howe, and to facili-
tate his victories the remainder of the campaign. Nature had then put an end to ours.
His winter quarters, I confess, I never thought of covering; it was supposed tis true,
that was the army favoured by your Lordship, and in which you put your trust, yet I
never could imagine, while an army to the southward found it necessary to finish their
campaign, and to go into winter-quarters, Your Lordship could possibly expect
Troops so far North should continue their operations, least Mr. Howe should be dis-
turbed during the winter, if that great army near the sea coast, had their quarters
insulted, what could Your Lordship expect would be the fate of a small corps,
detached into the heart of the rebel country in that season. For these things I am so
severely censured by your Lordship, and this first reason assigned why the command
of the Troops is taken from me, and given to Lieutenant General Burgoyne, to attack
those Posts upon the Frontier, essentially necessary for the security of this Province.
He shall have every assistance in my power, and my most ardent wishes for the
prosperity of the King's Arms; 'tis no man's power to slacken this; the Troops and
Armament, destined for this expedition, had immediate orders to receive and follow
his directions, that he may combine their movements as he thinks proper; the same, so
far as concerns Lt.-Col. St. Leger's Expedition, the Hanau Chasseurs excepted; I have
no such corps in this army, nor any information concerning it in your, dispatch, but it
is set down as part of the corps I am to put under his command. At first I thought it
might be a mistake, and that the Brunswick Chasseurs were meant. Lt. General
Burgoyne says not; that these are to go with him, and that he thinks the Hanau
Chasseurs are on their way hither.
All the Indians in the neighbourhood of Niagara and Lake Ontario have orders to
joyn Lt. Col. St. Leger; those in the lower part of the Province, and those ordered last
year from Michilimackinac are to attend Lt. General Burgoyne. Three hundred Can-
adian Militia are also to make the campaign, to be disposed of by Lieutenant General
Burgoyne,- the same I had ordered, while I flattered myself I should have the conduct
of the war on the Frontiers of this Province, which Canadians with those necessary for1
scouring the woods towards the New England Provinces, and a great number which
must be employed for the forwarding all things for those Expeditions, is, I think, in
the first dawning of good order and obedience, as much as ought, in prudence, to be
demanded from this unfortunate Province, more worthy of compassion than blame.
The marine has been greatly improved and augmented, which the impatience of
last year's service would not permit. Those on Lake Champlain have been put under
Lieutenant General Burgoyne's command, and the greater part of those on Lake On-
tario-will attend Lt. Col. St. Leger.
Your Lordship's letter No. 14 contains orders for Captain Hamilton, Lt. Gov'r.
of Detroit, in consequence of his correspodence directly with your office; these have
likewise been forwarded.
Herewith is enclosed an account of all the intelligence worthy your notice. I
am only to observe thereon, that the best accounts are mixed with lies, and this fre-
quently from deceit, as well as ignorance.
I am with all due respect,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient and most humble Serv't,
Guy Carleton.
Lord George Germain.
Illustrative Documents 217
(219)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, pp. 156-9.
(No. 20.) Quebec, 22d May, 1777.
My Lord,
I take the Liberty of observing to your Lordship that among the Troops destined
for the Defence of Canada, the Detachments from the Brunswick and British Regi-
ments amounting to 950 men are the sick, infirm, and such as the Regiments usually
disburthen themselves of on like occasions, that the additional companies computed
at 616, are to recruit the Army and their Officers to return Home before the Winter.
The Battalion which has the Guard of the upper Posts drafted of 100 Chosen Men,
the three old Battalions in the lower part of Canada, deprived of their Grenadiers and
light Infantry and one of them sends a 100 of their best Men besides; Maclean's alone
remains untouched.
I think it necessary to remind you of the feeble State Canada will again be left
in Hopes your Lordship will recommend the Protection of this Province to General
Howe should it once more be threatened by Dangers superior to its real Strength,
not but that my own intentions were to have left still fewer Troops behind, had I, as
heretofore, been intrusted with discretionary Powers, but in this case tho' I should
have gone to Ticonderoga, I should have had my Eye constantly on Canada,, and been
ready to throw back such Troops, as Events might render necessary, but this now
depends on General Howe as formerly on General Gage.
Your Lordship is pleased to compliment me on my Influence with the Canadians
and Indians, which you are pleased to think may facilitate the King's Service, and help
to confirm them in a proper sense of their Duty. My best Endeavours shall be exerted
for that Purpose, perhaps too, no Detriment may accrue from any Opinion or Pre-
judice in this Country to my Disadvantage; But late experience alone should have
convinced me, had I been unconvinced before, how little this might be depended upon,
besides since those Proofs, certain Reports have been imported, and in the first ships
last year, greatly tending to lessen this Influence. Your Lordship was announced Min-
ister and Distributor of all Favors, it was then rumoured your Lordship's Intentions
were to remove me from this command the first opportunity in the mean time that
you would render it as Irksome as possible by every kind of slight, Disregard and
Censure, Occasion and Events might render plausible; The Removal I thought pro-
bable, but expected it would come with candour to myself and safety to Crown, and in
this shape it might have taken place without public Evil or private Regret, but the
latter system strikes not at me, for I am nothing but immediately at the King's
Government; I hope your Lordship will do me the Justice to believe that constitution-
ally I am not inclined to think it possible that your private Enmity or any other
Motive whatever; A Secretary of State should avail himself of the Trust, Confidence,
and Power of His Office to insult the Authority of the King, His Master, in a distant
Province^ not yet quite secure,nor free from the Danger of being severed from the
Crown forever, and I may venture to assert that the late Dangers were occasioned
merely by Faction which taught Disregard and Disobedience to the Orders of the
King's Government in this Province, before they flattered themselves with such
powerful Protection.
Incredible as such reports ought to appear to all the World, they gained Ground
and the Revivers of these little Cabals, for the former had been quite dispersed and
trampled under Foot, being supposed to be under your immediate Protection or that
of your Lordshfp's Confidential Circle, greatly strengthened this strange Notion, so
that with subsequent Events and fresh Reports which commonly are the Echoes of
what is spread abroad at Home, it is now pretty generally believed the surest way to
obtain Favor from your Lordship and support from your selected Friends is to promote
this Opposition here, and forward them materials for the same Business at Home.
I thought it right to mention those things to your Lordship that you might pre-
cisely know what Dependence ought to be placed on the Troops left under my com-
218 Illustrative Documents
mand, or my Influence over the People that your Lordship may more accurately Judge
how far the Province is or is not secure, should fresh occurrences arise which" may
again endanger the same.
I am &c.
Guy Carleton.
Lord George Germain,
One of His Majesty's
Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed :— Quebec, 22d May, 1777.
(No. 20)
R/ 2d July By Lt. Birchall.
(220)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, p. 212.
(Copy)
Montreal May 26th 1777:
Sir,
(Mackay's Company of Canadians lost twenty men by desertion, & Monin's ten
the same night. The men being batchelors & without property in their parishes, the
penalties of furnishing doubly to the King's Convoys does not affect them, nor in
general are they capable of paying fines. The only punishment therefore to which
deserters are exposed by the present Ordinance is being turned out of the Militia. It is
for your Excellency's judgment to decree some further remedy for this evil, or I fear
the next return will be one general Column of non-effectives..)
(When the plan of my expedition was framed, the ideas, of Government respect-
ing armed Canadians went to six times the number of those Companies were they
compleat & permenent. Without that dependence I have reason to believe the propor-
tion of regulars would have been larger. To remedy in some measure this deficiency
I have to propose to your Excellency a Corvee of a thousand men to attend the expe-
dition for a limitted time for the purpose of labour and transport. The troops will
be saved thereby from the herrassing duties which at the outset of a Campaign your
Excellency well knows are productive of disease, and the ranks will be properly full
for their service in arms.
It also appears to me that Seven or eight hundred horses may become indispen-
sably necessary for my progress, and I have good assurances that the transport of
them to Crown point by land is very practicable. So large a number may not be
requisite for operations against Ticonderoga, but I submit to you. Sir, the expediency
of having the arrangement so prepared that they may be ready upon a short call. It
is with great deference to your Excellency's knowledge of the Country that I mention
any particular mode of furnishing these supplies ; but I conceive there would be no
difficulty of obtaining the horses if your Excellency thought proper to Stipulate a
reasonable price for the hire per week with one man to two horses for the care and
driving of them and the expence to Government would be much more moderate than
purchasing them outright. I have the same confidence that the Corvee of working
men above proposed would be palatable to the Country if you thought proper to
issue a proclamation limiting the time of their service; and wherever I might be at
the expiration of the term I should hold myself indispensably bound to fulfil your
intentions therein.
(Signed) J. Burgoyne.
Endorsed: No. 12.
In Sr. G. Carleton's of 26 June 1777.
(221)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA^ COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 13, pp. 164-5.
(NMy2Lo}rd, Quebec> 27t* M*Y, "77.
I informed your Lordship that this Army had been joined at Crown Point by
parties of the loyal Inhabitants of the adjacent Provinces, who had fled from the
Illustrative Documents • 219
persecution they were suffering in the places of their residence; during the winter
their number have increased considerably; a body of near a hundred came here under
the conduct of a Mr. Jessop of the province of New York, his brother and several
other men of some note in the neighbourhood of Albany. They have all been sent to
join Sir John Johnson's Corps but being of a different part of the country, they
desired not to be grafted into that Regiment. I have cloathed them which they were
very much in want of and armed them, and they receive pay as private men, non-
commissioned officers and officers, in proportion according to the request of their
leader. Several other similar parties have come in and been disposed of in the same
manner, and lately a body of near a hundred have come in from the province of
Ney York with one Mr. McDonald, a captain in McLean's Corps who has been in
that province all this time without having been able to get out of it before; part
of his men are for the corp he belongs to and part are Volunteers for Sir John
Johnson's.
I enclose the General returns of the Army 1st May.
Yesterday arrived here the Tartar, Man of War, with several of the last years
Victuallers and other ships from New York and Halifax under her convoy. The
Canadian Gentlemen taken at St. John's are returned by this opportunity and Colonel
McLean is likewise arrived.
I am &c.
Guy Carleton.
Lord George Germain ,
Endorsed:— Quebec, 27th May, 1777.
Sir Guy Carleton.
(No. 23.)
R/2d July By Lt. Birchall.
(222)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 13, p. 222.
Quebec 29th May, 1777.
Sir,
The Desertion you give me Notice of in your Letter of 26th instant does not
surprise me, it has been the same here, and was no more than what I expected;
if Government laid any great Stress upon assistance from the Canadians, for carrying
on the present war, it surely was not upon Information proceeding from me, Experience
might have taught them, and it did not require that to convince me, these People
had been governed with too loose a Rein for many years, and had imbibed too much
of the American spirit of Licentiousness and Independence, administered by a numerous
and turbulent Faction here, to be suddenly restored to a proper and desirable
Subordination.
Since I received my new Commission and Instructions in Consequence of the
Quebec Bill, the course of last winter was the first moment of leisure, the Distraction
of the Times afforded Us to attempt bringing Things into Order, the Militia Ordinance
is a Trial towards it, and this has not yet had Time to be put in full Force, or operate
much Reformation: to accomplish a perfect one will require more Time, Temper,
and Management, than most People are aware of, and a greater Degree of Coercion,
than our limited Powers permit us to exercise.
The Punishments allotted by the Ordinance are such as we are empowered to
inflict. I should not be averse to the making them still more severe, if this could
be done without exceeding the Limits of the Authority delegated to Us.
(In the present Situation of the Province, having a vast Number of Men employed
in the Fur Trade and Fisheries, and by Way of a Beginning only, which, I think,
never can be too gentle, while I expected to conduct the Expedition in Person, a
Draft of three hundred Militia was ordered)^ not so much from an expectation of
their performing great Services, well knowing how unwilling they were to engage
in the Affair as from a Desire to break them in by degrees; (and this is as much,
considering the Numbers destined to watch the several Inlets into the Provnce,
for the transporting Provisions, Stores, &c., as we can Hope to effect.) Ordering
more would only tend to increase their Disobedience, and our Difficulties.
(Orders are this day given for each Parish to furnish two able married Men
for each Deserter from it, which is only Expedient, I can think of at present,
220 ' Illustrative Documents
to supply the Deficiency; I shall order the Horses and Corvees, you require, if upon
mature Consideration you think it advisable), but believe you cannot depend upon
either, and am Apprehensive it would rather tend to provoke these People still more,
nor do I know by what Law they can be compelled to go beyond the Limits of the
Province, or we can punish their Disobedience, upon this Subject you may consult
Mr Grant our Attorney General, now at Montreal.
* (You may be assured however, that as far as in my Power, I shall do every
thing that depends on me, to assist you, and the Service you are going "upon-).
I am &c.
(Signed)
Guy Carleton.
Endorsed:— No. 16.
In Sr. G. Carleton's Ire
of 26. March 1777.
(223) »
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, May 29, 1777.
The last division of the 62d. Regt. marched into Point Levy on Thursday last
from the Kamouraska,, and early next morning the whole Regiment, under the com-
mand of Colonel Anstruther, proceeded up the river St. Lawrence, to join the army
at Chambly.
This Regiment, as well as the whole army, have been remarkably healthy during
the winter, and went off in high spirits.
On Monday morning last arrived here from New- York and Halifax, his Majesty's
Ship Tartar, Capt. Omuney, with several transports under her Convoy. — In the Tartar
came Col. Maclean, Col. Campbell, Capt. Dunbar, &c. and also in the other vessel
several Canadian Gentlemen and others who had been made prisoners in the year
1775, and about 250 Recruits for the different Regiments in this province.
On Tuesday evening came up the Nottingham Indiaman, a transport, one of the
above fleet, in which came passengers Sir John Johnson, his Lady and family, Messrs
Southouse, Monk, &c.
(224)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, June 5, 1777.
On Thursday His Excellency Sir Guy Carleton, attended by his Aides-de-camp,
&c., set out for St. John's, in order to expedite the departure of that part of the
army which is to cross the Lakes.
On Friday and the following days arrived in the river, the first division of
transports and victuallers from Cork, on board of which are part of the additional
companies for the British regiments in this province, as also Capt. Jones with a
company of artillery.
The same day two companies of the 34th regiment commanded by Capt. Sedgewick
set out for Nouvelle Beauce, and one company of said regiment, commanded by
Captain Churchill for the Kamouraskas.
(225)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, pp. 228-9
Montreal, 9th June, 1777.
Sir,
General Burgoyne having made a requisition for a Corvee of Canadians to
assist the Troops going upon an Expedition under his command, I beg you will
give orders that the utmost diligence be used by the Commissary for the Corvees
and all the Officers of Militia, that a body of five hundred be immediately drawn
from the district of Quebec for the Service and as soon as they can be assembled,
that they proceed without delay under proper leaders to St. Johns, giving me and
the Commanding Officer there an Account thereof I desire likewise that Mr. Baby
Illustrative Documents 221
be directed to send me immediately a state of the numbers of Militia Men contained
in the district of Quebec and from thence up to Three Rivers.
P.S. If you find it necessary to send Troops to assist in carrying into execution
the order for the Corvee, you may give orders to the whole of the 34th Regiment
or such part of it as you shall judge requisite for that purpose.
Mr. Cramahe.
(226)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, 522.
Head Quarters Montreal.
10th June, 1777.
Sir,
I am to acquaint you that the Commander in Chief has altered his intentions with
regard to the Company of the 29th regiment's moving to Deer Island, and has ordered
instead thereof, the Company of the 8th regiment which is at Oswegatchie, except
one officer and 20 men to be left there, the officer commanding of which is directed
to receive your further orders, and His Excellency thinks you should add to this
detachment the Canadians put under your command, and that they should proceed
together to the Island in question.
I am &c.
Lt.-Col. St. Leger.
(227)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, p. 244.
St. Johns 13th June 1777.
Sir,
The Canadians which are to serve on the expedition going under your command,
having been draughted from the Militia of the several parishes, upon promise of
being allowed to return to their families, by the first of November being the time
they expected the Winter to set in; and all those order'd or to be order'd upon Corvees
for different purposes of the Troops which pass the Lakes, consenting to this
Service upon the faith of being dismiss 'd by the same time I am to request that
you will allow both the one and the other to return accordingly unless any of them
shall chuse to remain with you of their own free will and Inclination
I am Sir
&c., &c.
(Signd) G. C.
Endorsed:— No. 30.
In Sr. G. Carleton's Ire
of 26 June 1777.
(228)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, p. 245.
St. Johns June 15th 1777.
Sir,
I am sorry to inform your Excellency that the four men of the Canadian
companies whose names are enclosed deserted last night with their arms provisions,
& every other Article they had.
I trouble your Excellency with the report, thinking that if one or more of these
men could apprehended, they would be very proper subjects for an example, & I
222 Illustrative Documents
should have no scruple in trying them by courtmartial, it is supposed they are gone
directly home, and I submit to your Excellency whether a party sent directly to
their parishes might not have good effect.
I have the honour to be with great respect, Sir,
Your most obedient Humble Servant
J. Burgoyne.
P.S. You will excuse my paper and pen being Just embarking.
Sir Guy Carleton, &c., &c., &c.
Endorsed:— No. 31. In Sr. G. Carleton's Ire
of 26th June 1777.
(229)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q Vol. 13, p. 246.
(C°Py) Montreal 17th June 1777.
Sir,
I have received your letter, enclosing a list of deserters from the Companies
of Canadians under your command, No time has been lost in giving orders for every
possible means to be used to apprehend them, and at whatever time they are taken
they shall be sent to you to proceed against them as you shall think proper.
I am Sir
&c., &c.
(Signed) G. C.
General Burgoyne.
Endorsed: — No. 32.
In Sr. KJ. Carleton's Ire
of 26th June 1777.
(230)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, pp. 250-1.
St. Johns, June 17, 1777.
Sir,
It is with great reluctance I write when I am obliged to give Your Excellency
so much Trouble but I am under the necessity of reporting to Your Excellency that
I have received reports from the Quarter Master General's Assistants that the
Corvees necessary for the Transport of the Army from Chambly to the Portage
and from the Portage to this place are most of them run away in such manner
that the Transport of Provisions is near stopt, and I am apprehensive unless means
be found to forward on this service that the Army under Lieutenant General Burgoyne
may shortly want provisions.
I would offer to your Excellency's consideration whether part of Brigadier
General Maclean's Corps shou'd not be ordered to the South of the River St. Lawrence
and on the parishes on both sides of the River Sorel to enforce such orders for the
necessary Corvees required as will enable this service to go on.
I had the Honour to send your Excellency an express this same day, requesting the
29th Regiment to be sent to St. Johns in brder that by detachments to St. Therese,
the communication and Corvees may be kept on for the Transport of provisions and
stores — I have been obliged to order the 62d Regiment to remain behind for some
days in hopes the 29th will soon Relieve it.
Major St. George Dupre, Commissary of the Transport of the Army by Corvees
can never be of any use remaining in Montreal; I hope your Excellency will have
the goodness to order him upon the Communication upon the Sorel and the South
of the River St. Lawrence as Vercheres, Varennes, Boucherville, Longueuil, La Prairie,
in order by his presence and by his activity, he may urge on the different Corvees,
without which I must report to be really under apprehensions for the supply of the
Troops at Crown Point.
Illustrative Documents 223
If Brigadier General Maclean was to reside a few days at Chambly, it might
perhaps be of use, by giving countenance and protection to the Officers of Militia in
the execution of their orders.
I repeat how extremely sorry I am to be obliged to write this which nothing
but the real state of the Facts should oblige me to do.
I have &c.
W. Phillips.
His Excy., Genl. Sir Guy Carleton.
(231)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, p. 254.
Montreal 18th June 1777.
Parole St. Ann & Boston.
The Royal Emigrants will detach a Company to Sorel, for the Like Services,
and Brigadier General Maclean will make a tour to the places, on that River,
and order such further part of his Regiment to take Post there, as he finds may be
necessary for the above purposes or for assisting the Officers of Militia in Executing
orders sent to them. Mr. St. George Dupre, Commissary for the Transports will pass
over to the South side of the River St. Lawrence and use his utmost Diligence to
forward these Services, and to see that the Different Corvees are supplied, demanding
the Assistance of the nearest Troops, where it may be necessary, who are to comply
with such request as he shall make.
Endorsed:— No. 36.
In Sr. G. Carleton's Ire
of 26 June 1777.
(232)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 532.
Head Quarters
Montreal
18th June 1777.
Sir,
I am to acquaint you that as you have declined taking the command that was
offered you, of a Company of Canadian Militia you are to deliver over to Capt. Rouville
the arms, accoutrements and camp equipage received from the King's store, agreeable
to the receipt given by you to Mr. Foretier, for the use of that company.
I am, &c.
To Captain Mackay.
(233)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 544.
Head Quarters
Montreal
19th June 1777.
Sir,
Captain MacKay having declined the Command of the Company of Canadians
detached with you, I have it in command to acquaint you that Captain Rouville is
appointed in his room, and you are desired to declare him in orders at his arrival.
I am, &c.
To Lt.-Col, St. Leger.
224 Illustrative Documents
(234)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, p. 284.
Camp upon the river Bouquet
near Lake Champlain June 22 — 1777.
My Lord,
It is with mortification I must add to these circumstances others of considerable
disappointment. The assistance of Canadians beyond the limits of the Province, as
[ guessed when I wrote last to your Lordship, will be little or nothing. The
Companies are mere Cyphers at present & their numbers are daily dwindling by
desertion, •& the Country yet has not afforded a single working party further than
those upon the road & upon the transport directly within the boundaries, notwith-
standing pressing encouragements, injunctions & orders have been used, I almost
despair of Sir Guy Carleton being able, tho' he endeavours it zealously, to assist
me hereafter with any such number as will count in point of dispatch for the service
of transports upon the Lake & for clearing roads of communications & other laborious,
dilatory, & indispensible works before the place
J. Burgoyne.
His Exy. Lord George Germaine, &c., &c., &c.
Endorsed: — Camp upon the River Bouquet, near Lake Champlain
June 22nd 1777.
Lieut. Genl. Burgoyne — R/3d August.
(235)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, pp. 188-90.
No. 24. v. Quebec, 26th June 1777.
My Lord,
I acquainted your Lordship in my letter No. 19 that the Troops ordered to be
detached from the Army in Canada to serve under Lieutenant General Burgoyne
and Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger has been immediately put under their respective
command. Lieutenant General Burgoyne proceeded on the service allotted to him
by your Lordship about the 17th Inst. having sent on part of his Army some time
before and the last of it left St. Johns about the 20th. Major General Phillips
serves upon this Expedition; and I have the satisfaction of being able to assure
you that all the Troops as well Foreign as National, are in high health and good
discipline.
This Army has been joined by the Indians of St. Regis, Sault St. Louis, Lake
of the two Mountains and St. Francis, and the Hurons are immediately to follow,
the whole of which Indians amount to-above five Hundred Warriors; but it is necessary
to observe that there is always an uncertainty as to the force of Indians, parties
being continually leaving them and returning as their humor leads them.
By accounts from Michilmackinac I learn that all the Western nations are
desirous of coming down, and that the difficulty is to prevent the number of them
being so great as to cause distress to His Majesty's service; one body consisting
of one hundred and twenty are just arrived, (part of those I ordered last year), they
will follow General Burgoyne as fast as possible
Having learnt by Intelligence from the frontiers of this province that considerable
numbers of loyal inhabitants were waiting for the approach of the army to furnish
them with opportunities of escaping from among their rebellious neighbours and
that they will take arms, I have made out blank commissions and delivered them to
General Burgoyne to form two corps as he shall find occation, wishing to make up
as far as I am able for his want of powers, and that in some degree he may avail
himself of a favorable disposition in those people and turn it to public utility im-
mediately, least the favourable moment should be lost in delay.
Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger has likewise begun his movement taking with
him the detachment of the 34th and the Royal Regiment of New York, which is
Illustrative Documents 225
increased to about 300 men, and a company of Canadians; He will be joined by the
detachment of the 8th and the Indians of the six nations with the Missassauges as
he proceeds, about a hundred of the Hanau Chasseurs nave since arrived and they
are on their way to join him.
That your Lordship may be more particularly informed of all these matters
and that you may see what great care has been taken to avoid all those evils which
might naturally follow to the publick from the Chief Command being given to
an inferior oificer while the King's Commission of Commander in Chief is appointed
by your Lordship to act in a subaltern office to that very command and within its
own limits I transmit the qrders which I have issued on this occation together
with copies of all letters worth your notice which have passed between Lieut-
enant General Burgoyne, Major General Phillips and me on the subject of the
arrangements they have thought proper to propose a list of which papers is herewith
enclosed.
With this opportunity your Lordship will receive duplicates of my letters, Nos.
18, 19, 20, 21, 22, & 23 and copies of such further letters of intelligence from the
upper country as I have received since those last communicated.
I am &c.
Guy Carleton.
Endorsed :^Jo. 24.
Quebec, 26 June, 1777.
Sir Guy Carleton,
Rd. 3rd August.
(40 Inclosures.)
(236)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, p. 261.
Quebec 26th June 1777.
Sir,
Mr. Jordan being under apprehensions of not being able to find the number
of men which he shall want for his horses, has applied to me to order him from the
Country, as many as will make up his deficiency; but I saw great impropriety in
commanding people for supplying a purpose for which you had made a contract, as I
do great inconveniences which must arrive from ordering Corvees one part of which
is to be paid while others are not meantime, in order to forward the service which
Mr. Jordan has undertaken, as much as I could, I have given permission to employ
any part of the corvee ordered for your army to which no particular duty had been
assigned by you, which he shall require, to assist in conducting his horses to you.
Two hundred and forty eight men, of five hundred ordered from this district,
have already set out for St. Johns, and two hundred and three are now here to
set out to day or tomorrow, and forty four have been sent to replace deserters.
I am with great regard, Sir
&c., &c.
(Signed) G. C.
Lieut. Genl. Burgoyne.
Endorsed :— No. 39— In Sr. G. Carleton's Ire of 26th June 1777.
(237)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, pp. 297-300.
(No. 25.) Quebec, 27th June 1777.
My Lord
I have lately learned that Mr. Rigauville has occasioned another Vacancy, this
Gentleman died in his Captivity; agreable therefore to the Directions of your
Lordship's Predecessor in Office and for the Reasons already Mentioned, I must
again recommend Monsieur de Longueuil and Mr. Baby; Mr. Dufy being dead, I shall
add Mr. Lanaudiere and Mr. Dechambault, Tho' I cannot but perceive a Disposition
226 Illustrative Documents
in your Lordship to overturn the late Regulations, and the Plan of Conduct which
was thought advisable for this Province and which was prepared and rendered prac-
ticable with much Trouble and some Expence, yet as your Lordship's Pleasure herein
has not been formally notified, I recommend Canadians that as far as in me lies
their Proportion in Council formerly approved of may be kept up.
Finding I can no longer be of Use to the King's Service on this Continent,
either in a civil or military capacity, under your Lordship's Administration, on the
contrary apprehending that I may occasion no small Detriment to it, for all the
marks of your Lordship's Displeasure affect not me but the King's Service and the
Tranquility of His People, I therefore natter myself tjiat I shall obtain His Royal
Permission to return Home this Fall, the more so that from your first Entrance
into Office You began to prepare the minds of all men for this event, wisely
foreseeing that under your Lordship's Administration it must certainly come to
pass and for my part I do not think it Just that the private Enmity of the King's
Servants should add to the Disturbances of His Reign, for these Reasons I shall
after my Departure you may adopt Measures tending to promote the Safety and
Tranquility of this unfortunate Province, that the Dignity of the Crown may not
appear beneath your Loirdship's Concern.
I am &c.
Guy Carleton.
Lord George . Germain,
One of His Majesty's
Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed :-No. 25. Quebec, 27th June, 1777.
Sir Guy Carleton.
Rd. 3rd Augt. 1777.
(2 Inclosures.)
(238)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 556.
Head Quarters Quebec
gir 30th June 1777.
The detachment from the Regiments gone on the Expedition have been ordered
to Montreal designedly to prevent their being dispersed about in the country, where
probably no care could be taken of them, and that such as are sick and convalescent
might reap the benefit of the Hospital, where they can be lodged and taken care of
and t'is hoped in a short time will be so recovered as to be suffitient for the duty
of Montreal, where no more need be done than the strength of men admits of.
A Captain and Subaltern of the day should visit the Hospitals and Quarters
of such convalescents as cannot attend parades, at least twice a day, and all parades
by which means all irregularities may be prevented.
His Excellency depends -upon your Regiment, for the present, to be moved as
occation may require to support the Captains of Militia, and leave the stationing of
them as may best suit that purpose, to your discretion, the post at Sorel excepted
which must remain constant.
The Commander in Chief approves of your proposition relative to the party of
Germans to be sent to PAssomption, and I dispatch an order to that effect by this
post, in which the officers commanding the party will be directed to report to you
and follow such further orders as you shall give him.
I am, &c.
To Brigadier Genl. Maclean.
(239)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 560.
Quartier General a Quebec
30 Juin 1777.
Monsieur,
Son Excellence le General ayant appris que les Habitants de la Paroisse de
1'assomption se prevaillent de 1'absence des Troupes pour faire eclater leur esprit
Illustrative Documents 227
de dessobeissance, juge a propos d'y faire marcher un detachement pour les faire
rentrer dans leur devoir.
Pour cette raison je suis commande de vous prier d'ordonner incessamment un
detachement de cent hommes des troupes Almandes, sous les ordres d'un capitaine
et d'autres officiers et bas-officiers a proportion de se rendre a PAssomption par
la voye la plus expeditif; a leur arrive Toff icier commandant fera assembler le
Capitaine et autres officiers des Milices, qu'il informera de 1 intention pour laquelle
le Commandant en cheff, 1'y a envoye, il se fera donner ensuite une liste des Habitants
mutins dont il se saisira et les enverra Prisonniers a Montreal avec un rapport au
Brigadier General Maclean, et le detachement restera dans cette paroisse, tant qu'il
y en aura besoin pour assister les Capitaines de Milices a se faire duement obeir,
et a Texecution de tous les ordres pour le service du Roi, et 1'officier commandant
obeira a tous les ordres qui pourront lui etre expedies de la part du Brigadier General
Maclean, a qui il fera regulierement son rapport.
Je suis encore commande a vous prier de me faire sckvoir lorsque ce detachement
part, en me marquant le nom de 1'officier qui le commandera.
Je suis, Monsieur, &c. f
Le Lieutenant Colonel Ehrencrook, ou 1'officier commandant le detachement des
Troupes Almandes in Canada au Trois Rivieres.
(Translation)
Headquarters, at Quebec, 30th June, 1777.
Sir,
His Excellency the General having learned that the inhabitants of the parish of
L'Assomption have taken advantage of the absence of the troops to show their spirit
of disobedience considers it advisable to march a detachment there to oblige them
to return to their duty.
For this reason I am directed to request you to order a detachment of 100 men
from the German troops under the orders of a Captain with other officers and
non-commissioned officers in due proportion to proceed to L'Assomption by the shortest
route; on their arrival the commanding officer will assemble the Captain and other
officers of the militia whom he will inform of the object for which the commander
in chief has sent him there. He will prepare afterwards a list of the disobedient
inhabitants whom he will arrest and send as prisoners to Montreal with a report to
Brig.-General Maclean, and the detachment will remain in that parish as long as it
may be necessary to assist the Captains of militia in enforcing obedience and for
the execution of all orders for the King's service, and the commanding officer will
obey all orders which may be sent on behalf of Brigadier-General Maclean, to whom
he will report regularly.
I am further commanded to request you to inform me when this detachment
leaves advising me of the name of the officer who will command it.
I am, Sir, etc.,
Lieut.-Colonel Ehrencrook, or officer commanding the detachment of German troops
in Canada at Three Rivers.
(240)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, p. 333.
(No. 29) Quebec 10th July 1777.
My Lord
With my Letter No. 18, a Copy of the Militia Ordinance was transmitted to
Your Lordship, calculated to meet the Manners of this People, and tho' defective
in some essential Points, at tfce time appeared the best, our limited Powers could
authorise Us to enact —
That in the Beginning, I might not have the Disobedience of great Numbers
to contend with, under many Disadvantages, a small Force in Arms was demanded
of the Province for this Season, and agreeable to their former Plan of Service; in
Order to reconcile them by Degrees, to what under the French Government was
deemed an indispensable duty —
Since the Arrival of Lieutenant General Burgoyne, the Demand was thought
insufficient, Encouragement has therefore been given to Voluntiers; and this Method
I took both to gratify him, and at the same time to avoid, as much as possible,
exposing the weakness of Government; St. Luc La Corne, La Naudiere, and some other
Canadian Gentlemen, assembled about one hundred and seventy, and joined the western
228 Illustrative Documents
Indians, under Major Campbell, for those from the interior Parts of the Province
had been led by Captain Fraser for the abovementioned Reason, I also preferred
his supplying himself with such Horses, as He Judged he might want, by Contract.
At his Request also, as well as in Compliance with your Lordship's Expec-
tations, a Corvee of five hundred Men, to follow his Army out of the Province, was
added from this District and I had the Pleasure to find those set off with a better
Grace than could be expected: as soon as the Transport for the Supply of his Army
is finished, that Number shall be increased, should He judge such an Augmentation
necessary, at least, I shall do all in my Power to gratify him in this and all things,
which he thinks may forward the King's Service, since the Command is lodged with
him. Nevertheless Your Lordship will be pleased to observe, that these services
are a considerable Burthen upon the People, and that after the Disuse of them
for many years, it is not surprising, they should forget the Duty, to which they
were bound by the Tenure of their Lands, and their original Government, Nor is it a
Matter of Wonder, that after so many concurring Circumstances to destroy that
Obedience, for which they formerly were remarkable, and to encourage all Kind of
Disrespect to* the King's Authority in this Province, that I should meet with
Difficulties in restoring those ancient Usages, without either Laws, Strength in
Government, or even Your Lordship's Countenance, as Minister, to assist me; The
very Resources of my own Judgment and Discretion, if such I have, Your Lordship
has deprived me of, by appointing, in your Pleasure, an Inferior Officer to the
Command of this Army on Service, and authorising him to make Demands of good
and sufficient Bodies of Men from this Province, as Your Lordship may see an
Extract of His Letter of 26th, and my Answer of 29th May, which are herewith
inclosed, when neither the State or Temper of the People rendered the Measure
advisable for the present, nor should I have Judged it necessary had I continued in
the Command, agreeable to the Instructions sent me by your Predecessor; Your
Lordship must feel the Force of what I say, and the many Difficulties this Arrange-
ment has laid me under; I speak solely on account of the King's Service; all besides
are meer Trifles, which I shall not trouble you with.
The armed Force required, small as it was, suffered great Desertion; two Men
for every Deserter, were ordered from their respective Parishes; and I asked the
Opinion of the Attorney General, Your Lordship has been pleased to send Us here, in
what Courts and by what Laws, these Deserters might be tried and punished", and
this I did not for my own, but for Your Lordship's particular satisfaction, and inclose
a Copy, that from him you may learn how the case stands, and in Order that you may
take such Measure therein, as the Interests of Great Britain require —
I asked for no Lawyer's Opinion in seventy five, and perhaps, The Public Safety
was the only Law by which my Conduct could be justified; Tis true, I had an entire
Confidence in the Judgment and Candor of the then Ministers, and to them I left
it, without waiting or troubling them for Orders, whether the time did not fully
Justify the Measures I took up; But Your Lordship must be sensible, as well as
myself, that the times are greatly changed; Common sense will no longer permit
the same Rule of Conduct, and fortunately, 'tis no longer necessary; The Province
is at present in a state of Peace and Tranquility, Your Lordship has now Leisure
to digest, and the Powers to frame proper Laws for the Militia, and those other
Services, unknown to the Laws of England, and above the Powers of our Provincial
Legislature; with this Advantage, that the Experience of later times demonstrates
to your Lordship, what is best to be done for the Interests of Great Britain, more
fully than Argument could convince Your Predecessors, before all those Evils were
so thoroughly unmasked, and the necessity of those Canadian Arrangements became
so apparent —
I am with all due respect My Lord!
Your Lordship's
Most Obedient And
Most Humble Servant
Guy Carleton.
Lord George Germain
One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State
Endorsed: — Quebec 10th July 1777
Sir Guy Carleton
(No. 29)
R/23d Augt
Entd, (3 Inclosures)
Illustrative Documents 229
(241)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 13, p. 338.
Copy of Attorney General Monk's Opinion in regard to the Canadian Militia- 8th
July 1777.
I. have this day received Your Excellency's Commands from the Lt. Govr. and
Request, of my Opinion "Whether the Act of Parliament which subjects Troops
"raised in America, when joined with British Forces: to the Rules and Articles
"of War; applies to the Case of the Canadian Companies raised lately; to serve
"the present Campaign, and whether Deserters from those Companies may not be
"tried accordingly, or if not, whether they are liable to any Punishment, and what,
"by any other Act of Parliament or Ordinance for this Province."
I am informed by the Lieut. Governor, that the Canadian Companies raised
lately, "were Companies drawn out and marched on His Majesty's Service, as part
"of the Militia for this Province : and under the several Regulations prescribed
"by an Ordinance made, by your Excellency and the Legislative Council of this
"Province; -respecting the Militia thereof: on the 29th March 1777"-
I am Sir of Opinion that the several Officers Serjeants and Militia Men,
of the Canadian Companies, mentioned by your Excellency; are only subject, and
liable to the Pains and Penalties, contained and described in the above mentioned
Ordinance, for any Neglect or Disobedience of the orders of Your Excellency, and
the several Officers Commanding such Companies; as mentioned in the said Ordin-
ance. And that any refusal, Neglect, Disobedience of Orders; or the quitting
such Service, is not within, nor can the Offenders be punished under, any Statute
of Great Britain referred to by your Excellency "which Subjects Troops raised in
"America mustered and in Pay" when joined to, and "acting in conjunction with
"His Majesty's British Forces; to the rules, penalties & punishments, described by
"the Articles of War"-
I am also of the Opinion Sir, that any Officers, Sergeants, or Militia Men being
drawn out of the different Companies, and marched from their respective Parishes,
who shall quit and desert, their Duty and Service, as Militia Men, in Conjunction
with His Majesty's Forces; before he or they may be discharged therefrom: are
liable to the Pains and Penalties mentioned in the sixth Article of the eighth
Ordinance, made by your Excellency and the Legislative Council on the 29th of
March last.
(Signed)
F. Monk Atty-Genl.
G.C.
Endorsed: -Copy.
Opinion of F. Monk Atty-Genl. of the Province of Quebec concerning
the Canadian Militia — 8th July 1777.
In Sir Guy Carleton's (No. 29) of 10th July 1777.
(3)
(242)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 13, p. 370.
Head Quarters at Skenesborough House
July llth 1777.
Private
My Lord
Your Lordship will have observed that in my publick letter I have made
little mention of the Indians, nor indeed were they of any use in the pursuit- When
plunder is in their way, which was the case at Ticonderoga, it is impossible to
drag them from it. I do all I can to Keep up their terror but in many cases I
find they are little more than a name. Under the management of their interpreters
& conductors they are indulged, for interested reasons, in all the humours of spoiled
children, they grow more unreasonable & importunate upon every new favour:
were they left to themselves, enormities too horrid to think of would ensue: guilty
230 Illustrative Documents
& innocent, women & infants would be a common prey. This is the character from
which the Indians of lower Canada, the only nations who have, yet acted, have not
departed, except in a few instances & those the first of the Campaign. I am informed
the Ottawas & other remote nations who are now within two days of joining me are
more warlike & less rapacious. They are besides under the conduct of two of the
ablest partizans of the last war — St. Luc, a Canadian Gentleman, & one Langlade,
the very man who projected & executed with these very nations the defeat of Genl.
Braddock.
J. Burgoyne
Rt. Honble Lord Geo. Germaine &c., &c-, &c.
Endorsed: — Head Quarters, Skenesborough House llth July 1777.
Lieut. Genl. Burgoyne R/23d August By Capt. Gardiner.
(243)
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS Q. 13, p. 184.
Whitehall, 25th July, 1777.
General Sir Guy Carleton.
Sir, — The very extraordinary manner in which you express yourself in your
Dispatches number 19 and 20, upon the measures which His Majesty thought proper
to adopt, with regard to the different operations in Canada, must have arisen from
your supposing that those measures had been taken up on no better authority than
my advice and suggestion.
Affairs of such importance receive the fullest consideration from His Majesty's
most confidential servants, and they are then submitted, with their humble opinion, to
the King, who ,after mature deliberation, gives such commands thereupon as His
Majesty judges most proper. The execution of such orders, when they respect
America belong to my Department; and if the manner of conveying them to the
King's Officers be improper, I stand alone responsible for it- In the instance,
however, of my last letter, respecting General Burgoyne's taking the command of
the Forces in Canada, at which you have taken so much offence, I had the King's
particular Directions for every part of it, after His Majesty had taken into consider-
ation every information which could be furnished from the Secretary's office, and
from the report of General Burgoyne; and it remained only for me to put Hi£
Majesty's ideas into the form of a dispatch; but I must add that there was not
a part of it which I did not think most wisely calculated for the public service.
Since I have had the honour of being in office, His Majesty has uniformly
declared His intentions that the two Commanders-in-Chief, which he had appointed
by Commission under the Great Seal, for different commands in America,should
not interfere with each other, but even if such had not been originally his Majesty's
purpose, yet from the time it was judged necessary to appoint only Lord and Sir
William Howe His Majesty's Commissioners for restoring Peace, it became im-
possible to vest you with the command of the Army in which Sir William Howe was
to serve. It would ill become my situation to enter into an ill-humoured altercation
with you upon various parts of your letters respecting the operations of the last
campaign. All I shall say upon the subject is, that every possible exertion was
made here to supply you with such a force as we flattered ourselves would have been
sufficient, not only for the recovery of the Province of Quebec, but to enable you
to assist Sir. Wm. Howe in his operations by sending a part of your army to
penetrate as far as Albany, The expectation of such success was not the offspring
of idle conjecture, but was founded upon the opinions of many officers who had
served in that country; and indeed, if the intelligence we have since received be
true, the Rebels intended to have abandoned their Post at Ticonderoga, had you
marched your army towards it.
Having now fully informed you of the grounds upon which my former dispatch
was formed, in justice to the motives by which my public conduct is directed, I think
it proper to assure you, that whatever reports you may have heard of my having
any personal dislike to you are without the least foundation. I have at no time
received any disobligation from you; but if I had looked upon you as my greatest
enemy, I should, in the situation you stood in, have given you every assistance in
my power which could have contributed to your honour and success; a contrary
conduct would have been repugnant to those principles upon which I shall ever act;
Illustrative Documents 231
but were I even capable cf being influenced by private pique or resentment, my duty
to the King, and the interest I must feel in suppressing this rebellion, were such
powerful motives for rejecting their dictates upon such an occasion, that you ought
to have been convinced your suspicions were ill-grounded and unjust.
^1 cannot finish this dispatch without expressing my astonishment at your sup-
position that any- consideration could prevail with me to condescend so very far
beneath my character as to encourage faction and cabal in your Government. I trust
you did not so lightly give credit to intelligence when you were to decide upon measures
relating to the public service.
I am, &c.
Geo. Germain.
(244)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 619.
Headquarters, Quebec,
22nd July 1777.
Sir,
I have it in command to acquaint you that all times when scoutts go out from
your posts, composed of Canadians and Indians, or either, that a proportionable
part of the detachment under your command be sent with them, and tnat reporv.*
of all parties that shall go out, and of what they discover or observe be sent to me (as
well as to the Commanding officer of your Regiment at the Head Quarters thereof)
for the information of the Commander in Chief; but it will not be necessary, unless
something very material happens, to send these reports by purpose messengers,
only that you take the first opportunity that offers after the return of such parties.
I am, Sir,
&c, &c.
To the Commanding officer at Nouvelle Beauce.
(245)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 39, p. 625.
Headquarters, Quebec
24th July 1777.
Sir,
I have received and laid before the General your dispatches of the last post,
And I am, in answer, commanded to acquaint you that His Excellency agrees to the
allowances, as you report them to be reasonable, for the carrying place belonging
to Mr. Longueil, but they are to be considered in the same matter as the other part
of the regulations lately consented to by the Commander in Chief, that is, only
temporary, and not fixed nor do they on any account give title to the people to
imagine them due of course; as the people are bound to perform these and all services
to the King holding their land of him upon that tenure only, on which account the
impropriety of paying all those demands, but particularly for conducting boats upon
the river must strike you, as the people gone out to serve with the army under
General Burgoyne would certainly have a preferable right to any others, and yet
this is a service which the King has a right to demand of them; and it is the
General's pleasure I observe to you that if Mr.Maurer has paid as mentioned by
you he has done very wrong and must be reprimanded for it, and directed not to
send, for the future, any boats or other things but upon application to you for the
men and assistance requisite.
I have to add, with respect to the payment of Transport by the voyage, that
it will be necessary for particular orders being issued to those persons who grant
certificates, to be attentive that the proper load which you say is 100 weight be carried.
General Phillips must be informed that as he well knows, Mr. St. George is of
the greatest use here, and cannot be dispensed with for seeing that the orders for
corvees are executed, and assisting the different Transports, the sending him up to
that army would do their own affairs more detriment than service; but the General
will endeavour to send some proper person for that business and he bids me mention
Mr. Dambourgasse to you, whom you may send if you approve of it, and he does
232 Illustrative Documents
not object to it; as to the employment you have him to exercise at Sorel, His Excellency
would rather have preferred your stoping Mr. Duport from obeying orders sent to
him in that irregular manner which the General is not able to account for, unless
Mr. Duport has been left there as one of the Assistant quarter masters, assigned
to the Troops under Lt. Genl. Burgoyne, and left there on purpose to follow with
such things as he could collect belonging to that army. At any rate His Excellency
desires that Capt. McDougal, commanding officer at Sorel, may be charged with,
and receive instructions from time to time concerning every matter of Transports or
Convoy passing up or down the Sorel.
Lieutenant Colonel St Leger may be informed that he ought to have seized,
and sent down here in irons, those Canadians whom he mentions having held such
conversations to, and occasioned the desertion of Captain Rouville's Company.-
Two men for each deserter are to be demanded, upon pain of military execution,
from the parishes to which the deserters belong, and the Captains of Militia are to
be enjoined to find the deserters themselves, and safely conduct them to where you
shall direct, in order to their being sent prisoners to the companies from which they
have deserted, there to be tried and punished.
I send you back the petition against Mr. Belletre with a request it be referred
to him for his answer thereto, in order for its being laid before the Commander
in Chief afterwards, unless Mr. Belletre shall think proper to settle the matter.
The General has a notion that some recompence has already been given to
De Praby wounded at the affair of Allen, but if you should take the trouble to ascertain
the contrary I shall lay the poor man's petition before His Excellency again.
The matter of payment for certain horses which you mention, the General
has thought proper to defer the consideration of to another time, as he seems cautious
of consenting too highly to what might produce such endless demands.
Having I think answered every particular with which you have charged me for
His Excellency's information.
I am, Sir
&c., &c.
To Brigadier General Maclean.
(246)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7. 1777.
On Friday last the first instant, died universally regretted NOEL VOYER, Esq;
aged seventy-four years, Colonel of Militia for the district of Quebec. A steady
perseverance Fidelity and Zeal for the French service had acquired him the esteem
of that government ,and his indefatigable diligence at the head of the Canadian
Militia during the siege of this place, eminently distinguished him in that of his
Britannick Majesty. Animated by his example, the Canadian Militia, which made
a great part of the garrison, bore with alacrity and steadiness the fatigues and hard
duty they underwent so assiduously and generously in the defence of this city.
On Sunday morning at ten o'clock he was interr'd with pomp in the Cathedral-
Church, the Canadian Militia being under arms; and his Excellency the Governor in
Chief, accompanied by the Officers of the troops in garrison and those of the British
Militia, honour'd the Funeral with his presence.
(247)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 14, pp. 18-9.
(No. 32.) Quebec, the llth of August, 1777.
My Lord,
Lieutenant General Burgoyne in a letter of the llth July applied to me that I
should garrison Tyconderoga by the Troops from this Province, I found myself obliged
to refuse his request in obedience to the orders your Lordship thought advisable to
send me whereby you have also taken the conduct of the war entirely out of my hands,
even within the strict limits of my commission and (where your Lordship does not
direct), you have entrusted it to Lieut. Gen. Burgoyne, to Lieut. Col. St. Leger, and
to Captain Hamilton till General Howe shall give them further Instructions.
Illustrative Documents 233
I have already taken the liberty to hint at some of the Evils the State is exposed
to by your Lordship's arrangements, and by that system of Politicks you have
hitherto followed, but all this I have only to lament, since your Lordship has deprived
me of the power even to attempt a remedy. I have the satisfaction to think that
my speedy removal may leave your Lordship free to correct — and some hopes left
that after my departure you will correct them, at least in part.
But tho' your Lordship has not left it to my discretion whether such requests
should be granted or not yet as the Secretary at War informs me in his letter of the
26th of March that the private men of the additional companies may be turned over
to their respective Corps and the Officers sent home before Winter, I avail myself
of this, and shall immediately send those of the seven Battalions under Lieut. General
Burgoyne's command to strengthen his Army.
I am &c.
Guy Carleton.
Lord George Germain.
Endorsed:— Quebec, llth Augt, 1777.
Sr. Guy Carleton.
(No. 32.)
Rd. 26th Septr. 1777.
(248)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 14, p. 215.
Camp nearly opposite to Saratoga
August 20th 1771.
My Lord
Of the horses furnished by contract in Canada not more than a third part was
yet arrived. The delay was not imputable to neglect, but to the natural accidents
attending so long and intricate a combination of land and water carriage. Fifty
teem of Oxen which had been collected in the Country through which I had marched
were added to assist the transport; but these resources together were found far
inadequate to the purposes of feeding the army, and forming a magazine at the same
time. Exceeding heavy rains augmented the impediments. It was often necessary
to employ ten or twelve Oxen upon a single batteau. And after the utmost exertions
for the fiveteen days above stated there were not above four days provisions beforehand,
nor above ten batteaux in the Hudson's River.
J. Burgoyne
His Excllency Lord George Germaine &c., &c., &c.,
Endorsed: — Camp nearly opposite to Saratoga 20th August 1777.
Lieut. Genl. Burgoyne
R/ 31st October — By Lieut. Cumming's in the Peggy Transport.
(1 Inclosure)
(249)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 14, pp. 284-5.
Instructions to Captain Samuel Greaves appointed to command all His Majesty's
Vessels upon Lakes Champlain and George.
Having thought it necessary for His Majesty's Service to appoint you to command
and superintend the armed Vessels on Lake Champlain and Lake George you will
without loss of time proceed to Tyconderoga in order to assist Brigadier Powell or
the officer commanding at that post in re-establishing such a naval force upon Lake
George as shall be judged sufficient for securing that communication from all insults
and you will see that all large vessels at present employed in transporting provisions
and stores be forthwith armed and put in such a state as to be able to resist sudden
234 Illustrative Documents
attempts of the enemy in Canoes or boats, which they may possibly have prepared
in Onion River, Otter Creek or some other of the rivers on the east side of the Lake.
And I earnestly do recommend that you cause due vigilance and discipline to
be observed throughout all the Vessels under your command and that they be par-
ticularly carefull not at any time to approach so near the shore as to be liable to
surprise from the land unless where there shall be posts sufficient for their protec-
tion. You are to use every means to make yourself as well acquainted as possible
with the navigation of the lake and the bogs and Rivers around it and to report to
me how and in what manner all the armed Vessels should be disposed of during the
Winter, And you are to obey such orders as you shall from time to time receive
from Lieutenant General Burgoyne or any other your superior Officer.
Given under my hand at St. Johns this 3d day of October, 1777.
Guy Carle ton.
(250)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 14, p. 288.
Copy of a letter from Brigadier General Powel dated Mount Independence Octor. 5th
1777.
Sir,
In regard to the Canadians upon Corvee l^ere, there were not quite one hundred
remained after the communication was shut; as I had sent one hundred and fifty of
them to join the army some days before Mr Dambourge being taken prisoner and no
body left who had charge of them, I cannot tell what number were taken prisoners,
I should imagine very few, a great many of them haying deserted by a dozen at time
and a great number were sent to Canada who were sick. There were likewise a great
many seen mounted on the 18th of September between Tyconderoga and Crown Point,
who I suppose found Batteaux on the Lake, as a great many of the horses were found
in the woods.
There are at present only ten of the Canadians upon corvee remaining here, some
of which are ill and will be sent back in a day or two.
I have not heard of the Canadians being otherwise treated ill, than by being de-
tained beyond the time they were ordered for, which has been a great detriment to the
service, as they never did half a days work afterwards. Were they always dismissed
at the time promised they would work with chearfullness and it would be a great means
of preventing desertion. And if you will be pleased to send the three hundred required
by the Engineer, and without which he says the work cannot be finished, I shall take
particular care they shall not be detained a day beyond the time fixed for their return.
This I mentioned to the Quarter Master General on his return to Canada, who promised
they should be sent immediately.
(Signed) H. Watson Ppwel
His Excellency Sis Guy Carleton. Brigadier General
G. C.
Endorsed : — Copy of a letter from Brigadier General Powel to General Sir Guy Carleton
dated Mount Independence 5th October 1777.
with Returns. In Sir G. Carleton's Ire of 24th Octor. 1777.
(6)
(251)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 14, pp. 384 and 390.
Genl. Gates' Answer. Lieut. Genl. Burgoyne proposal.
7th Article 7th Article
Agreed All Canadians and Persons belonging to
the Establishment in Canada to be per-
mitted to return there —
Illustrative Documents 235
9th Article 9th Article
This Capitulation to be finished by two The foregoing articles are to be con-
o'clock this day, and the troops march sidered only as Preliminaries for framing
from their Encampments at five and be a treaty in the course of which, others
in readiness to move towards Boston to- may arise to be considered by both Par-
morrow Morng ties, for which Purpose it is proposed
that two Officers of each Army shall meet
and report their deliberations to their
respective Generals —
(Signed)
Jno Burgoyne
Camp at Saratoga
October 15th 1777 >
Endorsed: — No 6
In Lieut. Genl.. Burgoyne's of the 20th October.
(252)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 14, pp. 270-6.
(No. 42.) Quebec, 16th October, 1777.
My Lord,
I cannot be ignorant that it belongs to your Lordship's Oifice to reprimand those
Servants of Crown, who in your Department render not as ample Services to the
State as their situation, enable them to perform. It is the Duty thereof, if I may
speak so of an Office I highly respect, It is a Duty not only to reprimand but to move
the recall of those who are found guilty of Neglect or from Want of Abilities are found
unequal to the Services the King has a right to expect, and these unhappy times
require.
It belongs also to that high Office to propose such Measures as in your judgement
shall seem best calculated for the public service. On the other Hand, it is an Indul-
gence I expected to meet standing so severely censured by your Lordship to offer
such reasons as might evidently prove the Negligence laid to my Charge by your
Lordship, my not sending a Detachment to Albany last Fall agreeable to your Lord-
ship's Expectations was " morally impossible.
I at no time complained of a Want of Troops last year, nor advanced this as a
Reason why more was not done, I thought more had been done than could have been
expected ; tis true I gave a Memorandum to Lieutenant General Burgoyne on his return
to Europe to apply for a Reinforcement of four thousand men, in order to enable
me to give him a suitable command on the Mohawk River, but I often and publickly
expressed my satisfaction of the Troops sent last Campaign. After this may I
most respectfully take the liberty to ask your Lordship and those Officers in your
confidence, how you thought those Troops were to have passed the Lakes on their
Rout to Albany in due season had there been no Enemy to dispute their Passage,
when instead of those Naval Preparations I requested the Autumn before to my
astonishment I learned that even the flat bottomed Boats on board those Transports
destined for this River were ordered to be left behind; and this after I had par-
ticularly commissioned Mr. Pringle to solicit and urge forward at home those prepara-
tions indispensably necessary for the Lakes, and at a time I could not foresee my
own Fate, nor in what Hands the King's Forces might be intrusted; but into whatever
Hands they might fall, I desired him to affirm in my Name, that if thirty thousand
men were sent into Canada the following Spring, without those Naval Prepara-
tions the Campaign must end at St. Johns.
Had I been silent on this Head Your Lordship knew there were Lakes and Waters
to pass before I could penetrate to Albany, as you expected. Your Lordship knew
the Rebels had already a considerable Force thereon, the Resources of the Americans
and their Fertility in augmenting that Force, the importance of being Master of
Lake Champlain to them and to Us; it therefore was not to be supposed by Your
Lordship nor by those Officers in your Confidence who have served in America, nor
by any Officer, that the Rebels could neglect those Measures so much within their
Power, to preserve the Command of a navigation of so great Importance, nor did
chey neglect it, nor do I see upon what* Ground even had those Naval Preparations
236 Illustrative Documents
been sent here, it could be taken for granted by your Lordship, or those Officers
I must completely, defeat the Rebels that Campaign.
Mr. Arnold in his public Letters roundly asserts it impossible I could appear on
that Lake in Force for that year, till the Indiscretion of a Prisoner informed him
of our strength, and that I was nearly ready to sail; as your Lordship has seen by
his copy of his own Letter which I sent you by Lieutenant General Burgoyne with
many others taken in the first Days Action in the ship he at first commanded.
After submitting such Proofs as appeared to me unanswerable, it rested with
your Lordship to be satisfied therewith or to move such Measures as might in your
Judgment become expedient to ' secure in future from this side Sir William Howe's
Winter Quarters, and more speedily to quell this Rebellion.
If I might presume to advance an Opinion the safest way was to remove the
Chief Governor and Commander in Chief with whom you was dissatisfied and as
your Lordship was convinced the Province and Army abounded with Persons who
knew much better the State of His Province. Men of stronger Penetration, sounder
Judgment and greater Abilities to conduct this War and whose Information and
conduct you would place intire Confidence, there remained no difficulty in finding a
Successor more to your Lordship's satisfaction. I then should have stood forth in
a private Character and the Authority of Government would not have been destroyed
by any further mark of your Displeasure; whereas leaving me with those high
Commissions and at the same time making me the Object in the most public Manner
of the strongest Disapprobation was a dangerous Lesson in these times.
Your intimate knowledge of the Practice of Men in sacrificing the Interest and
Safety of the State to Private Interest Ambition, and to every private Passion,
together with your being an intire Stranger to my particular Character afforded
you no Reason to hope I should not follow this ruinous Practice and on this side
sacrifice the public Service to private Discontent, you therefore should not have
left it in my Power.
As I at no time complained that a Force sufficient was not sent last year but
tha.t the Means of transporting that Force was held back, whereby much time was
lost, neither have I troubled your Lordship with any observations to those Com-
missions granted to Lord and General Howe, nor with my being restrained from
interfering with the latter. Whatever I might have had to say thereon, was of a
more private concern and all this you effectually stopped; But I took the liberty to
complain, most respectfully I hope, of your Arrangements, Civil and Military, and
of that system of Politicks you have hitherto followed, within this Province, and the
Frontiers thereof; of your setting the Chief Governor and Commander in Chief
aside, or to act the part of a subaltern, while you appointed an inferior Officer of
his own Army to attack those Posts upon the Frontier, essentially necessary to the
security of this same Province, alledging as a Reason my not having sent a Corps
to Albany last year agreable to your Lordship's Expectations. I complained of
this public Slight, Disregard and Insult to the King's Authority in those Parts
which compelled me to resign those Commissions which I no longer could hold
without detriment to the Power from whence they sprung; it then became a Duty
and thus your Lordship with Ease effected what all the King's Enemies could not
have brought about.
If I took the liberty to hint at part of those Evils to which the State is ex-
posed, it was not from ill Humour at my being laid aside, at a time I might have
flattered myself I should be able to act more to my own satisfaction than hereto-
fore; It did not proceed from Disrespect but from hopes that part of those Evils
might have been avoided, and in such Cases.I think I should have been Guilty of
a Breach of Trust had I concealed my Opinion, When Orders and Measures pass
before my Eyes, which threaten the Public with so much Danger, I am sorry if
this has proved disagreable to your. Lordship but I cannot be lukewarm in the
King's Service.
If after all this I might still offer an Opinion, which can never concern me
more than any other subject, 'tis to suffer those Gentlemen intrusted with Commands
to follow the Dictates of their own Sense and Judgment; if they have Abilities,
they must upon the Spot see what is most Expedient to be done, if not your Lord-
Illustrative Documents 237
ship cannot mend matters by positive Orders but by sending Persons better qualified
to supersede them, while they recalled.
I am, &c. •
Guy Carleton.
Lord George Germain,
One of His Majesty's
Principal Secretaries of State.
Endorsed :— Quebec, 16th Octr. 1777.
Sir Guy Carleton.
(No. 42.)
Rd. 2d. Deer. 1777.
(253)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 14, p. 310.
Quebec, 19th October, 1777.
Brigadier General Maclean with the 31st Regiment and R. H. Emigts will
proceed with all diligence and take post at Chimney point near Crown point in order
to keep up the communication with Tyconderoga. He will take with him four field
pieces from St. Johns also an assistant Engineer, intrenching Tools and fourteen
Days provisions, all will return to their present post before the severe Weather sets
in or as soon as Lieut. Genl. Burgoyne's corp has no further Occasion for their
Services to which in the mean time they will render all possible assistance. The 29th
will occupy their posts during their absence.
G.C.
(254)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 14, p. 312.
Copy of a Letter from Brigadier General Powell to General Sir Guy Carleton
dated Mount Independence — Octr. 19th 1777 —
Sir,
Captain McKay arrived here two days ago with upward of one hundred
Voluntiers and Canadians, 'and there are some other small Parties of Voluntiers
arrived since —
Signed H. Watson Powell
Brigr Genl.
His Excellency
Sir Guy Carleton
Endorsed: — Copy of a Letter from Brigr.Genl. Powell to His Excellency Sir Guy
Carleton — dated Mount Independence 19th Octr 1777.
In Sr G. Carleton's Ire of 25th Octr 1777. (No. 44)
(255)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 15, pp. 201-2.
Quebec, the 20th Oct. 1777.
Sir,
I have this moment received your Letter of the 16th instant, wherein you demand
orders from me for your guidance in your present Emergency.
It is impossible that I should give Orders to you, not alone because the Post
you are in has been taken out of my command but the distance is too great for my
being able to judge of the situation of General Burgoyne or of the exigencies of the
place your are at which must depend upon the other, if your were subject to my
command, ignorant as I am of the strength or weakness of your post. I should under
238 Illustrative Documents
all these circumstances think it best for His Majesty's Service to suffer you to act
by your own judgment, so you will therefore easily see the greater necessity there
is for my leaving you as the case stands to pursue such steps as shall be suggested
to you by your own prudence and resolution. I can only recommend to you not to
ballance between two opposite measures, whereby you may be disabled from following
the one or the other with advantage but that either you resolve with vigour to put
the place in such a situation as to be able to make the longest and most resolute
defence, or that you prepare in time to abandon with all the Stores, whilst yet
your retreat may be certain. Your own sense will tell you that this latter would
be most pernicious measure if there be still hopes of General Burgoyne's coming
to your Post.
I am &c.
Guy Car let on.
Brigadier General Powell.
(256)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 14, pp. 277-8.
(No. 43.) Quebec, the 24th October, 1777.
My Lord,
I enclose your Lordship copies of a number of letters which I have received
from Brigadier General Powel, with two from Brigadier General MacLean and
papers inclosed in one of the latter. Those from the llth October upwards, of both,
contain all the intelligence which I have received of the army under General Burgoyne,
four letters from Brigadier General Powel, dated the 29th and 30th of September
and 5th & 10th of October, I annex to the others as with those I have already
transmitted to your Lordship, they make up the whole of what I have received from
Tyconderoga.
Upon the first allarm from Tyconderoga I applied to Captain Pearson, senior
Officer of the Navy in this River to send for Captain Lutwidge with the Triton,
which had just before sailed from here. Captain Lutwidge has since arrived and
I have sent him up to St. Johns with 80 seamen to reinforce the armed vessels
which have lately been employed by General Burgoyne in transporting provisions
and stores.
I am «fec.
Guy Carleton.
Lord George Germain.
Endorsed:— Quebec, Octr. 24th, 1777.
Sr. G. Carleton.
(No. 43.)
Rd. 2d Deer. 1777.
(257)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 14, pp. 327-9.
Carleton. at Crown Point, the 4 November, 1777.
Sir,
I have the honor to acquaint your Excellency I arrived at Tyconderoga the 1st
Inst and yesterday afternoon sailed from thence with all the vessels, the Inflexible,
Thunderer, Maria, Carleton and Camel. ,
The Maria and Thunderer are proceeded on towards St. Johns, the former with
Provisions and Sick, the latter with some Ordnance Stores and as many sick
as she could contain — about 180 are on board, and it is thought necessary the vessel
should be appropriated for their reception ofter taking in a Tier of shott and Prov-
isions.
The Camel, laden chiefly with Artillery Stores, and the Inflexible with provisions
remain here to take in some Brass Guns brought from Lake George to the Portage
Illustrative Documents 239
yesterday, which I expect down in Batteaux to-day. The danger of the Vessels
being stopped by a Northerly wind and frozen up at this advanced Season, induced
me to get them out as soon as possible, and I hope now there will be no danger of
the whole Naval Armament being safely laid up at St. Johns.
The vessels lately sent with Provisions were directed to land their Cargoes
at Point au Fer but as their return in time is now impracticable, I send a Tender
with directions for all the Victuallers to take in Provisions from thence to St. Johns
and to assist the unlading the large Vessels.
The Carleton is laden with a variety of heavy stores and is also to receive
more sick men from the Hospital.
The Lee has taken in Provisions sent hither in Batteaux and will remain here
for the Protection of the Troops on the Lake.
A detachment of 30 Seamen with Officers from the Naval Department are
left to assist the Embarkation of the Garrison and to conduct the Tender and the
Gun Boats, which are to move with the Batteaux. I apprehend they will leave
Ticonderoga* on the 7th or 8th Inst.
Captain Graves is on board the Inflexible and in much better health than cou'd
be expected after the unfortunate circumstance of losing his left arm — the wound he
received w_as from a drunken Soldier and does not appear to have been intentional.
As Brigadier McClean writes to your Excellency at this time from hence, I
have only to add that I shall use every possible effort to secure the Vessels before
the Frost sets in, giving at the same time every assistance they can afford to
troops intended to pass the Lake.
I have &c.
Skeffn. Lutwidge.
His Excellency,
Genl. Sir Guy Carleton.
(258)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES SERIES. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
B. Vol. 117^ p. 1.
Monsieur,
Je passez la saison du printems & de 1'ete 1775 a faire les decouvertes sur le Lac
Champlain et dans les Bcis, je fus ordonne le 6 7bre d'aller m'opposer a un debarque-
ment de 600 rebelles avec Capt. Tayse qui par la blessure qu'il rec,ut au premier feu
laissa le Commandement a mon frere et a moy, des 60 Sauvages avec lesquels nous
eumes le plaisir de chasser et faire rembarquer les dits rebelles, nous Eumes un en-
gagement le 13e sous le Commandement de Mrs belestre de longeuille & Capt. Strong
du 26e regiment ou je me porte avec le peu de Sauvage qui me restoit, du 19 au
20 7bre je fus ordonne par le major preston pour mener le sieur heiseing a Son Excel-
lence & lui donner intelligence du blocus de St. Jean.
xmmediatement je employe a reconnoitre 1'ennemie a la prairie & a maintenir les
Sauvages dans le Sault St. Louis, Son Excellence m'accorda le 25 9bre de retourner
donner des nouvelles a St. Jean DU je rec.ue apporte des Canons du fort un horrible
fusillade qui m'obligea a retrograder, de retour je continue mes services jusqu'au jour
de la Redition de Montreal.
Dans Thiver je partis le 2e Mars evec Mrs Goddard & Walker, dans le pro jet de
lever les Sauvages - Pour bruler la marine de Carrillon, ni pouvant reussir je me
rendis dans le fond du Lac Ontario y levant une partie de Missisague & diroquois
qui me joignoient au nombre de 250 bons hommes qui donna les forces suffisantes pour
descendre les rapides - Accompagne de Capt. foster et quelques soldats de sa garnison
nous finies prisonnier le gros Detachement des Rebelles, retranche au Cedres et re-
poussames le lendemain aide par Parrivee de Monsieur de Montigny et des Canadiens
le renfort de quinze chiens, que nous fimes encore Prisonnier.
J'eu Phonneur a faire la Campagne de 1' autonne derniere sous les ordres du Capt.
Carlton. L'hiver se passa a faire une Campagne avec monsieur McKay d'une Fatigues
presque aussy considerable que celle de 1'hiver precedent.
J'ay passe cette annee sous les ordres du major Campbell et apres avoir fait divers
decouvertes & reconnoissances de Pennemi Je fus detache, avec Capt. Campbell & nos
Sauvages, du Sault St. Louis dans un partie de troupe Allemande ou nous eumes le
dessous le 16 d'aout, Et en nous repliant toupours avec Capt. Campbell et peu de Sau-
vages, le gros nous ayant abandonnee. Je rrecue le blessure d'une Balle a la jambe
droit, apres avoir le renfort de Major de Earner et nous repliames encore par la
grand e forces de rebelles.
240 Illustrative Documents
D'apres le jugement des chirurgiens qui deciderent que je ne pourois me servir de
ma jambe de plusieurs terns, le major Campbell me detacha pour Montreal avec Mon-
sieur son frere.
Aussitot ma convalescence, j'ay servie aupres du general Mclain pour le bien du
service, et j'ay porte ses ordres avec succes dans le Village du Sault St. Louis d'ou
j'ay fait partir en 7bre un detachement de Sauvage avec un troisieme de mes freres
qui arrivoit des pays d'en haut, & qui ont joint le general Burgoyne ou ils ont reste
jusqu'a la veille de la fatale Convention.
J'espere que vous serez assez bon de m'honorer (Tune reponse.
Je prie son Excellence de m'employer cette hiver a faire les decouvertes qu'il
jugera convenable ordonner, pour savoir sy les rebelles Cpntruisent, ou non, sur les
lacs.
J'ay 1'honneur d'etre tres respectueusement
Monsieur
Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
Chevr. Lorimier
Montreal le ler decembre 1777.
Endorsed: — From Chevalier Lorimier
1st Decem. 1777.
(Translation)
Sir:
I spent the spring and summer of 1775 in scouting on Lake Champlain, and in the
woods. I was ordered on the 6th September to oppose a landing of six hundred rebels
with Captain Tayse, who in consequence of the wound which he received at the first
fire, turned over the Command of sixty Indians to my brother and me, with whom
we had the pleasure of driying off and causing the said rebels to re-embark, we had
an engagement on the 13th, under the command of Messrs Belestre, de Longeuille
and Captain Strong of the 26th regt. in which I took part with a few Indians who
remained with me. From the 19th to the 20th September I was ordered by Major
Preston to take Mr. Heiseing to His Excellency, and give him intelligence of the
blockade of St. Jean.
I was immediately employed in reconnpitering the enemy at La Prairie and
keeping the Indians at Sault St. Louis, His Excellency directed me on the 25th
November to return to give news at St. Jean, where I received such a terrible bom-
bardment from the cannon of the fort that I was obliged to retire; after my return
I continued my services until the date of the Surrender of Montreal.
In the winter I went away on the 2nd of March, with Messrs Goddard and Walker,
with the intention of inducing the Indians to burn the shipping at Carillon, not being
able to succeed I returned to the foot of Lake Ontario and began raising a body of
Missassagas and Iroquois, who joined me to the number of two hundred and fifty good
men, which gave me sufficient force to descend the rapids. Accompanied by Captain
Foster and some soldiers from his garrison, we captured the large detachment of
rebels entrenched at the Cedars, and next day, aided by the arrival of Mr. De Mon-
tigny and some Canadians, repelled the reinforcement coming from Quinze Chiens,
whom we also made prisoners.
I had the honor of making the campaign of last autumn under the orders of
Captain Carleton. The winter was employed in making a campaign with Mr. McKay,
nearly as Fatiguing as that of the preceding winter. I have spent this year under the
orders of Major Campbell, and after having made several scouting expeditions and
reconnaissances of the enemy, 1 was detached with Captain Campbell and our Indians
from the Sault St. Louis in an expedition of German Troops which we made below
on the 16th of August, while retreating with Captain Campbell and a few Indians, the
main body having deserted us, I received a wound from a bullet in the right leg,
after having joined the reinforcement of Major C. Earner, we were still obliged
to retire by the great force of the rebels.
In pursuance of the opinion of "the surgeons who declared that I could not use my
leg for some time, Major Campbell detached me to Montreal with his brother- As
soon as I recovered I was employed under General MacLean for the good of the service
and I have executed his orders with success in the village of Sault St. Louis, whence
I sent off in September a detachment of Indians with a third brother, who had arrived
from the Upper Country, and who joined General Burgoyne with whom they remained
until the eve of his fatal Convention.
Illustrative Documents 241
I hope that you will be so good as tp honor me with a -reply.
I beg His Excellency to employ me this winter in making such scouts as he would
judge necessary, in order to know whether the rebels are building ships or not on the
lakes.
I have the honor to be, etc.,
Chevr. Loiimier.
Montreal, 1st December, 1777,
(259)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 15, p. 2.
I conceive that a Canadian Regiment can be raised to good Effect, only by
a royal order, accompanied with an Ordinance, and sent by His Majesty to be passed
by the Governor and Council, .for the regulation of the Corps and the subjection
of it to proper Military discipline, the power of the Governor and Council at present,
Extending no farther than to lay small fines, or inflict short imprisonment cannot
answer these Ends.
. The Canadians tho' not rich, yet being generally in a state of Easy Circumstances,
have a strong repugnance to the life of a common Soldier, and very few if any will
Embrace it from choice, the Corp therefore, I conceive should be formed of Draughts
from the several Companies of Militia of the Province; and, as it must be prudent
to humor such prejudices in people as have taken deep root in them, a distinction,
tho* it would be only in terms, must be made between their condition and that of
professed Soldiers, which purpose would be answered by continuing to them still
the title of Militia, the officers only to be Established, the men supplied as before
suggested, to serve for a limited time under them, during which, as the Effect of
the King's bounty, Pay, &c., to be allowed them giving them to understand that
this new Regulation is designed only as an improvement of the old Establishment, for
the better defence, principally of the Province, without however Exempting them
from marching out of it as occation shall require, the present Militia being liable
to the same, no difficulty could arise on that head, Canada, can certainly, furnish
two Battalions according to the present Establishment for Service.
It is, in my opinion greatly essential to His Majesty's interest in Canada that the
Gentlemen of that Country be shewn no Jealousy is entertained of them, and the
measure of making this new regulation is adopted both ,to reward such as have
already manifested Attachment to the King, and as a proof of His Entire con-
fidence in them all, and the Officers therefore be composed only of Canadians.
The whole Gentry, who have naturally a disposition for Arms, would infallibly
be confirmed by this mark of favour, in their obedience to the King and His Govern-
ment, the principles of which are already generally entertained among that Class,
very few Excepted.
The success of this Plan would still depend greatly on the punctuality which
should be observed in the Engagements with the men, as to their regular discharge.
If therefore one third were discharged at the end of the first year, they would then
sooner be reconciled to the Service, one third should be discharged the next year,
and the rest at the end of the third year, which afterwards would bring the whole
to three years Service, one third being discharged Every year, upon their being
replaced with fresh Draughts.
To perfect this Plan it is likewise necessary that the Militia of the Province be
kept to a stricter Observance of their duties than by the present limited powers
of the Governor, and Legislative Council they can possible be brought to.
Thus the Militia of the Province being subjected to Moderate Service, but strictly
and uniformly Kept to it, a regimented well disciplined Corp formed out of it for
constant duty, the discharged men of which returning again in the Stock, it is Easy
to perceive the advantages which would result in a short time to the Kings Military
Service from this Province if there should be occation for keeping up Troops in
America.
Indorsed.
In Capt. Foy's (to W.K.)
of 6th Feby. 1778.
242 Illustrative Documents
(260)
Quebec, 10th October, 1806.
Monsieur,
Conformement- a 1'ordre de Son Excellence le President en datte du 18 courant
dernier, insere en la Gazette de Quebec, et en soumission aux reglements faits par
les pays maitres generaux des troupes de Sa Majeste, je me fait 1'honneur de vous
informer.
Que je m'appelle Ignace Gaspe et suis age de quarante huit ans, que je demeure
dans la paroisse et Seigneurie de St. Jean port Joly Comte de Devon dans la province
du Bas-Canada, et J'appartenois en 1777 comme Enseigne a une Compagnie Canadienne
commandee par le Capitaine Monin, et apres sa mort par le Capitaine Beaubien.
Je suis en recette de demie paye depuis le 24 decembre 1783.
La susdite Compagnie a fait la campagne en 1777 avec Parmee du general
Baurgoyne.
J'ai L'Honneur d'etre,
Monsieur,
Votre tres humble Serviteur.
I. Gaspe.
H. W. Ryland, Ecuyer.
(Translation)
Quebec, 10th October, 1806
Sir,
In compliance with the order of His Excellency, the president, dated the 18th ult.,
published in the Quebec Gazette and the regulations issued by the Paymasters General
of His Majesty's troops, I have the honor to inform you that my name is Ignace
Gaspe and I am forty-eight years of age, that I live in the parish and seigniory of
St. Jean Port Joly in the country of Devon in the province of Lower Canada, and
that in 1777 I was an Ensign in a Canadian company commanded by Captain Monin and
after his death by Captain Beaubien. I have received half pay since the 24th December,
1783.
The aforesaid company served during the campaign in 1777 with the army of
General Burgoyne.
I have the honor to be etc.,
I. Gaspe
H. W. Ryland, Esq.
(261)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 171, pp. 114-127.
Province de Quebec.
Memoire sur les Milices.
Le Tableau cy devant fourny a son Excellence Le General Carleton qui par son
Execution donneroit a La Cour et au General par chaque annee La Connoissance des
forces de la Colonie, Exige des observations qui en fixent La solidite d'ou resulte
son utilite a 1'Etat.
Observations L'on pense quil conviendroit que Le Corps
La Colonie etant composee d'anciens et de la Milice fut fixe a un nombre divise
nouveaux sujets qui tous egalement part- Par districts sous Le Commandement de
agent Les prerogatifs de sujets Britann- divers chefs superieurs commandes par un
iques il faut bien se donner de garde dy seul P°ur la discipline, La police generalle
donner atteinte . dans cet Etablissement. et uniforme du Corps.
C'est dans La personne d un mspecteur
general qu'il semble que doit resider Le
pouvoir de Commander en chef, en rece-
vant directement du General Les ordres
et Le pouvoir de les faire executer dou
s'ensuivra L'activite et L'uniformite dans
L'execution.
Les Villes etant habitees par des personnes de differentes qualites etats et con-
ditions il seroit difficile dy donner ce Relativement a L'Etablissement des Milices,
des iclees fixes sans craindre de chocquer indirectement les different etats dans les
Illustrative Documents
243
personnes de ceux Les Composent ainsi C'est au General a se charger de ce qui Con-
cerne Les Villes et Nous Estimons que Le reglement des Milices ne regarde que La
Campagne ou L'Egalite fournit moin d'occasions a La jalousie, et au meContentement,
il paroitriot cependant Contraire au droit Commun que chacun ne contribua pas a La
deffense au bien et a La prosperite de PEtat La distinction de La Naissance d'une
possession de biens nobles ou de Nogotians est a mon Estime un Titre pour en donner
L'Exemple et je disay aussi que je panserois qu'il seroit Bon que Monsieur le General
donna ses ordres a Mrs. Les Colonels et Majors des trois villes pour qu'ils ussent ay
faires arranger Toutes les Compagnie des Milices dans un Etat qu'il conyient et dou
il doit y avoir a chaques Compagnies un Capitaine un Lieutenant un Enseigne et deux
Sergents il seroit aussi de Convenance que Mrs. les inspecteurs fussent prevenus gen-
erallement de tous ce qui a de rapports aux Milices et que Mrs Majors ainsy que toutes
autres officiers ne pussent rien faire sans avoir eu les ordres de Mrs. leurs Colonels;
il seroit Bon aussi que Ton fit faire quatre fois dans L'ete L'Exercice a feu en les faisant
tirer au Blanc a Tous Miliciens dans les trois Villes pour leur apprendre a bien
Tirer et/ dons Monsieur Le General ponsait mettre des prix pour ceux qui auroient
Les mieux Tires a fin de leurs donner de L'Encouragement.
L'on pense que les Habitants de La province doivent etre partages en deux classes —
La premiere composee du Nombre de Milices qu'il plaira au
General de fixer relativement aux Besoins de L'Etat, La
seconde Composee de ceux qui n'etant point en Holies ont
etes employes aux Corvees charroyages par Terre et par
Eaux et autres ouvrages imprevus.
Milices.
Observations.
L'on sent bien quil faut que cette prem-
iere operation soit suivie par un seul
personne.
Comme il faudra que ce Tableau soit re-
nouvelle tous les ans a cause des change-
ment arrives dans Les Paroisses la pre-
miere operation faitte en presence des
officiers, ils Le Suivront plus aisement
dans La suitte.
Ces Commandemens fourniront Les Moy-
ens d'honorer ou de reCompenser Le
merite.
La Cour de France avoit ordonnee que
les Gentilshommes qui ne seroient point
employes dans les Troupes le seroient
dans les Milices et il fut regler en 1760
par M. de Vaudreuil Gouverneur General
que tous les gentilhommes ou Nobles
serviroient a ses Cotes lorsque larriere
Ban Marcheroit.
La Ville de Quebec seule susceptible
d'attaque et de deffence fixant le destin
de la Colonie exige L 'attention des
Gouverneurs, ainsi on estime que les
Habitans du Bas du fleuve doivent rester
chez eux pour y etre Employes au sig-
neaux et le service qu'on peut exiger
d'eux et pour empecher retarder ou rendre
difficultueuse La descente de L'Enemy il
Pour donner des Le principe une soli-
dite a cet Etablissement il faudroit que
1'Inspecteur General re?u un ordre de
Monsieur Le General qui L'autorisat a
fair faire autant de Rolles qu'il en soit
Besoins relatif et suivant Le tableau qui
en a Etc remis au General Carleton et
c'est d'apres cette operation et avec
Connoissance que le General peut fixer le
nombre de Miliciens. On fixera Le terns
ou cette operation 'doit se faire et etre
adressee par Les Capitaines de chaque
paroisse a -L'inspecteur qui Les recevant
detailles enformera un general en abrege
qu'il remettra au General — Le Corps
General des Milices sera divise en trois
parties subdivisees en autant de districts
ou Commandemens qu'il plaira au general.
Ces Trois corps porteront le Nom des
trois Villes
Bon de Quebec
Bon de Trois Rivieres
Bon de Montreal
toutes personnes seront sujettes a La Mi-
lice a la Tete en qualite d'off'ers pai de
simple Milicien il ny aura d'Exemptes que
ceux qui par leurs emplois appartiennant
au public ou qui servant Le Roy encor qui
par leur merite ou etat meritent de la Dis-
tinction L'on pense que Ton pouroit pro-
poser les Emplois de Milices au Nobles
ou proprietaires de fiefs demeurant dans
les cotes.
Les Miliciens en rolles ne pouront s'ab-
senter de Leurs paroisses ou aller demeure
dans une autres si ce n'est que Leurs pere
et mere allassent s'etablir autre part,
alors ils seroient portes en cette qualite
sur le rolle de La paroisse ou il sont
venus demeurer pour cells dont ils sortent
244
Illustrative Documents
en est demeure des Habitans aux environs
de Quebec qui peuvent etre employe
utilement hors et dans La Ville aux re-
tranchement ouvrage en terre charriage
et ce tandis que les Milices depuis La
paroisse de Neuville di Pointe au tremble
nord et sud du fleuve jusqu'au de la de
Montreal assemblies en un ou plusiers
Corps peuvent proteger les convois em-
pecher La descente et le Siege de Quebec
ou en retarder les progres de maniere a
obliger les Troupes a se rembarquer ainsi
le Corps fixe des Milices se retirera des
paroisses depuis Neuville jusqua Soulange
Nord et Sud. Pour les encourager Mon-
sieur le General poura faire donner altern-
ativement dans chaque paroisses un prix
en argent ou autrement.
jusqu'a La prochaine revue et il en seroit
fait mention dans le rolle des Capitaines
aucun Miliciens ne pourra s 'engager pour
les pays d'en haut sans permission le
Marchand qui Laura engage sans cela
sera reprit.
On se flatte que les officiers de Milices
en Campagne ny seront point avilie et
qu'ils jouiront des honneurse et des prero-
gatifs qui seront dus a leurs rangs.
A limitation des Transbands.
Les Drapeaux a la fin de la Campagne
se porteront chez L'inspecteur.
L'Exercice se bornera a faire Tirer les
Miliciens au Blanc dans les Temps prescrit
par 1'ordonnance et ils leur sera pour cet
effet de livre de la Poudre et des Balles.
II seroit Bon que les Miliciens fussent
armes d'un fusil son foureua, d'une Bayon-
nette Ceinturon et une petite hache chaque
Milicien aura soin des ses armes Les rep-
resentra a chaque Revue ne s'en servira
que pour le Bien du service et les remettra
en Bon etat a celuy que lui succedera; le
Nom de la Paroisse sera empreint en
entier ou abrege sur les arms.
-Tel qui aura achette ou vendu un arme-
ment du Roy sera puni comme voleur.
Milices en Campagne.
Monsieur Le General aiant besoin du
service des Milices ou de partie donnera
ses ordres aux inspecteurs et indiquera le
lieu de L'Assemble ou se trouveront Les
Officers superieurs des Milices suivant la
force des Paroisses on composera de plusi-
eurs, des Compagnies des Soixante hom-
mes chacune Commande par un capitaine,
un Lieutenant et un Enseign Ces Com-
pagnies formeront des Batailtons qui
auront a leur Tete les Commandements
des districts et Ton choisira les officiers
des maniere que dans chaque Compagnie
de 60 hommes soient d'une meme Paroisse
s'il se peut ou d'y joindre ensemble les
Milices des paroisses les plus voisines
Monsieur le General ordonnera pour les
Equipemens *et les Vivres aux lieux
d'assemblee logement pendant la Cam-
pagne dont L'inspecteur et Commissaire
seront executer.
Les Milices feront le Service conjoin-
tement et sans distinction avec les
Troupes de sa Majeste elles seront paiees
sous le Bon plaisir du General suivant
leur grade a la fin de le Campagne du
jour de la sortie jusqu'ai celui de la
rentre dans leurs paroisses.
Ces paiemens se feront sur la revue
par 1'inspecteur faitte a 1'entree et
la sortie de la Campagne on leur donnera
un equipement des Tentes une Cho-
diere par sept, ils auront Drapeaux
aumonier 50 mains des cherugiens Tam-
bours et fifres entretenus par le Roy.
Illustrative Documents
245
Attache.
Par Tlnspecteur General.
Vus la Commission a nous addrssee par
L'autorite de Notre charge nous ordon-
nons que le pour vu par son Ex-
cellence de la Commission de sera re-
connu entendu et obeit par tous les offic-
iers et miliciens et habitans de la Paroisse
de Seigneurie de en la dite qualite
Les miliciens et habitants de la dte
Paroisse assembles,
fait a
II restera toutjours dans chaque paro-
isse un officier qui y commandera pour
Tous le besoins du service a faire par
les habitants restes
II sera donne par Monsieur le General
une Commission a chaque officier de
Milice lequel ne poura etre rec.u qu'apres
avoir pris L 'attache de L'inspecteur sui-
vant La forme cy joint L'inspecteur pro-
posera les sujets tires le plus que Ton
poura de ceux qui auront servi le plus
de distinction.
Service dans les Cotes.
A fin de prevenir tous mecontentemens
il ne sera permis n'y au inspecteurs n'y
a autres officiers de milices de donner
aucune exemptions de telle qualite soit,
cela etant reserve au seul General a
moin qu'il n'ait voulut ordonner autre-
ment.
Les Miliciens armes conduiront sous les
ordres de leurs officiers d'une paroisse
a 1'autre les personnes arretees par ordre
du gouvernement ou de la Justice.
Lorsque le General passera dans une
paroisse, La Milice sera sous les armes,
les officiers a leur Tete s'il y couche on
luy formera une garde Commandee par
un Capitaine Lieutenant et Enseigne tires
des diverses Compagnies de cette paroisse.
Les ordres du General, des Inspecteurs
des Colonels et Lieutenant Gouverneur
et Commandants des districts seront portes
par les Miliciens de chaque paroisse.
Pour les revues se feront tous les ans,
Les Milices de chaque Paroisse sy assem-
bleront a Tendroit indique on y fera les
remplacements des Miliciens on y pour
voira aux employs vacans ou les Plaintes
en sorte que L'inspecteur puisse faire
rendre justice sur tous abjets et par
honneur les milices de la Paroisse fourni-
ront une Garde de douze hommes, com-
mandee par un officier au logement de
L'inspecteur
Officiers Reformes.
L'Officer reforme jouira des prerog-
atifs suivant dans Telle paroisse qu'il se
trouve Ne logera point, ne sera point Com-
mande pour Corvees, aura L'Exemption
d'un domestique pour le servir
S'il le peut il se presentera au revues
Punitions
En 1759 M. le Cher de Levy vouloit
que Les Deserteurs Miliciens fussent
Comme les Troupes sujets a la peine de
mort mais M. Le Mquis de Vaudreuil y
opposa et fit voir que ce netoit point du
Tout L'Intention de la Cour qui ne con-
siderait Toujours dans les Milices que
des hommes libres.
En Campagne les Milices seront sujets
a la loy martialle et au reglement du Camp
mais juges et Corriges par le Corps
Tout milicien qui par malice ou autre-
ment Brisera ses armes, on les lui fera
reparer as ses depens et sera encor puni
de la prison Tous miliciens qui desobeira
246
Illustrative Documents
s'il reporte une juste raison sera egale-
ment puni de la prison il en sera dememe
de celuy qui aura insulte de fait ou de
parolles les officiers, il sera conduis par
des fuzilliers devant L'Inspecteur si le cas
est grave ou devant L'Officier Command-
ant du district qui en ordonneront qui
comprend.
Deuxieme Classe
Si le General se trouvait attaque de
maniere a etre oblige d'augmenter le
Corps fixe des Milices il le pourra aise-
ment en donnant L'Ordre anx inspecteurs
qui en feroit 1'operation dans Leurs revus.
Tous le reste des habitans qui seront
employes aux Corvees et charriages.
Ces sortes de commandemens demand-
ent beaucoup d'attentions pour evitter les
murmures Les mecontentemens et ne rien
derober aux Besoins et a la Culture des
Terres.
II paroitroit apropos que Le General re-
glat ces ouvrages qui Consideres comme
Corvees dues au Roy ne sont point sujet
au paiement d'avie Ceux qu'on doit sat-
isfaire que le prix par homme pour chaque
voiage fut enonce dans L'ordre et qu'il eu
un Tel ordre dans les paiemens que 1'ha-
bitans ny. par soupconner de la fraude
pour y parvenir chaque Capitaine de Mil-
ices qui recevra un ordre pour Commander
des hommes pour Corvees ou voiages ayec
ses voitures ou par Eau adressera im-
mediatement le Rolle a L'Inspecteur Le-
quel a la fin de la Campagne recevra du
quartier maitre general ou autre les pay-
emens dus au miliciens lesquels il remettra
sous leurs recepisses aux Capitaine des
Milices Le Capitaine des Milices portera
a L'Inspecteur ses plaintes contre ceux
qui refuseront de Marcher afin qu'il puisse
juger du droit Tous possesseurs de terre
en Roture sera oblige a Corvee ou Voiage
en charette ou Traine a cause de la ser-
vitude de sa terre mais s'il est noble ou
dans le cas 'd'Exemption personelle, il
ne poura etre Commande pour aucune
Corvees
Je panse bien que 1'on Trouvee a reprimer ou changer dans le present Memoir
Diverges chosses mais au moin 1'on doit voir ma Bonne Volonte a vouloir me rendre
utile pour le Bien etre du Service.
II seroit Bon que Mrs. les Inspecteurs fussent faire des visites dans le cour de
1'annee dans les paroisses de la province tant pour connoitre les bons et mauvais
Miliciens qui sont incorpore que pour sy faire Connoitre et y juger des differents qui
pouroit se rencontre et de tacher de s'y attacher que pouroit se rencontre quel-
qu'un en qui ils pussent compter pour les prevenir de tous ce qui pouroit separee
de contraire au service et a la soumission due a Sa Majeste ainsy qu'il est explique
par 1'ordonnance du 29th Mars 1777 Article 9
Dechambault.
Endorsed Memoire sur les Milisse de la Province.
(Translation)
Province of Quebec. Memorandum on the Militia.
The schedule herewith submitted to His Excellency General Carleton, when
completed will supply the government and the General annually with information
On entend par le que le privilegie ne peut
etendre son privilege sur ses fermiers
pour les terres qui n'habite pas.
Illustrative Documents
247
respecting the forces of the colony-
usefulness to the state.'
Observations.
The colony being composed of old and
new subjects who all participate equally
in the privileges of British subjects care
must be taken to provide for this in this
establishment.
Observations are required to explain its
It is considered that the strength of the
militia should be fixed at a certain number
divided by districts under the command
of certain superior officers commanded
by one of them responsible for the dis-
cipline, the general and uniform admin-
istration of the corps.
It would seem that the authority of
commander in Chief should be vested in
an Inspector General who would receive
his orders and the power of executing
them directly from the General, which
would insure energy and uniformity in
their execution.
The inhabitants of the towns being of different classes and conditions in life,
it will be difficult to lay down hard and fast proposals respecting the establishment
of the militia in them without danger of offending the different classes in the
person of individuals composing them, consequently the regulation of this matter
as regards the towns is left to the General and we consider only the regulations
of the militia in the country where equality furnishes less cause for jealousy and
discontent, it would appear, however, contrary to common justice that any one
should not contribute to the public defence and the prosperity of the state The
distinction of birth and the possession of property as nobles or merchants is in my
opinion a title to set the example and I would say also that I think it would be
well if the general would give his orders to the Colonels and Majors of the three
towns for them to organize all the companies of militia in a proper manner so as
to have in each company a Captain, a Lieutenant, an Ensign and two Sergeants;
it would also be desirable that the inspecting officers should be generally informed
of everything that relates to the militia and that the Majors and all other officers
should take no action without having had orders from their Colonels; it would also
be advisable that all the militia in the three towns should be exercised four times
during the summer in firing at targets to teach them to shoot well and the General
might offer prizes for the best markmen so as to encourage them.
It is considered that the inhabitants of the province should be divided into two
The first to be composed of such number of militiamen
as the General is pleased to establish in proportion to the
necessities of the country, the second to be composed of
those who not being enrolled have been employed in corvees
for transport by land and by water and other unforeseen
services.
Militia.
Observations.
It seems proper that this first organi-
zation should be conducted by a single in-
dividual.
As it is necessary that this schedule
should be revised every year on account
of changes in the parishes, the first en-
rolment should be made in the presence
of officers leaving with them an example
they would be able to follow it more
easily afterwards.
The command of these will furnish
means of honoring or rewarding merit.
In order to give coherence to this
establishment from the beginning, it will
be necessary that the Inspector General
should receive an Order from the General
authorizing him to make as many rolls as
are necessary in .accordance with the
schedule forwarded to General Carleton,
and after this has been done and upon
this information the General can establish
the number of militiamen. He will fix
the time when this will be done and they
will be sent by the captains of each
parish to the inspector who on receiving
these details will make a general sum-
mary which he will forward to the General-
The whole body of militiamen will be
divided into three parts which will be
248
Illustrative Documents
The French government had ordered
that gentlemen who were not employed
in the army should be employed in the
militia and M. de Vaudreuil, the Governor
General gave orders in 1760 that all
gentlemen or nobles should serve in the
militia of their parishes whenever there
was a levy en masse.
The town of Quebec being liable to
attack and the fate of the colony being
dependent upon its defence requires the
attention of the Governor, therefore it is
considered that the inhabitants on the
river below should remain at home to be
employed in making signals and such
service as may be required of them to
prevent delay or obstruct the progress of
the enemy; the inhabitants in the neigh-
bourhood of Quebec may be employed
usefully without and within the town in
constructing entrenchments and in the
transport of stores, etc., while the militia
from the parishes of Neuville and Pointe
aux Trembles on the north and south bank
of the river as far as Montreal assembled
in one or several bodies might protect
convoys, oppose the progress of the enemy
and the siege of Quebec or delay it in
such a way as to oblige the enemy to re-
embark, thus the organized body of militia
would be drawn from the parishes be-
tween Neuville and Soulanges north and
south of the river.
subdivided into as many districts or com-
mands as the General thinks proper.
These three corps will have the names
of the three towns.
Quebec.
Three Rivers.
Montreal.
Every one will be liable to militia ser-
vice, either as an officer or as a private
militiaman. The only exemptions will be
in the case of persons employed in the
public service or who deserve this distinc-
tion through merit or their state of health.
It is considered that employment in the
militia should be offered to the noblesse
or proprietors of lands residing in the
parishes.
The enrolled militiamen will not be
permitted to absent themselves from their
parishes or change their residence to
another unless their parents also remove
when they will be carried on the roll of
the parish to which they have removed
instead of that from which they have
come until the next revision, and it will
be noted upon the roll. No militiaman
will be permitted to engage himself for
service in the upper country unless the
trader who has engaged him shall have
obtained the necessary permit.
The training of militiamen [will foe
limited to firing at targets at such times
as are prescribed by the Ordinance, and
for this purpose they will be supplied
with powder and ball.
Militiamen should be armed with a
musket and case with a bayonet, belt and
hatchet. Every militiaman will be respon-
sible for the care of his arms. He will
present them for inspection lat every
review, he will use them only for the
public service, and will hand them over
in a good condition to the man who will
take his place; the name of the parish
or an abbreviation of it will be stamped
upon these arms.
Any one buying or selling public arms
will be punished as a thief.
Rural Militia.
It is expected that the officers of the
rural militia will not be degraded and
that they will enjoy the honors and privi-
leges due to their rank.
Whenever the General shall require the
service of the militia or any part thereof,
he will give his orders to the inspecting
officers and name the place of assembly
where the superior officers of militia will
meet according to the population of the
parishes, companies may be formed of
sixty men each commanded by a Captain,
a Lieutenant and an Ensign. These com-
panies will form battalions which will
have at their head the Commanding Offi-
cers of districts and the officers will be
selected in such a manner that in each
company of sixty men they will be from
Illustrative Documents
249
In imitation of the Trainbands.
The colors at the end of the campaign
will be returned to the inspecting officers.
Certificate.
By the Inspector General.
In virtue of the commission addressed
to us by the authority of our office we
order that commissioned
by His Excellency as shall
be recognized and obeyed by all officers
and militiamen and inhabitants of the
parish of seigneury of
in the said rank.
The militiamen and inhabitants of said
parish assembled.
Done at.
the same parish or the militia of neigh-
bouring parishes may be united in one
company. The General will order the
supply of provisions and carriages at the
points of assembly as well as quarters
during the campaign to be carried into
execution by the inspecting and Com-
missary officers.
The militia will do duty with His
Majesty's regular troops jointly and with-
out discrimination. They will be paid at
the pleasure of the General according to
their rank at the end of the Campaign
from the day they were called out to the
date of their return to their parishes.
These payments will be subject to revision
by the Inspector at the beginning and the
end of the Campaign they will be supplied
with tents and a kettle for every seven
men.
They will be supplied with colors and a
chaplain for every 50 men, a surgeon,
drums and fifes maintained by the King.
One officer will remain in each parish
who will take command for such services
as may be required from the remaining
inhabitants.
The General shall give a commission
to each officer of the militia which will
only be issued after having received the
certificate of the inspector in the attached
form. The inspector will propose persons
selected from those who have served with
the most distinction.
Services in the Parishes.
To avoid any discontent neither inspec-
ting officers or any other officers of the
militia will be permitted to grant any
exemption of any kind. This will be done
by the authority of the General only un-
less he should order otherwise.
Armed militiamen under the orders of
their officers will escort from one parish
to another all persons arrested by the
order of the government or of the depart-
ment of Justice.
When the General passes through a
parish the militia will turn out under
arms with their officers at their head, if
he remains there over night they will
supply a guard commanded by a Captain,
Lieutenant and Ensign furnished from
the different companies of the parish.
The orders of the General, Inspecting
Officers, Colonels, Lieutenant- Governor
and Commandants of districts will be for-
warded by the militiamen of each parish.
Reviews will be held every year for
which the militia of each parish will
assemble at the place named when casual-
ties will be replaced and complaints heard
so that the inspecting officer may do
justice in all matters and the militia of
250
Illustrative Docivments
the parish will furnish a guard of honor
of twelve men commanded by an officer
at the quarters of the inspector.
Retired Officers.
A retired officer will enjoy the follow-
ing privileges; in the parish where he
resides, he will not be liable for furnishing
billets or ordered upon a corvee and
one domestic servant will be exempted
from duty to wait upon him.
If possible, he will be present at re-
views.
Penalties.
In 1759, the Chevalier de Levy wished
to make deserters from the militia
liable to punishment by death as in the
regulars, but the Marquis de Vaudreuil
opposed it and declared it was not the
intention of the court who always regar-
ded the militia as being free men.
While on active service militiamen will
be subject to military law and camp regu-
lations but tried and punished by their
own corps.
Every militiaman who wilfully or other-
wise injures his arms will be liable to have
them repaired at his own expense and
may be also punished by imprisonment.
Every militiaman guilty of disobedience
without sufficient reason will be liable to
be punished by imprisonment, likewise, if
he uses insulting language to his officers,
he will be brought under escort before the
inspecting officer, and if the offence is
serious before the commanding officer of
the district, who will make the decision.
Second Class.
If the General is threatened with attack
in such a manner as to be obliged to
increase the establishment of the militia
he may easily do so by giving orders to
the inspecting officers who will arrange
it at their inspections.
The remainder of the inhabitants may
be employed on corvee and the service of
transport.
These services require much care to
obviate complaints and discontent and
avoid taking the inhabitants from the
necessary cultivation of the soil. The
General should regulate these duties
which being considered as a corvee due
to the king are not to receive payment.
In the case of those which are to be paid
the wages for each man for each journey
should be laid down in the order which
should be sent to each Captain of Militia
to prevent the inhabitants from suspect-
ing fraud on the part of the officer re-
ceiving an order to command men upon
corvee with their, carriages or by water
who will immediately forward the roll to
the inspecting officer who at the end of
the campaign who will receive from the
Quarter-Master-General, or otherwise the
sums due to the militiamen which he will
forward to the captains of militia taking
their receipts. The captains of militia
will lay before the inspecting officer their
complaints against men who refused to
Illustrative Documents 251
This privilege cannot be extended to obey that they may be decided. Every
his tenants or to lands upon which he does owner of land en roture will be liable to
not reside. corvee or to furnish waggons or boats
on account of the tenure of his land,
but if he is a noble or has personal ex-
emption he cannot be commanded upon
any corvee.
I have no doubt that there may be several matters in this memorandum which
it may be necessary to omit or alter but at least it will show my good will and desire
to be useful for the good of the service.
It will be advisable that the inspecting officers should visit the parishes during
every year to distinguish the good and bad militiamen who are incorporated and
to gain information and decide disputes which they may discover and take measures
to obviate any that may seem injurious to the service and subversive of the obedience
due His Majesty as set forth in article nine of the Ordinance of the 29th of March,
1777.
Dechambault.
Endorsed,
Memorandum on the militia of the province.
(262)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 215, p. 208.
Officers of Captain Rouville's Company.
1 Captain.
4 Lieutenants.
4 Ensigns.
Their names are as follows.
Rouville, Captain.
Sallabery, Lieutenants.
Tonnancour.
Destimauville.
Deschambault.
Vassal.
Barin? (Bazin?) Ensigns.
Fleurimont.
St. Martin.
(263)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 171, p. 128, 129.
List of three Companies of Canadian Officers.
Captain Hertel de Rouville
Lieutenant de St. Ours
Sallaberry
Tonnancour
Destimauville
Ensigns Vassal
Bazin
Fleurimont
St. Martin
Captain Boucherville
Lieutenants De Cuisy
La Fontaine
Ensigns De Bone
La Broquerie
De Vigneaux
Late Monins
Captain Desaunier Beaubien
Lieutenants Marcoulx
Ensigns Gaspe
Chev Tonnancour
252
Illustrative Documents
Endorsed — List of Canadian Officers.
Mrs. Lamorandierre
La Magdelaine — Departement des Sauvages.
La Valtry
La Bruere Lainee
Lotbiniere
Lorimier, le
Bailly
Bleury, le
Dequindre
Piedmont La Bruere
(264)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, January 8, 1778.
Yesterday se'night being the anniversary of the victory obtain'd over the Rebels
in their attack upon this City in the year 1775, a most elegant Ball and Supper were
given at Menut's Tavern by the Gentlemen who served in the Garrison during
that memorable Winter. — The Company, consisting of upwards of two hundred and
thirty Ladies and Gentlemen, made a grand and brilliant appearance, and nothing
but mirth and good humour reigned all the night long. — About half past six His
Excellency Sir Guy Carleton, Knight of the Bath, our worthy Governor and successful
General, dressed in the Militia uniform (which added Lustre to the Ribbon and Star)
as were also all the Gentlemen of that corps, who served under him during the siege,
entered the Assembly Room, accompanied by Lady Maria, &c. &c. and the Ball was
soon after opened by her Ladyship and the Honorable Henry Caldwell, Esquire, Lieu-
tentant-colonel Commandant of the British Militia — The dancing continued until
half-past twelve when the Ladies were conducted into the Supper-room, where Mr.
Menut exhibited fresh proofs of that superior excellence in the culinary art he so
justly claims above his Peers. But while we do justice to his merit as a cook we wish
he would confine himself to his proper element — the kitchen; for it surely can be no
addition to the entertainment of Ladies to be waited on at Table by a greasy Fellow
dressed exactly in the character of the executioner in the play of Venice Preserved;
with this material difference however, that the one always appears on the stage
in a clean apron and night-cap the other just the reverse. The company in general
broke up about four in the morning highly satisfied with their entertainment and in
perfect good humour with one another. May that disposition prevail until the next
and every succeeding 31st of December and may each return of that glorious day (the
event of which was, not only the preservation of this Garrison, but of the whole Prov-
ince) be commemorated with the same spirit and unanimity in grateful remenbrance
of our happy deliverance from the snares of our enemies and with thankful acknow-
ledgements of those blessings of peace and tranquility, of Government and Laws we
now enjoy in consequence of that day's success
(265)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 15, p. 43.
General State of the British Militia
OFFICERS PRESENT
EFFECTIVES
COMMISSION
STAFF
I
1
Q
49
•3
£
PM
>,
1
I
g
3
I
i
a
^3
c
3
I
•S3
i
s
g
1
||
3
1
&
O
s
3
I
"O
<
5
I
Q
|«2
££
o
Quebec
1 .. 8 13 5
1 1
15 1
358 403
Montreal
I
||
Illustrative Documents
General State of the Canadian Militia, 26th June 1778.
253
OFFICERS PRESENT
kt
C
EFFECTIVES
COMMISSION
STAFF
&
£
o
! ! i
$ 3 1
1st Captains
2d Captains
Lieutenants
Ensigns
Adjutants
I
1
g
LJ
or
Serjeant Majo
Serjeants of C
>>
„&
h
£ «s
1
City of Quebec
1 1 1
8
8
8
10
4
2 17
800
860
District of Quebec
54
51
8
177
6768
7058
Montreal
1 1
9
6
7
6
1
[
17
611
559
District of Montreal
. . . .
87
83
74
9
"
294
6189
6736
District of Three
Rivers
1
23
••
23
14
••
59
1865
1985
'Detroit
.. 1
6
15
5
1
••
15
473
516
Total
313
187
65
136
117
15
2 579
16606 17714
N.B. A Company of Volunteers at Detroit Consisting of One Capt. 3 Serjts. 3
Corpls. & 39 privates not included in the above.
Return of the Number of Heads of Families and others at Post Vincennes, Paspibiac &c.
Heads of
No. of Males
No. of Males
Number of
Number of
Families
above 15 years
under 15 years
Servants
Slaves
Total
At St. Vincennes
120
103
93
. .
14
330
At Paspibiac
28
8
13
..
49
At Gaspee
23
35
18
..
76
At Piercee and
Malbay
40
••
464
..
504
At Bonaventure
28
15
38
81
At Do. Island
4
..
...
4
At Tracadiquea in
Chaleur Bay
28
19
•;•
••
47
Total
271 '
180
162
464
14
1091
N.B. The above is incorrect as may be naturally supposed & falls short in numbers
by the absence of those employed below at the Fisheries, upon the Fur Trade
in the Upper Country, or are otherwise occupied, and those that keep back
from a djstaste of the Service.
Indorsed: — General State of the British & Canadian Militia with a Return of the
Posts St. Vincennes, Paspibiac, &c., 26th June, 1778.
In Sir Guy Carleton's (No. 47) of 10th June 1778.
(266)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE,
THURSDAY, March 19, 1778.
On Wednesday the llth Instant, in obedience to his Excellency Sir GUY
CARLETON'S Orders, the Canadian Militia assembled under Arms on the Parade,
254
Illustrative Documents
as did also the British Militia on the Friday following, and were reviewed by their
respective Field-officers. Both corps made a most respectable appearance, and ex-
pressed their strongest sentiments of Loyalty to their most gracious Sovereign,
and affection for the General and the other officers under whose Command they
served during the late siege. Before they were dismiss'd they unanimously agreed
on every occasion to risque their Lives and Fortunes in the service of His Majesty,
should their infatuated fellow-subjects again dare to molest the peace of this Province.
(267)
State of Militia Men refusing Obedience to the Laws and the respective
Officers together with the Proceeding thereupon of the Commissioners of the
Peace, viz.: — c—
Proceeding upon
the hearing of
Defendants.
Dates
Militia Men's
Names.
of what
Company.
of what
Parish.
Fines.
Bonavanture Albert Dupuy
St. Philipe
Baudin.
Louis Thoulouse. Do.
Do.
Louis Jollivet. Do.
Do.
Charles Chartier. Capt. Lacha-
Poiiite aux
pelle's.
Trembles.
Jean Bte. Bazi- Capt. Lacha-
Pointe aux
net. pelle's.
Trembles.
Antoine Ville- Do.
Do.
neuve.
Louis Germain Capt. Rapin
St. Leonard.
Pierre Bourgui- Capt. Lacha-
Pointe aux
gnon. pelle's
Trembles.
Laurent Archam- Ignace Souligny. Long Pointe.
bault.
Jean Bte. Gali- Do. Long Pointe.
peau.
Pierre Gene-
reux.
Charles Bou-
cher fils.
Francois Houle
Joseph Cochon
Ant. Guinand of
Militia.
Michel Lepine
Francois Belisle.
Charles Brancon-
nier.
Francois LaNoix.
Louis LaFortune
Capt. Pellan
Do.
Berthier.
Do.
Capt.
Capt.
Do. Do.
Roch's Do.
Vadenay's St. Cuthbert.
Capt.
Capt.
Louis
Do.
Do.
Roch's.
St. Cuthbert.
Do.
Berthier.
Joinville. Isle Dupas.
Desjardins. La Noray.
Louis Bonin. , Do. Do.
Andre Lavigne Capt. Paul Etier. St. Genevieve.
Jacques Loison. Do. Do.
Fran. Lalonde. Do. Do.
Madelaine La-
plante.
Capt. Etier.
Do.
£ 5.0.0.
6.0.0.
6.0.0.
Censured
5.0.0.
6.0.0.
5.0.0.
5.0.0.
5.0.0.
10.0.0.
5.0.0.
5.0.0.
5.0.0.
6.0.0.
5.0.0.
5.0.0.
5.0.0.
5.0.0.
5.0.0.
5.0.0.
5.0.0.
5.0.0.
5.0.0.
5.0.0.
5.0.0.
Paid.
Do.
Do.
Dismissed.
Paid.
Do.
Do.
Discharged by
Order of the
Governor.
Paid.
Convicted of Dis-
obedience of the
6th Article of the
Militia Ordinance
Dismissed for
want of Evidence.
Remitted for fur-
ther Evidence.
Paid.
Paid.
Recommended to
Govern, in Con-
sid. of his Father.
Illustrative Documents
255
Dates.
Militia Men's of what
Names. Company.
of what
Parish.
Fines.
Proceeding upon
the hearing of
Defendants.
March 20th.
Joseph Duchesne. Capt. Roy.
St. Lawrence.
5.0.0.
Pierre Payet. Capt. Olivier.
Berthier.
Dismissed for
want of Evidence.
March 31st.
Pierre Boisvin. Capt. Petri-
St. Therese.
6.0.0.
moulx's.
Henry Poisrier. Capt. Boileau.
Chambly.
5.0.0.
April 2nd.
Jacques Bernard. Capt. Etier.
St. Eustache
5.0.0.
Pierre Bouchard. Do.
Do.
5.0.0.
(268)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, March 26, 1778.
On Friday last his Excellency Sir GUY CARLETON returned to this City
from a Tour to St John's, Isle aux Noix, &c. &c. where he had been to review the
Troops stationed at those Forts. His Excellency expressed great satisfaction at
the Disposition and Diligence which prevailed in general, through the whole Army
especially at St. John's and the Isle aux Noix.
(269)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 213, Page 15.
RETURN OF OFFICERS OF THE FIRST BATTALION OF HIS MAJESTY'S
REGIMENT OF ROYAL HIGHLAND EMIGRANTS.
Isle aux Noix, 15th April, 1778.
Rank
Names.
Former rank in the Army.
Lieut.-Col.
Major.
Captain.
Lieutenant.
Ensign.
Allan MacLean
Donald McDonald
William Dunbar
John Nairne.
Alexander Fraser. ^
George McDougall.
Malcolm Fraser.
Daniel Robertson
George Laws.
Neil McLean (Prisoner)
John MacLean.
Alexander Firtelier.
Lachlan McLean.
Fran. Damburgess. (Prisoner)
David Cairns
Don. McKinnon.
Ronald McDonald.
John McDonell.
Alexander Stratton. (prisoner)
Hector McLean.
Ronald McDonald.
Archibald Grant.
David Smith.
George Daine.
Archibald McDonald.
William Wood.
John Pringle.
Hector McLean (prisoner)
Lieutenant-Colonel.
Captain late 78th Regt.
Lieut, late 78th Regt.
Lieut, late 60th Regt.
Lieut, late 8th Regt.
Lieut. 42nd Regt.
Lieut. 7th Regt.
Ensign late 114th Regt.
Ensign, Nov. 21st, 1775.
Ensign, 1st June, 1775.
Ensign, 20th Nov., 1775.
Ensign, 14th June, 1775.
Ensign, 14th June, 1774.
256 Illustrative Documents
Rank. Names. Former rank in the Army.
Chaplain John Bethune (prisoner)
Adjutant Ronald McDonald.
Q'r-Master Lachlan McLean.
Surgeon James Davidson.
Surgs. Mate James Walker.
(270)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, June, 4th, 1778.
The so much talked of Northern expedition against Canada is knock'd up; the
Marquis de Fyate and Mr. Conway were to be the commanders and were promised
by the Congress an army of 5000 men with their own regiments; but on their arrival
at the Lakes, half the number could not be mustered, and the project, of course,
was laid aside; however the rebels have taken post at Ticonderoga, and intend to throw
up fortifications at that place.
(271)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q. Vol. 15, p. 38.
(No. 47) Quebec 10th June, 1778.
My Lord,
Lake Champlain was frozen over Early, and the Ice very fine, a third of the
Militia of the District of Three Rivers, under Tonnancour, and a third of the Militia
of the District of Montreal, under Longueuil and Lanaudiere, were on the Point of
Marching, when I received undoubted Intelligence, that the Enterprise of the Rebels,
against this Province, was laid aside for the present; Most of the disaffected Parishes
seemed greatly changed for the better but Mascouche de Terrebonne rather worse,
they have since declared themselves very Penitent, as some few others, who, in the
different Parishes, were disobedient to orders.
I am with all due Respect
My Lord, &c., &c.
Guy Carleton.
Lord Geo. Germain, &c., &c., &c.
Indorsed:— Quebec 10th June, 1778.
Sir Guy Carleton (No. 47.)
Dupt. Orig. reed.
R. 13. Sept.
(23 inclosures.)
ADDENDA.
(272)
ADMIRALTY PAPERS, SECRETARY, IN LETTERS. VOL. 4359.
List of His Majesty's Fleet on Lake Champlain, 1776
Ships. Guns. Pounders. Commanders.
Ship, Inflexible. 18 12 Lieut. Schank.
Schooner, Maria. 14 6 Lieut. Starke.
Schooner Carleton. 12 6 Lieut. Dacres.
1 6 24
Radeau Thunderer. [• 6 12 Lieut Scott.
J 2 Howitzers.
Gondola Loyal Convert. 7 9 Lieut. Longcroft.
Twenty Gun Boats each having a Brass Field piece from 24 to 9 Pounders, some
with Howitzers.
Four long Boats with each a Carriage Gun, serving as armed Tenders.
Twenty four long Boats with Provisions.
List of the Seamen detached from His Majesty's Ships and Vessels in the
River St. Lawrence to serve on Lake Champlain.
From the Isis. 100 Treasury Armed Brig. 90
Blonde. 70 Fell I Armed vessels. 30
Triton. 60 Charlotte. j 9
Garland 30 Volunteers 9
Magdalene Do from the Transports. 214
Brunswick 18
Gaspe j Total 670
(273)
MILITARY DESPATCHES, VOL. 318, pp. 9-10.
Chambly the 26th of August, 1776
My Lord,
Lieutenant Colonel Gordon of the 29th Regiment and one of the Brigadier
Generals in this army, as he was riding alone along the road between La Prairie
and St. Johns was fired at and mortally wounded by a man who had concealed
himself behind ssome trees and bushes and we have since discovered is a Con-
necticut man of the name of Whitcom, a lieutenant in the Rebel Army that had
sculked about the Cantonments for a considerable time with the design of assas-
sinating any single officer he might chance to see passing for the sake of getting
a gold watch and a sword as has been declared by one of his accomplices who
has been taken.
This unfortunate accident having occasioned a vacancy in the 29th Regiment I
have appointed Major Thomas Carleton to it which I hope will be approved of.
I am &c.
Guy Carleton.
Lord Barrington.
(274)
MILITARY DESPATCHES, VOL. M. 318, pp. 269.
Quebec the 21st May, 1777.
My Lord,
Your Lordship has desired me to furnish you with such facts respecting the
258 ADDENDA
loss of Chamblee and St. Johns as may seem to throw light upon those transac-
tions, in answer to which I can only inform Your Lordship that I have nothing to
charge the garrison of either place. Officers may be unfortunate in the service
they are employed on and still be irreproachable. As to private anecdotes, if there
be any, none have come to my knowledge, perhaps owing to the necessity I found
myself under of rigourously cutting off all communication between the part of
the country which remained in my possession from that which the rebels overrun
in order to prevent the effects of their poisonous insinuations spreading among
the few people who remained steady to His Majesty's interest.
I am &c.
Guy Carleton.
Lord Barrington.
(275)
MILITARY DESPATCHES, VOL. M. 318, pp. 86-7.
i Quebec, 21st November, 1778.
My Lord,
Anthony Monin who succeeds to the Ensigncy of the 8th Regiment is son to
Captain Monin, who was killed on the 19th September, 1777, exerting himself at
the head of a Company of Canadians, an Officer who upon former service had
also behaved with great credit. I understand Lieutenant General Burgoyne had
engaged to procure this young man a pair of Colours which the times not putting
in his power to accomplish had left a numerous family in very great distress.
These circumstances have guided me in this appointment and I flatter myself
Your Lordship will think the promotion well bestowed.
I am &c.
Guy Carleton.
Lord Barrington.
INDEX
Abraham, plains of 18, 19, 162
Acadians 65, 66, 67, 91, 92, 93, 94
Adamant, a ship 81
Adams, John 32
Adams, Samuel 208
Agnes, transport. 160
Ainsse, mentioned . 194
Aird, Mr 85
Albany, N.Y. 5, 6, 22, 23, 24, 29, 32,
36, 37, 39, 44, 75, 105, 163, 164,
192, 202, 203, 219, 230, 235, 236
Algeo, Captain 49
Allen, Ethan, invades Canada. 1 ; taken
prisoner, 9; mentioned 2, 4, 5,
6, 10, 47, 48, 52, 65, 67, 82
83, 84, 95, 99, 104, 105, 106, 112,
123, 125, 232; letters from, 47, 48
Allsopp, George, Commissary 135, 168, 198
Amherst, Lord 143, 215
Amiot, Joseph 90, 91
Anderson, Capt., death of 19
Angelica, sloop 56
Anne, Fort 208
Anticosti, Island of 25, 160
Anstruther, Colonel 220
Antill, Edward, letters to, 145, 146,
151; mentioned, 16, 22, 85, 146,
150, 164, 165 211
Antill, Mrs 150
Apsley, Lady 72
Archambault, L , 254
Archange, sloop ,. 56
Arnold, Benedict, letters from, 47, 48,
99, 103, 118, 119, 126, 127
mentioned 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21,
25, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35,
44, 47, 48, 51, 52, 100, 104, 105,
117, 129, 131, 133, 135, 137, 138,
140, 141, 146, 151, 152, 153, 157,
158, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169,
170, 171, 175, 180, 181, 182, 236;
raids St. Jean 1, 15, 16, 22
Arnoldi, Peter 85
Artificers, Company of 147, 176
Asia, Man of War 68
Askin, John 56
Auge, Pierre, militia officer 114
Ayot, Pierre, letter from 149
B
Baby, Francis, letters to> 73
mentioned 220, 225
Badeaux, Captain 208
Bailly, an officer of the Indian Dept. 252
Bailly, M. a Priest 23, 148, 149, 172
Baker, Captain Remember, 5, 73, 74,
95, 98, 125
Baron, Ab., volunteer 114
Baron, Thomas 114
Earner, Major de 239, 240
Barnsfair, Captain 18, 171
Barrington, Lieutenant 106, 133
Barrington, Lord, letters to. .156, 177,
179, 257, 258
mentioned, 132, 133
Bathurst, Miss, mentioned 72
Baussin, Michel, militia officer 114
Baye St. Antoine, parish of 200
Bazin, Ensign 199, 251
Bazinet, J. B 254
Beaubassin, M 7, 82, 84
BeaXibien, Mr. a volunteer 8, 9
Beaubien, Captain 199, 241, 251
Beaubien, Lieutenant 199
Beauce, Seigniory of 122
Beauchamps, Michel 113
Beaudin, a militiaman 254
Beaufort, parish of 109
Beaujeu, Captain de, 22, 23, 74, 148,
149, 158, 172; letter to 189
Beaumont, parish of 173
Beauport, parish of 173
Beaver, victualler 160
Bedell, Lieutenant Colonel Timothy
27, 44, 146, 163, 166, 180
Belisle, F 254
Bell, John 85
Bellair, Captain 86, 92, 94
Bellefeuille, militia officer 113
Belletre, Captain de..7, 76, 79, 113,
232, 239, 240,
Beloeil, 196
Bendfield and Co 187
Bennington, battle at 43, 44
Benoit, Madame, letter from 73
Benton, (Bindon), a merchant 124
Bernard, J 255
Bernie, Sam 85
Berthier, Seigniory of. .11, 12, 29, 30,
31, 108, 109, 112, 113, 157, 161,
254, 255
Bertrand 66, 67
Bethune, John, Chaplain 256
Bic, Island of 194
Bigalow (Bidelow), Major 137, 138
Bindon, Mr. Joseph 52, 86, 157, 211
Birchall, Lieutenant 218, 219
Bistodau, Antoine, wounded 19
Blake, James 85
Blake, John , 86, 211
260
INDEX
Blakely or Bleakley, Joseph 85, 211
Bleury, officer of the Indian depart-
ment 252
Blonde, ship 257
Blow, Samuel 132
Bole, Captain 65, 67
Bonaventure, 253
Bonaventure, Island 253
Bonaventure, a militiaman 254
Boileau, Captain . .- 255
Boisvin, P 255
Bondfield, Acklan 211
Bondfield, John 16, 145, 161, 211
Bonin, L 254
Boreas, a ship -. 178, 179
Boston, galley 196
Boucher, Charles 254
Bouchard, P 255
Boucharet, Island of 196
Boucherville, village of 51, 196, 222
Boucherville, Captain ..113, 189, 190,
199, 212, 213, 214, 251
Bouchette, Captain 12
Boulanger, militia officer 113
Bouquet, river 224
Bourguignon, P 254
Bouteiller, Louis 66, 67
Braddock, General, mentioned 230
Brancoinet, Mr 207
Branconnier, C 254
Brandimour, Captain 146, 150, 151
Brandywine, battle of 43
Brash, Captain 70
Brice, Captain 106
British Queen, transport 160
Brown, John, Major or Lieut. Colonel,
3,4, 5. 6, 18,41, 63, 70, 81
Brown, Captain Thomas 62
Brumath, A. L. "History of Montreal"
quoted, 73, 74, 194, 195
Brunei, mentioned 66, 67
Brunswick Chasseurs 216
Brunswick, Duke of, mentioned .... 145
Brunswick, ship 257
Brunswick Troops, 150, 175, 176, 191,
194, 217
Bruyeres, J. B 86, 87
Bryan, Owen 132
Burchell, Mr. B 210
Burgoyne, Major- General and Lieut.-
General John, letters from, 200,
201, 218, 224, 229, 233; letters
to, 180, 219, 221, 222, 225,;
mentioned, 25, 26, 29, 30, 33,
35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42,
45, 145, 150, 166, 174, 175, 177,
178, 182, 184, 187, 197, 202, 203,
210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216,
220, 222, 224, 225, 227, 230, 231,
232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238,
241, 258
Burke John 85, 188
Burn, Thomas 86
Burton, General Ralph, mentioned, 53, 54
Bute, transport 160
Butler, Lieut. Colonel John, mentioned, 42
Butler, Captain Walter, mentioned, 7, 83
Butler's Rangers 45
Butterfield, Major Isaac 27,180
Cairns, Lieut. David 255
Caldwell, Lieut. Colonel Henry, letters
from 167, 173
Caldwell, Lieut. Colonel Henry, men-
tioned, 16, 17, 19, 76, 128, 129,
152, 156, 158, 176, .'.. 252
Caldwell's mills 14
Caldwell, Lieut. Colonel James, -letters
to 193, '1 194
Camel, a ship 238
Cambridge, Mass., mentioned 4, 13,
16, 22, 103
Campbell, Captain 167, 239 240
Campbell, Colonel Donald 169
Campbell, Major and Lieut. Colonel
John 6, 64, 82, 98, 99, 220, 228,
239, 240
Campbell, Ensign 82
Canadians, address to 2, 3, 100
Canasadaga , 146
Canandaga Indians 98
Canesandangas Indians 47
Cape Diamond ....18, 21, 140, 169, 171
Cape Rosiers 194
Cape Rouge 16, 23, 140, 173
Garden, Major John. .7, 61, 75, 82, 83,
84, 112
Carillon. .65, 66, 67, 68, 89, 146, 157,
163, 164, 239, 240
Carleton, Lady Anne 200
Carieton, Lady Maria 200, 252
Carleton, Sir Guy, Address to 60
Carleton, Sir Guy, letters to.. 50, 59,
62, 63, 102, 127, 138, 144, 145,
150, 151, 176, 186, 187, 201,
202, 218, 230, 234, 237, 238
letters from 51, 52, 53, 58,
59, 69, 70, 79, 111, 116, 133, 140,
156, 157, 158, 159, 161, 166, 167,
174, 177, 179, 183, 184, 190, 191,
193, 194, 195, 196, 210, 214, 219,
220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 227,
232, 233, 235, 238, 256, 258
mentioned; 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10,
II, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,
21, 22, 25, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34,
35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 45,
49, 55, 59, 61, 64, 68, 69, 70,
71, 76, 80, 81, 84, 95, 96, 97, 98,
99, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109,
III, 113, 114, 116, 120, 122, 123,
125, 126, 129, 131, 133, 135, 136,
INDEX
261
137, 143, 147, 148, 149, 152, 157,
160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 166, 167,
168, 170, 171, 172, 173, 178, 182,
186, 192, 193, 194, 197, 198, 200,
208, 209, 211, 212, 213, 217, 220,
221, 223, 224, 226, 231, 241, 243,
247, 252, 253, 255 257
orders by ,','..' 183
proclamations by 53, 54, 57,
105, 134, 197
retirement of 45
Carleton, Major Thomas, letter to 174
mentioned, 239, 240, 257
Carleton, schooner. .34, 35, 192, 195,
209, 238, 239 257
Carroll, Charles 27, 157, 164, 165
Carroll, Revd. John 27, 157, 164, 165
Casavant, Joseph 90, 91
Caughnawaga Indians. .2, 4, 6, 11, 28,
49, 95, 98, 112, 146,
Caughnawaga Village. .2, 4, 5, 6, 28,
31, 47, 63, 124, 146, 166
Cedars, action at. .27, 161, 162, 163,
180, 181, 182, 183, 185, 239,. ... 240
mentioned.. 27, 28, 29, 33, 146,
157, 190
Cerberus, a ship 101, 102, 136
Chabot, Captain 85, 171
Chaleur Bay 253
Chambly, capture of, by Americans. .
8, 9 257
mentioned, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11,
14, 21, 25, 29, 31, 33, 34, 36, 37,
40, 44, 51, 58, 59, 63, 64, 65, 66,
67, 70, 78, 80, 82, 90, 104, 106,
107, 108, 110, 112, 116, 118, 123,
125, 126, 150, 166, 175, 177, 178,
179, 187, 188, 189, 190, 196, 201,
222, 223, 255, 257
Chambly mountain 66
Chambly river 141, 150, 157
Champenois 65, 67
Champlain, lake, 2, 4, 5, 25, 29, 31, 32,
34, 37, 39, 41, 42, 44, 47, 55, 62,
65, 66, 69, 74, 79, 97, 98, 116, 123,
124, 139, 140, 157, 171, 178, 179,
190, 192, 195, 196, 202, 203, 209,
214, 215, 216, 224, 233, 234, 235,
239, 240, 256, 257
Champlain Street, Quebec 85
Charity sloop 55
Charlan, Pierre 65, 66, 68
Charland, Charles, gallantry of 19, 170
Charlery, J. B. G. wounded 19
Charlesbourg 24
Charlotta, ship 85
Charlotte, ship 130, 257
Chartier, C 254
Chase, Samuel 27, 157, 164, 165
Chaudiere pond 103, 118
Chaudiere river. .3, 5, 12, 13, 58, 59,
117, 120, 202
Cheeseman, Major 138
Chesapeake Bay 62
Chew, Joseph 99
Chimney Point 42, 237
Chinn, Edward 85
Chippeway, sloop 56
Christie, Colonel 73, 105
Christie, Mr 65, 67
Christie's farm , . . 6, 82
Churchill, Captain 220
Glaus, Colonel Daniel, mentioned, 98;
memorandum by 125
Clinton, Sir Henry. 145, 199
Cochon, J.\ 254
Coffin, Mr 171
Cofin, Joshua 132
Cognac, Claude, killed 19
Comieres, Raphael, a militiaman 113
Commo, Jo 65, 67
Congress, commissioners of. .25, 27,
28, 29, 146, 164, 166, 180
Congress, Continental .. 89, 149, 157,
164, 166, 180; address from. .49, 74
Congress of Massachusetts 52
Congress of New York, address from 56
Congress, row-galley 35, 195
Conijaharie Indians 98
Connecticut river , . . 36, 197
Contrecoeur, 196
Conway, British General 25, 37
Conway, American General 43, 256
Co-os or Cohos 44
Coppinger, John 132
Corbiere, a blacksmith 86, 87
Corbin, a militiaman 113
Cornwallis, Lord 25, 145
Correy, Mr . .92, 93, 94
Coteau des Hetres 65 67
Couillard, M .22, 148
Courreaud, Andre, a militiaman 113
Courtemanche, Amable 66, 68
Cox, Major Nicholas, Lieut. Governor
of Gaspe,. . . .109, 128, 129, 156, 170
Craig, Captain James H 32, 36
Cramahe, Lieut. Governor H. T. let-
ters from. .80, 81, 84, 120, 129,
130, 161 162, 194; letters to
125, 127, 178, 220; mentioned
5, 12, 13, 14, 64, 75, 86, 93, 100,
102, 103, 104, 121, 128, 131, 132,
135, 136, 155, 156, 164, 165, 168,
178, 186; proclamations by. .75,
77, 83, 84
Crawford, Captain 82. 112
Crete, Joseph, wounded 19
Crown Point. .31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 39, 41,
42, 48, 51, 52, 59, 64, 68, 69, 70,
125, 195, 196, 197,, 207, 216,
218, 222, 234, 237, 238
capture by Americans....!, 2, 4
Cruickshank, Robert 85
Cugnet, F. J 84, 155, 156
262
INDEX
Cuisi or Cuisy, Lieut 113, 199, 251
Cul de Sac 23, 153, 158, 172
Cumberland Head 35
Cummings, Lieut 233
Cuthbert, James 11, 108
D
Dacres, Lieut 35, 191, 192, 195, 257
Daine, Ensign George 255
Dambourges, Francois 4, 19, 170, 231,
234 ,... 255
Daniel, Captain 98
Dartmouth, Earl of 15, 96
letters from. .50, 51, 59, 60, 62,
63, 64; letters to. .53, 58, 59,
70, 79, 81, 84, 95, 104, 113, 116,
117, 120, 129, 130, 131, 133
Davidson, Surgeon James 256
Dead River 1, 3, 99, 103, 119
Deane, Silas 43
De Bonne, Lieut 199, 251
Deer Island 221
De Kalb, Baron 43
Delaware Bay 62
Demusseau, a militiaman 113
Depane, Mr. mentioned 114
De Peyster, Captain Abraham 194
De Pravy, Mr 232
Dequindre, an officer of the Indian
Dept 232
Deschambault 24, 25, 30, 157, 159
Deschambault, Lieut.-Colonel 42, 113, 225
Deschambault, Mr 10, 108
Deschambault, Lieutenant 199, 251
Deschambault, Memoir on the militia
242, 246
Deschamps, Joseph 91, 93, 94
Desjardins, Captain L. 254
Desdevens, Captain, C. N...90, 139,
140, ,141, 142
Des Jarlais, Anthe, a militiaman 113
Dupre, St. George.. 55, 113, 190, 198,
200, 211, 212, 222, 223, ...... 231
Des Ruisseaux, a militia officer 113
Destimauville, Lieutenant 199, 251
Detroit ....43, 58, 97, 146, 161, 216, 253
Detroit, militia of 43
Devon County of, Lower Canada 241
Dewer, General 66, 68
Diamond Island 41
Dobie, Richard 85
Doig, James 85
Dorchester, Lord 143
Dosquet, Bishop 173
Douglas, Captain Charles, R. N.. .25,
34, 37, 160, 178, 191,
Drummond's Wharf 171
Dubreuil, a postmaster 92, 94
Du Calvet, Pierre 12
letters to 114, 118
Du Chenay, an officer 113
Duchesne, Joseph 255
Dufy Desaunier. .54, 55, 57, 188, 189,
190 225
Duggan, Jeremiah. .5, 7, 16, 81, 104,
141, 145, 146, 150
letters from 77, 78
Duke of Cumberland, packet 68
Dumas, Captain 170
Dumont, Lieut 55
Dunbar, Captain William 64, 220, 225
Dunmore, schooner 55
Dunn, Thomas 128, 129, 136
Duport, Mr. 232
Dupre, Major St. George. .55, 57, 113,
190, 198, 200, 211, 212, 222, 223, 231
Dupuy, A 254
Dupuis, Jean Bte., a militia officer. . . 113
Durocher, Mr 86, 87
Duval, Etienne, a militiaman 113
Duval, Ensign 151
E
Easton, James, letter from 127
Ecureuils, parish of . 89, 141, 142
Edge, Henry 86
Edge, John 165
Ehrencrook, Lieut.-Colonel 227
Elizabeth, store ship 135
Eneas, an Indian ; . . 100
Enos, Colonel 118 119
Erie, Lake .'. 56
Ermatinger, Lawrence 86
Etie, Gabriel, a militiaman 113
Etie, Joseph, a militiaman 113
Etie, Paul 113
Etier, Joseph 113
Etier, Captain P. ... 254
Etier, Captain 255
Evans, Simon 85
Faith, schooner 56
Farquharson, James 85
Faunce, Lieutenant 128, 129
Felicity, sloop 56
Fell, snow 85, 123, 130, 135, 165, 257
Ferries, Hugh 86
Findlay, Hugh 68
Findlay, James 85, 122, 188
Firtelier, Alex. Lieut. . . 255
Fleming, Edward, letter from 110
Fleurimont, Ensign 113, 199, 251
Floquette, a priest. 146
Fooks, Lieut 128, 129
Forbes, James 194
Foretier, M 212,223
Forster, Captain George.. 27, 28, 29,
33, 161, 165, 166, 167, 180, 181,
182, 185, 186, 239 240
Forsyth, Thomas 136
Fortier, Pierre 188
Fort George 24, 33
INDEX
263
Fort Orange 75
Foucher, a militia officer 113
Foxcroft, John 68
Fory, Colonel 211
Foy, Captain E. ..42, 174, 183, 212,
241; letter from 177
Fraser, Brig. General Simon. .30, 34,
36, 163, 166, 167, 174, 175, 177,
196, 203
Fraser, Captain, Alexander. .207, 228, 255
Fraser, John, death of 19
Eraser's Highlanders 22, 23
Fraser, Captain Malcolm. .4, 14, 18,
167, 169, 255
memorial of 143
Fraser, Simon 23, 172
Fraser, Thomas 85
Francoeur, a militiaman 113
Franklin, Benjamin 27, 157, 164
Franks, David Salisbury 211
Frazar, Thomas 132
Freeman, Mr 211
Fremont, Captain > 19
Frichet, a habitan 65, 66
Frobisher, Benjamin 27, 85, 146
Frost, Mr 136
Gage, General Thomas, mentioned..!,
3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 51, 52, 53, 54, 59,
60, 62, 63, 69, 71, 80, 95, 96, 97,
102, 120, 191 217
recruiting orders by 55
letters from 57, 69, 79
Gage, Lord 72
Galipeau, J. B 254
Galleneau, a habitan 86, 87, 92, 94
Gamelin, a militia officer 113
Gardiner, Captain 230
Garland, a ship 257
Gaspe 109, 253
Gaspe, brigantine. .3, 23, 69, 133, 153,
157, 160, 167, 172, 257
Gaspe, Ensign Ignace 199, 251
memorial of 242
Gaspe, M. de 22
Gates, General Horatio . . 32, 33, 34,
36, 37, 43, 44, 234
Gaucher, an officer 113
Gautier, Joseph, a militiaman 113
Geddes, David 85
Gelina, Alexis, a militiaman 113
Genevay, Louis 85
Genereux, P 254
Genier, Honore, adjutant 199, 213 214
George, Fort,. .. .146, 164, 186, 187,
207, 208
George III. King 47, 48
George, Lake. .32, 39, 40, 47, 62, 68,
124, 146, 207, 208, 233, 238
George, schooner 48, 56
Gerbois, a militiaman 113
Germain, Lord George. .37, 38, 39, 40, 151
letters from. .144, 145, 150, 176,
201, 202, 225, 230
letters to.. 157, 158, 159, 161,
162, 166, 167, 174, 175, 178, 179,
183, 184, 191, 194, 195, 196, 197,
200, 210, 213, 214, 216, 218, 224,
227, 232, 233, 235, 238, 256
Germain, L % ... 254
German Troops 25, 34, 36, 40
Giasson, a cadet 113
Giasson, the elder 113
Gill, William 132
Goddard, James Stanley.. 27, 86, 146,
239, 240
Godwin, Captain , 49, 106
Goquet, a habitan . 66, 67
Gordon, Brig General Patrick. .33, 145,
177, 183, 257
Gordon, Captain 74
Gordon, Charles 109
Gosselin, Hilary 132
Grand Island 35
Granger, Peter : 65. 67
Grant, Captain Alexander 56
Grant, G 85
Grant, J 85
Grant, Lieut. Archibald 255
Grant, Robert 132
Grant, William 130, 220
Grant's House. 169, 171
Graves, Admiral Samuel 62, 120, 135
letters from 101, 102, 136
Graves, Mr 207
Gray, E. W 85, 103, 188, 200
Greaves, Captain Samuel 233, 239
Green, Lieut. Colonel 138
Green Mountain Boys 4,5, 24
Gregory, John 85
Gregory, Lieut. George 85
Grenier, Joseph, a militiaman 113
Guillette, Michel 90
Guilnane, M 65, 67
Guinand, A 254
H
Habeas Corpus Act 2
Haldimand, Lieut.-General Frederic,
53, 54; letters to 56; appoint-
ment as governor 45
Haldimand Papers, extract from .... 61
Haldimand, snow 56
Halifax, N.S.. .13, 25, 116, 152, 157,
158, 160, 163, 167, 176, 191, 219, 220
Halstead, John 211
Hamer, Lieut 106
Hamilton, Brig-General 196
Hamilton, Captain Henry.. 10, 108,
160, 216, 232
Hamilton, Captain Sir John, R.N. 15,
18, 137, 125, 128, 129, 130, 131,
132, 135, 136, 158, 169, 176
264
INDEX
Hanau artillery company 176
Hanau Chasseurs 203, 216, 225
Hauclair, Charles a militiaman 113
Hancock, John 50, 182
Hanley, a ship 178, 179
Harley, Sir Thomas. 156
Harrison, Lieut 106
Harrow, Alexander 136
Hartley, Colonel 33
Hartwell, Captain 101
Harvey, Captain 160, 178
Hay, Alexander 85
Hay, Jack 61
Hay, William .65, 66, 67, 68
Hay, Udney 16, 211
Hazen, Captain and Lieut. Colonel
Moses, mentioned. .1, 8, 21, 22,
29, 44, 51, 52, 76, 83, 144, 157,
211, 239, 240
letters from 145, 146, 150, 151
Hazen's House 51
Hazen's Regiment 44
Hendrix, Captain 138
Henry, Alexander 86
Hertel, Chevalier 113
Hervieux, an officer 113
Hervieux, Jacpues 113
Hessian artillery 209
Hey, Chief Justice, Wm 59, 61
letters from 10, 70, 73
Heywood, Mr 157, 164, 165, 211
Hillsborough, Earl of 191
Hoit, Wintrop 48
Holland house.. 16, 18, 137, 138, 169, 173
Holmes, Samuel 85
Holton, a refugee 211
Hope, schooner 56, 162
Hotel Dieu 19, 169 170
Houle, L 254
Howard, Joseph 85
Howe, a ship 194
Howe, General Sir Wm...l5, 24, 25,
37, 39, 40, 64, 102, 120, 146, 151,
157, 159, 176, 182, 183, 187, 191,
197, 202, 203, 210, 214, 215, 216,
217, 230, 232, 236
Howe, Sir William, letter from 102
Howe, Sir William, letters to. . . .101, 140
Huddleston, surgeon 106
Hudson's river 192, 233
Hunter, Lieut 69, 105
Hunter, sloop of war.. 14, 122, 128,
130, 135, 160, 162, 167, 168
Huron Indians 97, 224 <
Huron, lake 56
Hutchinson, Major 61
I
Indians. .1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14,
20, 27, 28, 30, 34, 35, 38, 39, 40,
42, 44, 47, 48, 52, 57, 59, 66, 67,
68, 69, 72, 74, 75, 76, 79, 80, 81,
82, 83, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99,^100,
104, 105, 112, 114, 115, 116, 121,
123, 125, 129, 146, 161, 174, 175,
180, 181, 182, 183, 185, 187, 193,
194, 197, 199, 202, 203, 207, 208,
215, 224, 225, 228, 229, 230, 231,
239, 240
Indian department 252
Indians, St. Francis 4, 47
Inflexible, ship. .34, 35, 192, 209, 239, 257
Invalids, company of 147
Iroquois, Indians 75, 124, 239, 240
Irvine, Colonel .30, 174
Isis, frigate.. 24, 25, 145, 153, 157,
160, 162, 167, 172, 173, 176, 178, 251
Isle aux Coudres 25, 159, 160
Isle aux Grues 22, 173
Isle aux Noix, 1, 3, 5, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35,
36, 37, 44, 45, 51, 52, 75, 76, 79,
80, 85, 95, 98, 125, 184, 193, 194,
196, 201, 202, 215, 255
Isle Dupas . . 254
Isle Jesus 196
Isle la Mothe 4, 31, 32, 35, 184, 185
Isle Perott .190
Jacob storeship 62
Jacques Cartier 24, 25
Jefferies, Captain 68
Jersey, galley 35, 196,209
Jessup, Ebenezer 39, 45, 219
Jessup's Corps 45
Jesuit priest, mentioned .... 157, 160, 165
Jesus, a carpenter 65, 66
Jews, mentioned 157
Johnson, Captain 153
Johnson, Colonel Guy, 3, 5, 6, 59, 69,
82, 96, 97, 98, 99, 112 124
letter from 95
Johnson, John 165
Johnson, Peter ,. . .7, 83, 95
Johnson, Lieut. John 85
Johnson, Sir John. .32, 36, 178, 179,
197, 201, 203, 219, 220
Johnson, Sir William 3, 7
Joinville, Captain 254
Jollivet, L. . 254
Jolly, Felix, a militia officer 113
Jones, Captain Thomas 128, 133, 220
Jordan, Jacob 85
Jordan, Mr 225
Judah, Samuel 85
Junius ' 41
K
Kamouraska 40, 220
Kay, William 85
Kennebec river. .13, 103
Kerr, George, death of 19
Kinchin, (Quinze Chenes) 161
INDEX
265
King, Mr 207
King's Royal Regiment of New York
179, 196, 197, 201, 203, 219, 224
King, a volunteer 114
Kneller, Henry ". ,.,....65, 66
Kocanawago 47, 48
La Bonte .65, 67, 207
La Broquerie, Ensign .199, 251
La Bruere, an officer 252
Lachapelle, Captain 254
La Chenaye, parish of 36, 196
Lachine..3, 5, 27, 28, 36, 58, 97, 98, 196
La Colle, river 65. 73, 74
La Corne, St. Luc de, a Canadian offi-
cer 6, 9, 10, 108
La Coste, a volunteer 114
La Debauche, a habitan 90, 91
La Fayette, Marquis de 43, 256
La Fleur, Francois , 113
Laf ontaine, Lieut 199, 251
La Fortune, L 254
La Framboise, an innkeeper. 65, 67
La Gorgendiere's house. . . . ... ..... 168
Lalonde, F 254
Lawe, Captain George, 19, 128, 129,
140, 169, 176,... 255
La Magdelaine, an officer 13, 252
La Marque, a militia officer 113
Lamirande, Francois, a militiaman.. 113
La Morandiere, an officer 113, 252
Lamothe, a militia officer 113
La Motte, Mr 104
Lanaudiere, Charles de..4, 11, 12, 40,
45, 109, 112, 133, 135, 225. 227, 256
memorial of 142
Lancaster, Governor 136
Langlade, Mr . . 193, 194, 230
L'Anglais, Pierre 89, 90
Langlois, Captain 141, 142
Lanoray, parish of 254
La Noix, F.. 254
La Prairie, 5, 6, 30, 33, 36, 65, 67, 79,
117, 118, 164, 165, 174, 175, 190,
196, 202, 222, 257
La Plante, M 254
La Ronde, an officer 113, 207, 208
Laronde, Augustin, a militia officer. . 114
La Ros, Joseph 65, 66, 68
La Sarte, Joseph, a militia officer 114
L'Assomption, 6, 10, 40, 86, 91, 92, 93,
94, 102, 103 227
La Suede 173
La Valterie, an officer 252
La Valterie, Mdlle 92, 94
La Vigne, A 254
Le Brun, Joseph, a militiaman 113
Le Clair, Pierre, a militiaman 113
Lee, a ship 35, 196, 209, 239
Legislative Council 5
Le Maitre, an innkeeper 65, 67
Le Maitre, Captain F...175, 186, 202, 210
Le Merise, Pierre, a militiaman 113
Lemoine, a justice of the peace, 93, 94, 103
Le Moyne, Mr 157
Le Pine, a militiaman 254
Le Roux, Germain 102, 103
L'Esperance, a habitan 86
Lessar, Anthe, a militiaman... 113
Lessar, Louis, a militiaman 113
Lester, Mr 136
Leviller, a militia officer 114
Levy, a Jew 170, 171
Levy, M. de 245, 250
Lieber, Captain 151
Lilly, John 86
Lincoln, General Benjamin 44
Linzee, Captain 160
Littlejohn, Captain 85. 136. 165
Littlewort, Richard 132
Livingston, Colonel James. .5, 6, 7, 9,
16, 18, 44, 99, 104, 105, 211
letters from 76, 78
Livingston, Judge 4
Livingston, P. V. B 57
Livingston's regiment 6, 7, 9, 16, 44
Lizard, frigate, tnent$oned. .14, 15,
18, 21, 62, 64, 120, 125, 128, 130,
131, 132, 135, 156, 160, 168,.... 169
Lizot, Captain 85
Loison, J 254
Longcraft, Lieut 192, 257
Long Island 197
Long Point 6, 82, 84, 92, 94, 105, 254
Longueuil. .6, 30, 31, 65, 66, 67, 82, 84,
174, 175, 196, 222
skirmish at. . . .9, 11, 114, 123, 125
Longueuil, M. de. .4, 45, 113, 225, 231,
239, 240, 256; letters to 73, 194
Lord, Captain 194
Lord Howe, transport 159, 160
Lord Shuldham, a ship 187
Lorette, mentioned 14, 16, 129, 173
Lorimier, brothers 5, 75
Lorimier, Chevalier 146, 157
Lorimier, M. de 27, 207, 208, 252
Lorimier, memorial of M 239,240
Lotbiniere, M. de, an officer 9, 113, 161, 252
Lotbiniere, M. de, a priest 173
Louisburg 190
siege of 143
Lower Town, Quebec 17, 23
Loyal Convert, a ship 35, 257
Loyalists 32, 36, 45
Lutwidge, Captain S., 41, 159, 160, 209, 238
letter from 238
Lymburner's wharf 18, 19, 170, 172
M
Mabane, Adam 128, 129, 173
Machiche, mentioned 113, 174
Mackinac 3, 39, 58, 193, 216, 224
Magdalen, ship of war. .128, 130, 135, 257
266
INDEX
Malbay 253
Malhiot, M 90, 91
Marcoux, Lieut. 199, 251
Maria, schooner. .34, 35, 161, 163, 192,
195, 209, 238, 257
Marines, Royal, mentioned . . 120, 130,
147, 154, 156, 157, 162
Mann, Sir H 37
Marr, Captain John 105
Marteilhe, John 86, 87
Martial Law, Proclamation of 270
Martin, sloop.. 24, 25, 30, 145, 153,
157, 160, 174, 176, 178
Mascouche de Terrebonne, parish of. ...
113, 256
Maseres, Francis, extracts from "Ad-
ditional Papers," 54, 106, 111, 123
Massachusetts Bay. . : 96
Maurer, Mr 231
Meigs, Major 138
Mellish, Nathaniel 86
Menard, Captain Joseph.. 65, 66, 67, 68
Menut, Mr 252
Menut's Tavern 16, 19, 252
Mercier, John Dyer, mentioned . . 13,
100, 104, 120, 122, 211
Meredith, Mr 157
Meziere, Pierre 181
Michilimackinac..3, 39, 58, 193, 216, 224
Militia artillery 12, 13
Militia, British. .14, 15, 18, 19, 45, 61,
76, 80, 81, 82, 122, 123, 130, 134,
146, 152, 153, 154, 156, 157, 158,
162, 163, 168, 169, 171, 173, 176, 252
Militia, Canadian. .7, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16,
18, 19, 29, 31, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40,
41, 45, 52, 53, 54, 55, 58, 60, 61,
69, 70, 75, 76, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82,
97, 104, 112, 116, 117, 120, 121,
122, 123, 130, 132, 134, 141, 142,
147, 153, 154, 156, 157, 158, 162,
168, 169, 171, 173, 174, 175, 176,
180, 188, 189, 190, 193, 197, 198,
199, 200, 201, 203, 209, 211, 212,
213, 214, 216, 218, 219, 220, 221,
223, 226, 227, 228, 229, 231, 232,
237, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246,
247, 248, 249, 250, 253, 256,. . . 258
Militia, Canadian, ordinance for reg-
ulation of. .38, 40, 204, 205, 206,
207, 210, 218, 219, 227, 229,. ... 241
Militia, organization of . .2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
10, 12, 42
Militia, returns of 43
Millet, Jean B 113
Milmine, Alexander 85
Minot, Jonas Clark 211
Missassauga Indians.. 27, 28, 29, 185,
225, 239, 240
Missisqui bay 33, 73
Mittleberger, John 85
Mittleberger, Solomon . . 85
Mocquin, an officer 113, 157
Mohawk, Indians 96, 98
Mohawk river, 36, 37, 42, 79, 124, 197,
202, 203, 235
Mohawk valley 4, 5, 32, 39, 44
Money, Wm 165
Monin, Captain. .41, 199, 213, 214, 218,
242, 251 258
Monin, company of 199
Monin, Ensign Anthony 258
Monk, Attorney General 220, 228, 229
Montesson, Captain 113
Montgomery, Brig-General Richard 4,. .
5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,
19, 21, 43, 85, 95, 98, 104, 105
107, 110, 112, 116, 119, 125, 130,
137, 138, 140, 141, 142, 152, 159,
169, 170,... :........ 171
death of 18, 20, 152
letters from. .106, 107, 114, 117,
118, 136, 138
ietter to 119
Montigny, M. de 27, 161, 239,240
Montreal, district of 42, 196, 253, 256
Montreal, mentioned..!, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20,
21 ,22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,
32, 36, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 48,
49, 51, 53, 58, 59, 60, 64 ,66, 67,
68,70,72,74,76,80,81, 82, 83, 86,
87, 90, 91, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98,
102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 108, 109,
111, 112, 113, 114, 116, 117, 118,
119, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126,
127, 129, 131, 132, 133, 138, 139,
143, 144, 145, 146, 148, 150, 151,
156, 157, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163,
164, 165, 167, 174, 175, 177, 178,
179, 180, 182, 185, 186, 187, 188,
189, 190, 201, 202, 203, 207, 208,
211, 212, 213, 214, 220, 221, 223,
226, 227, 240, 243, 244, 248, 252, 253
Montreal merchants 27, 47, 52
Montreal merchants, agreement of . . . 7
Montreal, militia of... 43, 45, 54, 55, 57
Montreal, surrender of 12, 239, 240
Montresor, Captain John 14
Moquin, Mr 113, 157
Morgan, Captain Daniel. 19, 170
Morin, Captain. .41, 199, 213, 214, 218,
242, 251, 258
Morin, company of 198
Morrison, James 47, 52, 85
Morrison, Samuel 85
Mounier, a volunteer 113
Mount Independence 234, 237
Murdock, Mr 168
Murray, Commissary 183
Murray, General James . . 53, 54, 121,
143, .167
INDEX
267
Mac.
MacAulay, Mr 121
MacCarty, Captain 101
MacCarty, Mr 157, 164, 165
MacDonald, Adjutant Ronald 256
MacDonald, Captain 219
MacDonald, Lieut. Archibald 255
MacDonald, Lieut. Ronald 255
MacDonald, Major Donald 255
MacDonald, an overseer 73
MacDonell, Captain . . 39
MacDonell, Ensign John 10, 112
MacDonell, Lieut. John 255
Mackay, Captain Samuel. .39, 40, 41,
52, 113, 114, 207, 212, 213, 214,
218, 223, 237, 239
MacLean, Brig-General, letter to. .227, 231
MacLean, Ensign Hector 255
MacLean, Lieut. Hector 255
MacLean, Lieut, and Q.M. Lachlan,
255, 256
MacLean, Lieut. Colonel Allan.. 4, 5,
11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 19, 42, 55, 56,
61, 68, 76, 79, 80, 84, 105, 111,
112, 117, 120, 123, 128, 129, 131,
133, 154, 156, 159, 167, 168, 169,
176, 177, 201, 219, 220, 222, 223,
227, 237, 238, 239, 240, 255
MacLean, Colonel Allan, letters from
152, 162, 163
MacNeil, Hector 211
Me.
McBeath and McTavish
McCarty, Wm 85,
McCauley, Zachary •
McCord, John
McDougall, Captain.... 19, 140, 176,
McDougle, Colonel 64,
McFarlan, Peter
McGill, James
McGill, John
McKenzie, Thomas 128,
McKinnon, Lieut. Donald
McLean, Lieut. John
McLean, Lieut. Neil
McMurray, Thomas •
McNeal, Jean, a volunteer
McNeale, Richard
McPherson, Captain
McTavish and McBeath
N
Nairn, Captain John. .4, 19, 162, 170, 255
Nancy, ship 145
Napier. Captain 16, 135
Navy battalion 136
Neagle, John 86
Nesbitt, Brig.-General, 30, 159, 174,
175, 177
Neuville, parish of 244, 248
56
211
168
168
255
68
85
85
85
129
255
255
255
85
114
85
138
56
Neveu-Sevestre, Lieut. Colonel .... 54, 55
Neveu, a schoolmaster 86, 87, 92, 94
Newbury, mentioned 22
Newburyport, Mass., mentioned 13
Newfoundland.. 4, 14, 152, 157, 167, 176
New Hampshire 36
New Jersey, province of 37, 202
New York, city of 161, 197, 214, 220
New York, congress of, address from
2, 4
New York, province of 178, 179, 197,
202, 219
Niagara. . . .23, 27, 39, 42, 58, 96, 146, 216
Niagara, fort 42
Nicholson, Colonel 137
Nicolet, mentioned 29
Niger, ship .25, 159, 160
Ninham, Captain Abraham. ...... .47, 48
North, Lord 56, 162, 163
Nottingham, Indiaman 220
Nouvelle Beauce .40, 220, 231
Nunn, Lieut 128
0
Ogden, Captain Matthew 133, 138
Olivier, Captain 255
Omuney, Captain 220
Onandaga 97
Oneida Indians 96, 105
Oneida village 44
Onion river 33, 44, 234
Ontario 59, 95, 96
Ontario, Lake.. 56, 69, 197, 216, 239, 240
Ordnance corps 147
Oenit, Mr, 1 104, 105
Orleans, Island of 20, 23, 172
Osgood, Captain James 181
Oswegatchie. .2, 3, 4, 27, 28, 29, 31
52, 58, 96, 146, 156, 167, 202,. . 221
Oswego 3, 36, 37, 124
Ottawa Indians 207 230
Otter Creek 24, 234
Oughgauga Indians 96
Oughquissasmis Indians 97
Owen, Captain 135, 156
Palace Gate 153, 170
Panet, Claud 121
Panet, Pierre. .65, 66, 68, 93, 94, 103,
121, 188, 200
Parry Lieut 135
Paterson, Allan, 85
Paterson, Alexander 7, 82, 83, 84, 112
Paspibiac 253
Pathinis, an interpreter 98
Payet, P.... 255
Pearson, Captain 238
Peggy, transport 233
Pellan, Captain 254
Pellew, Sir Edward 34
letter from . . . 192
268
INDEX
Pellissier, a refugee .. . 211
Pennsylvania!! regiment, mentioned
21, 22, 32, 33
Perthuis, a Canadian officer. . . .9, 66, 67
Peterson, Colonel 164, 165
Petite Riviere de Chambly. . 65, 67
Petite Riviere de Montreal 66, 68
Petre 65
Petrimoulx, Captain 255
Pettigrew 65, 67
Philadelphia, a ship... 35
Phillips, Major-General, W...30, 31,
175, 177, 191, 212, 213, 224, 225, 231
letter from 222
Picard, Alexander 171
Picquet, a habitan 91, 92, 93, 94
Piedmont La Bruere, an officer 252
Piercee 253
Pilgrim island 25, 160
Pillett, Pascal 122
Pitt, Lord 79, 83, 84, 111
Place d'Armes at Montreal, insult to
King's bust at 1
Plante, Pierre, a militiaman 113
Plymouth 150, 160
Point du Jour 66, 67
Pointe Claire 36, 196
Pointe au Fer 64, 65, 67, 97, 193
Pointe aux Roches 65, 67
Point aux Trembles. .15, 24, 141, 142,
152, 153, 168, 244, 248, 254
Pointe du Lac 30, 113, 174
Pointe Olivier 7, 77, 78, 81
Pointe Levi. .3, 14, 22, 23, 24, 118, 119,
122, 123, 129, 148, 149, 160, 167,
172, 172, 202, 220
Poisrier, H 255
Pollard, Richard 85
Polly, ship 135
Porteous. John 85, 188
Portland, mentioned 160
Pot Ash 18
Pothier, Bte, a militia officer 114
Pothier Varennes, an officer 113
Poughkeepsie, N.Y, 44
Powell, Brig.-General H. W...36, 41,
42, 177, 233, 238
letters to 188, 196
letters from 234, 237
Prescott, General Robert. .3, 4, 5, 64,
65, 66, 69, 97, 98, 105, 122, 133, 167
surrender of. 16
letters from 73,75, 76
Pres-de-Ville 18, 19, 169, 170
Preston, Major Charles.. 8, 9, 49, 74,
104, 105, 113, 115, 116, 125, 239, 240
advances to St. Jean 1
letters to. . . .51, 73, 75, 76, 110, 114
Price, James 2, 3, 21, 63, 157, 211
Price, Mrs. James 157
Pringle, Captain Thomas R. N...25,
31, 34, 35, 37, 128, 129, 130, 131,
133, 145, 190, 191, 192, 235
letters from 159, 160
Pringle, Ensign John 255
Providence, armed ship 130
Q
Quebec.. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14,
16, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32,
34, 36, 39, 41, 45, 58, 64, 66, 67,
72, 83, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 103,
104, 107, 110, 111, 112, 118, 119,
121, 122, 123, 125, 126, 127, 128,
130, 131, 132, 134, 135, 136, 140,
141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147,
148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154,
156, 158, 159, 160, 166, 167, 168,
169, 171, 173, 176, 177, 178, 179,
183, 184, 185, 187, 189, 196, 198,
202, 209, 211, 212, 215, 219, 224,
225, 243, 244, 248
Quebec Act, introduction of 1, 2,
• 107, 109, 110, 111, 121, 122,. ... 219
Quebec, district of. .40, 220, 221, 232, 253
Quebec Gazette 21
Quebec Gazette, extracts from . . 48,
57, 60, 68, 74, 75, 81, 82, 83, 84,
87, 88, 100, 101, 178, 182, 183,
186, 188, 197, 199, 220, 232, 252,
253, 255
Quebec, militia of.. 43, 45, 53, 54, 55,
58, 60, 61, 199 253
Quebec, relief of 23, 24, 25, 26
Quebec, siege of. .16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21,
22, 23, 24
Quenon 65, 66
Quick, Robert 132
Quintal, Captain 90, 91
Quinze Chenes..27, 28, 180, 181, 183,
239 240
Raimond, Joseph 92, 94
Rainville, Joseph, wounded 19
Rapin, Captain 254
Recollet's Convent 17
Regiment, 7th.. 1, 3, 7, 8, 13, 49, 58,
76, 105 106, 115, 117, 130, 136,
147, 154, 167, 169 182
Regiment, 8th. .27, 182, 202, 203, 221, 258
Regiment, 9th 196, 203
Regiment, 20th 196, 203
Regiment, 21st 196, 203
Regiment, 24th 203
Regiment, 26th. .1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 49, 58,
74, 82, 98, 99, 104, 105, 115, 167,
182, 239, 240
Regiment, 29th 24, 25, 29, 35, 36, 152,
158, 162, 163, 166, 167, 196, 202,
221, 222, 257
Regiment, 31st 196, 202, 237
Regiment, 34th 196, 202, 203, 220,221
INDEX
269
Regiment, 47th, 25, 29, 152, 158, 159,
160, 163, 166, 167, 176, 196,... 203
Regiment, 53rd 196, 203
Regiment, 62nd 174, 196, 203, 220, 222
Regiment, 78th 4
Regiment, 84th . 143
Regiment, King's Royal, of New York
32, 36, 39, 45
Regis, a habitan 92, 94
Reidesel, General 175, 200
Repentigny 6, 91, 93
Return of shipping 56
Return of troops 58
Revenge, schooner 195
Richardson, Lieut 105
Richelieu falls 30, 157
Richelieu river, 2, 3, 7, 10, 11, 12, 15,
16, 24, 30, 31, 34, 40 108
Rigauville, Major de .9, 11, 60,
109, 112, 134, 225
River Bagnet 65, 67
Riviere du Chene 36, 196
Riviere du Loup 30, 113, 174
Riviere des Prairies 196
Riviere du Sud 22, 149
Robertson, Captain Daniel. 255
Robertson, a volunteer 113
Roch, Captain 254
Roche, David 132
Roger, Jean 65, 67
Roland, Edward 132
Ronon, a habitan 65, 67
Ross, William 22
Rouillard, a militiaman 113
Rouville, Captain de. .40, 199, 223, 232, 251
Rouville, an officer 113
Rouville, Francis, a militia officer. . . . 114
Rouville, Hertel de. .86, 87, 90, 91, 93,
94, 102, 103, 194, 195
Rouville, a judge 121
Royal artillery. .2, 3, 7, 8, 35, 36, 105,
106, 115, 145, 147, 175, 196, 203, 209
Royal Canadian Volunteers.! 10
Royal Convert, a ship 209
Royal Highland Emigrants, organiza-
tion of regiment.. 4, 7, 10, 14,
16, 19, 20, 21, 36, 39, 40, 45, 55,
56, 61, 64, 68, 79, 104, 105, 115,
120, 130, 143, 147, 154, 156, 162,
163, 167, 169, 170, 172, 194, 196,
201, 202, 217, 222, 223, 237, 255
Royal Savage-, schooner 195
S
Salaberry, Lieutenant 9, 113, 199, 251
Samos 173
Sans Bruit 168, 169, 173
Sartigan 3, 5, 118, 167
Saratoga, mentioned 44, 233, 235
Sault St. Louis 66, 68, 76, 124, 240
Sault St. Louis Indians 224, 239, 240
Saut au Matelot, 18, 20, 140, 165, 169, 170
Saut au Recolets 196
Schank, Admiral John 192, 193
Schank, Lieut. John 34, 191, 192, 257
Schmitt, Luc, a volunteer 113
Schuyler, Philip, Major-General 4,
5, 7, 13, 16, 20, 21, 22, 24, 29, 32,
36, 44, 63, 68, 84, 89, 119, 125,
126, 138 144
proclamation by 74
Scott, Lieut 191 257
Scottish Emigrants 4, 32
Seamen, corps of 147, 154, 158
Sears, a volunteer 114
Sedgewick, Captain 220
Selwyn, Lieut 135
Sene, a blacksmith 86
Sherburne, Major Henry, 27, 28, 180,
181, 182
Shuttleworth, Lieut 106
Sillery 168
Silvestre, Lieut. Colonel 57, 188
Singleton, George 86
Six Nations Indians. .3, 5, 27, 42, 69,
96, 97, 124
Skene, Major 53, 163, 164
Skenesborough 32, 33, 207
Skenesborough House 229
Smith, Ensign David 255
Smith, Robert 132
Solomons, Ezekiel 86
Solomons, Levy 85
Sorel. .2, 3, 4, 6, 11, 12, 25, 28, 29, 30,
36, 37, 78, 81, 99, 127, 133,
161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 167, 174,
175, 178, 185, 187, 196, 201, 223, 232
Sorel river. .78, 79, 104, 105, 117, 126,
129, 175, 222
Soulanges 244, 248
Souligny, Captain 254
Soumandiere, an officer 113
Southouse, Mr 220
Specht, regiment of 191
Speke, (Specht) General 200
Spithead 176
Stanwix, Fort 41, 59, 96
Stark, Brig-General 43, 44
Stark, Lieut 192, 257
Stewart, Captain mentioned 114
Stewart, Mr 168
Stenhouse, John 85
Stockbridge 47
Stockbridge Indians 2, 34, 47
Stopford, Major J 49, 106, 126
letter from 110
Stratton, Lieut. Alexander 255
Strong, Captain 8, 83, 239, 240
Strong, Colonel 65, 66, 67
Sullivan, Ebenezer, letter from 185
Sullivan, General James.. 25, 20, 30,
31, 32, 161, 163, 164, 185
Surprize, frigate. .23, 24, 25, 145, 153,
157, 160, 176
270
INDEX
Susquehannah river, . 59
Swegatches Indians, . . . 47
Swift, John White, 211
Sydney, Lord, 199
St.
St. Amande ' 207, 208
St. Anne, parish of. .27, 28, 161, 166, 196
St. Anne, seigneury of 11, 109, 133
St. Antoine, parish of 196
St. Blain du Verger, an officer 113
St. Charles, parish of 196
St. Charles river 19, 15&, 172
St. Clair, Colonel 163, 164
St. Cuthbert, parish of 254
St. Denis parish of 6, 11, 104, 196
St. Eustache, parish of 255
St. Francis Indians 13, 47, 224
St. Francois river 3
St. Francois 3, 58, 146
St. Frederick, fort 89
Ste. Foye 16, 20, 21, 140, 173
St, Genevieve, parish of . . 196, 254
St. George-Dupre, Major. .54, 55, 57,
113, 190, 198, 200, 221, 222, 223, 231
St. Germain 92, 94
St. Helen, island of 11, 12, 123
St. Igan, (Sartigan?) 76
St. Ignace, Island of 164, 165
St. Jean. .1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 13, 14, 21,
28,29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 36, 37, 40, 41,
44 45, 66, 68, 113, 114, 115, 116,
123, 124, 125, 126, 141, 142, 146,
163, 164, 165, 166, 171, 174, 175,
177,179, 183, 186, 190, 191, 192,
196, 199, 200, 202, 203, 219, 221,
224, 225, 234, 235, 237, 238, 239,
255, 257
blockade of 7
siege of. . . . .* 7, 8, 9, 10
St. Jean port Joly, parish of 242
St. Jean, suburb of Quebec 15, 20, 128, 158
St. John, island of 4, 14
St. John's gate 17, 18, 24, 157, 158, 169 172
St. Johns, Newfoundland.. 47, 48, 51,
52, 53, 58, 59, 63, 65, 69, 71,
72, 73, 75, 76, 80, 81, 83, 95, 97,
98, 104, 107, 108, 110, 111, 119, 120
St. Laurent, M. de 90, 91
St. Laurent, parish of 196, 255
St. Lawrence river . . 2, 3, 6, 7, 13, 14,
15, 22, 24, 26, 30, 36, 40, 59, 69,
90, 97, 101, 104, 111, 118, 119.
123, 124, 127, 136, 158, 165, 166,
196, 202, 222, 223, 257
St. Lawrence, gulf of 25, 37, 159, 202
St. Leger, Lieut. Colonel Barry. .37,
40, 41, 42, 202, 203, 216, 221,
224, 232
St. Leonard, parish of 254
St. Louis, castle of: ; 85
St. Louis street 18
St. Louis, gate of.. 23, 24, 157, 158,
169, 172
St. Luc de la Come. .6, 10, 40, 108,
227, 230
Ste. Marie 14
Ste. Marie Moussette, a militiaman.. 113
Ste. Marie Pacquin, a militiaman .... 113
St. Martin, Ensign 199, 251
Saint Ours, Lieut 113, 199, 251
St. Ours, village of . .6, 65, 66,. 68, 196
St. Peter's Island 160
St. Phillipe, parish of 254
St. Pierre, Island of 2§,
St. Pierre, lake of 31
St. Pierre, parish of 22, 148
St. Regis 39, 124, 146
St. Regis Indians 224
St. Roche, suburb of, Quebec. .16, 17,
18, 19, 20, 137, 140, 158, 169, 171
Ste. Sulpice .92, 94
Ste. Therese, 'island of 92, 94, 255
Tadousac . : 4
Tartar, a ship .178, 219, 220
Taschereau, M 122
Taschereau, G. E 188
Templer, Colonel 55, 73
Ternis, Louis, a militia officer 114
Terrebonne 10, 45, 108, 196
Testreau, J. B 90, 91
Tetard, J. P 141, 142
Texier, Charles, a militiaman 113
Thibault, a habitan 65
Thomas, General 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 146
Thompson, Charles 132
Thompson, John 85, 122
Thompson, Brig.-General, death of 25,
29, 30
mentioned 22, 163? 164, 174
Thompson, Captain Zachariah 49
Thoulouse, L 254
Three Rivers. .2, 3, 12, 15, 16, 25, 26,
29, 30, 31, 36, 40, 45, 69, 113,
160, 161, 167, 178, 185, 186, 188,
189, 193, 209, 211, 227, 243, 248, 256
Three Rivers, battle at 30, 174
Three Rivers, district of 253
Three Rivers, militia of 43, 45
Thunderer ketch 34, 192, 209, 238, 257
Tice, Captain Gilbert. .5, 75, 98, 104,
239, 240
Ticonderoga, capture of by Americans,
1; mentioned, 4, 5, 8, 10, 13, 29,
32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 39, 41, 42, 47,
48, 60, 62, 63, 64, 68, 69, 70, 97,
104, 123, 124, 191, 195, 196, 202,
207, 208, 215, 217, 218, 229, 230,
233, 234, 237, 238, 239, 256
Todd, Mr 68
Toit» Sergeant 65, 67
Tonancour, Ensign 113, 199, 209, 251
INDEX
271
Tonancour, Lieut. Colonel. .36, 45, 188,
189, 209, 211, 256
letters to 188, 193
Trenton, N. J. battle at 215
Triton, frigate. .25, 41, 145, 160, 238, 257
Trumbull, row-galley 195
Truteau, river 6, 82, 83
Tryon, Governor 64, 104, 105
Tucker, Ensign 83
Tucker, Mr 164
Two Moutains, Lake of 224
Vadenay, Captain 254
Vaine, A. J 92, 94
Vaine, Jean 92, 94
Valerant, Louis, death of 19
Valcour Island, battle of 35, 195
Vander Heyden Jacob 86
Varennes 36, 196, 222
Vassall de Monviel, Ensign 199, 251
Vaudreuil, M. de 243, 245, 248, 250
Vaudreuil, seigneury of 28, 166
Vercheres, mentioned 11, 90,112
Vergere (Vercheres) 202, 222
Verreau, Abbe, extracts from the In-
vasion of Canada by.. 54, 55,
105, 148, f 149
Vienne, John ." 86
Vigneau, Ensign 199, 251
Vignola, an innkeeper 65, 67
Villeneuve, A 254
Vincennes 253
Volunteers 81, 82
Volunteers, Canadian. .7, 8, 52, 98, 104, 105
Voyer, Colonel Noel, 18, 19, 55, 58, 170, 189
death of 232
Vriesland, transport 191
w
Wadlow, William 165
Waldeck, Prince of 145, 176
Walker, Mrs. Thomas.. 2, 91, 93, 94,
122, 157
Walker, Richard 27, 85, 146, 239, 240
Walker, Surgeon's mate, James.. ^. 256
Walker, Thomas.. 2, 3, 6, 63, 65, 66,
67, 68, 86, 87, 91, 92, 93, 94, 102,
103, 111, 112, 120, 122, 211
arrest of 10
letters to .' 47, 48
Walker, Thomas, Jr 86
Walpole, Horace 37
Warner, Colonel Seth 4, 11, 21, 44
letter to 138
Washington, George. .4, 13, 20, 22, 23,
24, 30, 32, 34, 36, 37, 43, 44, 103,
119, 138, 180, 184, 215
letters to 118, 119
Washington, galley 35, 195,209
Waterbury, Brig.-General 35, 36, 195
Watson, Brook 120
Welles, John 16, 157, 164, 165
Wellington, Lieut 74
\Veisenfels, Major Fred ....137, 139, 140
Williams, Mr. J 207
Williams, Major '. 192, 209
Windmill Point 34
Wolfe, General James 215
mentioned 1, 21
Wolf, Joshua 169
Wood, Ensign W 255
Wood, John 85
Woodfield 173
Wooster, General, 21, 22, 29, 139, 144,
146, 148, 151, 164, 165, 211
letter from 138
Whitcomb, Lieut. Benjamin 257
White, James D 85
A HISTORY
OF THE
Organization, Development and Services of the Military and
Naval Forces of Canada From the Peace of Paris
in 1763 to the Present Time.
WITH ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS
EDITED BY
THE HISTORICAL SECTION OF THE
GENERAL STAFF.
VOLUME III.
The War of the American Revolution.
The Province of Quebec under the Administration of
Governor Frederic Haldimand, 1778-1784.
1,000 4-20
H.Q. 650-16-6.
3573— Aj
EDITOR'S NOTE.
The narrative in this volume, as in the preceding volumes of this publication, is
based upon contemporary records and will not be found to conflict with them in any
material point. As the principal 'documents thus utilized are printed verbatim here-
with, footnotes, indicating sources for each particular statement, seem superfluous. In
printing these documents 'care has been taken to reproduce the eccentricities of capitali-
zation, punctuation and spelling found in the originals. *
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
i
CHAPTER VI.
Military services of Lieut.-General Frederic Haldimand. — His appointment as
governor-general. — 'Instructions given him. — His report on the state of the province. —
Occupation of Carleton Island and 'Construction of Fort Haldimand. — Selection of Sorel
as a depot. — Expedition to Wyoming. — Arrival of a French fleet on the American coast. —
Declaration of war by France.— Intrigues of the enemy. — Destruction of fishing stations
in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. — (Raid upon Otter Creek. — Expedition to Vincennes. —
Renewal of the militia ordinance. — Plans for an invasion of Canada. — 'Measures taken
for defence. — -Defeat and capture of Lieut.->Governor Hamilton. — Military situation in
1779.— Raids upon the German Flats and Cherry Valley.— Sullivan's campaign against
the 8ix Nations.— Altered disposition of the Canadians. — 'Spain declares war. — -Attack on
Perce. — Arrival of re-inforcementis. — Raid of Sir John Johnson on Mohawk Valley. —
Discovery of Pillon'e conspiracy. — Arrest of Pierre du Calvet. — Arrival of de Ternay's
fleet at Rhode Island.— Capture of Henry Laurene with important documents. —
Formation of loyalist corps. — Sir John Johnson's second raid on the Mohawk. — Major
Carleton takes Forts Anne and George. — Expedition from Detroit to the Ohio. — Raid
on the Spanish settlements on the Mississippi. — Formation of military settlements at
Detroit and Niagara.
CHAPTER VII.
Proclamation for threshing grain and collection of cattle in case of invasion. — Loyal
addresses from the inhabitants. — La Fayette's plans for invasion. — Their failure. —
Negociations with Vermont. — Occupation of Crown Point by St. Leger.— 'Defeat of
Colonel Lochry on the Ohio. — Raid into Kentucky. — -Major Ross's raid on the Mohawk.—
Death of Walter Butler.— Occupation of Oswego.— -Defeat of Crawford at Sandusky.—
Caldwell's raid into Kentucky. — Battle at the Blue Licks. — Destruction of blockhouses
on Hazen's road. — Activity of American privateers. — Supercession of Haldimand pro-
posed.— Negociations for peace. — Disbandment of the loyalists. — Improvement of the
Kamouraeka portage. — 'Settlement of the loyalists. — Census of the militia taken. — De-
mands for the cession of the western posts. — Haldimand returns to England. — Character
of his administration.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS.
1. Detroit, 29 August to 2 September 1776. Haldimand to the Earl of Dartmouth — report
on the repairs to His Majesty's veseels lying at Detroit, p. 43.
2. Whitehall, 19 September 1777, Lord George .Germain to Haldimand— forwarding
his commission as Governor-in-chief of Quebec— instructions— ^notification that
His Majesty's Ship "Huzzar" would carry Haldimand from Spithead to Quebec,
p. 43.
3. Curzon St. London, 14 April, 1778, letter written by Haldimand asking that the
military powers of the Commander-in-chief in Canada be unlimited — that he
should use his discretion as to offensive action— the provision of military works
and naval force on the lakes— that Lieut^Governois should be subordinate to the
'Governor^General — that the Governor-General should have control over the
Superintendent of the Indians — and whether the Habeas Corpus Act had force
in Canada, p. 44
4. Whitehall, 16 April, 1778, Lord G. Germain to Haldimand. His. Majesty's instruc-
tions to Haldimand — number of troops in Canada — intended additions thereto —
granting commissions to command corps of Canadians — preparation of plan for
military works — Haldimand to watch the designs of rebels in America and to
correspond with Clinton, p. 45.
5. Niagara, 10 May, 1778. Colonel Bolton's opinion in regard to the naval depart-
ment—list of ships, p. 45.
IV TABLE OF CONTENTS
6. Quebec, 30 June, 1778. Haldimand's proclamation on assuming office in Canada,
p. 46.
7. Quebec, 2 July, 1778. The "Quebec Gazette." Account of Haldimand'e landing
in Canada and his taking the oath of office, p. 46.
8. Quebec, 16 July, 1778, Sir John Johnson requested by Haldimand to provide one
hundred volunteers for scouting, p. 47.
9. Quebec, 25 July, 1778, Haldimand to Lord G. Germain — announces arrival in
Quebec — Sir G. Carleton delivers over papers and information — want of intelli-
gence from Europe and scene of war — rebel newspapers — purchase of boat to
•carry advices between Quebec and Halifax, p. 47.
10. Quebec, 28 July, 1778, Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. — New® from Brig-General
Powell of evacuation of Philadelphia — retreat of the armies and Commissioners'
arrival — (Moses Hazen making road — invasion intended — Traversy's movements-—
attitude of habitans, p. 48.
11. 28 July, 1778. Sketch of military state of the province of Quebec. Geographical
.and political 'Considerations — the fur trade; — fortifications entirely rotten — Can-
adians not to be depended on if French war breaks out — 'necessity of propitiating
the tribes of savages— ^disloyalty existing — 'German troops unfit for active service
— English troop© not acclimatised — lack of barracks — necessity for re-inforce-
mentts — methods of restoring obedience and ensuring tranquillity — 'erection of
•citadel at Quebec — fortification of avenues into the province* — the navy on the
lakes in good order — return showing troops in Canada, p. 48.
12. Quebec, 30 July 1778. Eeturn of vessels on Lakes, p. 51.
13. Quebec, 4 August 1778. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton — announces appointment
to .command province — military powers only defensive — permits some Indian
excursions — Five Nations active under Major Butler — desires mutual information
— Advice -boat between Quebec and Halifax, p. 52.
14. Quebec, 6 August 1778. The "Quebec 'Gazette" reports departure of Sir Guy
Carleton — persons sailing with him, p. 52.,
15. St. Francis, 13 August 1778. Hertel de Eouville Jr. to Haldimand. Activities of
Traversy — endeavours to apprehend him — suggests methods for checking spying,
p. 53.
16. Halifax, 15 August 1778. Arbuthnot to Haldimand — difficulties of correspondence
—delays therein— arrival of 2,200 troops— .activities of French and British fleets
— doubts on loyalty of the clergy, p. 53.
17. Montreal, 20 August 1778. Letter to Sir John Johnson — clothing of various corps —
and their destination, p. 54.
18. 21 August 1778. Circular letter from M. Desohambault, inspector of Militia for the
district of Montreal,' to captains and other officers of militia in that district —
instructions to arrest all suspected of being spies — attention to public roads —
'carriages and wagons to be held at disposal of government — intimation of Car-
leton's succession by Haldimand, p. 54.
19. New York, 25 August 1778. Clinton to Haldimand — promise of 2,000 re-inf or cements
to Canada if French fleet does not ' interfere-rColonel Johnson goes to Canada
to seek Haldimand's wishes with regard to the Indian department, p. 56.
20. 30 August 1778. General report of the militia and of the company of volunteers
at Detroit, signed Henry, Hamilton, Lieut^Governor, p. 57.
21. Remarks on some letters of Lieut. Govr. Hamilton in 1778. — 'Character of Spaniards,
French, and Rebels — 'commissions for militia officers— precautions to secure
loyalty of the militia and Indians, p. 57.
22. Quebec, 31 August 1778. -Extract of a letter from Mr. Cramahe to Haldimand —
raising of new 'companies, p. 58.
23. 2 September, 1778. Memorandum relative to the militia, etc., during the summer
circuit, 1778— -Island of Orleans — north shore — south shore — St. Anne — L'Islette--
— St. Francois Beaumont— remarks on persons .suitable to hold 'commissions in
the militia — loyalty of priests doubtful .as result of war with France, p. 58.
24. Sorel, II September, 1778. Orders by Haldimand issued to the ^captains of militia
in various parishes — to requisition harness, etc., p. 59.
25. Sorel, 8 September, 1778. Orders by Haldimand issued to the captains of militia
in various parishes — to requisition the service of ten good men skilled in
.squaring and sawing timber, p. 60.
v TABLE OF CONTENTS V
26. New York, 9 September, 1778, Sir H. Clinton to Haidimand— The French fleet
interferes with re-inforcements previously promised — knowledge of Haldimand's
troops and of re-inforcemente to Halifax, p. 60.
27. Quebec, 10 September, 1778. Mr. Cramahe to Captain Foy. Allison and Ireland's
report with regard to D'Estaing's squadron and declaration of war by France. —
Allison's complaints 'Concerning his ship's armament — difficulties in manning
the navy — suggests postponement of militia activities — disregard of military
demands by citizens — suggested pro-cedure if militia to be called up at once,
p. 61.
28. Sorel, II September, 1778. Orders issued by Haidimand to captains of militia of
Parishes adjacent to Riviere du Loup. — Provision of huts or barracks for refugee
families — Mr. Gugy to supervise erection, p. 62.
29. Sorel, 14 September, 1778. Haidimand -to Mr. de Tonnancour, 'colonel of militia,
at Three Rivers— ordering eighty men to -convey batteaux to Ste. Anne, p. 62.
30. Sorel', I October, 1778, Haidimand to the captain of militia or officer commanding
the Parish of Varenne— requisition for the services of Baptiste and Louis le Bon,
'Caulkers, p. 63.
31. Quebec, 17 September, 1778, Mr. Cramahe to Haidimand. Intention of 'captains
Lutwidge and Pearson to sail from Canada — report of Captain Ross on fortifi-
cation of Beauce, p. 63.
32. St. Jean, 17 September, 1778. Brigadier-General H. Watson Powell to Haidimand.
Reports escape of Canadians made prisoner at Bennington who stated that
twenty-six fellow prisoners had enlisted under Colonel Hazen, p. 63.
33. Sorel, 22 September, 1778, Orders by Haidimand issued to captains of militia of
the five companies at Berthier and two at Chicot, requisitioning the services of
two long sawyers per company, p. 64.^
34. Sorel, 18 September, 1778, Orders by Hadimand issued to the several captains of
militia from St. Anne's to Quebec. Requisitioning the services of seventy-five
men to 'conduct batteaux to Pointe au Tremble, p. 64.
35. Three Rivers, 27 September, 1778, Mr. de Tonmancour to Haidimand. Movements
of Traversy— - report that d'Estaing had engaged and defeated the royal army—
the rebels intended an invasion by way of St. Francis— Ootte I/Air's (Butler's?)
Indians had destroyed five thousand families— condition of the citizens of Three
Rivers — billetting of soldiers a hardship, p. 65.
36. Quebec, 24th September, 1778. Mr. Cramahe to Haidimand. Report by Astwick of
seven English vessels being captured by an American privateer which destroyed
the fisheries at Temple and Sandwich Bays and Cape Charles — provisions for
Sorel and equipment for Lake Champlain Navy — difficulty of getting >crews for
(provision boats, p. 66.
37. Sorel, 29 September, 1778. Haidimand to Mr. de Tonnancour. Employment and
pay of carpenters and sawyers engaged on buildings at Sorel, p. 66.
38. Sorel, I October, 1778. Orders issued by Haidimand to captains of militia of Ste.
Yacinte and adjacent country. Captain Brehm, aide-de-camp to select location
for post on River Yamaska — requisition for men necessary to construct works —
rates of pay — 'Corvee, p. 67.
39. Quebec, I October, 1778, Mr. Cramahe to JIaldimand. Difficulties with printer —
memorial from Lt. Govr. Cox, relating to insecurity of the fisheries — bad weather
— provisions for Beauce — want of obedience at that place, p. 68.
40. Sorel, II October, 1778. Official letter to Lt. Col. Campbell, requesting that Lieut.
Crawford be placed on departmental list — Sir John Johnson to apply to Campbell
for Indians from St. Regis, p. 68.
41. Sorel, 12 October, 1778. Haidimand to Lord G. Germain. Acknowledges dispatches
of 15th May — citadel at Quebec — 'Ordinance 'Concerning estates of absconding
debtors — importance of frontier works supercedes .citadel — re-inforcement of
troops, p. 68.
42. Sorel, 14 October, 1778. Haidimand to Lord G. Germain. Particulars of steps taken
to fortify frontiers. — posts at Carleton Island and entrance to lake Ontario estab-
lished— selection of Carleton Island as a harbour — building of a fort and barracks
in hand — fortification of Isle aux Noix and St. Johns^-families of loyalists with
the army have come to the Province their property having been 'confiscated by
VI TABLE OF CONTENTS
»
the rebels— a company of artillery of Hanau formed— rank of major conferred
on Captains Nairne and -Hughes — Indians from the Upper Country dismissed
with presents — forty of their young men retained, p. 69.
43. Sore I, 15 October, 1778. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Accounts received from
rebel colonies agree that reduction of Canada is 'Contemplated — Hazen and
Traversy visit St. Francois and escape after warning their friends of a coming
invasion — 'defences of Lake Champlain in a Jbad condition — more solid works
required — Chambly inadequately fortified — stores withdrawn from outlying posts
and Montreal to Sorel for safety — Indians becoming ungovernable — Sorel to be
made a strong fort — its inhabitants remarkable for loyalty — worthy of some mark
of public favor such as remittance of quit rents — Haldimand suggests purchase
of seigneurie of Sorel by Government in order to -secure ground for military
works at small cost — methO'dfi of learning the paths of communication used by
the rebels in entering the Province — German troops useless for exploring the
'Country— loyalists and part of the 34th Regiment on the Chaudiere building a
'blockhouse— a 'company of 8th Regiment sent partly to Niagara and partly to
Detroit — difficulty of feeding troops at those places forbids further re-inforce-
ments — party sent to destroy harvests in rebel settlement returned with only
partial success — districts near Lake Champlain, Otter Cree'k and Ticonderoga
to be raided — loyalist families from the Colonies to be housed at Machiche —
winter quarters for troops to be built— cost will be moderate— nothing done
towards enlisting Canadians — awaiting return of young men from trades and
fisheries — 'Corvees discontinued in view of the disposition of the people — request
;for further re-inforcements — desired to occupy Oswego — provisions and other
stores required, p. 71.
44. Sorel, 17 October, 1778. Haldimand to Major Carleton commanding 29th Regt.
quartered at Isle aux Noix. Instructions concerning the expedition to destroy
provisions, forage and cattle collected by rebels on the shores of Lake Cham-
plain — to destroy all boats, saw, and flour mills — if success can be expected tc
attack Fort Edward or Whitkom's party — to take necessary artillery from 'St.
Jean— Carleton to take arms and men as he deems proper, p. 73.
44a. Sorel, 19 October, 1778. Haldimand to Lieut-Colonel Carleton. Declines to enlist
prisoners in the 62nd Regiment — advising Lieut.-Colonel Campbell respecting
{Lieut. Browne 31st Regiments-requests Carleton to provide timber for one
hundred and fifty additional batteaux — notifies his departure for Quebec, p. 74.
45. Quebec, 24 October, 1778.— Haldimand to Lord >G. Germain. Believes that the
rebels 'contemplate invasion of province — asked Capt. Pearson, senior officer,
to winter H. M. Ships "Garland", "Triton" and "Viper" in Quebec— informed
that the "Garland" and "Triton" were commanded by the Admiralty to convoy
trade ships to England on October 25th — other proposals to Pearson ineffective —
left with only the "Viper" for security against privateers — fisheries almost
entirely ruined— strong representations of the necessity for further naval protec-
tion— Hamilton's expedition against the rebels in Illinois, p. 74.
46. On board the ship "Languedoc", 28 October, 1778. Declaration addressed in the
name of the King to all former French subjects in North America, signed
d'Estaing, promising to the French who will no longer recognize the supremacy
of England the protection and^ support of the French King, p. 75.
47. 29 October 1778. Letter written by Clement Gosselin, captain in the rebel army, to
his wife living at Ste. Anne du Sud 'below Quebec — his father in Colonel Hazen's
regiment — is coming with body of the army which 'should go to Canada — no
more English nor royal troops in New England — D'Estaing with 12.000 troops
•captured war vessels, cannon and frigates — D'Estaing and Due de Chartres at
Boston to enter Canada in the early spring — La Fayette and others with their
troops — the army en route and will arrive soon — all ready for the passage of
thfe, "tongue of land" — hopes of being home during the winter, p. 78.
48. Montreal, 2 November, 1778, Mr. Deschambault to Haldimand. Forwards a
memoir for consideration and conference during Haldimand's stay with him at
me Chateau, p. 79.
49. Quebec, II November, 1778. Haldimand to Brigadier-General Francis McLean
Halifax. Preparations in hand for reception of rebels — to attempt communica-
tion with Halifax overland when the snow permits, p. 79.
TABLE OF CONTENTS VII
50. Montreal, 13 November, 1778, Brigadier-General Watson Powell to Haldimand
Reporting disobedience of the miliciens at Vercheres and dispatch of Lt. Colonel
Praetorius and fifty of the Prince of Brunswick's regiment to enforce the corvees,
p. 80.
51. Quebec, 19 November, 1778, Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Destruction of houses
and utensils at the fishing posts on the north coast and Labrador by enemy
privateer— ^property belonging to Canadians at .those places not molested— these
losses, following others, likely «to cause discontent communication with the
Admiralty on the matter— enclosed papers illustrating the wiles of the Americans
in suborning the loyalty of Canadians— home authorities to be on their guard-
desirability of redoubts' in the Gut of Canso, p. 80.
52. Quebec, 19 November, 1778. Official letter to the captain of militia at La Valterie.
Haldimand requests that Major Grey be furnished with fire-wood at a reasonable
price, ,p. 81. •
53. Quebec, 21 November, 1778. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Further details
regarding Hamilton's expedition— rebels advancing to attack Detroit— Hamilton's
force inadequate for the operations he contemplates — the impossibility of inter-
fering owing to the season — state of the provisions in the Province — necessity
for further supplies — party sent to Lake Champlain to destroy enemy property
returned — Major Carleton reports destruction of four months provisions for
twelve thousand men — Lake Champlain and Otter creek cleaned of rebels —
(prisoners taken — copy of Association signed by rebels enclosed — no assistance
asked of Clinton — requests that English officers of rank superior to the foreign
officers employed be sent over — returns of the army and upper and lower posts
enclosed, p. 81.
54. Boston, 18 December, 1778. Letter from the Marquis de la Fayette to the Indians
of Canada — 'promises invasion of Canada — 'United States, army has taken Phil-
adelphia and beaten the English at Monmouth — French fleet has defeated the
English fleet — the French King has made a treaty with United States — (Great
Lake covered by French ships on the coasts of England — English in fear of
invasion of England — Indians will soon see General Washington in Canada —
hpw can the English take other lands, when they cannot protect their own —
promise of indemnity to Indians who forsake English, p. 82.
55. I January 1779. General return of province armed vessels on Lakes Champlain,
Ontario, Erie, Huron and Michigan, p. 85.
56. Montreal, 3 January 1779. Allan Maclean to Captain Matthews. An account of the
corvees at -Sorel — request for Hal-dim and's orders concerning them, p. 86.
57. Quebec, 9 January 1779. Instructions, 'issued by Haldimand to captains of militia
when His Majesty's forces, are upon the march or go into quarters in the
different parishes — quarters — 'carriage of provisions, ammunition etc. — con-
veyance for officers commanding — billets — bedding — cooking — disorder by troops
— guards — transport from captain to captain unless otherwise required — scale of
pay for hire of transport — regulations to be posted in public places and in force
forthwith, p. 86.
58. (undated). Proceedings of the Legislative Council concerning Ordinances for regula-
ting the militia and police, p. 87.
59. Quebec, T5 January 1779. Proceedings of the Legislative Council concerning an
Ordinance for regulating the militia and police, p. 88.
60. (undated). Proceedings of the Legislative Council concerning an Ordinance for
regulating the militia — motion for adjournment defeated — the Ordinance to be
continued for two years, p. 88.
61. Quebec, 15 January 1779. Proceedings of the Legislative Council concerning an
Ordinance for regulating the militia— the Ordinance passed into law, p. 89.
62. Quebec, 10 January 1779. Proceedings of the Legislative Council concerning
Ordinances for the regulation of proceedings in the courts of Civil Judicature —
the militia — the police — Ordinances signed and ordered filed and published,
p. 89.
63. Quebec, 16 January 1779. Publication of Ordinance for regulating the militia, p. 90.
64. List of Captains of the Militia for the several parishes. Quebec district, p. 91.
VIII TABLE OF CONTENTS
65. (Undated). Brig.-Gnener.al H. Watson Powell to Haldimand. Lieut. Walsh, 29th
Regt., reports difficulties of travel at Cumberland Bay — Indians are reported as
arrived at St. Francois with news of twenty thousand rebels assembled in
Albany — to invade Canada under La Fayette, p. 95.
66. Three Rivers, 12 February 1779. MT. de Tonnancour to Haldimand, giving informa-
tion of an escaped prisoner now in St. Croix, p. 95.
67. New York, 12 February 1779. Sir H. Clinton to Haldimand. Information received
from Major-Geineral Tryon (that rebels 'are building batteaux and vessels at Still-
water — iD'Estaing blockaded in Martinico — Georgia in possession of the royal
troops, p. 96.
68. New York, 24 February 1779. (received 21 April '79) unsigned. Intelligence of rebels
building batteaux and vessels at Stillwater — •conjectured that they mean some-
thing against Canada on the invitation of two leading inhabitants — reported that
Gates and Arnold are to command invading rebels, p.* 96.
69. Quebec, 2 March 1779. HaJdimand to Lord G. Germain. Situation in the Province
unchanged — rebels threatening .invasion — their difficulties increased by destruc-
tion of their cattle, forage etc. — ice breaking on Lake Champlain may deter
them for the remainder of winter — copy of Captain Butler's letter inclosed —
•operations in Cherry Valley — letters received from Li-Governor Hamilton
during his journey to St. Vincennes give no new information — outcome' of
Hamilton's enterprise will not be known before the spring — ship "Nancy" com-
pelled to put into Halifax bearing some exchanged German and English officers
— these quartered at Halifax for the winter— Haldimand requests Li-Governor
Hughes to send them to Quebec — Legislative Council convened — Ordinances for
regulating the militia, proceedings of Courts of Civil Judicature, and the police
of the towns of Quebec and Montreal revised and put into force* — desire of Council
to prolong discussion discouraged— subjects for discussion to be admitted with
care, p. 96.
70. Quebec, 2 March 1779. Haldimand to Lt. Governor Hughes. Privateers in the gulf
and action to be taken to deal with them — location of the King's ships un-
certain— Lt.-Governor and Brigadier-General'to assist .as far .as possible — fortified
post in Gut of Canso suggested, p. 97.
70a. Quebec, 2 March 1779. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. Vessels under convoy
of the "Nancy" from New York taken or missing — "Nancy"' put into. Halifax-
troops on board quartered there for the winter — German troops in Province in
want of officers — •Brigadier-jGeneral McLean and Lt.-Governor Hughes asked to
isend officers on board "Nancy" to Quebec — 'Clinton asked to hasten dispatch of
exchanged officers to Haldimand — rebels reported assembling at Skenesborough
— Lake Champlain breaking up, and previous destruction of enemy supplies
will probably deter any attempts during winter — little news from the upper posts,
p. 98.
71. St. Johns, 3 March 1779. Brig-General H. Watson Powell to Haldimand. Informa-
tion received that there are no rebels at Skenesborough — five thousand ex-
pected— vessels and batteaux to be launched there for invasion of Canada in the
summer — large body of rebels reported marched to Co-os — no magazines at Ske-
nesborough-^some being formed at Fort Edward, p. 98.
72. Montreal, 8 March 1779. William Twigs to Haldimand, Pointe du Lac suitable for
post — ^employed on plans for redoubt, barracks etc., at Sorel, — reports on the
post on the River Yamaska and barracks at La Chenay, p. 99.
73. Quebec, II March 1779. Haldimand to Mr. de Tonnancour — Cramahe writing with
regard to La Terriere — appreciation of Be Tonnancour's loyalty & vigilance — de
St. Aulaire's intimates to be 'closely watched— letter from Debrine, p. 99.
74. Three Rivers, 12 March 1779. Mr. de Tonnancour to Haldimand — the rebel
Traversy's visits to Three Rivers — gathers information — de Tonnancour taking
steps to ascertain the activities of Traversy, Deseain and Joseph Louis, prisoners
escaped from Quebec at St. Nicolet — returned to New England, p. 100.
75. 15 March 1779. Haldimand to Mr. de Tonnancour. Advice to ignore Traversy
pending more definite information — request for rolls of, and reports on, officers
of the militia, p. 101.
76. New York, 15 March 1779. Sir H. Clinton to Haldimand. Rebels' preparation of
batteaux at Still-water abandoned for the time, p. 102.
TABLE OF CONTENTS IX
77. 15 March 1779. Letter signed by John Andre, Aide de Camp, Royalist successes in
Georgia — rebels' expedition against Canada abandoned owing to lack of num-
bers—D'Estaing blockaded— British supremacy at sea— rebels' 'Credit low and
their counsels distracted, p. 102.
77a. Three Rivers, 16 March 1779. Mr. de Tonnancour to Haldimand. Instructions
given in parishes for preparation of militia rolls — fears capacity of ^commandants
to do this 'Correctly, p. 102.
78. St. Johns, 19 March 1779. William Twis>s to Haldimand. Report on Post of
Yamaska to Brigadier-General Powell— precautions to be taken in view of the
unfriendliness and disobedience of the inhabitants of St. Hyacinthe, p. 103.
79. Whitehall, 10 April 1779. Lord G. Germain to Haldimand. Corps of Royal Highland
Emigrants put on the establishment— numbered 84th regiment--augmentation of
•companies— authority for these proceedings, p. 103.
80. Whitehall, 16 April 1779. Lord G. Germain to Haldimand. Rebels' batteaux at Still-
water indicate invasion of Canada — not apprehensive of its success while Six
Nations remain faithfulT-^Haldimand's judicious measures appreciated — impor-
tance of Niagara and Detroit. — re-inforcements of these posts approved — clothing
and necessaries sent for Canadian 'corps— France intends sending troops up- the
St. Lawrence to incite insurrection and assist rebels — doubts a*s to the project
materializing, p. 104.
81. New York, 21 April 1779. Sir H. Clinton to Colonel Butler and Haldimand.
Warning of attack on Detroit— feint attack on the Susquehann-a- to draw Butler's
Indians from Detroit, p. 104.
82. Quebec, 30 April 1779. Copy of instructions sent by Haldimand to com-
manding officers at Michilimackinac, Detroit, Niagara, etc., and to the senior
naval officer on lakes Ontario and Erie — appointment of a commissioner .and
naval officers on the lakes — procedure in issuing orders and instructions— requi-
sitions for materials, stores, etc. — ships in ports not to be detained after loading
or unloading — ration allowance for seamen and .artificers, p. 104.
83. Three Rivers, 21 May 1779, Mr. de Tonnancour to Haldimand. German deserter
from Colonel de Earner's regiment learns of rebel spies having gone to Quebec —
returns to regiment and makes report — 'doubts as to truth of statement — steps
suggested to verify it and arrest spies — deposition of deserter inclosed, p. 105.
84. Three Rivers, 21 May 1779. Mr. de Tonnancour to Haldimand. Particulars of the
movements of Peter Siniguy and Jean Baptiste Lamy, p. 107.
85. Quebec, 24 May 1779. Haldimand to Mr. de Tonnancour. Instructions to watch
Siniguy and Lamy — approves action with regard to German deserter — does not
credit his story, p. 107.
86. Quebec, 26 May 1779. Haldimand to 'Sir Henry Clinton. Intentions to take post
at Oswego frustrated by Hamilton's expedition against Fort St. Vincennes and
necessity of feeding Indians during the winter — hopes to establish post in sum-
mer— rebels industrious in trying to seduce Indians — La Fayette's letter and
D'Estaing's Pro clam ation-^some Indians neutral or hostile — various reports
with regard to rebels' activity at Stillwater — an attack on the Province likely to
.be defeated by fleet on Lake Champlain and by the advance posts — raids by
small parties the most probable tactics — war with France has caused unrest in
the country — correspondence with the rebels active but sources not discovered —
security best guaranteed by advanced posts defending 'the passes into the
country — insufficiency of troops for this purpose — criticisms of the value of avail-
able troops — Emigrants — Sir John Johnson's regiment — 'Germans — necessity for
Te-inforce'mente, provisions and arms — no intelligence from Europe — with re-
inforcements and additional Canadian militia disaffected parishes to be
disarmed, p. 108.
87. Quebec, 26 May 1779. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. Hopes of re-inforcements—
provisions and spare arms not sufficient — advices from the Mohawk river,
Albany and the Kenebeck agree that the rebels are building batteaux and
assembling troops— a proportion are reported to be French troops but are more
probably vagabonds and Continental troops in French uniforms — nevertheless to
be guarded against — inhabitants of Canada anticipating arrival of French fleet
in the St. Lawrence, p. 109.
I TABLE OF CONTENTS
88. Quebec, 26 May 1779. Haldimand to Brig.-General McLean. Hamilton's abortive
effort against Fort St. Vinoenn.ee — taken prisoner by Virginians — Virginians and^
Pensylvanians .at San dusky— -reported intention to take post on Kiviere au Bosuf
— probable intention to 'Cut off Detroit — s-carcity of provisions makes re-inforce-
ment of Detroit difficult — reports of rebel activities at Stillwater much exagger-
ated— -danger to Canada is -disposition of the inhabitants and unsuitability of
troops — re-inf or cements or a strong diversion in the south required — treaty
between rebels and France and arrival of French fleet in American waters have
affeteted loyalty of Canadian people— D'Betaing'e Proclamation and La Fayette's
letter .add to difficulties, p. 110.
89. June 1779. Petition addressed to Haldimand for protection against the raids of
American privateers, signed by the militia of Piercie, p. 111.
90. Three Rivers, I June 1779. Mr. de Tonnancooir to Haldimand. The Count de St.
Auler at Becancour in communication with the river Connecticut and other
rebel places — two men at St. Francis are his. emissaries — mortified at their
escape, p. 111.
91. Quebec, 7 June 1779. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Sketch of the situation —
threats of rebel invasion — unfortunate outcome of Hamilton's operations against
Fort St. Vincennes — ill effect on the minds of wavering Canadians — increased
difficulty in retaining the Indians- — astonishment at Hamilton's- lack of judgment
— Haldimand's desire to retrench expenditure in Indian department 'Checked by
the fear of losing Indians' support — their defection would entail loss of the fur
trade and demand greater defensive preparations — exhausted state of provisions
— transport to the upper posts must end failing arrival of provisions — requisi-
tions on inhabitants likely to increase disaffection — (demands during coming
summer will be heavy — present temper of Canadians to be counteracted with
all possible mildness — but, on invasion by rebels, Martial Law to be proclaimed
— licenses to Indian traders refused owing to quantity of arms and ammunition
they were taking — price of wheat and flour — prohibition of exportation of these
articles — seditious behaviour at Montreal — 'two Frenchmen, Mespleit and Jautard,
imprisoned — examination of their papers in progress — ill effects of undue
•clemency in 1775 and 1776, p. 112.
92. Sorel, 7 June 1779. Barry St. Leger to Haldimand. Enclosing a manifesto which had
been affixed to the church door at St. Ours — endeavours to discover the persons
-concerned, p. 113.
93. Montreal, 14 June 1779. Francis Le Maistre to Haldimand. Enclosing a letter from
Lieut. Crofts and .a placard which had been attached to the church door at St.
" Denis — Monsieur Chenier, the Cure, a reliable priest — Monsieur Gatien, Cure
of Lotbiniere, suspe-cted of -communication with rebels — disposition of the in-
habitants likely to be -cold towards rebels unless they are accompanied by
French troops, p. 114.
94. Quebec, 18 June 1779. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Intelligence received of
rebel preparations for invasion by way of Detroit, the Mohawk River, Lake
Champlain and St. Frangois — rebel sympathizers in Canada obtain all informa-
tion in advance of Government — inhabitants persuaded of French fleet's arrival
during the summer — any reverse to the British would inflame the country
against them — 'Copy -of D'Estaing's Proclamation enclosed — this was posted on
Church doors in various parishes — no one apprehended in connection with it
— scarcity of salt provisions causing anxiety — non-arrival of provision ships
, causing impression that France has superiority over England — American
privateers active in' the Gulf — fishing and fur posts open to plunder — no adequate
means of defence^Major Holland and Captain Sinclair and others arrive at
Quebec from Halifax— bear letters from Sir G. Clinton, Lt. -Governor Hughes
and Brig.-Gene.ral McLean — n,o hope of assistance from them — loss of provision
ships destined for Canada reported by the new arrivals — H&ldimand reiterates
request for provisions — & year's reserve supply desirable at all times, p. 114.
95. Quebec, 18 June 1779. Haldimand to Lord Sandwich. Hoped for naval assistance
as the outcome of j previous communications- concerning the activities of
American privateers — no vessels arrived from Europe- — several privateers in the
Gulf -captured one vessel and plundered fisheries — attempted an entrance at
Tadousac — senior officer of H. M. ships asked to winter a frigate at Quebec —
request not acceded to — request for naval assistance — anxiety for the province
sloop "Sorel" — master of the "Viper" found guilty of manslaughter, but par-
doned and released., p. 116.
TABLE OF CONTENTS XI
96. Quebec, 18 June 1779. Haldimand to Lt.-Colonel St. Leger. Requests that every
means be taken to intercept rebel spies in the lower Province — rebels disguised
•as Canadians and Indians — all persons so attired to be held on suspicion if
account not satisfactory — three men held by St. Leger as suspects to be care-
fully examined, p. 116.
97. 19 June 1779, Speech of Chief Husayointe, a deputy from the Five Nations,
delivered before Lt.-Colonel Campbell. Five Nations ask why Haldimand defers
assisting them — they are still defending themselves and will stand firm — desire
that Johnson be sent to them — they demand a fort at Gswego and promise to
keep good guard during its building — Carleton promised these things two years
before — are the English .afraid of people of their own 'colour, p. 117.
98. Quebec, 24 June 1779. Haldimand to Brig.-General Powell— Intelligence obtained
from deserters concerning Hazen and the loyalists — necessity of constant
scouting — 'desirability of capturing Whitcomb — apprehensive of further murders
by him, p. 118.
99. Yamaska, 24 June 1779. Letter from Captain <Schmid. Learns that M. St. Onge,
'Grand Vicar, is inclined towards the French — 'Warned that the enemy contem-
plate an invasion of Yamaska — Father Germain gone to La Baye ostensibly for
religious reasons but really to confer with rebels—endeavours to prevent his
journey — reports of French invasion in all the Parishes but no notices posted
up, p. 118.
100. St. Sulpice, 24 June 1779. Major James Gray to Captain'Le Maistre. Enquiries con-
cerning Father St. Germain's conduct — Lieut. Ann 'Gordon reports on sermon —
St. 'Germain apparently loyal, and ill-treated by rebels as a, consequence, p. 119.
101. Quebec, 28 June 1779. Haldimand to Brig.-*General Powell. Anxietv for increase
in scouts and patrols— rebel parties in the lower Province- -^assisted, by emissaries
in those parte— suspicious persons to be detained failing satisfactory -accounts
of themselves, p. 119.
102. Quebec, I July 1779. Haldimand to Brig.-General Powell. Details of a scheme to*
maintaining intelligence between St. Johns and New York — doubles reward
offered for the arrest of Whitcomb, p. 120.
103. Fort St. Johns, 2 July 1779. Brig.^General H. Watson Powell to Haldimand. Every
effort being made to intercept rebel seoute — 'difficulties of so doing — rangers not
expert trackers — inhabitants of St. Charles favourable to rebels — provide guides
— captain of militia not sufficiently alert, p. 120.
104. Fort St. Johns, 6 July 1779. Brig.-Geineral H. Watson Powell to Haldimand.
Reports the capture of a German deserter together with Canadians and an
Acadian of rebel tendencies, <p. 121.
105. St. Ours, I August 1779. M. Poirier, Cure of St. Ours, to Haldimand. Thanking
Haldimand for recognition of his prudence and zeal for the Government-
represents the necessity for the captains of militia supervising their junior
officers, p. 121.
106. Quebec, 19 July 1779, Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. Arrival of ten provision
ships at Quebec — no information as to re-inforcemente from England — arrival
of provision ships lowered prices of corn — public mind quieted and of better
disposition, p. 122.
107. Quebec, 19 July 1779. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. Intends to send expeditions
to Lake Champlain and towards Oswego — by alarming those parts and inter-
rupting harvests may assist Clinton's operations — arrival of British fleet has had
good effect — nothing to fear from Canadians unless French troope get amongst
them — -desires re-inforcement of two thousand troops — if possible all British —
men of Burgoyne's army preferred, p. 122.
108. New York, 28 June 1779. Sir Henry Clinton to Haldimand. Promising re-inforoe-
ments of 1500 to 2000 men should Haldimand receive none from England —
reduction in Clinton's strength a severe blow to his projects, p. 122.
109. Admiralty (London) 7 August 1779. Lord Sandwich to Haldimand— Acknowledges
insufficiency of naval forces in Canada — calls on the navy from all parts of the
Empire — a ship of 24 guns sent to Quebec — 'daily expecting an invasion from
France and on the eve of an engagement with the fleets of France and Spain,
p. 123.
XII TABLE OF CONTENTS
110. Quebec, 29 August 1779. Haldimand to Lt.-Governor Hughes. Keports of an intended
attack on Canada received from every quarter — such attack unlikely while rebels
are engaged by Clinton, p. 123.
111. Quebec, 29 August 1779. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. English fleet arrived— a
company of Yagars all the re-inf or cements received — expecting German recruits
in the fall — will be a burden rather than a help — scouting parties on frontiers
will be increased to alarm rebels & destroy their crops — news of a French
expedition of the St. Lawrence received, p. 124.
112. Quebec, 30 August 1779. Beating order for 84th Eegiment. Haldimand authorizes
Brig.-^General Maclean to .augment each 'Company of 84th Regt. 'by twenty men
— three guineas per man allowed for every approved recruit, p. 124.
113. Printed Hand Bill issued by Brig.^General Allan Maclean setting forth the terms
of enlistment in the 84th regiment — grants of land in addition to bounty money,
etc., p. 125.
114. Three Rivers, 31 August 1779. Mr. de Tonnancour to Haldimand. Militia men who
had crossed Lake Champlain exempt from corvees — militia man disregards
orders — put under guard — no prisons or lockups in which to confine him,
instructions awaited, p. 125.
115. Quebec, 4 September 1779. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. Printed copies of
D'fistaing's declaration in Illinois and Miamies Country — ill effect on French
and Indians — copy of certificate appended to the proclamations, p. 126.
116. Quebec, 13 September 1779, Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Payment of £200 per
annum to M. Dechambault as a pension, p. 126.
117. Quebec, 13 September 1779. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Bad effect of the
alliance of France with rebels u.pon the Canadians — imprisonment of "La
Terriere" caused great unrest — prevention of disloyal propaganda justified —
•clergy previously loyal show signs of disaffection— Dei La Valindere busy in
spreading revolutionary ideas — method of dealing with him — numerous rebel
prisoners in hand but no place to secure them in — to be sent to Britain — lack
of naval forces has allowed rebel privateers to enter the St. Lawrence — both
shores pillaged and fisheries destroyed — unless raid can be checked the fisheries
must cease — The ships "Defiance" and "Guadeloupe" both sailed — naval
strength reduced to one ten-gun sloop and -small armed schooner — suggestions
for departure of fall fleet to be arranged so as to afford protection to lower parts
of the province — Mic-Mac Indians' depredations on the .coast — twelve Indians
•captured 'dressed as Frenchmen — sent to Nova Scotia — effect of D'Estaing's
proclamation — .people 'convinced of fall of British supremacy, p. 127.
118. Quebec, 13 September 1779. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Proposal to offer royal
pardon to Canadians now with rebels — advantages to be derived from this—
.asks that authority to pardon be invested in the Governor-General, p. 128.
119. Quebec, 14 September 1779. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. The state of the
Province — rebels advancing — fortifying posts en route — compelling neutrality of
inhabitants — inability of Government to support loyal subjects will lose vital
points and the fur trade— rebels commanded by .Sullivan-^supplied with artillery
and sappers and miners^siege of Niagara would deflect the Indians
from the King's interests— Lt^Governor Hamilton kept in irons-^a road being
•cut into Missisisquoi Bay— the clergy cooled towards British interest are
generally ignorant and void of principle — 'Seigneurs and middle 'Classes show
lack of gratitude for benefits conferred — Habitans have been vigorous aigainst
American rebels but appearance^ of French forces would turn them against
Government-^American ideas imbibed by old Canadians— ^difficulties to be met—
extent of the country^posts to be defended— repairs to old, and provision of
new, fortifications— English troops short of their proper establishment-^German
troops ill suited to American warfare and not to be depended on — scarcity of
provisions precludes further recruiting — additional forces and provisions
essential to the preservation of the Province — Priesthood should be recruited
from a country favourable to British rule — tDuchy of Savoy suggested— the
Legislative Council unlikely to sink personal interests in face of difficulties —
the Governor-General must assume more direct 'control, p. 129.
120. Quebec, 25 September 1779. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Intention of rebel fleet
to intercept provision ships — its success would 'Cause -serious situation —
requests that Newfoundland fleet, or other ships, be sent to protect victuallers,
p. 131.
TABLE OF CONTENTS XIII
121. Quebec, 30 September 1779. Hal dim and to Lt.-Colonel Campbell. Scouts sent to
ascertain progress of Hazen's Road — request for Indians to make raid on that
undertaking, p. 131.
122. Quebec, 18 October 1779. Haldimand to Brig.JGeneral Maclean. Regrets inability
to afford military assistance owing to rebels threatening Niagara and Detroit,
and to scarcity of provisions — scouts sent out by Chaudiere and Kennebec
Rivers not returned, p. 132.
123. Quebec, 24 October 1779. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Legislative Council sum-
moned in accordance with instructions — -Governor's position weakened by 'Con-
sultation with members whose interests are not above suspicion — difficulties of
local 'Circumstances not realized by home authorities — proposal to alter the laws
of property inopportune at the present moment — reconsideration of instructions
by home authorities desirable, p. 132.
124. Quebec, 24 October 1779. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Requisitions for engineer
stores — (supplies asked are necessary — work of engineers during summer posts
at Isle aux Noix and St. Johns — forts at Detroit and Niagara — naval forces on
lakes Ontario and Erie — new vessel to be launched — Carleton Island strengthened
— improvements in batteaux navigation— Sorel, a 'Centre for provisions, not yet
properly fortified — barracks' at La Chenaye and Pointe du Lac — purchase of
Seigneurie of Sorel — Advisability of Government acquiring it — contemplated
works at Sorel, Quebec and Cape Diamond— formation of a company of
artificers, p. 133.
125. Quebec, 28 October 1779. Haldimand to Lt.-Colonel Campbell. Requests scouts for
operations against Hazen to be dispatched from Isle aux Noix, p. 134.
126. Quebec, I November 1779. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Report on Sir John
Johnson's operations — too late to intercept rebels retreating, from the destruction
of Indian villages-, to Tioga — proceeded to Ofewego intending to march against
the Oneida and Tuskarora Indians. — plans approved by the Five Nations —
Canada Indians refuse to render help — intention abandoned — Johnson returning
to Carleton Island — re-inforcements in men and provisions essential to offensive
or defensive action — rebels determined to detach Indians from the Government —
superiority in the Indians country the only method of retaining their attachment
— 'captured rebels concur in stating that rebel forces contemplated no invasion
failing arrival of French Fleet — preparations for a vigorous attack in anticipation
of French aid — scouts sent out to New England return with prisoners and cap-
tured correspondence— ^prisoners and correspondence sent to Lt.^Governor
Hughes^ — hopes that small excursions of rangers may not be overrated, p. 134.
127. Quebec, I November 1779. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. Reports from prisoners
agree that nothing has been intended against Canada without the assistance of
the French fleet — preparations in hand for invasion when French aid is given —
their success almost assured in these circumstance — Canadians would revolt —
rebels have opened roads to Niagara and Detroit — no help against them expected
from the Indians unless a considerable force is sent into their country — road
from New England to Mississque Bay avoids government armament on Lake
Champlainr— adequate defence of the upper -country leaves Province defenceless
— contrary action involves the loss of the upper country and the Indians —
German troops-, the majority of the 'Government forces, indolent and useless,
p. 136.
128. Quebec, I November 1779. Haldimand to Major Carleton. Scouts to be sent against
Albany, to destroy corn etc. — if possible to strike at Hazen — Lt.-Colonel Camp-
bell to collect Indians for two parties — desires Carleton to provide additional
men — -Sir John Johnson's intended action against the Oneidas — abandoned owing
to lack of help by Canadian Indians— Mohawks and Onondagas likely to attack
Oneidas — scouts to co-operate in that event — Carleton to provide provisions for
scouts and advise humane conduct, p. 136.
129. (undated) Haldimand to Lt-Governor Hughes. Scout sent out to assist Brig-
General McLean now returnedr— two prisoners andj rebel -correspondence —
Indians captured sent to their nation to influence a return to loyal service —
several prisoners sent to Hughes owing to crowded prisons at Quebec, p. 137.
130. Quebec, 4 November 1779. Haldimand to 'Sir Henry Clinton. News -received from
Halifax of two thousand re-inforcements from New York— etepe taken for
disembarking and quartering these troops, p. 137:
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131. Halifax, 29 November 1779. Lt.-iGoyernor Hughes to Haldimand. Capture of a
Spanish pacquet by New York privateer — copy of a treaty between France, Spain
•and American Congress^Congress binds itself to deliver the Floridas to Spain,
and Canada and Nova Scotia to France — reported that d'Estaing's fleet was
intended for attack on Nova Scotia and Canada — supposed to have captured the
"Experiment" — violent gales cause dispersal and unknown loss of ships, p. 138.
132. Quebec, 2 December 1779. The "Quebec Gazette". Notice published with regard to
desertion from the army — .aiding deserters and harbouring spies — murders at
Three Rivers outcome of assisting fugitives, p. 138.
133. Montreal, 2 December 1779. William Twiss to Haldimand. Report on the barracks at
'La Chenaie and on storage houses at Coteau du lac, p. 140.'
134. Three Rivers, 16 December 1779. Mr. de Tonnancour to Haldimand. Petition from
the wife of Joseph Traversy against the 'captain of militia at St. Francois— Mr.
Schmide of Haldimand's staff has knowledge of the woman — requests the for-
warding of arms and ammunition to .Three Rivers — papers dealing with the
enlistment of an imbecile in the regiment of Emigrants, p. 140.
135. Quebec, 30 December 1779. The "Quebec ^Gazette". Extract of a letter from Montreal
dated 20th inst. — heavy fall of snow follows six months drought — mills at Terre-
bonne and Sault aux RecoUetis idle for three months owing to lack of water —
shortage of flour, p. 141.
136. List of French officers proposed. 22nd September 1779, p. 141.
137. List of Canadiens, p. 142.
138. Quebec, 6 January 1780. The "Quebec Gazette." Entertainment of the 'Governor
General, p. 143.
139. Quebec, 28 January 1780. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Ships bearing
re-infor cements from New York dispersed and returned to New York — H.M.S.
"Cornelia" and one transport reached Halifax — seen off Gaspe but probably
returned to New York. — Threatened famine in flour somewhat lessened by
•drought which prevented grinding of grain — reserves consequently increased —
the upper posts in good condition — sufficient troops and provisions in the
sprin/g will bind the Five Nations to Government — scout sent to Lake George
returned — 'drove in the inhabitants and destroyed corn, cattle, sheep etc — nine
prisoners brought in— similar operations to be continued — rebel croips a failure —
climate and reserve stocks give them an advantage, p. 143.
140. Quebec, 31 January 1780. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. Regrets at Clinton's
inconvenience caused by Haldimand5© request for re-infor cements — 'difficulties in
receiving and sending intelligence— various messages not received — all channels
of communication watched by rebels— correspondence in cypher— anxiety con-
cerning Clinton's operational-little to be expected from the Indians against
Virginia — 'British influence declining since the French entered the war — Hamil-
ton's unfortunate effort, lack of re-inforcements and Spanish intrigue combined
to lessen their affection — rebel party defeated on journey to Fort Pitt — colonel
and men taken prisoners with some letters and papers— -scouts sent towards
Albany return with some scalps and prisoners after destroying grain etc — rela-
tive rank of officers of provincial and established regiments — requests informa-
tion thereon — also on rates of pay, batt, and forage money. — Lt.-<Colonel Rogers'
report of his enlistments not sustained by other intelligence — D'Estaing's mis-
carriage at Savannah cause for congratulation, p. 144.
141. Quebec, 14 February 1780. Orders issued by Haldimand to captains of the parishes.
A census of the wheat to be taken — 'quantity held by each inhabitant— names —
prices paid or promised — name's of monopolists — the Cure to assist — hoped that
the wealthy will assist the poor, p. 145.
142. Quebec, 18 February 1780. Robert Rogers to Charles Jenkinson. Announces arrival
from Penobseot by way of the River St. Jbhn through the woods — province very
•quiet — Haldimand putting the forts in state of defence — large party of Indians
to go to Connecticut river to dislodge rebels — two battalions of rangers being
raised for Clinton — recruiting is very forward, p. 146.
143. Quebec, 4 March 1780. Haldimand to the Officer commanding the King's Troops at
Penobscot. A large body of Indians to be sent to the New England frontiers
and to be given all assistance at Penobscot, p. 146.
TABLE OF CONTENTS XV
144. Quebec, 4 March 1780. Haldimand's instructions to Captain Launiere commanding
an Indian scout. To proceed to the New England frontiers to obtain intelligence
— deserters to the enemy or rebel spies to be taken dead or alive— advance to
continue as the King's service demands— Indians to be warned against cruelty-
Indians from Nova Scotia or River St. Jean if met with, are to be reminded of
their treaty with the Governor of Halifax— if they refuse aid to be treated ae
enemies— all prisoners to be treated with humanity, p. 147.
145. Whitehall, 17 March 1780. Lord G. 'Germain to Haldimand. Clinton's operations
expected to prevent rebel advance towards Detroit or Niagara— Sullivan and
•Gates joined Washington whose forces did not exceed eight thousand men — rebel
difficulties in maintaining army not to cause relaxation of Haldimand's efforts—
re-establishment of Oswego most important— secret letters of instructions— The
Lizard letter of Manque— provisions for Joseph's sister approved— ^Sir John
Johnson's services worthy of recognition — his corps to preserve its rank and
seniority, p. 148.
146. Whitehall, 17 March 1780. Lord G. Germain to Haldimand. Gaining of the people of
Vermont to the British cause of the greatest importance — expense in this 'Con-
nection not to be considered — 'assurances of their 'country being a separate pro-
vince—desirability of diffusing a knowledge of the King's intentions among
them — any recruits obtained from Vermont to have same advantages, as others
raised by Haldimand — 'Governor^General not vested with power to pardon
treason — to grant a Nolle Prosequi where desirable, p. 148.
147. Fort St. Johns, 17 March 1780. Chr. Carleton to Haldimand. Details of Hazen's road
— Hazen exipected at Cohoes to finish road — magazines on river Connecticut
p. 149.
148. Quebec, I April 1780. Circular to the officers commanding at Niagara, Detroit and
Michilimackinac signed by Haldimand. Precarious 'communications between
• upper posts should an enemy penetrate into that count-y — if any post invested
assistance to be afforded 'Consistent with the good of the service — no terms for
capitulation to 'be entered into by an officer for any post but his own — warned
against false report of capitulation — posts to be defended with zeal — delaying the
enemy of the first importance, p. 149.
149. Whitehall, 4 April 1780. Lord G. Germain to Haldimand, Invasion of Great Britain
temporally abandoned by the French but depletion of its military forces not
desirable — large embarkations recently made for West Indies — Clinton expected
to re-inforce Haldimand — articles requisitioned by Haldimand now shipped,
p. 150.
150. Whitehall, 8 April 1780. Lord G. Germain to Haldimand. Regrets delay in sailing of
store ships and victuallers, p. 150.
151. New York, 2 May 1780. General Knyphausen to Brig.-General McLean. News
received from England of French fleet and army fitting out at Brest — believed
to be for attack on Halifax, Newfoundland or Canada — Haldimand to be advised,
p. 151.
152. 4 May 1780. General Knyphausen to Haldimand (in cypher). Brest armament to
sail the end of March — consists of ten. or twelve iships of the line and con-
siderable land forces — its destination either Halifax, Newfoundland or Canada —
Knyphaiisen will re-inforce Haldimand by one thousand men when convoy is
procured — rebels state that French have agreed with Washington to attack
New York, p. 151.
153. Quebec, 10 May 1780. Haldimand to Captain Young. Young's zeal for the service —
the armed brigs. 'Tolly" and "Liberty" to be put under his command— protec-
tions of trade and posts in lower country— armed schooner "Mercury" to be in
attendance temporarily, p. 151.
154. Detroit, 16 May 1780. Extract from a letter from Major A. S. De Peyster to Lt.-
Cplonel Mason Boltpn, 8th Regiment, commanding Fort Niagara. M. Maison-
ville, captain of militia, at Detroit the only Canadian of service— recommended
for notice, p. 152.
155. New York, 17 May 1780. General James Robertson to Haldimand. Advice received
from Lord G. Germain of French armament for use against British possessions
in America and Canada — rebels dissatisfied with their government — the capture
of Charleston, and no French re-inforcements, would probably result in the
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XVI TABLE OF CONTENTS
people and troops deserting the Congress — paper money -depreciated — people in
want and the crops ruined — no intention of attacking Canada nor the means of
doing so — French most likely to direct their efforts against Canada to avoid
jealousy of the provinces— ^D'Estaing summoning Savannah in the French King's
name caused jealousy — Franklin supposed to dictate French policy — if so New
York the probable centre of attack — schemes for mutual assistance with Haldi-
mand, p. 152.
156. Quebec, 18 May 1780. To Lt.-Ool. St. Leger (unsigned). Rebels at Chambly and the
Mountain — importance of their capture — the inhabitants to be alarmed ae little
as possible — a reward of ten guineas for every prisoner taken alive — the Priests
expected to assist in this work, p. 153.
157. Quebec, 28 May 1780. Haldimand to Brig.-General McLean. Disappointment at
outcome of scouting at Penob&oot — Launiere forsaken by Indians, p. 153.
158. Halifax, 31 May 1780. Lt.-Governor Hughes to Haldimand. Re-inforcements for
Quebec passed Halifax — such addition will enable Haldimand to harass the
enemy if he attempts to attack Quebec — King's ships believed to be in pursuit,
of the French, p. 154.
159. Sorel, I June 1780. Barry St. Leger to Haldimand. Chain of small poste from
' Yamaska river to a lake six leagues distant — 'Major Carleton to occupy con-
tinuance of chain to <St. Johns — prevention of rebel spies entering the Province
— party watching portage from the forks of St. Francois to the Nicolet river —
Traitors in Becancour, p. 154.
160. Quebec, 6 June 1780. Haldimand to Captain Young. Intelligence received from the
Secretary of State — steps to be taken should enemy fleet enter the gulf of St.
Lawrence — intelligence to be conveyed to Arbuthnot, Clinton and Nova Scotia —
permission to use ships for this purpose — re-inforced by provincial ship from
Liverpool — Isle of Bioq to be dismantled in face of hostile fleet — provisions for
Bicq to be forwarded — convoys to be provided for Hessian soldiers at the Island
of St. Johns — theise much needed at Quebec, p. 155. ^
161. Pence, 8 June 1780. Nicholas Cox to Haldimand. Privateer attacks Perce — is driven
off by gun fire— recommends Perce militia for their loyalty — ammunition, scarce,
p. 155.
162. Detroit, 8 June Major de Peyster. Steps taken to oppose Clark and Linctot—
assembling of loyal Indians contrary to rebel expectations obliged the latter to
retire, p. 155.
163. Fort St. John, 21 June 1780. Christopher Carleton to Haldimand. Reports rebel
scout gone to Quebec — consists of Canadian deserters, Gerard and Boileau — to
proceed towards the 'sea in expectation of meeting French fleet — carry letters to
persons on board — (Gerard informed Canadian who concealed him that rebel
attack on Yamaska was contemplated, p. 156.
164. St. Johns, 24 June 1780. Peter Charlo to Major Brown commanding on the American
frontier. Impatient to hear situation of rebel army which many Canadians
desire to see in Canada— no fleet yet arrived— two young men sent armed from
Chambly to Brown — Charlo anxious to enlist Canadians in the rebel cause —
desires a commission and orders, p. 156.
165. New York* 26 June 1780. Admiral Arbuthnot to Haldimand. Admiralty Board
advises that six French ships and four thousand troops are about to leave Brest
to aid the rebels^designs not expected to be against Canada— British ships will
protect Canada if necessary, p. 156.
166. Quebec, 28 June 1780. Haldimand to Major Cox. Pleasure in learning of the good
disposition of the Perce militia — forwards a twelve pounder gun with ammu-
nition and directions for use— suggestions for the defence of Perce, p. 157.
167. Fort St. John, 28 June 1780. Christopher Carleton to Haldimand. Report on Piere
Charlo Grenier-two of Carleton's scouts, fitted out by Grenie, are sent to Missis-
qui Bay and Pointe au Fer— intelligence concerning the destination of scouting
parties difficult to conceal from the inhabitants — hopee to employ two men to
watch Madam Contey — suspected of correspondence with rebels, p. 157.
168. Quebec, 29 June 1,780. The "Quebec Gazette". Arrival' of transports carrying the
44th Regiment, General Lossb erg's Regiment, part of General Knyphausen'e
Heseians and some Brunswiokers, p. 158.
TABLE OF CONTENTS XVII
169. Quebec, 3 July 1780. Haldimand to Major Carleton. Grenier'.s letter serious and
requires particular attention — -written by a second person for Grenier who would,
if charged, deny its contents — 'dangers attending unsuccessful prosecution —
more evidence required — approves Carleton's actions — instructions as to sending
out scouts, p. 158.
170. 6 July 1780. Sir H. Clinton to Haldimand. News received from the Minister that
seven French ships of the line, twenty to twenty five transports and five
thousand two hundred land forces are supposed to have sailed against Canada —
local information points to the French forces assembling at Rhode Island —
forces will divide and proceed by way of the Connecticut river and the river
St. Lawrence, p. 158.
171. Quebec, 6 July 1780. Haldimand to General Knyphausen. Announces safe arrival
of re-infoTcement from New York — 'transports to be returned with clothing for
General Burgoyne's army — awaiting arrival of provision fleet— scarcity of pro-
visions checking recruiting of Canadians and loyalists — rangers and Indians
harassing rebels with success — Johnson raided rebels on Mohawk river — •
batteaux ready on Lake Champlain for attack should French fleet appear — lack
of provisions will restrict the scope of operations^, p. 159.
172. Chambly, 9 July 1780. Christopher Carleton to Haldimand. Suggestions for further
incriminating Grenie— Canadians confident of rebel attack on Yamaska — claim
that the term of the French capitulation 'expires during the present month — are
not, therefore, bound by any orders — Canadians to spy on Haldimand's scouts
of no rebels in the country — these traitors to be watched, p. 159.
173. Quebec, II Jujy 1780. Haldimand to General Robertson. Every possible preparation
being made to repel a French invasion of Canada — batteaux on Lake Champlain
ready to cause diversion if necessary to Robertson's welfare — lack of provisions
lessens the scope of these operations — recruiting for loyalist battalion in hand,
p. 160.
174. Quebec, II July 1780. Haldimand to General Knyphausen. Knyphausen's inability
to complete re-inf or cements for Canada — Haldimand's lack of provisions recon-
ciles him to the disappointment — no intelligence of the provision fleet — its non-
arrival retarding recruiting — all possible preparations being made to resist
invasion, p. 160.
175. Quebec, 12 July 1780. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. British successes and lack of
resources have damped rebels' ardour — no apprehension of invasion except in the
Indian country — letters circulated amongst the Indians promising a French
invasion— iFrance likely to attack Canada as its conquest and retention would
not offend the Americans — acknowledges arrival of re-inforcements — arrival of
provisions will remove apprehensions — French fleet watched by British fleet —
vessels in the gulf ready to bring instant intelligence of enemy — purchase of
flour from ships lowered, price in Canada — following Clinton's reported success
commenced recruiting in the Colonies — second battalion of Johnson's corps to
be raised— if a blow is struck at New York a diversion will be made at Crown
Point, p. 161.
176. Quebec, 13 July 1780. Haldimand to Major Carloton. Suggested action -concerning
Grenier approved — Canadians in Isle Jesus, Terre Bonne and La Chine preparing
to assist rebels, p. 162.
177. Quebec, 13 July 1780. Commission signed by Haldimand authorizing Sir John
Johnson to raise a second battalion of the Royal Yorkers and appointing him
Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant, p. 162.
178. Perce, 13 July 1780. Nicholas Cox to Haldimand. Inhabitants of Perce in great
misery— ishort of bread — expecting provisions — ordered under arms and addressed
by Cox with good results — attack by privateer driven off — the gun landed — its
presence known to the enemy owing to intelligence given by people at Point St
Poter — recommends Mr. Peter Frazer for his loyalty and self sacrifice, p. 162.
179. Chambly, 18 July 1780. Christopher Carleton to Haldimand. Intelligence from
Montreal points to that place being the centre of rebellion — large party intends
leaving to join the rebels — Dr. Pillon the moving spirit and corresponds with
Hazen — Charlo Grenie's companies not to move until later — Haldimand's wishes
regarding Pillon awaited, p. 163.
180. Chambly, 23 July 1780. Christopher Carleton to Haldimand. Regrets his inability to
disclose the source of his evidence concerning Montreal — letter-carrier to the
rebels to be intercepted— awaiting instructions regarding Pillon, p. 164.
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XVIII TABLE OF CONTENTS
181. Halifax, 24 July 1780. Francis McLean to Haldimand. From Clinton's information
French armament consists of seven ships and five thousand two hundred land
forces — these destined against Canada — British fleet to be reinforced in propor-
tion—McLean's information shows French fleet bound for Rhode Island but its
actual intentions obscure, p. 164. ,
182. Quebec, 24 July 1780. Haldimand to Major Carleton. Discoveries hi Montreal very
promising — their direction left to Carleton — Pillon's party to be intercepted —
a check to him would discourage Grenier, p. 164.
183. Quebec, 27 July 1780. Haldimand to Major Carleton. Apprehension of rebel letter-
carrier desirable — 'Capture to be kept secret — directions concerning the method
•of obtaining all possible information, p. 165.
184. Chambly, 30 July 1780. Christopher Carleton to Haldimand. Letter-carrier not yet
gone— ^awaiting return of Du Calvet from Quebec— Carleton's agent leaves
Montreal with secret letter written by Pillon, p. 165.
185. Quebec, 3 August 1780. Haldimand to Major Carleton. Acknowledges receipt of
Carleton's communication and the correctness of his surmises — instructions con-
cerning captoired dispatches, p. 166.
186. Whitehall, 8 August 1780. Lord G. Germain to Haldimand. The French believed
to have abandoned contemplated operations on the St. Lawrence — requests
Haldimand to send 'considerable detachments towards rebel frontiers to assist
Clinton's actions — winning over of the Vermont people a most essential service,
p. 166.
187. St. Johns, 13 August 1780. William Monsell, captain 29th Regiment, to Haldimand.
Capture of Duford of Montreal — proceeding to colonies — captured papers en-
closed, p. 166.
188. 13 August 1780. Letter, in cypher, Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. Allen not to be
trusted as emissary to the people of Vermont — not desired in Canada — his inten-
tion of joining the British known to the rebels'—tall overtures made by Allen will
be improved by Haldimand — treaty between France, Spain and Franklin —
D'Estaing's fleet was intended for an attack on Nova Scotia and Canada — a
renewal of the intention likely to have ill effects if supplies do not arrive—
retention of Oswego vital to the safety of the Province — adequate forces and
supplies essential — Oswego at present totally defenceless — an attempt to be made
to equip and garrison it, p. 167.
189. New York, 14 August 1780. Sir Henry Clinton to Haldimand. Announces arrival of
French armament at Rhode Island— little probability of any attack on Canada-
principal efforts directed against New York, p. 168.
190. Quebec,. 16 August 1780. L. Genevay, by direction of Haldimand, to Mr. Launiere at
Sattigan. Five men, reported to be Bostonians, passed through St. Croix —
looking for news — now in fit. Nicholas — to be arrested if possible, p. 168.
191. 31 August 1780. Endorsed "from Major De Peyster". Reports that Captain Hare with
rangers, Canadian volunteers and Indians moving to oppose rebels — Pirogues
and Creoles approaching Michilimakinac — strength of that post discounts any
likelihood of attack, p. 169.
192. Montreal, 7 September 1780.' Translation of a letter signed Boyer (Pillon's Christian
name) addressed to General Washington and La Fayette. Avows his devotion
to the rebels' — three fourths of the Province in their favour — numbers ready to
join — precautions to be taken in future correspondence— the people of Chambly
also favourable— ^request from J. Brun and Ezenne for Washington and La
Fayette to send war commissions for use in the marine service, p. 169.
193. River Sorel, 8 September 1780. Louie Nadau and Piere Charlong acknowledging
receipt from Captain Win. Osburn of warrants to raise men for United States
service, p. 170.
194. Translation of paper in Pillon's handwriting. Giving particulars of preparations
made for an American invasion-^Du Calvet hoarding provisions for the rebels,
p. 170.
195. Quebec, 9 September 1780. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. The lateness of the
season may be an obstacle to a rebel invasion especially by sea — Sir John
Johnson despatched with six hundred troops and Indians to the Mohawk river
— crops to be destroyed, loyalists assisted to escape and the Oneidas reclaimed
TABLE OF CONTENTS XIX
or cut off — to rendezvous at Oswego .and penetrate to Sehenectady if possible —
a large party to the frontier by way of Lake George — two' thirds of the fleet
missing — the crops good, p. 170.
196. New York, 9 September 1780. Sir Henry Clinton to Haldimand. Repeats intelligence
concerning arrival of French armament — not intended to be used against Canada
— 'copy of La Fayette'e proclamation intended for use were Canada invaded —
further French re-inforcements to the rebels expected — operations appear to be
intended against New York but the next year may see Canada invaded — British
successes in the .south may prevent Washington and the French opening a
serious campaign, p. 170.
197. 13 September 1780. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. Hoped that the parties on the
frontier are of help to Clinton — preparing to resist invasion of Canada in the
winter, p. 171.
198. Quebec, 17 September 1780. Haldimand to Lord George Germain. The trade fleet
dispersed at sea — many ships taken — only fourteen arrive — rebel papers report
the capture of remainder by privateers — frigates and Provincial vessels protecting
the gulf — captured rebel privateers — Newfoundland fleet reported to have cap-
tured others — purchase of a twenty-two gun vessel which is lost at sea— Clinton
reports de Ternay at Rhode Island — French designs removed from Canada to
New York — strong parties- fitted out for incursions up the Mohawk river and
Lake George— {reported that the British have blockaded the French at REode
Island— invasion of Canada by sea doubtful but probable by land, p. 171.
199. St. Johns, Newfoundland, 17 September 1780. R. Edwards to Haldimand. Reports
the capture of a rebel ship with Mr. Laurens, late president of the American
Congress, on board — copy of papers captured enclosed — a corps for defence being
raised — requests that no Canadian, recruiting be carried on in Newfoundland,
p. 172.
200. St. John's, 24 September 1780. Christopher Carleton to Captain Mathews*. Forward-
ing letters intended for the rebels— one signed by Pillon and Du Calvet— «ug-
gests these be arrested to prevent their disappearance— Hamel captured at
Chambly— Charlo 'Captured, p. 172.
201. Quebec, 28 September 1780. Haldimand to Brigadier-General Maclean— Instructions
to arrest Pillon and to seize his papers— Pillon to be sent to Quebec, p. 173.
202. Quebec, 12 October 1780. The "Quebec Gazette". The prices of grain quoted, p. 173.
203. Quebec, 24 October 1780. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Good effect of improving
the- status of provincial corps — Johnson, Jessoip, and Peters to complete their
battalions — hoped that parties sent to the frontiers will aid in escape of loyaliste.
— hoarding of wheat on the river Sorel and other places — proposed to establish
a reasonable price for wheat — members of the Legislative Council reject the
proposal — the people generally is its favour, p. 174.
204. Quebec, 25 October 1780. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. The .state of the clergy
— convinced that priests from countries free from French influence are necessary
— La Fayette's and d'Estaing'is proclamations haye had a bad effect, p. 175.
205. Quebec, 25 October 1780, Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. State of the Province,—
shortness of provisions difficulty of obtaining .supplies in the Province — en-
grossing of wheat and raising the price of flour by merchants and traders-
proclamation issued against the export of provisions' and engrossing, forestalling
and regratting — wheat ten shillings per bushel — merchants opposed to Govern-
ment influencing the raising of prices — difficult to compel the bakers of Quebec
and Montreal to work — sufferings of the poor — a committee of the Legislative
Council recommends prohibition of export and that ingrossing proclamations be
renewed— this not considered sufficient and fixing of wheat prices proposed—
this proposal defeated — legal opinions quoted — Haldimand requests legal opinions
from home — prices continue to rise — Haldimand forced to buy at high rates to
relieve distress — peculiar position of the country with regard to provisions —
merchants taking advantage to raise prices — export of provisions forbidden by
Legislative Council— affirmative opinion of Attorney-General on an Ordinance,
forbidding ingrossing etc — offenders punished without trial by jury — statute on
which the Ordinance was based had been repealed — Ordinance amended accord-
ingly-^lack of confidence in the Attorney General.— Interests of the people to
;. be considered in •preference to those of traders—Quebec Act a eacred charter as
XX TABLE OF CONTENTS
security for religion, laws and property— prevented rebellion.— The present no
time for innovations or for curtailing liberty — the Province surrounded by
enemies and infested with spies, p. 175.
206. Quebec, 25 October 1780. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Eeports the capture of
Forts Anne and George by Major Carleton who is returned to Crown Point —
tales of Indian 'cruelty unfounded — list of killed and wounded enclosed — -Mohawk
Indians -co-operate with Sir John/ Johnson on the Mohawk River— Canadian
Indians returned from Connecticut river — destroyed barns, mills and cattle —
prisoners taken without loss — Johnson's success on the Mohawk river— settle-
ments destroyed— defeated rebels, p. 179.
207. Quebec, 25 October 1780. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Enclosing documents
•captured from Mr. Laurens and others— evidence shows that the rebels seriously
•contemplate an invasion in the Spring — behaviour of the inhabitants promises
little for their assistance in military operations — formation of additional Can-
adian companies to be attempted — this effort delayed by scarcity of provisions
and price of flour — difficulties attending defence of the Province — successes in
'Carolina have probably checked the rebels in any formidable operations against
Niagara and Detroit — these places greatly improved for defence — armaments on
Lakes Erie and Ontario sufficient to hold enemy in check — rebels' plans against
Oswegp the most promising — a post to be established there if the supply of
•provisions permits of it — a tolerable garrison at Sorel will secure Montreal and
St. John — exertions made to strengthen Quebec — 'shortage of provisions — a years
reserve necessary in the upper posts as interference with transport would involve
surrender of the garrisons — 'to provide reserve depletes other posts — harvest
good— required stores for artillery and engineers not arrived — Quebec in parti-
cular short of gun-powder — re-inforcements received only half of those asked —
Clinton's inability to spare men — garrisons necessary for posts render action
in the field impossible — requests a further re-inforcement of two or 'three thou-
sand men with provisions for twelve months — also ordnance and engineer stores
for 1780, and present demands made for 1781 — should troops prove unnecessary
to be re-embarked for the Colonies or where else required — attitude of the Can-
adians such as to cause fear of revolt should French troops enter the Province
— reports to the contrary based on insufficient information and should be dis-
regarded—is cheme of offensive operations:— no serious attack in force can be
made in hostile territory intersected with woods and strong passes as all artillery
and provisions must be conveyed— posts near Albany can not be taken or sup-
plied except by the Hudson River— Albany thus occupied would enable
Haldimand to give support to, or receive it from Clinton, — Fort Stanwix might
be invested from Canada but a considerable force would be required — troops in
Canada can only be transported to another theatre of war by sea— operations on
the enemy's frontier and raids, with provision for a rapid retreat, the best
method of attack — successes of Sir John Johnson and Major Carleton support
this policy — 'difficulty of transporting provisions to upper posts lessened by
erection of new store houses at Coteau-du-lac and the completion of a canal. —
labours in 1780 " increased by a fire at St. John — barrack and other buildings
burned — powder magazine blown up — repairs barely made when violent rain
storm breaks down earth parapet, p. 180.
208. 25 October 1780. Document captured with Mr. Laurens. Extract of the report of
•a committee appointed to prepare a letter of credence to His Most Christian
Majesty, taken with Mr. Laurens and forwarded by Governor Edwards to His
Excellency General Haldimand. Plans of attack on Quebec: —
(1) Assembly of a force at Fort Pitt in May for an attack on Detroit and
to destroy the towns of unfriendly Indian tribes.
(2) Assembly of forces at, or near, Wyoming in the early Spring for an
attack on Niagara.
(3) Assembly of forces at, or near, Oswego early in the spring for an attack
on Niagara and to destroy the Seneca and other towns of unfriendly Indians.
(4) Assembly of forces at, or near, Oswego to build vessels for the naviga-
tion of Lake Ontario and to alarm the Indian country.
(5) Assembly of forces on the upper Connecticut river for an attack by way
of the river St. Francis. — The success of the foregoing operations involves a
further campaign against the city of Quebec— expenses would be ruinous-
nothing can be attempted against Halifax— most prudent course confined to
TABLE OF CONTENTS XXJ
raids by cavalry, light infantry etc. — If reduction of Halifax and Quebec (city)
are -essential, it must be attempted — importance of Canada to France summarized
— 'appeal to France for assistance naval and military — Franklin instructed to
consult La Fayette, p. 182.
209. (Undated). Proclamation signed La Fayette and addressed to the inhabitants of
Canada. — Announces intention of France to send land and sea forces to aid the
Americans to effect the independence of Canada which will join the thirteen
independent States' and choose its own constitution — religion, privileges and
manners of clergy, noblesse, and people to be restored — profanation, scorn and
insult of a foreign master no longer to be feared — invading armies will find
resources of Canada at their disposal — succour given to British will be 'Considered
as an act of hostility, p. 184.
210. Newport, Rhode Island, 30 August 1780. Eeply of Comte de Rochambeau to deputies
of the Indians — The King of France sends gifts — he learned with grief that some
Nations had attacked his allies the United States— hopes that they will now take
part with him against the English, p. 186.
211. Quebec, 26 October 1780. Haldimand to Sir H. Clinton. Acknowledges receipt of
various papers— no signs of store and victualling ships — alarms on the frontiers
to aid Clinton — Forts Anne and George destroyed, p. 186.
212. Quebec, 2 November 1780. R. B. Lernoult (for Haldimand) to Major Carleton.
Sending Captain Le Maistre to Carleton for joint operations — to investigate Du
iCal vet's store of provisions intended to assist rebels, p. 186.
213. Quebec, (Nov. 1780?) Extracts from a letter unaddressed and unsigned — Trade Fleet
(sailed 31 May — only eighteen arrived — another fleet to follow — rebel paper reports
large ship sunk — (possibly the "True Briton" bearing needed stores — Mohawk
river scout reports Oneidas have seized Mohawk harvests for the. use of the
rebels, p. 187.
214. Quebec, 3 November 1780. Haldimand to Governor Hughes. Acknowledges receipt
of rebel plan of attack — poissession of such documents will serve to convince
those at a distance of the utility of many measures which have been taken —
•success of British arms in the south will cause greater rebel activity against
the north, p. 187.
215. Quebec, 6 November 1780. Haldimand to Major Carleton. Every effort to be made
to 'Collect evidence against Du Calvet and Pillon, p. 188.
216. Quebec, 15 November 1780. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. Operations on the
frontiers successful — rebel reports concerning Sir John Johnson's skirmishes
opposed to the truth — enemy's loss by destruction of their crops — advice received
of' contemplated attack on Carleton Island — loss of new vessel on Lake Ontario
and loss of lives affects wellbeing of the service — requests- Clinton to return
all exchanged prisoners' — two vessels arrived — report separation from the fall
fleet by a gale — non-arrival of the latter serious* — provisions scarce — withdrawal
of stores from advanced posts may become necessary — fatal effect on Indians
and recruiting--enqulries as to a letter addressed to Washington, p. 188.
217. 16 November 1780. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. General Arnold's previous
experience as a rebel in the Province should enable him to give information con-
'Cerning persons suspected of holding communication with the rebels — ^Haldi-
mand forwards names of suspected persons for Arnold's examination and re-
quests his report on them, p. 189.
218. Quebec, 28 November 1780. Ha-ldimand to Lord G. Germain. Situation in the Pro
vince — invasion intended early in the summer — rebel failures in the south will
force them to increased activity— probably against Canada— Indians, previously
loyal to Britain, being attached to the French— difficulties of defending an ex-
tensive Province vulnerable to attack in many directions — effect of the loss of
Carleton Island — Niagara and» Detroit wou'd fall — invasion by Hazen's road
would involve loss of Montreal — retention of Isle aux Noix, St. Johns and Sorel
would not offset these misfortunes — necessity for re-inf or cements of British
troops — Oswego is to be established and, after garrisoning Quebec, a force in
the field is to be available — first necessity to secure the provisions in the coun- .
try — fixing of prices of wheat and flour not now likely to be of benefit — non-
arriva.l of second provision fleet has caused re-inforcements to be turned back
and depletion of stores at Montreal and Sorel — inhabitants to thresh grain for
easy removal in the event of invasion — little reliance to be placed on the militia
TABLE OF CONTENTS
— intercourse between rebels and Canadian© — the noblesse likely to behave well
— severe measures to be taken if necessary — foy and homage not to be further
delayed — payment of quints not be enforced, p. 190.
219. Montreal, 28 December 1780. Allan Maclean to Captain Mathews. Acknowledges
orders respecting 'Cardinal — difficulties concerning the appointment of a captain
and lieutenant of militia, p. 191.
220. New York, 9 November 1780. Sir Henry Clinton to Haldimand (in cypher). Intelli-
gence received of an attempt against Canada — French troops to form the bulk
of the invading forces — learns that inhabitants of Canada are combining to
assist French — suggests that Haldimand seizes all superfluous provisions from
the inhabitants, p. 191.
221. Quebec, 3 January 1781. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton (in cypher). Acknowledges
receipt of information relative to invasion — want of provisions the chief difficulty
— 'Cannot form magazines or recruit new forces' — aware of hostile combinations
in 'Canada — unable to discover the leaders — suspects the clergy — hopes for an
attack on Ehode Island by Clinton should invasion of Canada take place, p. 192.
222. Quebec, 5 January 1781, Mr. Cramahe to Haldimand. Disapproves of Haldimand'e
intention to compel the inhabitants to thresh their wheat — calculated to alarm
them and give the enemies of Government an advantage — suggests method of
procedure should proclamation be made — officers of militia to issue orders in
their own localities — the best method to employ agents to purchase wheat —
when purchased to order it threshed — does not believe invasion in winter practi-
cable— attempted seizure of wheat would lead to concealment or destruction
of stores — thinks Martial Law should be proclaimed in the event of invasion —
could be done without consulting the Council, p. 192.
223. (Unsigned and undated) Haldimand to Mr. Cramahe. Acknowledges receipt of letter
advancing reasons against compulsory threshing of wheat-^Cramahe's methods
too slow for the emergency — inhabitants advised by enemy and engrossers not
to sell wheat — proclamation would follow precedent set in Great Britain — alarm-
ing the people cannot be avoided, movements of troops will do that— reluctant to
proclaim Martial Law — believes that the attitude of the people will render it
unnecessary — vigourous and unanimous action by officers of Government the
best example — Cramahe requested to give assistance in this direction, p. 193.
224. Quebec, 18 Jarruary 1781. The "Quebec Gazette." Proclamation by Haldimand.—
Ordering the immediate threshing of grain— captains and officers of militia to
see the proclamation carried into effect and to take an account of the cattle and
grain in possession of all persons, p. 193.
225. Quebec, 18 Janvier 1781. "La Gazette de Quebec/' Proclamation par son Excellence
Frederic Haldimand. (French version of Document No. 224.), p. 194.
226. 15 January 1781. E. iMathews to Captain Twiss. Instructions relating to the threshing
of grain — examination of store houses at Sorel and Chambly — report required,
p. 195.
227. Quebec, 20 January 1781. Ordinance of the Executive Council for further continuing
an Ordinance for regulating the militia of the province of Quebec, p. 195.
228. Montreal, 15 February 1781. Loyal Address of the British Inhabitants of Montreal
to Haldimand and His Excellency's reply thereto. — 'Montreal 29 January 1781.
Loyal Address of the Citizens of Montreal to Haldimand and His Excellency's
reply thereto. — Quebec, 6 February. Loyal Address of the Gentlemen, Merchants
and Traders inhabitants of Quebec to Haldimand and His Excellency's reply
thereto. — Quebec (undated) The Loyal Address of the Principal Citizens of the
city of Quebec to Haldimand and His Excellency's reply thereto, p. 196.
229. Quebec, 7 February 1781. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. Everything quiet — scouts
watching routes into the Province — no word from Halifax — reports concerning
affairs in the south should be counteracted by a report from Clinton — again
requests information from Arnold concerning suspected persons in Canada,
p. 198.
230. Quebec, 14 February 1781. The "Quebec Gazette." Advertisement extending the time
set for rendering fealty and homage, p. 199.
231. Quebec, 15 Fevrier 1781. (French version of Document No 230.), p. 199.
TABLE OF CONTENTS XXIII
232. Sorel, 26 February 1781. William Twiss to Haldimand. Reports his impression
that many dread the approach of the French and rebels and that few, or none,
wish for it — Haldimand's proclamation has reduced price of corn and hae had
other good effects, p. 199.
233. Quebec, 28 February 1781. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. Everything quiet —
preparations for defence have made little stir — assured that invasion is a failure
— cannon sent to Fort Stanwix — dissensions in rebel ranks — Vermont people seek
to deceive both Congress and Royal army — little hope of winning their adhesion,
p. 200.
234. (Undated). Memorandum from Captain Twiss to Haldimand. Suggests that orders
relating to the repairing of bridges etc., be sent to the captains of militia at
Kamouraska and River du Loup, p. 200.
235. Quebec, 7 March 1781. R. B. Lernoult, Adjutant General, to Captain Hay or officer
commanding at Ange Gardienne. Authorizing the 'Confinement in the guard of
Joseph Jacob Le Jeune and Nicola le Tarte, p. 201.
236. Quebec, 29 March 1781. Extract from The "Quebec Gazette/' Report on the
activities of rebel raiders at St. Joseph's and their subsequent capture at Petit
Fort, p. 201.
237. Quebec, 9 April 1781. R. B. Lernoult, Adjutant General, to BrignGeneral Maclean.
1 Desires his assistance in enforcing obedience to the militia at La Chine, p. 201.*
238. Whitehall, 4 May 1781. Lord G. Germain to Haldimand. Information received that
the French Court has endeavoured to dissuade Congress from attacking Canada
until they have driven the British from the thirteen provinces— suggests that
Haldimand sends a large force to Vermont to encourage that province to declare
for Britain, >cut off supplies to Washington, and sever communications between
Albany and the Mohawk river, p. 201.
239. Quebec, 10 May 1781. The "Quebec Gazette." Entertainment to Haldimand com-
memorating the raising of the siege of Quebec 1775-6, p. 202.
240. Quebec, 14 June 1781. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Precaution taken against
invasion, p. 202.
241. Quebec, 6 July 1781. Haldimand to JLprd G. 'Germain. Discovery and apprehension
of persons carrying letters — impossible to trace the combination to men of higher
• rank — Du Calvet, a Montreal merchant, in custody in this connection — procla-
mation (enclosed) issued with concurrence of the Council — proved to be effica-
cious— Bishop issued circular letter to the clergy in furtherance of proclamation
-^-loyal addresses received from Quebec and Montreal — their effect good, p. 202.
242. Quebec, 8 July 1781. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Particulars of negotiations
with Vermont — .lack of good faith by the Vermont people — negotiations used to
cause jealousy on. the part of Congress and to enforce compliance with the Ver-
mont terms — the Vermonters inveterate rebels, and if united with Congress would
be formidable enemies — well provided and better soldiers than the Continental
troops — their geographical position very strong — any attack on them from
Canada must be in great force — truce made with them by Major Carleton dis-
countenanced by Haldimand — still hopeful of gaining their support — no pains or
money to be spared in this effort — Clinton suspicious of the Vermonters — their
extension of territory and jurisdiction — Robinson's letters to Ethan Allan
surrendered to Congress — the effect favourable to union with Great Britain,
p. 203.
243. Albany, 15 July 1781. Ph. Schuyler to General Washington. French fleets to attack '
Quebec — augmentation of land forces urged — demonstration against New York
desirable — troops marching overland should reach St. Lawrence soon after the
arrival of the fleet and army at Quebec, p. 204.
244. New York, 23 July 1781, Sir H. Clinton to Haldimand. Re-union with Vermont
, desirable but suspicious of the Vermont people— officers and men returning to
'Canada from New York with victuallers delayed there — information of provisions
for Haldimand received — no news from home regarding Canada — the intentions
of the French Court in that direction — information from Arnold promised —
application for return of Knyphausen's men, p. 205.
245. Whitehall, 26 July 1781. Lord G. Germain to Haldimand. Intelligence of rebels' in-
tentions relieves all fear of invasion of Canada — requests a demonstration in
XXIV TABLE OF CONTENTS
force upon the frontiers — will influence the Vermont people — affairs of the rebels
in a desperate condition — increased support from France their main hope —
French fleet to proceed to West Indies — 'Sir George Rodney to follow it, p. 206.
246. Whitehall, 31 July 1781. William Rnox (for Lord O. Germain) to Haldimand—
French Court has refused to send further troops to America— all French troops to
join Washington on North River-^not to move until the fleet quite Rhode Island
for Boston — Washington's suggestions as to movement of French troops refused —
no attack on New York pending arrival of a. French fleet from the1 West Indies —
'Clinton to be heavily re-inforced — no attempt against Canada, p. 206.
247. Undated (probably July 1781). Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton (in cypher). Rebel
troops are ordered to Peekskill to join French— supposed for an attack on New
York — General Schuyler ordered boats to be built hurriedly — frontiers to be
guarded — all Tories near frontiers ordered to move east and are plundered —
requests Clinton's opinion on the situation and what aid he expects from Canada
— situation with regard to provisions alarming — living from hand to mouth in
expectation of the fleet — plague of caterpillars has* destroyed nearly all hay
and a great part of the grain — papers concerning Major Rogers, p. 207.
248. 2 August 1781. Haldimand to Sir H. Clinton, <(in cypher). "Desirability of getting
a definite declaration from the people of Vermont — their delays for the purpose
of strengthening their position — have formed magazines, raised a number of
men and will be an important ally or formidable enemy — Ethan Allen has quitted
their service. Ira Allen is commissioner to Congress — this change intended to
avoid the test of discovery— a letter from Schuyler to Washington intercepted—
attack on Quebec and a demonstration against New York agreed upon, p. 207.
249. Quebec, 2 August 1781. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. Lack of provisions crip-
pling defensive or offensive measures — temporary relief from a cargo received
by a merchant— no word of the fleet — privateers cruising in the gulf — all victual-
lers not likely to escape their vigilance— little grain left in the country and this
sold at high prices — present crops injured by caterpillars — inhabitants selling
and killing cattle, p. 208.
250. New York, 2 August 1781. Sir Henry Clinton to Haldimand. General Reidesel
sailed to Canada with a number of officers and men for Haldimand's army —
request for return of Knyphausen's troops — French and rebels awaiting re-
inforcements from West Indies to attack New York — diversion on the frontiers
by Haldimand and favourable decision by Vermont of great consequence —
forces opposed to Clinton about eleven thousand strong, p. 208.
251. Quebec, August 1781. Haldimand to Lt. Governor Hughes. Some of the trade
fleet arrived — merchantmen taken by hostile ships in the gulf and at sea —
British frigates capture rebel privateers, p. 209.
252. Quebec, 3 September 1781. Haldimand to Dr. Smyth. Vermont assembly to meet 1st
October — detachment in force to take post at Crown Point — strong parties to be
on the 'Mohawk river and frontier of Pennsylvania — hopes of a favourable effect
on Vermont— fleets arrived safely with troops and General Reidesel— Knyphau-
sen's troops to be returned, p. 209.
253. Quebec, 29 September 1781. Haldimand to General Robertson. Permission to send
grain to New York granted — the price, however, prohibitive — price likely to drop
owing to 'heavy harvests and receipt of provisions from Britain— offers to pur-
chase supply — negotiations to be kept secret to prevent rise in prices — payment
in Treasury bills or some other means to overcome shortage in specie, p. 209.
254. Quebec, 29 September 1781. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. Consideration of
'General Reidesers suggestions for an expedition from Canada against Fort Pitt
— the impracticability of such an undertaking — information to the contrary
emanates from ill advised and uninformed people — such an expedition impossible
in the winter — all waters necessary for transport closed by ice — risks of detaching
all British troops from Canada-^eubsistence of troops moved to a distant field—
the utmost exertions necessary to furnish supplies to rangers in the upper
country — 'the garrison of Niagara more than once on the verge of evacuation
owing to shortage of provisions — consumption of provisions at the posts pro-
digious, owing to the demands of Indians driven from their habitations — late arri-
val of provision fleet makes it doubtful if supplies can be forwarded — details of
transportation necessary for suggested expedition — Fort P'itt not to be easily
captured nor .surprised— 'the Ohio people, despite their professions of loyalty,
TABLE OF CONTEXTS XXV
not to be depended upon— rfriendly Indians indifferent— many Indians hostile —
past •experience teachee that Indians pledged to render assistance do not fulfil
their obligations. — Unless the expedition were so vital as to justify the abandon-
ment of all other measures in Canada it would be impolitic to undertake it —
failure would have fatal consequences — news of Brant's operations on the Ohio —
hopes of Indians meeting with Clark's main body — expected to consist of
Virginians and Kentucky men — war in Canada entirely defensive except foi
raids—attack on the enemy by the Six Nations at 'German Flats, p. 210.
255. Quebec, I October 1781. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. Agents have returned
from conference with representative of Vermont — suspicions of the Vermont
people almost entirely removed — prejudice of the people and the influence of Con-
gress are too powerful to admit of a sudden change in their desires — Haldimand
asked to issue a proclamation confirming to Vermont the lately assumed territory
and other privileges — advisability of proclamation carefully weighed — 'decision
to issue it arrived at — to precede detachment detailed for operations on frontier —
reports received that the rebels have abandoned their intention against New
York — no measures against Vermont by troops at Crown Point — hostile
appearance will be avoided — hopes that the result will facilitate the adhesion
of Vermont to Britain, p. 212.
256. 3 October 1781. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton (in cypher). Asks prompt ratifica-
tion of proclamation to people of Vermont — success of negotiations depending
thereon, p. 213.
257. St. Johns, 14 October 1781. Haldimand to Colonel St. Leger. Instructions con-
cerning operations against the district about Lake George and upper Lake
Champlain — afterwards taking post at Crown Point — no hostilities to be offered
there unless attacked — Vermont people to be watched carefully and not trusted
too far, p. 213.
258. Quebec, 23 October 1781. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Keports on improved
defences of Quebec, p. 213.
259. Quebec, 23 October 1781. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain acknowledging receipt
of information concerning the intention of the French Court and suggestion that
Haldimand assist Clinton, p. 214.
260. 31 October 1781. James Kobertson to Haldimand announces Clinton's effort to
assist Comwallis and the surrender of the latter — this event will defeat all
efforts to win over Vermont, p. 214.
261. 12 November 1781. Postscriptum to a letter from Sir Henry Clinton to Haldimand.
Arnold reports that Du Calvet and others were friends to the rebels, p. 214.
262. 14 November 1781. 'Sir Henry Clinton to Haldimand. Anxiety for the state of affairs
in the Chesapeake on which the conduct of Vermont will turn — St. Leger's forces
• have rendered all possible aid — the Vermonters appear to be conciliated — large
enemy forces drawn to Albany, p. 214.
263. Quebec, 23 November 1781. Haldimand to Lord G. Germain. Effect of the French
alliance on 'Canadians and particularly the clergy — recent successes and ^ vigi-
lance have combined to keep them from open rebellion — news of the superiority
of the French fleet and rumour of Cornwallis's surrender has revived open
.sympathy with the rebels — invasion by French soldiers will cause a demonstra-
tion in their favour — any attempt to arm the inhabitants for defence would be
fatal in the circumstances — reluctance to serve exemplified by the seamen on
.lakes — rebel magazines established on the frontiers whose inhabitants will be
easily prevailed on to assist Congress in invading -Canada — Vermont may be
forced to take a leading part to allay the suspicions raised by their recent con-
duct— the fidelity of the Fve Nations will be severely tested — Haldimand'B best
troops engaged in guarding the upper posts — the Germans- mainly invalids or
untrained recruits— total field force could not exceed two thousand five hundred
men of doubtful loyalty — re-in for cements and command of the gulf of 'St.
Lawrence necessary — provisions arrived too late to allow of fortifying Oswego —
plans of attack set out in Laurens' papers likely to be revived — 'difficulties
attending defence — posts only victualled until spring — failure to forward fur-
ther supplies will render defence impossible — expectation of a revolution rife
among the Canadian gentlemen — Lotbiniere's letter to his son 'Confirming this,
p. 215.
XXVI TABLE OF CONTENTS
264. Quebec, 30 January 1782. Haldimand to the Officer' Commanding Hie Majesty's
troops at Penobscot. Requests information upon affairs on the coast and in the
West Indies, p. 216.
265. Belmont, 7 February 1782. Henry Caldwell to Haldimand. Asks that the Militia
Laws be repealed — civil business to cease — and all men to be put under arms
in defence of the Province, p. 216.
266. New York, 22 February 1782. Sir Henry Clinton to Haldimand. Information received
from Chief Justice of New York of intended invasion of Canada — >Schuyler
reported to have said that La Fayette had gone to France to propose the project
— intelligence received that General Clark intends operations aga;nst Detroit by
way of the Ohio and Wabache— ^Detroit reported to be weakly garrisoned —
asserted that an invasion of Canada is contemplated by allied forces—Canada
to be given to France if the invasion is successful, p. 217.
267. Quebec, 5 March 1782. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton. Canadians in expectation
of a revolution — 'Correspondence with the French certain but difficult to discover
—reported that the Pope has absolved the Canadians from their oath of alle-
giance to England on returning to that of France — Congress reported to have
offered pardon to all Americans who acknowledge and support the independence
of the States — these reports have their effect, p. 218.
268. Michilimackinac, 9 March 1782. Lt. -Governor Patrick Sinclair to Haldimand.
Reports that a party of Canadians and Indians were equipped by the traders,
p. 218.
269. Whitehall, 22 April 1782. The Earl of Shelburne to Haldimand. Intelligence of
French armament preparing at Brest for America — its real destination doubtful —
British squadron cruising off Quebec to prevent the enemy putting to sea— con-
fidence in Haldimand's ability to repel invasion — Sir Guy Carleton to enter
Canada with his forces if necessary — preparation for a siege of Quebec recom-
mended— swift vessels to watch the entrance to the St. Lawrence — news of an
enemy fleet to be- given at once to New York — a signal system to be installed
along the river and to the posts in the country — naval forces on the lakes suffi-
cient guard in the summer — Indians require special attention — Haldimand's
policy regarding them in connection with Vermont approved — copies of the
address of the House, of Commons* to the King (with the King's reply and two
Resolutions) enclosed — the King's servants bound to avoid all offensive arte
against the revolted Colonies — Haldimand's proclamation to the Vermont people
opposed to these Resolutions — his confidence in Vermont not sufficient to justify
it — steps to be taken to attach Vermont to the British interest — claims of
possession and cultivation to be granted in preference to those obtained by
fraudulent means — American prisoners of war detained in Great Britain and
Ireland to be returned for exchange — this policy to be carried out in Canada. —
The consequences of Sir Guy Carleton's coming to Canada — Haldimand granted
leave of absence from the Province — to retain his Commissions and" their
emoluments, p. 219.
270. Halifax, 25 April 1782. A. S. Hamond to Haldimand. Something intended against
Canada this year — its form depends on French support in the St. Lawrence,
p. 220.
271. Montreal, 28 April 1782. Haldimand to Sir Henry Clinton (in cypher). Germain's
conflicting views on the latitude allowed in negotiating with Vermont — the
difficulty of escaping censure or of acting with any prospect of success —
ignorance of plan of ensuing campaign — terms offered to Vermont people before
the surrender of Cornwallis would now be ridiculous — this apparent from their
concessions to Congress and their relmquishment of jurisdiction — coercion
- alone can now determine the actions of the Vermonters — appearance of British
troops on their frontier without action will confirm their opinion of our inability
to enforce our authority — on conviction that no attack by the river _ is intended
the greatest possible force will be sent to. the frontiers — impossibility of pene-
trating far into hostile country in face of the militia — lack of provisions — pur-
chased wheat which cannot be ground for some time — Clark's operations against
Detroit — two companies of Butler's rangers <sent to re-inforce that place — these
taken from Oswego where a post is intended and preparations have been made
for establishing it— rebel newspapers contain full accounts of Haldimand'fi
TABLE OF CONTENTS XXVII
negotiations with Vermont — proof of confidence betrayed — requests that the
reclaiming of Vermont be assisted by Clinton — a further effort to be made in
May — the 'Character of the Vermont emissary not flattering to hopes of success
— early break up of the ice, p. 220.
272. St. Francis, 16 June 1782. Luc Schmid to Haldimand. Party returned and reports
destruction of blockhouse on Hazen's road — made prisoners of people leaving
Montreal, a captain and two lieutenants — a prisoner from Cohos reports General
Carleton at New York with ten thousand men — other troops cut off — soldiers
'threatening to disarm if their situation did not improve — an army of cowboys
moving towards Albany, p. 222.
273. (Undated). Felix O'Hara to Haldimand. Activities of American privateers — one
landing at Perce captured all the craft — spiked the twelve pounder gun — other
guns carried off— proceeded up the bay destroying everything— took O'Hara
prisoner — charged with 'being rich — treated with disrespect — privateers now at
anchor— 'Government House at Perce not demolished but plundered, p. 223.
274. Quebec, 28 June 1782. Haldimand to 'Sir Richard Hughes. Protection of the gulf
and river-npurchase of a twenty-six gun vessel— capture of a rebel privateer,
p. 223.
275. Quebec, 17 July 1782. Haldimand to the Earl of Shelburne. Acknowledges informa-
tion concerning French armament — every possible precaution has been taken
against invasion — instructions regarding intelligence of hostile fleet given to
New York and to the navy in the gulf and river-success in the West Indies
and the lateness of the season leaves little to apprehend this year — prisoners of
war being 'collected and will be sent to the colonies for exchange — strict con-
formity with the system pointed to in the address to the King, His answer and
the two Resolutions will be observed— ^acknowledges the King's permission to
return to England — gratitude for royal appreciation of his character as an
officer — 'declines to place himself under an officer junior in rank — -state of health
an added reason for leaving Canada— will communicate with Sir Guy Carleton
who may come, or send an officer, to take over the Canadian command, p. 223.
276. Whitehall, 31 July 1782. T. Townshend to Haldimand. Previous alarming accounts
of the state of Canada removed by Haldimand's letter of 5th June — His Majesty
pleased with the establishment of a post at Oswego — preparations against an
attack on Detroit give promise of success — Lord Rodney's successes in the West
Indies and his superior naval force removes apprehensions of invasion by sea
from the West Indies — precautions to be continued against any other fleet —
His Majesty's high opinion of Haldimand's merit and service— nothing but his
own desire the reason for his withdrawal from Canada, p. 224.
277. Quebec, 17 August 1782. Haldimand to the Earl of Shelburne. Preparation for leaving
Canada. Brigadier-General Powell to be assistant to 'Sir Guy Carleton — [Brigadier-
General Maclean to .replace. Powell in the upper country— Major-General de
Reidesel to command the German troops— the carrying out of these plans
dependent on commands from home — intelligence from Sir Guy Carleton — the
invasion of the province, etc., p. 225.
278. Return of the Militia of the Settlement of Detroit, Aug. 1st 1782, p. 226.
279. Quebec, 17 August 1782. Haldimand to the Earl of Shelburne. Nothing new tran-
spired in the province — no communication from Sir >Guy Carleton — reports and
newspapers state that Congress will listen to nothing short of complete inde-
pendence and are resolved to continue the war — hostilities on the part of Canada
are stopped — a large rebel scout sent by New York to range between Lakes George
and Champlain — no hostile effort being made against it — Washington with a
cavalry escort lately visited Albany and the frontier posts — this excursion
probably the outcome of a report that a detachment was to be sent in favour
of Vermont or against Albany — no troops sent to work at Isle aux Noix for
fear of causing alarm, p. 226.
280. Quebec, 23 September 1782. L. Genevay to >Mr. Daniel Cramer. Application for
exemption from lodging of troops and from corvees refused — the Captains of
Militia the proper channel for such requests, p. 227.
281. Quebec, 21 October 1782. The "Quebec Gazette" Lower Canada. List of winter
quarters for the army in Canada, p. 227.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
282. Quebec, 26 October 1782. Haldimand to The Rt. Honourable Thomas Townshend.
Decides to remain in Canada for the winter owing to action of Congress, con-
tinued boetilitiee, .and the probability of an invasion in the spring — still deter-
mined to return to Europe at the earliest opportunity compatible with the in-
terests of the King's service, p. 229.
283. Quebec, 10 November 1782. Haldimand to the Eight Honourable Thomas Towns-
hend. Communicated to Sir Guy Carleton the substance of Shelburne letter of
(date not stated) — 'Carleton undecided on coming to Canada — Haldimand's con-
tinued refusal to serve under a junior officer — urges early permission to return
to Europe, p. 229.
284. Quebec, 13 February 1783. "An Ordinance for regulating the Militia of the Province
of Quebec" — the ordinance extended to April 1785, p. 230.
285. Quebec, 20 March 1783. The "Quebec Gazette/' Reports a disaster to. rebel troops
operating against Oswego, p. 231.
286. Whitehall, 28 February 1783. T. Townshend to Haldimand. Directions to release
Hay, Cazeau, Du Calvet and Pillon from prison if deemed desirable, p. 231.
287. Quebec, 15 May 1783. The "Quebec Gazette." An advertisement offering to loyalists
etc. the opportunity of acquiring land on convenient terms, p. 231.
288. Quebec, 7 August 1783. The "Quebec Gazette." Details of the embarkation of various
German troops for Europe — the 44th Regiment reviewed by Haldimand, p. 232.
289. 28 August 1783. Barry St. Leger to Captain Mathews. Complaints of disloyal pro-
ceedings by one Du Chene — action taken to prevent them, p. 232.
290. Whitehall, 8 August 1783. To Haldimand (unsigned). Instructions to reduce the
armed forces — appreciation of Haldimand's decision to remain in Canada and of
his efforts to pacify the inhabitants — 'Sir John Johnson's two battalions dis-
banded— approval of their services — steps to be taken to reward disbanded troops
and other loyalists — desirable locations 'fiorj loyalist 'settlements — Johnson's
appointment to Niagara — survey of certain districts and proposed settlement of
Mohawks approved — offer of settlement to be made to Indians who desire to
leave the United States — position with regard to Vermont made 'dear by the
signing of the Articles of Peace, p. 233.
291. Quebec, 18 September 1783. The "Quebec Gazette." Report of an entertainment given
by Captain Schank, p. 234.
292. Quebec, 2 October 1783. The "Quebec Gazette." Arrival of two companies of artillery
from New York — two other companies expected, p. 234.
293. Quebec, 13 November 1783. R. B. Lernoult, Adjutant 'General, to Captain Rouville.
Nomination of a lieutenant in Rouville's company, p. 234.
294. Montreal, 13 November 1783. Barry St. Leger to Major Mathews. Complains of
being ignored in matters affecting the military command in his district — desires
that Haldimand be informed of the proceedings, p. 235.
295. Quebec, 18 November 1783. Haldimand to the Right Honourable Lord North.
Regrets delay in receipt of North's letters — the climate and advanced season will
not allow of various units being disbanded — list of the provincial corps enclosed,
p. 235.
296. Quebec, 19 November 1783. List of the provincial corps serving under His Excel-
lency General Frederick Haldimand, p. 236.
297. Quebec, 27 November .1783. R. B. Lernoult, Adjutant General, to Brigadier-General
St. Leger. Enclosing orders etc. — announces disbanding of troops in the lower
province, p. 236.
298. Quebec, 15 December 1783. R. B. Lernoult, Adjutant General, to Captain Rouville.
Announcing the entire reduction of Rouville's company, p. 237.
299. Quebec, 22 December 1783. Circular letter issued by Haldimand announcing the
termination of appointments in the department of transport and inspectors of
militia, p. 237.
TABLE OF CONTENTS XXIX
300. (Undated and unsigned) Orders issued to the captains of militia at St. Anne, Riviere
Ouelle and Kajnouraska for work to be done on the portage leading to Lake
Temiscouata, p. 237.
301. Quebec, 20 January 1784. Report on the portage at Lake Temiscouata. Signed by
Jean Renaud, p. 238.
302. Quebec, I January 1784, The "Quebec Gazette" advertisement by Henry Caldwell
of lands for sale, on reasonable terms, to loyalists, p. 241.
303. Quebec, 4 March 1784. The "Quebec Gazette/' Regulation governing applications
for land grants by disbanded troops and loyalists, p. 241.
304. Quebec, 11 March 1784. The "Quebec Gazette." A notice amending certain clauses
appearing in Document No 303, p. 242.
305. St. Johns, 4 May 1784. Petition signed by loyalists and addressed to Major Mathews
at Quebec, p. 242.
306. Quebec, 13 May 1784. The "Quebec Gazette." Notice of vessels sailing for the con-
veyance of disbanded troops and loyalists to their settlements, p. 242.
307. Michilimackinac, 5 August 1784. Daniel Robertson to Haldimand. Threatened attack
by the Ottawas guarded .against by the inhabitants, p. 243.
308. Quebec, 7 August 1784. The "Quebec Gazette." Notice of vesi&els sailing for the con-
veyance of loyalists to Cape Breton, p. 243.
309. Quebec, 18 November 1784. The "Quebec Gazette." Haldimand's embarkation for
Europe — names of those accompanying him, p. 243.
310. Quebec, 25 November 1784. The "Quebec Gazette." Brigadier-General St. Leger em-
barked for Montreal, p. 243.
311. Quebec, 4 June 1785. List of the Canadian Militia in the Province of Quebec, signed
F. Baby Adjutant General of the Militia, p. 244.
312. January 1785. Return of His Majesty's Vessels on the Lakes, p. 251.
A HISTORY
OF THE
Organization, Development and Services of the Military and Naval
Forces of Canada from the Peace of Paris in 1763, to the
Present Time.
CHAPTER VI.
THE ADMINISTRATION OF GENERAL HALDIMAND, 1778-1780.
On vacating his appointment as Lieutenant><Governor of Three Rivers, in 1765, Hal-
dimand had returned to England where he remained until he was appointed to command
the troops in West Florida, in succession to his brother officer and countryman, General
Bouquet, Who had died shortly after his arrival in that province. Haldimand held this
command for six years, when he was directed to relieve General Gage at New York, 'as
commander-in-chief in North America, during his absence in England. On his arrival
there early in 1773, he found the province much disturbed by the agitation against minis-
terial measures, which «had spread from the other colonies. A few months later, the
governor called upon him to supply troops for the suppression of riots in the county of
Charlotte. This request he resolutely refused to comply with until all resources ,of the
civil authority had failed.
" It appears to me of a dangerous tendency," he wrote to 'Governor Tryon on this
occasion, " to employ Regular Troops where there are militia Laws and where the Civil
Magistrate can at any time call upon its trained inhabitants to aid and assist them iri
the performance of their office, and the execution of the Laws in force against Rioting,
and for the protection of the lives and property of His Majesty's Subjects. That the
idea of a. few lawless Vagabonds can prevail in such a government as that of New York,
as to oblige its governor to have recourse to the Regular troops to suppress them, appears
to" me to carry with it such reflection of weakness as 'I am afraid would be attended with
bad consequences, and render the authority of the Civil Magistrates, when mot supported
by troops, contemptible to the inhabitants."
Hie decision on this subject was referred to< the Colonial (Secretary and he was dis-
tinctly informed in reply, that military assistance was not to be given in case of riot
until the civil authority had been found unable to restore order. At a later date his
correspondence on the subject with the governor was fully approved.
In the summer of 1774, however, he was instructed that troops should be sent to
Boston to maintain order in case of further disturbances. On receiving these orders, he
frankly stated his cfiooibts of the expediency of this measure, and reported that he would
delay the movement of the troops until he received positive instructions, from General
Gage, who had been directed to return to America and resume command. Gage estab-
lished his headquarters at Boston, while Haldimand still remained in command of the
troops at New York. In September, 1774, Gage directed him to join him with two regi-
ments from New, York and Philadelphia, at the same time 'bringing other troops from
Canada to increase his force at that place. On his return from England, Gage had been
appointed governor of Massachusetts. He W'as instruioted to enfoxoe the recent acts of
parliament relating to that province, by the employment «of troops, if necessary. The
political contest steadily became more bitter. Hostilities seemed inevitable. In the
event of Gage becoming incapacitated, command of the troops, would naturally devolve
on Haldimand as the next senior officer. For reasons of policy it was considered that
in the case of an 'actual rebellion, the military command should be in the hands of an
officer of British birth, and he was consequently recalled and granted special leave of
absence.
Lord Dartmouth's letter on this subject is dated 15th April, 1775, four days before
the first collision at Lexington. Haldimand, however, remained on the staff at Boston
for some months afterwards, probably waiting fr>r a passage to England. On his arrival
in London, he was informed that he had been appointed Inspector-^General of the troops
1000-4-20
H.-Q. 650-16-6 )
3573—1
2 Administration of General Ealdimand, 1778-1780
in the West Indies. He was subsequently promoted to the rank oi Lieutenant-General
in the army, with the temporary rank of 'General in America. The next year was spent
by him in travelling and visiting relatives on the continent. In the summer of 1777,
he was offered, and accepted, the appointment of Lieutenant^Governor of the fortress of
Quebec. This created an awkward situation as the salary attached to that post had been
drawn by Carleton since his appointment as governor of the province, and also by his
predecessor, General Murray, during his tenure of that office. When these facts became
known to Haldimand, he promptly renounced the appointment and requested that his
commission should be cancelled, in terms described by Lord Barrington as " the hand-
somest letter any man could write/' His appointment to succeed Carleton as governor-
in-ehief soon followed.
On his return to 'Canada he had nearly completed his 59th year. His military eer-
viice had been long 'and varied. Born at Yverdun in the Swiss Oanton of Neuchatel on
llth August, 1718, he entered the Sardinian army at the age of fifteen. After a few yea/rs
service he transferred to the Prussian army and served during (the first Silesiam cam-
paign. In after yeans he frequently referred with pride to Frederick the Great as his
master in the art of war. At some later date he obtained a commission in a regiment of
Swiss Guards in the service jof Holland. Finally, in 1754, he was appointed to the com-
mand of a battalion of the Eoyal American Regiment, or 60th, then being formed for
special duty in North America. Nearly all the original officers of this corps were of Swiss
or German birth. Thenceforth, his employment had been nearly continuous in Nprth
America for a period of twenty years.
Before leaving London he had asked that ,the troops in Canada should be reinforced
sufficiently to protect it against any attempt by the French to reconquer the province,
which he considered probable,. He requested that his military authority should be
unlimited, and that he should be granted discretionary powers, to decide whether his
operations should be confined to the defensive. He desired instructions as to his
conduct with respect to the inhabitants of the neighbouring provinces, if they should
request assistance in the event of a French alliance, and urged 'that his authority in
respect to the military posts on .the lakes and^his relations with the superintendent of
Indian Affairs should be more strictly defined. *He further inquired whether the Habeas
Corpus Act was in force in Canada, as in that oasie he anticipated considerable
embarrassment on the arrest of persons suspected of being spies or .agents of the enemy.
In reply, Lord George Germain stated that a reinforcement of 1,200 regular troops
would be supplied, and that in addition to these he would be authorized) to raise a corps
of Canadians not exceeding 1,000 men, to be formed by drafts from the militia, or
called out on corvee, for a limited periodi, and relieved from time to time. This force
was considered quite large enough to defend the province and possibly make a diversion
on the frontier of the neighbouring colonies to assist operations conducted from the
Atlantic coast. Formal instructions on other matters were delivered to him at the
same time.
Official courtesy detained him at Quebec until after the departure of iSir Guy
Carleton, with whom his relations appear to have been most friendily. This time was
diligently employed in obtaining information and preparing a report upon, the state
of the province.
The fortifications of the town of Quebec, he reported, were " entirely rotten," and
all the other forts and military posts in " a very defenceless state." With the exception
of the clergy, the noblesse, and some of the wealthier citizens of the towns, he believed
that the Canadians .could not be relied upon for the defence of the country, particularly
in the case of a war with France and the evacuation of the other colonies by the British
regular .troops., which at this1 time seems to have been anticipated. The posts on the
Great Lakes were much exposed' to an attack, and' if they were taken the fur trade
must necessarily be lost, consequently he argued that the Indians 'must be kept in
good humour at any cost, "for if they do us no good they may do us much harm."
(Seven hundred warriors, with, their families, had arrived at Montreal, who, he sug-
gested, might be employed in making incursions upon the frontiers of New York in
the event that this was considered expedient, but he had so far restrained! them from
hostilities, fearing an unfavourable effect on the negotiations then in progress for the
conciliation of tihe colonists.
Among the British residents, he was informed, there were still many who favoured
the rebels, and were tireless in their efforts to seduce the Canadians. He warmly
endorsed the proposal to raise a body of one thousand men from the militia, to be
employed on all expeditions in .conjunction witlh British troops and thus utilize .their
skill in woodcraft and the management of boats. The .construction of a citadel at
Quebec must he postponed, as it would be a work of years. He stated his intention of
fortifying at once all main routes of approach into the province and' of strengthening
the forts on the lakes'. The provincial navy, he reported, was in an efficient state, but
Administration of General Haldimand, 1778-1780 3
<the most careful attention must 136 paid to its maintenance, as the safety of those posts
depended upon it.
He 'had learned, with considerable apprehension, that Sir Henry Clinton had
evacuated Philadelphia and retired overland to New York. It seemed improbable that
the negotiations for peace would be successful.
The lack of reliable information, either from Europe or the seat of war, gave him
great anxiety. Previous to his arrival no ships had eome from Great Britain for nine
or ten months, and the only news from the outer world had been, gleaned from 'Colonial
newspapers, or brought in by tramp-ships, casually arriving from the West Indies or
foreign ports. Intelligence obtained from scouting parties, refugees, or deserters was
seldom found to be trustworthy.
One of his first steps, accordingly, was' to buy a small privateer, taken in the river
Ibelow, where she had .captured several small ships and plundered the government
trading posts. 'This swift^siailing schooner he intended to employ in .carrying despatches
between Quebec and Halifax, for which duty she was at once fitted out, and appropri-
ately named the " Mercury." He requested that the Commander-in-Chief on the
Atlantic coast should be instructed to forward all useful intelligence to Halifax to be
transmitted to him, and likewise proposed that similar vessels should be employed as
packets between England and Halifax, sailing at intervals of a montih or six weeks,
while navigation was open, for the same purpose.
Sir John Johnson had been ordered to obtain one hundred volunteers from the
loyalists under his .command, to be engaged in scouting near Lake Champlain, as their
knowledge of the country would enable them to do this efficiently.
A return of the troops in Canada wasi enclosed, showing a total strength of. 6,700
of all ranks and arms. Deducting from this, the garrisons stationed at the upper posts
and other forts, with ten per cent for possible casualties, Haldimand estimated that
about four thousand effective men might be assembled for operation© in the field on a
sudden emergency. Reports soon reached him that Moses Hazen, accompanied by a
Canadian, formerly a resident of St. Francis, and four Indians, had been seen in that
neighbourhood, apparently engaged in reconnoitring a road into the province. This
•convinced him thai an invasion of the province by ithat .route was certainly meditated.
A party had accordingly been sent in that direction, with instructions to destroy the
harvest in the settlements on the Connecticut river, nearest the frontier, and capture
Hazen's party, if possible.
Early in August Haldimand visited Montreal and inspected the fortifications on the
Richelieu river. An engineer officer, accompanied by a strong detachment of troops
and some artificers, was sent to the foot of Lake Ontario to select a suitable place for a
military post, commanding a safe harbour for shipping as a depot for supplies. The
officers in charge had insitructions to construct a fort and barracks and build several
gunboats. After examining the site of the former French fort at Cataraqui, they
selected an island in the river St. Lawrence, about twelve miles below the lake, then;
known as Deer Island, to which they gave the name of Canleton. Here they found a.
suitable site for the proposed fortifications, overlooking a convenient harbour for the
class of vessels then employed on the lake, and -commenced the work of construction.
This new post was completed before winter and given the name of Fort Haldimand^
Regarding the waiter route by Lake Champlain, as the main way of approach for an
invasion of the province, great efforts were made to strengthen the posts on the
Richelieu. At Isle aux Noix, the former French works were reduced in size to adapt
them for defence by a smaller force. At 'St. Jean a new redotfbt was built on the high
ground on the; west, which overlooked the other fortifications. These were still in a
ruinous condition from the effects of the siege, and scarcely capable of resisting any
serious attack. Chambly consisted of a fortified barracks utterly incapable of defence
against artillery and commanded by high ground within easy musket range.
Sorel was finally selected by the governor a© the most eligible staition for the main
body of his troops and principal magazine, for its situation at the function of the
Richelieu and the St. Lawrence rivers commanded both rivers and ships of the largest
size could approach the wharves with ease. The construction of redoubts', barrack*
and storehouses at that place was immediately begun , and all surplus stores withdrawn
from Montreal and other posts in the vicinity. From this place troops could be moved
•by water with the utmost facility to any part of the province, and guard the route
along the river .St. Francois, as well as those already mentioned. 'This latter avenue
of invasion was considered to be particularly dangerous, as1 the settlements in the
revolting colonies approached those of the Canadians much nearer than in any other
part of the province, and the Indians living there were known to be corresponding
with the enemy. The inhabitants of -Sorel were praised by Haldimand as being
" remarkable for their courage and resolution and have distingiuished themselves very
much by their attachment to Government, even at the time the Rebels we\
3573— !£
4 Administration of General Haldimand, 1778-1780
of that 'Country/' He recommended tihat they should be rewarded " fey some public
mark of favour," such as the remission of their quit rente, and advised the purchase of
the seigniory for the purpose of obtaining the necessary site for fortification and wood
for construction. Canadian officers were employed to reconnoitre the upper part of the
St. Francois river and 'disicover the secret paths by wihich the enemy's scouts entered
tihat part of the province. They were directed to select a suitable site for a military
post, as high up the stream as was considered safe, to cut off dangerous intercourse
with the inhabitants.
A company of regular troops, and a detachment of Loyalists were despatched to the
.most remote settlement on the iChaudiiere at Sartigan, where a stockade and blockhouse
were built to command that route of approach.
Two of the largest ships of the provincial navy were kept constantly cruising on
Lake" Champlain, ias far as Crown Point, and observing parties were sent in that direc-
tion whenever any suspicious movement was reported. Many refugee* families came
in from the neighbouring provinces, "having been driven from their homes and their
property confiscated, under a special law of Congress. The construction of huts or
nouses for lodging these people became expedient to avoid quartering them among the
inhabitants. This was done in the parish of Machiche. Much of the work upon
fortifications and buildings was iperformed by the regular troops, but requisitions were
made upon the captains of militia in the neighbouring parishes to furnish carpenters1,
caulkers, sawyers, and other skilled workmen, who were required to provide their own
tools and promised -a reasonable rate of pay for their services. Unskilled labourers
were ordered to work upon .corvee, 'and only received Tatio.ns. Horses and harness were
likewise obtained by requisition for drawing timber. As the demands for labour for
these purposes and for tihe transportation of supplies by corvee became very burden-
some on the adjia/cent parishes, 'an additional number of men was requisitioned from
the district of Three Rivers, to relieve them. All demands for men by corvee appear
to have 'been equalized with care in proportion to the population; particular men
stilled in special trades were, however, occasionally commanded by name to work
for wages.
Soon after his arrival at Sorel, Haldimand learned the successful result of an expedi-
tion from Fort Niagara against the frontier forts on the Susquehanna river in Pennsyl-
vania. Advancing with his small body of rangers and a larger number of Indians,
Colonel Butler entered the settlements at Wyoming. Two small forts surrendered with-
out resistance. A superior force of continental troops and local militia that marched
out to attack him was quickly routed, and in the merciless pursuit that followed, more
than three hundred were killed and only five prisoners taken. The entire settlement,
which contained several mills and upwards of one thousand houses and other buildings,
was ruthlessly laid waste; the standing crops were burned and great herds of cattle and
horses driven off or killed. Many of Butler's men had been harshly expelled from this
settlement and their property destroyed. They were undoubtedly actuated by a fierce
desire for revenge, which it was difficult to restrain within proper limits. The survivors
o'f the defeated force, who took refuge in the remaining forts, then offered to surrender
and terms of capitulation were arranged, by which it was agreed that all forts should be
entirely demolished and none of the inhabitants should again bear arms. Butler
reported that " in the destruction of the settlement, not a single person was hurt except
such as were in arms, to these, in truth, the Indians gave no quarter." Small parties
were detached to destroy neighbouring settlements and the adjacent counties were
deserted by most of their inhabitants. This campaign of devastation was deliberately
sanctioned with the object of securing the posts on the lakes from^ an attack, and pre-
venting the main Continental army from obtaining necessary supplies from these settle-
ments. Every party sent out was given strict orders to burn and destroy everything
that it could. "If we can prevent the enemy getting in their grain," Butler remarked
in his instructions, "their general army, already much distressed, must disperse and
their country fall an easy prey."
A few weeks later, however, Haldimand learned that the settlements on the Illinois
and Mississippi rivers had been occupied by parties of rebels from Virginia, who
threatened an advance against Detroit. About the same time he was informed that the
fishing posts on the Bay of Chaleurs and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, had been pillaged
and practically destroyed by American privateers. Several small vessels had been
taken by them and the people employed in the fisheries declared that they must aban-
don them, if not protected by ships of war.
A powerful French fleet commanded by Comte d'Estaing had sailed from Toulon for
America on the 12th of April. Its destination had been suspected, and a British fleet
held in readiness to observe its motions. This fleet, when in pursuit, encountered
a heavy gale and was dispersed. The small North American squadron was quite unequal
to meet the French fleet but had luckily entered the harbour of New York just before
Administration of General Haldimand, 1778-1780 5
its arrival. After reconnodtering Chesapeake and Delaware bays the French fleet came
to anchor off Sandy Hook on the llth of July. A few days later a watering party
sent on shore upon Long Island was surprised and some prisoners taken. From them
information was obtained that war with England had been proclaimed on board the
fleet in mid-ocean on the 20th of June, the same day that it was to be announced in
France. Several prizes had been taken by them afterwards. This information was
immediately sent to Quebec by water, where it was received by Lieut.-Governor
Cramahe and by him transmitted to Haldimand at Sorel.
By these events, the difficulties of his situation were enormously increased. That
the Canadians were strongly attached to France by ties of origin, language and religion,
could scarcely be doubted, and seemed but natural. The appearance of a French fleet
in the St. Lawrence with only a small body of troops on board might be followed with
the most serious results. Strengthening the defences of Quebec then became a subject
of the highest importance. -News of the declaration of war had been already spread
widely among the inhabitants. Letters of trifling importance were intercepted from
some Canadian officers of Hazen's regiment to their relatives. Captain Malcolm Fraser.
when at Kamouraska had arrested 'an Indian, with letters •containing an account of the
'treaty between France and the English colonies, which he had been instructed toi deliver
to the cures of Kamouraska and St. Rocque. It was accordingly surmised that they were
considered willing agents for spreading this news among the inhabitants. " The Priests
in the District of Quebec were almost to a man, zealous and sincere in the cause of gov-
ernment, whilst the Americans alone were concerned in the War/' an officer ,of trust
reported, " but now that there is a war with France, Bigotry and Ignorance of the Rights
O'f Civil Society with some, and the attachment to their Native Country with others, may
make a difference; the Curate of Kamouraska, which may be considered as a frontier
parish, is in the first case and ye Curate of St. Rocque in ye latter."
" Some officers and men of the militia, who had been made prisoners at Bennington
or at Lake GeoTge, having made their escape, reported that Hazen had succeeded in
persuading twenty-six of their comrades to enlist in his regiment at Albany during the
previous winter. Lieut-Governor Cramahe, who had been consulted respecting the pro-
poised embodiment of a part o*f the militia, advised that this should be deferred until
the end of the year, when the men employed in the fur trade above and the fisheries
below, would have returned to their homes; many of these, who were considered as the
best men in the service, could then probably be enlisted. At the same time, he recom-
mended, that the inspectors of militia should be directed to inspect the men thus
embodied, and that when the troops were placed in winter quarters, they should be
distributed in such a way as to enforce obedience to the 'orders of the government, a
point which he said required particular attention, as more than one-third of the persons
commanded on corvee from parishes in the vicinity of Quebec, for service as boatmen,
had failed to report.
Haldimand remained at Sorel until late in October, supervising the intrenc/hments
and making final arrangements1 for winter quarters for the troops. A blockhouse was
built and a small garrison quartered at Yamaska for the protection of that settlement,
for which the captains of militia were required to furnish workmen. Major Christopher
Carleton, who commanded the garrison at Isle aux Noix, received orders to conduct an
expedition against the settlements on Lake Champlain. He was instructed to bring off
as prisoners all persons wiho had taken the oath of allegiance to Congress, and destroy
the provisions, forage and cattle which he found collected there. In case he could
surprise or attack with success any of the military posts in that quarter he was
instructed to do so. The further the frontier settlements could be pushed back the less
would be the danger of an invasion from that direction.
On returning to Quebec, Haldimand strongly urged upon the senior naval officer,
who was about to sail for England with the autumn convoy of merchant ships, that one
of his largest vessels should be left behind for the winter, for the protection of shipping
in the river from privateers, fearing also that some portion of the French fleet might
ascend the river early in the spring to co-operate with an invasion by land, before any
naval assistance couldi arrive from Great* Britain. This officer, who was Captain
Richard Pearson, afterwards distinguished for ihis stubborn fight in the " Serapis,"
against a squadron under John Paul Jones, considered .that his rigid instructions from
the Admiralty left him no alternative but to refuse; a decision described by Haldimand
as an " error, which may be followed by the most fatal •consequences to the province/'
•Soon afterwards an intercepted letter was brought in, addressed to his wife, then
residing in the parish of iSt. Anne du iSud, below Quebec, by Captain Clement Gosselin,
one of Hazen's officers. The writer, who was still lurking somewhere in the province,
stated that a force for its invasion would advance to co-operate with a French fleet
in t.hp einrin/cr This. wn« fnll^wprl Inv t:ViA rH«,r»nv>prv nf a 'nrnntarl nroflfljmat.ion.
6 Administration of General Haldimand, 1778-1780
from the Comte d'Estaing, .addressed in the name of his king, to all former French
subjects in North America, inviting them to join his forces or those of the United
Colonies.
Before long evidence was not wanting to show that these efforts of the enemy had
been attended with some success. Their spies and scouting parties were 'harboured in
remote settlements, -moved! freely about from place .to place, and their movements were
not reported until long after their departure.
On the first of November, shortly after the ships of war had sailed with their
convoy, the distressing intelligence was received that an American privateer had
burned or destroyed the buildings, boats and nets of all the fishing posts on the north
shore, and in Labrador, with the exception of one belonging to a Canadian, whom
they informed that his property was spared because no British subject had any
interest in it and had posted a notice to that effect. These losses, combined with those
they had suffered before, 'Caused great discontent among the merchants .concerned, and
Haldimand- appealed at once to the Admiralty for the necessary protection., and sug-
gested to the 'Governor of Nova Scotia that the construction of batteries at the
narrowest part of the Gut of Canso might prevent these privateers from lurking there,
as they had been accustomed to do.
Carleton's expedition was entirely successful as far as the destruction of the
settlements was concerned. All of these, on both sides of Lake Champlain, from the
provincial boundary to the vicinity of Ticonderoga, as well as those upon Otter Creek,
were entirely destroyed, with supplies estimated as being sufficient for twelve thousand
•men for four months. A blockhouse and another fortified building at Otter Creek were
burned and some arms taken. Between thirty and forty prisoners were brought off, with
many cattle. A copy of an agreement was found in possession of the inhabitants,
undertaking to support the Congress, which was construed as a sufficient reason for the
destruction of their property and their detention as prisoners of war.
Late in 1776 Captain Henry Hamilton had been- appointed Lieutenant-Goyernor of
Detroit. He was instructed to conciliate the Indians and retain their friendship.
Subsequently, he was directed to employ them to distress the frontier settlements of
Virginia and [Pennsylvania, and encourage the loyal inhabitants to join him with a
promise of a grant of two hundred acres of land to each recruit. Early in 1778
Hamilton received reliable information that Fort Pitt was weakly garrisoned, and that
many of the settlers were desirous of 'coming to Detroit to avoid the hostility of the
Indians. He proposed an expedition against that place. Carleton had replied that as
the conduct of the war had been taken out of his hands he could give no orders, but
would refer the letter to his successor. Haldimand distinctly stated that nothing could
be gained by the temporary occupation of Fort 'Pitt, but the destruction of arty
magazines and provisions was highly desirable. He strongly recommended his favourite
policy of the expulsion of the frontier settlers. Hamilton had requested arms for his
militia. He was informed that all firearms in his possession must be repaired, as none
could be sent him. He was advised to support Colonel Butler's operations with Indians
from Detroit. The method of accomplishing this was left entirely to his own discretion.
In a later letter he was requested to supply information respecting the fort, its garrison
and the adjacent settlements. Hamilton was an industrious and rather prolix corre-
spondent. Long letters came from him at very short intervals. On learning the loss of
the military post at Vincennes, he at once began to organize an expedition for its
recovery. His preparations were carried on with great energy. Councils were held with
the Indians to secure their co-operation; a company of rangers was enlisted, volunteers
were enrolled from the inhabitants, boats and stores were prepared and a detachment
of militia was sent forward to Improve the portages. Several strong scouting parties of
Indians, led by Canadian officers, were despatched to obtain information. When all
these arrangements were completed Hamilton sent a letter to the governor,
informing him of his intention of leaving Detroit in command of this force early in
October. Before his departure he received a report that an expedition was being
organized for the attack of Detroit, and a demand had been mad:e upon the Indians for
its. unmolested passage through their country. This information didi not deter him
from the execution of his project, although his entire force, including a very small
detachment of the 8th 'Regiment and some Indians, did not exceed two hundred of all
ranks. The great distance to be travelled and uncertainty of the good-will of the
Indians along the route made this a very perilous undertaking. Haldimand was
inclined to dissent, but the distance and season of the year made it impossible for
him to countermand the movement in time, and he merely remarked that its success
must depend entirely upon the judgment and ability of the commanding officer.
Early in the following January written instructions were issued to the captains of
militia for their guidance in allotting quarters for troops on the march, or when billeted
in their parishes. The number of carriages to be provided, the loads they were to carry,
Administration of General Haldimand, 1118-1180 7
and the rates of pay were fixed; the number of soldiers to he quartered in each house,
the bedding to be supplied for men and furniture for officers were .carefully specified.
Quarters were not to be changed without the knowledge of the .captains of militia, who
were made responsible for the assistance of the troops.
The Legislative Council was convened and the governor recommended the renewal
of the ordinance for the regulation of the militia. This was opposed by Lieut.-Colonel
Caldwell, who desired to have it amended in a more stringent form. His .motion to
consider it, article by article, was defeated by a majority of thirteen to three, while
another to continue the ordinance for two years was subsequently passed. Had a dis-
cussion taken place, Haldimand remarked that " it might have been spun to a con-
siderable length, &t so critical a Juncture, of manifest disservice to the King's Affairs,
and to the National Interests."
Alarming reports of a contemplated invasion arrived from time to time from the
frontier. One account circulated at Montreal, stated that twenty thousand men were
assembling at Albany under the command of La Fayette. When this news reached
General Powell, who was in command at St. Jean, he asked for instructions as to the
course of action to be pursued, in case the enemy should succeed in passing the forts on
the Richelieu and advance directly upon Montreal. Later intelligence was received of
a body of troops assembling at Skenesborough, but little reliable information could be
obtained of their numbers or intentions. The ice on Lake Champlain broke up suddenly
at the end of February, and as all supplies in that vicinity had been destroyed, little
fear was then entertained of any formidable movement.
Another invasion of Canada, had, in fact, been under the consideration of Congress
for some time. Washington was required to report upon a plan submitted to that body.
He stated that the large naval force on the lakes constituted an almost insurmountable
obstacle to any attempt to enter the province by the usual routes of communication.
He suggested that magazines might be formed in the upper settlements on the Connec-
ticut river, with a view to an advance by St. Francois. General Bayley, commanding
at Co-os, and Colonel Hazen, were directed to obtain information. Bayley was required
to report on the strength of the troops in Canada, how they were distributed, the con-
dition of the military posts, and whether any reinforcements had arrived during the
summer, or were soon expected; whether the crops had been plentiful and what was the
price of grain; whether any force of Canadian's had been raised, and if so, were they
volunteers or drafted men; whether the inhabitants had been disarmed and by what
'authority. He was further instructed to ascertain the feeling of the people upou!
American politics and the opinions of the clergy in particular; and to report whether the
Canadians generally were inclined to join the "United States and whether the Canadian
Indians were favourably disposed.
Two months later, on the llth November, 1778, Washington wrote at great length to
the president of Congress, formulating his objections. The plan was too extensive and
beyond their abilities, and also too complex. If the proposed expedition against Detroit
was well conducted, that place might be taken without much difficulty. Niagara was,
however, described as one of the strongest fortresses in America and could only be
reduced by a regular siege or starvation. The obstacles to an advance by the river St.
Frangois were very serious, 'as the troops employed must march for one hundred and
fifty miles from Co-os, much of the distance through an uninhabited and desolate
country, accompanied by a great train of wagons. The employment of five thousand
militia had been proposed for the expeditions against Detroit and Niagara. He con-
sidered that militia might be employed against Detroit, but for the siege of Niagara the
very best troops would be needed. If the naval force on Lake Ontario was overcome and
the garrison cut off .from its supplies, that fort must necessarily surrender. He strongly
opposed a proposal for stationing five thousand troops on the Connecticut and Mohawk
rivers, as they would exhaust the local supplies.
In a private letter, addressed to Henry Laurens, the president of Congress, he dis-
closed his main objection, which he had considered inexpedient even to mention in his
official letter.
" I have one objection to it, untouched in my public letter, which is in my estimation
insurmountable and alarms all my feelings for the true and permanent interests of my
country. This is the introduction of a large body of French troops into Canada, and
putting them in possession of the capital of that province, attached to them by all the
ties of blood, habits, manners, religion and former connexion of government. I fear
this would be too great a temptation to be resisted by any power, actuated by the com-
mon maxims of national policy. Let us realize for a moment the sti iking advantages
France would derive from the possession of Canada — the acquisition of an extensive
territory, abounding in supplies for the use of her islands, the opening of a vast source
of the most beneficial commerce with the Indian nations, which she might then mono-
8 Administration of General Haldimand, 1718-1780
i
polize, the having ports of her own on this continent independent of the precarious
goodwill of an ally, the engrossing of the whole trade of Newfoundland whenever she
pleased, the finest nursery of seamen in the world, the security afforded to her islands,
and finally the facility of awing and 'controlling these States, 'the natural 'and formidable
rival of every maritime power in Europe. Canada would be a solid acquisition to France
on ,all these accounts and because of the numerous inhabitants subject to her by inclina-
tion who would aid her in preserving it under her power against every O'ther ....
But it is a maxim founded on the universal experience of mankind that no nation is to
be trusted farther than it is bound by its interest and no present statesman or politician
will venture to depart from it."
Laurens replied, entirely .assenting, aud adding " Hence your Excellency will
perceive what were my feelings when the propositions for subduing Canada by aid of a
French fleet and army wexe broached to me. I demurred exceedingly to the Marquis's
scheme and expressed some doubts of the concurrence of Congress. This was going as far
as I dared 'Consistently with my advice and 'Considering him as a gentleman of equal
honour and veracity, I trusted ithe issue of his application to the sagacity of Congress."
The committee of Congress concurred, generally, with Washington's opinion, and
agreed that Niagara could scarcely be taken without obtaining the command of Lake
Ontario, but declared that that post was of ^such importance to the United States as to
justify every practicable effort to gain possession of it. They accordingly recommended
that he should .be instructed! to 'make preparations at an early date for an attack upon
that place, and "also to carry on such further operations to northward as time and
circumstances shall point out hereafter."
iBefore this decision was made known to him, Washington had ordered magazines
of provisions to be formed at Albany and on the upper pa'rt of the Connecticut river
and set the saw mills at Fort Anne at work preparing timber. Troops were gradually
assembled at advanced stations, but it dtoes not appear that he entertained any real
intention of attempting a serious invasion. At the end of May, following, he remarked
in a confidential letter, addressed to Landon Carter: " The accounts which you had
received of the accession of Canada to the Union were premature. It is a measure
much to be wished, and I believe would not be displeasing to the body of that people,
but while Carleton remains among them with three or four thousand regular troops
they dare not avow their sentiments (if really favourable), without strong support.
Your ideas of its importance to o<ur political union coincide exactly with mine. If that
country is not with us it will, .from its proximity to the eastern states, its intercourse
and connexion with the numerous tribes of Western Indians, its communication with
them by water and other local advantages, be at least a troublesome, if not a dangerous,
neighbour to us, and ought at all events to be in the same interest and politics of the
other states."
Early in March, 1779, Haldimandi received the disquieting information that two
large ships of war and five hundred boats were under construction at Saratoga or
Stillwater, on the Hudson river. Many sleighs had been engaged daily in forming
magazines at Fort Edward1. A large force of the enemy was reported to be marching
towards Co-os. Later accounts confirmed1 these statements and described the boats as
being too large for the; navigation of the Mohawk river and the waterways leading to
Oswego.
Communication overland had^een established with Halifax. Letters were conveyed
to and fro by way of Lake Temiscouata and the St. John river by Canadian officers
belonging to the Indian department. Despatches for 'Sir Henry Clinton at New York
and for the ministry in England were also forwarded by this route.
A ship with a small body of officers and soldiers belonging to the regiments in the
province, taken prisoners on Burgoyne's expedition, and afterwards: exchanged, had
been driven into Halifax by stormy weather the previous autumn. An urgent request
was then made that these troops should be forwarded to -Quebec as soon as navigation
opened.
Two Canadian companies, commanded by Captains Beaubien and B-oucherville, had
suffered severely in Burgoyne'e campaign. Most of the surviving officers and men had
been made prisoners under the convention of Saratoga. These companies were conse-
quently disbanded; the officers of another, commanded by Captain de Eouville were
retained and employed on various duties. Steps were taken to re-enroll the militia, but
no effort was made to embody any portion of it, owing to the want of supplies and
suitable quarters.
As soon as the weather became favourable, the work upon the military posts near the
frontier was resumed. Increased vigilance was imposed upon the lookout parties posted
in the remote settlements on the St. Francois and Yamaska rivers. The presence of
spies and returned refugees was soon reported. Efforts to discover and arrest them were
unsuccessful.
Administration of General Haldimand, 1778-1780 9
About the middle of April, the governor was informed of the disastrous result of
Hamilton's expedition to Vincennes. Ascending the Miami river, and thence crossing
the difficult carrying place to the headwaters of a tributary of the Wabash, he proceeded
with difficulty towards his objective. Vincennes was approached on the 16th of Decem-
ber and a proclamation in French forwarded for distribution among the Canadian
inhabitants, offering pardon to those who would join him and threatening punishment
to others. He was fortunate in the capture of a scouting party sent out from the fort
to obtain intelligence of his movements iand advanced within a few miles of the town
before he wais discovered. Many of the French Canadians then joined him. The fort
w,as surrounded and easily taken with its entire garrison, mainly composed of Virginians.
The local militia were enrolled, took the oath of allegiance, and were placed under arms*.
The militia from Detroit, and most of the regular troops, were then allowed to return.
Hamilton remained in command and made some effort to strengthen the fortifications.
One small party of volunteers was sent forward to Kaskaskia on the Illinois river, where
they nearly succeeded in capturing Colonel George .Rogers Clarke, commander of the
enemy's force. They returned, bringing with them some French prisoners and a quan-
tity "of flour. Another party of volunteers was sent to communicate with the Cherokee
Indians far to the southward, with a letter to an officer at Natchez, who was directed to
intercept supplies passing towards New Orleans and another to the Spanish Governor
of the latter place, asking him to prohibit the sale of gun powder and arms to the enemy.
A scouting party was sent to visit the falls of the Ohio, and watch the movements of
the enemy in that direction. A corvee of the inhabitants was organized to bring forward
provisions from the Miami. Thus matters seemed to be going well until February 22nd,
when the fort was suddenly invested by .a very superior force., under Colonel George
Rogers Clarke, whose approach, with the connivance of some of the inhabitants, had been
undiscovered. Many of 'the local militia immediately deserted. Nearly the whole of the
Indians had gone away on various expeditions or returned to their villages. With the
few men who remained, successful defence otf the fort was clearly out of the question,
and Hamilton capitulated on the best terms he could obtain. He was afterwards falsely
accused of purchasing scalps from the Indians and treated with extreme severity,
together with two of his French Canadian officers, Dejean and 'La Mothe. That Hamilton
had liberally rewarded Indian war parties on their return from their expeditions, bear-
ing with them the bloody trophies of their success, and purchased their prisoners from
them, is undoubtedly true. On the arrival of these three officers in Virginia, the gov-
erning council decided to begin the work of retaliation upon them, put them in irons,
confined them in the dungeon of the public gaol, prohibited the use of pen, ink or paper,
and excluded them from conversation with any one except their jailer.
It seemed more than likely that his easy success at Vincennes would encourage
Clarke, who had the reputation of being an enterprising leader, to advance against
Detroit. That post was weakly garrisoned, and not in a satisfactory state of defence.
Instructions had indeed been issued to the commandants at all the western stations to
strengthen their fortifications, but little had been accomplished, owing to the weakness of
the garrisons. Efforts 'had been made to provide them with a stock of provisions for
several months in advance, with small success, owing to the difficulties of transportation.
Hamilton's unfortunate expedition and the large number of Indians resorting to these
forts, who had to be fed during the winter, had emptied their magazines and made an
immediate replenishment of the greatest importance. This was undertaken as soon as
Lake Ontario became navigable and small detachments of regular troops were sent for-
ward from Qswegatchie and Carleton Island, where they were .replaced by a portion of
the Royal Regiment of New York. Count d'Estaimg's proclamation, and copies of a letter
from the Marquis de la Fayette addressed to the Indians of Canada and the Six Nations,
had been distributed among them, with considerable effect, as several of their chiefs
openly declared their intention oi remaining neutral and others even appeared inclined
to become actively hostile.
As long as his naval force on Lake Champlain preserved a decided superiority,
Haldimand had little fear of any invasion from that direction, but he thought it pos-
sible that small bodies of the enemy might stealthily make their way into the province
and incite an insurrection, as the had discovered a very pronounced change of opinion
everywhere since the declaration of war by France. Besides d'Esitaing's proclamation,
other papers of a similar nature had been circulated) among the inhabitants and all
efforts to discover the persons concerned' in their distribution had failed. The best
means of defending the province, he stated, would be to form a number of encamp-
ments in suitable positions to •command the 'Country and1 prevent an invading force
from obtaining provisions. The force at his disposal was, however, clearly insufficient
to carry into effect such a plan, particularly as he was obliged to station most of his
British troops in the advanced posts, so that he could not assemble more than a
thousand effective men for operations in the field. The Royal Highland Emigrants
10 Administration of General Haldimand, 1118-1180
were composed of men of all nations, -and he characterized 'Sir John Johnson's regiment
as " though a useful Corps with the Ax, not altogether to be depended upon with the
Firelock." The German troops largely consisted of men unfit for active service, who
had been left behind! by Burgoyne. With the exception of two weak battalions, they
were considered 'unsuitable for active service, and from being scattered in billets among
the inhabitants, had become lax in discipline and disposed to desert. An urgent
demand for reinforcements &nd a further supply of arms was accordingly made upon
the ministry. Should these .arrive Haldimandi announced his intention of undertaking
the embodiment of one or more battalions of militia. If he succeeded in this he
intended to disarm the disaffected parishes,, a measure which must, in his opinion, be
executed with great prudence <and supported by a strong force.
Immediately after receiving information of Haldimand's arrival in Canada (25th
August, 1779), Sir Henry Clinton had written to him from New York, announcing "his
intention of sending him a reinforcement of two thousand men in the iautumn if the
French fleet, then on the coast, did not prevent it, and this promise was renewed in a
later letter. He was prevented! from carrying it out by the failure of the British
squadron to return to that place until the season was too far advanced. Early in
February, 1779, Clinton received! information that boats were being built <at Stillwater
and that two of the principal inhabitants of Canada, in the name of many others, had
invited the enemy to undertake an invasion of that province. He made great efforts
to forward this information to Haldimand by despatching messengers overland to
Canada from New York, through the hostile lines, and others to Halifax. One of his
letters, dated the 24th February, and apparently sent overland, was received, at Quebec
on the 27th of April; while another, dated on the 12th February, and sent by way of
Halifax, was not delivered -until the 6th of June. On the 15th of March, Clinton wrote
that he had learned that the carpenters employed in building ships and boats had
been recalled and concludied that the expedition intended against Canada had been
abandoned for the time being. This letter was received by Haldimand on the 7th of
May. On May 26 Haldimand made a definite application to Clinton for reinforcements,
remarking that he hoped they were already on their w-ay. The reports that he had then
received! from the Mohawk River, Albany and the Kennebec, although differing in
some particulars, agreed in the statement that boats were being built and troops
assembling >at all those places, and that some of them were French. He did not think
that their numbers were large and those reported to be French were pmbably vaga-
bonds enlisted in the 'country, or, perhaps, Americans in French uniforms. Still, he
considered it expedient to be as much on his guard as if they were the best troops
from Europe, for the inhabitants fully expected that a French fleet would soon appear
in the St. Lawrence. A brief note from Clinton received on the 31st of May warned
him that an attack upon Detroit was intended, to be covered by a feint up the
Susquehanna, in the direction of Niagara. Orders were instantly given for the move."
ment of a reinforcement of regular troops from Niagara to 'Detroit, which, however,
consisted of only one 'hundred men.
After the opening of navigation in the St. Lawrence many weeks elapsed without
the arrival from England of & single ship of any description. The troops in Canada
were, to a great extent, dependent for their provisions upon supplies sent out to them.
It would be extremely dangerous to delay forwarding the necessary provisions to the
upper posts until the arrival of the store ships expected, owing to the short season for
transportation. Consequently, he was obliged to empty his magazines below for that
purpose or face the alternative of being compelled to abandon some of these distant
posts during the next winter. The prolonged delay in the arrival of the provision ships
filled him with dismay. Reports were spread, and widely believed among the people,
that a French fleet would appear first. In a letter to Lord George Germain, Secretary
of State for the Colonies, dated the 7th of June, Haldimand stated " that the Canadian
Inhabitants, both above and below, have become adherents to the united Cause of
France and the Americans," and that the Indians had grown lukewarm and might join
the enemy.
" It shall be my study," he wrote, " to counteract the present Temper and Dis-
position of the Canadians with all the Prudence and mildness the critical situation of
the Province requires, but should the Rebels attempt to penetrate 'amongst us in
Force, the Martial Law shall be proclaimed. Small parties have already been in the
Province and have remained several Days unpereeived, & hitherto when notice has
been given of them', it has always been too late to apprehend them."
The day before this letter was written M. Poirier, the cure of St. Ours, brought to
Colonel St. Leger, then ;oommandin>g the troops at Sorel, >a printed copy of d'Estaimg's
manifesto, which had been found by him attached to his church door. Other copies
had been posted at the same time at the churches in the neighbouring parishes of St.
Denis and St. Antoine. The persons employed in positing these proclamations were not
Administration of General Haldimand, 1778-1780 11
discovered, although it w<as suspected that they must be well known to many of the
inhabitants.
In a secret letter addressed to Lord George Germain, on June 18th, Haldimand
again referred to the intelligence which he had received of preparations for an invasion
of the province from various directions, and added:—
" I have daily the mortification of discovering that the disaffected People receive
earlier intelligence of the State of affairs in all Quarters than I can possibly obtain,
which has been the means of persuading all Ranks of men that the French Fleet will
come up the St. Lawrence in the course of this summer, and this story has been propa-
gated with so much Art, and yet so universally, that there is scarcely a Rebel or Cana-
dian or Indian but believes it and I fear most even expect it with pleasure, which is
but too visible amongst the Canadians from their 'uncommon anxiety 'about the arrival
of vessels, from 'hence I apprehend that any considerable Misfortune happening to us 1
just now would raise the whole country in arms againsit us and this opinion is not
founded upon distant & precarious Intelligence but on a precise knowledge of the
General Disposition of the Inhabitants."
He further stated that the salt provisions remaining on hand] would be barely
sufficient to supply his troops until the 15th of the following month, and that the pro-
longed delay in the .arrival of store ships confirmed the people in their belief that the
French navy had a decided superiority at sea. American privateers were busy once
more in the gulf and had taken at least one vessel bound for Quebec from Newfound-
land. The only ship at his command to oppose them and protect the fishing posts was
a small sloop carrying ten guns. Several officers had arrived overland from Halifax,
bringing letters, but could give him no hope of any reinforcements, as even the small
detachment which had wintered there, was detained for want of a convoy. The lack of
provisions had become most alarming, and he had been obliged to delay despatching
his letters, owing to the presence of the privateers, until the arrival of a small ship
from South America had induced him to hope that this mail boat might sail with
safety for Halifax.
Another letter of the same date was addressed to the first Lord of the Admiralty,
urging protection for the fishing settlements on the lower St. Lawrence and the gulf,
as a few days before an American privateer had actually attempted to enter the harbouir
of Tadoussac, only forty leagues below Quebec.
Haldimand was a diligent correspondent and maintained constant personal com-
munication by letter with the officers commanding all the posts near the frontier, and
the residents in the Indian villages. They were particularly enjoined to intercept all
spies and prevent them from communicating with their friends in the settlements, who
were reported to be collecting information for them and harbouring them in their houses
or meeting them in the woods by night. Some of the rebels, he said, disguised^them-
selves as Canadians and others as Indians. All suspected persons, found lurking in the
woods, must be arrested and detained until they could give satisfactory accounts of
themselves. Strong scouting parties of Indians accompanied by a few regular soldiers
and Canadians were frequently sent out from St. Francis and Yamaska to explore the
paths along those rivers leading to the frontier and even beyond. These were usually
led by trusted Canadian officers, several of whom, like Fleurimont and Schmid, had \
served with credit under de Riigauville in the expedition against Pontiiac. One of these
parties actually advanced as far as Cohos .and (returned with two prisoners.
A deputation of chiefs from, the Five Nations arrived at (Montreal with a message
from their people, inquiring with undisguised indignation why the promise made to
them by General 'Carleton two years before to establish a garrison at Oswego as a means
of keeping up communication with them and furnishing supplies, had not been carried
into effect. " Shall we at last be listened to," they concluded, " or are you afraid of the
people of your own colour, and wish to conciliate them"? This was a most embarrass-
ing request, as Haldimand was still unable to comply with it, partly from lack of troops.,
but mainly from want of the necessary provisions.
On July 12, ten ships of the long expected provision fleet arrived, having sailed
from Cork on April 30. They brought no ' information whether any troops would arrive
from England, but it was reported that the customary " trade " fleet would sail for
Canada very late in the summer. The arrival of these ships at once lowered the price of
grain and had a very good effect on the inhabitants generally, by confuting the reports
of French supremacy on the Atlantic.
Haldimand then decided to send a mixed force up Lake Champlain and a body of
Indians towards Oswego, to alarm the country and prevent the 'farmers from gathering
their harvest. His fears of an insurrection were removed unless French troops were
landed in the province, and he reported that the inhabitants had been very useful in
transporting stores and were tolerably obedient. The trade fleet from England did not
arrive until the 19th of August. No troops were on board except a single company of
12 Administration of General Haldimand, 1778-1780
German light infantry, but despatches stated that some German recruits would be sent
in the fall, whom he surmised would be "picked up on the High-Ways and probably
be worse than those already here, who are entirely useless for this kind o<f war and rather
a Burden than an Increase of 'Strength/' He was also informed by Lord George
Germain that the French proposed to. send a squadron up the river to incite a revolt
among the Canadians which might take place that autumn. However, Haldimand
announced his intention of increasing the size and number of his raiding parties on the
frontier, to destroy the crops and indirectly create a diversion in favour of Clinton's
operations. With the exception of tjiose forming the escort for this fleet, no .ships of
war arrived for the protection of the navigation oi the gulf, until the autumn, when the
" Hind/' a small frigate, carrying twenty-four guns, was sent out from England to clear
the coast oi privateers and remain during the winter. Lord Sandwich, first Lord of the
Admiralty, plaintively explained that " in truth, we have had so much upon our hands
at home and calls from all parts of this extensive Empire for naval support that we
find ourselves unequal to supplying what may be expected from us and many important
services must be postponed in order to allow of our attending to those that are the most
pressing . ; . Your surprise will ceatse when you know we are in daily expectation
of an invasion from France and are ,at the eve ef an action for the Sovereignty of the
Sea against the Combined Fleets of France and Spain."
In September, 1778, Captain William Caldwell of Butler's Rangers, with about two
hundred men of that corps and as many Indians had Jaid waste the nourishing settle-
ment of the German Flats, destroying all the grain and buildings and driving off the
cattle. The inhabitants took refuge in the forts garrisoned by a continental regiment,
which were not attacked by him. Two months later, Walter Butler, with the same force,
marched upon Cherry Valley, where .magazines were being formed and cattle collected.
Part of the garrison, including several officers of the continental regiment, was cut off
and the settlement ruthlessly destroyed. A number of women and children were unfor-
tunately killed by the Indians in spite of Butler's efforts to restrain them.
The complaints of the inhabitants on the frontier for protection became so urgent
that Congress at length decided to invade the Indian country with an overwhelming
force and possibly besiege Fort .Niagara. The troops for this purpose were put in
motion from Wyoming early in (May, 1779, and consisted of 3,500 veteran soldiers from
the eastern States, besides 500 boatmen and pack-horse drivers. Another division of
2,000 men ascended the Mohawk river, in the boats constructed at Stillwater, to the head
of navigation and thence marched through the woods to the headwaters of the Tioga
river, which they descended in boats or on rafts to its junction with the Susquehanna.
A third force of 500 men assembled at Fort Pitt, with orders to ascend the Alleghany
and destroy the Seneca villages along the river. General Sullivan, who was selected for
the command, was a singular example of a class; of clever, pushing, self-reliant men of
humble origin, who had come to the front during the revolution. Beginning Iffe as a
stable boy, he had become in succession, a hostler, a tavern keeper, a lawyer, a member
of the assembly, a delegate to congress, and finally a major-general in the continental
army.
" The immediate objects, " Washington informed him, " ,are the total destruction
and devastation of their settlements, and the capture of as many prisoners, of every
age and sex, as possible. It will be essential to ruin their crops now in the ground
and prevent them planting more. Parties should be d'etachedl to lay waste all the
settlements around1, witih instructions to do it in the most effectual manner, that the
country be not merely overrun, but destroyed.
"After you have very thoroughly completed the destruction of their settlements,
if the Indians should show a disposition for peace I would have you encourage it, on
condition that they will give some decisive evidence of their sincerity by delivering up
some of the principal instigators of their past hostility into our hands; Butler, Brant,
tihe most mischievous of the Tories that have joined them, or any others they may have
in their power that we are interested to get in ours. They may possibly be engagedi by
address, secrecy, and stratagem, to surprise the garrison at Niagara and the shipping
upon the lakes, and put them in our possession."
Sullivan's movements were conducted with remarkable caution and forethought.
His men were carefully trained for fighting in the wood's and a number of Oneid'a
Indians', undier the direction of their missionary, Samuel Kirkland, were engaged as
scouts and guides. Blockhouses and stockaded forts were built at suitable points a
few miles apart along the line of communication. The daily marches were sihort and
protected by strong advanced, flank, and rear guards. His encampments were carefully
fortified with stout breastworks of logs. To oppose, his advance, Butler was unable to
assemble more than 300 rangers and about the same number of Indians. On August
27 he was driven from a strong position he had occupied near Chemung. Although
his loss was small, he abandoned all hope of a successful resistance and retired slowly
Administration of General Haldimand, 1778-1780 13
to the Seneca villages on the Genesee river and, thence to Niagara. That place seemed
to be so much in danger that Haldimandi determined to send a eonsidera'ble force to its
assistance, under the command of Sir John Johnson. This consisted of the whole of
his own regiment and one company of regular troops, with all the warriors from the
Indian villages in Canada who could be assembled at such short notice. At Carle ton
Island, Johnson embarked with 350 soldiers and 300 Indians with the intention of
landing at Sodus Bay, but was< driven by a gale to Niagara. He was joined by Butler
and descended1 the lake as far as Oswego with the purpose of attacking the Oneida
village, and1 afterwards striking at Sullivan's line of communication. Having destroyed
the principal Indian villages with their cornfields, Sullivan rapidly retired to Wyoming
and eventually into winter quarters. Johnson returned to Montreal without having
accomplished anything, except, perhaps, (hastening Sullivan's retirement.
Few of the Indians nad been killed or taken prisoners, but owing to the destruction
of their villages and cornfields, several thousands of them removed to the vicinity of
Niagara, where they became a burden upon the magazines of that , place. Haldimand
was so much disconcerted by these events that he gravely warned! Lord George Germain
that if it was intended to preserve the " upper .country and fur trad'e " a force of a
thousand or fifteen hundred men, with the necessary supplies of provisions, must be
employed for that purpose alone, as soon as 'Lake Ontario became navigable next spring.
He again laid stress on the advantage which might be derived from forming .agricultural
settlements in the vicinity of Detroit and Niagara for the purpose of raising grain and
cattle for the supply of those posts. These settlements, he said, would soon amply repay
any expenditure made upon them.
The inroads of the rangers and Indians upon the frontier had been the chief cause
of the punishment inflicted upon the Indians. The severity shown by Sullivan in his
invasion had in turn only increased their exasperation and desire for revenge.
Information of the intrigues of French agents among the Indians was received about
the same time from several quarters. The captain of the sloop " Viper," while cruising
in the gulf for the protection of the fisheries, learned that the Mic-Mac Indians had com-
mitted depredations upon the inhabitants on the south shore. He landed at Miramichi,
held a council with them and appointed a new chief. Twelve of them had been decoyed
on board on his approach by hoisting French colours, and as they wore silk stockings
and were dressed like Frenchmen, he carried them off as prisoners to Quebec. They
were subsequently sent to Halifax for disposal by the governor of Nova Scotia, with
whom they had made a treaty the year before. Haldimand observed that "it was very
visible from their behavior what effect Count D'Estaing's Manifesto and the French
Alliance have had on all the ignorant People of every Denomination in this River and
Gulf, and the unguarded state by water, in which we have been left last Fall & in the
Spring, confirm them in the Belief everything went wrong with us in every part of the
World, nor has it been possible to undeceive them."
The movements of a noted negro half-breed, named Joseph Louis, until lately domi-
ciled in the Indian village at St. Francois, were watched with much suspicion, as he was
suspected of being the principal agent employed in .conducting correspondence with the
enemy. No criminating evidence could be secured against him except for assisting
deserters and prisoners to escape. This man had actually been rewarded by Congress
with a co.mmi'ssion as an officer in their service, although this was not known at the
time.
Printed copies of d'Estaing's proclamation certified by Gerard, the French envoy at
Philadelphia, had been circulated among the Canadians and Indians on the rivers
Illinois and Miamis, with considerable effect. A number of Canadians, headed by a
man named Linetot, had actually joined Clarke at Kaskaskias and assisted him in
organizing an expedition against Detroit. His intention of advancing to the rapids of
the Miamis river before the end of the summer was announced, but ior some unknown
reason he had failed to execute it.
Some natives of France, residing in the province, displayed " a Petulance char-
acteristic of the Nation " and three of them were arrested in consequence, although
Haldimand admitted that it would be difficult to obtain sufficient evidence to convict
them of any offence. He took advantage of a quarrel between the bishop and a priest
who had shown a considerable leaning towards France to send the latter to England,
'where he recommended 'that he should be detained and not permitted to return home
until peace was concluded. The enemy's privateers continued their depredations in the
gulf .with the result that the fisheries were almost annihilated and the people employed
in them obliged to retire into the interior. As a remedy, Haldimand again proposed
that a large ship of war should be stationed at Bic, a heavy frigate in the gulf, and
another on the north shore, to be assisted by such small vessels as he wae able to arm
for that service, and suggested that the departure of the fall fleet should be postponed
for a month.
14 Administration of General Haldimand, 1778-1780
As it had been reported that about two hundred Canadians, who had accompanied
the enemy ^in their retreat or joined them since, had enlisted in Hazen's corps and were
employed in cutting a road from the Connecticut river to Mississquoi bay, on Lake
Champlain, he suggested that an offer of pardon should be made to them, provided they
returned to Canada before a certain date. This, he stated, " might have a good effect
upon the Body of the People and furnish us with the means of obtaining more certain
information of the Favourers of Rebellion, within this Province, whose Cabals and
Intrigues are extremely prejudicial to the Royal Cause."
In a secret and confidential despatch, addressed to Lord George Germain, on Sep-
tember 14, 1779, Haldimand gave a decidedly gloomy view of the situation. The full
measure of Sullivan's success against the Six Nations was not yet known to him, but
he considered it probable that the Indians might be forced to accept such terms as 'were
imposed upon them. He anticipated the loss of the upper country and fur trade and
the invasion of the province by Lake Champlain, the river St. Francois -and Yamaska.
The projected fortifications at the various military posts were still unfinished and the
construction of a citadel at Quebec must be the labour of years. The most effective part
of his force consisted of three battalions of British regular troops, numbering about
1,200 men and the Royal Highland Emigrants who had acquired a fair degree of disci-
pline. The 'German troops were unreliable and otf little value for operations in that
country, except on garrison duty. If it w,as "seriously intended " to preserve the pro-
vince, a considerable additional force must be sent out as early as possible in the fol-
lowing spring, which should not consist of German troops or of recruits. A company
or two of artificers would be most useful for the construction of fortifications. An ample
supply of provisions was necessary and sho-uld be despatched not later than the first of
April with adequate quantities of ammunition, military and naval stores and presents
for the Indians. The altered disposition of the inhabitants caused him serious appre-
hensions. " The Clergy," he remarked, " who in general behaved so well in 1775, since
the French Alliance with the Rebel Colonies, .are cooled very much to the British
interests; that those amongst them, who are natives of France should lean to that side,
is not after all so surprising, but that the Canadian Priests, who have already reaped
so much advantage by the change and have a chance of still greater, having ever been
kept under by the French Government, is extraordinary and can only be accounted for
in this way, that they are for the most part taken out of the lowest class of People, they
are fully as ignorant and as void of principle as those from whom they originate.
" Though the Seigneurs -and better sort of Citizens -have been enabled to participate
in the* Favors of Government, some of them beyond what they had a Right to expect,
they are not, a few excepted, so grateful as we had reason to expect, few of them
indeed have sagacity enough to see into the Consequences of the French Alliance and
that should the Province fall, the Canadians must become the most miserable People
on Earth, .and be 'Slaves to the Americans, while they can never vie with or enjoy but a
very small share of their commerce.
" Some of the Canadian Habitans might have been brought in time to act with
vigor too against the American rebels but should a French Ship or two make their
appearance ' Bougainville/ or any other French Officers known to them, come up with
4 or 500 French or other men clothed in white, they most probably would take their
part, and appear in arms against usi; many of them inquired of an officer of a Man of
War who came by Land from Bic whether IMons. La Mothe Piquet was not expected1 up.
" Too many of the old subjects in the Province have imbibed American ideas and
assisted in poisoning the 'minds of the Canadians too much to expect they will exert
their endeavours to undeceive them or contribute much to the salvation of it, whenever
the Trade of the upper Country is lost this lower part, and got into the hands of the
Southern Colonies, their conduct in this will answer to a kind reception."
To supply the place of the priests who had died, he strongly advised that efforts
should be made to obtain clergy to replace them from the Duchy of Savoy, whose char-
acter and political opinions might be previously ascertained through the Sardinian
ambassador. This step he thought " might tend to excite laudable emulation) amongst
the Canadians and engage them to exert their best endeavours to deserve the favour of
the Government."
Instructions had been received to recruit twenty additional men for each company
of the battalion of Royal Higihland Emigrants, that corps having been placed on the
establishment of the army as the 84th Regiment. In addition to the ordinary bounty,
each recruit was offered two hundred acres of land for himself, fifty for his wife and
fifty for each child, in any province of -North America ihe might select as his residence
after the termination of the war. Recruiting, however, even on these favourable terms,
was not brisk, and Maclean was eventually forced to send recruiting parties to Nova
Scotia and Newfoundland to obtain men. A considerable number of refugee loyalists
Administration of General Haldimand, 1778-1780 15
continued to join Sir John Johnson's corps and' Butler's Rangers, both of which were
nearly completed at the end of the year.
In June, 1779, Brigadier-General Francis Maclean had been instructed1 by Sir Henry
Clinton to detach a part of the garrison at Halifax to occupy <& position in Penobscot
Bay, where he landed and began to build a fort. A month later he learned that an
expedition was being equipped at Boston for the purpose of attacking him, and sent a
message overland to Quebec, asking that a diversion should be. made in his favour. The
small number of troops at his disposal and the scarcity of provisions prevented Haldi-
mand from doing this, but he ordered a strong party, headed by M. Launiere, an active
officer of the Indian Department, to advance in that direction by the Chaudiere and
Kennebec rivers, with instructions to alarm the settlements and intercept couriers. In
the latter respect, Launiere was exceptionally fortunate, as he captured a lieutenant
colonel and a captain of the Continental army, the latter being a Frenchman, carrying
letters of considerable impoTtance from the officer .commanding at Machias to Congress.
Sir Henry Clinton had also requested a diversion on the northern frontier of New
York to assiist his operations, which Haldimand undertook to accomplish by sending
out scouting parties in stronger force than he had previously intended. One of these
was instructed to march towards Hazen's road and attack his working parties, the other
was .sent in the direction of Fort Edward. Neither of them accomplished any service of
consequence beyond gaining information and taking a few prisoners. A reinforcement
was again earnestly solicited from Clinton to oppose the threatened invasion and protect
tihe Indian country. Without such a reinforcement, no important operation could be
attempted. " If I send 1,500 or 2,000 men to protect the upper Country," Haldimand
wrote on November 1, " I leave this 'Province defenceless, exposed not only to foreign
Invasion, but to a ,Revolt of the Canadians, — and if to prevent this. Evil I keep the small
Force I have together, the upper Posts & of course the Indians must inevitably fall.
The German Troops which compose my Force, three British regiments excepted, are in
every Respect unfit for the Service on which I have to employ them — they are inactive,
indolent and helpless & so addicted to desertion that I dare not trust them in any of
the Frontier Posts, so that in fact they are more an Incumbranioe when there is a
scarcity of Provisions than an additional Strength."
A few days later he received letters from Halifax, informing him that 2,000 men
had actually embarked at New York for Quebec, and officers with pilots were sent down
the river .to meet them and assist in landing and quartering the troops in the parishes
below Quebec, if the weather should prevent the ships from ascending the river. The
squadron of transports conveying these troops was dispersed by a severe storm, some of
them returned to New York, one was driven into the island of St. Jean, (Prince Edward
Island), with part of a 'German regiment; others were blown out to sea. Information of
this disaster was not received until .the following January. All hopes of receiving any
reinforcements before May or June accordingly vanished.
During the summer the fortifications on Isle aux Noix and at St. Jean had been so
much strengthened that they were considered in a state to resist any attack not preceded
by regular siege operations. A new fort had been commenced at Detroit and that at
Niagara was repaired. A ship of two hundred tons, to carry fourteen guns, was launched
at Carleton Island and the fortifications there were enlarged. Large storehouses for
provisions were built on that island and at Coteau du Lac, to facilitate early transport
in the spring. The navigation of the river for bateaux at the rapids between Montreal
and Oswegatchie had likewise been improved by the construction of a canal. Barracks
for 1,200 men, with commodious storehouses, were built at Sorel, although the fortifica-
tions there had not been entirely completed, from scarcity of labour. Barracks were
constructed at La Chenaye and Pointe du Lac on Lake St. Peter.
Haldimand again strongly urged the purchase of the seigneurie of Sorel, and
suggested that a site for a town should be surveyed and lots leased at a moderate ground
rent. The value of land at that place, he said, was daily increasing, and in a few years
the Government might be obliged to pay more for a small portion of it than would then
purchase the entire seigrueurie. Plans had been prepared for temporary fortifications
and timber bomb-proofs enclosing Cape Diamond at Quebec, which would be undertaken
next year. The organization of a company of artificers would be attempted d*urinig
the winter.
(Desertions had become so numerous from the German troops that an official notice
to the inhabitants of the province was published in a Quebec Gazette on December 2,
warning them against assisting or harbouring suoh deserters, and calling upon them to
co-operate in arresting all vagabonds and fugitives, referring particularly to recent
atrocious murders perpetrated near Three (Rivers as an instance of the danger incurred
from sheltering such persons.
Prolonged dry weather in the summer and autumn had caused a total failure of the
crops, and as there had been scarcely any rain for six months the inhabitants at a
16 Administration of General Haldimand, 1778-1780
distance from the rivens were greatly distressed for want of water. The flour mills at
Terrebonne and the Sault aux Recollets were unable to run for three months, .until the
river began to rise in December. The people were compelled to resort to every substitute
that they .could think of to supply the want of bread. " Wheat has been by that means
preserved/' Haldimand wrote on January 28, 1780, " so that I hope, altho' they cannot
fail to suffer much that their situation will be 'less -deplorable than was at first expected/'
By that time he had recovered his spirits 'and reported that all military posts in the
upper country were in a respectable state of defence, although not sufficiently garrisoned,
and if he was enabled ito occupy Oswego by the arrival of adequate reinforcements with
the necessary quantity of provisions, he believed that the Five Nations would give
stronger proofs than ever before of their attachment. His correspondence with Sir Henry
Clinton was henceforth carried on in cypher, as he remarked that " every track & channel
of conveyance is now so watched that it is next to impossible for a messenger to get
through."
He received a 'letter from the governor of Nova 'Scotia, informing him that war had
been declared by Spain, and a Spanish ship, having been captured by a privateer from
New York, a copy of a treaty signed by 'Congress with France and Spain had been
discovered among the letters on board. By one of the article® of this treaty it was
reported that the 'Congress had agreed to hand over to Spain tiie two Floridas, and to
France, Canada 'and Ntova Scotia, by June 20, 1780. It was stated at the same time that
the French fleet, commanded by d'Esitadng, had actually sailed from the West Indies
for Canada, but had been dispersed off the coast of Georgia by a violent gale, which
dismasted many of the ships.
On February 14, circular letters were sent out to captains of militia directing them
to make an inventory of all wheat in the hands of the inhabitants within the limits of
their respective parishesi, noting therein the quantity in possession of each individual
and the names of all persons who had purchased or contracted for any quantity of it
since the harvest, as well as the price paid or promised, and the names of persons
attempting to monopolize it. The cures of the parishes were asked to assist in preparing
these returns, as many of the officers were illiterate.
In consequence of a request received from Sir Henry Clinton, Haldimand decided
to send out a considerable body of Indians under the command of Captain de Launiere,
to divert attention from his projected operations in the southern states, by scattering
them in small parties on the frontier of New England. He was instructed to intercept
all deserters going to the enemy or scouts coming from ithem with their guides and make
them prisoners. If the Indians of .Nova Scotia should refuse to join him, he was ordered
to treat them as ememies and destroy their villages. He was /to remind the Indians under
his command of the solemn promises they had made to refrain from acts of cruelty and
to compel them to keep /them. The officer in command at Penobscot was requested to
assist him in every way. Owing to the desertion of the greater part of the Indians, de
Launiere was unable to carry out his instructions to their full extent, but he succeeded
in reaching Penobscot and delivering his letters. Intelligence was again received from
the Connecticut river that magazines of provisions were being formed and that Hazen,
with his regiment, was expected to arrive early in the spring to continue work upori the
road leading towards Lake Champlain.
On April 1 a special circular letter was issued to the officers commanding the frontier
posts, forbidding them under any circumstances to enter into any terms of capitulation
for any post except their own, ordering them to disregard any pretended form of
capitulation which might be presented to them as haying been accepted by any superior
officer, and directing them to defend their posts " with that determined bravery which
zealous and experienced officers have always done when they consider that delaying an
enemy for a few days may frequently be 'the means of preserving a , whole country under
the dominion of its lawful Sovereign/'
The two 'armed brigs " Polly " and " Liberty," belonging to the provincial navy,
were fitted out and placed under the command of Captain Young of the frigate " Hind,"
to cruise for the protection of merchant shipping and fisheries in the lower part of the
river and gulf. He was directed to employ them chiefly in searching bays and creeks
for privateers, and the schooner " iMercury " was also placed at his disposal as a
despatch boat. A British privateer, arriving from England on the 3rd of June, brought
despatches, among which was a secret letter from Lord 'George Germain, stating that
the recent naval victories had caused the French to abandon their plan of invading
England, and that they had consequently decided to prosecute .their military enterprises
in America. Haldimand was warned to be on his guard against surprise and defend
Quebec until relief could arrive, for which he was to apply to Admiral Arbuthnot and
Sir Henry Clinton. He must make the necessary arrangements for conveying informa-
tion quickly to those officers of the 'appearance of a hostile fleet and maintain constant
communication with the latter by land and water. Captain Young was accordingly
Administration of General Haldimand, 1118-1180 17
instructed to employ the provincial vessels under his command for this purpose. 4
privateer carrying twenty-two guns, which had lately arrived from Liverpool, was pur-
chased and sent to join him. This ship was renamed the " Wolfe." He was instructed
to destroy all stores and buildings on the island of Bic and take in custody all pilots
who might be of any service to the enemy on the appearance of a superior force. He
had already been directed to obtain an escort for the transports at the island of St.
John for the conveyance of 300 German troops whose speedy arrival was urgently
desired.
A few days later, Haldimand learned that an American privateer had entered the
harbour at Percee and boiribaxded the fishing station. This attack was gallantly
repelled by the militia of the place under the command of Peter Fraser, the principal
proprietor of the fisheries, who had been supplied with two small guns. Lieut. Gover-
nor Cox, who had recently arrived there, reported that if the militia were provided with
two heavier guns, no privateer would venture to attack that place again; "they are
Loyal and Brave and have exerted themselves on every occasion/' Haldimand promptly
responded to this request by sending a twelve pounder with a supply of 'ammunition.
He suggested that if any privateer should approach in future, the fire of this gun should
be reserved until' it came very near, when a few well aimed1 shots might easily disable
a ship.
On June 25, a fleet of transports arrived at Quebec, having on board the 44th
Regiment, the whole of -a German regiment and detachments of several others. Its
passage from New York had lasted nearly ^five weeks. A few days later the German
troops from the Island of St. John also arrived, making altogether an addition of
thirteen hundred men to his force. As he had not received any information of the
provision fleet from England except a letter from the Secretary of State, stating that
it would be delayed, he bought several hundred barrel's of flour which had fortunately
arrived in two merchant ships. This instantly lowered the price of flour and enabled
him to purchase a considerable quantity in the province, otherwise he would have been
completely without the means of ffurnishing his troops with bread. As he had then
obtained a sufficient supply to last until the arrival' of the fleet, he despatched recruit-
ing parties into the neighbouring colonies to enlist men for the completion of several
corps of loyalists which had been partly organized during General Burgoyne's cam-
paign and authorized Sir John Johnson to add a second battalion to his regiment. He
informed General Knyphausen, who had been left in command at New York by Sir
Henry Clinton when he sailed on his expedition to South Carolina, that in case of an
attack on that place, he would be able to make a strong diversion in his favour in the
vicinity of Crown P6int, having already prepared boats on Lake Champlain with that
object. To Lord George Germain he wrote' ; "Many Letters have been circulated amongst
the Inhabitants persuading them that an Invasion by the French is certainly intended
this Summer, a measure which would appear to be the Interest of that Nation as this
Province might be kept without giving Jealousy to the others and im Time upon a
Division o.f States might leave France the ruling Power in America— but I hope the
opportunity is tost from their not having made the attempt last Fall and the subsequent
Successes of His Majesty's Arms will render it a dangerous undertaking."
He added, however: "I cannot say that I am very apprehensive for the Conse-
quences, particularly as the Motions of the French Fleet are so carefully watched
over."
About the middle of March, an officer who had been sent to the .settlements on the
Mohawk river had returned with information that the loyalists in the vicinity of
Johnstown were to be drafted -into companies of rangers and all persons who refused
to bear arms would be sent away as prisoners and their houses destroyed and property
confiscated. Many of them wished a guide to be sent for them in May to conduct them
into Canada according to a previous agreement with this officer. Haldimand proposed
to send a ship up Lake Champlain to receive them, and asked Sir John Johnson to select
suitable persons to act as guides and to send a messenger to warn them of his intention
and be prepared. Johnson at once offered to head an expedition for their relief himself,
to be composed of volunteers from his own regiment and other loyalist corps, fifty
regulars and 100 Indians. Haldimand instantly gave his hearty consent, but remark-
ing that as the success of the undertaking would depend on the most profound secrecy,
the intelligence that could be obtained, the route he was to follow and the proper
timing of the operation, all these matters must be carefully considered, after which
arrangements would be made for collecting the Indians and equipping the troops. As
Johnson requested that the detachment employed should be sent up Lake Champlain
in .ships to the nearest point from which practicable paths led through the woods to
Ms own estates in the valley, it became necessary to postpone the movement until the
navigation of the lake was open. Captain Scott, an officer of the 53rd regiment, was
18 Administration of General Haldimand, 1778-J780
selected as second in command and orders were given for the organization of the
expedition for which detachments of thirty chosen men, with a proportionate number of
officers and non-commissioned officers, were detailed from each of three regular regi-
ments, with twenty German riflemen and 150 men from the Royal Regiment of New
York, besides as many volunteers as could be readily obtained from the other loyalist
corps. Letters were addressed by Haldimand to General Maclean, Colonel St. Leger,
the various officers commanding the frontier posts, the superintendent of the Indian
department and the commandant of the squadron on Lake Champlain, directing them
to furnish all necessary assistance for the organization, equipment and movement of
this force. Careful written instructions were issued for Sir John's guidance. He was
advised not to make his intentions known to any person until after he had left Lake
Champlain, and then only to the officers commanding detachments. The utmost
rapidity in the execution of his plan and in returning was urged. "Depend upon it,"
the General wrote, "every Art will be practised to delay you and1 many fair Promises
of reinforcements held out but you must not delay your Retreat so as to allow the
Enemy to surround or even to collect any Force about you, and you must be thoroughly
sensible of the impracticability of sending you any support from hence/'
He was requested to permit all detachments of regular troops to act under their
own officers and to recognize Captain Scott as commanding the whole of them, but to
attach four or five men from his own regiment or other loyalist corps to each detach-
ment to act as guides in the woods in case of separation. Each party must be provided
with axes, as after a few days march some of the men would be so tire*! as to be unable
to keep up. These men should be left behind under an officer and directed to form
a breastwork of logs around their camp to await his return. It might even be neces-
sary to establish a second, and possibly a third camp for exhausted men farther on.
By this means, reports of his progress might be sent back and the loyalists who joined
him ordered to assemble there and directed to drive off cattle for their subsistence and
that of the troops. If his main body was forced to retreat by a different route, the
tired men could then make their way to these camps and retreat to Lake Champlain.
On marching from the lake, he was advised to carry with him as great a quantity of
provisions as possible, and deposit a part at such post®. If any of his men attempted
to desert, he was directed to send Indians in pursuit and offer a reward for their scalps*.
" I believe this to be Essential to Your Safety." Haldimand said, " and therefore should
be Executed universally, without respect to Corps."
'Great care was taken in the selection of the men and Indians to ibe employed and
the latter were ordered to march by a path through the woods from Caughnawaga to
Pointe au Fer on Lake Champlain to avoid any danger of drunkenness at intermediate
stations. When Johnson asked that each man of his regiment should be furnished
with fifty rounds of ammunition, Haldimand promptly replied that he had given orders
that the whole detachment should be furnished with as much ammunition as he con-
sidered necessary.
upon
means
well
piece oi JBladder or .piled Linen tied over it."
The squadron sailed from St. Jean with these troops on the 3rd of May but its
arrival at -Crown Point was delayed by contrary winds until the 12th, when Johnson
began his march. On the 16th, he wrote from Scaroon Lake, stating that he had made
slow progress owing to the sickness of an officer and some of his men. His entire force
then amounted to 528 of all ranks and he had discovered no signs' of any person in the
woods with the exception of the tracks of two men whom he had sent in advance as
messengers. He had taken every opportunity of warning the Indians against com-
mitting acts of cruelty. On the 21st, he reached the Scotch settlement within five miles
0-f his former residence at Johnson Hall. His force was then divided, the Indians
marching to Tribe's Hill near Fort Johnson while the troops advanced through Johns-
town to Cognawaga. All mills, houses and buildings of every kind along the lines of
march were mercilessly destroyed. Many loyalists immediately joined him while the
remainder of the inhabitants fled in terror across the river, removing all boats to pre-
vent pursuit. After forming a junction w»ith the Indians, the movement was continued
up the Mohawk as far as the prominent cliff known as " Anthony's Nose," when a
halt became absolutely necessary as his men had been marching steadily for twenty-
eight hours. As the Indians refused to advance further, he retired to Johnstown after
a few hours rest. Only eleven persons had been killed by the Indians, among them,
three well known officers of the local militia. Twenty-seven prisoners were taken, four-
teen of whom were left behind on parole, being considered either too old or too young to
accompany the retreating force on foot. -Great quantities of flour, Indian corn and
Administration of General Haldimand, 1178-1780 19
other provisions were burned in the houses and mills. Many cattle were killed and a
number of horses brought away. Johnson was joined toy 143 loyalists, capable of bear-
ing arms and a number of women and children. About thirty negro slaves, most of
them (belonging to- Johnson himself or other refugee loyalists, were also brought off.
They had been confiscated and sold at public auction by order of Congress, after the
departure of their former owners. On returning to Johnson Hall, his plate, which had
been buried before his flight to Canada, was exhumed and at sundown of the same day
he commenced hi& retreat by the way of the Highland Scotch settlement which had
been almost wholly composed of loyal families. There he liberated two of his principal
prisoners to protect these people from the retaliation of their enraged neighbours, which
they solemnly promised to do and were sternly warned that the remainder of the
prisoners would be treated as hostages for the performance of this agreement. The
retreat to Lake Champlain was accomplished without molestation, although he w>as
followed by a small scouting party for several days. A body of 800 men, subsequently
assembled and marched in pursuit from Johnstown while the governor of the state of
New York collected a body of militia to intercept his retreat by another route and
another force marched for the same purpose from New Hampshire. These efforts were
fruitless and Johnson succeeded in returning to his ships without much loss-. He con-
cluded his report by requesting the governor to despatch a flag of truce- for the release
of the loyalist families left behind, who wished to come to 'Canada.
'The closest personal attention was constantly paid by Haldimand to all matters
relating to the defence of the province. A report reached him early in May that a scout
from the enemy had been seen at a mill near Chambly. Letters were at once written to
the officers commanding at the neighbouring posts, insisting upon the greatest vigilance
and activity for its detection.
Success in this, he remarked, would depend largely upon secrecy in its' pursuit. He
advised that scouts should be sent out privately with instructions to avoid all dwellings
except when they expected to find spies concealed in them. They should avoid alarming
the inhabitants and would receive ten guineas for every prisoner of that description
taken alive, and he suggested that by the assistance of the priests or " Habitants " who
were promised a handsome reward, some important discovery might be made. It was
ascertained that the party seen was actually composed of loyalists but later information
showed that some of the 'Canadian refugees had certainly entered the province. It was
reported that they had gone towards Quebec where they hoped to find a French fleet and
carried letters for persons expected to arrive on it. One of these men had informed a
person, at whose house he had been concealed for some time, that after his return to the
enemy's lines, he would act as guide for a large party in an attack on the post at
Yamaska. Early in the preceding winter block-houses and barracks had been built by
the militia in the advanced settlements at St. Francis and Yamaska. The blockhouse at
St. Francis was garrisoned by a detachment of the 34th Regiment under Lieut. Crofts,
and that at Yamaska by a party of loyalists, commanded by Lieut. William Fraser while
strong detachments of German troops were quartered in the barracks at both these
places. A chain of outposts was then established a/t short intervals from St. Jean to-
Yamaska and thence to the Nicolet river, who were directed to communicate with each
other by means of patrols every morning and evening. These precautions were expected
to prevent the enemy's spies from entering or leaving the province by that route. The
blockhouse at Yamaska was armed with a small gun and the garrison reinforced.
Several parties of men calling themselves deserters from the enemy and bringing their
arms, had come in from time to time, most of whom were permitted to enlist in the*
provincial navy or loyalist corps and given a reward for their fire arms. A number of
deserters from the German troops were captured through the assistance of Canadians
who were rewarded for their services. The captains of militia and the inhabitants of
the frontier settlements were ordered to report the arrival of all travellers immediately
to the commanding officer. It was suspected', however, that some persons living in the
parish of St. Charles, east of -the Richelieu, were assisting the enemy and acting as
fuides for their scouting parties. Major Christopher Carleton, the commandant at St.
ean* finally resorted to the expedient of sending out two soldiers with instructions to
pass themselves off as deserters and ascertain what assistance they could obtain. These
men were hospitably entertained by one Pierre Charland, who had been arrested as a
sympathizer with the rebels in 1775.. As he could neither read nor write himself, 'he was
induced to affix his mark to a letter addressed to Major John Brown, offering to raise a
company of Canadians for the service of Congress under his command. In a postscript
it was etated that he could enlist four companies inside of three days with whom he
would engage to join him. He supplied the supposed deserters with firearms and pro-
visions and then becoming alarmed that they might be discovered by officers of the
militia, insisted on their immediate departure. They had been accompanied and intro-
duced to him by a loyalist scout or spy of dubious reputation named Azariah Pritchard
3573— 2*
20 Administration of General Haldimand, 1778-1780
who unquestionably acted on this occasion as a provocative agent. In his report, Major
Carleton remarked that the " Intelligence of 'those People is exceedingly good.. Iif a
Scout goes out they know it directly, & tho' they don't know their precise destination,
it puts them on their Guard & being well acquainted with the Geography of the
country, are able to guess tolerably near."
As the arrival of. a scouting party was soon expected by them, he took measures to
intercept the letters which he was informed were usually left at a certain house near the
suspected mill.
Haldimand commented upon the fact that Charland was illiterate and would prob-
ably deny having ever dictated such a letter. He suggested that men sent out on such
a service to pass as deserters should allow their beards to grow and appear very dirty
as if they had been hiding for some time in the woods.
Carleton followed up the clue he had obtained by sending Pritchard to Montreal,
who discovered that a French surgeon named Pillon had a son in the enemy's service,
with whom he was constantly corresponding. He further stated that a considerable
number of people in that city were planning to go off secretly to the enemy and <that he
had seen a list of the names of fifty or sixty persons who had signed an agreement to
that effect. Pillon was named as the chief conspirator. 'Carleton reported .that he could
easily intercept the party by arranging to furnieh a guide and thus discover the route
they would take.
He had also been informed that the Canadians still talked confidently of the pro-
jected attack on Yamaska and some of them declared that after the 21st of July, they
would no longer be bound to obey orders as the twenty-one years for which the capitu-
lation was to continue, would then have expired. (If any large party of troops was sent
up Lake Cham-plain, two messengers would immediately be sent off to inform the enemy.
Haldimand suggested that if he could discover where these men were to start from,
it would be worth while to make a feint for the purpose of capturing them. He had like-
wise received intelligence that other Canadians at Isle Jesus, Terrebonne and La 'Chine
were prepared to enlist men to join the enemy if they advanced to Yamaska. He desired
that Pillon's party should be intercepted by a sufficient number of chosen men to ensure
that none of them would escape. This must be prevented " in all events." At a later
date, Carleton had reported that a man was soon going off with letters who would prob-
ably be accompanied by three or four others. The whole party should be surprised and
carried off to some remote place so that their capture would not become known or it
would discover his whole scheme. Haldimand advised thai this should be done by
inarching them off into "some very secluded place in the woods where a sufficient guard
should be posted over them with strict orders to keep them tied securely and at night
both their hands and feet made fast. " When seized," he wrote, " they must be separ-
ated for some time until they are minutely searched & Examined, which will require
infinite Cleverness & attention, and as more is to be apprehended from the verbal mes-
sages these people may be charged with than the Letters they bear, it will not be amiss
after they are separated to threaten them with immediate execution, for which the Non-
commissioned Officers or person you employ will have Ropes prepared." • Writing
materials must be in readiness to avoid mistakes in names or details admitted by them
which might be afterwards denied.
On July 30, Major Carleton wrote that Pillon was only waiting for the return from
Quebec of Pierre Du Calvet, a confederate who had gone there to obtain letters, and
if possible a plan of ithe new fortifications. He had directed his own agent to allow
himself to be discovered as if by accident, toy some loyalists, which, had alarmed
Pillon so much that he insisted upon this man going away at once, giving him a copy
of a French song, with information respecting the troops in the province and other
matters, written with milk between the lines which could be rendered legible by
exposing it to heat. Thisi had been delivered to Carleton, treated by him in the manner .
described and then forwarded to the governor. Du iCalvet was already suspected of
treason as among the papers found at Holland House after its evacuation by the enemy
m 1776, a receipt signed by him, for pay as an ensign in Hazen's regiment, had been
discovered. He was still engaged in 'business as a merchant in Montreal but had
acquired a small seigneury with a grist and flour mill at the River David, in the
vicinity of Yamaska.
Haldimand was quite prepared to believe that Du Calvet was .guilty but he advised
that great caution should be observed in making arrests as "Despatches1 on these
Occasions are always prepared to be destroyed or thrown away," and the prisoners
taken must be stripped quite naked so that the strictest search could be made.
Two weeks later a French Canadian employed as a messenger by Pillon, who had
been furnished with a guide through the agency of Pritchard, was arrested in the woods
by a party from the garrison of St. Jean. Some incriminating papers were found in
his possession and others were given up 'by the guide. He was examined in the manner
Administration of General Haldimand, 1778-1780 21
prescribed by Haldimand and after 'being threatened with death, a confession was
extorted which implicated Pillon, Pritchard, Du Calvet and another French merchant
named Ham-el residing near Ghambly. The latter was subsequently arrested and also
confessed some knowledge of the plot. These prisoners were then confined on a ship
on Lake Champlain to keep them out of the way of their confederates. Nearly a month
afterwards, other letters, one of which was signed by both Pillon and Du Calvet, which
were to have been carried by Charland, were intercepted by Pritchard. General
Maclean who was then in .command at Montreal but had little previous knowledge of
this affair, was ordered to arrest Pillon with as much secrecy as possible, seize and seal
tup his papers, prevent him from communicating with any person and send him to
Que'bec in charge of an officer. When this had been done, Maclean and Carleton
decided that Du Calvet should also be arrested at oice and Captain George Lawe was
despatched in search of him. This officer met Du Calvet at Three Rivers where he was
instantly taken into custody but without the precautions which Haldimand 'had1 so
distinctly directed. He considered the arrest premature as sufficient evidence against
Du Calvet had not yet been obtained. After Pillon and Du Calvet had been under
detention for about a month, Major Carleton and the governor's military secretaryj Le
Maistre, were directed to investigate the matter and take every means of collecting
evidence against the prisoners. On being shown the letters, Pillon admitted; that
several of them were in his handwriting and that three were signed with his Christian
name. One of these, addressed to Washington, La Fayette, Brown, and Hazen, alleged
that three-fourths- of the inhabitants of the province were in favour of the Americans,
offered his services and requested that blank commissions should be sent him; another,
addressed to Congress, asked for a commission for his son ; a third, to his son, referred
to the other letters and stated that he would soon be ready to start off with two hundred
men. A fourth, directed to the Marquis de la Fayette, asked for assistance, recommended
that commissions as captains should be sent for certain Canadians and stated that he
was prepared to join Washington's army on its advance. Pillon then clumsily tried
to exculpate himself by a statement that these letters had been written at the request
of an American officer whose name was unknown to him, tout whom he pretended to
describe. The examination of Charland and othera had also incriminated1 Pillon and
to a lesser degree, Du Calvet. It was further ascertained that the latter had collected
a considerable quantity of flour and grain at his mills and storehouses with, the inten-
tion, it was suspected, of supplying the invading force on its arrival. After reading this
evidence, Haldimand decided that it would not be expedient to brinig the prisoners
to trial but that they should be detained in custody until further investigation could
be made. They were confined on board ships in the St. Lawrence until the beginning
of 1783, when they were released by the instruction of the minister, who however,
approved of their detention as having been entirely justified at the time. Du Calvet
afterwards went to London with the intention of prosecuting the governor for wrongful
imprisonment. He received legal advice and was supplied with money for this purpose,
by Francis Maseres, late Attorney-General for the province of Quebec, but eventually
quarrelled with him, and forfeited his support. He returned to Canada, and perished
at sea on his passage from New York to London. His suit against Haddimand conse-
quently was dismissed without a trial.
The discovery of this conspiracy, combined! with corroborative information from
other sources caused the governor considerable uneasiness. Some further arrests had
been made, not exceeding a dozen in all. They were people of little influence but
it was considered necessary to detain them in confinement.
A letter in cypher from Clinton, dated on the 3rd of May, reporting the preparation
of a large fleet at Brest, intended for operations in North American Waters, was received
on the 3rd of July. This was followed some weeks later by a similar letter from Admiral
Anbuthnot who added that it was supposed that this expedition was not designed
against Canada. If it was, he would take the necessary steps to protect the province
with his fleet. A secret letter in cypher from Clinton, dated July 6, was not received
ointil September 5. Clinton then reported that the French fleet of seven ships of the
line had actually sailed about May 3, taking under convoy twenty or more transports
conveying upwards of five thousand troops and that their destination was presumed
to be Canada. He conjectured that this fleet would touch at Rhode Island and a
division of French troops under La Fayette, would advance by the Connecticut river
and the frontier post known as No. 4, and invade Canada by way of iSt. Jean, while the
remainder would be transported in the fleet into the river St. Lawrence. In his reply,
Haldimand remarked that he did not think that the attempt would be made by sea so
late in the year, and that he proposed sending a strong body of troops and Indians under
the command of Sir John Johnson to make a raid upon the settlements of the Mohawk
river, for the purpose of destroying the crops and assisting the escape of loyalists to
22 Administration of General Haldimand, 1778-1780
complete the corps he was then recruiting. He would also despatch another force about
the same time to make a demonstration on the frontier by way of Lake George, to favour
any offensive operation Clinton had in contemplation. In a previous letter dated the
13th of August, he had remarked that it was known that d'Estaing had intended to
make an attack on Nova Scotia ox Quebec, and stated, " I am convinced it was expected
by the Canadians who in general & even some of the best of Them could not help dis-
covering their Expectations & afterwards a disappointment on their not being fulfilled.
Two ships of the Line would have effected their Purpose & if it should be pursued in
the Spring & any misfortune happen to prevent supplies arriving before it is under-
taken, this Province is lost ".
Clinton had then opened negotiations with Ethan Allen and his associates, in
Vermont, who had quarrelled fiercely with the Congress. Haldimand was asked to make
enquiries on the subject and reported that no reliance could be placed in Allen. "His
character is well known," he wrote, "'and his Followers or dependents" are a Collection
of the most abandoned Wretches that ever lived, to be bound by no Laws or Ties."
If Allen was able to collect and arm a considerable force he did not consider that it
would be safe to allow him to enter Canada as he might seize a favourable opportunity
in conjunction with the French fleet to take possession of the province. Allen had not
yet made any overtures to him, but if he did, he would encourage them with due
caution.
Another letter from Clinton, dated on the 14th of August, was received on the 9th
of September. He reported the arrival of the French fleet at Khode Island on the
12th of July and stated that it did not seem probable that any attempt would be made
on 'Canada that year, but that the enemy's efforts would be directed against New York.
Haldimand replied that the detachments he was sending out would receive orders to
remain as long as possible upon the frontier, where they would alarm the inhabitants
and weaken any force assembling to attack New York. This was all the assistance he
could render at that time. From the preparations previously made for the invasion of
the province he thought it likely that the attempt would be made during the coming
winter and was taking proper measures to repel it.
On September 9, Clinton wrote that an additional force, consisting of four ships
of the line, with a considerable body of troops, was soon expected to arrive from France.
This information had stimulated recruiting for Washington's army and although his
operations seemed still directed against the city of New York, it was highly probable
that the enemy would invade Canada by way of No. 4 and the lakes early in the spring.
This letter was not received until the middle of October, and about the same time a
letter arrived from Admiral Edwards, commanding the squadron stationed at Newfound-
land, containing information that one of his cruisers had taken a ship, having as a
passenger Mr. Laurens, formerly president of the American Congress, in whose possession
were found many documents which he considered of the highest importance to the
governors of Canada, .Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Copies of some of them were
enclosed. Among these was the report of a committee of 'Congress appointed to draft a
letter of credence for Mr. Laurens to present to the King of France. It contained a
comprehensive plan for an invasion of Canada. Three thousand men from Virginia and
Pennsylvania were to assemble at Fort Pitt, from whom 1,500 were to be selected and
held in readiness to march on May 1 for the attack of Detroit and the destruction of
villages occupied by hostile Indians in that vicinity. One hundred light horsemen were
to be added to this force. Another body of 500 men would be stationed, during the winter,
at Wyoming for the protection of the frontiers of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Two
thousand men would assemble from those states early in the spring, half of whom would
be selected to unite with the force at Wyoming and march on June 1 to invade the
country of the Senecas, and threaten Niagara. In addition to the garrison already
stationed at Fort Stanwix, 1,500 men would be quartered on the Mohawk river and
preparations ma,de for the construction of large vessels on Lake Ontario early in the
spring. Five thousand men from the militia of New York and the western portions of
Connecticut and Massachusetts would then be called out, from whom 2,500 would be
selected. This force would .march from Fort 'Stanwix about the middle of May to
Oswego, where they would build a fort and be employed in collecting materials for the
construction of a squadron on Lake Ontario and in making raids toward Niagara to
alarm the Indians and facilitate operations against that place. A force consisting of 500
regulars and 1,000 militia would march from Schenectady to co-operate with that
advancing from Wyoming against Niagara and be reinforced with 100 mounted men and
all the friendly Indians who could be assembled. This expedition was intended to
destroy all the villages of the hostile Indians they could reach. The continental regi-
ments already stationed at the various posts on the upper part of the Connecticut river
were to be recruited during the winter to a strength of five thousand of all ranks, and
make every necessary preparation for the invasion of Canada by way of the St. Francois.
Administration of General Ha.ldimand, 1778-1780 23
This movement was to be kept profoundly secret. On arriving on .the St. Lawrence, a
fort would be built at the mouth of the -St. Francois and subsequent operations would
be directed against Montreal, St. Jean, ,and other posts on the Richelieu. If these
succeeded reinforcements would advance by way of lake Ghamplain. A strong detach-
ment, with as many Canadians as could be induced to join it, would then take possession
of Oataraqui, establish a post near the foot of lake Ontario, <and after leaving a
garrison there advance against Niagara. If all these operations were successful, another
campaign would still be necessary to take the fortress of Quebec. In that event the
American troops must be quartered in Canada during the following -winter. The task of
supplying them with provisions and clothing would be embarrassing, if not impractic-
able, and the expense would be ruinous. The garrison of Quebec would have time to
receive reinforcements and no attempt could be .made upon Halifax. Consequently,
assistance was required from France to take bath these places. It was accordingly
proposed that a force of four or five thousand French troops should sail from Brest in
the beginning of ;May under an escort of four ships of the line and four frigates. The
purpose of this expedition was to be publicly announced, but the clothing and stores
provided should be such as were adapted for service in the West Indies. If this
expedition should arrive at Quebec before the end of June it was anticipated) that the
place would be found quite defenceless and easily taken. Leaving a garrison there the
smaller vessels would ascend the river to Montreal to assist in the capture of that place.
Spare arms should be provided for such Canadians as could be induced to join this force
and the nobles and clergy ought to be immediately assembled by the commanding
general, " who should, if .possible, be well acquainted with the manners both of France
and of the United States/' The conquest of Canada might then be completed by the
end of July or middle of August, when the. siquadron could proceed to the attack of
Halifax, for which purpose a considerable force of American regular troops could
readily be organized in conjunction with .many militiamen from the states of Massa-
chusetts and New Hampshire, to arrive there early in September. If that place was
taken by the beginning or middle of October, the troops employed might then either
proceed against Newfoundland or remain in garrison until next spring, when the con-
quest of that island could be undertaken. If Halifax was not taken, the squadron and
troops would still have time for a winter campaign in the West Indies. This report was
addressed to Benjamin Franklin, who had succeeded Silas Deane as the envoy of the
United States in France. He was instructed to present it to the French ministry and
consult the Marquis de la Fayette in respect to any objections which might be raised.
The French ministers should be referred to him for advice, as he had " made it his
particular Study to gain Information on those important Points."
Clinton had also transmitted a copy of a proclamation, addressed to the inhabitants
of Canada, written by La Fayette before the arrival of the French fleet, which it was
intended to distribute if the invasion of that province took place. They were urged to
shake oft the yoke of the common enemy and join the thirteen independent states. The
speedy arrival of a land ,and sea force from France, capable of accomplishing this, was
announced. The Count de Roehambeau, commanding the French army in America,
would publish a more explicit invitation to them to join the United States. The
authenticity of these documents could not be dou'bted.
Several copies of a printed report of a, speech from de Rochambeau to a delegation
of Indians who had visited him at Newport had been intercepted in the possession of
agents employed to distribute them in Canada.
" Even had I no other Evidence of their Intentions/5 Haldimand wrote, " the gen-
eral Diisposition & Behaviour of the Inhabitants, make it beyond a doubt to a nice
Observer that we have little to expect from their assistance in Military Operations &
that they have learned to consider the arrival o>f the Fleet as an Event that will cer-
tainly happen, and that it is Equally sure their Efforts to reconquer the Province will
be successful. I am, nevertheless Determined this Winter to attempt the Formation of
several Canadian Companies, which I shall do by degrees placing them under such
Officers as appear to me most likely to serve us, nor would I have delayed the attempt
so long, but from the Exhausted State of our Provinces & the astonishing Price Flour
sold at in the Province."
In the course of the summer, a small new fort had been finished at Niagara and the
other works considerably .strengthened and as the garrison w,as composed of some of
his best troops and well provided with artillery, Haldimand was confident that it would
make a stubborn resistance. The squadron of the provincial marine on Lake Ontario,
consisting of three ships, each carrying sixteen guns, and two smaller vessels
would make it difficult for the enemy to gain command on that lake. The
enemy's proposal to establish a fort at Oswego and build ships there caused
him more apprehension than any other part of their plan, from the effect that
it might have upon the Six Nations. He was more strongly convinced than ever
24 Administration of General Haldimand, in 8-1180
before, of the necessity of occupying that place, before they could reach it and
announced his intention of seizing it early in the spring unless he wasi prevented from
doing so by the want of provisions. A strong garrison at Sorel would enable him to
attack any force advancing by the river 'St. Francois or maintain his position there and
protect Montreal and St. Jean, while in the last extremity it could retreat either to
Quebec or St. Jean as circumstances might direct. Vigorous efforts had been 'made
to strengthen Quebec. The construction of several detached redoubts upon Cape
Diamond had been commenced and although delayed for want of skilled workmen, con-
siderable progress had been made.
When he wrote on October 29, to Lord George Germain, not a single ship of the
fleet, which he had been notified would sail in August, had yet arrived. His anxiety,
with respect to a sufficient stock of provisions, was extreme. It would be necessary
to keep a year's supply in .store at the posts upon the lakes, otherwise any prolonged
interruption of transportation would place the garrisons entirely at the mercy of the
enemy. The quantity available for the troops in the inhabited part of the province was
consequently much reduced; still the last harvest had been plentiful and if the declara-
tion of martial law became necessary, h© was satisfied he could easily collect a con-
siderable supply of grain. The stores required for the artillery and engineers from
England had not arrived and all the forts in the province were poorly provided in that
respect. The supply of gunpowder at Quebec, in particular, was inadequate. He again
urgently requested that two or three thousand British troops should be sent out early
in the spring, as well as the companies of artificers he had formerly applied for. It
was absolutely necessary, he stated, that these troops should bring with them provisions
for ,a year and the supplies of ordnance and engineer stores demanded by him for the
current and coming year. If it was found on their arrival that they were not required
in Canada, they could be re-embarked and proceed to some other destination in North
America, or even to the West Indies.
" Could I persuade myself/1 he remarked, " that in Case of an Attack the Canadians
would stand neuter, I think I could defend this Province with a less 'Force — but when
I see the Common People influenced by their old Prejudice & all Ranks so totally
blind to their true Interests, as not to wish a long Continuance of their present happy
Government, I am led to believe that the Appearance of our Enemy would be followed
by the Revolt of a great part of the Province, who like the other Colonies might not
stop until They had involved themselves in all their miseries — these are the Considera-
tions joined to the Importance which I know the Trade of this Country is of to Great
Britain, and the amazing Sums it at this moment is indebted to the Merchants, which
make me so strenuous in my demands & in my Exertions for its Safety."
Offensive operations from Canada, on .any large scale were scarcely practicable,
owing to the great difficulties of transport and supply. No military post at or near
Albany could be taken or maintained except by the navigation of the Hudson river.
If, however, such a post could be occupied from New York, he would be able to
co-operate with troops from Canada. " They must always move/' he said, " totally
unprovided with Artillery, Provisions or Baggage, every man_ from the Commanding
Officer must Carry his own Knapsack." Fort Stanwix might be attacked from Canada
by a great effort but the difficulty experienced in supplying his distant outposts had
convinced him that the force required for that purpose might be employed more
usefully elsewhere. The store-houses built at Coteau-du-Lac had facilitated the trans-
port of stores up the lakes and a canal with three looks had been completed there, by
which loaded boats were enabled to avoid the rapids. An accidental fire in the bar-
racks at St. Jean had destroyed those buildings as well as a powder magazine contain-
ing some ammunition, and several gun platforms. After this damage was repaired,
a heavy and long continued rain caused a large part of the earthen parapet to slide into
the ditch, which was replaced with great labour. The new fort at Detroit had also been
damaged in the same manner by a deluge of rain, and was repaired with extreme
difficulty.
The great scarcity of provisions and the high prices demanded by dealers for wheat
and flour had induced the governor to propose that the Legislative Council should enact
an ordinance, fixing the price of both these articles. An opinion was obtained from
the Attorney General, declaring that this measure was not within the power of the
governor in council. He furnished precedents, however, from the statutes of Great
Britain, for the taxing and rating of wheat and compelling sales on delivery. Such
an ordinance fixing a fair price for grain would have enabled Haldimand to purchase
a large quantity of wheat which had been accumulated' at different places on various
pretexts or had been hoarded by the inhabitants in the vicinity of the Richelieu river,
it was strongly suspected1, with the intention of supplying an invading force on its
arrival. He intended to collect it at Sorel where storehouses had already been built
Administration of General Haldimand, 1778-1780 25
to receive it, with the intention of supplying the other garrisons, or as a last resort to
destroy it. The council, however, by a small majority, refused to pass the proposed
ordinance as some of the members were interested in dealing in wheat, and others
opposed it on the pretext that it might create discontent among the inhabitants.
Cramahe, Dunn, Finlay and Allsopp, all high government officials, voted against it, much
to Haldimand's exasperation,. All the French -Canadian members, with the exception
of two, one of whom was a dealer in wheat, and the other suspected of being influenced
by improper motive's, voted for the measure. The inhabitants generally, Haldimand
declared, would have welcomed it as a measure justified by circumstances and fully
within the power of the government. The poorer class, in particular, strongly desired
it in the expectation that it would relieve their distress, as nine-tenths of then* were
obliged to purchase flour for the support of their families.
The recruiting parties sent out in the spring had not been generally successful,
but during the summer, scarcely a week passed without the arrival of considerable
parties of loyalists at the frontier posts. The first battalion of the Royal Regiment
of New York was accordingly completed to its establishment and more than a hundred
men obtained for the second.
With the object of assisting Sir Henry Clinton and destroying the supplies which
might 'be obtained from the harvest for the forces acting against him and to enable
the loyalists to escape, Haldimand organized two raiding forces to consist of about
600 men each, besides Indians. One of these composed of selected men from the
Royal Regiment of New York and Butler's Rangers and the regular troops- stationed
at Carleton Island and Niagara, was assembled by water at Oswego, under the com-
mand of Sir John Johnson on October 1. Its march began next day. the artillery and
baggage being transported in boats as far as Onondaga Falls. Scouts sent in advance
brought in several prisoners who stated that an attack was expected from the direc-
tion of Niagara but that the garrisons of the settlements had no suspicion of their
actual approach. On October 17, the advanced guard came in sight of the fort at
the head of Schoharie Creek. This was invested and two light guns brought up to
begin the attack. It was soon discovered that their fire would 'make no impression
upon its stout palisades and the garrison deliberately fired upon an officer sent to
summon it to surrender. The destruction of the buildings along the creek then began
and the advance was continued without opposition until they reached the Mohawk
river. A detachment was sent to destroy the settlement near Fort Hunter on the other
side of the creek. When this was accomplished the whole force moved swiftly up the
Mohawk, laying the country waste on both sides until midnight, when they halted
at the narrow pass at "Anthony's Nose". By this time they were quite overcome
with fatigue, after twenty-four hours of continuous exertion. A few hours rest had
become absolutely necessary. In the course of the night two men who had deserted
from the garrison of Fort Stanwix in the spring and joined Johnson's corps, again
deserted and informed Lieut. -Colonel John Brown, commanding at Stone Arabia, of
the weakness of the detachment on that side of the river. He promptly decided to
attack it at daybreak with 360 men in the hope of overwhelming it before a reinforce-
ment could arrive. Before he could do this, Johnson had crossed the river with
nearly his whole force, leaving only a few men on the other side, and had begun his
advance toward (Stone Arabia, screened by a dense fog. A few horsemen were seen
reconnoitring, who 'quickly disappeared. Brown's force was then discovered in posi-
tion behind a log fence with a narrow lane and an open field in front. A few Indians
began the attack but were easily repelled. Detachments of the rangers and regular
troops advanced to their support and a brisk interchange of fire began. While the
attention of the enemy was thus occupied by a frontal attack, the main body of the
Indians made a wide circuit through the woods to turn their right flank and the
rangers made a similar movement around their left. When these operations were
well under way, Johnson fiercely charged their position with the regular troops and
carried it, driving the opposing force in great disorder through the woods. Colonel
Brown was killed with nearly a hundred of his men, according to Johnson's report,
while his own loss amounted only to four killed and the same number wounded.
Papers found in Brown's pockets revealed the fact that General Van Rensselaer with
600 men and three guns had advanced to Fort Hunter the night before, and firing had
not actually ceased when his advanced guard appeared on the opposite bank of the
river. His force by that time had increased to about 1.500, including two regular
regiments and nearly a hundred Oneida Indians. He was accompanied by the
governor of the state in person. When they became aware of Brown's disastrous
defeat, they halted in dismay and Johnson continued his march to Stone Arabia
burning every building and field of grain in sight. Three miles further on the road
was blocked by a strong stockade which forced him to march around it through the
26 Administration of General Haldimand, If 78-1780
fields and when he reached the ford of the river near Fort Hendricks, he was obliged
to make a second detour to avoid fire from .several fortified houses. Regaining the
high road at sunset, he found that Van Rensselaer had outmarched him and crossed
the river. His whole force was already strongly posted in houses and among orchards
in front, to oppose his further progress. (Sending a strong party to seize a hill com-
manding the road, Johnson attacked the enemy with the remainder of his force
and easily drove them from their first position. They reformed under the guns of
the fort, and the Indians under Johnson's orders, observing that they were greatly
outnumbered, were seized by a sudden panic and dashed across the ford in great
confusion. Encouraged by their hasty flight, the Americans advanced under cover
0-f the trees and fences in the growing darkness and began a very hot fire at short
range. Part of Johnson's force gave way and was pursued by the enemy with loud
shouts. A single discharge of grape-shot from his guns, and well aimed volley of
musketry from his infantry drove them- back with heavy loss and ended the action.
Van Rensselaer's force was so much disheartened by this final repulse that he retreated
three miles and permitted Johnson to pass the ford without molestation. In the
darkness, some of his men lost their way and did not rejoin the main body until the
second day after, when about forty were still reported missing. The retreat was con-
tinued with the utmost speed possible in their exhausted condition, until they reached
the Oneida village. Here they were again favoured by fortune for a man was captured
who stated that he belonged to a party of sixty, despatched from. Fort Stanwix, to
destroy their boats. He had fallen ill that morning and had been left behind. A
strong detachment of the most active men was instantly sent in pursuit, with orders
to march day and night until they overtook the enemy. This service was so success-
fully executed that only two of the enemy's party escaped; fifty-two prisoners were
taken and some others .killed. Six mounted rangers were then despatched to inter-
cept two Indians who had been sent off by the enemy to search for their boats. To
their great relief, these were found unharmed and on October 25, the main body came
up and embarked. They arrived at Oswego next day. Including Indians, Johnson
reported the loss of nine men killed, two wounded and fifty-two missing, of whom
several also were wounded. About half of the missing men afterwards returned by
a different route. He reported the destruction of thirteen grist mills, several saw
mills, a thousand houses, and as many barns containing 600,000 bushels of grain,
during the three days of havoc on Schoharie Creek and the Mohawk river. The
severity of the loss and significance of this raid were frankly admitted by Washington
in a letter to the President of Congress, dated on the 7th November.
"The destruction of the grain upon the Western frontier of New York," he ©aid
"is likely to be attended. with the most alarming consequences, in respect to the for-
mation of magazines upon the North river. We had prospects of forming a very con-
siderable magazine of flour in that quarter previous to the late incursion. The settle-
ment of Schoharie alone would have delivered eighty thousand bushels of grain, but
that fine district is now totally destroyed. I should view this- calamity with less con-
cern did I see the least prospect of obtaining the necessary supplies of flour from the
States ol Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, previous to the, interruption! of
transportation by frost and bad weather."
The other force commanded by Major Christopher Carleton was composed of detach-
ments of selected men from the regular regiments and1 loyalist corps' quartered in the
Montreal district, with 100 Indians from Caughnawaga and the lake of Two Mountains.
It concentrated at Isle aux Noix and was conveyed to Crown Point in several vessels
of the squadron on Lake Champlain. Advancing rapidly with the utmost secrecy,
Fort Anne was surrounded and surrendered on the first summons with its garrison of
seventy men. Moving forward next morning in the direction of Fort George, the
greater part of the garrison of that post was surprised on its march to the relief of
Fort Anne. Four officers and twenty-three privates' were killed and a dozen taken
prisoners. The remainder of the garrison immediately surrendered. Both these forts
were destroyed with the mills, dwelling houses, barns and other buildings in the vicinity,
in accordance with Haldimand's settled policy of effecting the complete devastation of
all frontier settlements which might serve as an advanced base for an invasion of the
province. Carleton then returned to Crown Point, where he had been directed to remain
as long as the weather would permit the squadron to navigate the lake, for the purpose
of attracting the attention of the enemy's -force in that quarter. He brought off with
him three small cannon and 120 prisoners.
Another party of one hundred men of the loyalist corps and Mohawk Indian?, who
had crossed the lake with him, marched in the direction of the Mohawk river with
the intention of co-operating with Sir John Johnson but vras soon compelled to retire
by a superior force.
Administration of General Haldimand, 1778-1780 27
Two hundred Canadian Indians, who had responded to the call for their services
but were not required! on Carleton's expedition, were sent under Lieutenant Houghton
of the 53rd Regiment, to the Connecticut river where they destroyed many barns filled
with grain and killed a number of cattle.
Early in the summer, an expedition from Detroit had been despatched under the
command of Captain Bird of the 8th regiment against the frontier settlements in
Kentucky. It consisted of a small detachment of the 6th, with some volunteers from
the local militia and several hundred Indians. Ascending the Miami river in boats,
Bird crossed the portage to the Great Miami and made his way down that stream to
the Ohio. Several small forts and fortified houses were taken without much resistance
and the adjacent settlements destroyed. Nearly four hundred prisoners were brought
off, many of them being women and children. A number of the young men enlisted
in a company of Butler's Rangers, which had then been sent to Detroit. Nearly all
the others were settled upon Crown lands at their own request and soon added con-
siderably to the resources of the settlement at that place. As the Indian villages near
the Ohio river were soon afterwards menaced by an attack in retaliation, the company
of the Rangers and a company of Canadian volunteers commanded by Captain Chabert
were despatched from Detroit to their assistance. They arrived too late, as several of
the Indian villages, with adjacent cornfields, were destroyed by an invading force which
retired before it could be overtaken. A blockhouse was built near the Miami portage
for the protection of the Indians which was garrisoned by the Rangers.. Later in the
autumn a small force of the enemy, headed by Colonel La Balme, formerly an officer
in the French cavalry, advanced to the Indian villages on the Miamis river with the
apparent intention of taking Detroit by surprise. It was attacked and routed by the
Indians. La Balme and most of his men were killed and a few prisoners taken with
important papers.
Another small raiding party advancing from Cahokia, under command of a French
halfbreed named Hamelin, plundered the trading post at St. Joseph in the absence of
the Indians at their hunting grounds. It was pursued by a small band commanded
by Lieut. Dagniau De Quindre of the Indian Department, who overtook it at Petit Fort
on the Chicago trail. All but three of the marauders were killed oar taken.
The commandant at Mackinac formed militia companies at St. Joseph, Green Bay,
and Sault Ste. Marie, for the defence of those trading posts. He organized and
despatched an expedition against the Spanish settlements on the Mississippi, com-
posed of Indians 'accompanied by a few Canadian officers and volunteers. This force
reached its destination at Pencour but failed to accomplish the entire destruction of
that settlement owing to the defection of the Indians. It probably prevented the
Spaniards from undertaking an expedition against Detroit.
These raids, combined with the retaliatory attacks of the Americans on the Indian
villages, added to the security of the frontier posts by widening the extensive stretch
of uninhabited country lying between them and the enemy's frontier.
At the same time, however, they increased the embarrassments of the 'governor, with
respect to provisions, by causing a great influx of Indians, who had to be both fed and
clo-thed.
During the summer, active measures were taken by the governor for the formation
of military settlements, both at Detroit and Niagara, for the purpose of supplying the
garrisons ^at those places with provisions and enabling the refugee loyalists to support
their families until the restoration of peace might permit them to return to their homes.
They were granted farms, without rent, on the crown lands in the vicinity, which would
be cleared at the expense of the government and remain the property of the crown,
attached to the forts. They were allowed a reasonable quantity of provisions for a year
after taking possession of these lands; seed, ploughs and other implements for farming
were furnished without any charge. The commanding officers were directed to supply
assistance with men and horses as far as lay in their power. All such settlers were
informed that the produce of their farms, over and above their own consumption, was
not to be exported but must be sold to the commanding officer for the use of the troops
and not to traders or travellers. Some progress in clearing and breaking land was
made at Carleton Island and surveys were begun at Niagara and Detroit. Seed grain,
harness and farming implements were forwarded to those places for the establishment
of these settlements.
The departure of the annual trade fleet for Quebec had been delayed until the 31r*t
of May. It consisted of forty-two vessels. This fleet was dispersed in its passage and
many of the ships were taken by American privateers; one of them, loaded with valuable
naval and ordnance stores was sunk in action. Only eighteen arrived at Quebec, among
them, fortunately, were four loaded with provisions. Six others that had sailed later
subsequently arrived; one was wrecked in the straits of Belle Isle.
28 Administration of General Haldimand, 1778-1780
The frigate " Hind/5 accompanied by the provincial armed vessels, was actively
engaged in the protection of commerce in the gulf. Three privateers were captured by this
squadron and sent into Quebec. The largest of the provincial vessels, the " Wolfe," was
afterwards wrecked by running aground on the island of St. Peter, in a thick fog, during
a gale, and the " Hind " narrowly escaped.
A similar disaster occurred on Lake Ontario. A fine new vessel carrying sixteen
guns was totally lost with all her crew and the passengers on board, including Lieut. -
Colonel Bolton, the commandant at Niagara, with two other officers and thirty soldiers.
The loss of this vessel with so many officers, seamen and soldiers was severely felt, par-
ticularly as it materially interfered with the transport of provisions for the distant mili-
tary posts on the lakes.
By the middle of November, only two small vessels belonging to the autumn fleet
had arrived, which had indeed been separated from it by a gale of wind seven weeks
previous and could give no account of the remainder. Winter had then set in and the
prospect of any other arrivals practically vanished. It was subsequently ascertained
that the remaining ships belonging to this fleet which had survived the storm, had been
driven into Halifax where they remained until the following summer waiting for an
escort. In consequence of this disappointment, Haldimand was obliged to bring down
to Quebec provisions from his magazines at Montreal and Sorel, where they had been
deposited for the purpose of being forwarded to the posts on the lakes as early in the
spring as the river became navigable. He was also compelled to discontinue recruiting
as he had no means of supplying a larger force. His plan of establishing a new post atv
Oswego must also be abandoned or deferred until supplies were received.
Had the ordinance for fixing the price of wheat and flour been passed, he might
have filled his magazines by purchases in the province, but owing to the high prices
then demanded, he considered it scarcely practicable. He decided, however, to supply
the troops as far as possible with fresh provisions to save the quantity in store, and
thereby, as far as possible, prevent an invading force from receiving supplies after its
arrival in the province, particularly in the parishes below Quebec. With respect to
those in the vicinity of Sorel, where an invasion was most apprehended, he considered
it necessary to .adopt more drastic measures by issuing a proclamation ordering the
inhabitant's to thresh their own grain by a certain date, so that, on the approach of the
enemy it might be quickly conveyed with their cattle to the intrenched camp at Sorel,
to be placed under the protection of the troops and the militia of the country, who would
'be ordered to assemble there.
" Though at the same time," he remarked in a letter to Lord George Germain, " I
must acknowledge to Your Lordship, I have no confidence in being able to collect many
of the latter. I am certain there is frequent intercourse by letter or message between
the French or Rebel Generals in Rhode Island and some of the Priests & Jesuits, assisted
by some disaffected old subjects whom with all my industry, I could not discover and
tho' the Noblesse will probably behave well, I make no doubt there are many Inhabit-
ants, in each Parish, who would swerve from their Allegiance upon the Approach of a
French Army. Severity and rigor will be necessary and in Proportion my Conduct has
hitherto been mild & forbearing, it will be the reverse if I find that no other means can
preserve the Province."
He had been informed that preparations were being made for an attack upon Car-
leton Island. If that post was taken Niagara and Detroit must be evacuated, as they
were not supplied with provisions to last longer than the beginning of the spring. Their
loss would infallibly be followed by the defection of the Six Nations and western Indians,
whose incursions on the frontier, he asserted, had prevented some thousands of their
best fighting men from joining the forces .maintained by Congress in the field.
CHAPTER VII.
THE ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HALDIMAND, 1781-1784.
On the 29th of December, 1780, Haldimand received a letter in cypher from Sir
Henry Clinton, dated at New York, on the 9th of November. This informed him that
an invasion of Canada was probably contemplated as soon as the winter set in and
made further naval operations on the Atlantic coast inadvisable. It was believed that
a division of French troops, commanded by Count de Kochambeau, would form the
principal part of this expedition. Clinton had also been informed that a conspiracy
existed among the inhabitants of Canada to join the invaders on their arrival. From
the difficulty of transport this invading force would probably be obliged to depend
upon the country for supplies of flour and other provisions. He accordingly recom-
mended the expediency of removing from the possession of the inhabitants, all sup-
plies of grain and provisions: except such quantities as might be necessary for the sup-
port of their families. This information confirmed the governor in his former deter-
mination to publish a proclamation, ordering the inhabitants to thresh their wheat.
This proposal was strongly opposed by Lieutenant Governor Cramahe, in a lengthy
memorandum declaring it to. be " equally improper and impolitick," as tending " to
alarm the People, encourage Cabals, and give time to Enemies of Government for dis-
tressing it effectually." As an alternative, he proposed that agents who were not
directly in the service of the government should be employed to purchase wheat upon
commission, after which it -could be threshed and stored. If, however, the_Governor
was still determined to order the grain to be threshed, he advised that this should be
done under the direction of the militia officers. When positive intelligence of a move-
ment to invade the" province was received, he advised the proclamation of Martial Law
which might be done without consulting the Executive Council. Haldimand curtly
replied to this memorandum that the method of purchase proposed would be too slow
to meet the existing emergency, as the inhabitants never sold their wheat before the
month of March and they had already been advised, by agents of the enemy, and the
engrossers, to hold it back. In view of the intelligence he had received, it would be
unpardonable negligence on his part, to lose time in taking the necessary measures
to deprive an invading enemy of the means of subsistence. By issuing such a procla-
mation he would merely follow the example of the Privy 'Council in England, when an
invasion of Great Britain was threatened. It would be impossible to avoid alarming
the people to .a certain extent, ae the change of quarters of the troops for the purpose
of assembling a sufficient loirce in the district of Montreal to resist an invasion, w/ould
create some excitement among them. He felt the greatest reluctance to proclaim
Martial Law and at all events this would not be expedient until the country was
actually invaded, and then it would be too late to direct the people to thresh their grain.
Unanimity in the council and on the part of the officers in the government was neces-
sary, and the Lieutenant-Governor was requested to give him every assistance in
advancing measures which he considered imperative. The Executive Council was
promptly assembled and gave its assent to the proposal. The proclamation was dated
the 15th of January and published in the Quebec Gazette three days later. It
declared that the safety of the property of the inhabitants and the defence of the
province required that all grain, cattle and provisions which might assist an invasion
of the country, should be deposited in places of safety, under the protection of the
troops. The inhabitants were ordered to thresh all their grain at once and hold it in
readiness for transportation to such places. The captains and other officers of the
militia were commanded to carry the proclamation into effect and take an exact account
of the number of cattle and the quantity of grain and flour in the possession of the
inhabitants, in their respective parishes. In the districts of Quebec, Three Rivers and
that part of the district of Montreal on the north side of the St. Lawrence, they were
required to make their returns to the colonels of militia, and in the district of Montreal
on the south side of the St. Lawrence, to the officer commanding the troops stationed
at Sorel. An engineer officer was directed on the same day to inspect the storehouses
at Chambly and Sorel and make the necessary preparations for receiving grain at those
places.
The bishop of Quebec gave practical evidence^ of his loyalty on this occasion by
sending out a circular letter to his clergy, requiring their assistance. The principal
British and French inhabitants of the towns of Quebec and Montreal presented loyal
addresses to the governor, expressing their concurrence in the measures that he had
30 Administration of Governor Haldimand,
taken for the defence of the country. Although he considered these addresses were of
no particular importance, yet as the inhabitants of the towns, to a great extent,
influenced the opinion of traders in the country who had frequently, in the past,
assisted in spreading disaffection, the governor sanctioned their publication with his
replies in the Quebec Gazette, in both French and English.
Captain Twiss of the Engineers, who had visited the frontier posts in the Montreal
district, reported that many of the inhabitants appeared to dread the approach of an
invading force and that few or none of them desired it. He asserted that the procla-
mation had been the means of reducing the price of wheat and had been followed by
other good effects, without any bad results. «
At the end of February, Haldimand was able to inform Clinton that all necessary
preparations had been quietly made to repel the enemy, and that the intended invasion
had apparently been abandoned, owing to the fact that the (Congress had been unable
to raise the necessary force.
La Fayette indeed had not ceased to advocate the reconquest of 'Canada with
unremitting ardour, and his plans had received considerable support in Congress.
The correspondence of the French , envoys in America, with the Minister of Foreign
Affairs, throws some light on this subject. On September 24, 1778, 'Gerard wrote to M.
de Vergennes that proposals nad been 'made to him for comibined operations next
year against Halifax, Quebec and Newfoundland', and that the Americans were will-
ing to cede Newfoundland -to France after assisting in its conquest. Keporting the
proceedings of several conferences between La Fayette and a Committee of Congress,
he remarked that the acquisition and retention of Newfoundland, with the fisheries*
would depend, as far as the United States was concerned, on the conquest of Halifax
and Quebec. In that event, the French would be conceded all their demands with
respect to settlements and fishing rights in Newfoundland. The co-operation of a
French force in the invasion of 'Canada was strongly desired. On November 3, he
wrote that the United States had actually decided to undertake a campaign against
Canada, and in his letter dated December 19, he enclosed a copy of d'Estaing's pro-
clamation to the Canadians. Vergennes did not approve. On October 26, he wrote
to Gerard that the French Government considered it advisable to leave Canada, and
perhaps Nova Scotia, in the hands of the English. If it was considered necessary to
secure further territory for the United States in that part of North America it would
be preferable to give them Nova Scotia. A month later he declared that the court of
Spain favoured leaving both Canada and Nova Scotia in possession of the English.
In a letter dated December 25, 1778, Vergennes again positively declared that both
France and Spain would maintain the English in possession of both those provinces.
The invasion of Newfoundland must depend on circumstances. About that time
Gerard had repeated interviews with Washington and the president of Congress.
Washington had stated that any campaign against Canada would be impracticable,
unless New York was previously evacuated by the English garrison. He inquired
what compensation the king of France would expect for his assistance in that under-
taking. Gerard could give no information on that point but discreetly ~ replied, that
the compensation asked would undoubtedly be in conformity with the letter and
spirit of the treaty of alliance. Ten days later he reported that Washington had
induced the Congress to abandon the proposed expedition against Canada. Some
weeks afterwards he remarked that the conquest of Canada could only be the last
fruits of a successful war. Committees had then been appointed to draft instructions
for the envoy to be sent by Congress to Europe, and one of the principal subjects of
discussion was the acquisition of Nova Scotia, but, he observed, that in fixing the
boundaries of the independent territories1 they would probably be willing to abandon
their claims to both provinces. In July. 1779, Gerard reported that since Washington
had opposed the expedition against Canada so firmly, no other person had ventured
to raise the question. Moderate views must prevail. The demands of the northern
states for the annexation of the British provinces must be relinquished. In the sum-
mer of 1779, Gerard was replaced by Luzerne, who reported that soon after his arrival
at Boston, he had an interview with several members of the executive council of
Massachusetts, who brought with them a Canadian and some papers relating to a
proposed invasion of Canada. This Canadian, whose name was not stated, but who
had been recommended by General Gates, asserted that the inhabitants of Canada,
generally, wished to overthrow the British government if they could obtain sufficient
assistance. The habitants, he said, were being deprived of their cattle and grain and
the money they received in payment was of little value. The gentry had been
favoured by the government, and he admitted that they were well disposed toward it.
The clergy were discreetly quiet but secretly desired their liberty, and the Canadian
people, as a body, wanted to be independent and annexed to the United States. The
Administration of Governor Haldimand, 1781-1784 31
Indians were loyal. The number ol troops in Canada did not exceed 4,000 men, and
a French force of 3,000 by ascending the St. OLawrence in their squadron, could easily
take Quebec. An American general, who was present, described how their forces
could co-operate with effect. Lucerne was greatly impressed by this plan but foresaw
considerable obstacles from the weather and the difficulty of communication.. The
people of New England strongly desired the annexation or independence of both
Canada and Nova Scotia. If they had to make a choice, they would prefer to obtain
Nova Scotia, owing to the importance of its fisheries and the difficulty the English
would have in retaining Canada after losing that province
In the face of much discouragement from various quarters, La Fayette still nursed
extravagant visions of the subjugation of all the remaining British colonies in America.
Writing "to d'Estaing shortly after his arrival in America, he said, " I cannot think
of anything but the happiness of being again with you, of Halifax surrendering, St.
Augustine being taken, the English Islands in flames and every one confessing that
nothing can resist the French ". In the summer of 1779, he returned to France chiefly
for the purpose of urging that a larger force should be sent to the assistance of the
revolting colonies. Before his departure he had declared openly that Canada could
never be conquered by American forces alone, (but that a Frenchman of high birth,
and distinction, at the head of 4,000 o*f his countrymen, speaking in the name of the
French monarch, could easily bring about a revolution in that country. On landing
at Havre in July, he wrote at great length to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, giving
his views on the situation in America. An attack upon Halifax was strongly urged
by him to be made in June, 1780, in which he asserted that the Americans would
heartily co-operate. Reliable men could be found at Boston and other New England
ports, who would obtain all the necessary intelligence and supply pilots. Many of the
inhabitants of Nova Scotia were disaffected, he averred.. When he was last at Boston,
he had met a leading man from that province, a member of the executive council,
who had come secretly 'to confer with General Gates and had assured him of the good
•will of many of the inhabitants. The troops composing the division he had formerly
commanded would gladly serve in such an expedition, particularly as they had all
been recruited in New England and were disinclined to cross the Hudson river. 'Gates
himself, who possessed much influence in New England and was well acquainted with
Halifax, had frequently proposed a joint expedition against that place. All the
necessary siege artillery could be obtained at Boston.
^ The enemy, he added, had some suspicion of this design but believed that the expe-
dition would be directed against Canada. Movements of the militia in the northern
states would lead them to suppose that a junction was contemplated at Sorel or on the
river St. Francois, when the French fleet ascended the St. Lawrence. "The idea of a
revolution in Canada, " he concluded, " must eeem delightful to every good Frenchman,
and if political conditions condemn it, you must admit, Sir, that it is contrary to our
natural instincts. The advantages and the disadvantages of this project require a care-
ful discussion, into which I will not enter here."
The minister, however, resolutely declined to approve of the proposed expedition
against Canada, chiefly through fear cif exciting the jealousy or suspicion of his American
allies. After his return to Philadelphia, in May, 1780, La Fayette again wrote to Ver-
gennes that measures had been taken to gain information of the actual condition of
Halifax and the new British fort at Penobscot. These places would become the eventual
objectives of Washington's force, but it was necessary before attempting their attack that
he should be relieved from all apprehension of an offensive by General Clinton from New
York. If no orders were sent in the autumn for the French troops to proceed to the
West Indies, or be actively employed elsewhere, they could undertake the conquest of
Canada, of which Washington had told him he still entertained hopes. Thus he believed
he could clearly forecast his intention of undertaking a winter campaign.
Soon after he was instructed by Washington to prepare an address to the Canadians.
Arnold was ordered to have 500 copies of this address printed with the greatest secrecy
at Peekskill. On the last day of July, 1780, La Fayette convened, at Newport, Rhode
Island, a meeting of pilots who were conversant with the navigation of the Bay of Fundy
and Gulf of St. Lawrence, as a preliminary to the intended expedition.
The defection of General Arnold, the mutinous conduct of many continental troops,
and the general discontent of the population in the Northern states, taken in conjunction
with the presence of a strong British garrison and naval squadron at New York, pre-
vented the execution of this ambitious plan.
The ordinance for the regulation of the militia, which would expire in March, was
renewed by the executive council at its annual meeting in January. In the course of
the winter, negotiations were opened with the governor of Vermont for a general
exchange of prisoners of war. This was considered a favourable opportunity for dis-
32 Administration of Governor Haldimand, 1781-1784
cussing terms of reconciliation. During a meeting held at Isle aux Noix in May, between
Captain Justus Sherwood, acting as agent for 'General Haldimand and Colonel Ira
Allen, a brother of the well known Ethan Allen, representing the people of Vermont,
Sherwood kept a careful journal of what occurred and from his narrative, Haldimand
made an official report to the colonial office.
" I am apprehensive/' he wrote, " the Flag was sent merely to cause a jealousy on
the part of Congress and to intimidate that Assembly into a Compliance with a Union
upon the Independent Terms they contend for, from a belief Vermont is in a Treaty
with us. This opinion is strengthened from a persuasion that whatever they profess,
they are in their Hearts inveterate Rebels and, if once united with 'Congress, would
be very formidable Enemies, having been from their early contests with their neigh-
bouring Provinces continually in Arms. They are in every respect better provided than
the Continental Troops and in their principles more determined. These considerations
with the impossibility of acting from this Province except in great Force owing to their
inhabiting that part of the Country bordering on the Lakes Champlain and George,
Hudson & Connecticut Rivers, ready to a man to turn out on the first alarm, with Pro-
visions upon their Backs, and possessed of a strong Country where they can Attack
and Harrass an Enemy in the most advantageous situations, have always made me
anxious to prevent the Union they seem so bent upon accomplishing."
Suspicion of their intentions had also been excited by a statement addressed on
behalf of the people of Vermont to Congress, in which credit was taken for securing the
frontiers of the other revolted provinces by including them in a truce, hastily accepted
by Major Carleton, during his expedition in the previous autumn. This had been imme-
diately terminated by Haldimand, when it came to his knowledge. A letter subsequently
received from Sir Henry Clinton, showed that he was likewise losing confidence in the
professions of the Vermont people.
On May 4, 1781, Lord George Germain wrote a secret letter to 'Governor Haldimand,
in which he stated that he had received " certain Information that the French Court had
given Orders to M. de Lucerne, to dissuade the Congress from making an attack on
Canada until they had driven the King's troops out of the Thirteen Provinces." Con-
sequently he would be more at liberty to co-operate with Clinton and he was advised to
despatch a considerable force to the frontier of Vermont to encourage the inhabitants to
make a declaration in favor of the royal Government and cut off all communications
between Albany and the Mohawk river, and thus prevent supplies from reaching
Washington's army. This letter did not reach Haldimand until late in July, when he
had received similar information from other quarters. About the same time he received,
from an anonymous source, what purported to be an intercepted letter written by
Schuyler at Albany, on the 15th of July, and addressed to Washington, in which he con-
gratulated him on the assurances he had received, that a detachment from the French
fleet in the West Indies, would soon join the squadron at Rhode Island for an attack
upon Quebec, but regretting that a larger force of troops would not accompany it. He
recommended an increase of the troops destined for this expedition and concurred in a
proposal that a strong demonstration <xf an attack upon ftiew York should be made to
divert attention from it.
In making its contents known to Clinton, Haldimand remarked that " this Letter
appears to have been conveyed to me by design to prevent a Diversion in your favour,
where I conceive the Blow is Levelled." He also stated that the Vermont people were
busy forming magazines, had raised a considerable number of men, " and in a few
months will be an important ally or a formidable enemy to either side ; from the whole
tenor of their Conduct I cannot think they will adopt ours." The fleet with provisions
from England had not yet arrived, and his situation in that respect had become
extremely alarming. The troops were literally living from hand to mouth in the mean-
time, and the province was threatened with a famine owing to a plague of caterpillars
which had destroyed nearly all the hay and much of the grain. A cargo of provisions
which arrived froim Cork consigned to a local merchant was promptly purchased and
gave temporary relief. Five or six large enemy privateers were, cruising in the gulf
and caused great apprehensions for the safety of the provision ships. The quantity of
grain remaining from the previous year was very small, and held at an extravagant
price. The hay crop was so greatly damaged that the inhabitants were selling off or
killing their cattle. This was an advantage for the time being, but its bad conse-
quences- would necessarily be felt in the following year. Eventually, late in August,
the two fleets from England and Ireland arrived with a large supply and a squadron
of transports came from New York bringing a considerable force of German troops,
commanded by Major General de Riedesel, who had been recently exchanged.
As the fortifications at Quebec and the other military posts in the province had by
that time been greatly strengthened, the arrival of this reinforcement went far to relieve
the governor of his apprehensions of an invasion. A secret letter from Mr. Knox,
Administration of Governor Haldimand, 1181-1184 33
private secretary at the Colonial Office, dated the 31st July, received in September,
informed Haldimand that reliable and precise information had been obtained of the
enemy's plans. The French Ministry, he said, had absolutely refused to send any
more troops to America, but those already there had been placed under Washington's
command and directed to join "his army on the Hudson river, above New York, l^o
attempt on that place would be made until the French fleet from the West Indies
arrived at Rhode Island, and before that could occur, it was anticipated that Sir Henry
Clinton would receive a strong reinforcement from Europe. This intelligence must con-
vince him that no attack would be made upon Canada and leave him free to assist
Clinton by operations on the frontier. A letter from Clinton, received about the same
time,' likewise urged this diversion as he feared an immediate attack. Kiedesel, in
fact, presented a proposal for accomplishing such a diversion by sending a force by way
of Fort Pitt to co-operate with a movement of the southern army up the Potomac and
Susquehanna rivers during the winter. This was summarily rejected by Haldimand
as impracticable since navigation of the lakes would close in November and the
difficulty of supplying such a distant expedition, as well as the danger incurred by the
dispersion of his small force, would be greatly enhanced.
Advanced iposts from Isle aux Noix were established at Pointe au For and on Hero
Island in Lake Champlain where blockhouses were built and small garrisons main-
tained.
As the legislative assembly of the state of Vermont was expected to meet on the
first of October, Haldimand decided to send a strong detachment of troops about that
time to occupy Crown Point, and alarm the frontier of New York. Balding parties
from Carleton Island and Niagara, were also ordered to appear simultaneously upon
the Mohawk river, and the frontier of Pennsylvania. As the prospect of a plentiful
crop of grain, in spite of the ravages of caterpillars, steadily improved and it seemed
probable that the price of wheat would fall in consequence, he offered to purchase a
large quantity for the supply of the garrison and inhabitants of New York.
The report of his agents from Vermont, after long conferences with influential
persons in that state, about the end o£ September, had, to a great extent, removed his
doubts of the good faith of Allen and his confederates but at the same time he felt
satisfied that prejudice against Great Britain, in the mind's of a large majority of the
people, combined with the influence of Congress, would be too powerful to admit of a
favourable result by. negotiation alone. At the request of the Aliens, a proclamation
was drafted, offering to Vermont the terms they desired but it was never published.
Colonel St. Leger was placed in command of the force destined to create a diversion
which consisted of all the troops and loyalists who could be spared from the garrisons
of St. Jean and Isle aux Noix, as well as three companies of light infantry, stationed as
an advanced post at Pointe au Fer on Lake Ohamplain. After occupying Crown Point,
St. Leger was instructed to make such a detachment as he considered sufficient to
advance toward the frontier of New York, for the purpose of causing an alarm. He
was to refrain from any hostile demonstration against Vermont, carefully watching
all movements of troops in that state, and not trusting their friendly professions too
far. Trucks were provided for conveying his boats from one lake to the other. He
was directed to remain at Crown Point as long as the season would permit. The appear-
ance of this force at first seemed to have the desired effect. The inhabitants of Ver-
mont continued to make friendly declarations and a large body of troops was assembled
at Albany for the protection of that place. Information which he had received from
his agents in the city of New York, represented, however, that the British force at
Yorktown in Virginia, under Lord Cornwallis, was in a most critical situation. The
future attitude of Vermont, he was convinced, would depend on the result of military
operations in the south. " If unfortunate," he wrote, " she will be our most dangerous
Enemy, otherwise Affairs are in a good train."
In a letter marked "most secret," dated November 23, 1781, Haldimand carefully
reviewed the whole situation. He still apprehended an invasion. Owing to the large
number of invalids among the troops left behind by General Burgoyne, and recruits
"Totally Ignorant of Military Discipline," among those who had since arrived, he said
that he would not be able to assemble, in that event, more than 2,500 men fit to keep the
field for two months. iMany of the German troops, he feared, would seize the first oppor-
tunity of deserting. The lateness of the arrival of the store ships, with provisions, had
prevented him from occupying Oswego, while the number of workmen at his disposal,
would scarcely be sufficient to buildi a fort of the necessary strength at that place. Con-
sequently his efforts had been mainly restricted to strengthening the fortifications at
Quebec. Small magazines had been formed by the enemy at several places on their
frontier which could be quickly filled from the neighbouring settlements. "Inhabitants
on the Frontiers of Canada have from their Infancy, been, accustomed' to Live in the
3573—3
34 Administration of Governor Haldimand,
Woods," be wrote, "and if the Situation of Affairs to the Southward is as bad as it is
represented, it will not be difficult for Congress to Engage them, partly from Enthusiasm,
Resentment of Recent Injuries, 'and love of plunder, to join a Kind of a Crusadie in
order to subdue this Country." He believed that in this case the people of Vermont would
be forced to join in the expedition. From the information he had received, and the move-
ments of the enemy during the summer, he suspected that the plan of attack found
among Mr. Laurens's papers, would be carried into execution the next summer. The
effect of the French alliance upon the Canadians, generally, and particularly among
the clergy was most noticeable.
"The Successes," he remarked, "thoj fluctuating, which we have had, joined to the
vigilant Attention which I have had to their Conduct, have hitherto kept them, if not
within the limits of their Duty, at least within those of Decency, but since the News of
the Superiority of the French Fleets & a report which is whispered of Lord Cornwallis's
Surrender, It is with great grief that I see their attachment to France concealed under
a Zeal for the Preservation of their Religion & will on the first .favourable occasion
engage them in the interest of the Rebels, and it is with still greater Regret that I see
many of His Majesy's ancient subjects declaring their attachment to the Cause of the
Rebels as openly as their own Safety will permit and their expectation that the Inde-
pendence of America must soon be acknowledged— Your Lordiship may be assured that
if ever the Rebel's shall invade the Frontiers of this Province, accompanied by a few
hundred French soldiers, a great number of Canadians will take up arms in. their
Favour, and that by far the greatest part of them will serve them as Guides and
furnish them with Provisions and every other assistance in their Power. My obser-
vations have so confirmed me in this Belief that so far from wishing to Arm them in
defence of the Province1, I am apprehensive that Attempt might in my weak state be
attended with dangerous Consequences. But I 'must Act in this when necessary, as
Circumstances shall require. Their backwardness to serve is manifested in their
Seamen, some of whom from necessity I am obliged to employ on the Upper Lakes,
where notwithstanding they Receive very high Wages, they serve with the utmost
Reluctance and will on no account remain above two years."
At the same time he anticipated that every effort would be used to induce the
Indians, and particularly the Five Nations, .to turn against him, by persuading them
that as he was no longer able to give them protection, their only means of safety would
be to join the enemy.
A letter written to his son by a Mr. Lotbiniere who had joined the enemy and was
then in Philadelphia, had been intercepted. In it he announced his expectation of
seeing him next year when he would be in a position to settle their mutual affairs to
his satisfaction, and advised him to remain quietly in the country where he would be
in greater safety than in any town.
Several letters from this gentleman, addressed to M. de Vergennes, containing
plans for the invasion of Canada, are preserved in the records of the French Ministry
for Foreign Affairs.
The garrisons of the upper posts had been reinforced. By the greatest exertions
they had been furnished with provisions sufficient to last until the next spring. Unless
a further supply was received early in the year, before an invasion took place, it would
be scarcely possible to maintain them.
Reinforcements from England were also requested and it would be necessary to
maintain command of the Gulf o<f St. Lawrence, or the province would be cut off from
its base of supplies.
The proposed expedition against Detroit had been postponed but not abandoned
by the enemy. Washington himself had declared that the "reduction of Detroit is the
only means of giving peace and security to our western frontier." Colonel George
Rogers Clarke had offered to organize a volunteer force with that object if Congress
would provide him with the necessary artillery and stores. His request was not only
granted, but the commandant at Fort Pitt was directed to detach a company of
artillery and as large a party of regular infantry as he could spare to accompany him
Rumours of his intentions soon reached Detroit. In March, 1781, a small party com-
manded by Captain Matthew Elliott made an incursion into Kentucky where a small
magazine of provisions was destroyed. On his return he reported that the inhabitants
were engaged day and night in removing all their portable property into one of the
large forts where they hoped it would be safe during their absence on this expedition.
Several of the leading chiefs of the Six Nations, with Joseph Brant, were sent to attend
a council of the Indians convened at Detroit in the following month to encourage the
western tribes. While it was being held, a force from Fort Pitt made a raid into the
Indian country and destroyed one of their principal villages. The Indians were then
I to concentrate at Sandusky and a company of Rangers was sent to that place
Administration of Governor Haldimand, 1781-1784 35
to build and garrison a fort for their protection. Colonel Brodhead who commanded
the expedition from Fort Pitt had liberated some of his prisoners-, telling them that he
would soon advance against Sandusky, at the head of a thousand men and that Colonel
Clarke had gone down the Ohio with as large a force. These numbers were presumed
to be purposely exaggerated, but it was known that a fort had already been established
at the falls of the Ohio and garrisoned by -about two hundred regular soldiers. The
militia of Kentucky was estimated to amount to 1,100 men, all well armed and exper-
ienced in warfare in the woods. From among them a considerable force could easily
be recruited. Clarke's first base of operations was established at Wheeling on the
Ohio river. His movements were closely watched' by Indian scouts. Early in August
they reported that his preparations seemed to be nearly complete. The company of
rangers at Sandusky accompanied by several hundred Indians, at once began its
toilsome march overland in the hope of intercepting him on his way diown the river
to the mouth of the Great Miamis by which route he was* expected to approach Detroit.
The advanced guard, conducted1 by Joseph Brant and some officers' of the Indian
department, arrived barely in time to cut oft the rear division of fourteen 'boats, manned
by one hundred men commanded by Colonel Lochry, lieutenant of Westmoreland
county in Pennsylvania. The whole of this party, consisting of 101 persons, was killed
or taken prisoners. The victorious foTce then floated down the river in the captured
boats with the intention of attacking the fort at the falls. The Indians, however,
satisfied with their partial success, soon began to disperse. When they arrived within
thirty miles of their objective it was found ithat only two hundred remained. Their
scouts, who had been sent ahead to reconnoitre Clarke's position, returned with some
prisoners who stated that he had already abandoned his indention of attacking Detroit.
A party of the Indians crossed the xiver into Kentucky and advanced against the fort
named in honour of the famous Daniel Boone. A body of horsemen was routed with
considerable loss. Next day, a larger force, commanded by Colonel Floydi, the
lieutenant of the county, advanced to the scene of action to bury the dead. It was
drawn into an ambush and many including Floyd and several of the principal officers
were killed or taken. Active operations in the western country then terminated but
the rangers remained with the Indians until all danger of an attack seemed at an end.
In September, Haldimand proposed to Brig.-General Powell, who" had taken com-
mand at Niagara, that another raid in force should be made upon the Mohawk valley
on much the same lines as the year before. After consulting with Colonels Butler and
Guy Johnson, Powell advised that the troops intended for this expedition should be
assembled at Oswego and advance by way of Oneida lake against Duanesboro and the
settlements on the lower part of the Mohawk river, which had hitherto escaped injury.
This plan was approved and orders were issued for its execution. A body of 205 officers
and men, and a hundred Indians from Niagara was joined at Oswego by Major Ross,
with a party of 207 of all ranks from Carleton Island. Ross took command of the com-
bined force and 'began his march on the 10th of October. Two weeks later, after a very
fatiguing march amid rain and snow, he reached the Mohawk river near Fort Hunter.
A few prisoners were taken, but the settlements were hastily deserted on his approach.
Arriving at Duanesboro at break of day, on the 25th of October, the destruction of that
prosperous settlement extending for seven miles along the river, was immediately com-
menced. Before noon, Ross's advanced guard had approached within twelve miles of
Schenectady and all buildings within reach, including three mills and a large public
magazine, were in flames. Prisoners informed him that superior forces were already
assembling at three different points to oppose him or cut off his retreat. After
a short halt to rest his men, he began his retirement through the woods by the most
direct route to Carleton Island instead of attempting to return to the place where he
had left his boats. Finding that he was closely pursued by a much superior force, he
decided to halt and fight, in a good position. In the action that followed, he succee'ded
in beating off the enemy with considerable loss, capturing the onl> gun they had. This
enabled him to continue his retreat until he reached a ford over Canada 'Creek, where he
he was again overtaken. The passage of this stream was gallantly covered by Captain
Walter Butler with a small party of the corps of rangers. Butler himself was killed by
a random shot at the end of the skirmish and it is related that the inhabitants of the
Mohawk valley rejoiced more at the news of his -death than they did on learning the
surrender of Lord Cornwallis, which became known to them about the same time. For
many years afterwards, the place where he fell was locally known as Butler's Ford.
Ross's further retreat was then most difficult as the weather became very stormy, his
men had little food, and many had lost their blankets and overcoats. He was forced
to march along a narrow Indian trail and cross several streams which were only made
passable by the construction of rafts, yet he succeeded in overcoming all obstacles and
arrived at Carleton Island with the loss of only twenty-four of all ranks, of whom
3573— 3£
36 Administration of Governor Haldimand, 1781-1784
nearly two-thirds were missing. He even brought off with him a number of prisoners.
Those of his men who were so unfortunate as to fall into the hands of the enemy were
shown scant mercy at the hands of their exasperated captors.
During the summer, Butler's corps of rangers had been augmented by the arrival
of recruits from the border to ten complete companies. Many loyalists had also joined
the second battalion of Sir John Johnson's regiment, Jessup's corps and a battalion
of rangers forming at St. Jean, under command of Major James Rogers, a brother of
the famous partisan leader in the last French war.
The bridges, over the principal streams flowing into the St. Lawrence on the Royal
Road along its northern bank from Quebec to Montreal, were repaired or rebuilt by
corvee labour under the supervision of an officer of the Royal Engineers to facilitate
concentration of the troops.
In the following winter, Lieut. Launiere was again sent to Penobscot to obtain
information, and the officer commanding at that place was requested to forward by a
special messenger any important intelligence which might affect the safety of the
province.
Early in February, 1782, a proclamation was again published with the assent of the
Legislative Council, requiring the inhabitants to thresh their grain and make the neces-
sary preparations for its transportation to places of safety under the protection of the
troops.
Lieut.-Colonel Henry Caldwell, who had strongly dissented from the enactment of
the militia ordinance on account of its inefficiency, took this opportunity to submit a
written memorandum on the subject, as only the governor's declared opposition had
deterred him from making a motion to amend it in the council. " We experienced in
1775," he wrote, " the bad consequences that attended <such delays, almost the total
loss of the province nor can we suppose now that should the enemy get a footing in
the province without taking prudent precautions beforehand that the Canadians would
arm readier in our favour than formerly, and who can say that the province will not
be invaded next summer? 'Your Excellency's military knowledge will enable you to
judge how far vigorous and decided measures may be deemed expedient, but for my
part should the state of public affairs be found to be in as bad a way as lately repre-
sented instead of repealing old laws and making new ones I should be happy to see all
civil business cease, your Excellency assume your military character only and the
whole province become soldiers."
As the existing ordinance would not expire until the following year, no action was
taken.
Scouts returning from the frontier reported that preparations were being made at
Albany and its vicinity which indicated an intention to invade the province in accord-
ance with the plan taken in the possession of Mr. Laurens. The suspicious conduct of
some of the Canadians 'Convinced the governor that they expected some such attempt
and although his efforts to obtain evidence against them were unsuccessful, he felt
certain that a correspondence with the French commanders was carried on. In a letter-
to Sir Henry Clinton, dated M,arch 5, 1782, and sent overland by way of Halifax, he
urged him to continue his efforts to obtain reliable information on this subject and
remarked that " a Report now prevails amongst them that the Pope has issued a Bull
Absolving them from their Oath of Allegiance to the British on returning to that of
France, it is likewise said that the Congress have issued a Proclamation declaring
pardon to all Americans who having been induced to join the King's Army will acknowl-
edge and support the Independence of the States. Whether these 'Reports are true or not,
they have their Effects."
Clinton had already been informed that an invasion was under consideration and
freely discussed by the enemy.
It was reported that La Fayette had .again gone to France to advocate such a project,
and that the Congress was only waiting his return to come to a decision. Information
was also received that magazines of provisions had been formed at the falls of the Ohio
and that Clarke would begin his advance against Detroit early in the spring, in command
of two Virginian regiments and .about one thousand French and Spaniards. The route
he proposed to follow would be down the Ohio to the mouth of the W abash, up that river
and across country to his destination.
Clinton's letter containing this important intelligence, although dated February 22,
and sent overland by the shortest practicable route, was not received by Haldimand
until the 6th of April. A subsequent letter, dated March 10, urged him to make a
demonstration in force on the frontier of Vermont for the purpose of influencing the
negotiations which were still in progress with the inhabitants of that state and coercing
them into neutrality. Under the existing circumstances this .advice seemed to him a
counsel of despair, but he agreed to undertake the movement with as large a force as
could be detached, as soon as it was reasonably certain that no attack would be made
Administration of Governor Haldimand, 1781-1184 37
upon Quebec by 'the River -St. Lawrence. This operation could not be possibly com-
menced before the middle of June from the want of flour, as the wheat he had purchased
could not be ground before that time. He informed Clinton that three thousand men
had been assembled to oppose the advance of 'Colonel St. Leger the previous autumn
and an equal number 'held in readiness to cut off his retreat if he had invaded that state.
The large number of militia that could be rapidly assembled made any offensive move-
ment very dangerous. In consequence of the information he had received respecting the
expedition projected against Detroit, two companies of Butler's Rangers were ordered to
reinforce the garrison of that place. Major Ross, who was in command at 'Carle ton
Island, had been instructed to establish a fort at Oswego, which he succeeded in accom-
plishing without opposition. It then became necessary to weaken the garrison of the new
post to reinforce that of -Detroit.
Haldimand visited Montreal to supervise these arrangements, but returned immedi-
ately to Quebec, as the ice in the river 'had broken up earlier than usual and the arrival
of vessels was expected. A despatch was soon afterwards received from Lord Shelburne,
who had succeeded Lord George Germain as secretary of state for war on the change of
ministry, which informed Haldimand that reliable information had reached him that a
fleet of transports was preparing to sail from Brest for North America with about six
thousand soldiers under a strong convoy of ships of war. Its destination was reported
to be Quebec, but this was considered doubtful. It was watched by a strong British
squadron and Sir iGuy Carleton, who had been appointed to succeed Clinton in command
at New York, had been instructed to proceed to Canada himself in the event of the
expedition being directed against that province. Haldimand was advised to station three
email swift sailing vessels to watch the entrance to the river with orders for two of them
to sail for New York when the enemy's fleet appeared, and convey that information to
the admiral commanding on that station while the other returned to Quebec. He was
also instructed to establish signal posts along the river for rapid transmission of intelli-
gence. He was further directed to prevent the Indians from making any inroads upon
the revolted provinces. _An address from the House of Commons to the King, with his
reply and two resolutions which had been adopted by the House, were enclosed to con-
vince him that the ministry was not only instructed to avoid all offensive measures, but
any act that had the least appearance of an intention to subdue the rebellion by force.
The negotiations with Vermont were to be continued and efforts made to conciliate them,
by conceding their claims to all .territory occupied and cultivated by them. Prisoners of
war in Canada were to be collected and sent to Boston or some other convenient port for
exchange, ffn the event of Sir Guy Carleton arriving in Canada to take command, Haldi-
mand was granted leave of absence and authorized to return to England.
Before the new policy of conciliation could be made known and carried into effect,
hard fighting had occurred in the Indian country. Early in the spring a strong force of
frontiersmen from the vicinity of Fort Pitt had surrounded a village, solely inhabited
by Indians who had been converted to 'Christianity by the Moravian missionaries. They
had taken no active part in the war, but were accused of sheltering hostile' parties. Their
captors soon decided to kill all their prisoners. Ninety-six persons, of whom nearly two-
thirds were women and children, were brutally beaten to death and their bodies burned
in the buildings selected as " slaughter-thouses." Elated by their easy triumph, the
frontiersmen declared their intention of advancing against the Indian camp at iSandusky
and repeating their exploit. This information became known at Detroit about the middle
of May, and Captain William Caldwell, with his company of Butler's Rangers, was
ordered to march to the assistance of the Indians at that place. Shortly after his arrival
there he was joined by a small reinforcement of the same corps from .Niagara. Scouts
who had been sent out to watch the movements of the enemy soon reported that five
hundred mounted riflemen, including most of the persons concerned in the late massacre,
were approaching. Their movements were closely watched and from writing upon the
trees and scraps of paper found scattered about their camps, after they had departed,
their intention was avowed to show no mercy to any Indians, irrespective of age or sex.
Several officers in the garrison of Fort Pitt accompanied this force as a " party of
pleasure." They appeared to be in high spirits and confident of success. Caldwell's
command consisted of only seventy rangers and about two hundred Indian warriors. At
noon, on the King's birthday, June 4, 1782, he learned that the enemy were only a few
miles distant and advanced to meet them at the junction of two trails so that 'he could
protect either of the Indian villages from an attack. The action soon became brisk.
Caldwell himself was badly wounded and obliged to leave the field. Both parties lay on
the ground during the night after darkness put an end to the fighting. Next morning the
rangers and Indians renewed the attack under the command of Lieut. John Turney, and
during the day were reinforced by another body of Indians. This enabled them to sur-
round their opponents and at night-fall a strong chain of sentries was posted all around
38 Administration of Governor Haldimand, 1781-1784
fcheir camp to prevent their escape. About midnight a vigorous rush was made against
the weakest part of the line, which was successful, and the greater part of the frontiers-
men broke through on horseback. They were closely pursued with the fierce energy
inspired by insatiable hatred. This chase continued for many days, and the last man
that fell beneath the tomahawk of the Indians was struck down on the very banks of
the Ohio. It was supposed that 250 of the fugitives were killed or perished in the woods.
Colonel Crawford., their unfortunate leader, and a few other officers were reserved for a
worse fate. They were horribly tortured to death in spite of the remonstrances of Simon
Girty, the only officer of the Indian department who was present. In consequence of
this ferocious act of retaliation, the commandant at Detroit promptly threatened to
withdraw the rangers from co-operation with the Indians in case they repeated their
offence.
On recovering from his wounds, Caldwell marched to the Ohio river which he
crossed on August 15, and invested Bryant's Station, the principal fort in Kentucky.
Finding that he could not take it without artillery, he destroyed the settlement outside
its walls and retired to a ford on the Licking river, known as the "Blue Licks," where
he awaited pursuit. On the morning of August 18, his scouts anounced that 200 of the
enemy were- swiftly approaching on horseback. An ambush was formed beyond the
ford. The Kentuckians dismounted and crossed the river on foot, advancing heedlessly
into the trap laid for their reception. They were instantly thrown into disorder by
repeated deadly volleys at olo'se range from the rangers and Indians lying concealed
in the long grass, who then rushed forward and drove them headlong across the river.
Only a few prisoners were taken. About 150 men, including the principail leaders and
the flower of the youth of the Kentucky settlements were killed) in this affair or in the
pursuit.
A large scouting party despatched from St. Francois to reconnoitre the road, under
construction through the woods by Hazen's corps, found that the nearest blockhouse
had been burned. Advancing ©till further, another w.as discovered which was also
destroyed and a few prisoners were taken. Work upon the road -had apparently been
abandoned.
Writing to Lord Shelburne on August 17, Haldimand reported that all offensive
operations on the frontier had been discontinued in compliance with his orders. A
body of the enemy's rangers had recently appeared on the frontier of New York between
Lakes George and Champlain with the evident intention of preventing any communi-
cation 'by that route with the inhabitants of Vermont, but had not been molested.
He had learned that Washington had visited Albany and the frontier posts attended by
a large escort of cavalry. This he surmised was due to a rumour that a force was being
organized in Canada for the invasion of New York or Vermont. This visit had induced
him to abstain from sending troops to Isle aux Noix, to work upon the fortifications,
lo avoid exciting alarm. At the end of October, all the troops were withdrawn into
winter quarters in the various towns and parishes.
During the summer the activity of American privateers in the gulf^and entrance
of the river St. Lawrence had again become distressing. A party from one: of these
ships landed at Perce where they dismantled the battery, plundered the houses, and
burned the fishing boats. In consequence of these depredations, Haldimand purchased
a ship mounting twenty-six guns which he manned and ordered to join the frigates
cruising in the gulf to protect commence.
The Governor was greatly hurt by his contemplated supercession by Carleton, who
was his junior in rank and service, and to avoid this, he urged that he should be
granted leave of absence before it actually took place.
Carleton had informed him that negotiations for peace were well under way and
that it seemed probable that the demand of the Congress for complete independence
would be conceded.
At the meeting of the Legislative Council, the republication of tihe proclamation for
threshing grain was sanctioned and the ordinance for regulating the militia renewed
for two years.
In February, 1783, a daring and well planned effort was made to capture the post
at Oswego by surprise. Colonel Marinus Willett, with six hundred men, advanced
rapidly m sleighs from Saratoga against that place and approached within two miles
without being discovered. His guides then went astray and a deserter who left his
force surrendered to an outlying picket of the garrison. When the absence of this man
was reported to him,, Willett instantly abandoned his design and commenced a hurried
r? V ®? \ b?me°f>Tls men were frozen to death, some drowned, and many others dis-
abled! by frost. No other offensive operation was undertaken on either side before
the conclusion of peace.
Early in the year, orders were received to send home all the German troops remain-
ing in Canada. They were accordingly embarked in the beginning of August. Instruc-
Administration of Governor Haldimand, 1781-1784. 39
tiona to disband the first battalion of the 84th Regiment, (the Royal Highland Emi-
£iants), and the loyalist corps, and make grants of land for their settlement, although
dated the 8th of August, were not received until the 17th of November, having been
detained for three weeks at Halifax. It was accordingly impossible to carry them into
effect immediately without causing considerable hardship and the final disbandment
was postponed until the 24th of December. Fifty-three companies of loyalists were
then discharged, numbering nearly three thousand of all ranks, most of whom, with
their families, became permanent settlers.
The importance of improving the overland communication between Quebec and
Halifax had been frequently brought to the Governor's attention. He finally directed
the militia companies of Ste Anne, Riviere Ouelle, and Kamouraska to work upon the
portage leading to Lake Temiscouata under their own officers and make a road practi-
cable for doaded horses. This work was executed in a satisfactory manner under the
direction of the Grand Voyex for the district of Quebec, whose report has been pre-
served. The Governor of Nova Scotia co-operated by the establishment of post houses
along the St. John River.
Caldwell, Lanaudiere and other seigneurs endeavoured to induce loyalists to settle
upon their lands by the offer of favourable terms, and measures were taken early in
the following spring to establish the disbanded troops entitled to free grants of land
in townships which had been surveyed for their reception, at the Bay of Chaleurs,
Cataraqui and Niagara. They were supplied with provisions and furnished transpor-
tation to the locality selected by them.
In the autumn a number of loyalists who had selected the island of Cape Breton
as their place of settlement were conveyed to their destination in shipsi chartered for
that purpose.
A general census of the population and enrollment of the militia was completed
during the year. The total number of inhabitants was reported to be 112,511 of whom
304 were slaves. The. strength of the militia in the town and district of Quebec was
found to be 10,863, having in their possession 3,575 muskets; the number of militia in
the town and district of Three Rivers was reported as 2,893, having 1,291 muskets; the
militia of the town and district of Montreal numbered 14,493 armed with 5,968 muskets.
The total number of enrolled militia in the entire province was accordingly shown by
this return to be 28,249, haying in their possession 10,834 muskets.
Soon after the publication of the terms of peace, the Congress took steps to obtain
possession of the western military posts in the territory within the limits of the United
States. Major-General Steuben was instructed by Washington to proceed to Canada
for this purpose. On his arrival on the frontier, he wrote Haldimand proposing that
be should be permitted to visit Quebec, but, as the governor suspected that he would
seize this opportunity to make himself acquainted with the state of the fortifications,
he declined to consent and informed Steuben that he wouTbl meet him at Sorel.' He then
stated very politely that he must decline to comply with his request until definite
Oi'ders for the cession of these posts were received from England. Later a similar appli-
cation was received from the governor of the state of New York for the evacuation of
Oswego and Niagara and another from the governor of Vermont for the delivery of two
small posts on Lake Champlain, which he asserted were situated within the territory
claimed by that state.
By the di'sbandment of the 84th regiment and the loyalist COTIPS, the troops (remain-
ing in Canada were reduced to less than two thousand of all ranks, a number barely
sufficient for the performance of garrison duty at their respective stations. The marked
dissatisfaction of the Indians at the terms of the treaty by wnich they considered that
their interests had been sacrificed, caused great uneasiness. The greater part of the
Six Nations, residing in the state of New York eventually removed in consequence to
large tracts of land set apart for their reception in that part of the province which sub-
sequently became known as Upper Canada. Information of the conclusion of the
" definite treaty " of peace was not received at Quebec until September 18, and not
until nearly two months later did Haldimand take advantage of the leave of absence
granted him to return to England. He embarked at Quebec on the "Atalanta" man of
war, on Tuesday, 'November 16, 1784.
The firmness and vigilance of his administration had undoubtedly maintained
internal order and prevented the invasion of the province during a very critical period.
ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS
ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS
(i)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 12, p. 212.
In obedience to His Excellency's orders, I immediately on my arrival here (which
was on the 9th of November last), directed the putting in repair His Majesty's Vessels
lying here. As soon as severity of the Season would permit, they were ordered to their
Stations, being fitted for the purposes of transporting Stores and Provisions, and also
for defence. As soon as the Frost would allow, the repairs of the Fort were undertaken,
which went on but slowly, as the Garrison consisted only of two companies of the
King's (or 8th Regiment). Had the country people been employed as Labourers, they
must have had provision from the King's stores, and the communication from Montreal
being cut off by the Rebels, it could not be spared. The Savages who resorted hither
in great numbers in the Spring, consumed a large quantity, and the Militia employed
to reinforce the crews of the Vessels, increased the consumption. At this present time
there are not two barrels of Pork in the King's Stores, but one of the Vessels loaded
with Provisions, is in the River of Detroit, and is expected to arrive to-morrow.
Endorsed: Detroit 29th August & 2nd September, 1776 Govr. and Superintendent
Hamilton to the Earl of Dartmouth R. 18th Novr.
(2)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 50, pp. 1-3.
Whitehall, 19th Sept. 1777.
Sir,
The King having been graciously pleased to appoint you Governor in Chief
of the Province of Quebec and also Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Forces in
that Province and upon the Frontiers of the Provinces bordering thereupon, You will
receive herewith His Majesty's Commission under the great seal appointing you to
the former of those Offices together with -a Copy of the Instructions given to your
Predecessor which it is the King's pleasure you should make use of for your guidance
in your Administration until you receive others from His Majesty particularly
addressed to yourself and for your fuller information you will also receive Copies of
such parts of my correspondence with General Carleton as respect the State of the
Province" or contain any Instructions upon points the execution of which has not been
decided upon or completed.
The Accounts I have received of the State of the Province are so imperfect and
contradictory that I cannot venture to form any judgment of what steps it will be
proper to take for restoring the King'® Authority & giving Efficacy to His Majesty's
Government. I shall therefore defer receiving His Majesty's pleasure for transmit-
ting you any particular orders until I shall receive from you .such information as I
can confide in, which I hope you will be able to collect in the course of the Winter
and that I shall receive it early in the Spring.
I have to add that His Majesty having committed to you this important Command
and thereby given the strongest proof of his reliance in your Abilities & Attachment
to His Majesty's service, I think it altogether unnecessary to urge you to exert your
very best endeavours in the execution of this most important Trust as I am fully
convinced you will w.ant no further motive to incite you to a most zealous discharge
of your Duty than the earnest desire you must be possessed with of justifying the
confidence the King reposes in you and rendering yourself still more an object of His
Majesty's Royal Favor.
'Captain Sutton of His Majesty's ship, the "Huzzar ", having received orders to
carry you to Quebec and is now ready to sail from Spithead, I am to signify to you
His Majesty's pleasure that you without delay proceed to Portsmouth & embark on
board His Majesty's said ship and I beg you will accept my best wishes for your
happy voyage & safe arrival in your Government.
I am, Sir, &c.
Lieut. Genl. Haldimand. Geo. Germain.
&c. &c. &c.
43
44 Illustrative Documents
(3)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 15, pp. 9-12.
As it can scarcely be doubted that Canada will be the principal object of the
designs of the French as well .as of the Rebels I must express my hopes that the Army
now in that Country be reinforced to a number that shall enable me to provide against
all events and II submit it to His Majesty whether it would not be most advantageous
to His 'Service that the Military Powers of the Commander in Chief in Canada be
entirely unlimited. That the General be left to Judge from the Forces he -shall have
under him and other circumstances whether his operations must be confined to the
defensive or may be extended to undertakings against any of the Neighbouring Colo-
nies, if no accommodation takes place and if this should be approved, whether such
discretionary power .should be conveyed to him by the King's express orders.
It is likewise worthy to be considered whether he .should not be Instructed if he
finds himself able to penetrate the /Enemy's Country how to conduct himself towards
and what terms to offer to such part thereof as might eventually shew a disposition
to return under the King's Government and tho' the case is but barely possible, yet
to be prepared for it even if he is to remain in this 'Government, it might be proper
that he should be authorized to receive applications that may be made to him from
any of the neighbouring Provinces for support or assistance if the French Alliance or
any other causes shall produce a disunion .among them as it is most" probable in such
circumstances the Province of New Hampshire, where there is reported to be a great
number of faithful subjects, would apply to Canada, many families having already
retired there, I conceive it might be detrimental to the King's Service if the Governor
should find himself unable to favor such a disposition for want of Authority when all
things else concurred.
If Government should think proper that a Citadel be at Quebec and the other
necessary Posts in the Province and upon the Lakes should be fortified, His Majesty's
orders, I conceive should be signified thereupon to the Commander in Chief leaving
it to his discretion to Judge of the expediency of such works as well as of the necessity
of keeping up or Augmenting the Naval Force upon the Lakes after he shall be arrived
in the Province, furnishing Him however, immediately with the proper Powers for
defraying the expenses which will attend them.
As 'Civil Governor it will- be difficult for him I conceive to carry on the Service of
the Government unless the disposal of all Places and the nomination to the Council
be left to his recommendation.
It is doubted whether the Post of Niagara be properly within the limits of Canada
and therefore whether the Authority of the Commander in Chief extends to it. — It
would appear necessary that that Post as well as all the others upon the Lakes be
under His Command and that the Lieutenant Governors & other Commanding Officers
of them should be entirely subordinate to the Governor General as. if these were
allowed to correspond immediately with Government at Home, it might be productive
of uncertainty and some confusion in carrying on the King's 'Service. The Authority
which the Superintendent of the Indians pretends to might occasionally produce some
inconveniency it being necessary that the Governor of Canada as circumstanced at
present should have a controlling power over all the concerns of the King with the
Indians. Mr. Guy Johnson alledges that this power resides entirely in him.
It would be very proper for the Commander in Chief to be well informed before
his departure whether the habeas corpus Act can have force in Canada, for under that
Idea the present Chief Justice, (as I learn), takes upon himself to oppose commit-
ment of persons on suspicion of their being Spys or Rebel Agents by the Governor or
Military Officers, it would seem that power is necessary to be entrusted to the Governor
for many reasons in the present conjuncture, but if he exercises it, he runs a risk of
raising a dispute under the uncertainty whether the Act extends to Canada. Mr.
Livius contends that the Criminal Law of England being introduced into Canada, the
Habeas Corpus Act as part of it must necessarily obtain there. Many of the Lawyers,
I understand the Attorney General in particular, were of a different opinion, therefore
unless the point be ascertained the Governor may be subjected to great inconveniences
m the Execution of his duty in the present situation of the Country from having his
authority in so material a matter checked by an inferior Officer of the Crown.
Fred. Haldimand.
Curzon Street,
April the 14th, 1778.
Illustrative Documents 45
(4)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 43, pp. 28-31.
No. 4. Whitehall,
16th April, 1778.
Sir,
His Majesty's Instructions, which will be delivered to you herewith, contain
such directions as His Majesty has judged necessary to give you for your Guidance
in the Administration of Quebec, and it is His Majesty's Pleasure that as soon as
may be after your arrival in your Government you do give your diligence to the carry-
ing into Execution the several orders therein contained. The security & defence of
the Province must however be the Primary object of your attention and His Majesty
relies upon your zeal &. Ability for employing the force put under your Command and
exerting every other means in your Power for repelling any attack from without or
checking any turbulent disposition within that very valuable & important possession
.committed to your care will be preserved entire to His Majesty and His Faithful
subjects therein continued in the enjoyment of the Blessings of security & tranquility.
The troops already in -Canada are stated to exceed 5,000 and it is intended to send
thither a Corps of the Prince of Anhalt Zerbst's consisting of about six hundred,
which with the recruits forwarded for the Brunswick and Hanau Troops will make
an addition of near 12 hundred men. This Force, it is supposed, will be fully sufficient
to defend the Province in its present state from any attack which may be made upon
it from the rebellious Provinces, but as it is intended that you should be in a condi-
tion to make a Diversion upon their Frontiers if the war continues and to second the
operations which may be judged necessary to be carried on from the 'Coast of the
Atlantick, it is His Majesty's pleasure that if upon a mature consideration of all
circumstances you shall think it expedient, you do grant Commissions to such of the
King's antient & new subjects as you shalHhink proper to command a Corps of (Cana-
dians not exceeding one thousand men, the private men of such Corps to be taken
by Draughts from the Militia or by way of Corvee to serve a limited Time and to be
renewed by other Draughts in succession, or in such manner as you shall judge to be
best for the service and most agreeable to the inhabitants, the officers so long as the
Corps .subsists are to receive pay and private men during the term of service are
respectively to receive pay, cloathing and all other advantages which are allowed to
the Battalion of Royal Emigrants serving in Canada or any other Provincial Corps.
Some military works are also to be erected in the Province for its greater security and
the Board of Ordnance here rec'd orders to prepare Plans & Estimates for that Purpose
and so soon as I receive them, I shall lay them before the King and lose no time in
transmitting to you His Majesty's Instructions for carrying such of them into execu-
tion as shall be approved. I am further to acquaint you that it is His Majesty's
Pleasure you should be particularly attentive to what passes in the rebellious Pro-
vinces on your Frontiers and to discover any designs that may be entertained of
making an attack upon Canada and in such case you will immediately acquaint Sir
Henry Clinton with the intelligence you receive in order that he may send such rein-
forcements as may be necessary to enable you to repel such an attack and it will be
very proper that you take every opportunity of corresponding with Sir Henry Clinton
and giving such information as you may think of importance & useful for His
Majesty's service.
I am, Sir, &c.
To Governor Haldimand. Geo. Germain.
(5)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 144, p. 65.
Niagara, 10th May, 1778.
Colonel Bolton's Oppinion in Regard to the Naval Department. (Viz.)
The snow Haldimand.
The snow Senica.
The sloop Caldwell and one more of the same Burthen very usefull for Lake
Ontario; the Latter may be Dispenced with.
The Schooner Gage.
The Ottawa when built. ) for Lake Erie
46 Illustrative Documents
The Schooner Hope. J From Fort Slossar to Fort Erie.
The schooner Faith 1
The schooner Dunmore for Lake Huron.
The sloop Felicity not wanted in the service.
The sloop Angelica not worthy of Repairs.
The sloop Welcome the property of Mr. John Askin.
The sloop Arch Angle Do. of Messrs. Barth & Son, Lake Michigan, usefull by
Report of Major De Peyster.
The Wyndott, Paoquet, Burthing, 30 Tons, when Launched to be employed from
Detroit to Fort Erie on Lake Huron, Ordered to be built by Govr. Hamilton.
(6)
June 30t,h, 1778.
A PROCLAMATION.
By His Excellency Frederick Haldimand Esquire, Captain General and Governor
in Chief in and over the Province of Quebec and the Territories depending thereon,
in America. Vice Admiral of the same. General and Commander in Chief of His
Majesty's Forces in the said Province and the Frontiers thereof, &c, &c.
WHEREAS His Majesty by his Letters Patent dated at St. James's the day
of in the year of His Majesty's Reign, hath been graciously
Pleased to Commission and appoint me Hie Captain Genexal Governor and Com-
mander in Chief in and over the Province of Quebec and the Territories thereon Depend-
ing; in the Place and Stead of Sir Guy Carleton Knight of the most Honorable order
of the Bath late Governor and Commander in Cnief of the said Province.
AND WHEREAS I have Caused the said Letters Patent of His Majesty so granted
to me as aforesaid, to be openly and Publicly Read and Published, at the Castle of St.
Louis in the City of Quebec in this Province; And in Virtue of the several Powers,
Directions, and Commands, therein (granted and Expressed I have taken upon me the
exercise and due Execution of the same.
AND HAVE therefore thought fit to issue this Proclamation notifying the said
Letters Patent and Commission of His Majesty so to me granted and the Publication
of the same. And I Do hereby COMMAND and REQUIRE, that all and Every the
Officers of this His Majesty's Government of Quebec and all other Persons whom it
may Concern Do henceforth take NOTICE and govern themselves accordingly.
Given under my Hand and Seal at arms at the Castle of St. Louis in the
City of Quebec in Council this Thirtieth day of June in the Eighteenth
year of His Majesty's Reign.
FRED HALDIMAJSTD.
By his Excellency's Command.
GEIO. POWJNALL.
Sec.
GOD SAVE THE KING.
(7)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, July 2, 1778.
On Friday night last his Majesty's frigate the Montreal, STAIR DOUGLAS, Eisq;
Commander, arrived here, having on board his Excellency General HALDIMAND and
his Suite, and on Saturday at noon his Excellency landed. On this occasion the
streets of the landing-place to the Chateau were lin'd by the British and Canadian
Militia and the troops of the Garrison. Oh leaving the frigate the General was saluted
by the Ships in the river, and on his landing by the Garrison. On his arrival at the
Chateau he was met by the Members of the Legislative Council, and by them con-
ducted into the Council Chamber, when his Commission was read and the usual oaths
administered to him.
On Sunday evening last arrived here his Majesty's Ship Romney of 50 guns, Capt.
Montague.
Illustrative Documents 47
(8)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 80, p. 17.
Quebec 16th July 1778.
Sir,
General Haldimand desirous of having constant scouts towards, Lake Champlain,
and being certain no people can so well answer the purpose, he requires as those
whose knowledge of the Country, ensures in a great measure the end proposed, has
recourse to you for the Service of one hundred Volunteers from the different parties
attached to your Corps, Officers in proportion to be under the command of Captain
Peters, and to set out from hence, on the 21st Inst. in batteaux which shall be provided
for their conveyance.
I am &c.
Sir John Johnson
(9)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 15, pp. 162-6.
Quebec, 25th July, 1778.
No. 1.
My Lord,
I had the Honor of acquainting Your Lordship by a former one of the 30th of June
of my arrival here late at night of the 26th, landing the next Day and being immedi-
ately with the usual ceremonies put into possession of the 'Government and Command
of the Forces agreeable to His Majesty's Commission.
Sir Guy Carleton has been ever since busily employed in delivering over the
necessary papers and furnishing me with every information in his Power respecting
the Military State and Civil Government of the Province which I have found him
execute very readily and with great Chearfulness.
It is impossible for me at present to give Your Lordship an Accurate Account of
Matters here for which I beg leave to refer you and His Majesty's Confidential Servants
to my Predecessor, whose experience and long Residence in the Province enable him
to give them full satisfaction upon that Head, all I could at present Attempt would
be an imperfect Sketch of my Ideas upon certain general points; at my Return from
Montreal where I propose going immediately after the General's departure and towards
the Fall I trust I shall be able to execute that Business with a greater degree of
Precision.
The Want Here of Intelligence for a long Continuance of Time, principally from
Europe and the Scene of War, might prove highly disadvantageous to the King's
Service in this part of the World, till the arrival of the Fleet there had been no
accounts from Great Britain for nine or ten months except but what were conveyed
by Rebel Newspapers, or those brought in by straggling vessels dropping in from
foreign Ports or the West Indies. I am assured that the Intelligence brought in by
scouting Parties, Royalists or Deserters, has hitherto in General proved far wide of
the Truth, and no Wonder, considering the Lies circulated through every Part of
America, a Vessel or two from Halifax have arrived this season, and we are still
ignorant of the real state of affairs to the Southward.
This determined me to purchase a small Rebel Privateer that came withdn forty
Leagues of the Town, taken by the Triton, after having made four Prizes and plundered
on the King's Posts in the River, and as she goes exceedingly well, I design her for
an Advice Boat between this Place and Halifax, for which service she is now preparing,
this mayliowever prove of little avail except the Commander in Chief upon the Sea
Coasts be directed to forward there for my information from time to time Accounts
of the Movements upon that side and the Intelligence He procures of the Rebel
Designs as that may help to Measures the King's Service requires me to take upon
this, and the Vessels employed in this Business will still be cruizing against the Enemy.
Your Lordship must be the best judge of the Mode of Conveying more frequent
Intelligence from Europe to this Province; were some of the unemployed Packets or
other light Vessels, well armed to sail at the Interval of a month or six weeks from
each other, while the navigation is open, it might prove of singular advantage to the
48 Illustrative Documents
King's Service, it would be very agreeable and Beneficial to the Trading Interest both
at Home and abroad.
I have the Honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Lord George Germain,
One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State.
(10)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 15, pp.
Quebec, 28th July, 1778.
No. 2.
My 'Lord,
Yesterday I received by Express from Brigadier General Powell, Accounts
of the Evacuation of Philadelphia and our Army's retreating through the Jerseys to
the sea side, of the Commissioners' Arrival .and little appearance of their Negotiation
ending successfully, this indeed comes through Rebel papers, and therefore not abso-
lutely to be relied upon; but what most nearly concerns us and we have it from those
who .can be safely confided in, a 'Mr. Moses Hazen, well known in this Province and
who acquired some Refutation in the late War, with a Canadian settled at St. Francois
and four Indians is come from Albany to make a Road that way which leaves very
little doubt they mean an Invasion of the Province; a Party having been already
sent that way to destroy the Harvest, orders are sent after them to hasten their March,
could they lay hold of these Gentry the capture might prove of great advantage.
It is to be remarked that this Traversy has been three times in the Parish where
this Family resides and never caught, tho' a Watch was set for that purpose, which
shows how much the Habitans are infected, two Persons from this Province are men-
tioned to me, as having conveyed Intelligence to the Rebels, they are two of three
that had been pointed out to me as devoted to the American Cause.
I have the honor to be &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Lord George Germain,
One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State.
(11)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 15, pp. 169-176.
Sketch of the Military Sftate of the Province of Quebec.
This extensive Province by which alone as far as we know, Great Britain can
seize fast hold of America is in its present condition quite open to the Insults and
Ravages of the Colonies in actual Rebellion, Settlements have been pushed up to the
very Frontiers of it by their Neighbours, the Woods on every side are cleared or clear-
ing, they can easily communicate with Canada by means of several Rivers and Lakes,
the sources whereof take their rise in this Province or theirs, their waters flowing into
both, the Upper Posts may be easily cut oft by Oswego River below or by Fort Pitt
and the back Settlements of Virginia above. Roads have already been marked by the
Rebels to the inhabited Parts of the Province and they have a tolerable Waggon Road
witJhin twenty or five and twenty Leagues Distance from the Habitations, the Rebels
have explored every part of the Country and know it well, if a Pacification doesi not
take place and the King's Forces are withdrawn from the Southward, the Rebels mast
undoubtedly before this Country can be put into a Posture of Defence will bring all
the Force they can collect against it ; should the Posts above be cut off what will become
of the Fur Trade and how long may we expect to keep possession otf the Lower and
cultivated Part, if this goes America will moist probably be lost to Great Britain for
ever.
Illustrative Documents 49
The Fortifications of Quebec are entirely rotten, all the Forts and Posts above are
by my information in a very defenceless State.
The Clergy, the Noblesse and some part of the Bourgeoise in the Towns excepted,
tihe Canadians are not to be depended upon especially if a French War breaks out and
they see the King's Forces withdrawn from the Southern Parts of the Continent.
Tho' the Expence be very considerable the numerous Tribes of Savages dispersed
throughout this extensive Provinces or upon ithe Borders of it, tmust be kept in good
Humour, cost what it will, for if they do us no good they may do us much Harm, and
the Rebels are leaving no stone unturned to gain them assisted by the French and
Spaniards, may they not chance to succeed.
At this very .time Seven hundred Savages with ttheir Families are at Montreal; if
the King's Forces are coming up the Hudson's Kiver those might be let loose to destroy
the Country, my best Endeavours at present are used to restrain them, least the con-
tiary measure should check the Negotiation, if in a Train of succeeding; that our
several operations ought to correspond with each other, it would be highly necessary
to have a communication by Sea since we can have none by land.
By all accounts we still have among us many Favourers of Rebellion who are inde-
fatigable in their Endeavours to poison the mindis of the Canadians, and to swerve them
from their Duty and Allegiance, Some natives of the Colonies and too many old sub-
jects are said to incline that way.
Should the Eebels undertake a Winter Expedition against this Province, they
have many advantages over us. the Germans are heavy Troops, unused to Snow Shoes
to handling the Axe and the Hatchet, only fit for Garrison IDnty, the English- Troops
have only been two Winters in the Country and therefore cannot be so expert as the
Americans, these are trained to the Woods from their Infancy, knclw well how to sheltei
themselves from the cold and are excellent Marks Men.
Great difficulties attend the Lodging of the Troops, for the want of Barracks, if
necessary they must be cantoned, the Soldiers use themselves to the Canadian Sltoves
and are in consequence less fit to act abroad.
For the foregoing Reasons it appears absolutely requisite for the Preservation and
Security of the Province that a very considerable Body of Troops in addition to those
already here be sent to take fast Hold of the Country, and repell the attacks of the
Enemies, they will .at th<e same time contain the Canadians, may work a powerfull
change upon them, and may in time render these of singular advantage and Assistance
to the British Interests an America; the seeds of Jealousy and Dissention between
the Colonies have long been sown, they are ripe for breaking out whenever they have
Peace .at Home and from hence it will be easy whenever these internal commotions
-break out, to make the most of them.
The levying and drafting out of the Militia of the Province a Body of one thousand
men officered entirely by Canadians! may be of great advantage besides rendering them
useful to the Interests of Greiat Britain; the xesitoring the Nobless of the Province to
the Influence they once possessed over the People and the Savages, the keeping up a
proper distinction between the Ranks of men, tending to resltore Obedience and Sub-
ordination, a firm establishment whereof may prove the Means of securing the internal
Tranquility of the Province and the Dependence upon the Parent State, Objetets that
require the most serious Attention, when employed a proportion always to accompany
the British Corps, by which means the la'tter may avail themselves of the superior
knowledge of the former either as to getting through the Woods in Summer or Winter,
or the management of the Oar or the Paddles in Bateaux or Canoes, as necessary for
the Sbldier to be well versed in, in these extensive communications, as the use of his
Firelock; this mixture will create emulation without exciting National Jealousy and
bring about that Union and Harmiccny, the effeo.tuajt.ing whereof is so desirable for the
advantage of both.
As the strengthening of Quebec so as to render it defensible or tihe erecting of a
Citadel require Years, the commencing whereof in our present circumstances might
only serve to intimidate the People, and no ways answer immediate Exigencies, my
first care shall be to fortify as strongly as possible the Avenues into the Province, lor
this purpose the works at St. Johns are to be putt into the besit state of Defence they
can admit and a work erected upon a Ground that commands it. I intend taking
possession of Cataraqui, that if in Force we may early next year repossess ourselves of
Oswego. The Forts at Niagara and Detroit must be put as soon as possible into a
Posture of Defence, and if .otur numbers allow it, it will be necessary to take Post at
Presqu'Iisle on Lake Erie; a Fort to command the River St Francois is much wanted
but we cannot spare Troops to cover the erecting a sufficient work sio near the Frontier ;
the Rebels are said to intend something of the kind, a Party has been sent to recon-
noitre the Spot and see if there is any Foundation for the Report.
3573—4
50 Illustrative Documents
The Navy upon the Lakes are by the last Accounts in vejy good order, and put
upon an exceeding proper Footing, an unremitting attention must be paid to keeping
them up to see that they are well officered and well manned for upon .securing the
Navigation of the Lakes as well as of the Portages, the safety and preservation of the
upper posts much very much depend. I write to Lord iSandwich upon this subject
and inclose Your Lordship a Copy of the Letter.
I was "sometime in Doubt whether to transmit the above Sketches, considering how
imperfect they are, however, upon consideration they might lead Your Lordship and
His Majesty's other Confidential Servants to come to some Resolution upon Points
that require an iraimediate Determination, I thought it best to submit them in their
present state.
Fred Haldimand.
Quebec, 25th July, 1778.
P.S. By the inclosed Return, which may not, however, be extremely exact, Your
Lordship will nearly «ee what Troops may be assembled together upon any sudden
Emergency.
Indorsed: In Governor Haldimand's of the 28th July. (No. 2.)
Return of the Troops in Canada, shewing what number may be assembled to act
upon any pudden Emergency, taken from the monthly return of July.
In what Parts. Lt.-Cols. Majors. Capts. Lts. Sgts. Drs. Rank&F
Total strength in the Province. 7 7 61 162 391 157 5,915
Deduct for sick, prisoners and
absentees. 5 98
7 7 61 162 391 157 5,317
Deduct for Troops now at ye
upper Posts. 1 1 7 30 49 32 751
6 6 54 132 342 125 4,566
To be left in Quebec, Montreal,
Chambly, St. Johns, Isle aux
Noix, and what may be ex-
pedient to leave for security
of ye Camp. 1 2 10 20 40 16 1,000
Numbers that may be assembled 5 4 44 112 302 109 3,566
F. H.
Indorsed :
In Governor Haldimand's of the 28th July.
Illustrative Documents
51
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52 Illustrative Documents
(13)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS
Series B, Vol. 62, pp. 49-50.
Sir Hy. Clinton or Quebec, the 4th August, 1778.
the Commander in Chief
of His Majesty's Forces
upon the Coast
of the Atlantic.
Sir,
I take the opportunity of a vessel I dispatch to Halifax for Intelligence to
acquaint you of my being appointed to the command of this Province and the Troops
therein. I need not inform that the object of my military Powers can extend for the
present Campaign only to defensive operations, the small number of Troops sufficiently
pointing that out to your observation. I am, however, obliged in order to conform
to the Disposition of the Savages, whose ardour it might be impolitic to check too much,
to permit .some excursions of these People towards the Rebel Country on our Frontier.
— The Five Nations under Major Butler, who haiS a Corps of Rangers raised for serving
with the Indians, have met with some success at Wyoming, the particulars of which
I herewith enclo.se you.
A*» It cannot but be beneficial to the King's Service that the different Commanders
in Chief of His Majesty's Forces employed in America, should mutually inform each
other of what passes as often as possible, I have fitted up and armed an Advice Boat
to be employed as long .as the Navigation is open in keeping up a communication
between this and Halifax, and when the winter sets in I hope to fall on other expedi-
ents to accomplish the same and I am induced therefore to hope that you will commu-
nicate with me as frequently as you can by that Channel as well as by any other which
may occasionally occur, which I shall also on my part iat all times seize, being
desirous of convincing you of my earnestness to concur with you in all things for the
good of the King's Service & of the satisfaction with which I should receive if any
thing in my Power to undertake on this side should contribute to the success of the
operations carrying on under your command on the other.
I am &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
(14)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, August 6, 1778.
Last Thursday afternoon sailed for England his Majesty's Ship Montreal, com-
manded by Stair Douglas, Esq; having on board Lieutenant-general Sir GUY CARLE-
TON, Knight of the Bath, and late Governor of this Province, over which he has
presided since the 27th of September, 1766. He left the Castle of St. Lewis about one
o'clock, (Lady MARIA and the Children having gone on board the preceeding evening)
and was accompanied to the water-side by his Excellency the Governor, his Honor
the Lieutenant governor, the Judges, and most of the principal Gentlemen both civil
and military as well British as Canadian; the troops in garrison with the British and
Canadian Militia, under arms, lined the streets on both sides from the Castle to the
place of embarkation. After Sir GUY, his Excellency 'General HALDIMAND .and
several other Gentlemen who went on board with him, had got into Capt. Pierson's
barge which carried him to the frigate, just as she pushed off he got up and took an
indiscriminate Farewell of the multitude on the beach, with an air of humanity and
politeness peculiar to him and which seem'd to indicate regret. A Royal salute was
then fired from the ramparts, and, as soon as he got on board, from the vessels. His
departure is sincerely regretted by many. His Excellency the Governor .and several
Gentlemen who accompanied him as far as Patrick's-hole and dined with him on
board, returned in the evening.
Several transports and merchant vessels sailed under convoy of the Frigate, on
board of which went passengers PETER LEVITTS, Esq; L.L.D. with his family;
brigadier general MACLEAN, Colonel commandant of the Royal Highland Emigrants,
the Rev. Messrs. Munro, Baily and M'Kenna; William Gordon, Esq; Mr. Lizot, mer-
chant, with his family; Mr. Gregory Grant, merchant, Capt. David Alexander Grant of
the Royal Americans, with a number of military Gentlemen, &c.
Early this morning his Excellency General HALDIMAND set out for Montreal,
St. John's, &c.
Illustrative Documents 53
(15)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 117. p. 24.
St. Francois le 13 Aout 1778.
Monsieur, — Je viens de recevoir avis que le nomm6 Traversi, habitans de cette
paroisse avoit ete vu icy ce matin a La pointe du jour; J'ai ecrit a 1' instant a Yamaska
pour envoyer un detachment apres lui; je dois moi-meme partir ce spir, et visiter les
environs ou il pouroit se retirer sil n'etoit pas parti; une nlle a qui il a parle ma dit
1' avoir vu prendre Le chemin de Yamaska et qu'il etoit arm6 de trois pistolets et d'un
sabre, il paroit par ce que Ton ma dit qu'il est penche dans la province par la riviere
Chambly; j'avois bien quelques soupcons depuis quelques temps parceque le nomine"
Joseph Louis un des plus grands adherants des rebelles en cette province manque
depuis quelque joura; j'ai fait jusqu'a present les recherches qui ont e"te" dans mon
pouvoir pour decouvrir quelque chose mais fort inutilement jusqu'a ce jour qu'il
me spit permis de representer a Votre Excellence que si les habitans de cette paroisse
Logoit des soldats il seroit plus difficile aux etrangers d'y pourvoir avoi'r alle j'ai pris
la liberte de joindre icy cette observation parceque je 1'avois deja faite a Mr. le
General Carleton et qu'il m'avoit fait esperer dy remedier; dailleur Votre Excellence
est informe que cette paroisse est tres faible; et qu'il y a peu de bons sujets sur
lesquelles on puisse compter, parmis meme ceux-cy il regne une certaine timidite qu'il
n'est pas aise de dissiper, et je supplie votre Excellence de croire que je ferez mon
possible en tout ce qui dependra de moi; et des-tre pesuade du tres profond respect
avec lequel je suis
de votre Excellence le tres humble obeissant serviteur
hertel de Rouville fils
Endorsed M. de Rouville 78
St. francois du 13 Aout
rec. le 15 8.
(Translation.)
St. Francis, 13th Aug. 1778.
Sir:
I have received information that one Traversi, an inhabitant of this parish had
been seen here this morning at break of day; I wrote at once to Yamaska to send a
party after him; I intend to go myseif this evening to visit the localities where he
might withdraw, if he has not gone away; a girl to whom he spoke has told me that
she saw him take the road to Yamaska and that he was armed with three pistols and
a sword ; it would appear by what they have told • me that he has come into the
province by the river Chambly; I have had suspicions for some time, as one Joseph
Louis, one of the principal adherents of the Rebels in this province, has been missing
for several days; I have made all the enquiries so far that have been in my power to
discover something but without result until now. May I represent to Your Excellency,
that if soldiers were quartered among the inhabitants of this parish, it would be more
difficult for strangers to €ome in. I have taken the liberty of adding this observation
here, because I had already made it to General Carleton and he had hoped to remedy
it; besides your Excellency is informed that this parish is very weak and that there
are few good subjects on whom he can rely, and even among them there is a certain
degree oif timidity 'which is not easy to remove, and I beg your Excellency to believe
that I will do everything in my power and I am,
etc.,
Hertel de Rouville, Jr.
(16)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 149, pp. 3-5.
Sir,
I wish my Ability could keep pace with my inclination to comply effectually
with your Excellency's request with respect to a mutual correspondence so very
necessary at this juncture but the season is approaching with hasty strides that will
prevent all communication by water and I know of no other practical method but
addressing your Dispatches to Captain Studholme who commands at Fort Howe at the
mouth of St. John's River opposite Annapolis — it is tedious because on the 24th
December past I had occasion to write to Sir Guy Carleton upon the Subject of a
Priest which He did not receive until the 3rd February following but the Messenger
54 Illustrative Documents
infloirmed me itflHalb the ganeinafl. He ootu'Hd pe>r'foir>m tlhie joonrney in laibooiit <a Month, firo/m
Aruniapo'liis, bad ais llhds icoinveyainiciei da it dia Itbe moislt dirtedt Road (and if wMle I tneimtain
here any thing cfooneis to my knowledge wointlh ooimmiuoiiiaalting yioiu may depend upoo my
doing my Utmost to send you the earliest Intelligence.
But since here I have remained totally ignorant of what passes to the Southward
so that I despair of being useful on that head.
Yesterday arrived here from Glasgow the Duke of Hamilton's Duke of Argyle's
and 70th Regiments amounting in the whole to 2,200 effective men Commanded by
Major General McLean, Colonel Bruce and Captain Campbell which has relieved us
from Apprehension of a Visit from Monsieur Destaing who Anchored off the mouth of
the Delaware but Lord Howe and the Army having just left it He proceeded after
them and Anchored on the llth of July without Sandy Hook and remained there until
the 22d the wind being easterly He weighed and manoeuvred his Fleet as if he
intended to Attack Lord Howe; who was at Anchor within but the Disposition by
Land iamd Sea iwais is>uch 'that la'ftar miatny nSdioatioos of ih'iis 'being in eafrmesit He tiadkd
about 3 in the afternoon and stood to the Southward and was followed by a Frigate
until he passed Cape Henlopen.
Admiral Byron with 13 .sail of the Line and a Frigate is on his way to this part of
the World in quest of him but unfortunately He is not Arrived.
This is the whole I can say as to News, but to return to the Subject of our cor-
respondence, while the Gulf is Navigable Totamagouche is the most convenient for
you and your messenger may proceed to Cobequid through Onslow, from thence pursue
his route Land or Water up the Shupenachadie.
I shall also be very much obliged if you will be pleased to inform Mr. Cramahe
that the Priest who was directed to come hither at the request of the Indians has
never made his Appearance which makes me Apprehensive that the late Conduct of
the French Court has affected the principles of the Clergy so that, it is become neces-
sary to engage your Indians to acquaint those on the St. John's River and the Bay
of Chaleur that if they do not behave peaceably they will take steps to oblige them.
I wish you every Felicity in your Government and am with Esteem, Sir, your
most obedient &c.
Mt. Arbuthnot.
Halifax, August 15th, 1778.
Endorsed :
78
Lt. Governor Arbuthnot
of the 15th of August
received the 15 of Sepr at St. Johns.
(17)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 80, p. 33.
Montreal 20th August 1778.
Sir,
I have been favoured with your letter of 17th inst. enclosing the Returns of yours
and other corps. His Excellency wishes the different parties who have applied for
cloathing would endeavour to make what they have now serve during this fine season,
when measures will be taken to supply those who are in want, all the knowledge I
have •concerning your corps, is that they are intended to move upwards, but in what
particular district I know not, you shall have the earliest information of their move-
ment, and where to be Stationed whenever the Generals intentions are divulged.
I am &c.
(Signed) F. L. M.
Sr. Joiriin Johnson.
(18)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 171, p. 6.
Circulaire a Mrs les Capitaines officiers & Miliciens de la paroisse de pour etre Lus
par un dimanche a la porte de TEglise.
Messieurs —
Comme il pourroit arriver que quelques mal intentionnes Continuant dans leur
iniqne dessein de Soustraire les habitans a leurs justes devoirs en vers le Roy et La
Illustrative Documents 55
Legitime authorise de ses representans courussent les Paroisses pour y semer des
Bruits faux seditieux et tendant a la desobeissance, il est de man devoir Messieurs
de vous rapeller Fordonnance du 29e Mars 1777 emanee du general en Conseil par
Laquelle a I/ article 9e il est ordonne que Tous officiers de Milice arreteront tous
Vagabonds oiu Voyageuins souqciojnneis pouvoiir ertme idesi Eisrpions Emiis»adiiie& oiu _ fiaultefiiTis
des Rebelles afin quy tenant La main Tels Espions puissent etre punis suivant 'La
Rigueur de la ditte ordonnance ou de Telle autre maniere qu'il plaira a son Excellence
dt VIQIUS y elteisi daiutianit ipluis (oibligete que p-a* 'lies EmiployeSs dbtnit vouis effaes 'h-omo-nas, le
gouvernement se reposant sur votre fidelite vous oonfie nonseulement L'Execution tie
ses ordomfnianiees mads encore aittend de votir.e zele que voius vouis oippoise'res^a tout oe qui
est generallement contraire au service et a la Soumission due a Sa Majeste.
Les chemins publiques meritent encore Messieurs vptre attention particuliere
puisque le service du Roy et la commodite publique y son intere&se et dont vous avez
eu a cet egard une o<rdonnance q<ue le vous. prie de ne point negliger — je vous recom-
mande aussi d'avoir soin d'avertir tous ceux qui ont des caleches et charettes de les
mettre en Etat de service des que le service 1'exigera.
Notre illustre Monarque ayant trouve appropos de retirer de ce pays Son Excel-
lence le 'General Carleton dont les Bontes meritent tous nos Regards nous a envoy6
pour le remplacer Son Excellence le general Haldimand d'une grande Experience
sagesse capacite et dont les merites sont generallement connus et nous pouvons. etre
assures qu'il aura pour nous les memes Bontes que son predecesseur vous assurant
qu'il est dans les dessein de vous rendre la justice en tous ce que vous poures Luy
representer etre juste, je vous invite en consequence a chercher ia meriter «e» Bontes,
en vous portent de cour a Luy prouver votre zele en tous ce qui vous sera command^
pour la service du Roy ainsy que de Contrevenir a ses ordres.
Je puis vous assurer Messieurs, ainsy qu'a tous ceux qui sont sous vos ordres que
tant que je seray maintenu dans L'Employ d'inspecteur des Milices dans toute la
province de Quebec et pour les differents. districts d'icelle dont je suis honore
j'emploieray mon pouvoir a les faire jiouir de toutes les graces dont le Gouvern-ement
youdra bien recompenser leur fidelite et a leur faire rendre generallement et en par-
ticulier la justice qui Lui sera due vous assurant que je n'exige d'autre Connaissance que
la Soumission aux ordres qui seront donnes pour le Bien du 'Service du Roy.
J'ai 1'honneur d'etre Messieurs,
Votre tres humb. Serviteur
Dechambault.
Ce 21 laouislt 1778.
Endorsed. Lettre Circulaire par M. Dechambault Inspecteur des Milices. du District
de Montreal aux Capitaines et autres officiers de Milice de son District du 21
a'oust 1778. <
(Translation.)
Cir^nlflr to tbe nfl.pt.aiinR. nffip.prs and militia.mpn off fhe pariRb of ...............
to be read on Sunday at the church door.
Gentlemen: As it may occur that certain ill disposed persons, continuing in their
wicked design to seduce the inhabitants (from their proper duty towards the king, and
the legitimate authority of his representatives, may go through the parishes aand spread
false and seditious reports tending to insubordination, it is my duty, gentlemen, to
remind you of the ordinance of the 29th of March, 1777, issued] by the General in 'Council,
by the ninth article of which all officers of the militia "are commanded to arrest all
vagabonds or travellers, suspected of being spies, emissaries or agents olf the rebels
in order that such spies being taken into custody may be punished according to the
terms of said ordinance, or in any such other manner as may please His Excellency,
and you are furthermore required to do this by the appointments with which you are
honoured, the Government trusting in your fidelity, confides to you not only the
execution of its ordinances, but likewise expects from your zeal that you should oppose
everything which is in general, contrary to the service and obedience due to His Majesty.
The public roads also, gentlemen, require your particular attention since tihe king's
service and public convenience are concerned therein and respecting which you have
received an ordinance which I beg you not to neglect — I likewise request you to take
care to warn all persons possessing carriages and waggons to put them in a serviceable
condition for use when required.
Our illustrious Monarch, having found it expedient to recall from this country His
Excellency General Carleton, whose goodness deserves our entire respect, has despatched
His Excellency General Haldimand, to replace him, an officer of great experience,
wisdom and ability, and whose merits are generally known and we may be certain
56 Illustrative Documents
that he will show us the same kindness as his predecessor, assuring you that he intends
to do justice to all according to their deserts; I write you in consequence, to endeavour
to deserve his. favour by showing your zeal in obeying all orders for the king's service.
I can assure you, gentlemen, as well as all who are under your orders, that as
Jong as I hold the appointment of inspector olf militia for the whole province of Quebec,
and the different districts composing it, with which I am honoured, I shall exert my
authority to enable them to enjoy all the if avours with which Government should reward
their fidelity and to render justice due them in general and in particular, assuring you
that I desire nothing further than obedience to the orders which will be given for the
good of the king's service.
I have the -honour to be, gentlemen, Your very obedent servant,
Deschambault. -
21 August, 1778.
Endorsed: Circular Letter from M. Deschambault, Inspector of Militia for the
district of Montreal, to the Captains and other officers of militia in his district, dated
21st August, 1778.
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 19-20.
New York, August 25, 1778.
Sir, — I had the honour of receivng Your Excellency's letter of the 5th of last month
by a small vessel which arrived here on the 1st instant and at the same time one without
date informing me of your arrival at Quebec.
Although you do not seem to express a wish for a reinforcement to be sent (from
hence I may probably detach 2,000 Men for that purpose if the French Fleet which is
at present on the Coast does not oblige me to defer it till the season is too far advanced.
Colonel Johnson goes to Canada by this convenience in order to make such
dispositions in the Indian Department as you may be pleased to direct.
I have the honour to be, etc.,
H. Clinton.
His Excellency General Haldimand.
Endorsed :
From
General Sir Henry Clinton,
New York, 25th August.
Received, 26th November
Illustrative Documents
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 22, p. 139.
ENERAL REPORT OF THE MILITIA AND OF THE COMPANY OF VOLUNTEERS DETROIT.
30TH AUGUST. 1778.
57
Distribution.
Major.
Captains.
Lieuten-
ants.
Adjutant.
Sergeants.
Corporals.
Soldiers.
Present for Service
1
6
18
1
15
4
423
Absent with permission
60
Tqtal of the Militia. .
1
6
18
1
15
4
483
Company of Volunteers.
Present
3
3
31
Absent with permission at
Montreal
1
5
Deserter, 22nd November,
1777
1
Total of Volunteers
j
3
3
37
Total of volunteers and
Militia
1
7
18
1
18
7
520
William Lamothe 'Captain absent with permission
Henry 'Hamilton,
Lieut. 'Go vr. and Lieutenant.
Endorsed :— General Report oi the Militia and Volunteers of Detroit, 30th August 1778.
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 122, p. 205.
The Spaniards are weak and hated, the French frivolous and without leaders, the
Rebels brave and enterprising but wanting resources; the Indians can receive their sup-
plies only from us.
The French at Detroit have set a very good example & the arrival of the reinforce-
ment of 80 men frcon Niagara has produced a very good effect.
Major Hay and the other officers of the Militia whom he has named and whose com-
missions he sent more than a year ago have not yet been confirmed at Quebec.
These gentlemen of the Detachment will serve under the grade given them, Lieut.
Duvernet olf the artillery will be of the party and will make remarks in the same manner
as the Lieutenant Govr. The list of these officers will be sent in the letter dated the
23rd.
He has reassembled the Indians and told them that his hands were tied by my orders
and that he was no longer a simple village leader and all these preparations showed to
them that he was going to war, he perceived that an attempt had been made to disgust
the Indians, and seeing that two Lieutenants of 'Militia appeared not to be marching
willingly he deprived them of their rank and put them on the roll of the corvees ; the one
is Irish and the other French.
He made the iMilitia take the oath, &c., and gave a fete to the Indians.
Endorsed: — Remarks on some letters of Lieut. -Crovr. Hamilton, in 1778.
58 Illustrative Documents
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 95, p. 29.
Quebec, 31st August, 1778.
Sir,
The Harvest is pretty nearly over but the Habitants must plough this Falh By next
post I shall endeavour to lay before Your Excellency my 'Ideas concerning the Companies
you wish to raise.
H. T. Cramahie.
His Excellency,
General Haldimand.
(23)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 171, p. II.
Memorandum relative to the Militia, etc., during the Summer 'Circuit 1778.
The Island of Orleans.
In case as it was under ye French Government, it would be thought Expedient
to divide the district of Quebec into several lesser districts over which an Officer of
Militia presided as Colonel or Major, Joseph Cote Captain o:f Militia at St. Peters, is
a man of approved fidelity and capacity; a small salary of 5 or 600 livres to each of
these Majors might be well bestowed: It would be a Compensation to them for their
Trouble and would create an Emulation among the Captains of Militia to do their
Duty with Zeal so as to procure a Promotion which would be both honourable and
profitable. The Expense would not be great and as Government has bestowed large
sums on the noblesse, a small gratification of the Lo'wer Class of Canadian might be
of great advantage in Conciliating their affections likewise. At St. Famille Jacques
Perrault is old and infirm, has thrown up his Commission ye Lieut. Pierre de Blois
who does ye Duty is recommended to be Capt. Elisha Brown to be Lieut, and Etienne
Gigon to be Ensign.
On the North Shore.
Michel Huot oif Ange Gardien might be appointed Major 'to preside over Chateau
Riche, St. Anne & Joachim.
(On the South Shore beginning from Kamouraska)
This is a strong point and it is well affected, there are 260 men fit to carry arms
iia it in case ye Plan for Majors should be adopted, Alexis Dionne who has already
been mentioned to your Excelly and whose case is well known to ye Lt. Gov. and
Mr. Dun, is fit to command over it & Riviere Ouelle, & as Kamouraska used to have 2
Companies it is hoped Alexis Dionne will be appointed to one o:f them.
St. Annes'
Capt. Laurier was taken prisoner at M. Beaujou's affairs & suffered a long captivity
in N. England he might preside over St. Anne's and St. Roc.
L'Islette.
The Gaipt. Batp'tAsfbe Coiuiillajrd ibehlavieid weilil in 1775 .amid migWfc pireBide orver St. Jean
and L'Islette.
St. Francois.
The Capt. Michel Blais distinguished himself much and suffered much in the King's
Service, might preside over Cape Ignace, St. Thomas, St. Francois & Bertheir.
I did not find any officer of Militia in St. Valiers St. Michel or St. Charles -whom
I could recommend to command Joseph Roye is a good meaning man but extremely
ignorant & passionate.
Illustrative Documents 59
Beaumont.
Mr. Eoy who is Captain and partly Seigneur is worthy of "Trust. From Point
Levi upwards to St. Pierre les Becquets I saw none whom I could recommend. N. B.
Germain I)ionne and the 2 Gosselins who were very active and carried arms for the
Rebels in ye year 1775 went from St. Anne thro' the Woods to N. England .about the
Latter end of March last, and have by means olf Savages sent news but of no consequence
to their wives. Capt. Fraser of ye Emigrants when at Kamouraska took from a savage
two Letters containing .account of ye Rebel Treaty with France -which the Savage was
desired to give to the Curates of Kamouraska and St. Roc a proof- that the Rebels
thought them well disposed to disperse their contents amongst the Canadians. The
Priests in the District of Quebec were almost to a man zealous and sincere in the cause
of government whilst Americans alone were 'Concerned in the War, but now that there
is a war w>h France Bigotry and Ignor-ance of the Rights of Civil Society wh some, and
the attachment to their native Country wh others may make a difference; The Curate
of Kamouraska, which may be considered as a frontier parish, is in the first case, and
ye Curate oif St. Rocque in ye latter —
Sept 2d 1778.
Endorsed — Memorandum relative to the Militia,
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 62, p. 162.
Au Capitaine des Milice ou officier commandant la Parois.se de
Le Service du Roy requerant un certain nombre d'harnais pour tirer une quantity
de pieces de bois de construction destinies 'a batir des hangars & autres Batiinents pour
1' usage des Troupes. II vowa c(3t oirdicxnoe p>air oes Pres'enltas die ,1-aire coanmtaoidteir
Harnois complet a deux chevaux & un Travail <a Saumier ehaque, de votre paroi&se, pour
&e Rendre a Sorel Dimanche au Soir prochain 13e du courant, lesquels vous ferez relever
pax Paneil niombrie chaque Dimia*n<che lensiuivianlt jusqiu''a oe qu'iJis isoyent oointiremiaindeisi,
lesquels seront payes un prix raisonnable pour leur travail — II ©era necassaire d'envoyer
un sergent de Milice pour les. Livrer a des personnels1 nomme pour les recevoir —
Donne au Quartier General a Sorel ce lle Septr 1778 — signe F. H.
P.S. Liste des Paroisses a qui Fordre cy dessus a ete envoye, & le nombre d'harnois.'
Maska -------- 5 Contrecceur - - - 3
Grand St Ours - - - - 3 Vercheres ----- 6
le 17 Sept. L'isle Dupa-s 6 Isle St Ignace - - - 4 po. le 18 Inst.
le 6 Oct. Contrecoeur a 1'avenir - - 4 Vercheres 7
Grand St. Ours - - - - 5
le 7e do >a la Baye du fevre - - 5.
(Translation.)
To the Captain of Militia or Officer 'Commanding Parish of
The King's service requiring a certain number of sets of harness to draw a quantity
of timber intended for constructing shed,s and other buildings for the use of the troops.
You are ordered by these presents to command sets of harness, complete for
two horses and a truck for each, from your parish, to report at Sorel on Sunday evening
niexit, the 13tlh inst, wihioim yotu will dausie (to 'be '.neliefved by ;tlhie siannte num/ber eivesy
Sunday following until further orders. They will be paid reasonable wages for their
labour. It will be necessary to send a sergeant of the militia to turn them over to the
persons named to receive them, given at headquarters at Sorel, this eleventh September,
1778.
(Sgd.) F. H.
P.S. List of the parishes to which the above order 'has been sent, and a number of sets
of harness.
Maska— 5 7th do A la Baye du fevre 5
Grand St. Ours— 3 'Contrecoeur 3
17 Sept. L'isle Dupas— 6 Vercheres 6
6th Oct. Contrecoeur a 1'avenir 4 Isle St. Ignace 4 (for the
Grand Sit. Ours^5 Vercheres 7 18 Inst.)
60
Illustrative Documents
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 62, p. 142.
Au 'Carpi fcaine die Milioe 001 officietr mmirnaaiid'anlt la Bamodsisie de —
iSon Excellence le Commandant en chef, ayarat dessein de faire construire des
a-ngiairdts, & d'aoi-taieis Batdmefnite ipooisr ruiililte du Seirvicie diu Roy a Sorrel; II vo<u» estti
ordonne* par ces presenter de faire 'Commander, & d'envoyer incontinent a Sorrel dix
bons hommes de votre Paroi&se, qui soyent au fait decarrir du Bois de Construction
& de S-cieurs de Long. Vous leur ferez emporter avec eux le nombre de Scies & de
Hdches qu'ils auront besoin, lesquels etanit gens de metier .seront payes an prix Rai-
sonnable pour leurs ouvrage© respectif.s. II sera aus,si necesaaire de ks envoyer .sous la
conduifce d'un officier ou Sergent de Milice, lequel les Livrera a la Per,sonne nommee
pour Jes Re-cevoir —
Fait au Quartier General a Sorrel .ce 8 Sepr 1778.
Par son Excellence — (Signe) E. Foy.
Noms des Paroisses a qui Tordre cy-dessus a ete envoye le 8 6epr:
Berthier - 10 p. Paroi&se
La Norray
La Valterie
La Baye
10 hommes
10 do
10 do
St. Francois 10 do
Point du Lac 10 hommes
M-achiche -10 do
Riv. du Loup ------ 10 do
Ma'squinongel
& [ 10 do
Lormier }
(Translation.)
To the Captain of 'Militia or Officer Commanding Parish of
His Excellency, the .commander in chief, desiring to construct sheds and other
buildings for the King's service at Sorel, you are ordered by these presents to command
and send immediately to Sorel, ten good men from your parish, who are skilful in
squaring and sawing timber. You will cause them to bring with them the necessary
number of saws and axes, skilled workmen will be paid a reasonable rate for their
respective trades. It will likewise be necessary to send them under the orders of an
officer or sergeant of militia "who will hand them over to the person named to. receive
them.
Done at the headquarters at iSorel, this 8th (September, 1778.
By His Excellency. (Sgd. E. Foy)
Names of the parishes to which the above order has been sent, the 8th September.
Point du Lac 10 men Berthier 10 p. parish
La Norray
Lia Valteriei
Machiche 10
Riv. du Loup 10
Masquinonge)
& ) 10 men.
Lormier )
La Baye
St. Francois
—10 men.
—10 men.
— 10 men.
— 10 men.
'Sir,
(26)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, p. 21.
New York, Sept. 9th, 1778.
The French Fleet which for a time co-operated with the Rebels in their Attempt to
reduce Rho'de Island is since got into Boston but as Lord Howe is not yet returned, I
fear the Season 'will be too far advanced to make it possible to send you the Reinforce-
ment I intended, but of this II am the less Anxious, as you have not made a Requisition
for any Troops and I presume are not in want o<f them — particularly as I understand
the Regiment of Anhalt Zerbst, 500 Brunswick Recruits, &c., amounting to near 1,700
men may (have joined yooi by .this time .. ..
Illustrative Documents 61
I find that Halifax has been lately strengthened with near 2,000 men from Europe
. . . . e-
I have the honour to be, &c.
H. Clinton.
His Excellency General Haldimand.
Endorsed : —
From 1778.
Genl Sir 'Henry Clinton.
New York, Septr 9th.
(27)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 95, pp. 38-41.
Quebec, 10th Septr, 1778.
Sir,
Both Allison and Mr. Ireland reported as I understand from the Express sloop come
in fr.con New York that .a Party from D'Estaing's squadron landed in Long Island to
water, were surprised and taken, it was from them Intelligence has been procured of
War's having been proclaimed on board the 20th June, on which day they said it was
to be declared in France, agreeable thereto they had taken two armed Ships commanded
by Lieuts. — several Victuallers and Transports, this is rather more than Protection of
Trade.
Captain Allison has Directions to be ready to go to sea and I hope his Vessel will be
so by Saturday; we have got him a new suit of Sails out of some Canvas in Store and
may procure him two better Guns out oif the new purchased Sloop, he complains much
of his Swivels, he might be furnished with a Letter of Mairque oir if there is not time
for that, an alteration made in his Commission to prevent any Prize that fell into his
Hands being seized by the men of War
The General Directions about the Force shall be observed, and persons employed
to pick up Seamen, they are, however, scarcely to be got, Merchant men giving extra-
vagant wages, the Transports are weakly manned, Captain Hervey has taken one out of
each and they intend protesting against him.
My Idea with regard to the Militia was if the Exigencies of the Service would admit
of it, to let the matter remain till Deer. — by that time the Engages from the Upper
Country and the Fisheries from below will be returned, the best men can be got, tho* I
think not to distress too much these two Branches of Trade, they should ccimpose only
one half or a third of the Body, the People at Home would not* be distressed by com-
plaints from Candidates or Pretenders to Preferement in the Corps. Neither at that
time coiuld Intelligence be so early or so immediately conveyed to our Neighbours olf the
effect this Service had upon the People and would at least afford" a, couple of months to
form and bring them into order. At settling Winter Quarters care might be taken to
dispose the Troops in such <a manner as to secure obedience to the orders of 'Go.vt, a
point requiring Attention, of 36 men ordered from the four Parishes below Montmagny
to man six Batteau demanded by Captain Gamble for yesterday, no less than fourteen
were wanting.
Should after all, the General Judge it expedient to call out the three intended 'Com-
panies an order might be made out to their respective Colonels apportioning the quotas
of the Companies & appointing a Rendezvous for them, if an Inspector was ordered to
receive & examine, Lomgueuil for the Dist. of Montreal and Lanaudiere for that of
Quebec, might execute the Duty Accompanied by a Discreet prudent Officer to moderate
their vivacity, attended by a strong guard to command respect and obedience, perhaps
not altogether an improper precaution.
I am, &c.
•
Captain Foy. H. T. Gramahe'.
62 Illustrative Documents
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 62, p. 156.
Aux Capitaines des Milices des Parois.ses contigues a la Riv. du Loup.
Y ayant un nombre de families refugiees dans la Province pour lesquelles il est
neeessaire de leur procurer un azile, & afin de soulager les habitants j'iai juge a propos
de charger M. Gugy Oonseilleur du Conseil LegisLatif de oette Province de leur faire
faire des huttes ou Barr.aques a celle fins de les inettre a L'abri centre les Rigueurs de
L'hyver c'est pourquoi vous etes ordonne par ces presentes de fournir toute 1'assistance
qua i&ema on voitine ponwod/r, rtJant en hoimme qu'miitirettnienit afin d'aiooefllleirer & ocxmplt/tlar
lesdits ouvrages a la Requisition que pourra vous en faire ledit Monsieur Gugy.
Donne a Sorel ce lle Septr 1778
(Signe) F. H.
(Translation.)
To Captains of the Militia of the Pari'shes adjacent to Riviere du Loup.
There being a number of refugee families in the province, for whom it is necessary
to obtain lodgings and to relieve 'the inhabitants, I have thought proper to direct M.
Gugy, a member of the Legislative Council of this province, to build huts or barracks,
for them for the purpose of sheltering them from the 'severity of the winter. This is
why you are ordered by these presents to supply all the assistance in your power as well
in men as otherwise, to hasten and finish >the said work in (accordance with the requi-
sitions which will be made upon you by the said 'Mr. Gugy.
Given at Sorel, this llth September, 1778.
(Sgd.) F. H.
(29.)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 62, p. 169.
A Monsieur de Tonnancour Colonel desi Milices, aux Trois-fcivieres —
Soinel, ce 14* Sept. 1778.
Monsieur,
Les habitants des Paroisses de ce Voisinage etant toutes1 occupees pour le service
du Roy voiuis am^ez da Bonti^ d'oirdoininier 80 hotmimeia des lenvi ranis des 3 Riviefreis (en
exceptant la Pte du Lac du Cote du nord et la Baye du feyre du cote du slid) pour venir
prendre des Batteaux qu'ils conduisent a 8te Anne, ou ils seront releves par un &em-
blable nombre d'hommes, qui les conduiront jusqu'a Quebec, le Porteur de cette Lettre
-conducteur des Batteaux prendna le(s hommes sous ®a direction —
Je demeure tres parfai-tement
Monsr &c. (sign6) F. H.
(Translation.)
To Mr. de Tommanmur, Colom^el df Mildtia,, ajt Thuee Rivers.
Sorel, this 14th Sept. 1778.
Sir:
The inhabitants of the parishes in this neighbourhood, all being employed in the
King's pieirvioe, yo'U wall hiasve itihe gooidneisis to order eiigfht'y me>n ifirom *tflne neighborhood
of Three Rivers (excepting Pointe du Lac on the north shore and Baye de Fevre on the
south shore) to come for batteaux which they will take to Ste. Anne, where they will
be relieved by the same number of men who will take them to Quebec. The bearer of
this letter, who is >the conductor of the batteaux will take these men under his charge.
I am, very truly,
(Sgd.) F. H.
Illustrative Documents 63
(30)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 62, p. 226a.
Au Gapitiaiine de Miliae
ou officier Commandant
la parorsse de Varenne.
II vous est ordonne aussitot la presente recue d'envoyer ici a Sorele les nommes
Baptiste le Bon et Louis le Bon, Calphats, qui sont de votre Paroi,sse .avec leur outils
a Calfiter, pour travailler a la reparation des Batteaux du Roy, lesquels seront payes
un prix raisonnable pour leur travail —
Donne au Quartier General a Sorel ler Oct. 1778.
(Translation.)
Bar -son Excellence
(Signs') E.F.
To the Captain of 'Militia or
Officer Commanding the Parish
of Varenne.
As soon as you receive the present letter you are ordered to <send here to Sorel,
Baptiste le Bon and Louis le Bon, Caulkers belonging to your parish with their Baulking
tools to wo'rk on tthe Tetpad/r oif (the Kinig's- 'batitietaoix, wftio will te paid reaisoraalblie wages
for their labour.
Given at headquarters at Sorel, 1st October, 1778 by His Excellency.
OSgd.) E. F.
(31)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 95, pp. 45-6.
Quebec, 17th Septr. 1778.
Sir,
Capt. Lutwidge had but four Days Provisions when he arrived, he talks of going down
in a !fe*w days as soon as refitted and Provisions are got on board. (Captain Pearson
intended returning to Gaspe by the 20th Instant, it is to be doubted whether either of
these Gentlemen wish to remain here the Winter and it is worth considering in time
whether you might not be at *a great loss for them in case of an early Attack in the
Spring.
Captain Ross has made a Tour here from the Beauce, he 'seems to think a Log House
constructed within the Piqueted Fort at the Beauce might lodge about 25 men, and be
made very defensible, few Savages have come down this year, they are supposed to be
001 the new England side, and this makes them apprehend if the Party lies too scattered,
some of them may be carried off, this Gentleman is of opinion this Log House would
not, cost above Forty or Fifty Pounds at most.
I have the honor to be, &c.
H. T. Cramahe.
His Excellency,
General Haldimand.
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 133, p. 3.
17th S-ejpit, 1778.
To His Excellency General Haldimand.
Batiste Pinard, Lt. of 'Militia, Parish of Nicolet, Three Rivers.
Francois Crevier, Ensign do. 'St. Francois.
64 Illustrative Documents
Michel Cartier, do.
Nicholas Landrie, do.
Basil White, David Belliveau, Acadians. Becquencour.
Arrived at St. Johns, 17th Sept. 1778.
The fimst fo-ua- wene Vofliunlteeflis, wiltb Moms. Del'annatudi&iie amd [taken iprdistotneais at
Bennington, were sent from thence to Boston, Albany and Hertford, from whence they
deserted the 3rd August, having been released from Prison o ncondition of working with
the Inhabitants.
The two last were employed as Batteau men and taken prisoners at the Portage of
Lake George, from whence they were sent to No. 4, Portsmouth, Boston, Albany &
Hertford. They were employed by the Rebels at all the above places as Interpreters
and issuers of Provisions to the other Prisoners & made their escape from Hertford the
first Instant.
Colonel Hazen prevailed upon twenty-six of the Canadian Prisoners to inlist into
his Regiment at Albany last Winter.
(From Brig. General H. Watson Powell St. Jean.)
Endorsed :
Intelligence brought by Canadians, received at Sorell, 18th Sept. 1778.
(33)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 62, p. 193.
Aux Capitaines des Milices des 5 Compagnies de Berthier & les deux du Chicot.
Aussitot la presente Recue, vous feres commander deux bons scieurs de Long de
vos Compagnies respectives pour se rendre a Sorel jeudy matin prochain 24e du Courant,
ou etant rendut, ordre sera donne pour que tous les autres de vos Paroissiens travaillant
actuellement ne soyent renvoyer chez Eux, le service en ayant besoin aillieurs —
Donne au Quartier General a Sorel ce 22e Septembre 1778.
Par son Excellence
(SignS) E. Foy.
(Translation.)
To the Captains o:f the Militia of the Five Companies ,at Berthier, and two at Chicot.
As soon as you receive the present letter, you will command two good long sawyers
from your respective companies to report at Sorel on Tuesday morning next, the 24th
inst., where, having reported, orders will be given that all others of your parishioners
not actually employed may return to their homes, their services being no longer
required.
Given at headquarters at Sorel, this 22nd September, 1778.
By His Excellency,
(Sffd.) E. Foy,
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 62, p. 182.
Aux different Gapdlbaioesa des Milices deipuiis Ste. Arnne juisqu'a Quebec.
Un nombre de Batteaux descendant a Quebec pour le service du Roi, il vous> est
ordonne par cos presences de fournir au porteur Soixante & Quinze hommes des Pa-
roisses les plus circonyoisines pour Conduire les dits Batteaux jusqu'a la Pte au Tremble
la ou'ils seront releves par un pareil nombre qui les rendront a Quebec —
Donne au Quartier General a Sorel ce 18e Septembre 1778.
Par Son Excellence
Illustrative Documents 65
(Translation)
To the several captains of militia from Ste. Anne to Quebec.
A nmmbeir of 'balttaaoix going down Kb Queibeic for the Ring's service, you are ordered
by these presents to supply .to the bearer seventy-five men from the nearest neighbour-
ing parishes, to conduct the said batteaux as far .as Pointe .au Tremble, where they will
be relieved by the same number who will take them to Quebec.
Given at headquarters, at Sorel, this 18th September, 1778, by His Excellency.
(35)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES. SERIES B. 170. HALDIMAND PAPERS, p. 2.
Monsieur,
J'ay 1'honneur d'informer Votre Exelence qu'etant /alees a mes moulins du lac;
le nominees Joseph Como farinier me parla en se Gret et me dit que Joseph Desain
habitants negotiants de Ste franco is etoit venus au moulin faire moudre du bled et quetant
seul a causer avec luy dans la nuiit il luy avoit dit qu'un nominee Traversy natif de
St. francois et habitans dudit Lieux ou est sa femme et sea enfans, que cet homme qui
setoit retiree avec les Rebelles lorsqu'ils ont pris la fuite etoit Venu il y a quelque jours
de boston et que cet homme etoit avec deux boatonnpis qui s'etoit retire* dana le pais
brule qui est dans le fond du bay S* Antoine et ayoit sejourne" che un de ses parens
etably dans le pais brule ,que ce traversy avoit repetoit que Monsieur le comte destin etoit
arrive en nouvelle engleterre, qu'il avoLt monte la delaouare, qu'il avoit fait une dessente
SUIT Oia longue isle et «jufil se/bodlt <baltu iavec Iarm6e Roiial, que 'Faffroee Rotial lavotit peWu
cinq mil hommes, m-ais que le conte destin avoit pris seises vaisseaux de transports et
qu'il s'etoit retire a boston, que les Eebelles viendrais en party par St. Francois et qu'ils
travailleroient >a de.9 chemina et qu'il pensoit qu'ils pouvoient estre a St. Francois ou a
la Ste Nicolette que Monsieur Cotte 1'air avec ses -sauvages faisoit un Carnage terrible
on puisse y croire et que 1'on 1'avoit asseuree. qu'il avoit fait detruire cinq mille families
qu'il em, etoit pieine; j'ay pence que jei devsais eoi iniformer vdtfere exoefDenoe; elle yotudra
bien me pemmertitire de luy dire qme niotitire pajuyre peWite ydllie ejalt atux abode «t qu'il n'est
pas possible aux pauvres citoiens de soutenir ayant jusqua 20 et 22 soldats a loger
pendant que les Casernes sont vides depuis quattre mois.
J'ay 1'honneur d'estre avec un tres profond respect
Monsieur
Votre tres humble et tres obeisaant serviteur
G. de Tonnancour
Endorsed: M. Tonnancour 1778 du 22e 1*** rec. le 24
Trois Rivieres le 22 7*™ 1778.
(Translation)
Sir:
I have the honor to inform Your (Excellency, that having gone to my mills at the
lake, one Joeeph Oomo, a miller, after greeting me, told me that Joseph Dessin, a mer-
chant residing at St. Francis had come to the mill to have some wheat ground and
remaining alone to chat with him during the night, he told him that one Traversy, a
native of St. Francis, and domiciled at the said place, where his wife and children
still are, having gone away with the Rebels when they took to flight, had come back
same days ago from Boston, accompanied by two Bostonians who had gone into the
burned country at the bottom of the Bay of St. Anthony, where they were staying with
a .relative otf his living there, that this Traversy had related that the Count D'Estaing
had arrived in New -England, that he had ascended the Delaware, that he had made a
descent on Long Island and had an engagement with the Royal Army, that the Royal
Army had lost five thousand men, but that Count D'Estaing had taken sixteen trans-
port vessels, and that he had retired to Boston, that the (Rebels would send a party
by way of fit. Francis, and that they were working at roads which he thought would
lead to St. Francis and Ste. Nicolette, that (Mr. Cotte L'Air, (Butler?), with his Indians,
had made a terrible slaughter. They believed and assured him that he had destroyed
five thousand families, that he was much grieved thereby; I thought that I ought to
inform Your Excellency of this; you will permit me to say that our poor little village
is in distress and that it is not possible for the poor people to find means of living,
having from twenty to twenty-two soldiers billetted upon them for four months since
the barracks have been unoccupied.
t I have the honor to be, etc.,
•G. Tonnancour,
Three Rivers, the 27th September, 1778.
3573—5
66 Illustrative Documents
(36)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 95, pp. 49-50.
Quebec, 24th Sepr. 1778.
Sir,
One William Aatwiick -with Another man in asn oipen ChaJouipe, come up from tlhe
Streights olf Belletisle, gives an account of the Minerva, an American Privateer, carry-
ing twenty nine Pounders, having taken seven English Vessels at Temple and Sand-
wich Bays & Cape Charles, destroyed their Fisheries and carried off all that was
valuable, the concerned applied to Admiral Montague, who sent the Surprise to their
Assistance, but the Privateer went off four days before her arrival. — this Astwick was
one of the Masters of these Vessels and came up to charter one to go down for the
remaining Fish iand Stores (there, luckily none o(f the posts occupied by People •firoon
this Province have been touched.
The Polly Brig loaded with Provisions sailed this morning for Sorel, the Mary will
go in a day or two .and is to take up Two Hundred Beds for the iSeamen upon Lake
Champlain, each of these Vessels has nine Hands on board including the Master. La
Force is endeavouring to make up Canadian Crews to navigate these Vessels if you'
take their Hands. He tells me it will be difficult, as I did not authorize him to give
more than Forty Shillings wages per month and those employed in the River Craft
receive ten or eleven Dollars.
I am &c.
H. T. 'Cramahe.
His Excellency,
General Haldimand.
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 62, p. 221.
a Sorel ce 29 Septr 1778.
Monsieur,
Le 'Service exigeant un nombre d'ouvriers pour oompletter le plus promptement
possible les Batiments destines au Logement des Troupes a Sorel, Son Excellence Mon-
sieur le General voue prie de donner vos ordres pour commander des charpentiers &
scieurs des Paroisses cy-bas nominees pour se rendre ici le plus promptement possible,
ou ils donneront 15 jours de travail chacun, pour lequel ils seront payes un prix raison-
nable, "'Soavoir", ies S-cieurs un Ecu par cent pied, & les charpentiers 48 sols par jour
& les Vivresy apres Quoi ils seront renvoyes ches eux
charpentiers s-cieurs
De la Paroisse du Cap de la Magdelaine 4 4
Cihamplain 4 4
Basticant 4 6
St. Pierre le bequet 4 4
Becancour 4 4
Nicolet 4 4
a la Paroisse de la Pointe du Lacq donnera les dix hommes cy-apres nommes excepte
qu'il n'y en aye quelqu'un d'employe au chantier sous les ordres de Mons. Gugy, en
quel cas elle les fera remplacer par d'autres. Leur Noih sont — Charles Brousset, Lan-
drO'Che Carniront, Joseph Boi&clair, Jean Bois'Olair, Ignace Boisclair, fnancois Dubec,
frangois frichette, Maurice Courmoneau, Maurice Janvier & Alexis la Plandry. Tous les
charpentiers apporteront leur Haches avec Eux.
Je suis &c (Signe) F. H.
Mons. de Tonancour
Colonel des Milices
aux Trois Rivieres
Illustrative Documents 67
(Translation)
'Sorel this 29th September, 1778
Sir:
The service requiring a number of workmen to <finish as quickly as possible the
buildings intended for quarters of troops at Sorel, His Excellency the 'General begs you
to give orders to direct the carpenters and sawyers from the parishes mentioned below
to report here as quickly as possible to perform fifteen days labor, each, for which they
will be paid a reasonable rate., to wit, the sawyers one crown per hundred feet and the
carpenters forty-eight sols per day and rations, after which they will be returned to
their homes.
carpenters, sawyers,
From the parish of Cap de la Magdelaine 4 4
Ohamplain 4 4
Batiseant 4 6
,St. Pierre le Bequet 4 4
Becancour 4 4
Nicolet .4 4
and the parish of Pointe du Lac will send the ten men named hereinafter, excepting
any of them employed at the timber yard, under the orders of Mr. Gugy, in which case
they will be replaced by others. Their names are: Charles Brousset, >Landroche iCami-
ront, Joseph Boisclair, Jean Boisclair, Ignace Boisclair, Francois Dufoec, Francois
Frichette, Maurice Courmoneau, Maurice Janvier fa Alexis la Plandry. All the carpen-
ters will bring their axes with them.
I am, etc.,
(iSgd). F. H.
•Mr. de Tonancour, Colonel of Militia at Three 'Rivers.
(38)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 62, p. 228.
Aux Capitaines de Milice ) Sorel
de Ste Yacinte et des ) ler Oetobre
Campagnes Contigues ) 1778
Messieurs,
Ayamt desisein d'Btaibliir un> Poiste tsur Da Rivierei Yamiaiska poiuir l<a suxete des Hia'bi-
tants de 'cette Frontiere j'envoye M. le Capitne Brehm mon aide de camp afin, de
marquer le Terrain convenable, & comme il faut que cet ouvrage soye •find avant L'hyver
Messrs les Capitaines des Milices de Ste hyacinte et des campagnes' cirepnvoisines
auront a ordonner sans perte de terns le nombre d'hommes dont M. le Capitaine Brehm
croira avoir besoin pour la construction de cet ouvrage, les charpentiers & les scieurs
seront payes a raison de deux shillings par jour & les autres serviront par corvees.
Votre obeisst Servtr
(Signe) F. H.
(Translation)
To the Captains of Militia
of Ste. Yacinte and adjacent
country.
Sorel, 1st October, 1778.
Gentlemen:
Having an intention of Establishing a Post on the River Yamaska for the safety of
the inhabitants of this Frontier, ff send iCaptain Brehm, my Aide-de-Camp to select a
suitable location, and as it is necessary that this work should be completed before win-
ter, the captains of militia of St. Hyacinthe and the neighbouring country will order
without loss of time the number of men whom Captain Brehm will consider necessary
for the construction of this work. The carpenters and sawyers will be paid at the rate
of two shillings a day and the others will serve by corvees.
Your obedient servant,
(Sgd.) F H.
68 Illustrative Documents
(39) /
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS
Series B, Vol. 95, pp. 53-6.
Quebec, 1st Octr. 1778.
Sir,
Our Printer has some Penchant to the popular cause and when he gets a cup too
much, which is not seldom, his zeal increases. I have cautioned him two or three times
sdnce your Departure and shall untill you can imd a proper Person to inspect his Press,
desire him to lay before me whatever he intends to publish.
Inclosed you have a 'Copy of a 'Memorial Lt. Govr. Oox shewed me. He says the
People at the Fisheries will come up if some armed Vessel is not stationed down below.
The St. Peter Brig is expected up for she is almost put of Provisions, would you think
well, when victualled, to have her return to the station and remain^ the Winter.
As we have had much bad weather it is to be hoped we shall ^iow have it fair for
some time, and that moment should be seized for transporting any Provisions wanted
for the Beauce if you mean to station) Troops upon the south shore, and in my Humble
opinion you want some there to insure obedience to any orders you may think .proper to
issue, it would 'be right to form a Magazine for their supply, if deferred any time it may
prove difficult if not impossible .to transport them.
I am, &c.
H. T. Cramahe*.
His Excellency,
General Haldimand.
(40)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 80, p. 57.
€amp at Sorel llth October 1778.
Sir,
Lieut. €rawford of Sir John Johnson's 'Corps 'having heretofore served with the
Indians and deemed capable to discharge .such duty, the General desires he may be
placed upon your list in the department till further orders, Sir. John Johnson has
received instructions from His Excellency to apply to you, for a party of five or six
Indians from St. GRegis, which you will please comply with on his demand.
, I am, &c.
(.Signed) F. L. M.
Lt. €ol. Campbell
(41)
\
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. , pp. 25-30.
Camp .at Sorel, 12th Octr. 1778.
Lord Geo. Germain.
My Lord, — I received by the Pallas Frigate Your Lordship's Despatches No. 7,
dated 15th of May, Enclosing copies of your letter to Lord Townshend on the (subject
of erecting .a Citadel at Quebec, His Lordship's answer and the report of the Board
of Ordnance, & No. 8, dated 19th of the same month, enclosing an order olf His Majesty
in Council, of the 10th, disallowing an Ordinance passed by the Governor and Legis-
lative Council concerning the Distribution of the Estates & effects of Persons leaving
the Province without paying their Debts.
In obedience to the commands o'f Your Lordship I shall not fail to take the proper
steps for erecting a Citadel at Quebec in such situation as assisted by the Engineers
Illustrative Documents 69
I shall judge is most advantageous, the Plans and Estimates of which shall be trans-
mitted as soon as they can be made out and properly considered, but I think it in the
meantime neoesis-airy tio iofionm Yoiulr Lomdisfti'iip It-he inldi'speinisiaib'lie wloirk oainryinig 001 for
the security of the Frontiers which I considered to be the most immediately requisite,
furnish more Employment than with the Troops under my command can possibly be
executed this year and therefore leave me no means of doing more towards those
intended for Quebec than to arrange the plans for carrying them on & to make myself
acquainted how the necessary supply of materials is to be procured for beginning in
the Spring, 'when even then an advancement for the above reasons, can be expected
to be but very feeble unless Your Lordship shall think from a consideration of the
importance of the object to strengthen my Hands by some reinforcement of Troops
fife for this purpose.
I have the Honor to be, &e.,
Fred Haldimand.
(42)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 54, pp. 25-30.
Camp at Sorel, 14th Octr. 1778.
Lord George Germain.
My Lord, — I left Quebec immediately after the Departure of Sir Guy Carleton & I
have been occupied ever since ais the BrusimeisB whiich tdemiandted my ftrslt aippliciaitiicn, olf
my care in putting, the Frontiers in the best state of Defence which the time and
resources of my situation admit.
I sent Mr. Twiss of the Engineers with Captain Aubrey, &
Post at Carleton Three Companies remaining of the 47th Regiment in Canada,
Isd established. a detachment from Sir John Johnson's Corps tog-ether with
a Body of Artificers to establish a Post at the entrance of
Lake Ontario to serve the purpose of a safe place for the Traders to send their goods,
which go from Montreal in Boats, till the King's vessels now the only Craft allowed to
navigate the Lakes can be spared from the more urgent services to transport them to
Niagara, a secure Harbour for these Vessels and a . Defence against the enterprises
of the Rebels upon this Province by that great avenue into it. I also sent up with this
party Lieut. Shanks of the Navy, who has been employed upon Lake Champlain. and
is the Commissioner of the Dockyarcls for the benefit of his judgment with regard to
the best place for the Harbour and with orders to construct as soon as possible for; that
lake a number of Gun Boats, which are so useful in many respects. — I sent him also for
the Inspection Arrangement of the King's Vessels there.
The Place pitched upon by these Gentlemen, after having carefully examined
Cataraqui, is an Island about 12 miles below the entrance of Lake Ontario, having
Grande Isle on one side, from which it is divided by a Channel oif somewhat less than
a mile and the South Continent on the other side at a distance of one mile and a
quarter from it.
This Island had gone for some time by the name of Deer Id., having been mistaken
for that called by the French Isle aux Chevreuils, which is found to be higher up;
and the name of Carleton Island is now given to this in question. Very favourable
ground for fortifying, commanding a commodious & safe Harbor, which this Island
possesses on the tipper end of it looking towards the Lake induced the gentlemen sent
on this service to fix upon this spot, where a Fort is begun and Barracks are building
for the Troops and the place will be in a tolerable state of defence and Habitation by
the winter, a Plan of which shall be transmitted to Your Lordship as soon as possible.
We are at the same time busily employed at the Works at
Fortifying the Is. the Isle aux Noix and St. Johns on the communication with
aux Noix & St. Johns. Lake Champlain, and the situation of Sorefl on the river of
that name at its conflux with the St. Lawrence, where ships
of Burden can approach without difficulty, being very 'avorable for our Magazines, we
are engaged in erecting the necessary Store Houses and the Barracks to lodge- a Body
of Troops to cover them and to remain in readiness for all emergencies. While these
works, have been carrying on two of the armed vessels have been kept constantly cruizing
upon the Lake up to Crown Point and I have employed observing parties wherever any
thing was to be apprehended. Many families and the Wives
Expences necessary and Children of the Loyalists already ^with the Army have
to relieve Families. come into this Province, having been driven from their places
of residence, after having had all their Property seized by
Law of the Rebels for that express purpose. The Distress of those poor People is so great
70 Illustrative Documents
that I take for granted the -expen.ee which must be incurred 'by relieving them will be
judged unavoidable and be approved.
The small-ness of the Company of Artillerymen here & the difficulty oif getting
them from home has induced me to form of the remnant
A Company of Artillery of the Company of Hanau another Company of eixty men,
of Hanau Jformed. completed ifrom that part of the Hanau Regt. left in Canada
& I shall increase this Company by the same means as I
find occasion shall require it.
At the departure of Lieut.-Colonel Maclean the Command of his Battalion fell to
a Captain Nairne, a very old Officer and who distinguished
Rank of Major to Captains himself very much at the siege of (Quebec on which
Nairne & Hughes. Account and to prevent the mortification to him of being
commanded occasionally by Majors of Provincials I have
given him Provincial Rank of Major until further orders. I have done the same to
Captain Hughes of the 53rd Regt., who has by a Commission from Sir William Howe,
succeeded Lord Balcarres in that Regiment but winch Promotion has been referred
to the Secretary o.f War.
The Indians from the Upper Country which I have already informed Your Lord-
ship I found here at my arrival, being composed more of their Old Chiefs, Women
& Children than of Warriors & from Countries, some of them extremely remote, I
have dismissed with Presents, as is expected by them and every care to engage their
Attachment to His Majesty's interest & retained Forty of their young men who they
agreed to leave with us.
I have the Honour to be &<c.,
Fred Haldimand.
Lord George Germain,
One of His Majesty's
Principal Secretaries of State.
(43)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 50, pp. 30-46.
Camp at Sorel, 15th Octr. 1778.
Lord George Oefmain.
(Separate.)
My Lord,
I have in another letter given a general Account of the Business in which I have
been engaged since my arrival, but I have reserved as 1 thought it would be most agree-
able to Your Lordship, the more particular information necessary to lay before you for a
separate letter. All the Accounts which ff have received from the (Rebel Colonies agree
that the Reduction of Canada is looked upon there as so essentially requisite to them
before they can consider themselves secure, that it has been declared to the People by
the Congress, as I make no doubt Your Lordship has seen, that they are not to expect
Peace until they have accomplished this indispensable work. Hazen & a famous Cana-
dian Rebel named Traversier, who I informed your Lordship in my letter of the 28th
of July, I had received intelligence were come towards this Province, have been in St.
Francois, and I -am sorry to say returned in spite of the assiduity & vigilance of several
Persons who were employed there to look out for them. These men have left word with
their Friends who are but too numerous there, and who take care to spread the mischief
imparted to them, that they will certainly return in a short time in Force. Some People
in this Province, who were taken by Privateers on their pas&age with the Fleet last
Spring & just lately back 'by 'Land, report that it was the language of the Country
wherever they passed, that an Army would soon make its appearance in Canada.
The capital approach to this Province being by Lake 'Ohamplain, it is to be wished
that we could accomplish the erecting of such solid and respectable Works as are
requisite for its Defence, but all we can hope to effect this year is at the Isle aux Noix
to contract the old French works, so as to adapt them better to the small number of
men, which I can spare for them, at St. Johns to complete a temporary outwork to
possess a rising ground on the West side & near the Fort so-called, being nothing more
than a line of Pickets with a Banquette within & an inconsiderable Ditch without,
covering the Barracks and Store Houses erected between the two old Earth Redoubts
upon the River which are miserable works & in very bad condition, the whole which
Illustrative Documents 71
with the ships which they are meant to cover in Winter when they must 'be laid up,
-can be expected in their present state only to frustrate the sly & desultory attempts,
but will be by no means capable of resisting any Formidable & supported attack of an
enemy. Plans of these works shall also be sent to your Lordship.
Chambly is only a Fortified Barracks, affords even no shelter against cannon & is
entirely surrounded by high ground within small musket shot.
I judged it unsafe in our present defensive Plan to have any stores so high up as
Any of the Places above mentioned or at Montreal & have withdrawn them therefore
except such as were required there to this Post, where I shall be able this year to erect
some Temporary Redoubts to lodge but a part of the Body of Troops, I mean to station
there, where the convenience of communicating so easily with all parts of the Province
'by water carriage gives it a singular advantage for advancing or retreating & where it
is absolutely necessary to have as considerable a 'Corps as possible as it covers both the
avenues of Lake Champlain & that of St. Francois which has been very much used by
the [Rebels, their settlements approaching much nearer those of the Canadians on that
part than on any other of the Colony & this communication is the more dangerous to
us as there is a Tribe of the Domiciled Indians upon that River that are lately become
very ungovernable & it is feared attached to the (Rebels. It is my intention therefore if
time & circumstances favor me, to make Sorel a place of Strength with Permanent
Works as the importance of it deserves. The Seigneurie of this Place is vested in Mer-
chants residing in England & the (Inhabitants of it, people remarkable for their courage
and resolution, have distinguished themselves very much by their attachment to Gov-
ernment, even at the time the Rebels were masters of that iCountry, on which account I
think it would serve the King's interest to bestow some Public mark of favor upon them,
such as remitting the Quit rents which they pay for their lands to their Seigneur & the
Seigneurie about to be sold & the Purchase would not exceed £3,000, having been
offered for that sum I submit to Your Lordship whether it would not be best to give
orders to treat immediately with the Proprietors, Messrs. Greenwood & Wigginson
Merchants in London, both for enabling me to effect the purpose above mentioned and
for securing to Government at -a reasonable rate the lands whereon the works will be
situated & a great 'quantity of wood which the Seigneurie furnishes fit for building and
other uses thereof upon a spot which nature makes so important, as that it becomes
highly indispensable to avail ourselves in the best manner possible of such a situation &
therefore if Your Lordship does not, by the means I here propose prevent it, the Prices
for what Government shall have occasion to occupy of the land & to take of the Wood
will be infinitely enhanced and many other obstacles will be opposed to the completion
of the Design.
I employ all methods to become acquainted with the intricate & secret Paths by
which I find the Rebel Emissaries still gain access into the Parishes on the St. Francois
& others on the south shore where they have obtained but too much interest both with
the Canadians & Indians.— (I have now some Canadian Officers of Trust exploring that
River and I mean to establish a Post as high up as will be prudent as soon as I shall
find the best place upon it for interrupting their dangerous intercourse & I am in hopes
of breaking it off, provided we have time given us, but we have too many works on
hamdle to ibe able 'to proceed SK> iraipidly <a& th'e oaise iseeimis Ito (require;, painttciiliaTly ais by
the necessary digposiiitioin olf the Troops fto keep fthe Pardisiheisi in order, the Germ/anus
become entiTely useless in itihiesie iresipec/te.
I have a detachment of Loyalists and a company of the 34th Regt upon the
Chaudiere at the upper part of the settlements in which we have a Picketed Fort and
are building a Block House.
The Company of the 8th Regt. which was at Oswegatchie where I have for the
present placed a Detachment of Thirty men from the Troops 'here for keeping up the
communication & for scouting that 'Country as well as a Detachment from the same
Regiment which had been sent from Niagara to protect the Merchandise forwarded
from here to the Island, where I have reported to Your Lordship a Fort is now building,
has been sent to join their Regiment, part -at Niagara and part, in consequence of the
irruption of the Rebels into the Illinois, I thought proper to order to Detroit. The
Difficulty of subsisting Troops in that part of the World, where nothing is to be pro-
cured but what is sent them with so great labor & expense, puts it out of my power to
send any greater reinforcement this year to the upper Posts, which the future interest
otf Gtrealt Britain nioit leisis tlhiain (the presianft oomioemnis of .this Province wooild require to be
in a much more respectable state and condition.
I informed Your Lordship in my letter of the 28th July that I had sent a Party to
destroy the Harvest in the Rebel settlement nearest to our Frontiers, owing to a disagree-
ment between the Indians and the Loyalist Compy -composing the Party before they came
near the spot where they were to act, they returned without fully answering the purposes
intended, having only destroyed some barns and a couple of Mills on the lower part
72 Illustrative Documents
of the Onion River, which, however, has obliged the people to abandon those parts and
the Detachment suffered no loss. I mean still to prosecute this design as there are
some settlements upon the Borders of Lake Ghamplain, Otter €reek and about Tycon-
deroga and Crown Point that may furnish many conveniences and necessaries which
would facilitate the approach of an Enemy. I propose to send a respectable Party
which will be covered by some of the ships or Gun Boats and that it shall be as late
as possible in going out as the Damage it may then do to the Enemy will be irreparable
this season. The showing ourselves still on that side may probably have the effect of
keeping up the difficulty which the Rebel Government is not without finding in enforcing
obedience (an effect which is but too sensibly felt by us here), even from the insinua-
tions of a few Agents of Rebellion, and tthe appearance of Invasion from where perhaps
they do not expect, may break or retard the measures of those People (for carrying it
to where they intend it.
I have informed Your Lordship in another letter of several Families from the
Neighbouring Provinces having come into this for Protection and Relief ; to diminish
the expense of lodging them about the Country among the Inhabitants & to avoid
Inconveniences which might possibly result from too general a communication of-
these People that I have found come here under pretences and the Canadians, I have
ordered, Houses to be built for their Women & Children & some old and sick men on
a sp9t in the Parish of Machiche where they will be separated and by themselves.
i Considering the inconveniences and even the accidents to which the Troops dispersed
all about the Country among the Inhabitants in their Winter Quarters are liable to,
I have begun to establish Temporary Barracks in some o/f the Parishes by fitting
up vacant houses which have been found therein where they can be lodged in Bodies
and contiguous and I shall as far as possible adopt for. all Parishes in which it is
necessary to have Troops the same plan and where houses as above are not to ;be
found, build them <for the purpose, which I judge equally requisite for the Preservation
of Discipline among the Troops, for making them respected by the Inhabitants for
better enforcing the obedience of the ordinances and for compliance with orders which
the conjuncture o)f the Times may make necessary to issue to them and for the
expeditious assembling of the others upon such emergencies. Lest, however, the
expense attending these Regulations should alarm you, I think it right to acquaint
Your Lordship that by cutting the Logs of which these buildings are constructed from
the Lands upon which the Crown has rights & by their being executed in part by the
People, it will be confined to a very moderate sum, considering the number of Houses
required and their utility when completed.
I have done nothing yet about Canadians, waiting for the time when the men
who are employed in the Trade to the Country above- and the Fisheries below, and
who are the most Robust and active of the young men, shall return, which is late
in the Fall, when I intend to Embody Three Compys., beginning with these few and
extending the Levy as I shall see it likely to succeed and that His Majesty's Service
would be benefited by it. We have received some assistance from the Country by
Coxvee, without which the Transport of Provisions between Montreal and Carleton
Island for the Upper Posts would be impracticable, but in the present Dispo-
sition of the People I have judged it highly requisite to observe the utmost
caultiion not to make Demianidis iibat Irom exciting murtmuns might lead them to <a De-
cLainaition of seritimenits which the Fremeh Alliamce witlh the Re'bels has undoubtedly
raised in a number of those who in regard to the Rebellion were unquestionably attached
to Governimen.t and renewed in the ofoheins the symptoms of w'hich cbaoige in the Can/ad-
ianis is everywhere ananiifes't and the mo>re dangerous" as multitudes o'f tfhein are but too
sensible of ouir inaibililty wLttti the Troops we have in an e-nftire oipen Co-unitry to control
them if any foipfoui toons circuimiS'banioes should invilte tbed-r resoliitioiiis as itheir inclinations
are but too much already. I canniest^ therefore conclude this subject without haza/rding
my O'pinion to Your Lordship thart, this Province camnrot be preserved snould the Rebels
exert the efforts against it which it is evidently not less their inclination to attempt
than it is their interest to prosecute at all rates to success, without a much Superior
Body of Troops than is at this time here. Such a Body of Troops as besides sufficient
Garrisons foo- aill our PoisJte would afford Eight Thoiuis/amd men to take the Field, which
commanding the resources of the Country would push on the different Posts necessary
to possess to a speedy completion when we might expect to draw from the Country
itself such assistance from the consequent obedience of the inhabitants as would repay
these extraordinary exertions to procure it.
It will be absolutely requisite to occupy and establish a Post at Oswego or some-
where in that neighbourhood, otherwise we .must expect to lose entirely the remaining
faithful part of the Five Nations Indians, they have already repeatedly demanded that
Illustrative Documents 73
Government should take that step in favor of them in order that their Families might
have a secure place of retreat while their Warriors were employed upon expeditions
against the Rebels >and I am of opinion that it is impossible consistent with His
Majesty's inltereste to reject their sioliciJtatioins .adtJhough itt mue,t aoaaisdoin a fun-thier heiavy
expense of Provisions and other Articles which they will expect to be supplied with and
while the Transport must cost very large sums.
I have in this letter communicated to Your Lordship very much at length an
account of the measures I am pursuing and those I think most immediately necessary
to pursue for the Defence and Security of the Province entrusted to my care, in doing of
which II have unavoidably fallen into prolixity which I pray Your Lordship to excuse
and to impute to the earnest desire I am actuated by of making my zeal for His
Majesty's Service manifest & of meriting Your Lordship's approbation of my conduct.
I have the Honor &c.
Fred Haldimand. /•
(44)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 132, pp. 3-4.
Instructions. ^
L'objet principal de 1'Expedition dont le Major Carleton est charge doit etre de
detruire toutes les 'subsistences, Fourrages & Bestiaux ique les Rebelles peuvent avoir
assembles sur les bords du Lac Champlain, d'emmener prisonier tous les habitants qui
y sont etablies & ont prette serment de fidelite au Congres en renvoyant leurs femes &
leurs Enfants dans les Colonies, avec deffence de revenir dans les endroits la. II fera
detruire tous les Bateaux qu'il poura decouvrir; de meme que tous les Moulins a scie &
a Farine qui peuvent avoir ete bati dans ces endroits la & si par les Intelligences que le
Major poura procurer III croit pouvoir surprendre ou attaquer avec succes le Fort
Edward ou le party de Major Whitkom. (porte sur Otter Creek). II 1'entreprendre &
pour cet effet II prendra deux Royals qui sont d6ja prepare* a St. Jean avec la quantite
de Bombes charges qu'il croira necessaire & deux Canoniers avec des Mantelets.
Le Major prendra avec lui autant de Munitions & de Provisions qu'il jugera a
propos et disposera des Viadisiseiaux, 'gun boa'te et biattmux SUIT le Lac de la marniere qu'il
croira convenable suivant 1'ordre que j'ai addresse au Capitaine Chambers me referant
au reste au conversations que j'a eue avec lui & quoy que nous ayons fixe* le nombre
d'hoirame'S don}t de diert/ajdhmettit doit efcre coimpoise le Majoir a am permission d'e 1'aiug-
mentar oiu de l)a diminfuer Baiivamlt qu'il le joigeira .a, profpois piour iag/seuireT de suooes de
son entreprise.
Sorel, le 17 Octobre, 1778.
Fred. Haldimand.
a M. le Major Carleton, comandt le 29e Regmt en quartier a 1'Isle aux Noix.
(Translation)
Instructions.
The principal object of the expedition under Major Carleton will be to destroy all
provisions, forage and cattle which the rebels may have collected on the shores of Lake
Champlain, to bring off as prisoners, all inhabitants who are settled there and have
taken the oath of .allegiance to the congress, sending back their wives and children to
the colonies, forbidding them to return. He will destroy all the boats that he can find,
as well as all &aw and flour mills, which may have been built in these places, and if by
any intelligence which the Major can procure, he believes he can surprise or attack,
with success, Fort Edward or Major Whitkom's party (in advance on Otter Creek), he
will undertake it and for this purpose he will take two Royals which are already pre-
pared at 'St. Jean, with sucn quantity of loaded shells as he will consider necessary, and
two gunners with mantelets.
The Major will take with him as great a quantity of munitions and provisions as he
deems proper and make such disposition of the vessels, gun boats, batteaux on the
lake as he considers suitable, according to the orders which I have addressed to Captain
Chambers, and otherwise referring to conversations I have had with him, and although
we have settled the number of men of which the detachment ought to be composed, the
74 Illustrative Documents
Major has my permission to increase or diminish it as he deems proper to make sure
of a success of his enterprize.
Sorel, 17th Oct, 1778. Fjed Haldimand to Major (Oarleton, comdg., the 29th regt.
quartered at lisle aux Noix.
(44A)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 62, p. 279.
Lt.Col.'Carleton.
Sorel le 19e October 1778.
Monsieur,
J'ai devant moy vos trois lettres du 12e & deux du 15 courant.
Je ne puis point consentir que le -Major Nairne engage >les trois hommes du 62e
Regt. non plus que John Hertel, ils resterons au prevost jusqu'a nouvelle ordre.
J'ecris au Lt. Col. Campbell au sujet du Lieut.Browne du 31e Regt. que le destine 4
passer 1'hiver ia L'isle aux Noix.
Outre les Bois que vous avez fait preparer a Quebec pour 100 Batteaux, vous >aurez
la Bonte d'en faire preparer a Montreal pour 150 autres Batteaux ordinaire outre les 12
grands Batteaux que j'avois ordonnd precedemment.
J'espere que le Transport de provision pour les Lacqs tire >a sa fin & que nous
pourrons donner quelque repos aux Canadiens.
Je pars demain pour Quebec ou il vous plaira de m'adresser vos Lettres.
J'ai Fhonneur d'etre &c. •?
(Translation)
Lt.Col. Carle ton.
Sorel, the 19th October, 1778.
Sir:—
I have before me your three letters of the 12th and two of the 15th inst.
I cannot consent that Major Nairne should enlist the three men of the 62nd regi-
ment nor John Hertel. They will remain in custody until further orders.
I am writing to Lieut.jColonel Campbell respecting Lieut. Browne of the 31st regi-
ment, whom he intends to remain for the winter at ffsle aux Noix. In addition to the
timber which you have prepared at 'Quebec for one hundred batteaux, you will have
the goodness to prepare enough at Montreal for one hundred and fifty other ordinary
batteaux besides the twelve large batteaux which I ordered previously. I hope that
the transportation of provisions for the lakes is drawing to an end and that we will be
able to give some rest to the Canadians.
I leave tomorrow for Quebec, where you will please address your letters to me.
I have the honor to be, &c.
(45)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 54, pp. 46-54.
Quebec, 24th Octr. 1778.
Lord Geo. Germain.
My Lord,
Your Lordship will receive by this opportunity several letters which ff intended to
have sent by the " Brilliant " but that ship not having sailed till so very little time
before the day fixed for the Departure of the Man of War with the Trade, I judged it
best for the safety of my Dispatches to detain them iall to go by this conveyance 'and I
am just come down from Sorel for a few days on that account.
Having had every reason to believe that the Rebels are intent upon the design of
invading this Province, as I have in other letters intimated to Your Lordship, I wrote a
letter, a Copy of which I enclose, to Captain Pearson, the senior Officer of the King's
Ships in the River St. Lawrence, requesting that his ship the " Garland/' the
" Triton," .and the " Viper " might winter in Quebec, some time after I was informed
, by Capt. Pearson that he had received an order from the Lords of the Admiralty for his
ship together with the " Triton " to convoy the Trade of the Province to England, the
Departure of which is by a Rule always fixed for the 25th of October. The " Brilliant,"
an old Frigate of Thirty-six Guns manned with a Hundred men being here at the time
Illustrative Documents 75
as also the "Andrew," another Armed ordnance Transport & several other Transports
carrying Guns, I proposed to Captain Pearson that a& these veessels with one Man of
War were considered to be a sufficient Convoy for the Trade, he should take them under
his command & leave the other Man of War with the " Viper," sloop at Quebec, but my
proposition had no effect, and accordingly the two Men of War sail to-morrow with the
Trade leaving only the " Viper," a small sloop, for the security of the River St. Law-
rence against a swarm of Privateers, who are able to infest it till very late in the Fall
& to enter it again very early in the Spring, as we have seen thro' the course of this
year notwithstanding the Men of War. We have had to the great Prejudice of the
Trade of the Province & the almost entire ruin of the Fisheries in the Gulf, ff enclose
Your Lordship copies of other letters which I wrote to Captain Pearson on this
occasion explaining more fully my reasons for urging this point as also copies of his
letters to me which show the reasons for the part which he has taken, upon which I
think it necessary to observe to Your Lordship that the opinion which he maintains
that there can be no occasion for ships wintering at Quebec is an error which may be
followed by the most fatal consequences to the Province. Your Lordship well knows
the great benefit which was derived from the Men of War which happened to winter
here when the Rebels attacked Quebec and we are by no means at this time in a state
to be able to dispense upon similar occasions with the like assistance without feeling
greatly the want of their Guns & men. Besides which the city of Quebec is liable to the
insults of Privateers which such vessels as the " Viper " instead of preventing is cal-
culated rather to encourage the 'Rebels to .attempt in hopes of making also a prize of her,
as well as spread universal alarm through the Province & in such times as these, no
one can foresee, tho' he may justly apprehend the end to which such casualty might
lead. The French alliance with the Rebels makes it more than probable, if any of their
Ships of War should winter at Boston, that knowing our situation they may risk two or
three ships up the St. Lawrence early in the Spring to favor an attempt made by the
Rebels on the other side, in expectation of effecting this purpose before any Ships
arrive to us from 'Great Britain. Your Lordship may be assured, however that I shall
use every means in my Power to have some Force early in the Spring upon the River
but the remaining of these Men of War in question would have kept us here in tran-
quility on that head, which otherwise every Enemy of 'Government among us will be
able to suggest Places to -his Friends on the other side of disturbing.
I cannot therefore but hope that Your (Lordship will extend your care of us in this
Particular as early as it can be possible.
I have received Advice from Lieut.'Governor Hamilton that he was to set out about
the 1st of this month with a Company of Rangers he has had on Foot for some time,
some of the Canadian Militia of his District, and a few soldiers^ of the 8th Regiment,
which Lieut.Colonel Bolton (has furnished ihim and all the Indians he could .collect,
upon an expedition, the object of which is to dislodge the Rebels that have possessed
themselves of the Illinois and unless it could be effected the Trade of that Country
is entirely cut off.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
(46)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 16, pt. I, p. 297.
Declafrialtion. atdidirasistee Noun du Rod £ ibouis, leis Aracienis Fnaoootiisi de rAm,rtique Sefpftea-
trionale.
Jie Sonusisigime autorise (pair S<a Marjieslte, eit rewe/fru piar 1!a, diu plus beam dies TMres ; d>e
celui qui efface tous les autres; charge* au nom du P&re de la Patrie et du Protecteur
bienfaisant de ses Sujets, d'offrir un appui a ceux qui e"toient nes .pour gouter les dou-
ceurs de Son Gouvernement; a tous ses Compatriotes de L'Amerique Septentrionale.
Vous etes nes Francois, vous n'avez pu cesser de 1'etre, une Guerre qui ne nous avoit
ebe taomantcee que pair FEnjlevenTenlt die presiqiuie famns nois Matelote, eit dtoant niofc Bnimemis
oonnmuns n'oiit du lets prinicipaiux suiocesis qoi'aux couTage, 001 talenit, e!t au nonnibra des
Biraives Amerioiams qui les comba'tteinlt aujourd'h'ui, wuis ia lantache, do qani eisit le (plus
76 Illustrative Documents
eher a tous les hommes, jusqu'au nom de votre patrie; vous former a porter malgre vous
des mains parricides centre elle, seroit le comble des malheurs, vous en etes menaces,
une nouvelle Guerre doit vous faire redouter qu'on ne vous oblige a subir eette loi le
plus revoltante de I'esclavage. Cette Guerre a commence comme la precedente, par les
degradations de la partie la plus interessante de notre commerce. Les prisons de 1'Ame-
rique oonltdennienit deputi® tlrop longtermip oin gTiamld momibre de FrainccoLS intfooftyineis, vo-uis
entendez leurs gemissemens. Cette Guerre a ete declares par le message du mois de 'Mars
dernier, par 1'Acte le plus authentique de la Souverainete Angloise, annoncant a tous les
Ordres de 1'Etat, que commercer sans cependant interdire le meme droit a personne,
s'etoit 1'offenser; que le lui dire avec .franchise, s'etoit la braver, qu'elle S'en vengeroit,
et qu'elle se reservoit de le faire, quand elle le pourroit a son ayantage, et de surprendre
alera plans legaiement Iquie dangi la dexndere Guelnrie; oar eClia declairodt em avoir lie dmit,
la volionlte le potuvodx, en, demianidiodt les moiyeints.
Malheur a ceLuy qui me deRengera Car Sa vie ne sera pas Longue.
Lie fleiaiu die la Gweime ladtuelilie iairusi p-roicliaimeie, a, $te TOstmadnlt irertlairdte, mitianit qu'il
a etc* possible par un Monarque dont les vues pacifiques et desinteressees ne r^clament
des marques de votre ancien attachement que pour votre bonheur; contraint de repous-
eer la feroe par la fbtrce, Ideis hoisttliMlteis. multi'Dliees piair dies ireip:r©sisiadlllleis qu'il a enifiTi
ordpnne; si la necessite porte ses armes ou celles de ses allies dans un pays qui lui est
toujours eher, vous n'aurez point a craindre les Embrasemens ni les devastation; & si la
reooinnioiiBisiainioe, isi la vue d'un Pavilion foujoaMs revere p;air ceux qui remit isuivi 'najpfptelle
sous les drapeaux de la France, ou des Etats unis, des Indiens qui nous aimoient, &
qui etoient combles des presens de celui qu'ils appeloient aussi leur Pere; jamais, non
jamais, ils n^employeront contre vous leurs trop cruelles coutumes de faire la Guerre; ils
y renonceront, ou ils cesse d'etre nos .amis.
Ce ne sera point par des Menaces faites a nos compatrioles que nous tacherons
d'evtter de liejs oombatltlre : <ae rue sera point non plus pair ides injumes pinoifereeB comitne ume
gr-ande & brave nation que nous savons respecter & que nous esperons de vaincre, que
cette declaration sera affaiblie.
Je -me ditnad ,podn)t iemi qu&lilte die 'Gemtdlihbffnm'e Frtaingoisi a ceux d'entre vooiis iqui le
sont nes comme moi, qu'il n'es qu'une auguste maison dans 1'univers, sous laquelle le
Francois puisse etre heureux & servir avec deliees, parceque son chef & ceux qui lui
tiienm/ent le plmiSi pires pair lets liens, du eianig &e isont iplu depuits lume loiiigue siuite die Momiar-
ques, dans tous les terns, & se plaisent plus que jamais aujourd'fcui a porter ce meme
titre que Henri IV regardoit comme le premier des siens. Je ne ferai point regrster ces
qualifications, Ces marques, ces decorations, tresors precieux, a une facon de penser
commune a nous tous & actuellement fermes, par notre malheur commun pour des
Francois Americains qui savoient si bien s'en rendre dignes. Leur zele, j'ose Tesperer
& le promettre, les if era rependre bientot ,sur eux: ils le m^riteront lorsqu'ils oseront
devenir les amis de nos allies.
Je ne demanderai point aux compagnons d' armes de M. le Marquis de Levy ;^ a
ceux qui ont partage sa gloire, qui ont admire ses talens son tact Militaire, qui ont cheri
sa cordialite & ,sa franchise, caractere principal de notre noblesse, s'il est d'autres noms
chez d'autres peuples aupres desquels ils aiment mieux voir placer les leurs. Les Cana-
diens qui ont vu tomber pour leur deffense le brave Monsieur de Montcalm, pourroient-
ils etre les ennemis de ses neveux, combattre contre leurs anciens chefs & s'armer contre
leurs parens & a leurs nom seul, les armes leurs tomberoient des mains.
Je tn/oibserverai podnit a-ux Mkidetreis de.s afultels que leuns effiodtis evaoigeldqueis ORiTont
besodm d'une ptrote'Cttion patrtiauldeire de la providence, POUT que lexemiple rue dimdnpe
pO'ioiit la croiyiance; pour que rinltexet temporel ne TenKpOTtie pais; poruir que Lets 'men-
agemenis politiques des Sooweiradnis, que la foa^ce leur a doinne, ne e'a,ffodbiliisisieinlt point a
proportion de ce qu'ils auront moins a craindre, qu'il est necessaire pour la Religion que
ceux qui la prechent forment un corps dans TEtat, & qu'il n'y auroit point de Corps
plus considere ni qui eut plus de pouvoir de faire le bien que celui des Pretres du
Camadia prenianit pa.rt au GooiveirnieinKenJt ; pawcetqiue leaiT ooniduiite r§sipecbable lieur a merite
la confiance du peuple.
Je ne ferai point remarquer a ce peuple, a tous mes Compatriotes en general, qu une
vaste Monarchic ayant la meme Religion, les memes moeurs, la meme Langue, ou 1'on
trouve des parens, des anciens amis, & des freres, est une source intarissable de Com-
merce, & de Richesse, plus facilles a acquerir, par une reunion avec des voisins puis-
sans; & plus sures qu'avec des Strangers d'un autre hemisphere, chez qui tout est
dissemblable, qui tot ou tard. Souverains jaloux & despotes, les traiteroient comme des
vaiiicus, & plus mal sans doute que leurs ci-devant compatriotes qui les avoient fait
vaincre. Je ne ferai point sentir a tout un peuple, car tout un peuple quand il acquere
le droit de penser & d'agir, connoit son interet; que se Her avec les Etats Unis c'est
s'aisisiureir .son bonheur; imais declaireiriad eonmTie je le declare foirmellement au nom de
Illustrative Documents 77
Sa- Majeste qui n'y a autorise & qui m'a ordonne de le faire, que tons ses anciens sujetg
de TAmerique Septentrionale qui ne reconnoitront plus la Supre"matie de 1'Angleterre
peuvent compter sur sa protection, & sur son appui.
Fait a bord du Vaisseau de Sa Majeste le Languedoc en Rade de Boston ce vingt
huit Octobre mil sept cent soixante dix-huit.
Bigrel de Grandclos, Secretaire nomme par le Roi, a la suite de FEscadre com-
mandee par M. le Comte d'Estaing.
A Bord du Languedoc, de Flmprimerie de F. P. Demange.. Imprimeur du Roi & de
1'Escadre.
Indorsed — In Genl. Haldiraand
(Secret) of 18th June 1779.
(Translation)
A Declaration Addressed in the Name of the King to all the Former French Subjects
in North America.
I, the undersigned, authorized by His Majesty, and invested thereby with the
noblest of Titles; of that, which obliterates all others instructed in the name of the
Fa-tiner otf looir Cmwiitay, amid! .tjfoe ibeiDefvollteait pa-dtie-ctar iaf has isiubjieats Ibo offer aiSisasitatnice
to those who were born to enjoy the goodness of his government; to all his countrymen
in North America.
You were born French, you have never ceased to be French, a War which was
only .made known to us by the Capture of nearly all our Sailors and the principal
successes in which our common Enemies- owe only to the courage, the talent and the
numbers of the brave Americans who are fighting with them to-day, has torn from you
what is dearest to 'all men, even the name of your country; to force you against your
will to raise parricidal hands against her, would be the summit of misfortunes, you
are menaced with it. A new war ought to make you fear that they .may oblige you to
submit to this most revolting law of slavery. This War has commenced like the former
one, by dtejpretdiafekxnls upKxns ifhe most dimipoirltainit paolt otf our (comimeroe. The fpriisonis o!f
America have contained for a long time -a great number of unfortunate Frenchmen, you
hear their groans. This war has been declared by the message of the month of March
last, by the most authentic act of English Sovereignty, and making known to all the
Orders of the state, that to carry on trade without however forbidding the same right to
eoy one would be 'an otffeoiictei; tihait too istpeak with faeediom <wajs a chaWeoiigie, which ishe<
would punish and that she would preserve the Tight of d/oing what was most to her
advantage and of accordingly surprising us more legally than in the last war, for she
declared she -had the right, the will, the power, and asked for the means. Woe to any
one who opposes me for his life will not be long.
The scourge of actual war thus proclaimed has been restrained and delayed as
much 'as possible! by ja 'Mbjniaoich, whose peaiodful amid dislnlteresiteid views now cMm
proofs of your old attachment, only for your happiness; constrained to repel force by
force, and multiply hostilities by reprisals which he has at length ordered; if necessity
should carry his 'arms or those of his allies into a country which is always dear to him,
you will have no reason to fear conflagrations or devastations; -and if gratitude, if the
eight oi a Flag always Tieweired 'by tthose* who ihajvie foJMowied it should 'retoail'1 under the
banners of France or of the United States, the Indians who love us and who were
loaded with presents by him, whom they also call their Father; never, no, never, will
they employ against you their too cruel customs of making war; they will renounce
them, or they will cease to be our friends.
It will not be by Threats made to our countrymen that we will endeavour to avoid
fighting them; nor will it be by insults offered to a great and brave nation which we
know how to respect and hope to conquer, that this declaration will be weakened. I
will not say in the character of a French gentleman to those among you who were
btofnn like mie, (that .tihieine is only omie illuistjiojuis 'house dn ,t!hie woiM 'uindelr whom a
Frenchman can be happy and serve with delight because his chief and those who are
closest connected with him by ties of blood have taken pleasure under a long line of
monarchs in all past time and now take greater pleasure than ever in hearing the
same title which Henry IV considered as the first of his. IE will not make you regret
these rewards, these medals, these decorations, precious treasures in a way common to
us all and actually prohibited by our common misfortune to American Frenchmen who
know so well how to deserve them. Their zeal, I dare hope and promise them, will
soon cause their recovery; they will deserve them when they dare to become the friends
of our allies.
I will not ask the companions in arms of the Marquis de Levy; those who have
shared his glory; who have admired his talents, his military tact, who have enjoyed
78 Illustrative Documents
his coirdiality and his iitainkneisis, a cMelf 'cfoajrtaateiriistac o!f ooir nobility, fisf ithere are
cither names amotng other peio(plfejs>, near which (they wfoaild be< better pleased ito isee
theirs inscribed. Can Canadians who have seen the brave M. de Montcalm fall in their
defence ever become enemies 'otf (fails ne/phews, flight against their old lead/ere amd ttaike
arms against their relatives? At their names alone their arms would fall from their
hands.
I will not remark to ministers of the Gospel that their evangelical efforts will
require a special protection of providence, that the example does not diminish faith,
that the .temporal interest may n(o.t canny >t!hem away, Itihait ifehe political ex;pedienitis of
the sovereigns whom force has given them may not be weakened in proportion as they
have less to fear, that it is necessary for Religion that those who preach it should form
a body in the State and that there should be nobody in it of greater consideration nor
that has more power to do good than that of the Priests of Canada taking part in the
Government because their honorable conduct deserves the confidence of the people.
I will not observe to this .people, to all my countrymen in general, that a great
Moomrchy, Waiving the isiaime Rel!igdom, the same manneife, the same Language, where' fchey
find relatives, old friends and 'brothers, is an inexhaustible fountain of Commerce, and
of wealth, easier to acquire by a union with powerful neighbours; and surer than with
strangers in another hemisphere, with whom everything is foreign, who sooner or later,
jealous and dtepoitic Rulelrs, will ittoeat them ass conquered people -and woffise, without
douiblt, ihiayi fthieiir farmer coiunstrymetn whto !hia.ve enalbled (tiiem to 'ConiqueT. I will niot
make a whole people feel, for when a whole people, when it has acquired the right to
think and to act knows its own interest; that to connect itself with the United States
is to make sure its happiness; but ff will declare, as I declared it formally in the name
of His Majesty, who has authorized me, and who has ordered me to do it, that all his
old subjects in North America, who will no longer recognize the supremacy of England,
may rely on folia protection and hife /support.
Done on board His Majesty's ship, the Languedoc, in Boston Harbor, this 28th
October one /thousand Severn h'utndired and Iseventy^eighft.
d'Estaing.
Bigrel de Grandclos, Secretary appointed by the King to the Squadron, commanded
by M. Count d'Estaing.
on board the Languedoc, printed by F. B. Demange, printer to - the King and the
Squadron.
1(47)
TRANSLATED FROM A COPY OF THE LETTER IN THE CANADIAN ARCHIVES,
HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 176, p. 7.
de Lobinier
the 29 October 1778.
Dear Wife
I write you these lines to let you know. of my news which is very good I pray the
Lord that the present finds you in the same state. You will assure mamma (mament)
of my very humble Respect as well as my grand father and my grand mother and all
our uncles and aunt, you will say to my mother that she must not be disturbed about
my father he is well he is in the Regiment with (Colonel Hazen he is very well he did
not come with us he did not feel capable of making so long a voyage and' besides, for a
man of his age that would be too fatiguing he is coming very slowly with the body of
the army that should go to Canada Henry Deplicis is with us he is well and Antoine
Chretien, also, and (the teoun otf Oiaanan de Kaniooraisq'uia will you let ibis lalther know olf
his news he is well as well as the Bishop de la Riviere Ouel he is well also for the
news I can assure you with truth that there are no more English nor Royal troops in
New England they fled like Thieves, Monsieur Le Gompte d'Estin high admiral of
France is with us with 12,000 men of troops, he has taken from the English, 22 war
vessels 13 of 64 pieces of cannon and 14 of 56 .pieces and 13 frigates loaded with muni-
tions and fpiroviisiomis (provision die iboudhe) Monsieur Le Oonnipfte* dJ'Eisltdn, Moo Sedgnieiur
Le Due de Ohartres are at Boston with their fleets in order to enter Canada in the early
spring and Monsieur le 'Marquis de Lafaguette (Lafayette) Monsieur le Marquis de La
Rouari and Mon Seigneur Le Baron de Belle-feuille who ie chevalier de Malte and Le
Cordon bleu and quantity of other email top knots (fontaguet) de Croix de St. Louie
which is good for nothing with Their troops because the number is too great, do not
woirry youmsteEf beoausie we h'ave taken tlh'e eh»oirte,s<t road oiuir girealt general Waishiingtom
Illustrative Documents 79
wished formerly to chase all these people but at present as there is no longer anything
which 'bothers us here we work for Canada. The army is en route but I cannot tell you
exactly the time we will enter there, it is certain that we will be there soon that is sure
all is ready for the passage of the ('La langue de terre) Tongue of Land, I have some
hope of seeing you this winter with .all our friends who will accompany us to the
misfortune of many.
Your faithful husband
dement Gosselin, C'apt.
do not fail to tell the news to cousin Augustin Bergner, Pierre Ayot is no longer in the
army no one knows where he is no one has had knowledge of him, Joseph Caree like-
wise and it is a lie all that which he reported to us last autumn he had indented it he
spoke to no one. The Major de Bois pays you many compliments he is now colonel, I
hope in 18 days from now to drink a bottle of wine with my father to your health.
Endorsed; — To Madame Clement Gosselin living at Ste.Anne du Sud below Quebec.
(48)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS. "
Series B, Vol. 171, p. 16.
Monsieur <et Cher General —
Comme vo,us mavies fait 1'honneur de me dire. en passant par Longueuil qu'en vous
en revenant vous me feriez celui d'arreter au Chateau ce qui fait que je vous y ai tou-
JOOITS 'alttemdu et connm® piair mioiri Etmiploy je dois veiller a itaus 'ce qui peult eitre uftile iau
bien & a Texecution du service due Roy dans les milices javois dresse* Le memoire que
j'ai rhonneur de vous addresser cy joint pour avoir celui de vous le remettre en passant
Esperant avoir 1'honneur d'en Conferer avec vous, heureux si j'ai le bonheur qu'il puisse
avoir votre approbation j'ai 1'honneur d'etre avec un tres profond Respect
'Monsieur et cher General
Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
Dechambault.
a Montreal le 2 novembre 1778.
Endorsed— 1779
From M. Dechambault
of 2d November 1778.
(Translation)
Sir and Dear General :
As you have done me the honor of telling me when you passed through Longueuil,
that on returning, you would do me that of staying at the Chateau which I have always
expected; as through my employment, I should be watchful over everything that may
'be uiserf-uil tlo the good and the execution of ithe King's service in to militia, I have
prepared the memoir which X have the honor to address to you, herewith, in order that you
may return it to me when passing. Hoping to have the honor of Conferring on it with
you, happy, if I have the good fortune to receive your approbation,
I have the honor to be, etc.,
Deechambault.
At Montreal, 2nd November, 1778.
(49)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. ISO, p. I.
.Quebec, llth Novr. 1778.
Sir,
I have only time to acknowledge the Receipt of your Letter of the 8th October and
to return you many Thanks for the Intelligence conveyed therein and the Newspaper
accompanying it.
We have been and are preparing in the best manner we can to give our restless
Neighbours the best Reception in our Power shou'ld they attempt to return into the
Province, which they have been long threatening and I do not doubt they will execute
as soon as it is convenient or practicable for them.
80 Illustrative Documents
When the Snow allows of going through the Woods, I propose trying for a com-
munication with your Capital that way and I doubt not your giving all the Assistance
in your Power towards the accomplishing it. You will afford us all the news you have
and that is all we can expect, over the Lake we get nothing but Lies*.
I wish you good succeae in all your undertakings.
I am &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Brigadier General Francis Maclean, Halx.
(50)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 133, p. 40.
Montreal, Nov. 13th, 1778.
Sir,
I last night received a letter from Lieut. 'Colonel St. Leger covering one from the
Captain of Militia at Vercheres, complaining of the disobedience Of the Miliciene and
praying fooioe to eubduie tihern. Qoflxxnietl St. Leger Idfcewisie Tefpr.ese'nitis ttih&t (thiis is mot
the 2d or 3d time the Works have been put to a stand by them and that they are in
general Rebels.
As men couild not 'be spared from Sorel I thought it right to desire Lt. Colonel Prae-
torius would immediately send a Captain and fifty men from the Prince of Brunswick's
Kegiment to Vercheres where they are k> remain till Your Excellency's pleasure is
known and to give every assistance to the Captain of Militia which he may require to
enforce the Corvees and to send prisoners to Colonel Silvester or Major St. George at
Montreal all such as were refractory which I hope will meet with your approbation.
I have the honor to be &c.
H. Wateon Powell.
His Excellency,
General Haldimand.
(51)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 54, pp. 303-6.
Quebec, 19th Novr, 1778.
No. 13.
Lord Geo. Germain.
My Lord,
The 1st of this month after the Departure of the Frigates with the Trade of the
Province under their Convoy we received the disagreeable account that a Privateer
oif 22 Guns had burned & destroyed the Houses, utensils, nets, &ca. belonging to
the Fishing Posts upon the North Coast & that of Labrador within our limits, fitted
out & carried on by several of His Majesty's British & Canadian subjects residing at
Quebec, except one or two, the property of British they could not reach, & those
belonging to a Canadian they studiously endeavoured to caress and gain over to their
cause. The Proprietors have thereby not only lost the outfits as well as the Winter's
Fishing but most oi the establishments that were made ifor carrying on the same,
which had been the work of time, this will lay them under the necessity of beginning
these anew & put them to considerable expense before the Business can be executed
there as heretofore.
Those losses together with what they have suffered at the Bay of Chaleur & the
ships that have been taken this year in the River & Gulf have caused some discontent
among the Traders of the Province, and it is more than probable may excite a clamour
at Home, upon this subject I have written to the First Lord of the Admiralty an
extract of which is enclosed & I should hope with Your Lordship's support such
measures will be taken against the opening of navigation in 1779 as may disconcert
the Enemy & prevent those evils which have been so severely felt in the course of
the present year.
In the present situation of the British Empire the Fisheries upon the north Coast
& in the Gulf deserve more than ever to be seriously attended to if properly followed
Illustrative Documents 81
and encouraged they may .supply great 'help & assistance to other Branches of its
Commerce Actually in sufferance.
The enclosed Papers exhibit the cunning of the Americans in Actual Eebellion &
how much they try to intice the People of this Province in their Proposed Independence,
some of tlhose who came up laissure ime »a Plaicaird had been, left a!t 'one *>f tfhe Caniadiam
Posts giving among other Reasons for not burning them, that no British subject had
an Interest therein — great care must be taken here to prevent that kind o.f spirit from
bursting out & Administration at Home cannot be too much on their guard against the
Artful Insinuators of it.
I did not mention to Lord Sandwich an idea now occurring to me that Eedoubts
thrown up in the narrowest part of the Gut of Canso 'with a few good' men under able
Officers to guard them might be the best means to prevent the Rebels taking shelter
& force them throwing themselves more in the way of ionr Cruiz/ers, this naturally
regards the Province of Nova Scotia and the officers having the care of the King's
affairs there, but I am confident the measure would prove of Public and general utility.
I have the honor to 'be, &c.
Fred Haldimand.
(52)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 80, p. 89.
Quebec ce 19eme .Novembre 1778.
Moaiisisr
Lta MJa-joir Grey ayaout irepnesieinit ta 6bm Excelleonoe que i&a 'fiami'lle ieeit d'aous le oais die
souffrir beaucoup cette Hyver, manque de bois, que malgre toutes ses recherches il n'a
pais pozt 'parvenir ia em ffiaarte provision. Le Genienail /pour Tea loiter de ceit eim'bariiiais, eft*
soulager leur detresse, vous recommande de leur ifaire fournir le bois dont ils auronts
besoin a un prix raisonnable.
Je suis &c (Signe) F. L. M.
D:A:G:.
Aux Oapitiaiine
de Milice de
la Valterie.
(Translation)
Quebec, this 19th Nov. 1778.
Sir:
Ma/jioir Grey hiaviing isnifoirmed H'ife ExioeLl'enicy tifoait his if\aimily is in diangeir of
suffering greatly this winter for want of wood, which notwithstanding all his efforts,
hie hiais noit beiem raiblLe to O'bttain, -tihie Gemerall, to remove tihis diifficulty .an/d Telie/ve theiT
distress, requests you to cause the wood which they require, to be furnished at a
reasonable price.
I am, etc.,
(Sgd.) F. L. M.,
D. A. G.
To the Captain of Militia
at La Valterie.
(53)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
SERIES B. VOL. 54, pp. 61-3.
No. 15. Quebec, 21st Novr. 1778.
Loxd Geo. Germain.
My Lord,
iSince my letter of the 24th Octr. I have received further advice from Lieut. Governor
Hamilton of the preparation he was making for the expedition I have already informed
Your Lordship he had resolved to undertake .against the Rebels who had possessed them-
selves of the Illinois and his last letter, dated the 7th of October acquaints me of his
having received Intelligence that the Rebels joined by Canadians of the Illinois &
countenanced by the Spaniards of the Mississippi were advancing in considerable Force
to attack Detroit.
3573—6
82 Illustrative Documents
I transmit Your Lordship a Copy of this letter of Mr. Hamilton's for more particular
Information also a Copy of a return of his Rangers ,and of the Militia that have turned
ouit (Volunteers to; accompany himi. You will see by his letter what Indians he has
collected and that he has a small detachment of the 8th Regiment, making altogether
about Two Hundred men to go out with him upon his expedition, which Your Lordship
will observe he still intends to prosecute notwithstanding the further advice he has
received, which makes me think he does not give credit to it or otherwise I cannot con-
ceive that with the inconsiderable number of men he has under him any thing material
can 'be effected; Ithe diisitiainioe >at dill itAimeis makes it dafficulit fbut (tihe isieasomi now miafceis it
impossible for me to interfere in this matter the entire management of which must
depend therefore upon the judgment & discretion otf Liieut.-Governor Hamilton.
I send Your Lordship enclosed a st,ate of the Provisions which remain at this time
and the quantity daily expended from both which Your Lordship will perceive the
necessity of receiving further supplies very early, this is likewise extremely necessary
to avatill oumsieflivas of itihie firtslt of tlhe Beasiom ifolr TTtanlsiportt to' ifehie Upper Coninitiry.
I just learn the return of the Party which I have in a former letter informed Yo'ur
Lordship I should send out to examine the Shores of Lake €h,amplain, as far as the
Enemy's Frontier & to deisitooy whiaitevielr Whey 'sflnouLd find1 likely to iaiciliitbate Ithei enter-
prises of the Rebels on that side, the Principal Avenue into this Province.
The Party suffered no loss whatever & executed with great success the purport of
their expedition. Major Carleton, the Officer who commanded, informs me in his
report, " I can venture to assure Your Excellency that we have completely destroyed
Four months Provisions for Twelve Thousand men." The Rebels have long since drove
off and destroyed the Plantations of every Friend of Government that had been settled
.any whiene wiiitihin Ithieir meaidh, the Pietoiple Ilieffit by tihieon on the neair teide of tohat Lake' could
be no other than their Emissaries, the more dangerous to us as the Rebels, affected to
call them their Enemies in hopes of deceiving us, while they were making their mis-
chievous uses of them & their settlements.
At present there remain no more of these Traitors on either side of Lake Champlain
from, Near Tyconderoga to Canada, and considerable settlements of them along Otter
Creek have been destroyed on this occasion. Among these latter some Stands of Arms
& Ammunition were found besides great quantities of Provisions & Forage.
The Indians of this Party brought off some Cattle and killed a great many,
& between Thirty & Forty Prisoners were made, one of whom proves to. be an Indian
Interpreter, Inhabitant of the neighbourhood of Otter Creek, long known in this Country
to have been employed by the Rebels for the Bearer of their Impositions to the Indians
of Canada and never could be taken until now. I annex the Copy of an Association
taken upon these People with their names signed. Those marked are the Prisoners
upon this occasion. This paper shows clearly that there was a necessity to rid ourselves
of such neighbours.
I have forborne hitherto notwithstanding the reiterated threats of Invasion which
we receive from the Rebels and the evident interest they have in carrying their menaces
into execution to ask assistance from 'Sir H. Clinton, being persuaded that as long as he
remains in Force on the side of New York, the Rebels cannot undertake any thing of
consequence against Canada. But should he be reduced to a Plan merely Defensive,
this Country most probably would be attacked.
I take this opportunity of humbly submitting to Your Lordship whether one or more
English Officers of a superior Rank to the Foreign Officers upon this service should not
be sent over here. I add a list of the Field Officers of this Army where Your Lordship
will observe that the three eldest are iGermans.
Returns of the Army & of the Upper Posts are likewise enclosed with this Dispatch .
I have the honour to be, &c.,
Fred Haldimand
(54)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 16-1, pp. 105-110.
Copie de la 'Lettre du Marquis de la Fayette aux Sauvages du 'Canada,
"Le Marquis de la Fayette General dans les Troupes des Eltate Uni-s de L'Amerique,
a mes Enifants les Sauvages du Canada.
"Mes Enfants
"C'est Votre Pere aui desire vous parler, Et qui vous demande L'ecouter avec
ittention.
Illustrative Documents 83
"Vous vous Souvenes que vos Peres vou& dirent, en quittant le Canada que vous
"lefe Reverriez reparoitre un Jour ou 1'autre, quils ne pouvoient vous dire Comment,
"Mais que Surrement il reviendroient et se Joindioient a vous, pour faire la Guerre a
"nos Enemis,. & les Oiasser de votre Pays — Vous navez pas non plus oublie la promesse
"que vous fites de vous Joindre a Eux, & qu'aussitot ils recominenceroient la Guerre
"avec les Anglois, he bien: Mies Enfants, ils vomt vous tenir paroles, & c'est a vous a
"leur tenir celle que vous leurs avez donne— Les Anglois vous ont toujours environnes
"de mensonges, comme Si vous etiez dans un Brouillard, & ils vous ont empechesi par
"leur tromperie de voir oe que tout le monde Voyoit. Mais a present ils ne pourrons
"plus mentir, & nous viendrons, Si pres que vous ne pourres pas vous empecher de
"reconnoitre vos Peres.
"Mes Enfants,. you® aures Surement appris toutes les nouvelles de cette Campagne,
"quie noute awoiniS' ipris Philaidel^pnie, quie nojus aivomts baftltu lets Aniglbis a Monimioait2i quie
"le Roy votre Pere a Envoye ici des Vaisseaux qua o>nt mis en fuitte ceuix du Roy d'An-
"gleterre, & que nous lui avons pris un grand nombre de Vaisseaux de Fregattesi & de
"toutes sortes de Bailments.
"Vous Aurez Surement appris aussi que le Roy votre Pere a fait un Traitte d'Alilian-
"ce avec les Americains, qu'ils se sont remuesi contre les Anglois, qu'il y a, a Philadel-
"phie, un Ambassadeur de France pour traitter des bonnes affaires avec le Congress.
"Vous saves' aussi que Vos Peres voulant prendre les Treizes Etats d'une main,
"le Canada de L'autre pour les Joindre ensembles contre nos Enemis, & que le Roy a
"Envoye une declaration aux Canadiens pour leur promettre Ses Secours — Mais ja Sou
"que vous Seriez bien aise de recevoir la Confirmation^ des nouvelles par rnoy,, & Je vai
"vous apprendre ce qui S'est passe depuis, ainsi Ecoutes moy bien.
"II y a Eu, une grande Bataille de Lautre >C6te du Grand Lacq, ou les Vaisseaux
"fransais ont Battu tout ce qui restoit de Vaisseaux aux Angloisi, & leur Flotte nose plus
"Se montrer de facon que le Grand Lacq est couvert sur. les Cotes d'Angleterre de Vais-
"seaux au Pavillion Blanc. Les Anglois ont tant de peur qu'on prenne leur propre
"Pays, quils ont Rapelles plus de la Moitie des Troupes; quils avoient en Amerique, &
"on aura bientot Chasse le Reste, de la Villle ou ils sont Enifermes sans oser Sortir. Ainsi
"mes Enfants, vous nous verres bientot arriver en Canada avec le General Washington,
"le Grand Chef de Guerre des Americains, & nous irons 'Cbnmoitre nos Amis de nos
"Enemis. — Tout cela est bien different des Mensonges que Ton vous dtit. Mais si les
"Anglois viennent a descendre plus bas, pour venir se faire prendre comme le General
" Burgoyne dont L'Armiee etoit tout pres aussi grande que celle du General Haldimand.
'Ils vous ont toujours assure que L'Amenique seroit Conquise la prochaine Campagne,
'ils vous ont dit que le Roy de France ne feroit pas la Guerre au Roy d'Angleterre &
'vous voyes a present la faussete de tous leurs Mensonges. 'Comment voulez vous qu'ils
'gagnent le Pays des Autres puis quils ne peuvent pas garder le Leurs? Us S'enfuient
'comme le General Clinton a ifait de Philadelphie, ou bien ils seront tous pris comme
'le General Burgoyne, & ils laisserons leur Amis a la Mercy de leurs Enemis— ^Mes
'Enfants, c'est avec Chagrin que Jai appris que plusdeurs d'entre vous Etoient du Party
'des Anglois, & quils etoient avec les Enemis de leur Pere,. mais nous voulons bien
'excuser ce qui S'est passe, a Cause de L'ignorance ou vous Etiez et desi Mensonges
'qu'on vous avoit fait Oroire. Mais a present Si vous Etiez des Enfants Ingrats, vous
'n'auriez plus d'Excuses.
"Consideres mes Enfants Combien il seroit faclheux, pour vous die frapper Sur quel
"qu'un de vos Peres. Sur ceux avec qui vous avez Combattut la derniere Guerre, qui
"vous ont Combles de bienfaits, & qui viendxont vous en apporter de Nouveaux. II
"eeroit aussi bien facheux pour vos Peres d'etre obliges de frapper sur leurs enfants
"lorsquils viendront Exterminer T<ms Enemis sans Distinction: — Faites Courir Ma
"Parole parmy vous, & que Chacun Saehe a quoi S'en tenir. Et puisse prevoir le Sort
"heureux qui 1'attend. Mes Enfants,. Ecoutes avec attention ma derniere Parolle. Je
"vous declaTe qfue tloTie Oeux qua qoiitteiroinlt la Pairty idles Amiglo<is & deiviiettidrodt lieniTts
"enemas SeTO(nJt te -amis du Roy die Fnamde, vot^rei Peire, 'm'ai© que ceiux quli lapres avoir
"Entendut les Paroles & les Paroles q/ue Monsieur le eomte d'Estaing a dites au nom d^
*6a Majeste, ceux qui Continuerons avec L'Anglois, ceux la ne serons Jamais Regardes
'que comme nos Enemis, & quils eprouverons toute la pesanteur de notre bras — Mais
'nos bons & Fideles Enfans, retro uvirons- En nous toute notre Tendresse et tous les
'bienfaits qu'un- bon Pere Accorde a ses Enfants bien Aimes. Vous Entendres dire
'bientot que Je Suis party pour aller de Lautre Cote" du Grand Lacq, Retrouver notre
'Pere Commun.
"Mialite vo'Uis one verres ReivietnjiT darns pen die tieme pour inerjoindlne nos aands & moe
"Alliez: J'espere Entendre bientot que mes Parolles ont passes par vos Oreilles pour
3573— 6i
84 Illustrative Documents
"itesftier dam® votine Coeuir, & ipouvodir nemdire Coampfte 'au Bay Vatire Petfe que irons voiulez
"tous Etre Ses -amis & que vous renoncez pour Jamais & Ses Ennemis.
Fait a Boston
le 18e Deeembre 1778
(Signe) La Fayette
Indorsed — 'Copy of the Marquis T,a. Ffl.yette'lS T^Her to the f!.a.na.rla.
Dated Boston 18th December 1778.
In Genl. Haldimand's (No. 17)
of 29th May 1779.
(Translation)
COPY OF THE LETTER FROM THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE TO THE INDIANS OF CANADA.
The Marquis de la Fayette, General of the Troops of the United States of America,
to my children, the Indians of Canada.
My Children, it is your Father who wishes to speak to you, and who ,asks you to
listen to him with attention.
You Kemember that your Fathers told you, on leaving Canada, that you would 'See
them re-appear, one Day or another, that they could not tell you How, But that surely
lie would return and Join you, to make War upon our Enemies, and Expel them from
your Country — You have never forgotten the promise made to Join Them and that they
would immediately recommence the War against the English. Well ! My Children, they
are going to keep their word and it is your business to keep the promise that you have
given them — the English have always surrounded you with lies as if you were in a Fog,
and they have prevented you by their deceit from seeing what the whole world Sees.
But now they can lie no more and we will come So near that you cannot fail to recognize
your Fathers.
My Children, you will have Surely learned all the news of this Campaign, that we
'have taken Philadelphia, tJhait iwe (Naive beaten tlhe English alt Mon'moruftih, thiait tlbe King,
youir Farther, hiais Senit here Vessels which (haive pu!t to flight \thoise oif tftie King off Eirngland,
and that have taken from him a great number of Frigates and all kinds of Ships.
You will Surely also have learned that the King, your Father, has made a Treaty
of Alliance with the Americans, that they ,are stirring against the English, that there
is at Philadelphia a French Ambassador to negotiate with the Congress.
You know alistoi <tiha,t Year Faltlhier's wish fto 'tlatke tihie Tlhintleem States by one hiamid
and Canada by the other, to unite them together against our Enemies, and that the
King has sent a declaration to the Canadians to promise them His Assistance — but I
know that you will be pleased to receive the Confirmation of this news by me and I
ajin faibooi't «to. .tell yoiu whlat lhais Itaiken ipllaoe isdmae, so lisiten wieill to iirne. Thene hiais been
a great Battle on the other Side of the Great Lake, in which the French Ships have
Beaten all that remain of the English ships, and their Fleet does not dare show itself,
so that the Great Lake is covered on the Coasts of England with Ships flying the White
Fl,ag. The English are in so much Fear that they will take their own Country, that
they have recalled more than half of the troops that they had in America, and the
remainder will soon be Driven from the Town where they have been Shut up, without
daring to Come out. Thus, my Children, you will soon see us arrive in Canada with
General Wajshintgtoin, ftlhe 'Gretajt W^atr Chief of (the Amieirdoaims, land we will Distinguish.
our Friends torn our Enjemieis.
All this is very different from the Lies which they have told you, but If the
English attempt to descend below they will be captured like General Burgoyne, whose
army was nearly as large as that of General Haldimand. They have .always assured
you that America would be Conquered the next Campaign, they have told you that the
King of France would not make War on the King of England, but you now see the
falseness of all their lies. How can they take the Country of Others since they can-
ruot protect their own? They run away as General Clinton has done 'from Phila-
delphia, or they will be taken like General Burgoyne, and they will leave their friends
at the mercy of their enemies — My Children, it is with sorrow that I have learned
that some of you belonged to the English Party and that they were with their Father's
Enemies, but we wish to excuse what is past, on Account of your Ignorance and the
lies which they have made you Believe, but now, If you are Ungrateful Children, you
will have no further excuse. Think well, my Children, how disagreeable it would
be for any of Your Fathers to strike you, for those with whom you have fought in the
last war, who have loaded you with favours and who will come to bring you fresh
favours. It would also be disagreeable for your Fathers to -be obliged to strike their
Illustrative Documents
85
Children when they come to Exterminate all their Enemies without Distinction; —
Spread my speech about amongst you so that Everybody may Know what it contains
and imay foTOseie the good Foirtunie wihdclh awaits him. My Children,, Listeta wiitih aite>
tion to my last Words, I declare to you that all Those who will leave the English
Party and become their Enemies will become friends of the King of France, your
Father, but those who, .after having heard my Words and the Words which M. Count
d'Estaing has spoken in the name of His Majesty, those who Stay with the English
will Always be Considered as our Enemies and will experience the whole weight of
our lairm — font onur gtood iamd iaitihtfull 'Children will again fi/nd in -uis afLl kindness land all
the fasvoruns rtftiaJt a good Fait'toer Granite his well Beloved 'Children. You will soon hear
that I have Gone to the other side of the Great Lake to revisit our Common Father.
But you will see me return in a little while to rejoin our friends and our Allies;
I hope to Hear immediately that my words have entered through your Ears, to remain
in your Heart, and be able to Inform the King, Your Father, that you all wish to Be
His Friends, and that you will renounce His Enemies forever.
Done at Boston the 18th December, 1778.
(Sgd.) La Fayette.
(55)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 144, pp. 140-9.
GENERAL RETURN OF PROVINCE ARMED VESSELS, IST JANUARY, 1779.
Guns.
Name.
Sorel.
Mercury.
St. Peter
Mary
Polly.
Liberty.
Men.
10
7
2.
12.
14.
14.
14
On a voyage to England.
Pacquet.
In want of repairs.
64 guns, 56 swivels.
2 Gun Batteaux at Sorel carrying one 6 Pdr each.
GENERAL RETURN OF VESSELS ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN, IST JANUARY, 1779.
Name.
Royal George
Inflexible
Maria.
Carleton.
Washington.
Lee.
Convert
Jersey.
Trumbull.
Liberty.
Spitfire.
Spy.
Lookout.
Dispatch.
Diligence.
How rigged.
Ship
Ship.
Schooner.
Schooner.
Brigg.
Sloop.
Hoy
Hoy.
Galley.
Schooner.
Sloop.
do.
do.
do.
do.
Gunboats (12), each carrying one gun.
Camel. Hoy.
Commissary. do.
Ration. do.
Receipt. do.
Delivery. do.
Longboats. (16).
Cutters. (16).
One 12 oared and one 10 oared barge.
Total guns 152; total swivels 102.
182 men to be distributed as the nature of the services require.
Guns.
26.
22.
14.
12.
16.
8.
7.
Remarks.
Built at St. Johns.
Taken down from stocks at Que.
bee, rebuilt at St. Johns.
Taken by Martin sloop in St.
Lawrence river.
Taken down at Chambly, re-
built at St. Johns.
Taken from the rebels in 1776.
Do. Do.
Taken from the Rebels in 1776
at Sillery.
Taken from the Rebels in 1776.
Do. Do.
Do. Do.
86 Illustrative Documents
GENERAL RETURN OF VESSELS ON LAKE ONTARIO, IST JANUARY, 1779.
Name. How rigged. Guns. Men.
Haldimand. Snow. 16. 34.
Seneca. Do. 18. 45.
Caldwell. Sloop. 2. 9.
Row Galley. Latteen. 4.
Gunboats (2). Lugg.
GENERAL RETURN OF VESSELS ON LAKES ERIE, HURON, AND MICHIGAN, IST JANUARY, 1779.
Name. Rig. Guns. Men. Remarks.
Gage. Schooner. 12. 27.
Dunmore. Do. 10. 19.
Hope. Do. 4. 6.
Angelica. Sloop.
Faith. Schooner.
Felicity. Do. 5.
Ottawa. Do. — On stocks.
Wyandot. — By this time launched
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 129, p. 24.
'Montreal, 3rd Jany, 1779.
Sir,
The enclosed Letter and state of the Militia that have been apointed for Corvees
at Sorel, I had sent me this morning by Lieut. Colonel St. George. The Account he
there gives of the very great Burden that this part o,f the C'oomtry is liable to on account
of the Corvees is certainly true, it being certain that they have five to one more to do
than the district of Three Rivers arid I should really apprehend that the number of 990
Miliciens that are mentioned in the State wiould be sufficient to answer all the demands
for Corvee men at Sorell and I understand that the Parishes mentioned in the State
were those allowed by the Qr. Mar. Generall with the approbation of the Comman-
der in Chief for the Corvees at 'Sorell, it appears, however, that last week a number
of them were ordered from Varennes, Verchere, & Contre Coeur, all belonging k> the
Transport of this District. I shall be glad to have His Excellency's orders upon the
contents of Mr. St. George's Letter and 'State, and I am, Sir,
Allan Maclean.
Captain M'athews.
(57)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 171, p. 17.
Instructions —
For the Captains of Militia, when His Majesty's Forces are upon the March, or go
nto Quarters in the different Parishes —
1. The Quarters af the Troops will be fixed 'by the Captains of the Militia for offi-
cers and Soldiers, in such a manner as to facilitate the March oi the Troops, and the
Ease olf the Inhabitants.
2. The Quarters, once settled, shall not be changed, without the knowledge of the
Captains of Militia.
3. The Carriages of Provisions, Ammunition, and other King's Stores, shall be
paid at the rate of seven-pence halfpenny Currency per League in ready Money and
that from the Spot where the Loading has been taken in, to the place where it is laid
down.
4. When the Troops March, the Officer commanding a Regiment *or Battalion, may
require two Carriages for himself, two for the Staff, and four for each Company, which
shall be fpaJLd ia/t tlhe lafboive mentioned Rafte; if more laire Idiemanided tlhey 'are 'to be
furnished, on paying for the Surplusage of Carriages, at the Rate of one shilling Cur-
rency per League.
Illustrative Documents 87
5. These Carriages are to carry fnom four Hundred and fifty to six Hundred weight
each, if the state df the (Roads allows thereof.
6. When the Troops go into Quarters, the Captains of Militia are to Lodge the
Officers as Conveniently as in their Power; the Soldiers two *and two, and only one in
poor Houses; this being settled, the Number in any one House is not to be changed with-
out the Knowledge 'of the Captains of Militia.
7. The Officers shall have such a Room as the Habitants can afford, a Bed tho' not
the Landlord's, <a Table, three Chairs, and Lodging for his Servant; He shall be W'armed,
and have the (Means of dressing his Victuals; if the Officer has a Room— to himself,
Fuel shall be furnished him by the whole of the Habitants, upon the Repartition of it
made by the Captains of Militia.
8. The Soldiers shall be intitled in their Quarters to a Bed to two, with a good
P'ad'lliaisis'e, Bliaoket, amid *a pair lolf Shiedte, to be dhamged every Mioinitih, they islhiafll be
allowed the Means of dressing their Provisions, and have their Seats at the Landlord's
Fire and Light.
9. When the officers Commanding the Troiope in the several Quarters shall have
Occasion for Carriages, they are to require the same in writing of the Captains of
Militia, specifying for what Service they are designed, agreeable to which the same
are to be paid for.
10. The Captains of Militia are to assist the Troops in all they can, and shall be
responsible for every hindrance, they may occasion to the King's Service.
11. If the King's Forces commit any Disorders, the Captains of Militia are to
Carry the Complaints well attested, to the Commanding Officer, and if this Officer does
not render them Justice thereupon, they will forward the same to the Commander of
the next principal Post.
12. If a Guard is kept in the different Quarters, Fuel shall be furnished them, as
above directed, where wanted for the Officers.
13. The Transport of the King's effects shall be from Captain to Captain, but- if the
Service requires that the Carriages should accompany the Troops, the whole of the
Day's March, they shall be paid at the Rate of four Livres, ten Sols, or three and
Nine-pence Currency per Day when drawn by two Horses, >at the rate of six Livres, or
five Shillings 'Currency.
14. This Regulation shall be in force from the first day of the present year. If
there are yet Outstanding any Arrears of the Transport for the last year, they shall
be paid at the Rate of sixpence Currency by the League.
15. This Regulation, pasted upon a piece of Board, shall be hung up in the most
public place of each Captain of Militia's House, that none may plead Ignorance
thereof.
Given under my Hand at Quebec, this 9th of January 1779.
Fred : Haldimand.
(58)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 666.
"Gentlemen,
Also the Draught of an Ordinance (which was likewise interpreted an French),
tor coinitiinuing ian Ordiiniamce unlade llh/e ttwenfty ninth dlaiy of Mamdh in fchie sevefnitleetmtlh
Year of His Majesty's Reign, intituled, " An Ordinance for regulating the Mdlitia of
the Province of Quebec, and rendering it of more general utility towards the preserva-
tion and Security thereof." — 'first reading.
Ordered, itfbait ilt foe tlrairnsdiajtieid ainld imgrioissied by to-morrow. Ajntd
Also ttue Dnaughlt of a;n Oidinianice (which <wais likewise intenpneted in Fren.cn), ifor
conltlinuinig ian Ordliniain'ce padie tohie tweinlty-'tihird day otf April, in tlhte iseve-nteeinlth yeair of
Hip Majesty's Hedgon, in'titlu/lietd, "An O;rdliniance tb emipower Itihe Com!miisisiipinieir,s of the
Peaioe fto regulaite itihie Police in ittoe Toiwinfe otf Quebec and Montreal (Par a limited time."—
firslt reiadi.ng.
Ordered, that, it be translated and ingrossed by to morrow.
Adjourned to to morrow
at 10 o'€lock.
88 Illustrative Documents
(59)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 668.
On Firifday the 15tih day otf JamruiaTy, 1779.
At the Council Chamber in the Castle of St. Lewis.
Also the ingrossed Draught of an Ordinance for continuing an Ordinance made
the tbwenty ntinltih diay olf M'arch in Jtihe MrvWtiMDftftl yew off Hia Miaijestiy'is Reign, initli'tfuled.
" An Orddmainicie! ifo/r iregfuiliatkijg 't!he Miliiltm of the PirtoviTDoe oif Quefbec, ,aind.
" rendering it of more general utility towards the preservation and security
" tihereotf." — eecoand reading. Anr
Also the ingrossed Draught of an Ordinance for continuing aji Ordinance made
the twenty third day of April, in the seventeenth Year of His 'Majesty's Keign inti-
tuler "An Ordinance to empower the Commissioners of the Peace to regulate the
Police of the Towns of Quebec and Montreal for a limited time " — second reading.
Adjourned to To Morrow at 11 O'Clo<ck.
(60)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 660.
The Council afterwards entered upon the Business of an Ordinance, (the Title of
which wias read yesterday) " For regulating the Militia of ithe Province of Quebec
" and rendering it of more general utility towards the preservation and Security
"thereof", which will expire at the end of the present Session;— And a Question
having been put by the Honble Mr. President whether the said last mentioned Ordin-
ance should be Considered to day? And the Honble IA Col. Caldwell having moved
" that the consideration thereof should be put off till Saturday next/' The Question
was put, whether the said last mentioned Ordinance should be considered to day, or
on Saturday next? And passed that it should be considered to day; the Voices being
12 to 6.
The Council having taken into Consideration the said last mentioned Ordinance, a
Question was put by the Honble Mr. President, " Whether the said last mentioned
" Ordinance should be continued for two years longer? And the Honble Mr. Allsopp
having moved for a Question, Viz*. " Whether the said last mentioned Ordinance should
"be read Article by Article, and the sense of every Member taken thereupon.? " The
Question was put which of the two should be fiiLst put "? — And passed that the one put
by the Honble Mr. President should be first put; the Voices being 13 to 3, Exclusive of
the Honble Mr. President and Mr. Allsopps'.
The s,aid Question put by the Honble Mr. President, viz*.
"'Whether the said last mentioned Ordinance should be continued for two Years
longer "? having been .then put, It passed in the Affirmative, the Voices being 16 to 2.
Resolved that the Attorney General do prepare an Ordinance for continuing the
said last mentioned Ordinance for two years longer accordingly.
Adjourned till to Morrow at 11 o'Cloek
Illustrative Documents
(6I<
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 669.
ON FRIDAY the 15th day of January 1779.
At the Council Chamber in the Castle of St. Lewis.
Read also in English & French the ingrossed Draught of an Ordinance made the
twenty ninth day of March in the seventeenth Year of His Majesty's Reign, intituled,
" An Ordinance for regulating the Militia of the Province of Quebec, and rendering
it of more general Utility towards the preservation and security thereof." — third
reading.
Upon the Question being put, " Whether the said last mentioned Ordinance should
pass, into Law? And the Voices being 17 Ayes and 1 No —
It, passed the Council.
Adjourned to to Morrow at 11 O'Clock.
(62
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 671.
0(N SATURDAY the 16th of January 1779.
At the Council Chamber in the 'Castle of St. Lewis.
Present.
His Excellency Frederick Haldimand Esqr. Governor.
The Honbie Hector Theophile Cramabe, Lt. Governor.
Thomas Dunn $ Conrad Gugy
James Cuthbert Picotte de Belleetre
Francois Levesque Henry Caldwell
John Collins . John Drummond
Adam Mabane William Grant
George Pownall Paul Roc St. Ours,
George Allsopp Francois Baby
La Come St. Luc. Joseph de Longueuil
J. G. C. De Lery Esqrs.
Read in English and French the ingrossed Oxdinance (Which passed the Council
yesterday) for continuing an Ordinance made the twenty fifth day of February in the
seventeenth year of His Majesty's Reign, intituled " An Ordinance to regulate the Pro-
ceedings in the Courts of Civil Judicature in the Province of Quebec ".
Also the ingrossed Ordinance (which likewise passed the Council yesterday for
continuing an Ordinance made the twenty ninth day of March in the seventeenth year
of His Majesty's Reign, intituled —
" An Ordinance for regulating the Militia of the Province of Quebec, and render-
ing it of 'more general utility towards the preservation and Security (thereof. " — And
Also the ingrossed Ordinance (which likewise passed the 'Council yesterday) for
continuing An Ordinance made the twenty third day of April in the seventeenth year
of His Majesty's Rjeign, intituled,
90 Illustrative Documents
"An Ordinance to empower the Commissioners of the Peace to regulate the Police
of the Towns of Quebec and Montreal, &ox a limited time".
These three ingrossed Ordinances His Excellency the Governor signed and passed
under the Great 'Seal in (Council, and Ordered, that they should be entered and filed
in the Office, and published in the Quebec Gazette.
Indorsed— 19.Geo: 3d.
The Journals of the Legislative Council
of His Majesty's Province of Quebec during
this Session commencing the llth and ending
the 16th January.
1779.
Duplicate.
In Govr. Haldimands' (No. 441)
of 24th Octr. 1779.
(63)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA.
ANNO DECIMO NONO GEORGII III. REGIS.
CHAP 11.
an ORDINANCE.
" For continuing an Ordinance made the twenty-ninth day of" March " in the
seventeenth year of his Majesty's Reign," Intituled, " An Ordinance for regulating the
Militia of the Province of 'Quebec, and rendering it of more general utility towards the
preservation and security thereof ".
Be it enacted and Ordained by His Excellency the 'Governor by and with the
advice and consent of the Legislative Council of the Province of Quebec and by the
Authority of the same it is hereby ENACTED,
That an Ordinance made in the seventeenth year of His present Majesty's Reign
Intituled, "An Ordinance for regulating the Militia of the Province of Quebec, and
rendering it of more general utility towards the preservation and security thereof;"
and every Article and Clause therein contained, shall be and continue, and the same is
hereby continued, to be in force, from the expiration thereof, for the .space of two years,
and unto the end of the Session of the Legislative Council of this Province, which will
be held, according to the Statute in the year of our Lord One thousand, seven hundred
and eighty-one.
FRED : HALDIMAND.
Ordained and Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, and passed in Council, under
the Great 'Seal of the Province, at the Council Chamber, in the Castle of St.
Lewis, in the City of Quebec, the sixteenth day of January, in the nineteenth
year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord GEORGE the Third, by the Grace of
God, of 'Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of 'the Faith, and so
forth, and in the year of our Lord One thousand, seven hundred and seventy-
nine.
By /His Excellency's (Command.
A. Davidson, C.L.C.
Illustrative Documents 91
(64)
LIST OF CAPTAINS OF MILITIA FOR THE SEVERAL PARISHES, QUEBEC
DISTRICT.
Captns. Names.
Parishes.
Captns. Names.
Parishes.
Le Sieur Gingrat
Le Sieur Coste
St. Augustin
Village St. Augustin
Jacques Jobin
Raphael Girou
Charlesbourg.
Bourg Royal.
Jacque Garneau
Pointe au Tremble
Paul Rainville
Beauport.
Jacque Delisle
Ecureuils
Michel Huot
Ange Gardien
Pierre Mercure
Cap Sante
Joseph Cazeau
Chateau Richer.
Pierre Groleau
Deschambault
Jean Parry
St. Ferriel.
Joseph Hamelin
Grondines
Augustin Cymare
Ste. Anne.
Louis Gouin
Ste. Anne
Joseph Parry
St. Joachim.
Joseph Bellette
Ste. Gene vie vre
Pierre Germain
Ste. FamiHe.
Jean Trottier
Bastican
Joseph LePage
St. Francois.
Fra. Crevier Deschenaux
St. Francois Xavier
Louis Genest
St. Jean.
Joseph Chartier
Champlain
Prisque Plant
St. Pierre.
Joseph LaCroix
Cap La Magdeleine
Jean Bapt. Fortin
Petite Riviere.
Jean Boily
Baye St. Paul.
Jean Francis Tremblay
Eboulement.
Jack Haree
Isle Coudres.
Louis L'heureux
Jeune Lorette.
Chas. Norau
Ancienne Lorette.
Antoine Samson
Ste. Foy.
Jean Bapt. Badeaux
Trois Rivieres
Fras. Bourassa
Pointe Levy.
Andre Guay
Pointe du Lac
Joseph Roy
Beaumon.
Antoine Le Sieur 1
Joseph Adam f
Yamachiche
Joseph Royer
Louis Gosselin
St. Charles.
St. Gervais.
Antoine Auger \
Jean Dejarlais /
Riviere du Loup
Jos. Demq. Poliquin
Andre Aube \
St. Michel.
Francois Corbin
Maskinonge
Pierre Bouchard/
St. Valier. -
Antoine Fleury
L'Ormiere
Pasc. Coriveau
Berthier.
Begin —
Pointe Levy
Louis Blait
St. Francois. \-p- •» _ Ju Lonn
Pierre Crepeau
Francois Verreau
St. Henry
Ste. Marie }
Michel Blait
Jacque Thibau
St. Thomas.
Alex Cormiray
St. Joseph [• N.
Joseph Fournier
Cap Ignace.
Guirien —
Louis Cot6
St. Francois JBeauceJ. B. Coullard Depre
St. Antoine Francois Duval
Islette.
St. Jean Port Jolly.
Antoine Hamel
Ste. Croix
Jean Morin
St. Roch.
Jean LeClaire
Jacque Beaudet
Lotbiniere
St. Jean Deschaillion
Augustin Lauzier
Tanace Boucher
Ste. Anne.
Riviere Ouelle.
Pierre Roberge
Antoine Poisson
St. Bre. Les Besquets
Gentilly
Alexdr. Roy \
Alexdr. Dion J
Kamouraska.
Bennenie Bourg
Lac St. Paul
Pierre Pines
Riviere des Caps.
Riviere Becancour
Riviere du Loup.
Alexis Ijeolanc
Smid, Pere \
JTlJ-xv "D/-viiillo i*A \
Yamaska
Cacona.
Isle Verte.
. Die. rsouiiiara j
Rimousky.
Alexis LeBlanc
Becancour
T>i'prrp "RrnssarrJ
Nicolet
ENDORSED— List of Captains of Militia of the several Parishes, Quebec District.
92
Illustrative Documents
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Illustrative Documents 93
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Illustrative Documents 95
(65)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 133, p. 57.
•Sir,
Ltieut. Walsh oif the 29th Regiment has been up to Cumberland Bay and reports
that the Ice is very strong but so exceeding rough except at the sides that it will be
impossible for sleds to pass without a road being made. I am informed that a report
prevails at Montreal that same Indians are arrived at (St. Francois from Albany who
give an account that twenty thousand Babels are assembling there, who are intended
to invade this Provdnice under the command of the Marquis de Fayette. — I make no
doubt but Your Excellency i& very well informed if there is any foundation for such
reports and that I shall receive your commands respecting the British Troops and
what steps are to be taken should the Enemy leave these Posts behind and proceed
immediately to Montreal by the River Chazy.
I have the honor to be &c.
H. Watson Powell.
To His Excellency, General Haldimand.
(66)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 170, p. 14.
Monsieur,
Je viens destre averty que dans la paroisse de Ste Croix, voisine de la paroisse de
St. Antoine, il'i a un Rebelle qui fus arrete lannee demiere a Jeantilly par un officier
de milice par ordre de Son Eixelence Carle-ton qui le conoissoit tres mauvais sujets.
Get homme pius fin iqu© rofficier qui 1' avoir arrete lui echapa et depuis ee terns Ion
ne la pas pu rejoindre il setoit retiree a Sa Kinaw mais depuis quelques terns il est
dams la paroisse de Ste Oroix et oin nominee duquet tsera Men. capable d'indiquer 1'en-
droit ou il ce retire aux personn.es qu'il plalira a vottre Exelence charger de lareter
C'est dit on un bien mauvais sujets pardon de mes importunite mais J'ay cru devoir
prevenir Vottre Exelence de ce qui pourrais estre centre les interets du governement —
J'ay 1'honneur d'esire avec un tres profond respect,
Monsieur, Vottre tree humble et tree obeiseant Serviteur
G. de Tonnancour
de-s Trois Rivieres, le 12 fevrier 1779
Endorsed: From M. Tonnancour 1779
Col. of militia 'at 3 Rivers of 12th Feby rec<» 13th.
(Translation)
Sir:-
I have been warned that in the parish of St. Croix, near the parish of St. Antodne,
there is a Rebel who was arrested last year at Jeantilly ('Gentilly) by a militia officer
under orders from His Eixcellency, Carleton, who knew him to be a very bad subject.
This man, being more cunning than the officer who had arrested Mm, made his escape
and since that time they have not been able to retake him as he had gone off to Sa
Kinaw, but he has been for some time in the parish of St. Croix and one, Duquet,
will be able to point out the place where he is concealed to such persons as it will
please your Excellency to direct to arrest him. He is said to be a very bad subject.
Please pardon my officiousness, but I thought it my duty to inform Your Excellency
of anything that might be against the interests of the government.
I have the honor to be, etc.,
G. de Tonnanicour.
Three Rivers, 12th February, 1779.
96 Illustrative Documents
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, p. 36.
New York, Feby 12th, 1779.
Sir,
I have received information from Major General Tryon that the Rebels are building
One Hundred Batteaux and Three Vessels at Still Water, in consequence of which I
have dispatched Two Messengers already and have desired him to send some mare
to you with this information but I do not hear of any other Stir among them to the
Northward.
D'Estaign is, I think, past doubt, blocked up in Martinioo iand the Province of
Georgia is cure.
Your most obed't &c.
H. Clinton.
His Excellency, General Haldimand.
Endorsed : —
From
General Sir Henry Clinton,
New York, Feby 12th,
received by Major Holland,
June 6th, 1779.
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, p. 38.
!New York, -Feby 24th, 1779.
Rec'd 27th Apr. 79.
Having rec'd intelligence that the Rebels are building One Hundred Batteaux &
Three Vessels at Stillwater which gives me reason to suppose they mean something
serious agt your Province, particularly as I understand that two of the principal
Inhabitants thereof (in the namie of many others) invited the Enemy to atempt an
Expedition agt it. I therefore think it necessary to. send you information of this that
you may be upon your guiaird. lit is said Gates & Arnold, should it be undertaken, are
•to 'Command the Troops destined for that service.
(unsigned.)
(69)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 54, pp. 77-80.
Quebec, 2nd March, 1779.
No. 16.
Lord Geo. Germain.
My Lord,
Your Lordship has, I hope, long since received my last Dispatches, Nos. 12, 13, 14,
& 15, by the sloop "Sorel", Captain Alison, who was prevented by the Ice from getting
into River Magdalen to wait there lany further letters I might, hav-e occasion to send
home. I now take the opportunity by way of Halifax of informing Your Lordship that
things remain here in much the same situation as they were then. The Rebels con-
tinue to threaten invading but the Destruction of the Cattle, Forage, &c. upon Otter
Creek and the edge of the Lake last Fall would alone have greatly increased the diffi-
culty of their approach and as Lake Champlain begins to break up I think any attempt
that way impracticable for the remainder of the Winter. .
The enclosed Copy of Captain Butler's letter to Lieut. Col. Bolton will show Your
Lordship what has been done at Cherry Valley. Since the departure of the " Sorel "
Illustrative Documents 97
N
1 have received letters from Niagara, Detroit, Michilimackinac, and from Lieut. Gover-
nor Hamilton on his route to St. Vincennes, tho' none of late Date or affording very
new information, what will be the issue of the Lieut. Governor's operations or of the
enterprise given out to intended from the Southward, I fear we shall know little
about before the Spring.' Your Lordship will have probably been informed that the
Armed Ship 'Nancy which sailed from New York the llth of September & having on
board several German and some English officers & soldiers belonging to the Troops in
this Province, taken prisoners in 1777 & ''since exchanged had been obliged by stress oi
weather to put into Halifax where Brig.Genl Maclean has quartered them for the
winter. I write to him by this opportunity & to Lieut. Govr. Hughes to request their
sending them here as soon as the Navigation will allow.
As^a time otf Danger and 'Difficulty did not offer the most favorable season for
introducing new Regulations or reforming those already made, I called together the
Legislative Council early in January when there was little likelihood of disturbance
from without, and only proposed the renewal of such Ordinances as were expiring & it
was necessary to continue for the purpose of keeping the Wheels oif Government going.
Accordingly the Ordinances for regulating the Militia, for regulating the Pro-
ceedings of Courts of Civil Judicature, & for regulating the Police of the Towns of
Quebec and 'Montreal, were revised and declared to be in Force for two years longer,
Copies of those Ordinances .shall be forwarded by the first safe opportunity after the
Navigation is open. Your Lordship will receive herewith Copies of what I said to the
Council upon that occasion, of their address and my answer thereto. After this neces-
sary Business was over I permitted the members to return to. their respective homes.
Though the Session was not of any long continuance I had occasion to perceive
that had a discussion oif these matters been minutely entered into as was the desire
of some few of the members, it might have been spun out to a considerable length at
so critical a Juncture o.f manifest disservice to the King's Affairs, and to the National
Interests.
I should not perhaps have troubled Your Lordship with this hint at present was
not a Union of sentiments in that Council of great importance to the Crown of Great
Britain & that the choice of subjects to get admittance therein cannot be attended with
too much care & circumspection.
I have the honor to be &c.
F. H.
mi
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 149, pp. 32-3.
Quebec, the 2d March, 1779.
Sir,
This last year the Gulph swarmed with small Privateers and some of them had
the Impudence to venture far up the River. Against such as then made their appear-
ance in those Parts, I hope we shall be able to collect a sufficient Force but should
they send any there of the Stouter kind we must look to the King's Ships stationed in
the Ports of the Ocean for Assistance and Protection and as I know not how these are
disposed of, I must rely on yours and the Brigadier General's Interference in Behalf
of the Interests of the Province as far as is consistent with the other duties of their
respective Commands.
We found by experience this last year, these small Privateers having done all the
damage they could, took refuge in the Gut of Canso and some times carried their
prizes in there; a fortified Post in the narrowest part of the Straight might deprive
them of this JRetreat and force them throwing themselves more in the way oi our
Cruizers. Major Holland who has surveyed that Coast is very able to give you further
Light upon this subject to inform you how this is practicable, & would answer the end
proposed.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Lt. Govr. Hushes.
3573—7
98 Illustrative Documents
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Volume 147, pp. 39-40.
Quebec, 2nd March, 1779.
Sir,
Your Excellency will no doubt have been informed that four of the vessels which
came out of N. York under convoy of the Nancy in September last are either taken or
are missing and that the Nancy herself by -stress of weather was obliged to put into
Halifax, where from her supposed Inability to proceed on the voyage the Troops have
been quartered for the winter by Brigadier General Maclean, this Disappt. has been
the greater that the German Troops in this Province are in great want of Officers.
Upon this subject I have wrote to Brigr. Genl. Maclean and Lt. Govr. Hughes in
very pressing terms and desired they may be forwarded up as soon as the navigation
will allow and as I proposed dispatching to Halifax as soon as possible in the Spring
one or two vessels if any more of the Officers and Soldiers belonging to the 'Corps in
this Province are exchanged, I hope you will please to send them there by the the
first Opportunity to procure an embarcation ,and proceed to their duty.
Hitherto every thing has been .quiet here; we are told of the Enemy's assembling
men at Skeenborough of whose number®, PTeDaTationis tor Intentions we have yet
obtained but very imperfect information but as Lake Champlain has broke up <and the
Cattle and Forage upon Otter Creek were destroyed in the Fall, I apprehend they can-
not make any considerable attempt on that side at least for the winter; from the Upper
Posts I have little intelligence since the end of October, tho' from that very Circum-
stance I hope Things there are well.
Should any matter of consequence occur on this side I shall certainly transmit
Your Excellency the earliest Information in my power, two short notes in Cypher have
been sent through the country but do not kry)w whether they reached you.
I heartily wish you success in all. your undertakings.
I have the honour to be with the greatest respect,
Sir,
Your Excellency's most &c. / (
F.H.
His Excellency
General Sir Henry Clinton.
(71}
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series BK Vol. 133, p. 71.
St. Johns, March 3rd, 1779.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that the two Loyalists have returned
from Skeensborough and bring an account that there are at present no Rebels assembled
there but that five thousand are expected immediately and that they have built this
winter at Saratoga one Ship of thirty Guns, one of twenty and five hundred Batteaux
which are to be launched very soon at Skeensborough with an indention to invade thie
Province in the summer.
They also mention that a large Body of the Rebels are marched to Co-os. These
young men had their information in regard to the ships from a man whom they can
depend upon and who receiv'd the A-ccount from .some men who saw the Ships upon
the Stocks. There is no Magazine formed at Skeensborough but thirty five sleds have
been employed daily for some time to form Magazines at Fort Edward.
His Excellency.
General Haldimand.
I have the honor to be, &c.
H. Watson Powell.
Sir,
'Illustrative Documents 99
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 154, pp. 138-9.
Montreal, March 8th, 1779.
I examined the Pointe du Lac as well as the season would admit and it appears
to me admirably calculated for the kind of Post Your Excellency wishes to establish
there . . • •
At Sorell I was employed in forming a Plan for compleating the Sorell Redoubt
and also Barracks for the Staff with the Store houses and Bakery agreeable to Your
Excellency's instructions on that Head * . • « . . . . . . .
I likewise visited the new Post on the River Yamaska and found the Guard ver v
attentive, this Post is at the highest settlement and very near the great road leading
from St. 'Charles, they have an advanced Post of four men at the first Fork which is
about Six leagues above the 'Post • •
At La Chenay I have given orders to. Captn Johe and the other Captains adjoin-
ing the dimensions of the Timber necessary for the proposed Barracks and have also
fixed upon their Situation. —I apprehend the Inhabitants will not be very alert in
giving their Assistance but the Captains promise the wood shall be brought while th»
Roads are Good ••
I have the Honor to be, &c.
•
, Wto. Twiss.
His Excellency,
Governor Haldimand.
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. 170, p. 23.
Quebec, ce 77e mars 1779
Monsieur,
J'ay ete informe par le retour de M. Baby des demandes que vous avez faittes
concernant 1'affaire de la Terriere, mais Cramahe vous ecrit de ma part sur son sujet—
Je >suis tres sensible Monsieur aux penes que vous vous donnes pour le service
du Roi et j'espere que vous le continueres avec la meme vigilance. II y a Beaucoup
de mauvais sujet surtout du Cotte du Sud, et il seroit bon d'y avoir 'quelques gens
affides pour veiller sur leur conduite. M. de St. Aulaire peut avoir laisse des Emis-
saires de ces CoMeis La, toute® le.s PeTSonnes qu'il a firequente intimeme.n't peuvent
etfe regarde come suspect.
J'ay recu par le dernier Courrier la lettre qui contenoit le Billet du jeune Debrine,
que j'ay mise avec les autres Papiers.
Je demeure tres parfaitement Monsieur,
Votre tres humble e-t tres. obeisisant Serviteur
(Signe) Fred. Haldimand
Mons. Tonnancour —
Endorsed: Copy of Letter from His Excellency General Haldimand to Mr.
Tonnancour dated Quebec llth March 1779.
(Translation)
Quebec, llth March, 1779.
Sir:
I have been informed, on the return of M. Baby, of the request that you have
made relative to the matter of La Terriere, but Cramahe is writing you on my behalf
on that subject.
8573— 7*
100 Illustrative Documents
I much appreciate, Sir, the trouble you have taken in the King's service and I
hope that you will .continue to do this with equal vigilance. There are rruany bad
subjects, particuLarly on the south shore, and it will be proper to have some trusty
people watching their actions. Mr. de St. Aulaire may have left emissaries on that
•side and all persons with whom he has been intimate, .should be considered as under
.suspicion.
I have received by the last courier the letter containing the note from young
Debrine, which I have placed with the other papers.
I remain, etc.,
(Sgd.) Fred. Haldimand,
Momsr Tonnancour t
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. I70. p. 24.
Monsieur,
®ur les differends avis que j'ay eu que le nominee Joseph Traversy qui a <sa famille
a St. francois dans le lac St. Pierre et qui est avec les Rebelles, faisais soiivent dee
Voiages dans le Gouvernement des Trois Rivieres ou il a de bons amis qui ne laisse
ignorer de rien. J'ay pence qu'il etoit de mon devoir d'en prevenir Vo.ttre Exelence
comme j'ay fait 1'hptonne dernier pendant son sJejour a Sorelle; coimme il parassoit
j'avois plusieurs indices sur le compte des nominees Dessain pere qui a aide les Boston-
no is qui s'etoieort isauve de© prisons de quiebec Tho tonne dernier qui .avoiir agi de con-
sert avec le nominee Joseph Loui pour faciliter leurs evasiion par la Riviere de St.
francois ou ils furent Repris, J'ay cru qu'il etoit a propos de faire une enquete pour
informer Votre Excellence de tout ce qui s'eist pasisee dans le pays hrule qui forme la pro-
fondeur de la Baye de St. Antoine SUT le Lac S>t. Pierre ou le dd t Joseph Traversy a tenu
ses rendezvous avec ses confidans: Comme son Exelence Vera dans 1'enquete que j'ay
commencee qui n'est pas fmy j'ay encore quattre a six personnes des plus scavantes
dans I'hiistoire, des plus en etat de dormer 1'eclaircissement les plus sure mais que je
n'ay pas voulu fiaire paraitre avant de savoir les intentions de Vottre Exelence et pour
ne pas epouvanter les coupables qui pouvodt desavouer 1'enquete que j'ay faitte n'estant
pas dans le cas de leur estre Repete, j'ay cm devoir envoier cette enquete a Vo-ttre
Exelence et attendre ses ordres a ce sujet, trois bostonnois qui sont trois freres qui ont
deserte des prisons 'de Quebec cet hiver ont monte par le sud jusqu'a Nicolet ou ils
aprirent qu'il i avoit des Troupes almendes a Fabee 'St. Antoine ce qui leurs fait retrouver
chemin ils xetournerent a la riviere duchesne vis a vis des Grondins et i oonclurent
le mardy grras, et le mercredi de eendTe ont party pour se rendre en nouvel engleterre
par cette Riviere— pardonneis mon vieux grifonage que Vottre Exelence ne poura peutetre
pas dechiffrer, mais je suis seul sens avoir de Grefier j'ay bien de la peine mais ^'e lait
tout pour le mieux pour convaincre Vottre Exelence de mon zele que ma sousmission
aux ordres de Vottre Exelence et du prof and respect avec lequel j'ay 1'honneur destre
Monsieur,
Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
3 Rivieres le 12 Mars 1779. G. de Tonnancour /
Endorsed: From Col: Tonnancour dated 12th received 13th March 1779.
(Translation)
Sir:
From the various reports which I have had that one Joseph Traversy, whose family
is at St. "f'Tnnoi& on Lake St. Peter, and who is with the Rebels, often makes excursions
into the government of Three Rivers where he has good friends who give him informa-
tion about everything. I think it my duty to warn Your Excellency as I did last 'autumn
while you were >a>t Sorel; as it (appeared that I had some (trace of one Joseph Dessain,
senior, who assisted 'the Bostonians1 who escaped from Quebec prison last autumn who
had acted in conjunction with one Joseph Louis, to assist them in getting off by the
river St. Francis, where they were retaken, I believed it right to make an enquiry for
your Excellency's information respecting all -that had occurred in the burned country
ait the bottom of the B'ay otf St. Anthony on Lake St. Peter, where the said Joseph
Illustrative Documents 101
Traversy had his 'rendezvous with his confederate ; as his Excellency will see from the
investigation which I had begun, but which as not finished, I have still to examine from
four to six persons who know most about this matter and are in a position to give me
the most reliable information, but whom I do not wish .to bring into it until I learn
the intentions df Your Excellency, and not to alarm the guilty persons who might deny
the evidence which I have obtained in the event of being required to repeat it. I have
thought i't my duty to send this evidence to your Excellency and to iaw.ait your orders
on this subject; three Bostonians, who are brothers and who escaped from the prison
in Quebec this winter have come up by the South Shore as far as Nicolet where they
learned that there were German troops at the bay oif St. Antoine which caused Lhem to
return to the river Duchesne, opposite Grondines and remaining there on Shnove
Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, have gone off to return to New England by this river,
please excuse my old scrawl, which perhaps your Excellency cannot decipher, but 1
am alone without any clerk, I have had much trouble but I do my best to satisfy your
Excellency of my zeal and obedience to the orders of Your 'Excellency and to the pro'
founa respect with which I have the honor to be, etc.,
G. de Tonnancour.
Three Eivers, 12th March, 1779.
(75)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMANO PAPERS.
Series B, 170. p. 27.
Monsieur,
J'ai recu Votre Lettre du 12e. de <ce mois, et vous suis tres oblige des peines que vous
vous etes donne pour prendre les informations que vous m'aves envoy e au sujet du nomine
Traversy, et de ses Correspondans dans le gouvernement des Trjois -Rivieres; Je serois
charme de JTattraper lui meme et de procurer des Preuves suffisantes contre ceux qui
Faime et le favorisent dans ses voyages, mais je crois que pour y parvenir il serpit plus
sure de laisser assoupir pour le present cette affaire, et de faire cesser des Perquisitions,
jusqu a ce qu'ion puisse decouvrir quelque chose de plus certain et de plus assure la
dessus. J'ai aussi a vous remercier de ce que vous avez fait dans 1'affaire du Sieur
La Terriere qui eat arrive et restera selon toutes les apparences encore quelque terns
ici —
Voulant rassembler tout ce qui regarde les Milices de la Province sous un meme
Point de Vue, et Monsr. Baby etant a Portee de Travailler sous mes yeux a ce detail,
Vous aurez la Bonte de lui 'addresser tous les Roles, Rapports des officiers et en general
tout ce qui recorde celle sous votre command, et par son canal Vous recevrez les ordres
que j'aurois a donner a leur sujet —
Endorsed: To Col: Tonnancour 15th Mch. 1779.
(Translation')
Sir:-- •
I have received your letter of the 12th inst and am very much obliged to you for
the trouble which you have taken to gain the information which you have sent me on
the subject of Traversy and his confederates in the government of Three Rivers; 1
would be delighted to lay hold of him .and obtain sufficient evidence against those who
befriend and assist him in his excursions but I think that to succeed in this it will be
best to let the present matter drop and discontinue the investigation until we can dis-
cover something more definite about it. I have also to thank you for what you have
done in the matter of Mr. La Terriere, who has larrived and wall remain here apparently
tor some time. Wishing to collect all the information respecting the militia df the
province under one head and Mr. Baby having been set at work upon this, under my
supervision, you will have the goodness to send to him all rolls, reports of officers, and
generally everything relating to those under your command iand by that channel you
will receive the orders which I will give on that subject.
Endorsed: To Colonel Tonnancour,
15th March. 1779
102 Illustrative Documents
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. I47. p. 41.
New York, March 15th, 1779.
Sir,
I dispatched some Messengers to you near a Month ago to inform you that the Rebels
were constructing a number iof B>atteaux & some vessels at 'Stillwater. — I am now to
acquaint you that I have every reason to believe they have recalled the Artificers who
were employed on that Business and that therefore it i:s to be presumed they have laid
aside their intentions of lan Expedition to Canada, at least for the present.
faithfully, &c.
H. Clinton.
His Excellency, General Haldimand.
Endorsed : —
Rd 7th (May?)
par du Fou.
(77 )
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, p. 42.
Things are in the situation we cou'd wish. In Georgia we are successful to the
utmost of our Expectations. The Expedition from this Country .against Canada, which
has been much talked of, will not taJke place. The Rebels are not equal to the under-
taking and if ever they thought of it, it must have been with an eye to co-operation,
which is put out of the Question by our having the 'Superiority at Sea. Count D'Estaing
is surely blocked up arid the succours he expects irom France are followed by <a much
superior Naval Force from England. The Rebels have .accounts of d'Estaing's own
Ship being taken. Their Credit is at a very low Ebb and their Counsels much dis-
tracted.
John Andre, Aide de Camp.
15th March.
Endorsed : —
Rec'd 7 May.
(77a)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 141, p. 95.
Monsieur,
Je recoi dans 1'instant la lettre qu'il a plu a votre exelence me faire 1'honneur de
m'ecrire le 15 du mois courant. Je ne manqueray pas de executer de point en point
ce quelle m'ordoner de faire. j'ai envoie dans chaque paroise a. chaque comandant de
compagnie de milice un model pourqu'il puissant etablir chaque le rolle exact de leurs
compagnies, quoyque je suis presque seure qu'ils >ne le suivrons pas, h'etais pas capable
de Rien cela me donne bien d'embaras, en cas sy je pounois les mettre a la Raison
je serais contant.
J'ai Thonneur d'etre &c.
J. OVL de Tonnancour.
de Trois Rivieres
le 16 Mars, 1779.
(Translation)
Sir,
I receive this moment the letter which your .Excellency has done me the honour
to 'write to me on the 15th of the present month. I will not fail to carry out exactly
everything which he orders me to do. I have sent to the Commandant of the Militia
Company, in every parish an example by which each may prepare the correct roll of
Illustrative Documents 103
their companies, although I am nearly sure that they will not follow it, not being
capable of anything of the kind, this gives me much trouble; in case I can set them
right I shall be content.
I have the honour to be etc,
J. M. Tonnancour.
At Three Rivers,
the 16th Mar. 1779.
(78)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 154, pp. 146-7.
iSt. Johns, March 19, 1779.
Sir,
Agreeable to Your (Excellency's .Instructions I have reported my opinion of the
Post at Yamaskia unto Brigadier General Powell, which is that a party of 14 men will
be quite sufficient for the summer but that such a Party is very necessary because the
Indians have been accustomed to go from this River into Mlisisiasqui Bay at most •sea-
sons and the Post is very near the Cart road leading from St. Charles, besides there are
from 50 to 70 Inhabitants who are exceedingly well armed that certainly were by no
means Friendly to Government as well as very disobedient to the Captain of Militia —
they are already less violent and more obedient and I apprehend the Royalists posted
there will very soon be so well acquainted with the Inhabitants as to prevent a
Stranger from remaining unnoticed amongst them. I think it might have a very good
Effect if the Captain of 'Militia at St. Hyacinthe, (ifor so the Parish is called), had
Your Excellency's order that all his Militia should on the least alarm or even if called
upon by the Commanding Officer, immediately deposit all their Arms and Ammunition
with the Guard, leaving it to the choice of every Individual if he chos« to remain
himself or return to his own House.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Wm. Twis's.
His Excellency,
General Haldiimand.
(79)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
%
Series B, Vol. 43, p". 113.
No. 13. Whitehall,
10th April, 1779.
Sir,
His Majesty having thought fit to direct that the Corps of Royal Highland Emi-
grants, consisting of two Battalions should be put on the Establishment and numbered
the 84th Regiment, it has been judged proper to augment each of the ten Companies
from 50 private men to 70 and \that the augmentation should be levied in America, you
will therefore be pleased to give the necessary orders and permission to the ^officers
for levying the augmentation accordingly.
t
I am, Sir, &c.
Geo. Germain.
General Haldimand.
102 Illustrative Documents
(80)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALplMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. I6I, pp. 24 28.
Whitehall, 16th April, 1779.
Sir Henry Clinton has acquainted me that he has transmitted to you the Informa-
tion he has collected of their Designs. Their building Battoes at Stillwater indicates
a design of entering by the (Mohawk River, and perhaps attempting Niagara or Detroit,
if they are able, to force their way to them, but I confess I am not apprehensive of
their being able to effect anything material on that .side whilst the Six Nations con-
tinue faithful, and the judicious measures you have taken to succour them in case oif
an attack and the supplies you will be enabled to send them, will, 1 hope, prevent their
being frightened into a neutrality. The great importance of Niagara & Detroit and the
Navigation on the Lakes which depends upon them, must, however, always render
them Objects of particular Attention and I was very happy to find you had reinforced
the Garrisons and given orders for strengthening their Defences, as well as for repairing
the Armed Vessels and augmenting their Crew,s.
The Cloathing and other necessaries sent for 2,000 Provincials is meant to Enable
you to supply the 'Canadian Corps you lane authorized to raise, as well as those already
on foot.
Geo: 'Germain
P. S. Intelligence from France mention an intention to send some Troops, with
some Ships of War tip the River St. [Lawrence this 'Summer, with a View to
promote a Rising among the Canadians and assist an Expedition meditated
by the Rebels, and I think proper to acquaint you of it, that you may pay
proper Attention to the Safety of Quebec, altho' I cannot say I think they will
venture to carry the project into Execution.
Indorsed —
Dra* to Governor Haldimand
16th April 1779.
(No. 10).
(81)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, p. 47.
received May 31st.
New York, April 21st 1779.
Sir,
I have reason to imagine that the Rebels mean to make an Attack upon Detroit this
Spring and I am informed they intend to make a feint on the 'Susquehanna, in order
to draw the attention of Colonel Butler and the Indians from th£ other quarter.
* H. Clinton.
To Col. Butler,
General Hialdimand .
(82)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 96. pp. 113-5.
Quebec,
the 30th April, 1779.
No. 10.
•Sir / f
Having7 found it necessary for the good of His Majesty's Service to appoint a Com-
missioner and other Naval Officers to command and Navigate the armed vessels on
-
Illustrative Documents 105
Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron and Michigan, you are strictly to observe that whatever
orders and instructions you may judge necessary to give relative to the naval Depart-
ment either Military or Civil are always addressed to the, Officer then at your
Post and if they are of a permanent nature such as regulations for the winter, etc.,
these orders and Instructions must be in writing.
In like manner whenever you have occasion for any Materials, Stores or Tools
from this Department or wish, to employ any artificers or seamen in a different manner
from what the Commissioner or Controller or other Naval officer has directed, Such
orders must always be in writing.
It is further my directions that whenever any vessel arrives at your Post the Com-
mander thereof waits upon you to Keport his arrival and Receive your Instructions
relative to loading or unloading etc. etc. but having these he is to sail the moment the
weather will permit him without waiting for particular sailing orders. You have never-
theless full authority to detain any vessel after she is loaded provided you judge it
necessary for His Majesty's, Service. But you must give a written order for detaining
the vessel and I shall consider nothing else a sufficient reason (for his having lost a
moment's fair wind.
All seamen and artificers employed ae such are to be allowed the following ration
and no more per man per day viz
H Ibs of Flour or Biscuit.
1 Ib of Beef or 8 ounces Pork.
i Pint of Pease.
1 ounce Butter. >m;m
1 (Ounce of o'meal or Rice and in case of any article being deficient such other as y,ou
have the supply of must be increased in Proportion.
So soon as any vessel in laid up at your Post for the Winter the officers and men
will receive from the Barrack Master the same proportion as the re&t of the Garrison
but will cut their own wood as usual.
I am, etc,
F. H.
P.S. One of the same as the foregoing wrote to the 'Commanding officer of Michili-
mackinac, Detroit, Niagara and Carleton Island and a copy to Captain Schank and to
each o:f the Senior Naval Officers on Lake Ontario & Erie, But at the bottom of the one
for Niagara there is the following P.S. viz.
I recommend it to you always to have orders waiting at Fort Erie the arrival of
any vessel from Detroit respecting her loading or unloading to prevent the time that
must otherwise be lost in going to Niagara.
(83)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. 170. p. 42.
Monsieur,
Je croirois manquer a mon devoir si je tardais a instruire Vottre Exelence de
ce que je viens d'aprendre dans le moment et sens 1'ennuier par un long verbilliage
je lui vai expliquer 1'affaire par le chemin le plus Couit; ses jours derniers un soldat
alment chasseur du regiment de M. le Lieutenant Colonel de barner en Cartier a la
bay St. Antoine deserta et se rendit a une maison qui est audessous d'un moulin a
farine qui est au troisieme concession de la bay St. Antoine en profondeur — Ce
deserteur etant entre dans cette maison pria le maistre de la ditte maison d'avoir
pitie d'un pauvre deserteur a quoy le maistre de la maison repondit pauvre gargon
estu discret, ouy je le jure dit le deserteur je le suis; he bien dit le maistre de la
maison tu ne pourads meu prendre ta rontte pour te sauver trois ou quatre hommes
habilles en- sauvages venans de nouvelle Angleterre sont passe ici y a quelques jours
et sont ales a Quebec en espion porter des lettres; ils ont laisse leur chaudiere et
devoient la reprendre en passant je suis seure qu'ils se feront un vray plaisir de tamener
avec eux. Ce deserteur, fache d'avoir deserte reflechy la dessus et Croians avoir
trouvee une occasion favorable pour revenir a son Cartier pris la resolution de sen
revenir et de faire sa declaration a son officier pour avoir son pardon; esse bien vray
je naurois lasseurer, c'est le lieutenant Colonelle Barner qui est venu luy meme me
trouver pour m'en faire son Raport, j'aurois bien envie d'envoyer un officier et quel-
.oue re'solu milicdens tcache aux environs de cette maison, et je pence 'que vous ne
106 Illustrative Documents
blameray pas ma precaution et ce en attendant yos ordres je vais aussi ecrire a Mon-
sieur Croof officier englais a St. -Francois afin qu'il envoie belisle et quelques- sauvages
pour decouvrir ou ses quattre hommes ont pu Cacher leur Canots sur le rives de Riviere
de St. frangois qui decharge dans la riviere Nicolet, ou aisement on pourais surprendrc>
ses espion la. je pence que la chose en vaut la peine.
J'ay I'honneur destre avec un tres prof-end respect
Monsieur
Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
,G. de Tonnancour
des Trois Rivieres
le 21 May 1779.
Voicy la deposition du deserteur que Monsieur Earner ma Remis asses tot pour
1'envoier a Vottre Exelence je vien de faire partir un exprest au 'Capitaine de Mcolet
de choisir des hommes seure et un officier bon rpialiste pour se rendre vis a vis du
moulin ou ses 4 sauvages et 3 Canadiens avoient traversee destre bien sur leurs gardes
et de ne rien epargner de leurs peines pour tacher d'atraper ses sept hommes (j'ai aussy
ecris a M. Croof lieutenant du 34 regiment a St. francois de prendre belisle ayec des
sauvages resolus pour tacher surprendre ses sept hommes le Courier part a Tinstant
meme excu&e ma precipitation —
Endorsed : From M. Tonnancour
Colonel of Militia at 3 Rivers of the 21st May recevd, 22d., 1779.
(Translation)
Sir.:
I think I should fail in my duty if I delayed informing Your Excellency of what I
have learned just now, and without wearying you by a long story, I will explain the
matter in the shortest way; a few days ago, a German soldier, a rifleman belonging to
the regiment commanded by Colonel de Earner, quartered at the Bay of St. Antoine,
deserted and went to a bouse below the flour mill in the third concession in depth, of
the Bay of St. Antoine. This deserter, having come into the houise, begged the owner of
the said house to take pity on a poor deserter, to whom the owner of the house replied,
"poor boy, are you .trustworthy?" "Yes, I swear it", -said the deserter, "I am". "Well",
said the owner of the house, " you could not have taken a better road to get off, three
or four men disguised as Indians, coming from New England have passed here a few
days ago and have gone as spies to Quebec, carrying letters; they have left their kettle
and will call for it on their return, I am sure they will have much pleasure in taking
y.ou with them". The deserter, sorry at having deserted, and believing he had found
a good opportunity to return to his quarters, decided to return and make his statement
to an officer to obtain his pardon; whether this is true, I cannot be sure, Lieut. Col.
Earner has come to me to make his report. I would like to send an officer and some
resolute militiamen to hide near his house and I think that you would not blame me
for my precaution and while waiting for your orders, I shall also write to Mr. Crofts,
the English officer at St. Francis, so that he can send Bellisle and some Indians to
discover where these four men may have hidden their canoes on the banks of the
River St. Francis, which flows into the river Nicolet, where they might easily surprise
these spies. I think this matter is worth the trouble.
I have 'the honor to be, etc.,
G. de Tonnancour.
Three Rivers, 21st May, 1779.
Herewith a deposition otf the deserter which Mr. Earner has quickly sent me to be
forwarded to Your Excellency. I am sending an express to the Captain at Nicolet to
select trusty men and a good loyal officer to go 'to u place opposite the mill, where these
four Indians and three Canadians have crossed over, to be on their guard and spare
no pains in endeavouring to take theee seven men. I have also writteti to Mr. Crio.fts,
Lieutenant in the 34th regiment at St. Francis, to take Bellisle with resolute Indians to
try and surprise these seven men. As the courier is going off this 'moment, please excuse
my haste.
Endorsed: de Tonnancour.
Colonel of Militia at Three Rivers, of the 21st May,
received 22nd, 1779.
Illustrative Documents 107
X
(84)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. I70. p. 45.
Monsieur,
Qiioyque Vottre Exelence doit etre fatigue de mes Verbilliage, je ne crois pas pou-
voir me dispenser de la prevenir qu'il est arrive" e jeudy dernier nomme pierre siniguy
qui depuis plusieurs anniees s'e&t etably sur une terre du lac Cbamplain a deux- lieux
au dela du rocher fendu qui s'est fausisee lorsque le major 'Carleton leva les habitans
dudu lac Champlain 1'hotone dernier, et a ete hiverne dans la riviere des Coniti Ooux
avec un nomine jean bapti-ste Lamy habitans de la riviere du loup qui avoit ete pris
par les Rebelles conduieant des chevaux de 1'armee du general bourgoyne et qui s'etant
echapee etoit venu demeurer che ce pierre siniguy et ant hivernee ensemble a Coniti
Couik d'ou ils doivent etre party ce printemps avec permission des Rebelles pour venir
en. Canada; ils disent etre venu par St. Jean cela ne me parais pas etre grand chose,
mais j'etais charmee d'en prevenir Vottre Exelence pour n'avoir Rien a me reprocher.
J'.ay 1'honneur destre avec un tres profond respect,
Monsieur &c
G. de Tonnancour
3 Rivieres le 21 (May apres midy 1779
Endorsed: From (M. Tonmancour, Colonel of militia at 3 Rivers—
(Translation)
Sir:—
(Although Your Excellency .may be tired by my prattle, I do not think I ought to
neglect to warn you that on Thursday last, one Peter Siniguy, arrived here who has
resided if or some years on a farm at Lake Champlain, two leagues beyond Split Rock,
which was laid wa&te when Major Carleton carried off the inhabitants from Lake
Champlain last autumn, and whio has spent the winter on the river Connecticut, with
one Jean Baptiste Lamy, a Habitant from the Riviere du Loup, who had been taken
by the rebels while in charge of horses for the army commanded by General Burgoyne,
and who, having made his e&cape, came to live with this Peter Sdniguy and they have
spent the winter together in Connecticut, which they left this spring with the permission
of the rebels to conne to Canada; they say they came by St. Jean, this does not appear
to me to. be a very important matter, but I am happy to inform Your Excellency so
that you will have no cause to blame me.
I have the honor to be, etc.,
G. de Tonnancour.
Three Rivers, 21st May, afternoon, 1779.
(85)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. 170. p. 46.
Quebec Mai 24th 1779 ^
Monsieur,
Je vous suis tres oblig£ de 1'avis que vous me. donnes de Tarrivee de deux hommes
qui ont hiverne a la Riviere Conecticut, si on veille «ur leur Conduite on decouvrira
facillement s'ils ont de mauvaise intentions & allons on pourra les faiie arretter; en
attendant ils pourront rester tranquilles.
108 Illustrative Documents
Je ne crois pas qu'on puisse faire aucun fond sur la deposition du Deserteur du
Batt: de Earner, voyant qu'il ne pouvoit pas s'echapper il ia sans doutte invente cette
lustoire afin d'obtenir sa grace — Vous avez Cependant bien fait Monsieur de donner
avis ia 'Monsieur le lieutenant 'Crofts (le moulin en question est u nen droit fort suspect)
mais il ne sera pas necessadre d'y envoyer des officiers de milis.se —
Je surs &c —
(Signe) Fred: Haldimand
Monsr Tonnancour —
Endorsed: To M. Tonnancour at 3 Rivers 24th May 1779—
(Translation)
Quebec, 24th May, 1779.
Sir:
I am much obliged to you for the information which you have given me as to the
arrival of two men who* spent the winter on the river Connecticut, if you watch their
actions, you will easily discover whether they are ill-disposed and may then arrest
them, in the meantime they may be let alone. I do acit think that there is any reliance
to be placed in the deposition of the deserter from Earner's battalion, seeing that he
would mot be lable 'to escape he has undoubtedly invented this i&tory .to obtain pardon.
You have, however, done well in give information to. Lieut. Crofts, (the mill in question
is a much suspected place), but it will not be necessary to send officers of militia
tnere.
I am, etc.,
(Sgd) Fred. Haldimand.
•Monsr. Tonnancour.
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 16-1, pp. 1 11-117.
Quebec, 26th May, 1779.
Sir,
I am honoured with Your Excellency's Intelligence of the 24th February and 15th
March *
I paid great attention last Fall to the Transport of Provisions for the Upper
Country in hopes that it would have been in my Power to have taken Post ait Oswego
early this Spring but the unfortunate expedition against Fort St. Vincennes undertaken
by Governor Hamilton without my Orders together with the very great number of
Savages who have been fed during the Winter have left the Upper Posts quite Bare and
obliged me to begin the Transport very early this Spring and which I am now for-
warding with all possible Dispatch in order to enable me, provided I receive a proper
"Reinforcement, to establish a Poist at dswego during the Summer, thiis is a project I
am extreamly anxious about because 'I know it will be the most essential means of
securing the fidelity of the Indians in 'General whom the Rebels are now very Indus-
trious to gain as you will see by the inclosed Letter from the Marquis de la Fayette,
this with Count d'Estaing's Proclamation dated the 28th October, 1778, and other
Papers of a similar nature are spread amongst them, and several, even oif the Chiefs,
are either become neuter or have discovered an Inclination 'to act against us.
•I have Received various Intelligence from Still-Water >and Albany about the pro-
gress made by the Rebels in building Vessels and Batteaux, the former have long
since been laid aside, but a considerable number of the latter are compleat and they
are employed in Building more. If ithey have any serious Intention of attacking the
Province I apprehend they will find our Fleet on Lake 'Champlain as well as the
advanced Posts near it very Superior to any force they can bring against them, but my
apprehensions are that they may penetrate in very small Bodies into the Heart of the
Country where the-re is a very visible alteration amongst all Ranks of men since the
Commencement of Hostilities with France, and I have every reason to believe there are
Illustrative Documents 109
several setts of men who carry an a Correspondence with the Rebels, thro' whom they
have Received copies of Admiral D'Estaing's 'Declaration, dated at Boston, October
28th, 1778, and a Multiplicity of Papers otf the same Tendency, this defection appears
the more dangerous as in Spite of all my endeavours I have mo.t yetNbeen able to dis-
cover any part o'f their Correspondence nor obtain such Evidence against the Persons
1 suspect >as might enable me to punish with severity. 'In such a situation the Prov-
ince can only be secure by {having a Number oi Encampments so as to defend the
Easiest Passes into the Country and prevent the possibility of our Enemies obtaining
any Regular Supply of Provisions, and here I cannot forbear lamenting to Your Excel-
lency, the insufficiency of the Troops now in the Province to execute such a System of
Defence and under such circumstances the Regular British Troops, who scarce exceed
Sixteen Hundred, (from Lake Ontario downward), fit for Duty I am obliged to divide
and subdivide in my advanced Posts, so that on the greatest Emergency I could not
assemble more than one thousand effective men.
The Emigrants1 are composed of men of all Nations and Sir John Johnson's Regi-
ment tho'a useful Corps with the Ax, are not altogether to. be Depended on with the
Firelock. The German Troops, who are the moist numerous, .are only the Refuse of
those who accompanied General Burgoyne, except the Regiment of Anhalt Zerbst and
a part of the Hanau 'Chasseurs, and even these as well as the others are both by nature
and Education Totally unfit for an American War, besides from the nature of the'
Country, they have unavoidably been dispersed in separate and distant Quarters and
have in some Degree imbibed the Principles of the Inhabitants, which has olf late been
•conspicuous in repeated and 'Considerable Desertions, even fnrom the. most secure Canton-
ments in the Province. I have thus been explicit that Your Excellency might Judge
of the immediate necessity there is of my Receiving as soon as possible some con-
siderable Reinforcements, and from your Letters in August and September last I am
in hopes Two Thousand men are already in their Passage for this Place. It is my Duty
to request Your Excellency's particular attention with respect to Provisions and to
mention that altho' I have some spare Arms, I do riot think the quantity sufficient for
the Exigencies that may arise in this Extensive Province, however, I forbear pressing
Your Excellency for any Supply of these Articles being totally ignorant of what may be
sent from England this Spring, probably you may belfore you receive this, have informa-
tion thereof and II am confident you will then Act in every particular as may best pro-
mote the Publick Service.
A vessel which left Jamaica the llth March is the only arrival we have had this
season. She brought us no particular Intelligence nor have I any Idea what is coming
from Europe. Should I be happy enough to receive ^any considerable Reinforcement — I
shall attempt to form a Battalion or Two of Canadian Militia. If I succeed and find my-
self well supported, I wish to attempt disarming the disaffected Parishes, had this been
done in 1776, I apprehend it would have answered many excellent purposes, the exe-
cution of such a Scheme was then easy and without Danger, but I consider it now is
very difficult and only to be done with great Caution, and even then not without some
risk of hurting tfie King's Service.
I have the honor 'to be &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Sir Henry Clinton.
(87)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 49-57.
Quebec, 26th May, 1779.
Sir.
I have thus been explicit that Your Excellency might judge of the necessity there
is of my feceiving as soon as possible some considerable Reinforcement and from your
Letters in August and September last I am in hopes two thousand men are already
on their Passage for this Place. It is my Duty to request your Excellency's particular
110 Illustrative Documents
Attention with respect to Provisions and likewise to mention that altho' I have some
spare Arms, I do not think the quantity sufficient for the Exigencies that may arise
in this extensive Province '
The Advices I have received from the Mohawk River, from Albany, from the
Kenebeck, differ in particulars but they all agree that in each oi these situations
Bateaux are building and Troops assembling iand that a proportion of these Troops
are French. I do not believe that their numbers are formidable, and what are reported
to be French, I take only to be Vagabonds they have picked up in America, or more
probably the Continental Troops in French Uniforms. However, I may dispise such
Troops, I shall always endeavour to guard against them as if they 'were the best in
Europe, because they may probably have a great Effect as the Inhabitants persuade
themselves a French Fleet will soon shew itself in this River.
I have the honour to be &c. ,
Fred. Haldimand.
Sir Henry Clinton.
(In the first part of this letter the military situation is described in exactly the
same language used in the letter to Lord George Germain of the same date, probably
transmitted to New York by the same means of conveyance.)
(88)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
'Series B, Vol. 150, p. 7.
Quebec, the 26th May, 1779.
Brigr. General Maclean.
,Sir,
I .am sorry to open our Correspondence by water for 'the season with the disagree-
able account that Lt. Govr. Hamilton of 'Detroit, who set out in October last, (without
any orders or Instructions .from me, or my knowledge of his intention till it was too
late to stop him), to recover the Post of St. Vincennes. Ifi less than two months
after his arrival there he was 'with all his Party taken Prisoner by a Colonel Clarke
at the Head of some Virginians, who had before taken possession of the Illinois. This
is the more unfortunate that a Body of Virginians & Pensylvaniaiis under the •command
of a Brigadr. Macintosh penetrated last Fall within three days march of Siamdusky
where they fortified themselves having brought Artillery for that Purpose. ,it 'is
Reported they mean this Spring to take Post upon Riviere au Boeuf, which if true,
would look as if they intended to cut off 'Detroit above & below & to deprive Great
Britain of all Trade with the Upper Country.
In this situation I find it extremely difficult from the scarcity prevailing here,
two Victuallers having missed their passage, to forward such a quantity of salt Pro-
visions as may enable me to push our Reinforcements, tho' we can ill spare them to
repel the Attacks of the Rebels upon that 'Quarter. Repeated advices during the winter
informed me of great Preparations carrying on at Albany & 'Still Water to attack this
Province in force during the summer, but I have discovered from more authentick
Intelligence that accounts were much exaggerated, however, 'when I consider the great
importance of Canada in the present contest, the Disposition of the Inhabitants &
the Composition of the Troops I have for its defence for the summer, unless a con-
siderable reinforcement arrives soon or the army to the southward is enabled to act
with vigor so as to operate a Powerfull Diversion on that side.
The treaty of the 'Colonies in Rebellion with France & the appearance of one of
its Fleets upon the American Coast have operated a very Powerfull Change upon the
weak & ignorant People of this Country, where the many adherents to the Cause of
Rebellion have spread amongst us D'Estaing's Proclamation, dated Boston, October
28, 1778, & also the Marquis de la Fayette's of the 18th Decemr to the Canadian Savages
adds to our difficulties.
I am &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Illustrative Documents 111
(89)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B ,Vol. 2I7, pp. 92-3.
June, 1779.
To His Excellency Frederick Haldimand, Esquire, Captain 'General and Governor
in Chief oi the Province of Quebec and its dependencies, Vice Admiral of the same,
and Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Forces in said Province and the Frontiers
thereof., &c., &c.
The Humble Petition of the Militia of Piercie.
Sheweth :
That we, Your Excellency's Petitioners, having long expected some of His
Majesty's Ships -of War upon this Coast, find ourselves again obliged to supplicate
Your Excellency to send us some relief to protect us from an Enemy that is daily
annoying us. The adjacent Posts have already been pillaged and rob'd of their little
provision, cloathes, &c. .and we may expect the same treatment if proper protection
does not arrive. The timely assistance His Majesty's Ships gave us last summer
prevented many injuries which we might have sustained for which we return the
most ardent gratitude.
These two days past an American Privateer Brig of fourteen caridge Guns has
kept within shot of this Harbour and several others are within the Bay of Chaleurs
which keeps us intirely under arms and prevents us from following our Fishery s and
hinders all Merchantmen from bringing us our necessary supplies of Salt & provisions.
Therefore we humbly pray Your Excellency for such protection as you in your wisdom
shall see fit, which in Duty we shall ever be found to pray.
Fraser.
Theophilus Fox.
t John Urquhart.
George Geddes.
Geo. Richardson.
(90)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, 170, p. 50.
Monsieur,
J'ay 1'honneur d'envoier a Vottre Exelence une Lettre que je Recois a Tinstant de
Monsieur Crofts offlci<er en quartier iau village de Sit. foanoois qui confirme ce que j'ay eu
rhonneuT de luy marquer dams ma precedence' ; elle me petrme«tra de luy Repeter que
depuis que le Comte de St. Auler a pris poste a becancour il a eu des intelligences de
cet endroits avec le riviere Konnectikuk ainsi qu'au pais brule de la bay St. Antoine
qui continue toujours et que M. Jean Vincent et deux jeunes jeans du Vilage de St.
francois sont les cpnducteurs des 'Connoissances avec de nouvelle Angleterre; je suis
dautant plus mortifie que les Espions ce sont echapes que je scay qu'il etoit tres
possible de les prende si le dettachement eu ete un peu plus fort et plus vif a partir
nous les tiendrons, que faire il ni a plus de remedes —
J'ay 1'honneur destre avec un tres profond respect
Monsieur, Vottre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
G. de Tonnancour,
3 Rivieres le premier Juin 1779
Endorsed: From M. Tonnancour at 3 Rivers enclosing a Letter from M. Crofts of the
29th May Rec-2 Juin.
(Translation)
Sir:-
I have the honor to send Your Excellency herewith a letter which I have this
moment received from Mr. Cro'fts, the officer quartered at the village St. Francis,
which confirms what I have had the honor to state in my former letter; you will
permit me to repeat that since the Count de St. Auler has taken post at Becancour,
112 Illustrative Documents
he keeps up constant communication from that place with the River Connecticut
and the burned country on the Bay of St. Antoine .and that M. Jean Vincent and
two young men from the village of St. Francis iare the persons who conduct this
correspondence with New England; I am the more 'mortified ori account of the escape
of these spies since I know that it would have been possible to take them if the detach-
ment had been a little stronger and more prompt in starting we would have taken
them, it can't be helped now.
I have the honor to be,
G. de Tonnancour.
Three Rivers, 1st June, 1779.
(91)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 54, pp. 85-91.
Quebec, 7th June, 1779.
Lord George Germain,
My Lord,
On the 29th of May I did myself the Honor of writing a short letter to Your
Lordship by Halifax & with it transmitted you a Copy of what I wrote to General
Clinton of that date, but from the probability this Dispatch has not yet arrived, I
enclose another copy as it contains a general sketch of our present siituation^duTing
the Winter the Rebels have constantly threatened invading this Province, and,. this
Spring seem to be taking serious measures for attempting it in every part by which
there is a possibility to approach.
I do not wish to alarm Your Lordship with imaginary Dangers & Difficulties but
it appears to me of the highest importance to His Majesty's Service that our state
should be clearly understood — I shall try to convey to Your Lordship a correct state
of our situation.
The enclosed Copies of Lieut. Governor Hamilton's letters as well as those from
Michilimackinac, Detroit, & Niagara will show your Lordship the unfortunate end of
the expedition undertaken hy that Gentleman in the month of October, upon which
subject I have already had the honor of writing to your Lordship in my Dispatches
of last November, within the interval of a very fe'w days I learned the Account of
his arrival at Vincennes & of himself & Party being made prisoners there, small as
this check will appear to those in *a remote situation, it is natural enough to expect
disagreeable consequences may arise, for previous to this, the Canadian inhabitants
both above & below were become adherents to the United Cause of France & the
Americans and many of the Savages, imagining we are become the weakest side were
grown Lukewarm & some even have shewn a Disposition to join the Enemy. So
situated it will require great judgment £ Temper to preserve the Indians in our interest
after so glaring £ recent a proo'f of our want of Strength or want of conduct.
I do not wish to throw any blame on Lieut. Governor Hamilton because he may
have had reasons for undertaking his late expedition which I am not acquainted with
but at present it is to me astonishing how an Officer of his good character could remain
at Vincennes when he knew the impracticability of my supplying him with Provisions
or Assistance and after he muist have received notice .of the Rebels 'approaching towards
Detroit.
The great desire I have to furnish your Lordship with every possible information
has induced me to enclose Copies o'f every Paper I have received respecting Governor
Hamilton, & also of those which respect the Savages in the Upper Country and I have
only to add on this subject that however I wish to retrench the enormous expenses of
the Indian Department my zeal for the Public Service will not allow me to give positive
orders concerning it fearing lest it may detach the Indians ,from our cause & knowin^
that whenever they do quit us, the valuable Fur Trade will immediately be lost to
Great Britain & this Province will notwithstanding require a greater Force than ever
to defend it. ,
Herewith Your Lordship will also receive the present exhausted State of our Pro-
visions. I am obliged to forward the supplies destined for the upper country with all
possible Dispatch. If I permit the least delay i,n this service the Duration of our Trans-
port thither is so short that I should be obliged to weaken if not abandon some of
the Upper Posts during the 'winter & at a time when it is absolutely necessarv to
reinforce them and yet after all my endeavours, I cannot continue the necessary
Iransport more than a few weeks longer unless some Provisions arrive for although
Illustrative Documents 113
I risk leaving the Lower Country so bare of Provisions as to prevent the possibility
oi forming sufficient Magazines .so as to defend our extensive Frontiers to advantage,
yet I dare not expose the Troops stationed here to want, or reduce myself to the
necessity of taking Provisions from the Inhabitants who are already disaffected & all
the Beef that the Country could conveniently .afford has been purchased & delivered
to the Troops during the winter.
Permit me therefore to entreat your Lordship's particular Attention to this essential
Article, in order that our supplies even this Summer may be very ample for after -all
my care much Provision is spoiled in the Transport & I apprehend the demand from
the upper Posts will be this summer double the last, owing to the great number of
Savage Families, who have been driven from their Habitations & obliged to take
Protection at the King's Posts, particularly at Niagara, and who consequently must
be fed.
It shall be my study to counteract the present Temper and Disposition of the
Canadians with all the Prudence and mildness the critical situation of the Province
requires, but should the Eebels attempt to penetrate amongst us in Force, the Martial
Law shall be proclaimed. 'Small Parties have already been in the Province & have
remained several Days unperceived, & hitherto when notice has been given of them
it has al'vvays been too late to 'apprehend them.
Your Lordship will be most likely informed by the present conveyance of my
Having refused Licenses to several Indian Traders to go to the Upper 'Country but
the Amazing supply of guns & ammunition they were taking up exclusive of a quantity
which still remained undisposed from the importation of last year determined me not
to hazard even the possibility of such Articles falling into the Hands of our Enemies.
Those who have speculated upon the Amazing Price of 'Wheat & Flour in other
parts o'f America, are, I suppose, equally out of 'humour at the Prohibiting the exporta-
tion of these Commodities until the 1st of Jany next which has been done by Public
Proclamation.
The Turbulent & seditious Behaviour of a Cabal at Montreal has also laid me under
the necessity of confining two Frenchmen there, whose names are Me-splet & Jautard,
the former a printer sent here by Congress in 1774, to Publish & Disperse their letters,
the latter has been an Attorney & is an unprincipled Adventurer. So soon as their
Papers have been examined Your Lordship shall have a circumstantial Account of
their affairs, & if this does not in some measure check the Licentious spirit that was
beginning to rise, I shall not hesitate to make more examples. I heartily lament that
those who misbehaved in 1775 and 1776, were not severely punished, it was easy then,
but now difficult, nevertheless my endeavours shall not be wanting, to promote the
King's interests, serve the Public and sequre the Province, Objects which engross all
my Attention and 'which always have been and ever shall be the sole aim of all my
actions.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
(92)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 136, pp. 24-5.
Sir,
The Curate of St. Ours brought me the enclosed Manifesto yesterday, which
he ifound affixed to his Church door.
'The influence it .cou'd have upon minds already disposed to revolt might be some-
thing but I do not .conceive so turgid and pompous a declaration calculated to seduce
even wavering subjects. As the Detection of the Person who affixed it may be of
consequence to His Majesty's Service, I have desired Mr. Porlier conjointly with the
Curates of Sit. Denis and iSt. Antoine, at whose 'Churches a similar one has appeared
also, to do their utmost to effect a discovery.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Barry St. Leger.
Sorel, June ye 7, 1779.
To General Haldimand.
3573—8
114 Illustrative Documents
(93)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 72, p. 17.
Montreal ce 14eme juin 1779.
Monsieur,
J'ai 1'honneur d'envoyer a votre Excellence une lettre du Lieut. Croft la quelle
j'ai recue hier au matin a St. Denis, comme aussi un placart qui fut afiiche a la porte
1'Eglise de PaToiisse le itrois de ce mois, Monsieur Chenier le cure qui me la remise,
me parois de touts les Pretres que je vut dans ma tournee celui sur qui on peut le
les Kebelles Je tiens de Monsieur Porlier que Monseigneurs a recu des reproches des
Eveques de France, par rapport a la conduite qu'il a tenu envers les Americains si
cela est vray et quil ait en consequence change de principe on ne doit point estre
surpris "si ce changement dans un chef, a opare" dans 1'etat eclesiastique les observations
que je put faire sur la disposition des habitant me porte a croire que si les rebelles
penetrent dans la province sans etre accompagnez, de force Francaise il se trouvera
parmd les Canadians plus de spectateuir que d'agents, Le Miapor Nairn a pris son depart
ce matin selon les ordres de Votre Excellence, on attend le Capitaine Leak, aujourdhui
qui poursuivra sa route a Ste Genevieve
Je 1'honneur destre avec le plus profond respect
de votre Excellence le tre obeissani et zele serviteur
Frans Le Maistre
a son Excellence %
General Haldimand
(Translation)
Montreal, this 14th June, 1779.
Sir:
I have the honor to send your Excellency a letter 'from Lieut. Croft, which I
received yesterday morning at St. Denis, as well as a placard which was attached to the
church door of the parish on the 3rd of this month. Monsieur Chenier, the cure, who
gave it to me, of all the priests whom I have seen in my journey seems to 'be the one
on 'whom we may most rely. A person named -Gatien, residing at St. Denis, was
observed at the church door that day at six o'clock, in the morning, reading the
attached placard. He is a relative of Monsieur Gatien, cure of Lotbiniere who is
suspected of being in communication with the rebels. I learn from Monsieur Porlier
that Monseigneur has received rebukes from the Bishops of France with respect to
the conduct he has shown towards the Americans. If this is true and that he has in
consequence changed his principles, we should not be surprised if this change in a
chief has had its effects in the ecclesiastical state. My observations on the disposition
of the inhabitants leads me to believe that if the rebels penetrate into the province
without being accompanied by a French force they will find among the Canadians
more spectators than agents. Major Nairne has taken his departure this morning in
pursuance of His Excellency's orders. We expect Captain Leak to-day, who will
pursue his way to Ste. Genevieve.
I have the honor to be, etc.,
Francis Le Maistre.
To His Excellency,
General Haldimand.
(94)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 54, pp. 109-114.
Secret.
Quebec, 18th June, 1779.
Lord Geo. Germain.
My Lord,
Since my letter to Your Lordship of Novr. 18th, various Intelligence has been
received from the Neighbouring 'Colonies of the Preparations making there to invade
us by Detroit, the Mohawk Kiver, Lake Champlain & St. Francois & I have daily the
Illustrative Documents 115
mortification of discovering that the disaffected People receive earlier Intelligence of
the State of affairs in all Quarters than I can possibly obtain which has been the
means of persuading all Ranks of men that a French Fleet will come up the St. Law-
rence in the course of this summer, and this story has been propagated with so much
.Art and yet so universally that there is scarcely a Rebel or Canadian or Indian but
believe it & I fear most even expect it with pleasure, which is but too visible amonget
the Canadians from their uncommon anxiety about the arrival of vessels, from hence
I apprehend that any considerable Misfortune happening to us just now would raise
the whole country in arms against us and this opinion is not founded upon distant &
precarious Intelligence but on a precise knowledge of the 'General Disposition of the
Inhabitants.
I enclose Your Lordship a Copy of Monsr. D'Estaing's Proclamation which was
affixed to the Parish Church at St. Ours and was brought by Mons. Porlier the Curate
to the Commanding Officer at Sorel, at the same time similar Papers was put against
several of the Church Doors in the neighbourhood, yet no other has been brought
to any Officer of the Government nor any Report lodged o,f such an irregularity, though
probably several of the Inhabitants and certainly most of the Priests and Gentry were
acquainted with the Facts. If to these circumstances Your Lordship adds the exhausted
state of our salt Provisions which in the lower part of the Province is just sufficient to
last to the 15th of July, you must allow that I have great reason to lament that no
vessels are arrived, especially as this delay has made many well disposed Persons
listen to the artful inventions of designing men who, in propagating their falsehoods,
do not fail to bring it as a proof that France has at present a decided superiority over
England. ^
So situated any considerable Detachment of Troops entering any part of the Pro-
vince in French uniforms might plunge the whole into the greatest misery & confusion.
Disagreeable as these facts are they are still aggravated by Intelligence lately received
from the Lieut. Governor of Halifax & others that several American Privateers are
in the Gulf & that some of them are vessels of Force. We know that they have already
taken a vessel coming here from Newfoundland & I have my fears that others of more
consequence may share the same fate.
The Posts for Fishing and for Furs established in various places between here and
Chaleur Bay have sent me representations of their defenceless state, adding that the-
Rebels will certainly plunder them if they are left unprotected, had a Frigate or two
wintered here we could have assisted them, but having only the " Viper ", a small
sloop of Ten Guns, they must rely upon such succour as may arrive from the Atlantic.
On the 6th Instant Major Holland, Captain Sinclair, Lieut. Governor of Michili-
mackinac, & two other Gentlemen arrived from Halifax, having found their way
along shore, some times in Boats, some times on foot, & frequently in Danger of being
taken by American Privateers, by them I received letters from Sir. H. Clinton, Lieut.
Govr. Hughes, & Brig. Genl. Maclean, but find no immediate prospect of obtaining
succours from thence, even a few exchanged officers & soldiers, who wintered at Halifax
& whom I requested might be sent here early in the Spring are likely to be some weeks
longer for want of sufficient Convoy, these Gentlemen also inform me that two Victual-
lers destined for Quebec, were last Fall sent from the Banks of Newfoundland to
Halifax under Convoy of the " Garland ", but never arrived nor have I further Intel-
ligence, of them.
I cannot conclude without again requesting Your Lordship's attention to the Article
of Provisions, the Upper Posts requiring to be supplied with the best English Flour,
as none elsevwill keep & Michilimackinac has now very little Pork in store from the
condemnations made there of that Article and unless more effectual measures are
taken in future for supplying this Province with salt Provisions, it is evident the
evacuation of the Upper Posts or some very fatal miscarriage must be the consequence;
in my opinion this Province should always have a Twelve Months salt Provisions
beforehand.
I have delayed for some days the Departure of my Dispatches from mj apprehensions
of the American Privateers in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, but upon a small vessel
arriving this day with molasses from Surinam ^without seeing an enemy, I have ordered
the vessel which carries this to sail immediately & I hope she will arrive safely.
V
I have the honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
3573— 8£
\
116 Illustrative Documents
(95)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 54, pp. I03-6.
Quebec, June 18th, 1779.
Lord Sandwich. •
My Lord,
In my letter to Your Lordship of the 19th of November of last year, I had the
honor of stating the Havoc made by the American Privateers upon the Fisheries
carried on by His Majesty's Subjects here in the. Gulf as well as upon the coast o.f
Labrador and of their insolence in coming up the Kiver & plundering several of the
settlements upon it.
This information I hoped would have procured us an early Naval Assistance this
Spring but not a single vessel has arrived from any port of Europe & I have Intelligence
that several American Privateers are now in the Gulf, they have already taken one
vessel coming to us from Newfoundland & I fear others of more consequence may
share the same -fate, in the mean time they are plundering the remains of several
advantageous Fisheries established on these coasts and a few days ago a very Small
Privateer attempted to go into Tadousac, which is only 40 leagues below this Town
but was prevented by •contrary winds.
I endeavoured to avoid receiving these insults by requesting the Senior Officer of
His Majesty's Ships to order a Frigate to winter here with the " Viper ", their Force
strengthened if necessary with any assistance I could have afforded, would have
effectually cleared the River, but Captain Pearson did not think himself .at liberty
to deviate from the orders he had received.
I now wish to represent to Your Lordship that the " Viper ", being only a Ten
Gun sloop, is unequal to the service of protecting the low settlements on the River, at
the same time I wish to express my strong persuasion that Your Lordship will
afford us the necessary naval assistance & protection as soon as the Superior exigencies
of His Majesty's Service in other quarters will permit.
I am much afraid that some accident has happened the Province sloop " Sorel ",
commanded by Mr. Alison, which I sent home last Fall with my Dispatches as she
has not yet been seen or heard 'irom. the want of Intelligence from thence and the
Provision ships arriving so late are a great inconvenience to the King's Service and
may , prove highly detrimental to it.
Captain Harvey will have informed Your Lordship that Mr. Stiles, master of the
" Viper ", upon the Disagreeable Duty of Pressing, had the Misfortune of killing a
Tailor, for which he has been tried & found guilty of Manslaughter, he has been
pardoned and is released.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Fred Haldimand.
(96)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 139, pp. 17-8. \
Quebec, the 18th June, 1779.
Lt. Col. St. Leger.
Sir,
Having received certain Information that there are several small Scouts or Parties
from the Rebels1 hovering about our Posts in the Lower part of the Province for the
purpose no doubt of procuring Intelligence of arrivals from Europe at this interesting
season & what may be undertaken in Consequence of them, I must request of you to
use your utmost endeavours by having Parties continually out & every other Possible
means you Can think of to intercept these Spies and prevent their communicating with
their Emissaries in the Settlements, who Collect every possible Information for them
& Receive at their Houses or meet them in the Wood's at night. The Rebels disiguise
themselves, some as Canadians & others as Indians. — All persons o>f either description
found in the skirts of the Woods or going about at night should be detained until they
Can give satisfactory Accounts otf themselves. The three men you have in Confinement
Illustrative Documents 117
and suspected orf being Spies shall be treated as if it Can appear that they really are eo,
for which End I beg you will be very particular in your Examination, if there is hopes
something may drop from them that will lead to a Discovery of their Intentions.
I am, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
(97)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. Ill, p. 93.
PAROLES de Huoayointe Chef depute des Cinqe Nation prononcez devant le Lieut.
Colonel Campbell Juin 19e 1779.
Mon Frere • (
Nous sommes Envoyez de la part de nos freres les Cinqs Nations- pour Scavoir
ce qui peut retarder notre frere le General Haldimand de tenir la promess qu'il nous
avoit fait de venir Aussiltost la font des glasses a notre Secours, nous nous defendone
toujours en L'attendant & nous tiendrons toujours firme mars nous desirous qu'il vienne
Bientot & nous Espertoms qu'il nous Envoyra Notre fils le Ohevalier jonson, le plutot
Possible —
Nous demandons que Ton Etablisse un fort a Assweajo pour Entretenir une Com-
munication avec nos freres, & nous domner nos besoin dont nous sommes privez — Notre
frere le general Compte sur nos soin a faire Bonne 'Gard pendant L'Etablissement
dun post A ussy important
Nous demandons que Ion nous fixe le tempt que nous pourkms faire la Junction
afin de nous rencontre —
Le General Carleton nous promds ce que nous demandons depute deux ans Serons
nous done Enfin Escoutte; ou bien il faut que vous iCraigner les gens de votre Coulour
on que vous vouliez les menages, puis> qu'il n'y a que nous Jusque a present a leur
faire la guerre ouvert —
(En Jettant le Colier )
(en colere sur la TabJle )
John Campbell
1779
Indian Speech received from Lt. Col. Campbell 21st June
(Translation)
Speech of the Chief Huoayointe, a deputy from the Five Nations, delivered before
Lieut.-Colonel Campbell, Jnne 19, 1779.
Brother,
We are sent from our brothers, the Five Nations, to know what delays our brother,
General Haldimand, if.rom keeping the promise which he made us to come to coir
assistance as eoon as the ice went away. We are still defending ourselves while wait-
ing for him and we will always stand firm, but we desire that he should come quickly
and we hope that he will send to us our son, Chevalier Johnson, as soon a® possible.
We demand that a fort should be established at Assweajo (Oswego) to maintain
a communication with our brothers, and give us the supplies of which we are now
deprived — our brother, the general, can rely upon us for keeping a good guard during
the establisihment of such an important post. We demand that the time should be
fixed to form a junction so that we can meet. General Carleton1 promised what we
demand two years ago. Shall we then at last be listened to, or are you afraid of people
of your own colour or do you wish to conciliate them, since at present, we only make
open war upon them.
Throwing the belt of 'wampum on the table in anger.
John Campbell.
118 Illustrative Documents
(98)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Brigr. Genl. Powell.
Sir,
Series B, Vol. 135, pp. 64-5.
Quebec the 24th June, 1779.
As you are acquainted with the Intelligence brought by the Deserters from Hazen
& the Loyalists, (which in most particulars correspond with the News Papers & other
Accounts received) : it would be needless for me to poirit out to you the necessity o<f
keeping scouts continually out and at would afford me infinite satisfaction if by
promise of Reward or any means you can devise it were possible to take hold of that
infamous Whitcomb, who you find has address enough to make hie way into the inhab-
ited parts of the country when he pleases. I am apprehensive that he will find some-
where or other an opportunity to commit another murder upon some unsuspecting
officer — it were well to caution them against putting it in Ms power.
I am &c.
Fred Haldimand.
(99)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 117. p. 122.
De ya Maska, le 24 juin 1779.
Monsieur,
J'ai Recu Thonneur de la Lettre que Monsieur Cramahe m'a eerie du 17 de votre
part son Excellence peu center sur mon Zele et la fitellitoit pour le servis je aprie que
le grand visquer Monsieur St. Onge avoit beaucoup le banchante pour les francois
il ma fait avertir par une personne de bien prander garde a moy que les ennemies
deyvoit desanter dans nos Cartier on ma aussi assure que le pere Germain etoit alle
expret alia Bay sur pretexce de faire une voeu a iSt. Antoin pour etre plus a porte pour
voir gammelain et de savoir de luy de tout les connoissances qu'il a tout de suit je
fait avertir OMons. lOrofts pour qu'il taohe de enpecher ce trois a Rives de aller alia
Bay le pere ne doit rester que neuf jours la et il doit Retpurner au Trois Rivieres le
pere ne doit poin aller a St. francois que dans le mois de juilliet c6 nouyelle pour ^les
francoist ci repent dans tous les Paroisses mais cepantans on a Encore Riein afige" issi
je parle a notre pere il ma assure que si on afiige quelque cho.se a la porte de leglis que
person aura Connessance que moy, je Thonneur detre a son Excellence avec une
profond Respect.
Votre humble et tres obayissant Serviteur
Schmid.
Endorsed 1779
From Capt. Schmid
24th June
Reed. 26th
(Translation)
From ya Maska, 24th June, 1779.
Sir:
I have received the letter which Mr. Cramahe wrote me on the 17th, by your direc-
tion. His Excellency may rely on my zeal and fidelity for the service, I learn that the
grand Vicar, Mr. St. Onge, has much inclination for the French. I have been warned
by a person, to be on my guard as the enemy are about to invade our district and I
am also informed that Father Germain had gone expressly to 'La Baye, under pretence
Illustrative Documents 119
of performing a vow to St. Anthony, but really to see Gamelin and to get from him all
the information he could. I warned Mr. Crofts at once, to endeavour to prevent the
Father from going to La Baye where he intended to remain only nine days and then
return to Three Rivers, the Father ought not to go to St. Francis until the month of
July. This news about the French is repeated in all the parishes, but still, there is
nothing posted up here. I have spoken to our cure and he assures me that if anything
is posted up on the door of the church, no one will have knowledge of it but me.
I have the honor to be,
etc.,
Schmid.
(100)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. WAR OFFICE PAPERS.
Series M, Vol. 328, pp. 30-1.
Dear Sir,
I have inquired concerning St. German's conduct in the Pulpit and I am certain
that Lieutenant Ann Gordon who has lived amongst the Canadians since last War
can be depended upon— As to their sentiments, transactions and inclinations, par-
ticularly this part of the Country. — He says: That some time before the Rebellion
broke out that some People had reported that the Priest had preached a drole sermon
which intended to keep the People in mind of former times, but he neither was present
nor any of his Family, nor did he think it was worth taking notice what was reported
being so trifling in itself but he says that during the time of the Rebells being here
Mr. St. German seem'd stji for Government and was ill treated by the Rebells on that
account.
I have the honor to be &c.
James Gray, Major,
King's Rl Regt N. York.
•St. Sulpice,
24th June, 1779.
Captain Le Maistre.
(101)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 135, p. 66.
Quebec, 28th .June, 1779.
Sir,
Alfrho' I am satisfyed of the vigilance observed at your post & those depending
on it I must repeat to you my anxiety in the present situation of affairs for your
augmenting if possible, the number of your Scouts & patrolling parties, having received
certain information that the Rebels have several small Parties hovering about our
Posts in the lower Part of the Province for the purpose of procuring Intelligence at
this interesting Season of arrivals from Europe & what may be undertaken in con-
sequence of them which is every Year practiced by them with great success, owing
to the assistance they have from their emissaries in the settlements who collect
information for them and either receive them in their Houses at night or carry it to
them in the Woods. I hope we shall be able in a great measure to prevent them
communicating by intercepting the Rebel parties who come disguised, some as Can-
adians and others as Indians— all persons of either description found in the skirts
of the Woods or going about at night should be detained until they give satisfactory
accounts of themselves.
I am &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Brigr. Genl. Powell.
120 Illustrative Documents
(102)
i PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 135, pp. 67-8.
Quebec, the 1st July, 1779.
Brigr. Genl. Powell,
Sir,
I have received your letter of the 27th past, proposing that two .Loyalists should
accompany Mr. Devau to the Kenebec, as Devau is so well acquainted at and with the
Route to York, I wish to have him .employed with 'Myers, whom I only wait the arrival
of the Fleet to dispatch — My intention is that he should take three men with him ifrom
St. Johns, (Mr. Fraser, Mr. 'Devau & Mr. Johns), with whom <he will determine upon
some hollow tree or particular spot in the most convenient situation in the neighbour-
hood of Albany or Schenectady wherein to leave their Dispatches — this done Myers will
take forward to New York one of the three, (whoever will answer best), the other two
to return immediately to fit. Johns to wait ifor further dispatches or to go for those which
Mr. Myers or the other will bring from York and deposit in the place appointed,
where they will in like manner leave their dispatches for furtherance to York by Mr.
Myers.
By this means Intelligence will be conveyed with more expedition & safety than
by sending the same men quite through to New York. My reason for employing two
together is in case of accidents or sickness to either, the other can proceed with the
charge. It would be still better to fix upon two places, contiguous) to each other, least
there should be reasons for abandoning one of them — They should be well provided with
Bladders or some thing of the kind to preserve their papers from wet and they should
afterwards be well wraped up in Bark.
I am much pleased with the means you have fallen upon to secure Whitcomb — I
think they bid ifor success — in all Events it is an excellent Channel for Intelligence. I
shall chearfully double the Reward you have offer'd for Whitcom'b.
I am &c.
Fred. 'Haldimand.
(103)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 133, p. 122.
Fort iSt. Johns, July 2d, 1779.
Sir,
I have received Your Excellency's favor of the 28th ulto. and shall try by all
possible means to intercept the Rebel Scouts which frequent the Province but as they
often change their rout it will be difficult to take them, our Rangers not being expert
in tracking in the Woods. I am informed that most of those which come in hold a
correspondence with the Inhabitants of St. Charles who live in the back settlements on
the east side of the Sorel. Three of them went not long since as Guides to three
deserters. If the Captain of Militia was alert he might certainly take some of them
with the assistance of the Bruns wickers.
I have the honor to be, &c.
H. Watson Powell.
His Excellency,
General Haldimand.
Illustrative Documents. 121
(104)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 133, p. 124.
Fort St. Johns, July 6, 1779.
Sir,
A few days ago a scouting Party from this Garrison (fell in with three 'Canadians
and an Acadian upon the Acadian Kiver about four leagues from hence who asked them
if they were Bostonians or King's Men, the 'Corporal replied that they were Bostonians
who were out upon a iScout. The 'Canadians immediately invited them to eat and
described this Garrison to them and told them the number of Vessels and Troops which
were here; they likewise told them there was a German deserter in the Bush, whom
they would protect until they had an opportunity of sending him over the Lake. The
Corporal offering to itake care of him they delivered him up to the Party who brought
him here. The next day I sent back the Party who brought in the three Canadians and
Acadian with three french muskets.
I have the honor to be, &c.
H. Watson Powell.
His Excellency,
General Haldimand.
(105)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 72, p. 49.
Monsieur,
J'ai attendu jusqu'a present, Votre Excellence dans nos cantons pour La remercier
en persone de ce quelle a bien voulu me marquer, pa la lettre du 106 juin dernier,
qu'elle Instruroit La cour de ma prudence et de mon zele pour le Gouvernement, Si
vous aves Monsieur cette attention pour moy, je crois que votre recommendation ne
sera pas sterile et qu'elle reveillera nos Indifferents quand ils verront les moindres
traits de ifidelite reconnoie et irexsompens'eis je isuis- .avec [respect
Monsieur
de votre Excellence
Votre tres humble -Et tres Obeiist. Serviteur
Porlier,
cure du St. Ours,
P. S. Permettes que je vous represente quil serait necessaire que Mr. les Inspecteurs
de la Milice feirent utne tournee Men des Officiers Obeis^ant de leurs, .authority
St. Ours 1 gM 1779
(Translation)
Sir.-
I have awaited until now your Excellency's arrival in our parishes to thank
him in person for what he has told me in his letter of the 10th of June last, that he
would inform the oourt of my prudence and my zeal for the Government. If you pay
me this attention Sir, I believe that your recommendation will not be fruitless and
that it will arouse our carelesis people when they see- ithat the least proofs of fidelity
are recognized and rewarded, I am etc.,
Porlier,
cure" of St. Ours,
P. S. Permit me to represent to you that it will be necessary that the inspectors of
'Militia should make a tour .among the Officers obeying their authority.
St. Ours, 1 Aug. 1779.
122 Illustrative Documents
(106)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, p. 61.
Quebec, July 19th, 1779.
Sir,
I have the Pleasure to inform you that ten large ships with Provisions are arrived
safe at Quebec, this Fleet sailed from Cork the 30th April.
I have no other Account of the Merchant Fleet from England than that they were
expected to sail very late, nor am I informed what Troops are to come from England
immediately to this Province, but as probably your Excellency will know these par-
ticulars before this reaches you they will enable you to judge what number of Troops
I wish to be put in motion agreeable to my Letter of the 26th and 29th May by which
means our movements will ultimately support each other.
The Arrival of these ships has greatly lowered the price of Corn and thereby quieted
the Minds of the Inhabitants, so that I may expect to draw great assistance from
them whenever the King's Service requires it, and I shall not fail to avail myself of
their good Disposition upon every Occasion 'which may present itself.
I have the honor .to be, &c.
Fred. Haldinnand.
His Excellency,
General Sir Henry Clinton.
(107)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 63-6.
Quebec, July 19th, 1779.
Sir,
I propose in August to send an Expedition up Lake C'hamplain and some Savages
towards Oswego, not that I expect to make any formidable impression, but if I can
alarm the Country, interrupt their Harvest, or in any degree favor your Expeditions,
it is all the assistance can be given from this Province.
'The arrival of the Cork Fleet has had a very good effect amongst the Inhabitants,
who were daily more and more persuaded that the first ships which appeared would
be French. I afn pretty certain that the Canadians will take no part against us until
French Troops get amongst them, consequently I think I have little to fear this year,
in the mean time they are very useful in our transport and are tolerably obedient.
I repeat to Your Excellency my desire of haying a reinforcement of 2,000 men to
this Province, who should if possible be all British and if any Men are sent from
Europe, I only wish to have their number made equal to 2,000, and I should be happy
in having as many of General Burgoyne's army as possible because they are already
in some degree acquainted with this Country.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
His Excellency,
General Sir Henry Clinton.
(108)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 67-8.
New York, July 28th, 1779.
Sir,
I have the honor of your Dispatch dated
When I mentioned to you last Autumn the probability oif my reinforcing you, the
intention arose from a supposition my force this year would not enable me to act in a
Illustrative Documents 123
manner which would 'have drawn every attention of the Rebels from Canada, at the
same time that it struck more immediately in this Quarter at the roots of the War, I
allude (to the plan of pressing Washington's Army and holding irt, in continual check,
a Line of Policy, which you, Sir, with regard to yourself, seemed to think should be
effectual. As the promised reinforcements from England would have empowered me
to pursue that system. I had dropped every Idea of sending Troops to Quebec. But as
you now apply to me for Succours from a new motive of the most pressing importance,
I can not hesitate upon the part I must act. I shall send you from 1500 to 2000 men as
soon as I possibly can, unless I hear that reinforcements are sent you 'from Europe.
I have no doubt but you must have considered, Sir, how severe a blow this must be
to all my projects, and I trust you have well weighed the Exigency which induces
a measure so debilitating to my operations.
I have the honor to be, &c.
H. Clinton.
His Excellency,
General Haldimand.
Endorsed :—
Sir Henry 'Clinton of July -the 28th,
received by Halifax,
January 18th, 1780.
received by Halifax,
January 18th, 1780.
(109)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 49, p. 86.
Admiralty, Aug. 7th, 1779.
Sir,
I am favoured with your letter of the 18tfti of June and am sorry to be obliged to
acknowledge that the naval Force that has been employed in the Kiver and Gulph of
St. Lawrence has been by no means adequate to the Services that were wanted there,
but in truth we have had so much upon our hands at home and calls from all parts
of this extensive Empire for naval support that we find ourselves unequal to supply-
ing what may be expected from us and many important services must be postponed
in order to allow of our attending to those that are the most pressing. The Viper sloop
is certainly not of force to keep your Coast free from Privateers, we have therefore sent
you a Ship of 24 Guns to Winter with you, which is all we can spare at present, ;at
which your surprise will cease when you know we are in daily expectation of an inva-
sion from France and are at the eve of an action for the Sovereignty of the Sea against
the Combined Fleets of France and Spain.
I am &c.
Sandwich.
Endorsed :—
From Lord Sandwich df August 7th, 1779 by Captain Young.
(110)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 150, pp. 12-3.
Quebec, August 29th, 1779.
Lieut. Govr. Hughes.
Sir,
The Reports of an intended attack upon this Province prevailing at Boston & in
New England have reached us from every Quarter, they have been meditated upon a
very extensive plan, no less than from the Mississippi to the River St. Francois, but
124 Illustrative Documents
the .obstacles you mention to their success I think fcoo formidable to be removed by
their Efforts & Resources & while their attention is engaged by any of Sir Henry
Clinton's operations little is 'to be apprehended in this Province.
\
I have the honor .to be &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
(Ill)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 73-6.
Quebec, 29th Augt. 79.
Sir,
The English Fleet arrived ten days ago. — A new raised company of Yagars are the
only Troops it has brought.
I expect in the Fall some German Eecruits picked up on the High Ways & prob-
ably worse than those already here, who are entirely useless for this kind of war and
rather a Burden than an Increase of Strength. By a late Letter from Lord George
Germain I have received Extracts of his> Lordship's Letters to you of the 22d Jany,
30th March, & 1st Apnil, 1779, the Contents of which I shall pay particular Attention
to and I shall, ais much as I .shall be able .and it will be in my Power, increase -the
Number of Parties I have upon the Frontiers to alarm them and destroy their Crops,
which will be more easily effected when gathered in the Barns. I am sorry to say it
is all the assistance it will be in my Power to give as by advice I have received, an
Expedition by the French is intended up this River in order to effect a Revolt amongst
the Canadians, which perhaps may take place this Fall and oblige me to keep a part
of Troops in the lower parts of this Province. »
I have the honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Endorsed :— 1779.
To Sir Henry Clinton,
29th Augt.
(112)
BEATING ORDER FOR 84th REGIMENT.
By His Excellency Frederick Haldimand Genl. & Commander in Chief of the
Province of Quebec, &c. &c. &c.
To Brigadier General Maclean, Lieut. Colonel Commandant of the 84th Regiment
of Foot or Royal Highland Emigrants.
It being the King's intentions that the Battalion of Royal Highland Emigrants
under your command, should be augmented with twenty private men to each company
and that this Augmentation should be recruited in North America, you are hereby
authorized by Beat of Drum or otherwise to raise so many men as shall be wanted
to complete your Corps to this Establishment; and you will have due attention, that
the proper instructions be given to the officers you send upon this, duty, so that none
but men fit for active service be enlisted, as all others will be rejected. And as a
due encouragement, Three guineas pr. man and no more will be allowed for every
recruit approved of.
Given under my Hand at Quebec, this 30th day of August, 1779.
(Signed) Fred. Haldimand.
To Donald Mclntosh, who is employed as
a recruiting Sergt. for the 84th Regiment.
Allan Maclean,
Brig. General.
By His Excellency's Command,
(C.S.) Frans. Le Maistre,
D. A. G.
Endorsed :
Beating order 1779
For 84th Regt,
to recruit 20 Additional men & Company,
Illustrative Documents 125
(113)
PRINTED HAND BILL.
By ALLAN MACLEAN, Esq. /
Brigadier-General and Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant of His Majesty's 84th Regi-
ment of Foot.
To all Gentlemen Volunteers and Loyalists willing to serve His Majesty in the 84th
Regiment of Foot:
It being his Majesty's Orders that the foresaid 84th Regiment oi Foot should be
augmented Tw.enty Men per Company, and that these Men are to be raised in every
part of his Majesty's Dominions in North-America; These .are to certify to all Gentle-
men Volunteers and 'Loyalists, as are or may be obliged, thro' force or inclination, to
leave the Provinces, that upon their entering his Majesty's Service in the said 84th
Regiment, as a farther Encouragement, exclusive of the usual Bounty-money allowed
to his Majesty's other Regiments of Foot, each man is to have (in any Province of
North-America where he may ohuse to reside after the Rebellion is ended) for himself
Two Hundred Acres of Land, Fifty Acres for his Wife, and Fifty for each Child, free
of Quit-rents and all public burthens, the Government paying the Patent Fees, Governor
and Surveyor-general's Fees, &c. This Land to be exclusive of the quantity they shall
be entitled to as Officers and Soldiers serving in North America agreeable to the Act
of Parliament after the last Peace.
These are Conditions which no other Regiment Regular or Provincial in the King's
Service have in their Po'wer to grant, and they are only to be engaged during the
Continuance of the present Rebellion, or untill they can return & enjoy their different
respective possessions.
It is, therefore, evident that Men serving in this Regiment, serve upon much more
advantageous terms than they can do in any of the Provincial Corps now raising in
North-America, since their time of Service is equally the same, the Advantage is
superior, exclusive of the very great Honor they have in wearing the King's Uniform.
Allan Maclean,
Brigadier-General in Canada.
(114)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. 170. p. 66.
Monsieur,
Votre Exelence voudra bien me permettre de luy Representer que le General
Carleton son predeceseeur avoit exempte de toutes Corveee les miliciens qui avoient
passe le lac 'Champlain avec I'armee roial; nayant recu aucuns ordres contraires de'
vOttre exelence j 'ignore si on doit les faire commendees pour des Corve'es actuellee —
II y a ausey un jeune milicien de la Compagnie de ibecancour qui ifut detaches au
mois d'avril. dernier aisy que dans toutes les aultres Compagniee de ce Gouvernement
pour ce tenir prest a marcher au premier ordre, lequel s'est moque de 1'ordre qu'il
avoit Recu de son Capitaine et furtivement decampa et ala a (Montreal et s'engagea
pour le grand portage au pais d'en haut dont il est de retour depuis quelques jours
faisant bien le fier dans sa paroisse, Ce qui donne tres mauvais exemple au aultres qui
sont dettaches; mais quand je le feraie mettre a la garde cela ne le punirais pas comme
il le meritte nous n'avons n'y prisons ni Cachots icy et nous sommes sene reponce,
Vottre Exelence me permettra d'attendre see ordres sur ce sujet —
J'ay 1'honneur detre avec un tree profond respect
Monsieur
Vottre tres humble
et tres obeissant :Serviteur
G. de Tonnancour
3 Rivieres le 31 Aout 1779
Endorsed: From iM. Tonnancour
Col : o'f Militia at 3 Rivers
31st August reed. 1 Sept. 1779.
126 Illustrative Documents
(Translation)
Sir:—
Your Excellency will permit me to represent that your predecessor, General
Carleton, had exempted from all corveee the militiamen who had crossed Lake Cham-
plain with the Koyal Army; not having received any orders to the contrary tErom Your
Excellency, I do not know whether they should be placed on duty for corvees now.
There is likewise a young militiaman belonging to the company of Becancpur which
was detached in the month of April last, as well as all the other companies in this
government, to be held in readiness to march on the first order, this man disregarded
the order he received from his captain and went away secretly to Montreal and entered
into an engagement for the Grand Portage in the Upper Country, from whence he re-
turned some days ago, boasting of what he had done in his parish. This is a very
bad example for others who were detached; but if I put him under guard, this will not
punish him as he deserves. We have neither prisons nor lockups here, and have no
alternative. I will await Your Excellency's orders on this subject.
I have the honor to be,
G. de Tonnancour.
Three Eivers, 31st August, 1779.
(115)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 77-80.
Quebec, 4th Septr. 1779.
Sir,
The French have continued to circulate printed Copies signed by Monsr. Gerard,
of the Count D'Estaign's declaration all through the Illinois and Miamies Countries
which have a very bad effect with the French and Indians.
Fred. Haldimand.
To Sir Henry Clinton.
The following certificate was appended to these Proclamations:
Nous, Conrad Alexander Gerard, Ecuyer, Conseiller du Eoi, Secretaire du Conseil
d'Etat de Sa Majeete, Ministre Plenipotentiaire pres les Etats Unis de L'Amerique,
Conseil General dans les Ports des dites Etats, et Membre de la Societe Philosophique
Americaine.
Declarons que le Manifesto ci-dessus a ete publie* de Fordre expres du Eoi de
France mon Maitre par le Comte d'Estaing, Vice Amiral de France, commandant d'un
Eecadre dans L'Amerique Septentrionale afin d'inetruire les nations qui conservent de
Fattachement pour sa Majeste de la sincerite de son ami tie" pour les Etats Unis de
L'Amerique et de la realite des secours en vaisseaux et guerriers qu'elle leur fournit
afin d'aesurer leur bonheur et leur Independence.
Fait en Notre Hotel a Philadelphie,
le 28 Mai, 1779.
(Q. 16-2, p. 382.)
(116)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 16, pt. I, page 332.
No. 22.
Quebec 13th September 1779.
My Lord,
Monsieur Dechambault, at present receives £200 per annum from Government as
Inspector o'f Militia, but having always Conducted himself with great Propriety, and
Illustrative Documents 127
both himself and wife, being very old & Infirm, I very gladly Comply with Your Lord-
ship's Directions, to Pay them or the Survivor £200 per annum, by way of Pension,
which shall be Charged as Your Lordship directs.
Fred. Haldimand.
Lord George 'Germain
Indorsed —
Quebec 13th Sept. 1779.
Governor Haldimand
(No. 22)
Ed 28th Octr.
(117)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 54, pp. 135-9.
No. 28.
Quebec, Sepr. 13th, 1779.
Lord Geo. Germain.
My Lord,
I have already had the honor' of informing Your Lordship the1 Alliance of the
Rebels with France has produced a great alteration upon the minds of the Canadians,
that the native French of whom we have but too many in the Province, particularly
exhibited a Petulance, characteristic of the Nation, in consequence of an information
against one otf these of the name of " La Terriere " (for encouraging Desertion to the
Rebels, forwarding them Intelligence by that means. He has been confined as are a
Printer and Attorney at Montreal, likewise French, for endeavouring to stir up the
People against the Courts of Justice & the Magistrates, whether it will be possible to
bring any sufficient Proof to condemn them upon I have my Doubts. The times cer-
tainly justify the securing their Persons & preventing them from sowing that Strife &
Discord they wished to propagate. How to dispose of these or of four others coming
down from Detroit in much the same Predicament I have not fully determined, the
Intelligence received before the departure of the Fall Fleet will probably decide me
on that head.
Several of the Clergy well disposed towards Government at 'the Commencement of
the present Troubles, particularly those amongst them who are natives of France have
lately showed a leaning towards their Countrymen. Mr. De La Valiniere, no. ways
deficient in Wit or Parts has made himself very busy upon the occasion, & as he had
fallen out with the Seminary of Montreal, as well as with the Bishop, I have taken
advantage of that circumstance to procure the consent of the latter for sending him
home, which I intend doing by the October Fleet, if upon his arrival he could be
placed in some part of the Country & not suffered to return to France till the Dis-
turbances are at an end, I believe it would be, the most prudent method of dealing with
him, though it must necessarily be attended with some expence.
We have here Seven Rebel officers & about one Hundred of their men, Prisoners,
without a convenient Gaol or Place to secure them in, whenever enlarged they desert
or turn spies upon all our motions, in which they are certain to be aided or assisted
by the too numerous Favorers of Rebellion within the Province. That this iis the case
is sufficiently evinced by some of those here having made their escape three times. If
I cannot dispose of them amongst our outward Bound ships I shall be under the neces-
sity of sending them to Britain by the October Fleet.
Before I conclude this long letter I think it a Duty incumbent on me to observe
to Your Lord&hip that for want o-f a Naval Force, Rebel Privateers, very considerable
in point of strength have this Spring pushed up the River St. Lawrence, plundered
both shores, the Gulf and Labrador Coast, & destroyed the Fisheries in every part with-
128 Illustrative Documents
in that extent, ©o that these are almost totally annihilated & the People engaged there-
in every where retiring into the interior parts of the Country.
We are most exposed to these predatory incursions of the Rebels in the Spring &
Fall & should the Province be left as bare the next as it has been the 'present year,
there is no knowing where the mischietf will stop, if repeated it will put an end to every
attempt to carrying on the Fisheries in those parts.
Your Lordship will please observe the " Defiance " of 64 Guns this year came up as
high as Bic, the " Guadeloupe " reached this, .about the middle of August & both are
sailed.
Since last Fall till within a very few daye our naval strength here consisted in a
Ten Gun sloop belonging to His Majesty & a small Provincial Armed schooner of Four,
the latter fit enough to attend larger ships to seek for and find out their Prey but too
\\eak of itself to do execution. In some of my former letters to Your Lordship and the
Earl of Sandwich, which indeed may never have reached home, I proposed stationing
a ship of Force at Bic, a stout frigate in the Gulf & another upon the Northern Coast
to be occasionally attended by such small craft as we could arm & spare for this ser-
vice & if the London Merchants would agree "to the Departure of the Fall Fleet from
Bic the 15th of November, a season when the north-west winds generally prevail, it
would both answer the purposes of Trade & protect the Lower Parts of the Province at
a time when they are most exposed to tlhe Insults of the Enetmy.
Upon a Cruize Captain Harvey took the latter end of June into the Gulf he received
Information of the Mic-Mac Indians having done much mischief upon the Coast which
engaged him to go to Miramichi, where after treating with them and appointing another
Chief to quiet the fea-ns of ithe Inhabitants, and awe the Savages, he brought up twelve
of the latter to this Town whom he decoyed on board by showing French Colors, they
were in silk stockings & dressed as Frenchmen. I w,as much embarajssed what to do
with them but a vessel offering for Halifax, I sent them to the Governor of Nova Scotia,
in which Province their village is situated & with whom they had made a Treaty of
Peace last year, to be disposed of as he thought proper, it was very visible from their
behaviour what effect Count D'Estaing's Manifesto & the French Alliance have had
on all the ignorant People of every Denomination in this River & GuM and tlhe
unguarded state by water in which we have been left last Fall & in Spring confirmed
them in the Belief every thing went wrong with us in every part of the World nor has
it been passible to undeceive them.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Fred Haldimand.
ais>
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 376.
No. 30
My Lord!
As there are in the Neighbouring Colonies, mostly Attached to Hazen's Corps,
Stationed on the 'Connecticut River, and Employed in Cutting the Road to Lake
Champlain, about two hundred Canadians, who accompanied the Rebels in their Retreat
out of the Country, or that have joined them Since, and often find means to procure
Intelligence from hence, it will be worth considering, wfhether an Offer of Hie Majesty's
Most GracLorus Pardon to those misguided People, provided they return within a Cer-
tain time, might not be a means to detach them from the Rebel Interest, and Restore
them to their Allegiance.; — This measure might have a good Effect upon ithe Body of
the People, & furnish us with the means of obtaining more certain information of the
Favourers of Rebellion within this Province, whose Cabals and Intrigues are extreamly
prejudicial to the Royal Cause.
But as by my Instructions, I am no ways authorized to Grant such a Pardon, dit is
humbly Submitted to the Consideration of Administration, whether it would not be
right Such a Power was lodged with the Kings' Governor, at least while the Colonies
Illustrative Documents 129
continue*! in Rebellion, whidh after all, it might be depended on, would not be carried
into Execution, but upon the fullest conviction, the measure was likely to answer the
End Proposed.
I have 'the Honor to be with the greatest
Respe>at and Esteem,
My Lord,
Your Lordships'
most Obedient 'and
Most humble Servant
Fred: Hkldiniand.
Lord George Germain
Indorsed —
Quebec 13th Sept. 1779
Governor Haldimand
(No. 30)
R*. 28th Oct.
(119)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 376.
Quebec, 14th Sepr. 1779.
Secret & Confidential.
Lord Geo. Germain.
My Lord.
In the present state of Affairs I think it my Duty to lay before His Majesty's
^Confidential Servants for the Royal information my opinion of all matters which may
tenoTto securing this more than ever important Province to the Crown of Great Britain.
I shall do it with Freedom & Candour, unbiassed by Passion, Party, or Prejudice,
and if any ideas here offered should prove serviceable to His Majesty's interest, my most
sanguine purpose will be most fully answered.
The Actual sta^te of the Province is the first point to be alluded to, by recent
Intelligence the Rebels are advancing in Force into the Country of the Six Nations,
they Fortify Posts at convenient distances as they advance & seem determined to
oblige them, 'who have been hitherto, a few excepted, Staunch Friends to Government,
to embrace a. Neutrality. Should they be forced to yield upon this occasion and from*"^
their weakness, as well as our inability to support them, from the difficulty of pushing 3
up Provisions, be obliged to come into the Terms of the Rebellious Colonies, Niagara, J
the upper Country & Fur Trade will soon go.
If this body of Rebels, said to be commanded by Sullivan, to have Artillery & a
Corps of Sappers & Miners, should lay siege to Niagara and take it, they will most
probably soon draw into their interests all the upper Country Indians & presently
make use of them to retaliate upon the King's Loyal Subjects, the Cruelties they pretend
to have been exercised upon themselves, their confining Lieut. Governor Hamilton
in irons in a Dungeon, seems to be a preparatory step to such a measure. N
The Rebels are cutting a Road into Mississquoi Bay & will probably invade the
Province from above by Lake Crramplain, by the River St. Francis and Yamaska, all
'these avenues and there are others into it, are well known to them, and whichever
Route they take, they are sure in finding a number of Friends to assist them.
The Clergy, who in general behaved so well in 1775, since the French Alliance with
the Rebel Colonies, are cooled very much to the British interests, that those amongst
them, who are natives of France should lean to that side, is not <after all so surprising,
but that the Canadian Priests, 'who have already reaped so much advantage by the
change and have a chance of still greater, having ever been kept under by the French
Government, is extraordinary & can only be accounted for in this way that they are
for the most part taken out of the lowest class of People, they are fully as ignorant
and as void of principle as those from whom they originate.
Though the Seigneurs and better sort of Citizens have been enabled to participate
in the Favors of Government, some of them beyond what they had a Right to expect,!
3573—9
130 Illustrative Documents
they are not, a few excepted, so grateful as we had reason to expect, few of them
indeed have sagacity enough to see into the Consequences of the French Alliance and
that should the Province fall, the Canadians must become the most miserable People
on Earth, and be Slaves to the Americans, while they can never vie with or enjoy
but a very small share of their commerce.
Some of the Canadian Habitans might have been brought in time to act with vigor
too against the American Rebels but should a French Ship or two make their appear-
ance, " Bougainville " or any other French Officers known to them, come up with 4
or 500 French or other men clothed in white, they most probably would take their
part, and appear in arms lajgainst us; many of them inquired of an officer of a Man
of War who came by Land from Bic whether Mons. La Mothe Piquet was not expected
up.
Too many of the old subjects in the Province have imbibed American ideas &
assisted in poisoning the minds of t'he Canadians too much to expect they will exert
their endeavours to undeceive them or contribute much to the salvation of it. When-
ever the Trade of the upper Country is lost this lower part, and got into the hands
of the Southern Colonies, their conduct in this will answer to a kind reception.
,By comparing this Account with the Force that can be brought to oppose the
Enemy's Efforts your Lordship will be enabled to Judge which of the Scales is most
likely to preponderate.
The vast extent of Country, the number of Posts from Michilimackinac to this
place to be defended, the Repairs of the old as well as the new Fortifications are still
in an imperfect state, the walls of Quebec are rotten, it' will be the work of years to
construct a Citadel.
The Cream of the Force in Canada consists of Three English Regiments, stripped
of their Grenadiers & Light Infantry and this composes a Corps of 'about 1,200 men.
Major Nairne, -a 'worthy and deserving Officer, has taken pains to discipline the
Emigrants, & there are some good Officers amongst them, they are short of the numbers
of their former Establishment to which they have never been •completed, how the
intended addition can be raised, or of what service it will be for some time after
it is raised I leave Your Lordship to judge.
The German Troops are ill calculated for any American Service & very uninterested
in the event of the War, are little to be depended upon, the Regiment of Anhalt Zerbst
the best of them is, *after all, but a Regiment of Recruits, very few of these, Troops
can be employed any where in this Country except on Garrison duty, and even in that
way they are helpless in many respects.
I So bare are we at present notwithstanding the Supply already received, on account
of the large quantity pushed up to feed the Indians collected in the Field, the Reinforce-
ments on the 'way, and the Families of Indians driven off their ground Jby the Rebels
for their attachment to the King's Interests, & therefore well entitled to the support
of Government that I neither have it in my Power to find the numbers I wish, or to
collect a Force in any one given Point in case of an attack.
From what is here stated of the Temper & Disposition of the People, Your Lordship
will see that if it is seriously intended to Preserve this Province a considerable addi-
tional Force must be sent here next Spring as early as possible & such a one as can be
depended upon, not consisting of Germans rather" likely to add to our Difficulties, or
of new Levies, often .sickly upon change of Diet and Climate, a Company or two of
Artificers, well chosen would be very useful considering the numerous & extensive
Works that must be carried on.
An Ample supply of Provisions will be wanted and should be sent out very early,
at least by the 1st of April that they may get up before the Easterley winds on this
side of the Atlantic have expended their Force, — at the same time every Article of
Ammunition, Indian Presents, Naval and other Stores destined for the Province should
be sent off.
To supply the Priesthood here, 'who are dying fast, I have been resolving in my
mind from what Country it is best to draw them and believe the Duchy of Savoy,
where there is abundance of poor Noblesse, could furnish some whose character &
Principles might be very exactly ascertained thro' the Channel of the Sardinian
Ambassador, such a measure might tend to excite laudable emulation amongst the
Canadians & engage them to exert their best endeavours to deserve the favor of the
Government.
From the state of the Province herein exhibited Your Lordship will please to con-
sider whether consistently with the King's service the additional Instructions sent
over this Spring ought positively to be attended to and followed, whether every measure
of Government ought to be exposed & laid open to that mixture of People which compose
our Council & whether it is not more probable that the generality of its members will
Illustrative Documents 131
rather incline to the particular interests than act upon just & liberal motives for the
good of the state in general.
This •consideration imposes upon me a new and difficult task & will probably
oblige me to take more upon myself than I wish to do but as I have no private views
o.f my own to serve & that my only aim is to be useful to the King and the S'tate, I
shall exert myself with Pleasure in the full •confidence that my hearty endeavours
in a good cause will obtain what it is my utmost ambition to deserve, the Approbation
of my Royal Master, His favor, Protection & support.
I have the honor to be &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
(120)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 54, p. 185.
Quebec 25th Sept. 1779.
I have information, which I have reason to think authentic, that the rebel Fleet con-
sisting of .several ships (from 20 to 30 Guns and many smaller (which has blocked up
General MoLean at Penobscot) sailed from Boston ifor the purpose of cruizing in the IGulf
and mouth of this River & intercept our Victuallers — Should they succeed in this
attempt we shall experience the greatest distress for Provisions before the Spring Fleet
can possibly arrive. The probability of these misfortunes happening, independent of
what Trade suffers every year by the defenseless state of the River, urges me to
repeat my wishes to Your Lordship that sotme means may be fallen upon to prevent
them, either by sending out the Newfoundland Fleet early enough to cruise in the
above stations to protect the Ships in the iSpring, and to remain for the return of the
Fall Fleet, or such others as Your Lordship shall think most expedient to effect this
important end.
I have the honour to be &c.,
(signed.) Fred. Haldimand.
Lord George Germain. . V
(121)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 113, pp. 67-68.
Lieut. Colonel Campbell. Quebec, 30th Sept. 1779.
Sir,
I have it in view to .send a Scout to discover how far Mr. Hazen has advanced in
the Road it is said he is cutting to Mississquay Bay and I wish it to be of such force
as to be able to effect a Stroke which may be more easily done if his party is divided,
which is reported to me. For this purpose you will please to inform me how many
Indians such as may be depended upon, you will be able to Collect Suddenly, for I
would not have their destiny known to them or to any Person whatsoever untill they
are marched
I am &c.
(signed.) Fred. Haldimand.
3573— 9£
132 Illustrative Documents
\
(122)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 150, pp. 32-3.
Quebec, 18th October, 1779.
Sir,
It would have given me infinite pleasure to have been able to have afforded you
assistance by making a diversion in your favor but the necessary attention to the
advance of the Rebels towards Niagara & Detroit, the scarcity of Provisions & the
great distance and almost insurmountable difficulties in the way to you throMlhe woods
rendered it impossible for me to undertake anything. I however, some time ago sent
a Scout of White Men & Indians out by the Chaudiere & Kenebec Rivers. I have not
heard how far they have penetrated, their Return being prevented by the lownese of
the Waters.
I am &c.
Fred Haldrmand.
Brig. Genl. Maclean.
(123)
PUBLICS ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 16-2, pp. 616-20.
No. 36. Quebec, 24th October, 1779.
My Lord,
Immediately after the departure of the first Fleet o'f Victuallers under Convoy of
the Brilliant, I took an opportunity of assembling such of the Members of His Majesty's
Council as happened to be in the Town or live near it, and communicated to them His
Majesty's Instructions of the 20th March, rescinding the 2d Article of the General
Instructions delivered to me at my departure from Great Britain and requiring the
King's Governor to summon all the Members of the 'Council resident at a convenient
distance whenever their advice and consent became necessary.
In. the present state of things while engaged in a disagreeable contest with the
Rebellious Colonies, France and Spain, I can only Lament that all the Members oif this
Body must be consulted upon every Point of Good Order as well as Civil Policy, When
some of them by those to whom they are known, may be reasonably suspected to lean
towards those Interests. Thus circumstanced my duty will lay me under the disagree-
able necessity otf taking upon myself more than I could wish to do in all cases, where
that may happen I shall trust to Your Lordship's Candour & Goodness not only your-
self to attribute the conduct I shall observe to my 'zeal & anxiety for the Public Ser-
vice, but toi represent it in that Light to His Majesty. The difficulties of my com-
municating with Your Lordship at a distance of three thousand miles subjects me to
many Inconveniences. Times, local circumstances, the Characters and Peculiar Inter-
ests of Individuals which Your Lordship cannot possibly be acquainted with will pro-
duce many effects which may make it absolutely necessary to depart from Systems
which may have appeared when formed of the most Salutary value.
When the Council . assembles for the Purpose of Legislation, the other Instructions
which I am required to impart shall be Communicated to them. Two of these upon
Consideration of them, appear to me at this Critical Period rather dangerous to get
among the People.
The 10th Article holds out a Proposal to alter the Laws of Property, a matter that
may prove agreeable to the Old Subjects, who are Members of the Council and that
part of the Community in the same Predicament, but would be quite otherwise to the
Canadians, who must exceed the others in point of Numbers and may be said to con-
stitute the Society here in General, no People in the World are more bigotted to their
Laws and usages and whenever any alteration is intended in these, I submit to Your
Lordship, if it would not be advisable to prepare their minds for that Purpose, many
and obvious Reasons concur to persuade me that a happier moment than the present
is to be wished for undertaking this Business.
Illustrative Documents 133
The 13th Article of the General Instructions might perhaps produce <a ferment it is
better toi avoid than lay now the foundation of future Pretensions which it is much
to be wished could be decayed until »a general Pacification, the System the British
Interests require Government to follow respecting this Province.
In stating what occurs to me upon the subject at present I do not pretend to
resolve the withholding even those Articles from the Council at our meeting. I wish
to Pay strict obedience to the most minute order of my Royal Sovereign, a proper
attention to his Interests, as well as a most critical, difficult conjuncture require me
to act with great circumspection, and where the Service might suffer 'from a too strict
Conformance to such Orders to wait their being reconsidered at Home before they are
too hastily proceeded upon.
Influenced by these principles I shall Act upon the present and every future occa-
sion to the best of my Judgement for the Advancement of His Majesty's Interests.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Lord George Germain.
(124)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 54, pp. 219-224.
Quebec, 24th Octr. 1779.
No. 43.
Lord Geo. Germain.
My Lord.
Enclosed I transmit to Your Lordship a Demand of Artificers & 'Stores which
is made out by Captain Twiss, commanding Engineers as a supply for his Depart-
ment. Your Lordship will observe that the Demand for Stores for building Barracks
is rather considerable but yet they could not be lessened without injury to the Service
& the numerous Wooden Barracks & Store Houses now constructing at the same time
the execution of such Intrenchments and temporary Bomb Proofs as I propose to form
early in the Spring in order to occupy Cape Diamond makes the Artificers mentioned
in the Demand absolutely necessary.
During this Summer the attention of the Engineers have been chiefly engaged in
strengthening the Post on the Isle aux Noix & of St. Johns & I think they are now
in such a state as not to be taken without a regular Siege. A new Fort has also been
constructed at Detroif, tho' not yet finished & that at Niagara considerably repaired,
neither of which I apprehend can possibly fall without a Siege.
The Naval Force on Lakes Ontario & Erie have also been attended to, & a new
ship of about 200 tons, pierced for 14 guns, I hope will be launched next month at
Carleton Island where I have considerably improved the Fort built last year, besides
constructing very extensive Store Houses for Provisions, the amazing consumption
of which amongst the Indians has obliged me to give more attention to this part of
the service than was ever before necessary and has induced me to build new Store
Houses very near Lake St. Francois, which I know 'will considerably forward the
Spring Transport should the King's Service require particular exertion, the Engineer
Department has also been employed in improving the navigation for Batteaux up the
Rapids from Montreal to Oswegatchie, an improvement of the utmost consequence
in case the upper Posts are so strongly attacked as to require an expeditious reinforce-
ment. Performing these services has deprived me of the means of putting Sorel upon
any respectable footing as a Fortress but the commodious Store Houses & Barracks
I have constructed there will enable me to keep 1200 men and a very large supply of
all sorts of stores at that central situation from whence I can easily strengthen any
quarter which may be threatened, besides this I have built a small range of Barracks
at La Chenaye & another at Pointe du Lac on Lake St. Peter, by these means I can
keep part of the Troops in respectable abodes & having chosen their situation with a
view to enclose them with an Intrenchment I think they may prove of great utility
in any Danger to which this Country may in future be exposed.
I have made every Public Enquiry respecting the Purchase of the Seigneurie of
Sorel but it cannot be done in this Country & I 'am of the opinion that it would in
the end prove a cheap Bargain for Governmt now to pay £5000 for the Seigneurie,
afterwards purchase such lots as might interfere with any 'works the King's Service
might make necessary to be constructed there and I also think that if a regular Town
134 Illustrative Documents
was marked out clear of the Defence of such Works but at the same time commodious
for Trade & if all lots for Building there were granted by Government and the Ground
Rent together with the rents now paid were to be 'Collected by the Receiver Genl, I
apprehend such an arrangement would amply reimburse 'Government for all expenses
and I am persuaded that the longer this Purchase is delayed the higher will be the
Demand made by the Proprietors for it is observable numbers are aiming at Pos-
sessions on that spot, the great advantages of which are now conspicuous to every
body, particularly that o.f affording <a secure wintering place to all vessels who can
cross Lake St. Peter where there is 16 feet of water in the spring, 11 or 12 in the
Autumn, an advantage not to be found in equal perfection in any part of the St. Law-
rence, hence it follows that the value of " Sorel " is daily increasing so that perhaps
in a few years Government might be obliged to pay for a small lot more than that
at present would purchase the whole Seigneurie and the rents payable thereon.
I cannot minutely inform Your Lordship how far I shall be able' to accomplish my
wishes about fortifying " Sorel " as I mean to direct most of the working strength
I am master of to improve the Defences of Quebec for which purpose I have com-
municated my ideas to Captain Twiss & he has laid before me Proposals for surround-
ing Cape Diamond with .such Temporary works as can -be executed in our present
circumstances & consistently with the other exigencies of the Service throughout this
extensive Province but it is my duty to point out to Your Lordship that these works
are merely Temporary & to be composed only of Common Intrenchments & Timber
Bomb Proofs.
I shall do my endeavour this winter to begin the formation of a Company of useful
Artificers which the situation of this Province points out as necessary & although I
do not expect to complete a Tolerable Company yet I am confident that the Com-
mencement of such a Plan will be of great benefit to the Public.
I have the honor to be &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
(125)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 113, pp. 73-4.
Quebec, 28th Octr. 1779.
Lieut. Colonel Campbell.
Sir,
I am desirous to fit out two Scouts immediately, one to go towards Lake George
and the other to make discoveries of Mr. Hazen's operations and if possible to make
a Stroke in that Quarter. I would have them both Strong but at the same time do
not wish to send any Indians who are not perfectly inclined to go and determined
to fulfill the Purpose of their going ..
They will both be dispatched from Isle aux Noix and I shall 'write to Major Carleton
to have some good woodsmen to .accompany each Scout . .
i
I am &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
(126)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 17-1, pp. 2-5.
1 Extract of a letter from General Haldimand to Lord George Germain.
No. 50. Quebec, 1st November, 177
"By a letter from Sir John Johnson, dated at Oswego, the 22nd past, I am informed
that having arrived too late in the Indian Country to effect any thing against the
Rebels in their Retreat from the Destruction of the Indian Villages to Tioga, 300 miles
Illustrative Documents 135
from Niagara, which they performed with the same Regularity, Expedition and good
Order they observed in advancing and being unprovided either with a sufficient Force,
Provision or Stores to Attempt the Reduction of that place, he proceeded to Osweg^
with a Prospect of being .able to march against the Oneida Indians, who with a great
part of the Tuskaroras from the beginning have been the Chief Support of the Rebel
Interest in that Quarter and 'have with great success intercepted Intelligence and
prevented all Intercourse between the Friends of Government and the Upper Posts. In
planning this Enterprise he was heartily Seconded by many of the five Nation Indiana
but from their having been dispersed, the Canada Indians, (who lean greatly to the
Rebel Interest, particularly since tneir Alliance with France), refusing positively to
accompany him, the difficulties of marching and conveying the necessary quantity of
Provisions at this advanced Season of the year so far into the Enemies Country and
having but very imperfect Intelligence o'f their situation, he found it impossible to carry
it into Execution and is now on his return to Carleton island, having sent as many
of his Detachment to Niagara as was supposed could be Victualled there during the
Winter. As the Operations in that Country must be intirely governed by the Force that
can be sent there, it is impossible' to say what can be undertaken in the Spring. fT) »
have fully represented to Your Lordship how necessary to the Preservation of the-j-f
Upper Country it will be to push up a Reinforcement as early as possible, and I hope .'
that the arrival of Supplies both of Provisions and Men will enable us to effect it. ^*
The necessity of this -Step becomes every day more obvious, for so Indefatigable
and determined are the Rebels in their Resolutions to Reduce the Indians to their
Terms and deprive us of their Alliance that nothing but being able to cope with them
in the Field in the Indian Country can preserve to us the Attachment of that People,
which I have the mortification to see every year declining notwithstanding the many
thousands expenditure to Retain it.
By the concurring reports of Prisoners it appears- that the Rebels had no intention
of undertaking any thing material against this Province this year unless a French
Fleet arrived, but that Preparations have been making for a vigorous & general attack
next Spring in order to co-operate with a French Fleet which has been promised &
fully expected at that time. The effect a very few ships will have in Canada I have
already said too much upon to trouble Your Lordship with a repetition. From the
approach of the Rebels towards Detroit & possessing themselves of the Ohio & Wabash
Rivers, together with co-operating Preparations against Niagara, it would appear they
are bent upon the reduction of the Upper Posts to secure the Indian Interest & for the
benefit of the Fur Trade.
A Scout which in my last letter I acquainted Your Lordship I sent out upon the
Frontiers of New England in the hope of alarming the People to render some Serviae
to Brigr. Genl McLean after having with the utmost difficulty penetrated to
within Ten Leagues of Penobscot, returned a few days ago, bringing Prisoners a Lieut.
Colonel Lowder & Captain D'Abadie, (a French Officer), whom they seized on their
way from Mackias to Boston, being charged with letters from iColonel Allan, Com-
manding at Machias and Superintendent of Indians in the Eastern Colonies, to Con-
gress with many other letters of which I have the honor to transmit to Your Lordship
some extracts. A ship just sailing for Halifax gives me an opportunity of sending
the two Prisoners and those letters which seem most interesting to Lieut. 'Govr. Hughes
in hope they may throw some light upon matters in that Province, which may prove
serviceable to the operations ,of Brigr. Genl McLean. The Rebels in that Quarter,
eeem much mortified by the loss of their ships at Penobscot, it must no doubt have
discouraged them greatly but they are so expert in Building that the Injury will be
soon repaired.
Monsr. D'Abadie from his being a Frenchman, possessing good Talents & being
much attached to the cause he has embarked in, was a very improper Person to be kept
here, I therefore send him to Halifax. Estimating very high advantages we gain over
the Rebels may in a Political view have a good effect, but I should be sorry the little
excursions of Rangers or Indians so overrated in the Public Papers, were considered
of material consequence to the success of the War, while it is to be feared these small
strokes, although they alarm & partially distress the People, only serve to exasperate
them, & have been the cause of the Rebels making a Campaign in the Indian Country.
I have the honor to be &c
l Fred. Haldimand.
136 Illustrative Documents
f (127)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 147, pp. 113-8.
Quebec, Novr. 1st, 1779.
Sir,
All reports from Prisoners concur in saying that nothing material against this
Province had /been intended this year unless a French Fleet had arrived but in expec-
tation one will appear in the Spring every Preparation had been made for a vigorous
& general attack upon its arrival, and .should only a very few Ships succeed in making
their way into the River, circumstanced as this Province is, there can be little doubt
of their success. The 'Canadians would Revolt, there are some who perhaps would not
appear in Arms but in every other Respect would assist the Enemy. The Rebels have
opened Roads to Niagara and Detroit and established themselves on both, they have
all the winter to collect stores o.f every kind for an early campaign & will have the
assistance of the whole country to convey them by land, as well as now a free Passage
by water from Fort Stanwix by Oswego into Lake Ontario, thence to Niagara or into
this Province without^a Risk of much Injury from our Shipping upon that Lake which
can only in a very few Places approach the (Shore. — Nothing can be expected
from the Indians unless a considerable Force is sent into their Country to'
support them. — it is impassible they can resist a Fcirce such as this year marched with
Impunity through the Heart of their Country & under these circumstances it is vain to
imagine we can retain them in our Interest in opposition to the unwearied, determined
Resolution of the Rebels to reduce them to their Terms; a Body of men have been
employed two Summers opening a Road from New England to Mississque Bay at this
end of Lake Champlain by which the Armament upon that Lake is intirely avoided.
If I send 1500 or 2000 men to protect the upper Country, I leave this Province defence-
less, exposed not only to foreign Invasion but to a Revolt of the Canadians. — & if to
prevent, this Evil I keep the small Force T ha.ve t-oigether, the upper Posts & of course
the Indians must inevitably fall. The German Troops which compose rny Force, three
British Regiments exccpted, are in every Respect unfit for the Service on which I have
to employ them, — they are inactive, indolent, and helpless, & so /addicted to desertion
that I dare not trust them in any of the Frontier Posts, so that in fact they are more an
Incumbrance when there is a scarcity of Provisions than an additional Strength.
I have the honor to be &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Sir Henry Clinton.
(128)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 132, pp. 3-4.
Quebec, 1st November, 1779.
Sir,
Being desirous to send out a Scout by Fort Edward towards Albany to take Prison-
ers and destroy whatever Corn, &c. they may be able to effect and likewise one to make
discoveries and if possible to strike a stroke against Mr. Hazen, I have directed Lieut.
Colonel Campbell to collect Indians sufficient to compose these two Scouts with proper
officers to conduct them, and to assemble them at Isle aux Noix for the purpose of
arranging and dispatching them from thence. I have therefore to desire you will keep
:n readine&s to accompany each of them eight or ten men such tas- you think mo.st proper
for that Service. A Scout which was sent some time ago towards Mr. Hazen's Road is
every day expected, it may bring some useful intelligence for that intended to succeed
it, or perhaps such as make it unnecessary to .send one that Route, in which caise the
whole may be sent to Fort Edward, this I shall leave you to determine upon as you
shall think best from circumstances and Intelligence you may receive.
Illustrative Documents 137
By a letter from Sir John Johnson I find He intended to make a stroke against the
Onidas but was obliged to abandon his purpose, the Indians of this Country refusing to
assist him, and dissuading many of the Five Nations from accompanying him upon
that Enterprise. He is, however, of the opinion that the Mohawks and Onondagas will
themselves undertake it; if they should, the Scout no-w going out might .co-operate with
them and render great Service, and tho' they should not be prevailed upon to act
against the Onidas, their alarming the people in the neighbourhood may have a good
effect.
You will furnish the* Scout with whatever provision they may want and recom-
mending particularly to them to observe humanity.
I am, Sir, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
To Major Carleton.
at Isle aux Noix.
(129)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. ISO, pp. 34-5.
Sir,
I have the pleasure to acquaint you that the Scout which I sent out a long time ago
in the hope of rendering some small service to Brigadier General McLean by alarming
that neighborhood returned yesterday bringing with .them Lieutenant Colonel Lowder
and Captain De Badie whom they seized on their way from Machias to Boston with
dispatches & Letters (from Colonel Allan to Congress & others together with a number
of private letters, most of which I transmit to you, many, of them seem of little import,
but as they are from people in your neighborhood, whose connections they may serve
to make you acquainted with, I have sent the greatest part of them, several of them may
be serviceable to Brigadier General MacLean to whom I write by this opportunity
referring him to you for their contents.
Four Indians were taken with Colonel Lowder & Captain de Badie but were released
upon the strongest assurances that they would return to their duty & Lciyalty & influence
their Nation to quit the Rebel Interest. A Lorette Indian from the Scout accompanied
them to their village to know the result of their promises. I send you the names of the
Indians.
Being much at a loss for convenient places of confinement & crowded with Prisoners
I have determined to send the within mentioned Prisoners to you, having the opportunity
of a strong vessel and three of Colonel Rogers' officers toi take charge of them.
I am &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Lieut. Governor Hughes.
(130)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 129-30.
Quebec, 4th November, 1779.
Sir,
I have, the pleasure to acquaint you that since I closed my letter to your Excellency,
dated the 2nd Instant, I have received letters by Express from Halifax giving me the
pleasing Information that a Reinforcement of Two Thousand men had sailed from York
for this place. I have not heard of what Troops it is composed or by whom com-
manded.
In hope by this time they are now in the River's Mouth or near it, I this day^ send
off an Officer of tKe Navy with Pilots, the Deputy Quarter Master General, and 'Com-
missarys to afford every Assistance possible in disembarking and quartering the Troops
in the lower Part, of the Province whin.h from the lateness of t.Vie fipason, and uncer-
tainty of a quick Passage up the River I have thought best not only for the Troops
but in order that the Transports may immediately proceed to wherever they may be
destined, as a long passage to this port would render <a departure from it this winter
very uncertain.
138 Illustrative Documents
My former letters to your Excellency, particularly the last will convince you how
very acceptable this piece of news must be to me. — I shall wait the arrival of the Troops
with the utmost anxiety, it being too common at .this advanced season of the year for
ships to fail in making their Passage into this River.
I am, Sir, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Sir Henry Clinton.
(131)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 149, pp. 101-2.
Government House,
Halifax, 29th November, 1779.
Sir,
About six weeks ago a Spanish Pacquet under the care of an Officer was brought
into New York by a Privateer belonging to that place & by a very clever behavior on
the part of the Master otf the Vessel, The Mail and cither Papers were secured and I
am informed that upon an examination of its Contents an Authentic Copy of a Tr&aty
was found that had been lately signed at Paris between the Courts o'f France and Spain
and Franklin, the American Agent on the part o,f the Congress And by one of the
Articles of this Treaty the Congress bind themselves to deliver up by the 20th June, 1780,
The Two Flc»ridas into the hands of Spain & the Provinces of Canada and Nova Scotia
to the French King.
It has likewise been strongly reported from the Rebel Quarters that the French
' Fleet under the command of the Count D'Estaing, •consisting of Twenty-six of the Line
and Fourteen Frigates was actually intended for the attack of this Province and Canada
And it is even affirmed that They were seen in the month oif September off the Coast of
Georgia, where it is still reported they fell in with and took Sir James Wallace in the
Experiment but a very violent Gale of wind about the middle of the month having obliged
them to cut their Cables & endeavour to get out to Sea, a number of their Ships, (not
less than twelve it is &aid), were dismasted upon that occasion, same of them were
thought to be in so bad a state in reepect to their Hulls That it is with some appearance
of reason apprehended that they may have, gone to the Bottom
I have the honor to be &c.
Rd. Hughes.
His Excellency,
Governor Haldimand.
(132)
LA GAZETTE DE QUEBEC.
JEUDI, le 2 Decembre, 1779.
AVIS aux HABITANS de la Campagne.
Tous les SOUVERAINS ont decerne des peines contre les Deserteurs, et des amandes
pecunaires contre lee iSujets qui leur ouvrent un Azile et les protegent.
Le SOLD AT qui deserte est digne de punition; il manque a ses engagements
d'autant plus Sacres qu'ils etoient confirmes par la Religion du Serment. Parjure
devaut Dieu, infidele a Son R O I, il trompe TEtat, et fait tort a la Patrie en la privant
des Services qu'il etoit dans 1'Obligation de lui rendre. II aggrave son Crime ou par le
Vol, en emportant les Armes et rUniforme de son Regiment, ou par la perfidie en
passant ches TEnemi et trahissant la Patrie.
SI TEL EST LE CRIME DE LA DESERTION, il est evident que celui qui la
favorise est coupable envers L'Etat. II viole une Loi expresse qui lui defend de donner
retraite aux Deserteurs, il authorise le parjure et 1'injustice; il est aussi coupable
envers le Gouvernement, que le Receleur Test envers la Societe; et Ton peut aplique a
Illustrative Documents 139
Tun comme a I'autre cette regie ou Maxime de Jurisprudence; Celui qui favorise le
Crime est Complice du Crime.
CONSIDERED ce Sujet sous un autre point de vue. Ce n'est pas le Soldat Sobre
et Vertueux qui deserte; C'est le lache, le Paresseux et le Libertin. Quel mal n'en
resulte-t-il done pas pour la Province de favoriser la Desertions d'hommes de ce genre?
N'augrnente-t-on pas le nombre des pertubateurs du repos public? N'ouvret-pas la
porte a la License et au Brigandage? Et ne s'expose-t-on pas au danger d'etre insulte
oa vole, ou trahi?
II est egalement dangereux de donner refuge a des gens sans aveu, a d'hommes
errans et qui cherchent des Aziles les plus retires. L'hospitalite est une vertu; Celui
qui 1'exerce honore 1'humanite, et me'ritex 1'aprobation et la reconnaissance publique;
mais elle doit etre dirigee par la prudence (eur tout dans des terns de trouble) autre-
ment on court risque de donner retraite a un Espion, a un Enemi de TETAT 'ET DE LA
SOCIETE', et de .se trouver impiique dans quelque .affaire malheureuse.
SI QUELQUES HABITANS n'eussent par ignorance ou par foiblesse donne retraite
aux fugitifs et autres Gens sans Aveu, peu de Soldats auroient eu la temptation de
Deserter, la Surete publique n'eut pas recu tant d'atteintes; et peut-etre que les inno-
centes Victimes qui tomberent sous le fer des Assassins pres des Trois-Rivieres, joui-
roient encore de la Lumiere et de la Vie.
IMPRIME's dans votre Memoire cet Assassinat attroce, et qu'il vous engage a etre
plus sur vos gardes a 1'avenir a 1'egard des Errans et fugitifs. Au lieu de leur donner
retraite, assistes vous mutuellement pour les saisir, et les transferrer devant je
Magistral. Vous feres votre devoir comine Sujet, comme Citoyens; et vous trouveres
ctans ce devoir la Surefce publique et Domestique.
(Translation)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
)
Thursday 2nd December, 1779
NOTICE to the INHABITANTS of the Country.
All SOVEREIGNS have decreed penalties against Deserters and pecuniary fines
upon their Subjects who give them an Asylum and protect them.
The SOLDIER who deserts deserves punishment; He breaks his most Sacred
engagement which has been confirmed by the solemnity of an Oath. Perjured before
God, unfaithful to His King, he deceives the State and wrongs his Country by depriving
it of the -Services which he was under an obligation to render. He aggravates his
crime, either by Theft in carrying away the arms and uniform of his regiment, or by
treachery in going over to the Enemy and betraying his (Country. If such is the crime
of DESERTION it is apparent that any one who favours it is guilty towards the State.
He breaks a special Law which prohibits him from giving shelter to Deserters. He
sanctions perjury and injustice. He is as guilty towards the government as a Receiver
pi stolen goods is towards Society and to both may be applied this rule or maxim of
jurisprudence; any one who favors Crime is an accomplice in the Crime. LET US CON-
SIDER this Subject under another point of view. It is not the sober and well-conducted
soldier who deserts; it is the coward, the idler and the libertine. What harm may not
then result to the province in assisting the desertion of men of this kind? Will it not
increase the number of the disturbers of public peace? Will it not open the door to
license and brigandage?,, and will it not expose you to the danger of being insulted or
robbed or betrayed?
It is equally dangerous to harbor strangers and vagabonds who seek shelter in out
of the way places. Hospitality is a virtue; he who exercises it does honor to humanity
and deserves public approbation and gratitude, but it should be exercised with
prudence (particularly iri a time of trouble), otherwise one runs the risk of harboring
a spy, an enemy of the STATE, and of SOCIETY, and of finding himself involved in
some unfortunate affair. If some INHABITANTS had not, through ignorance or through
weakness harbored fugitives or other strangers, few soldiers would have had the
temptation to desert, public safety would not have received so many attacks ; and
perhaps the innocent Victims who fell under the steel of the murderers near Three
Rivers would still enjoy Life. Let this atrocious murder be IMPRESSED on your
Memory and it will impel you to be more on your guard in future, with respect to
vagabonds and fugitives. Instead of giving them shelter, assist each other to seize
them and bring them before the Magistrate. You will do your duty as Subjects and
Citizens; and in this duty you will find public and Domestic safety.
140 Illustrative Documents
(133)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 154, pp. 219-20.
Sir,
Montreal, Deer. 2, 1779.
La Chenaie. The Barracks here will contain 1 Captain, 2 subs, & 120 privates, they
are now very habitable having chimnies and stoves compleat
Mons. Johe, Captain of Militia has upon all occasions given every assistance in
his Power.
Coteau du Lac. Lieut. Maurer and I were very fortunate in weather in our visits
to this Post where there are two small Block houses compleat and a most excellent
store house, capable to contain 3,000 Barrels of Provisions, one side of this Post is well
Picketted and the other is so covered with an Abbatis as to be secure against an attack
of Musquetry. — in its present state this will considerably advance the transport to
the upper Country and I am now forming a plan to render the passage of Batteaux
more convenient and I hope we .shall be able to compleat it during next Summer
I have the honor to be, &c.
Wm. Twiss.
His Excellency,
Governor Haldimand.
(134)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, 170. p. 89.
Monsieur,
Vottre Exelence voudra bien permettre au plus zeleee et sounds de ses eerviteurs
de luy adresser une requete de la femme de Joseph traversy qui ce plain du Capitaine
de milice de St. francois Comme Je ne conais pas cette femme, et que Je ne veux
rien faire qui puisse etre contre 1'intention du Gouvernement, de plus je pense que
le sieur Schmide qui est aupres de Vottre Exelence est plus en etat de luy expliquer
sy cette femme a Raison de ce plaindre du Capitaine de sa paroisse; Vottre Exelence
me permettra aussy de luy representer quil seroit apropos que^nous eussions icy deux
douzaines de fusils bon et point pedant >avec iauitant de Come a, poudre et sac a plomb
et autant de Raquettes pour servir au detachement qui peuvent ce trouver indispensable
dans plusieurs Cas pressee avec poudre et balles" cela accelerais le depart de ces sortes
de detachements ses munitions serais depose au major qui serais oblige de les tenir en
etat pour les besoins et les Retirerais au retour de chaque dettachement, lalors je
tiendrai toujours pour huit jours un detachement pres a marcher au besoins, le tout
sy Vottre Excelence jugais apropos pour le bien du service — J'ay 1'honneur d'etre avec
un profond respect Mr.
de votre Exelence
le tres humble et obeissant Serv*.
G. de Tonnancour.
des trois Rivieres le 16 Xbre 1779.
dans 1' instant que je ferme mia le^ttre je recois deux ceirti floats 1'un doi dapi'taine Auge
de la premiere compagnie de milice de la riviere du Loup et Tautre du Sr Charles Nauer
qui atteste que le nominee lachay Gurnard fils est imbecile, et j'espere reppndre a Vottre
Excelence qu'ils accusent vray et que froduleusement cet imbecile a ete inoorpore dans
le regiment des Emigrands que le pere et la mere de cet imbecile qiii ont leur demeure
a la riviere du loup sont dans la plus grande affliction et espere tout de la bonte de
Vottre Exelence pour leur procurer leur enfans.
Endorsed: From M. Tonnancour
16th Dec* 1779.
Illustrative Documents 141
(Translation)
Sir:—
Your Excellency will permit the most zealous and obedient of his servants to
forward to him a petition from the wife of Joseph Traversy, who makes a complaint
against the captain of Militia at St. Francis, as I do not know this woman and wish
to do nothing contrary to the policy of government and moreover, I think that Mr.
Schmide, who is with Your Excellency will be able to inform you if this woman has
any reason 'to complain of the Captain of her parish. Your Excellency will also permit
me to represent that it would be advisable for us to have here i/wo dozen serviceable
firelocks with as many powderhorns, bullet bags and snow shoes for the use of a detach-
ment which may be necessary in an urgent case. This will accelerate the departure
of these detachments, their munitions will be placed in the hands of the major who
will be required to keep them in order for all services, and withdraw them on the
return of each detachment, then I will always hold a detachment in readiness to march
when required for eight days, if Your Excellency judges it expedient for the good of
the service.
I have the honor to be, &c.
G. de Tonnancour.
Three Rivers, 16th Xber, 1779.
Just as I am 'dosing my letter, I have received two certificates, one from 'Captain
Auge of the first militia 'Company at Riviere du Loup and the other from Mr. -Charles
Nauer, who declares that one, Lachay Guinard, Junior, is an imbecile and I may state
to Your Excellency that they complain that this imbecile has been fraudulently enlisted
in the ^ regiment of Emigrants, that the father and mother of this imbecile, who live
at Riviere du Loup are greatly afflicted and hope everything from the kindness of
Your Excellency, to .obtain the release of their child,
(135)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, December 30, 1779.
EXTRACT of a Letter from Montreal, dated the 20th Inst.
" Since last Saturday morning we have had a continual fall off Snow here, n.oir is
there yet any likelihood of its ceasing; We have been without rain, except a small
shower a few times, for these six months past; so that all the Country from the Great
River has been much distressed for want of water; and that is more surprising, the
Mills at Terrebonne and Sault aux Recollets have not had water to turn them these
three months past; now the River rises and they grind flour, which was much wanted.
(136)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 171, p. 34.
Pour Capitaines.
Boucherville B.
Richarville
Clignancourt
Dechambault
Rouville
Montigni L'aine -
Pour Lieutenants
Pension-De Cuisy t B.
La Fontaine.. ..' B.
Beaubien B.
St. Ours
Tonancour
Destimauville
Antoine Dupre
De Bonne.. B.
142
Illustrative Documents
Pour Enseignes
Vassal
Gaspe B.
Chevalier de Tonnancour B.
La Broquerie B.
Fleurimont
Bazin
Vigneau
Louis Baby
Chambli Niverville
Antoine Niverville.
La Lettre B. marque ceux qui sont de la Convention.
Endorsed— French Officers proposed 22d Sept. 1779.
(137)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPLRS.
Series B. Vol. 171, pp. 130-132.
Gapitaines 1
M'ornsr. Rouville
2
Mons. Boucher ville
3
Mons. Beaubien
lieutenants 4
Messieurs Sallaberry
5
Destimauville
6
Cuisy
7
La Fontaine
8
Marcoux
9
St. Ouir,s>
10
- Tonnancour
Enseignes 11
Vassall
12
Bazin
13
Fleurimond
14
St. Martin
15
Bonne
16
La Broquerie
17
Vigneau
18
Gaspey
Officers 19
La Morandiere
a 20
demy Solde21
Montizambert
Duchenaye
22
*Clignaiff- 23
court
Hertel 1 Ces 3 Messieurs sont encore
*Uancour 1 employes dans le Departernent
1 des Sauvages _
24
La Made La ime J
25
Niverville
26
Richerville
27
.St. Andre
28
La Chevrotiere
29
Schmid
Officers 30
— i Du verger
du 31
Verneuil Lorimier
Departem* 32
Chev. Lorimier
Sauvages -33
La Motte
34
DeLorme Soumande
35
Bleurie
36
Piedmond
37
Gautier .
38
Langlade
39
- Pierville
40
G. Tonnancour
41
- , J. Launiere
42
M. Launiere
43
Launiere
Illustrative Documents 143
Deschambault Pere . . Inspecteur des Millices.
Deschambault Fils
46 - Longueuil Inspecteur des Millices & Conseillier.
47 La Naudiere Maitre dee Eaux & Forest & Inspecteur.
48 Baby Commisisaire et Conseillier.
Tonnancour Pere.. . .Commissaire.
50 St. George Du Pres. .Commissaire
Bellestre Grand Voyer & Conseillier
52 De Lery Pensionnaire ConS'eillier
53 Rouville Pere Juge
54 Paiiet, Pere Juge
55 Panet fils
56 - - Cugnet Pere Secretaire francais etc
57 Cugnet fils
58 Levesque Conseillier
59 St. Luc La Corne. .. .Conseillier
60 St. Our laisne Conseillier
61 La Bruere Pensionnaire
62 - Magnan Adjutant de Ville
63 Grenier Adjutant de Milice
64 Badelar .Chirurgien de Garnison.
65 Montigny L'aine
66 Montigny Cadet
67 Lotbiniere
68 - La Potherie \
69 - M. L. Baby
70 ' Antoine Niverville
71 Niverville Chambly
72 Antoine Dupre"
73 Normanville
74 Beaujeu
75 Smith
76 Jacques Baby
77 Lorillard Couillard
78 Michelle Perrouett? (Michel Penrault?)
79 Joseph Lafontaine
80 La Bruere L'aine
81 La Periere
Endorsed: Liste des Messr18 Canadiens
(138)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, January 6, 1780.
Friday last being the anniversary of the memorable 31st of December, the principal
Gentlemen of the British Militia gave an elegant Entertainment to his Excellency the
Governor and his Suite, at Mr. Menut's.
Mr. John Lees, Junr. an Officer of Militia, entertain'd a numerous Company at Mr.
Connolly's in the evening; and, though there was no public Ball, the night was also
celebrated by several select companies in town.
(139)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. 17-1, pp. 92-6.
Quebec, 28th January, 1780.
My Lord,
I am sorry to acquaint Your Lordship that the Two thousand men mentioned in my
Letter of the 5th Novr. to have sailed from New York for this Province met with a
violent Gale of wind which totally dispersed the Transports and it is supposed obliged
^44 Illustrative Documents
them to return to York. His Majesty's Ship Cornelia with one Transport containing
above 200 German Trotops put into Halifax & soon after sailed for this place, these Ships
\iere seen off Gaspey but disappeared & probably put back to York.
In the Letters I had the honor of writing to Your Lordship by the Frigates Convert
& Seaford I represented to Your Lordship the distress the Province was likely to
experience from a want of Flour owing to a failure of the Crop — this Calamity is
severely felt but 'will be in some measure lessened by & fortunate circumstance. The
Winter hitherto has been so severe as to stop all the Mills which has reduced the
People to every substitute that could be devised to supply the want of Bread and the
Wheat has been by that means preserved, so that I hope, altho' they cannot fail to
suffer much that their situation will be less deplorable than was at first expected.
The Upper Posts are all at present in a respectable state, thp' not strongly Gar-
risoned and if' there should be a possibility of sending .a sufficient Force with the
necessary Quantity of Provisions to take Post at Oswego in the Spring, there is no
doubt that the Five Nations will give stronger Proofs than ever of their Attachment
to us.
A Scout which I had the Honor to acquaint Your Lordship I intended to send
out on the Frontiers by Lake George as soon as the Harvest should be gathered in,
is returned having executed the Purposes for which they were , sent with very little
Bloodshed. They have alarmed and driven in many of the Inhabitants in that Quarter
and destroyed great Quantities of 'Corn, 'Cattle, Sheep, &c., and have brought in nine
Prisoners. I purpose continuing these Scouts throughout the Winter in order to distress
the Enemy as much as possible. Their Crop has failed likewise, but by having so much
the advantage of this Province in Climate, they raise (Cattle with greater facility,
and are always so well stocked as to prevent their being reduced to absolute want in
Times of scarcity.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
The Right Honourable,
Lord George Germain.
(140)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 136-41.
Quebec, January 31st, 1780.
Sir.
From Lt. Col. Rogers who arrived here from Penobscot the 18th Inst. I have
the Honor to Receive your Excellency's Letter of the 28th July with a duplicate of
one dated the 9th of September and one of the same date in Cypher and I take the
opportunity of an Express Returning to Halifax, (which I have detained for a long
time in 'hope of hearing from you), to Return your Excellency my thank® for it-he
interesting Detail of Affairs in your Quarter, which you have iso obligingly given me. —
It is with the most sensible 'Concern that I observe by your Letter the unfortunate
Result of your endeavours to assist me by your obliging complyance with my Request
of a Reinforcement and I^beg leave to assure your Excellency that great as the dis-
appointment must be to me in my present situation What I feel from it is much
increased by the knowledge of the inconveniency with which it was attended to you
at that time for from my Ideas, having been told by the Minister that you were to
be considerably reinforced from Europe & that the Troops from the Islands were to
return to you, but if that had not been the case my conduct must inevitably have been
the same, 'Consistently 'with my Ideas of my Duty and the Exigency of the Service
which are in no Shape altered since my letter of the 1st November, — an Extract of
which I now send you in Cypher least it should not have reached you. — I am sorry
to find the difficulty of communicating with you is so great, the Original of your
Duplicate enclosing Extracts from General Philips' Letters & those from the Rebel
Papers I have not Received and it is much to be feared that the " several Messengers "
said in your Letter to have been sent to me mentioning a very interesting subject have
fallen into the Enemy's Hands. — every Track & channel of conveyance is now so
watched that it is next to impossible for a Messenger to get through— this makes
correspondence by Cypher the more necessary & I shall answer one part of your
Illustrative Documents 145
Excellency's Letter in that manner. — I shall wait with the utmost anxiety to hear
the Event of the very important operation you were going to undertake when you last
wrote. — 'Should it prove Successful it will give at happy Turn ito affairs thro'out the
Continent and this Province will materially feel the effect. — I am sorry to acquaint your
Excellency that very little is to be expected from the Indians in co-operating upon the
Frontiers of Virginia, at least from those 'with whom we have any Intercourse. I
mean the western Nations who visit Detroit and that Neighbourhood. Indefatigable
pains have been taken & immense sums lavished to secure their affections, yet they
are every day declining, particularly since the Americaji Alliance with the french to
whom they have an old and very firm attachment, add to this the Misfortune of Mr.
Hamilton, the disappointment of Reinforcements promised to them from year to year
and the unwearied pains of the Spanish from the Mississipy to debauch them & the
advance of the Enemy on all sides into their Country which with all the pains that
were taken last year, they never could be brought vigorously to oppose & it is 'too
plain that nothing but the Example & Continual Remonstrances of the Five Nations
prevented them abandoning us entirely. — I have, however, the .pleasure to acquaint
your Excellency that since my last Letter I have had accounts from thence informing
me that a Scout conducted by White Men fell in with & totally defeated a Party of
the Enemy on their way to fort Pitt from New Orleans where they had been sent to
treat with & to collect supplies from the Spanish 'Governor — they succeeded & were
returning with three loaded Batteaux up the Ohio, when they were attacked — the Party
consisted of about 60 men commanded by a Colonel David Rogers, who with 'about 40
were killed upon the spot 'and a Colonel Campbell with 5 men were taken Prisoners.
Some Letters & Papers were found upon them. — I transmit for your Information copies
of the most Interesting. — Upon hearing that the Enemy was collecting Troops and
calling together the Militia to Reinforce 'Mr. Washington I sent out a strong Scout
towards Albany to Allarm that Frontier and Distress the country, it returned with
some scalps & 9 Prisoners & the Officer who commanded reported that he had Destroyed
great Quantities of grain, Horses, Cows & Stock of all kinds. — Scouts are 'Continually
kept out for the same Purposes. Your Excellency will oblige me by informing me if
officers of Corps raised by your Authority as Commander in Chief rank with those
of Established Regiments or as Provincials, not having Received Instructions from
home or found ;any here relative to these Matters, I am rather at a Loss how to act. —
these Gentlemen 'Consider themselves intitled to rank with the Army, not having been
raised by an act of this Province & their Commissions not being signed by the Com-
mander in Chief as Governor of a Province but as the King's Representative, I have
hitherto made them do duty as Provincials, as well, for the good of the Service as in
Justice to Experienced Officers. — but if the contrary has been found necessary in the
Southern Army I shall Readily adopt it to avoid a possibility of the service suffering
from Jealousy or discontent. I likewise Request to know if such Troops, Particularly
Rangers on high Pay, are allowed Contingent Men, Batt & Forage Mioney. — and if any
promise has heen made from which they are to expect half Pay. — Lieut. Col. Rogers
has been here some time but he has been so cirGumstanced 'as not to admit of my
having much conversation with him. — he says he has engaged 700 men for his Corps
but different Reports oblige me to fear that His is not a very faithful one.
I have the Honor to be &/.
To Sir Henry Clinton.
PS. Since I closed my Letter a Scout which was sent for Intelligence is arrived &
has brought news Papers Wherein the Count D'Estaing's Miscarriage at Savannah seemS
sufficiently confirmed to admit of congratulating your Excellency on that Event, 'which
it is to be hoped will not a little contribute to the success of your operations in Carolina
— the Result of which I shall wait with great anxiety to he informed of.
041)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 61, p. 19.
A Quebec le 14 fevrier 1780.
Monsieur,
J'ai eu commandement de Son Excellence, de vous ordonner de sa part de faire un
Recensement General du Bled, actuellement dans yotre Compagnie, dont vous lui ferez
votre Raport, aussitot qu'il sera possible, a vous lui Envoyerez la Quantite" qui se trouve
3573—10
146 Illustrative Documents
chez chacun de Vos Habitants, leurs noms, et les noms de eeux qui en ont achete ou
retenu depms le commencement de L'Hyver, le prix qui en a ete donne ou promis,
aussi bien que les noms de ceux qui, >a votre connoissance, en font le Monopole—
Monsieur Votre Cure vous aidera dans cette operation, a Son Excellence espere que les
opulens se preteront volontiers a aider ceux qui se trouvent dans 1'indigence —
Je suis veritablement, Monsieur,
Votre Tres humble Serviteur
Au Capitaine. ...
de la Paroisse de....
District de
Endorsed Lettre Circullaire aux Cap. des milices concernant Je Grain du 14 fev. '80—
not sent —
(Translation)
Quebec, 14th Feb. 1780.
I have it in command from His Excellency, to order you to make a General Census
of the Wheat, actually in your Company, of which you will make your Report to him
a« soon as possible, in which you will state the Quantity in possession of each of your
inhabitants, their names, and the names of those who have bought or retained it since
the beginning of the Winter, the price they have paid or promised, as well as the
names of those who, to your knowledge, have made a monopoly of it — your cure will
assist you in this duty and His Excellency hopes that the wealthy will willingly agree
to assist those who are in poverty.
I am, Sir, etc.
The Captain of the Parish
of
District of •
(142)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series M, Vol. 319, p. 414.
Military Dispatches.
Quebec, 18th Feby, 1780.
Sir,
I arrived here the 10th of January last from Penobscot which place I left in
September last and came by the way of the River St. Johns through the Woods on
Snow Shoes — this Province is very quiet at present — General Haldimand is taking great
, pains to have all the King's Forts under his Command put in the best state of defence
to be prepared against any Invasion meditated by the Enemy — he intends sending out a
large party of Indians in March next under the Command of Mr. Launiere, an officer
in the Indian Department to drive off a large body of the Rebels who have posted
themselves near the head of Connecticut River.
I am now raising by order of His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton two Battns of
Rangers for His Majesty's Service. One Battn under the Command of my brother,
(Major James Rogers), who remains the ensuing campaign at St. Johns near Lake
Champlain to receive recruits ,the different parties he has out may send in — the other
Battn to be mustered at Halifax — both are in great forwardness at present.
I shall do myself the Honor to write you on my Arrival at Halifax for which place
I mean to set out soon. And am with much respect &c.
Robert Rogers.
Charles Jenkinson, Esqr.
(143)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 160, p. 60.
Quebec, 4th March, 1780.
Sir,
Having lately received an Express from Sir Henry Clinton communicating mat-
ters of the most flattering import to His Majesty's Interests, I have thought proper to
send out a large Body of Indians under the command of Captain Launiere, who will
Illustrative Documents 147
disperse them in small parties upon the Frontiers of New England and employ them
there until he shall find it necessary to collect them for the purpose of co-operating in
more extensive views. As this service may call him to your post, I have to request that
you will give him or any of his Parties whatever assistance they may stand in need of.
To the Officer Commanding the King's Troops,
at Pe.no bfi'cot.
I am &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
(144)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
' Series B, 117. p. 188.
Instructions pour M. le Capitaine Launiere, Commandant un Party de Sauvages
allant a la decouverte —
II yous est ordonne de partir de Satigan avec 150 ou 200 Sauvages volontaires des
septs villages du Canada, & de vous porter sur les frontieres de la Nouvelle Angleterre
afin de procurer des Intelligences — Si dans La Routte vous rencontres des Deserteura
allant du Cote des Rebelles ou des Espions Venant de Leur part, vous ferez tout votre
possible pour les arretter mort ou vif, de memes que leurs guides, soit qu'ils soyent des
Blancs ou des Sauvages, & vous les envoyeres ici Prisonniers avec un des Interprette
& un Detachment suffisant de Sauvages des plus afndes — Vous continuerez votre Route
aussi loin que vous le jugerez le plus prudent et necessaire pour le service du Roy —
II vous est expressement recommande de rappeler aux Sauvages en toute occasion
les promesses qu'ils ont faites de ne commettre aucun acte de Cruaute sous quelque
pretextes que ce puisse etre, et vous porteres.tous vos soins pour les obliger a tenir leur
Parolle a cet Egard ne doubtant nullement que les Sauvages ne nous obeissent
ponctuellement en tout ce que vous Leur ordonnee de ma part —
Dans le cas que vous feriez rencontre de quelque party Sauvage, de la Nouvelle
Ecosse, de la Riviere St. Jean ou de leurs Environs vous leur ferez voir la Copie du
Tiaitte qu'ils on faitte avec le gouveneur d'Halifax, & vous les Sommeres a tenir leur
Parolle en se joignant a vous pour executer le service du Roy pour lequel vous etes
onvoye, & en cas qu'ils vous refusent, vous les Regarderes comme Ennemis et detruires
leurs Habitations — du Reste vous traitteres avec humanite & comme Prisonniers de
Guerre tous ceux qui pourront Tomber entre vos mains —
Endorsed 1780. Instructions to Mr. Launiere leaving Quebec
upon a Scout
4th March—
(Translation)
Instructions for Captain Launiere, commanding a party of Indians going on a scout.
You are ordered to leave Satigan with 150 or 200 Indians, volunteers from the seven
villages of Canada, and to proceed to the frontiers of New England to obtain intelli-
gence— If on the Way, you meet Deserters going towards the rebels or Spies Coming
from Them, you will do everything in your power to take them dead or alive, also their
guides, whether they be Whites or Indians, and you will send them here as Prisoners,
with one of the interpreters and a sufficient detachment of the most trusty Indians —
You will continue your advance as far as you deem prudent and necessary for the
King's Service.
You are expressly recommended to remind the Indians on every occasion, of the
promises they have made, not to commit any act of Cruelty under any pretext whatever,
and you will take every care to oblige them to keep their word in this respect, not
doubting that the Indians will obey you strictly in every order that you give Them on
my part.
In the event that you meet any party of Indians from Nova Scotia, the River Sf.
Tean, or their vicinity, you will show them the Copy of the Treaty which they have
made with the governor of Halifax, and you will require them to keep their word by
joining you to perform the service of the King upon which you are sent out, and in
case they refuse, you will Treat them as Enemies and destroy their Dwellings, further
you will treat with humanity and as Prisoners of War, all those who may Fall into
your hands.
3573—101
143 Illustrative Documents
(145)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 17-2, pp. 70-5.
No. 23.
{Extract)
Whitehall, 17th March, 1780.
" Sir Henry Clinton's operations in/the Southern Provinces, of which I hope to send
you a pleasing account by the Fleet will, I trust, effectually prevent them sending any
Troops towards Detroit or Niagara this Year. Sulivan and Gates, I am informed, have
both joined Mr. Washington, and yet his whole Force did not in December, exceed
Eight Thousand men, and the Time of Service of above a Third of those expired the
first day of the New Year, and it was not expected they would take on again, nor were
new Levies to be found as the Paper Currency with which the Troops were paid had
entirely lost its value. I do not mean by this account of the situation- of the Rebel
Affairs to suggest that you ought to abate your attention to the Upper Posts. Their
Safety is at all times of the highest concern to this country and should any misfortune
happen to them I am convinced! that the fidelity of the Canadians and Indians would
not long bind them to the British Interest.
The Re-establishment of the Post at Oswego or of one upon some better situated
part of that communication is a most important object, and I shall be very happy to
hear that you have found means of effecting it this Spring. Tho' I do not wish the
lower parts of the Province to be unfurnished with Troops for the Reasons which I have
given you in my secret Letters both by this conveyance and the Lizard Letter of
Marque.
The provision you have made for Joseph's Sister is approved by the King and your
Reasons for withholding the marks of Favour proposed to be conferred on him are
acquiesced in1, not doubting but that you will take a proper Occasion of rewarding the
merit & attachment of so zealous and steady a Friend.
/
Sir John Johnson's great merit entitles him to particular Attention upon this
Occasion and if it should happen that the services upon which he is engaged should
prevent him from availing himself of the Encouragement now given to compleat- his
Corps as soon as others, you will nevertheless preserve to his Corps its Rank &
Seniority when its condition shall enable you to report in its favor.
George Germain.
Governor Haldimand.
(146)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 22, pp. 66-79.
No. 22.
Whitehall, 17th March, 1780.
Governor Haldimand.
Sir,
The drawing over the Inhabitants of the Country they call Vermont to the British
Cause appears a matter of such vast Importance for the safety of Canada & as affording
the means of annoying the Northern Revolted Provinces that I think it right to repeat
to you the King's wishes that you may be able to Effect it though it should be attended
with a considerable expense. Besides giving them assurances of erecting the Country
into a separate Province the step you have taken of sending Capt. McAlpin & Messrs
Peters & Jessup to raise Corps upon the Frontiers 'will I hope be the means of opening
an Intercourse with the Leaders & of diffusing among the People a knowledge of the
King's gracious Intentions towards them, and should those Officers succeed in getting
Recruits there, their attachment may operate to bring the greatest part of the Body to
declare for His Majesty. That no Encouragement may be wanting to induce them &
Illustrative Documents 149
others to enlist His Majesty has been graciously pleased 'to allow me to authorize you
to hold out the same advantages to the Corps that have been or may be raised under
your Authority,, as have been promised to those raised upon the Coast of the Atlantic
and enclosed I send you Extract of my Letter of the 23rd of January, 1779 to Sir Henry
Clinton upon that subject which it is the King's pleasure you should consider as
addressed to you & govern yourself accordingly.
Your Commission of 'Governor of the Province of Quebec does not vest you with
Authority to pardon Treason, which is the Crime of the 200 Canadians mentioned in your
No. 30 but if you are convinced of the sincerity of their Representations and conceive
their Return will be attended with advantage to the King's Service, His Majesty
permits you to direct the Attorney 'General to grant a Nolle Prosequi in behalf of all
such as you shall judge deserving of the Royal Clemency and upon Report to me of
their Names and Description the proper Instructions for their Pardon will be trans-
mitted to you.
I am &c.
George Germain.
(H7)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 133, pp. 160-2.
Fort St. Johns, March 17th, 1780.
Sir,
The Road Mr. Hazen was employed upon last summer hegins at a Town called
Peachham on the 'Connecticut River 20 miles above Lower Cohoes and takes its course
to Middle River 48 ms. of it is finished. Mr. Hazen with his Regiment is expected
shortly at 'Cohoes to finish the Road. Magazines of Provisions have been forming
all winter on the River Connecticut for the use of the Regiment which is to be trans-
ported to the Blockhouses as soon as the Road is begun upon
Ohr. Carleton.
His Excellency,
General Haldimand. *
(148)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. 96-2, pp. 141-2.
Quebec,
April 1st, 1780.
No. 23.
Circular To the Officers
Commanding at Niagara Detroit
& Michilimackinac.
Sir/
From considering ho'w precarious the communication between the Upper Posts
will unavoidably become should an enemy penetrate into any part of that country I
think it essential for His Majesty's service in that case to make every officer respon-
sible for the particular post he commands and therefore should it happen that your
communications are interrupted or any of the Posts invested you have full authority
to afford any assistance to the Besieged which you judge will best promote the King's
service but you are not on any account or pretence whatever to make any Capitulation
150 Illustrative Documents
or even to enter into or propose any Terms of convention for any Post except that
you have the honor of 'Commanding & should the enemy attempt to deceive you by
any false capitulation entered into by any of your superior officers you are entirely
to disregard such false Capitulation but to defend yourself with that determined
bravery which zealous and experienced officers have always done when they consider
that delaying an enemy for a few days may frequently be the means of preserving a
whole country under the domination of its lawful sovereign.
I am., etc.,
F. H.
•**
(149)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 17-1. pp. 81-4.
Whitehall, 4th April, 1780.
No. 24.
Sir,
Although there is good ground to believe the Enemy have laid aside for this
year their purpose of invading these Kingdoms as I told you in my Letter of the 17th
Instant, it is not judged proper so( early in the spring further to unfurnish Great Britain
of its Military Force as such large Embarkations have lately been made for the West
Indies. I therefore trust that Sir Henry Clinton will in 'Consequence of my repeatedly
informing him of the King's Expectations, have sent you so soon as the navigation is
open, the Reinforcements you were last year disappointed of through the lateness of
the season, as their early arrival with you may be of the greatest importance, diligence
has been used in providing the several articles contained in the demands transmitted
in your No. 47, and the whole is now shipped in the Bridgewater Store ship which
will sail with this Convoy.
I am &c.
George Germain.
(150)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 17-1, pp. 87-8.
No. 25. Whitehall, 8th April, 1780.
Governor Haldimand. .
Sir,
When I closed my Despatches to you which you will receive 'by this €onvoy, I
expected that the Store ships & Victuallers would be in Readiness to sail with the
Trade but I have the Mortification to find that only four of the Victuallers got to Ports-
mouth and that the others with the Store iships are still in the River.
In the present circumstances of affairs I do not think it proper to delay the Trade
and even these four Victuallers an Hour longer than the Men of War appointed to
convoy them can be got ready and as I am assured they will be in Readiness to-morrow,
I write you this short Letter to inform you how the disappointment hae happened, at
the same time to assure you that I shall press with the greatest earnestness the depart-
ure of what is to follow and I have no doubt they will all sail with the laet of the
Newfoundland squadron the end of this month.
I am &c.
George Germain.
Illustrative Documents 151
(151)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA.' HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, p. 154.
New York, May 2d, 1780.
Sir,
The Pearl Frigate is just arrived from England with Dispatches of the 15th March
by which I learn that a large Armament was then fitting out at Brest, consisting of
several Ships of the Line and a .considerable Body of Land Forces, from different cir-
cumstances there is reason to 'believe thai either Halifax, Newfoundland, or Canada
is their object, they were expected to sail the end of March or beginning of April.
I take the very first opportunity of communicating this to you & I request that you
will send a Person to iGeneral Haldimand with this Intelligence.
(signed.) Knyphausen.
Endorsed : —
Gl. Knyphausen
of May the 2d.
Eeceived enclosed in
B. G. McLean's Letter of the
5th May sent express by
Land, arrived at Quebec,
the 9th June at night.
(152)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 155-6.
A 'frigate is just arrived, express from England with dispatches of the 15th March
informing that a large armament was to sail from Brest the end of it, it consists of ten
or twelve ships of the line and a considerable body of land Forces, their destination
either Halifax, Newfoundland or Canada. — Perhaps all three, it, is not in my Power
at present to send a reinforcement to Canada for want of a convoy, but as soon as I can
procure one, I will embark one thousand men for Quebec, which is all that can at
present be spared from this Post, in my letter of the 23rd March I mentioned to you
that a detachment of my regiment wintered at St. Johns & that I believed you would
wish to have it at Quebec. You will probably now be desirous of receiving them as
soon as possible.
The Rebels who knew of the French armament before the arrival of the pearl frigate
give out that it is bound by concert with Washington to the attack of this Place.
Knypluiusen.
Endorsed: —
Copy of General Knyphausen's
Letter in Cypher.
May 4th. Rec'd 3d July, 1780.
(153)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Sir,
Series B, Vol. 140, pp. 113-4.
Quebec, May 10, 1780.
Desirous of assisting <by every means in my Power the zeal you have manifested if or
His Majesty's Service, I have directed that the two Armed Brigs, the Polly & Liberty
shall be properly fitted out and put under your Command for the purpose of attending
152 Illustrative Documents
\
you during your 'Cruise for the Protection of the Trade and Posts in the lower Parts of
this Province.
As a smaller Vessel than either of the (Brigs destined to attend you, may be useful
particularly in the Beginning of your 'Cruize to look into the various Bays and Creeks
with which this Eiver abounds, the Armed Schooner Mercury shall attend your Orders
but as this little Vessel is upon a variety of occasions indispensably necessary at this
Place. I should wish she were not detained longer than a Fortnight or three Weeks,
when she will convey to me any Information you may think proper to ifavor me with
I am &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Captain Young.
(154)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 100, p. 373.
Extract from a letter from (Major A. -S. DePeyster to 'Lieut. Colonel Mason Bolton,
8th Regiment, commanding at Fort Niagara dated at Detroit, 16th May, 1780.
"P. S. Mons. Maisonville is a C'aptn of Militia at this Place and the only man of
the Canadians who is really serviceable to Government in that line.
"I beg leave to recommend him to your notice/'
(155)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 167-9.
New York, 17th May, 1780.
Dear Sir,
On the 3d of May the Pearl man o/ war brought the advice from Lord G. Germain
that a considerable land and sea force were prepared to sail by the end of March
against some of his Majesty's possessions in America and that Canada might be one
of their o/bjects.
J. de Vaux was sent off next day with notice from General Knyphausen and myself
of this intelligence and the intention of sending the troops was repeated. Circum-
stances and accidents left few men o' war here, and these so disabled that all Captain
Montague's -endeavors has not before got the scanty convoy ready to sail.
The rebels grow dissatisfied with their present Government and seem more disposed
to return to ours. If Charlestown be taken and no french succours arrive, I think the
people and the Troops will desert the Congress, their paper money passes at the rate of
seventy to one, people don't care to part with their goods or provisions for such trash
nor do they take pains to raise more than for the .subsistence of their familys, they are
in want and have no hope otf relief from a new crop, an insect having destroyed all the
wheat. — I conclude from the state otf their magazines, temper and weakness that they
have no intention of invading Canada this .summer, that even if their french allys were
to attack you by the -river an army from these provinces cooild not move in force to
their assistance. I think a french minister in the interest of france would direct the
present force against Canada, he could keep this without giving Jealousy to the prov-
inces and in time a division of States might leave france the ruling power in America.
D'Estaing's summons to Genl Prevost to surrender Savannah to the king of France
gave a iealonay to the provincials whio.Vi will convince that nation that they'll lose all
the rebels if they appropriate one of these provinces.
Illustrative Documents 153
But I'm told that Franklyn dictates the french measures, in that case the storm is
surely directed against this place, should tijus happen, you shall have notice by several
runners thro' the woods, possibly you might order some movements on the frontiers
of this province to divide the Enemy's force. — Should the 'french force be directed up
the St. Lawirence on an early notice from you, we might make some movements that
might be advantageous toi you.
I ever ajn, &c.
James Robertson^
His Excellency,
General Haldimand.
Endorsed:—
From A. 1780. I
" Genl Robertson,
17th May, Rec'd 25th June
by the Swift.
(156)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 139, pp. 29-30.
Quebec, 18th May, 1780.
Sir,
Altho' it is probable you have* been informed that a Rebel Scout of 8 men has been
at the Mill near Chambly & ait the Mountain & that you have consequently taken
measures to seize upon them, yet theTimpOTtance of intercepting these Emissaries always,
employed at this Season to procure Intelligence upon arrivals from Europe, but
from Information I have received particularly intended this year, I must
recommend to yo<u the most diligent Perseverance in discovering & apprehending
these Spies and those with whom they communicate, having wrote to the
several Posts from their Situation most likely to succeed in this service, I shall think
it unfortunate if some of the Rebels. said to be in the 'Country do not fall into onr Hands
the success of this will in a great measure depend upon the Inhabitants being as little
Allarmed as possible, the Scouts should therefore be sent out privately with instruc-
tions to avoid touching at Habitations except where they expect to succeed as they
should be careful ol not falling in with & hurting each other. For the Encouragement
of the Scouts upon 'this particular (Service they shall receive Ten Guineas for every
Prisoner taken alive.
I have likewise hopes that by means of the Priest or some Person you may be able
to employ among the Habitant with a Promise of an Handsome Reward some Discovery
may be made.
I am, &c.
(Unsigned.)
Lieut. Col.
St. Leger.
(157)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 150, pp. 61-3.
Quebec, 28th May, 1780.
Sir,
I leave the enclosed open to shew you the disappointment of my Expectation from
a strong Scout I sent with orders to penetrate as far as Penobscot & to assist the com-
manding officer in whatever he might judge fit to undertake, which if executed Lieut.
Colonel Campbell informs Machias might have been reduced. Mr. Launiere, who com-
154 Illustrative Documents
manded, was forsaken by all the Indians except two or three & by dint of perseverance
made his way to Penolbscot.
I am &c.
Fred Haldimand.
Brigr. General Francis Maclean.
(158)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 149, pp. 112-3.
Government House, Halifax.
31st May, 1780.
Sir,
I was much pleased to hear by the Officer who commands this Brigantine that a
Reinforcement of upwards of a thousand men are past this Port and on their way to
Quebec, so respectable an addition to your Garrison and the happiness of its being
under your direction will, I dare say, give the Enemy so much trouble should they
attempt an Attack on Quebec ais may probably enable a Squadron oif the King's Ships
(which we have reason to believe are in pursuit of them), sufficient time to bring the
French into the same kind of dilemma which happened to the Rebel Fleet at Penobscot.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Rd.' Hughes. .
General Halddmand
(159)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 136, pp. 54-5.
Sir,
Lieut. Fraser has been directed to extend a chain of small Posts within hearing
of musquet shot from one to the other from the Rapids on Yamaska River to a small
lake with an Indian name signifying the lake with a great marsh, six leagues distance,
the two leagues from thence to St. Johns Major Carleton will occupy in the same
manner, by this means with the smallest degree of vigilance, the Parties being ordered
to meet each other morning and evening, there will be scarce a Possibility of a Scout
entering or returning from the Province by that route unnoticed.
Lieut. Crofts with his Party sitoengthened by a Volunteer Party of the finest -and
most loyal young fellows of this parish, who have been sent off with the secrecy recom-
mended, will watch the Portage from the Forks of the St. Francois to the Nicole* River,
the usual Track of Spies coming towards Becancour, where I am informed there is more
than one Traytor ready to assist them in the execution of the Business they are sent
upon.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Barry St. Leger.
Sorel, ye 1st June, 1780.
(To General Haldimand.)
Illustrative Documents 155
(160)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 140, pp. 120-1.
Quebec, 6th June, 1780.
Sir,
By the Armed Ship Lizard which arrived here the 3rd of this month I Received
Intelligence from His Majesty's Secretary of State, which I think proper to Communi-
cate to you, of which the inclosed is an Extract, — from the Confidence which I have
in your Zeal for the King's Service I entirely rely upon you for the Execution of the
Directions therein given in Case oif a Fleet of the Enemy entering into the Gulph of
St. Lawrence. The utmost diligence is evidently necessary in giving Intelligence to
Admiral Arbuthnot, Sir Henry Clinton and the Governor of Nova Scotia for which
purpose you have my lull Consent to Dispatch from the Provincial Vessels under your
Command such of them as you will think best calculated for Dispatch, reserving never-
theless the Mercury so that I may Receive the Earliest Intelligence of the Approach of
an Enemy by her means, which it may be in your Power to 'Convey to me.- In order
to reinforce you I have taken into the Provincial Service a Ship of 22 'Guns, which has
arrived from Liverpool, & which will sail as I am given to Hope, before the 15th instant
at .furthest. — The propriety of your Destroying in case of such an Event " everything
on the Isle of Bicq will Occur to Yourself & I cannot sufficiently Recommend you to
take such measures as will secure all the Pilots whiph can in any Respect be of Service
to the Enemy. Captain Schanks tells me the Canceaux will sail for Bipq with Pro-
visions the Latter end of this Week which will likewise facilitate you in taking measures
necessary for Securing the Pilots. Before the Receipt of this Letter I hope you have
taken steps to procure a Safe Convoy to the Transports at the Island oif 'St. Johns with "
300 Hessians who are much wanted here.
I am, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Captain Young.
(161)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 202, pp. 94-6.
Sir,
The Privateer had been ten days from Salem, arrived at Perce"e the 4th June .and
fired many shot -at Mr. Peter Fraser and his people, who returned the Compliment
with their two four pounders, the same weight of metal as the Privateer's, if we had
two twelves or two nines, no Privateer would dare or Could take any of our Crafb
from under our Guns. I must beg leave to recommend Mr. Peter Fraser and the Perc4e
Militia to some mark of Your Excellency's favour. They are Loyal & Brave and have
exerted themselves on every occasion
I have the honor to be &c.
Nkhs. Cox.
Percee, 8th June, 1780.
We have but Little Ammunition left.
(162)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 122, p. 489.
By Clothing & Arming a body of Canadians, and by raising the Indians a second
time, to march & oppose the Rebels who threatened Detroit, My design was to harrass
Mr. Clark on his way up the Waba-sh, and to put a body at St. Joseph's sufficient to
156 Illustrative Documents
oppose Linctot, with his cavalry from the Pey. Few of the Indians proceed further
than St. Joseph's, but I am nevertheless persuaded that the noise of their assembling
after Mr. Hamilton's defeat, so contrary to rebel expectations, did in a great measure
oblige them to retire .and, to lay aside their Expedition, especially as they were also
informed that the Scioux were to fall upon the Habitations of the 'Creoles, if they
marched with Clark against Detroit.
Endorsed.— A No. 2 1780 From Major De Peyster Detroit 8th June
Eecd 28th Copy in Book marked B. No. 3 Page 5.
(163)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 133, p. 192.
Fort St. Johns, June the 21st, 1780.
Sir,
I had the Honor of informing Your Excellency that a Eebel Scout was gone
down to Quebec. I learnt two days ago that they were 'Canadians who Deserted to the
Eebels some time ago, one as named Gerard, the other Boileau, .after picking up what
intelligence they could in the neighbourhood of Quebec they were to go down the south
shore to meet the Fleet which they expect will be a French one, they have letters for
different Persons whom they, expect 'will be on Board. Gerard told the Canadian at
whose house he lay concealed that as soon as he could get back to the Colonies he was
to Pilot a large Party of Eebs. to Yamaska in order to cut off that Post
Chr. Carleton.
His Excellency,
General Haldimand.
(164)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 133, p. 194.
St. Johns, 24th June, 1780.
'My Brave Major,
I am impatient to Hear from you and likewise the situation uof your Army, all
our Friends are well and would be varry glad to See you in our parts, their is not Any
of the Fleet aEived as yet I have Found Provision and sent off two of your men who
have Departed from Chambiy and Provided them with Fierlocks they are two Likely
Young men which I make no doubt you will youse well.
Sir if you are a mine that I should en'list a Company of Canadians and will make
me a Captain and to send me such Orders as you wish to have Dun I shall Do my best
to fulfill the same
I am Sir
your most Humble Servant
I can inlist four Companys in three Days and I shall Point you to meet me.
Peter Charlo his mark X.
indorsed ,
Major Brown commanding on the
Frontear american.
(165)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 182-83.
New York, June 26th, 1780.
Sir,
I am this day favored with letters from the Admiralty Board which announce
that six Ships of the Line and a body of Four thousand forces are about to sail from
Biest to co-operate with the Eebels in this Country.
Illustrative Documents 157
It is at the same time said that their designs are not against Canada. Should they,
however, presume to interrupt your tranquility, Your Excellency may rest assured I
shall endeavor to prevent them, and for that purpose endeavor to protect you eventually
\\ith all my force.
I have ihe honor to be &c.
M. Arbuthnot.
His Excellency General Haldirnand.
Endorsed : —
From. 1780.
Admiral Arbuthnot.
26th June,
Rec'd 6th Octr.
(166)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 202, pp. 97-8.
Quebec, 28th June, 1780.
Sir,
It gives me pleasure to hear that your Militia is so well disposed and have already
given you so much satisfaction. I am persuaded your Government o>f them will be a
further Inducement to continue their zeal and Attachment for their King and his
Interests.
I send you by this opportunity a Twelve Pounder with Ammunition and as your
People from want of knowledge and an anxiety to do well might be apt to overload the
Gun, I have directed a proper measure to be sent. Should any more Privateers venture
to Percee, it might not be Amiss to reserve the Fire of the Twelve Pounder until they
approach very near, which by firing only your four Pounders they might well not be
afraid to do, by which means a few Rounds well pointed might disable a Vessel...
Major Cox.
(167)
I am, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 133, pp. 98-9.
Fort St. John, June the 28th, 1780.
Sir,
I have the Honour to enclose Your Excellency a letter sent by the Canadian at
whose House my two young men were concealed. His Name is Piere Charlo Grenie.
He lives about two miles from hence on the Laprarie Road. He grew so apprehensive
of the Officers of Militia finding them out that he made them set off but fitted them
out exceedingly well. I have sent them to Scout Round Mississqui Bay & in the neigh-
bourhood of Point au Fer for 4 weeks to send them out of the Way, at that time they
may return & execute any Plan Your Excellency may think proper, had they remained
it would have been impossible to conceal them as the Intelligence of those People is
exceedingly good. If a Scout goes out they know it directly, & tho' they don't know
their precise destination, it puts them on their 'Guard & being well acquainted with the
Geography of the Country are able to guess tolerably near.
The Time being nearly expired when they expect a Scout in I am trying to get a
ouple of Steady men employed by the Canadians to cut timber near the House of one
Madame Contey, (2-| miles from the Mill on the Mountain), as I find the letters are
all deposited there that are brought in. Her Son or Nephew, I can't find which, being
153 Illustrative Documents
a Lieut, in the Rebel Service, she has a servant maid. I mean to set a smart young
lad after her by which means I hope to secure the letters.
1 have the honor to be, &c.
Chr. Carleton.
(168)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, June 29, 1780.
Sunday last arrived here, in about five weeks from New- York, under convoy of the
Thames frigate and the Swift and Otter sloops of war, a number of transports, having
on board His Majestys 44th regiment, commanded by Capt. Norton, Senior Officer;
General Lossberg's regiment and part of General Knyphausen's regiment of Hessians,
the former under the command of Col. de Loos; and a number of Brunswickers, all in
good health. The frigate left them after they had entered the River, and the sloops came
up with them.
(169)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 135, pp. 117-8.
Quebec, 3rd July, 1780.
Sir,
I have received your Letters of the 27th & 28th Instant with the News Papers &
Grenier's Letter which is of a very serious nature & requires a particular Inquiry into,
for if sufficiently proved, he would be a proper object for example. It would appear
that one of the Informers has written the Letter from his Diction, but as he can neither
read nor write himself, there can be no Doubt he would upon Trial deny every word of
it & probably be acquitted in which case the Purpose of apprehending him would be
lost & the Canadians become so apprehensive of being deceived, that all endeavours
for the Discovery of Spies by that means would be at an end — as soon as you have an
opportunity please to inform yourself of every circumstance relative to the writing of
that letter & acquaint me thereof. I am sorry the men employed on this business have
been obliged to remove but I shall hope for success from your other scheme, men sent
on these occasions should let their Beards grow & appear very Dirty as if they had
been some time concealed in the woods.
• I am &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Major Carleton.
(170)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, p. 183.
I have received your dispatches of Novr & January & I Kave received Information
from the Minister of the 3d May. Monsieur Ternay is supposed to have sailed about the
3d May with seven ships oif the line & from 20 to 25 Transports &c., having on board
five Thousand two hundred land Forces & that their destination is still supposed to be
Canada, by Information I have received here the french Armament will assemble at
rhode Island a division of 'which will proceed under the command of the Marquis de
layette by Connecticut River and No. 4 iacross the lakes to Saint Johns, the other by
tne river saint Lawrence.
H. C.
^ , 6th July.
Endorsed:—
From 17g0
Sir. H. Clinton.
6th July. Rec'd 5th Septr.
Illustrative Documents 159
(171)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 187-8.
ThisLetter was wrote
in Cypher & sent by
Deffau.
Quebec, July 6th, 1780.
Sir.
Your Letter in Cypher of the 3rd May I Received the 3nd Instant & I Dispatch the
Runner to acquaint you that the Reinforcement from New York arrived safe the 25th
June and a few Bays after the Detachment of your Regiment which wintered at St.
Johns. I shall in a very few days send back the Transports who shall take the Cloathing
&c. for General Burgoyne's Army when I shall have the Honor to write more fully & to
General Robertson to whom I beg my compliments.
I wait with anxiety the arrival of the Provision Fleet of which I have not yet had
the least Intelligence, until it appears I cannot wish to encrease my force which I
mean to do by raising some Companies of Canadians & Loyalists that daily come in
'.om the Colonies, when I flatter myself I shall be in a situation to oppose any attempt
that may be meditated against this Province.
The Rangers & Indians are harrassing with great success the Back Settlements of
all the Provinces bordering upon this. 'Sir John Johnson is just returned from an
Excursion to the Mohawk River, where he distressed the Rebel Inhabitants consider-
ably and brought away about 150 Loyalists fit to bear arms without the Loss-of a man.
I am &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
P.S. I have some Batteaux Ready upon Lake Champlain to make a diversion in
your favor should a french fleet appear in your Quarter, but want of Provisions will
make it impossible for me to do more than to allarm the Enemy in,the neighborhood of
G. Point.
Genl. Knyphausen.
(172)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 133 pp. 202-4.
Chambly, July the 9th, 1780.
Sir,
the letter I had the Honour of sending you was wrote for Grenie at his request. I
purpose if you approve of it, answering it. I hope by that time to have found out the
whole circle of 'Correspondence eo that I shall be able to carry on matters more com-
pleatly. I fancy I shall be obliged to send a man to Montreal to employ them a little
or I fear they will busy themselves with what is going on in this neighbourhood, they
•carry on a Correspondence from Montreal by St. Johns or Chambly or the Mountain
by Belleuil or St. Charles. The Canadians still speak confidentialy of the intended
attack on Yamaska, they also, some of them, say that after the 21st of this month they
are not bound to obey orders, the 21 years of the capitulation being expired.— At any
time Your Excellency purposes sending large Parties up the Lake should there be no
Rebel Scout in the Country 2 Canadians are to be dispatched. I shall try and learn from
whence they are to go if I possibly can.
I have the honour to oe &c.
Chr. Carleton.
His Excellency General Haldimand.
Illustrative Documents
(173)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 206-8.
Quebec, llth July, 1780.
Dear Sir,
I am making every Preparation in my Power to guard .against an Event of which
those letters were to caution -me, heartily concurring in your opinion that the Interest
of France would make this Province the object of her Attempts which would be facili-
tated by almost a general Revolt of the Inhabitants.
I have Batteaux ready upon Lake Champlain to make a diversion in your favor
should it be necessary, but I have the modification to add that nothing beyond Crovvn
Point could be expected of me from a scarcity of Provisions to which our additional
numbers greatly contributed— had not the arrival of some flour in two Runners from
England enabled me to make Purchases of that Article from them and in the Country
my stores might have been entirely exhausted— upon the strength of which and the
to raise, will, I imagine, give me a force sufficient to protect this Province.
Yours &c. .
Fred. Haldimand.
Major General Robertson. t
(174)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 189-91.
Quebec, the llth July, 1730.
Sir,
Your Reasons sufficiently Justify your not compleating the Reinforcement for this
Province to the number first intended, and the scarcity of Provisions in it reconciles
me to the Disappointment. We have not yet had any Intelligence of the Provision
Fleet and should any unfortunate Event retard its .arrival very long I shall not only find
a difficulty in subsisting the Troops I already have but be prevented adding consider-
ably to my Force by new (Levies which I purpose making as soon as I shall be furnished
with the means of supporting them.
I am Busied making every Preparation in my Power to resist any attempt that may
be meditated againsit this Province, and altho' its Force and Resources are not such
as I could wish yet the safe arrival of the Victuallers would leave me very Little to
apprehend for the 'Consequences.
I have the honour to be &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Lieut. Genl. Knyphausen.
Illustrative Documents . 161
(175)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. 17-2, pp. 118-124.
No. 57. Quebec, July 12th, 1780.
My Lord,
I cannot omit the opportunity of Transports returning to New York to acknowledge
the Honor oif Your Lordship's Letters of the 2d (No. 22), and 17th of March by the
Lizard -^.rmed Vessel tho' I hope Lour Lordship will hear from me directly from Que-
bec before this Letter can be expected to reach you.
I am employing every means in my Power to guard against the attempt Your
Lordship's last Letter warned me of.— I have the Honor to be entirely of Yoiur Lord-
ship's opinion in Regard to the little to be apprehended from the efforts of the Kebels
distinctly against this Province now that our Successes and their want of Resources
have damped their Ardour. — Indeed I never was very apprehensive except for the
Indian Country, noir should I have applied to Sir Henry Clinton for a Reinforcement
but from apprehensions more alarming to the safety of this Province, which I have had
the Honor repeatedly to signify to Your Lordship and which now appear to have been
well founded — nor have I the least reason to alter my Sentiments upon that Subject —
Many Letters have Been circulated amongst the Inhabitants persuading them that an
Invasion by the French is certainly intended this Summer, a measure which would
appear to be the Interest of that Nation as this Province might be kept without giving
Jealousy to the others and in Time upon a Division of States might leav,e France the
ruling Power in America. — but I hope the opportunity is lost from their not having
made the attempt laist Fall and the subsequent Successes! of His Majesty's Arms will
render it a dangerous undertaking.
I am happy I have it in my Power to, acquaint Your Lordship that about 1,000 men
of the Reinforcement which failed in a Passage last Autumn, arrived here safe the 25th
ulto. composed of the Remains of the 44th Regiment and German Troops under the
command of Colonel de Loos & so ilf the blow should be directed against Canada and
that our Victuallers arrive before it falls, I cannot say that I am very apprehensive for
the Consequences, particularly as the Motions of the French Fleet are so carefully
watched over. Captain Young with His Majesty's Ship Hind, another strong .ship and
three smaller Armed Vessels, is cruizing in the Gulph by which means Intelligence
may be communicated with dispatch as recommended by Your Lordship.
The Lizard and another ship from Liverpool had fortunately some hundred Barrels
of Flour on Board which I purchased — this lowered in some measure the amazing price
of Flour, and has enabled me to purchase some in the Country, otherwise I should at
present be without that Article, having now enough to last until the Fleet must arrive,
I have taken advantage of the reported Success of Sir Henry Clinton to send into the
Colonies to collect men in hoipe off being able to compleat the Corps of Loyalists which
were attempted to be formed in 77 and which I mentioned to Your Lordship my inten-
tion of doing last Autumn and forming Companies of Canadians — it is fortunate I
deferred it, as I could not have supplied them with Provisions. I have likewise given
orders for raising a Second Battalion to Sir John Johnson's Corps in which I make no
doubt he will be successful.
I have acquainted General Knyphausen that if the expected Blow should be directed
against New York, it will be in my Power to make a diversion in his Favor in the
neighbourhood of Crown Point, having Bateaux ready upon Lake Champlain.
The Right Honourable.
I ord George Germain.
3573—11
I have the honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
162 Illustrative Documents
(176)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 135, p. 120.
Quebec, 13th July, 1780.
Sir,
I have no objection to your answering Grenier's letter and doing in {hat affair as
you see fit in which I wish you success. I am employing every means in my Power
here for trie same end. If you should be able to discover with any degree of certainty
whence the two Canadians are to set out to. give Intelligence of any large Parties that
may be sent up the Lake, it would be worth while to make a Feint on purpose to seize
them. I have likewise Intelligence that Canadians in the neighbourhood of Isle Jesus,
Terre Bonne & La Chine are prepared to engage men to join the Kebels said to intend
penetrating by Yamaeka.
I am, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Major Carleton.
(177)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 47, p. 10. "
Frederick Haldimand, Captain General, and Governor in Chief of the Province of
Quebec and territories depending thereon, &c. &c. &c. General and Commander in
Chiet of His Majesty's Forces in .said Province and frontiers thereof, &c. &c. &c.
To Sir John Johnson, Knight & Baronet.
Whereas it appears from the number of men you have already over and above the
Establishment of a Regiment, that a second Battalion to it, through your assiduous
exertions may speedily be formed and compleated, and as such a Levy at this Juncture
can but prove advantageous to His Majesty's Service and induce many loyal sub-
jects from the neighbouring rebellious (Colonies to enroll under your command, I do
for these resons and by virtue Off the Powers in me vested authorize you by beat of
Drum or otherwise forthwith to raise a second Battalion, consisting of Ten Companies,
that is to say One Major & Captain, nine Captains more, Twelve Lieuts, eight Ensigns,
one Chaplain, one Adjutant, one Quarter Mr., one Surgeon, one Mate, Thirty Serjeants,
Thirty Corporals, Twenty-six Drummers or Fifens, and Five hundred and thirty Privates
to be paid, clothed & accoutred in the same manner as the First and called the Second
Battalion of the Royal Yorkers, to both of which you are hereby appointed Lieut.
Colonel Commandant, whereof all Officers & soldiers to them belonging are ordered &
directed to obey you as their Lieut. Colonel Commandt. according to the Rules & dis-
cipline of War.
Given under my hand and seal at arms at Quebec this 13th day of July, 1780.
Fred. Haldimand.
(178)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 202, pp. 99-102.
Sir,
My Letter on the 8th June was wrote the day after I landed, so that I had no time
to see the Inhabitants & Inquire into their Situation, am sorry to say I find them
in great misery owing to want of Bread, same of them not having had any for five or
six months and greatly discontented expecting some Provisions Icr have been pur-
chased and sent them.
Illustrative Documents 163
I ordered them under Arms and told them they might depend Your Excellency
doing every thing in your power to assist them, that they had never been promised
provisions and had either been deceived by some person or deceived themselves,
explained their duty to them as a Militia and brought them into Good Temper. The
day after Captain Tongue left Percee with the schooner Mercury, the Haldiman was
chased into .a little cove behind Point St. Peter by an American Privateer carrying 26
Guns, nine & twelve pounders, one hundred and forty men, and after a smart firing .for
some time, was obliged to quit her with an intent to return next morning, but on the
appearance of the Wolf, she went off. I sent a Boat with some Volunteers to the
assistance of the Haldiman.
The Privateer after the Engagement landed Captain Baking and his people who are
now on board* the Wolf.
I have received your letter by the Wolf and Your Excellency may depend upon my
exerting myself to the utmost to keep the Militia well disposed and to continue their
zeal and Attachment for the King and His Interests.
The Gun is landed and I will get her off the Beach as scion as possible, the Enemy
will soon hear of it as I am told some People >at Point St. Peters give them Intelligence
of every Vessel and Craft that Sails up and down the River with their Cargoes, &c
.. . Every exertion of the Inhabitants has been
chiefly owing to Mr. Peter Frazer who on all occasions spared neither himself nor his
property, in the latter he has suffered on the King's Account but Makes no demand
on Government, if I dare, I would wish to recommend hi'm to Your Excellency's notice.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Nichs. Cox.
Percee,
13th July, 1780.
(179)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 20, pp. 40-1.
Chambly, the 18th July, 1780.
Sir,
I sent a Person into Montreal as I told Your Excellency I intended doing — it was
very fortunate I did for there seems to be the Head of the Snake. I hope by next
Post to be sufficiently Acquainted with all his folds to lay them open to Your Excel-
lency. My Reason for touching on the subject now is to acquaint Your Excellency that
these People intending sending off a very large Party the latter end of this week — I
got their Departure put off till the 28th or 29th of the month, perhaps when it 'Comes
to the Point they want Courage to carry it through but the Person I sent into Montreal
certainly saw a List of between 50 & 60 'who were engaged — this Party is set on foot
by one Dr. Pillion, who has a son with the Rebels. Mr. Hazen & Pillion correspond
constantly. — I am told about six weeks ago a Party, 15 in number, agreed to go off
but only 5 met agreeable to appointment, those were discouraged by the rest falling
off & gave it up for that time. Charlo Grinie (whose letter I had the honor of sending
you), does not intend moving with his four companies till the month of September or
beginning of October — the Canadians are much discontented at not hearing of Grenade
— but still expect him every Day — I shall be glad to have Your Excellency's 'Commands
touching Pillion's Party — if you wish to intercept them, it can easily be done as I can
contrive to be the Person who furnishes the Guide by which means we shall know
precisely the Road they take.
I have the honor to be &c.
Chr. Carleton.
His Excellency, , •; .1 ' '
General Haldimand.
3573— Hi
1g4 Illustrative Documents
(180)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 133, pp. 210-11.
Chambly, July the 23rd, 1780.
Sir,
I am sorry it is not in my power to lay before Your Excellency the source of
what I had the Honour of mentioning to you in my last, being as yet not sufficiently
Master of it I have discovered a Person who is going off shortly with Letters. I shall
take care not to loose sight of that Gentleman, there will go three or four more with
him the whole I suppose must be surprised and carried some- where that their capture
will'not be known, or it would discover all our Plot. I hope I shall know Your Excel-
lency's Pleasure by next Post respecting Pillioung's Party for fear of accidents.
I have the honor to be &c.
Chr. Carleton.
His Excellency,
General Haldimand.
(181)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 149, pp. 154-5.
Halifax, 24th July, 1780.
Sir,
Sir Henry Clinton in his letter to me 'which accompanied the inclosed, mentioned
that from every Information he had received there is great reason to believe the French
Armament now to consist of Seven Ships of the Line and 5,200 Land Forces is destined
for Canada and supposed to have sailed about the 3rd of May and that Admiral Arbuth-
not will be reinforced in proportion.
It is, however, proper to inform Your Excellency that since his writing that Letter
I have certain Accounts that several of our Frigates fell in with the French Armament
near the Entrance to the Chesapeak, that they plainly perceived at least ten sail of the
Line and about Forty large transports, they were then standing to the Northward, and
the General Conjecture was that they were bound to Rhode Island. As it is impossible
to foresee what will be their object, we are making every preparations necessary, on a
supposition their views may be turned towards this place
His Excellency,
General Halddmand.
I have the honor to be &c.
Fras. McLean.
Sir,
(182)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 135, pp. 122-3.
Quebec, 24th July, 1780.
*i. ^e D1i.scoveeries made by your Emissary at Montreal are very promising. I leave
Wn sTsucc'e s'f 1 Wh°le affail t0 y°Ur manaSenient in which you have hitherto
. JkoW°U*ld by *al1 m?ans ^ave Pilk)n's Party intercepted & by ,a chosen & sufficient
number of men to avoid a Possibility of their escaping which should they refuse to sur-
Illustrative Documents 165
render, must in all Events be prevented, should this affair go forward the €heque it
will Receive, will discourage Grenier from making a like Attempt but I hope not
prevent his Intention being detected in such a manner as to bring him & the Principals
to Punishment.
I am, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Major Carleton.
(183)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 135, pp. 124-5.
27th July, 1780. Quebec.
Sir,
I hope you will be 'able to effect your Purpose of seizing the Person who is soon
•to set put with Letters. Your observation that the capture of that Party must be kept
secret is very just. I do not see a possibility of doing it affectually except by marching
them directly into some very retired Part an the Woods, where a sufficient -Guard must
be kept over them with positive orders to keep them tied constantly & during the night
both Hands & Feet. Provisions can from time to time be sent to them by a Trusty
man or two belonging to the Guard. When seized they must be separated ifor some
time untill they are minutely searched & Examined which will require infinite Clever-
ness & Attention and as more is to be apprehended from the verbal Messages these
People may be charged with than the Letters they bear, it will not be amiss after
they are separated to threaten them with immediate execution for 'which the Non-com-
missioned Officers or Persons you employ will have Ropes prepared. — they .should
likewise have Pen, Ink & Paper to prevent mistakes in names or circumstances related
to them which might afterwards be denied.
I am &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Major Carleton.
(184)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 20, pp. 42-3.
Chambly, July 30th, 1780.
Sir,
The person I had the Honor of reporting to your Excellency is not
gone as yet I am informed he now waits Monsr Du Calvet's Return from 'Quebec,
who is gone down to* get Letters & if possible a Plan of the New Work. In order to
ascertain if the Person I sent to Montreal was Received with the Confidence I wished,
I directed him to Let himself be seen, as it were by Accident by some of the Royalists,
they were exceedingly distressed at the misfortune & insisted on his setting off directly,
the movement was so sudden that Pillion had only time to wrte the enclosed, which
Your Excellency will perceive, was interlined & wrote in milk, which by means of fire I
brought out as you see. Pillion told the man when he delivered the Paper how it
was to be treated.
His Excellency,
General Haldimand.
I have the honor to be &c.
Chr. Carleton.
166 Illustrative Documents
(185)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 135, pp. 126-7.
Quebec, 3rd August, 1780.
Sir,
I have Received your letter of the 30th Ultimo, 'Covering the Slip of Paper,
procured by means of the man you employ, whose endeavours, I hope will remain
undiscovered until their object arrives at maturity, the Person you mention to have
set out for this Place, I have some Eeason to suspect & I make no doubt his Errand
has. been .faithfully related to you but I hope the fruits of it & other useful discoveries
will come to light by the means you have employed — as Dispatches on these Occasions
are always prepared to be destroyed or thrown away, the greatest .caution will be
necessary in seizing the Person or Persons who may be charged with them to prevent
or dfseover any attempt of the kind & they must be stripped naked that the minutest
search may be made.
I am &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Major Carleton.
(186)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. 17-2, pp. 107-111.
Whitehall, x8th Augt. 1780.
No. 26.
Governor Haldimand,
Sir,
We have aJso reason to believe that Monsieur de Ternai's Destination is ifor Boston
and that the French have relinquished all thoughts of sending a Force into the River
St. Lawrence this year. So .soon therefore as you receive certain Intelligence of Monsieur
de Ternai being in Boston I trust you will send forth .considerable Detachments towards
the Frontiers of the Rebel Provinces, especially on the side of New York to draw the
attention of the Militia of the Northern Provinces to that Quarte? and facilitate Sir
Henry Clinton's operations and could you by any means induce the Vermont People
to put themselves under the King's Protection, it would be a most essential service
at this time.
I am &c.
Geo. Germain.
(187)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 205, pp. 68-9.
St. Johns, Aug. 13, 1780.
Sir,
About 12 o'clock, thursday, a party of the 29th took a Prisoner, his name Duford
from Montreal, who was going into the Colonies. All papers that was found on the
prisoner is in the enclosed pocket Book. The Guide Caleb Carston run away upon the
I risoner being taken and came to me with the other enclosed Papers which he got the
day before from the Prisoner. The sergeant of the party had the Prisoner Strip'd and
searched very strictly but could not find any more papers.
Illustrative Documents 167
He also had hiiri tied to a tree and declared he would hang him directly if he did
not tell him all about his going off. The Prisoner said his reason was being very much
in debt.
I am &c
Wm. Monsell,
Capt. 29th Egt.
Genl Haldimand.
(188)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 221-4.
Aug. 13th, 1780.
Letter to Sir Henry Clinton in Cypher.
I have taken much pains by Prisoners and intelligent Loyalists -to discover if
any thing might be effected with Allen and the People of Vermont.— I am assured by
.all that no dependence can be had in Him— his character is well known and his Fol-
lowers or dependents are a Collection of the most abandoned Wretches that ever lived,
to be bound by no Laws or Ties— Allen formed Connections in this Province when He
first invaded it and I make no doubt has emissaries here now — if you can bring Him
over & that He proves faithful, it will be a great Event but you have every thing to
suspect from his Character — in all events if he should be able to collect and Arm 4,000
men I do not think it would be advisable to trust Him with Them in this Province in
its present weak and disaffected Situation, (it being impossible for me to collect in any
one Situation half that number to oppose Them), for under a Pretence of joining the
King's Troops, he may watch his opportunity and with the assistance of the Canadians
or on the appearance of a French Flag, seize upon the Province. His joining your Army
o.r even remaining in Possession of Albany opens Communications between us and
effectually secures this Province and the upper country — it is to be feared that your
Messenger to Him has fallen into the Enemy's Hands for his Intention of joining our
Army is known .and was mentioned here in Public by Coll. Kogers who at the same
time said that Allen had collected -a Force to defend his own State against both King
<and Congress.
Allen has never made any overtures to me — if he should in Consequence of what
has passed between you and Him. You may depend I shall improve Them.—- JI hear from
Halifax that a Spanish Packet has been brought into New York with an authentic, copy
of a Treaty between the Courts of France and Spain and Franklin in which Congress
bind Themselves by 20 of June 80 to hand over the two Floridas to Spain and the
Provinces of Canada and Nova Scotia to the French — it had likewise transpired that
d'Estaing's Fleet was actually intended for the attack of these last Provinces and I am
convinced it was expected by the Canadians who in general & even some of the best of
Ihem could not help discovering their Expectations & afterwards a disappointment on
tneir not being fullnlled. Two Ships of the Line would have effected their Purpose &
if it should be pursued in the Spring & any Misfortune happen to prevent Supplies
arriving before it is undertaken this Province is lost — at the same time some thing must
be done to save the upper Posts and preserve the Indians. If I should not be able from
a want of Troops and Provisions to take Post at Oswego, the great key both to them and
this Province there is not a chance of keeping the Indians in our Interest. If I should
attempt it with an inadequate Force and fail the Event would be the same. Oswego
is at present totally defenceless. The Labour will be prodigious and a few Hundreds
will answer no purpose but be for a long time open to the Attack of the Enemy, who
may collect a Force & in security at Fort Stanwix and convey Themselves from thence
in four days, having long made every necessary Preparation of Bateaux &c. in Expecta-
tion of paving this to do. — I think, however, that the attempt must be made and I have
Determined to undertake it, provided no immediate danger should threaten this Part
of the Province & that I can by any means be furnished with a necessary supply of
Provisions.
F. H.
168 Illustrative Documents
(189)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, p. 223.
New York, 14th Augt. 80.
received the 9th Sept.
^Monsieur Ternay arrived the 12th ultimo at Rhode Island with, seven sail of the
line, three Frigates and about five Thousand Troops who are said to be sickly.— there
is little probability of their attempting Canada this year, their principal Efforts being
directed against this Place.
Endorsed: —
Chiffre.
du ch. Clinton du
14me d'Aout. 80.
(190)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 61, p. 46.
Quebec, ce 16e Aoust, 1780.
Monsieur,
Son Excellence Monsieur le General Haldimand vient d'etre informe qu'hier a envi-
ron une heure du matin il est passe par St. Croix le long de la greve 'cinq homines
armes se dieant Bastonnois dont deux sont francois ou C'anadiens — un autre Panis ou
sauvage parlant francois — disent avoir descendut par la Riviere St. francois et vien-
nent chercher des nouvelles — ils dodvent etre actuellement dans la Parois.se de St.
Nicholas ou aux environs. Son Excellence m'ordooine de vous dire que vous ayiez a
faire toutes les Perquisitions possibles pour tacher de les decouvrir, et si vous avez
besoin de Fassistance des Truppes pour les arreter de vous adresser a M. le Brigadier
de Raus<chenplat ou 1'officier commandant a la Podnt Levy lequel a ordres de vous
donner toute le secours dont vous avez besoin.
Le Pereonne qui a donne ces Intelligences est de vos connaissances et il se nomme
Joseph Duquet de Ste. Croix, eAt etant a sa peche lorsque ces gens sont passe et il leur
a parle lui meme.
Je suis &c.
L. Genevay.
a Monsieur Launiere.
Endorsed :
Toi Mr. Launiere, Senr. at Sattigan of 16th August.
(Translation')
Quebec, 16th August, 1780.
Sir :
His Excellency, General Haldimand has been inlformed that yesterday, about 1
o'clock in the morning, five men passed through St. Croix along the ehoTe who said
they were Bpstonians, of wnom two were French or Canadians— another a Panis or
lidian .speaking French— they said they had come down the river St. Francis and were
looking for news— they should be *iow in the parish of St. Nicholas or in the neigbour-
hcod. His Excellency orders me to tell you that you should make all possible inves-
tigations and endeavour to discover them, and if you need the assistance of troops to
arrest them, to make application to Brigadier de Rauschenplatz or on the officer com-
manding .at Point Levis, who has orders to give you all the aid which you require.
The person who has given this information is known to you, and his name is
Joseph Duquet of St. Croix, he was fiishing when these people passed and spoke with
them himself.
I am, etc.,
L. Genevay.
To Mr. Launiere.
Endorsed :
To Mr. Launiere, Sr. at Sattigan of 16th August.
Illustrative Documents 169
(191)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 122, p. 537.
Captain Hare with the Eangers & Canadian Volunteers, tho' little can be expected
from the latter, are moving to oppose them with all the Indians Mr. MdKee can muster
At this instant, accounts from Captain Mompesson, advise that 200 Pirogues with Creoles,
are on their way to Michilimakinac to revenge the stroke lately made upon them. I
however am inclined to think, that no !farce from that country will attempt that Post
at a season, when they have so etrong a Militia <and that their Expedition must be
against the Indian country only.
Endorsed: — No. 3 Entered 1780 From Major De Peyster 31st August Eecd. 27th Sepr.
Copy in Book marked B. No. 3 Page 6.
(192)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 205, pp. 70-2.
Translation of a Letter signed Boyer, (Pillooi's Christian name), addressed to Gen-
eral Washington and the Marquis de La Fayette.
Montreal, 7th Sept. 1780.
Sir,
In the profession of arms compliments should be cotoposed alone of Powder and
Cannon. Benevolence, Firmness and Grandeur of Soul should grace its actions. To
you therefore it is only necessary to add that with the Friends of Liberty I am entirely
devoted to Her Call.
In this Country provisions of Flour and Beef are not wanting. Zeal has opened
to you the Route. Three fourths of the Province are in your favour, we only wait for
intelligence of your Party whether good or bad without disguise. If your Army is in
motion we shall take measures, to second you. William Osburn will inform you of my
name. I suped with him last night upon a sucking pig, find means to answer this as
soon as possible. I have numbers ready to join you upon the march and I shall set
off with 35 men, the rest not being equal to such a march, and I shall expect intelligence
from you. I recommend to the General Officers the son of a Father who is a true
friend to the friends of Liberty. William Osburn will name him to you. It is not for
myself only that I speak but also fo,r a great many of our friends.
In future I shall only write on blank paper which may be read by the directions
of the Person who will be the bearer of it. I entreat Mr. Washington in particular to
believe me to be sincerely the friend of the friends of our friends, his most humble
and obedient servant.
(Signed.) Boyer.
The people of Chambly are the same I believe. That in the minds of the people in
general among other things when they are desperate that those who are sincere will not
change and that there are with you prisons and dungeons.
Sir,
If you will send me 'four or five War Commissions similar to those given to Ships
as Letters of Marque, leaving a blank for the name, it would answer a good purpose
here with respect to the movements of our marine nothing will remain to be done but
to sign the commissions, to seal them and date them o.f the day when they shall be
delivered. I myself will act under one of them and the others shall be given to true
men.
Shewn to Pillon on the 20th day of October and aknowledged by him to be his
handwriting.
To Messrs. Washington, Marquis de La Fayette.
J. Brun.
Ezenne.
.j70 Illustrative Documents
(193)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 205, p. 73.
We the Subscribers do hereby certify and acknowledge to have received at the
hands of Capt. Wm. Osburn each of us for ourselves, our respective Warrants in order
to "rise a number of able bodied men for the service of the United States By Border
of His Excellency General George Washington, which we most faithfully promise to
perform at the risque of our lives and fortunes as Witness our Hands this 8th Septr.
1780.
River Sorell, Cannada.
Louis Nadau.
his
Piere + Charlong.
mark
(194)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 205, p. 291.
(Translation of a paper in Pilon'e handwriting.)
Sir,
A person who will render a better account as well of the behaviour of my son as of
those with whom he has formed this Plot, and where he was almost day and night
•A the Biliard Table of a person named La Joye in my absence whilst I was in the
country. There is wheat and flour stored in Granaries prepared for the Americans.
These are things easy to foresee. Even in Town Mr. Du Calvet has a great quantity
in his Granaries and elsewhere.
(195)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 227-8.
(The original in Cypher.
Quebec, the 9th September, 1780.
Sir.
Yours of the 6th July was not received until the 5th Instant, the utmost attention
shall be had to the caution, tho' I cannot think the lateness of the season will admit
of an Attempt against this at least by Sea, I dispatch this to acquaint you that for the
Purposes of destroying the crops upon the Mohawk River, favoring the escape of
Loyalists to compleat our Provincial Corps & reclaiming or cutting off the Onidas, I
have ordered a Detachment of 600 chosen Troops & a large Body of Indians, chiefly
from Niagara, under' the Command of Sir John Johnson; they will rendezvous at
Oswego and penetrate thro' the woods if possible as far as Schenectady — they will march
from Oswego the 23rd Instant & strike the River about the 30th. I shall send from this
a large Scout to appear at the same time upon the Frontier by way of Lake George &
shall be happy if this knowledge can favor any operation you may have in view — Two
thirds of our Fleet are missing— the Crop here tolerably good. The Bearer has promised
to return with an Answer.
Sir Henry Clinton, Bart.
(196)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 234-5.
Received by Lt. Schieffly
in a small schooner
the 18th Octr.
New York, Septr. 9th, 1730
sir
On the 16th of last month I dispatched a Messenger by Land to your Excellency
with a Letter in Cypher informing you of the arrival of a french armament of seven
Ships of the Line & several frigates with upwards of 5,000 land forces at Rhode Island
Illustrative Documents 171
on the 12th July and I took occasion at the same time to acquaint you that I thought
it was not probable the french and rebels would attempt any thing against Canada this
year but that their principal efforts would be directed against this place, a small vessel
going to Quebec gives me an opportunity of repeating to you the above Intelligence
and of transmitting to your Excellency the copy of a proclamation which I have reason
to believe the Marquis de Fayette intended to have published in case their intended
Expedition against Canada had taken place.
We, have since heard that an additional reinforcement is hourly expected from
france of four ships of the line and a considerable body of land forces which being
propagated amongst the rebels greatly facilitated Washington's success in compleating
and augmenting his army. The operations of the enemy appear to be still intended
against this place but it is highly probable they will renew their intentions of attacking
Canada by number four and the lakes as early next year as the season will permit,
should the second french reinforcement arrive I will endeavour to send you immediate
notice of it. In the mean time by the good news from the southward, (which the
Papers I send herewith contains), proves true & of which there seems little doubt, I
hope Washington in Conjunction with the French already arrived will not be able to
attempt any thing serious this season. I shall, however, send you as early Intelligence
of their Designs as I may from time to time be able to procure.
Endorsed.
From Sir H. Clinton
in Cypher of 9th Sept.
(197)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, p. 238.
Yours of the 14th Augt. I received the 9th Inst. I hope the Parties mentioned
which shall hang as long as possible upon the Frontiers, will alarm the Country &
weaken the Force that may collect against you — it is all the assistance I can at present
offer.
From the Preparations formerly made by the Rebels & Mr. Fayette for invading
this Province, it is probable they may renew their attempt in the winter for which I
am preparing.
sent off 13th Septr.
Endorsed.
To Sir Henry Clinton of the 13th Sept. in Cypher.
Duplicate sent.
(193)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 17-1, pp. 133-9.
Quebec, 17th Sept. 1780.
No. 58.
My Lord,
The 27th Ultimo I had the Honor of writing Your Lordship by a Brig bound to
Guernsey, which was unfortunately cast away — the Crew was saved & my letter returned
which I suppress, having now the Honor by a vessel going north about to make a
second attempt to acknowledge Your Lordship's Dispatch by the Danae, containing a
secret Letter, dated the 8th April, Letters No. 23, 24 & 25, their several contents I shall
have the Honor to answer more fully by the first safe opportunity.
Your Lordship will have heard long before this can be received that the Trade
Fleet was dispersed at Sea and that many of the Ships are taken, it is, I fear, but too
certain that the True Briton is of the number, but this misfortune happened so early
I hope it was known time enough to be in part repaired this Season.
There are but fourteen ships of the Trade Fleet arrived and it is now too late to
expect that any more of them will appear, the Rebel Papers are crowded with Reports
of their being carried in by their Privateers. I am, however, 'happy to acquaint Your
Lordship that the Ocean, Bridgewater, Argo, and Hercules, Victuallers, escaped, and
that the Nancy, Isabella, Weir, Sophia, Spring, and Holmton, which sailed after, are
safe arrived— the Amphitrite is lost in the Straits of Belleisle. The Convoy Frigates
with the Hind and Provincial Armed Vessels are cruizing to protect the Gulph, they
172 Illustrative Documents
have sent up three Rebel Privateers and it is reported the Newfoundland Fleet have
sent Six into St. Johns.
For the better security of the Trade and Posts in the Lower Parts of the Province,
I purchased a fine vessel carrying 22 'Guns, 6 and 9 pounders, which with two smaller,
well fitted out I put under the Command of 'Captain Young. I have lately had the
Mortification to hear that the former (the Wolf) is cast away upon the Island of St.
Peters, owing entirely to a thick Fog and tempestuous weather, the Hind very narrowly
escaped the same Fate. Her Provisions, Guns, and ,a great part of her Rigging were
saved.
I have lately received two Expresses from Sir Henry Clinton, (the first by Halifax,
above six weeks on the way), advising me that Monsieur de Ternay was expected at
Rhode Island and that Canada was still supposed to be his object. His last Dispatch
informed me of the French Fleet and Army at Rhode Island and that from the lateness
of the Season and other circumstances their views appeared to be changed from this
Province against Him.
In order in the mean time to divide the strength that may be brought against Sir
Henry Clinton, or to favor any operations his present situation may induce him to carry
on, as well as to destroy the Enemy's supplies from the late plentifull Harvests and to
give His Majesty's Loyal 'Subjects an opportunity of retiring to this Province, I have
fitted out two Parties of about 600 men each, besides Indians, to penetrate into the
Enemy's Country by the Mohawk River and Lake George, the former being chiefly
drawn from Niagara, and to Rendezvous at Oswego, is already marched under the
Command of Sir John Johnson — the other I shall send across Lake Champlain so as to
appear at the same time. I flatter myself these movements will answer the purposes,
for which they are intended.
Sir Henry Clinton has not mentioned the arrival of Admiral Graves but Report
•affirms that he has Blocked up the French at Rhode Island, this will render an Attempt
against Canada by water this year impossible, yet from the Preprations formerly made
by the Rebels and Monsieur de la Fayette, it is probable they may invade it by Land
for I have every day more Reason to be confirmed in the opinion I gave Your Lordship
;n iny Letter of the 14th of last September and I have undoubted Proofs that they have
Emissaries Continually in the Country but more particularly at present.
I have the honor to be &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Lord George Germain.
(199)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 140, p. 148.
St. Johns, Newfdland, 17th Sept. 1780.
Sir,
One of the Ships of my squadron having fallen in with and taken the Mercury
Packet on the 3rd Instant with Mr. Laurens, late President of the American Congress,
and a great number of Papers on Board, among which there being one of the highest
importance to the Governors of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Canada to be
acquainted with, I herewith enclose you a Copy of it for your Information.
I have directed a Corps to be raised immediately ior the defence of this Island, in
consequence of it, and as there are but few men to be procured here for that and His
'Majesty's Naval Service, together with what I did myself the pleasure to mention in
my Letter of the 20th of July last respecting. Recruiting Parties I trust you will not
send any more of them to this place.
I have the honor to be, &c.
His Excellency, General Haldimand.
(200)
Sir,
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. 20, pp. 44-5.
St. Johns, Septr the 24th. 1780.
Enclosed .are five letters which were intercepted by Mr. Pritchard & .sent under
cover to me without the precaution of being addressed to you in my absence.
Illustrative Documents 173
There is a small Slip cut out of one of these Letters, which you will perceive, is
signed, by Pillon & Du Calvet— that Slip was to have been Concealed in a lead Bullet
which was to be thrown away in case of any danger, these letters were to have gone by
Captain Charlo.
I really think Pillion will go off as soon as he finds how serious matters are &
therefore to prevent it effectually, think he & Du Calvet should be taken up without
delay.
You may rely on it if Pillion suspects any danger he will try to get the Commander-
in Chief's Dispatches from the Post & sett off with them. I know that is a stroke he
has long meditated.
I was cibliged to take up Hamel the Day before the Brigdr. arrived being appre-
hensive of his going off as he had given out he did not intend selling any more goods &
ha.H sHnt, up shop.
Some of the Sailors told Hamel of Dufort's being taken but that the Guide escaped
with the Letters.
This was communicated by Him to all concerned & the Hopes of the Guide getting
safe through seemed their only hope.
Charlo'e being taken was known directly tho* every precaution was taken, it threw
a VPTV grant, damp on their Spirits & T am Dwsna.-dp.rl hnrl made Ha..mp.l rp.solvp. on set-
ting off. I took him at Chambly on his way to Montreal as he said.
I am &c.
Chr. Carleton
Captain Mathews.
. (201)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 131, pp. 78-9.
Quebec, 28th September, 1780.
Sir,
Some treasonable Proceedings having come to light df one Pillon, who resides in the
suburbs of Quebec at Montreal and practices physic or some branch of that profession
you will please to have him immediately seized with every paper whatsoever that can
be found in his house in as effectual but as secret a manner as possible in which it will
be necessary you employ an active., discreet officer, who will secure him at Day break,
one or 2 men will be sufficient to accompany him and the sheriff should follow near him
with a party, side arms will be sufficient that as little parade or noise as posisible may
be made, the sheriff will in presence of the officer search for, seize, and seal up hiis
Papers, taking an Inventory of them, you will afterwards transmit them to me by a safe
opportunity. Pillon you will have securely confined in Irons and on no account suffered
to have the least intercourse by writing ox otherwise with any person whatsoever, and
you will send him under the same restrictions to this Place in the first Provision or
other convenient' vessel in the care of an officer who is to be answerable that he is con-
fined in the hold or some part of the ship where no person can converse with him.
I am &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
My 'reason for being particular in desiring all the papers to be seized is in order to
compare with same intercepted the writing that may be found.
F. H.
Brig. Genl. Maclean.
(202)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, October 12, 1780.
At the Meeting of hie Majesty' Commisjsrs. c<f the Peace this Day at Montreal the
Current Prices of the following Articles were ascertained to be as follows Vizt.
Wheat at 7s. 6d. p. Bushel fine flour 25 sh. p. Ct., — Coarse or farine Entire 15 sh.
p. Ct. Oats 2 sh. p. B. Pea&e 4s.. 2d. p B. The price of Indian Corn, Beans and Rye
174 Illustrative Documents
Cannot be ascertained, there not being Any at Market Ordered that the aforesaid Prices
be published in the Quebec Gazette pursuant to the Ordinance of the Province in that
Case Made and Provided.
By Order of the Commisers.
J. BURKE, Cs. Ps.
(203)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. I7-2, pp. I86-I93.
Quebec, Octr. 24th, 1780.
No. 59.
My Lord,
The favourable Footing on which His Majesty has been pleased to put the Provin-
cial Corps in this Province, who take up Anns in Support of His Government, will, I
hope, have an happy effect.
I lost no time in promulgating His gracious Intention and it appears to have
removed a Jealousy and Langour which promised but little Success in New Levies—
the Parties which I had the Honor to acquaint Your Lordship in my Letter of the 12th
July, (No. 57), I had sent into the Colonies to raise men, having returned with very
few — in the same Letter I informed Your Lordship that ciders had been given to Sir
John Johnson to form a Second Battalion, which is in great forwardness. I have like-
wise directed Messrs. Jessup and Peters to compleat their Battalions as at first intended
with all Despatch and Recruiting Parties have been some time in the Colonies for, that
purpose.
I think it Right to acquaint Your Lordship, least more should be expected from
those Gentlemen than they can perform, that they are by no means possessed of the
Influence and Abilities represented by their Friends at Home, in so much that many
of the Officers proposed for their Co>rps (by whose assistance alone they can expect to
raise them,) have expressed a disinclination of being under them and they wish to be
allowed independent Companies, this I have discouraged in order to support Messrs.
Jessup and Peters, who are certainly not without some merit. — These Levies have
suffered much by the Death of Major McAlpine, an old and valuable officer, who had
been settled for some years in the neighbourhood of Albany, and being generally
beloved, had great Influence with the People, I, however, hope that the different Parties
sent upon the Frontiers, (as mentioned in the enclosed), will favor the escape of a great
number of Loyal Subjects, said to be in those parts in waiting for an opportunity and
by that means compleat Sir John Johnson's and the two other Battalions.
Your Lordship's Remark upon the difficulty of the enemy's being supplied with
Provisions in this Province, (owing to the failure of the Crop), should they invade it,
is very just.— That Event has notwithstanding been provided for, as will more fully
appear in a Private Letter of this Date. The Quantity of Wheat kept up by the
Inhabitants upon the River Sorel & collected in different Places upon various pretexts,
induced me to propose to the Legislative Council to pass an Ordinance establishing a
reasonable price for Wheat which would have enabled me to withdraw from the Fron-
tiers and collect it at Sorrell, where proper Stores were built to Receive it, with a view
,
to supply the other Posts or in case of necessity to destroy it, but some of the Mem-
bers being interested in that Trade and others apprehending it would raise a Com-
motion amongst the Canadians, the motion was overruled, but so different were the
Sentiments of the People, that they in general expected it as a Measure in the Power
brovernment to adopt, and heartily wished.it from a conviction that the Poor would
elieyed. The Canadian Gentlemen in the Council voted for it, two only excepted,
one of them in that Trade, the other under improper Influence
I have the honor to be, &c.
The ?ight Honourable, Fred> Haldimand-
Lord George Germain.
Illustrative Documents 175
(204)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. 17-1, p. 195.
Quebec, Octr. 25th, 1780.
No. 61.
My Lord,
The more I consider the state of the Clergy in this Country the more I am con>
vinced of the Propriety of the Measures I mentioned in a former Letter of sending into it
a number of Priests from such Catholic Countries as have least connection with France.
However sensible I am of the good Conduct of the Clergy in general during the
Invasion of the Province in the year 1775, I am well aware that since France was known
to take part in the Contest and since the Address of Gcmte d'Estaing and a Letter
of Monsieur de la Fayette to the Canadians and Indians have been circulated in the
Province many o>f the Priests have changed their opinions and in case of another Inva-
sion would, I am afraid, .adopt another System of Conduct.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
The Eight Honorable
Lord George Germain.
(205)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 17-1, pp. 270-98.
Quebec, October 25th, 1780.
No. 67.
My Lord,
The Minutes of the Proceedings of the Legislative Council with the ordinances
which have been passed & to which my Assent has been given are transmitted in the
Danae Frigate, no Safe Opportunity having presented itself during the Course of the
Summer.
This Letter will necessarily be a long one. I have now been upwards of Two Years
in the Province and in some Respects qualified to give Your Lordship an account of
the real state of Persons and things. It may be the means of rendering my Corre-
spondence with Regard to the Civil Affairs of the Province less prolix in future.
I have frequently been much embarrassed and upon many occasions have been
ertirely prevented from Carrying into execution measures which I have considered as
necessary for the safety and Defence of the Province and its Frontiers from the
exhausted state of the King's Magazines with Regard to Provisions and from the
difficulty as well as the enormous Expense of Supplying the Deficiency in the
Province.
It was therefore with Indignation and regret that in March 1779, in Consequence
of an Express from Halifax to Messrs. Drummond & Jordan, I saw a successful attempt
on their part and that of several Merchants or Traders to ingross the wheat and
enhance the Price of Flour. At this time there was not the least shadow of scarcity
but in less than a fortnight the Price of Wheat was raised from four shillings or 4/6
per Bushel to six shillings and upwards. I lost no time with the Advice of a Quorum
of His Majesty's Council to forbid the Exportation of Provisions and to issue a
Proclamation against Ingrossing, forestalling and Regratting. The Evil was not
remedied but the Price of Wheat was by various Artifices, assisted by a bad crop in the
District of Quebec, though that in Montreal was tolerable, raised early in the winter to
Ten Shillings per Bushel. It could not escape my Observation that the Merchants of
the Cotes, who went up and down the Country & who by purchasing small Quantities
of Wheat at a very high Price engaged the Inhabitants on the River Chambly and
Sortel to keep up the Remainder of their Wheat in hopes of a still greater Price, were
under the Influence and supported by the Credit of such Merchants as were most
disaffected to Government. Perhaps it is not going too far to suspect some worse
motives than the Love of Gain, for a Conduct which rendered every Farmer's House
176 Illustrative Documents
in the Parishes of that Part of the Country where an Invasion, if attempted during the
Winter, must take place, a Magazine of Provisions for the Enemy, who from the diffi-
culty of Transport and other local circumstances could not bring any with them.
The Magistrates of Quebec and Montreal had found it very difficult to oblige the
Bakers to continue the Exercise of their Trade and still more to procure Flour for the
Daily and immediate Consumption of the Towns.
The Poor suffered much and all Ranks of the People looked up to the meeting of
the Legislative Council as the time when some ^hing essential would be done for the
relief of the Poor and to put a stop to the spirit of Ingrossing which had pervaded the
Province— I therefore ordered the Legislative Council to assemble on the 27th of
January and Recommended the high price of Wheat and Flour, (the first being at that
time Ten Shillings per Bushel, the other at Forty Shillings per 100 Ibs for .the worst
of Flour), to their serious consideration.
A Committee, consisting of Messrs. Finlay, Dunn, Cuthbert, Harrison, Alsop, St.
Luc, Gugy & Baby, was appointed to consider and propose ways and means to reduce
the high price of Wheat and Flour. Their Report was that an ordinance should be
made to prevent the Exportation of Provisions for a limited Time and that an Address
should be presented to me requesting a Renewal of the Proclamation against Ingross-
ing &c.
This did not appear sufficient to many members of the Council who considered
that tho' the Exportation had been prevented last Summer, and that tho' the Procla-
mation of which the Renewal was requested had been published1 early in tihe Summer,
the Price of Wheat and Flour had been gradually raised to an exorbitant heighth not
from any real scarcity but from the avarice of Ingrossers.
It was 'therefore proposed that >an Ordinance should be passed or a clause added to
that for non-Exportation fixing or rating for a limited Time or until the New Crop could
be got in, the Price of Wheat and Flour. This was the more necessary as otherwise
there would be a Risk of a great part of the Lands in the District of Quebec remaining
unsown as the Inhabitants could not afford to give Ten Shillings per Bushel for Seed
Wheat.
This gave occasion to much Altercation and great variety of Argument.
The Attorney General was applied to for his Opinion as some Members contended
that the Legislative Council had under the Quebec Bill no Authority to levy Taxes or
impose Duties, and that fixing the Price of Wheat and Flour was Synonimous to
imposing Taxes or Duties, his Opinion coincided with theirs, but as it was couched in
a misterious manner as if it had been founded more upon the words in which the
Question was stated than the merit of it, it was proposed to have the sense of the
Legislative Council with Regard to the Legality of the Measure and if the Legislature
had not the Authority it was in vain to reason on the Expediency of the measure. This
proposal so necessary to the discussion of the measure in Question and seeming so
essential to the Authority of Government was overruled by one voice. It was then
proposed whether the Price of Wheat and Flour should be fixed by Ordinance for a
Limited Time and it was Resolved by a Majority of one voice in the Negative. Messrs.
Cramahe, Finlay, Dunn, Cuthbert, L'Eveque, Collins, Po-wnall, Alsop, De Lery, Harri-
son, & Grant being against fixing the Price, Messrs. Mabane, St. Luc, Bellestre, Eraser,
Caldwell, Gugy, St. Ours, Longueuil, Baby and Holland being for it.
Not willing to disturb the Proceedings of the Legislative Council, the Gentlemen
who wished to fix the Price did not immediately signify any desire to file their reasons
o^ dissent, but at a subsequent meeting when only three of them were present they
proposed to have their reasons of dissent inserted in the Minutes as it would be the
means of having the opinion of the proper Law Officers in England on the Legality of
the measure as it was of much consequence to the 'Government of the Province that
the Question should not be left in any Respect Doubtful. This proposal, tho' Reason-
able m itself, was refused, under pretence of form, tho' as yet there is no kind of form
established by the Legislative Council for its proceedings. The Paper was filed in the
Mice, it is here annexed as well as the opinion of Mr. Williams, the only
Lawyer of any note except the Attorney General and I beg that Your Lordship will lay
che Reasons of dissent, the Attorney General's & Mr. Williams' opinions before the
proper Law Officers.
However diffident I might be of my own opinion with Regard to the Legality, I
could entertain no doubt of the expediency of the measure. It was the only one that
could without delay reduce the high Price of Provisions and check the spirit of specula-
tion in the necessaries of Life which is equally prejudicial to the welfare o'f the People
Service of the Province, notwithstanding the other measures which the
legislature adopted and which I will afterwards mention, the exorbitant Price of Wheat
lour continued the same or rather encreased till the certain prospect of a new &
Illustrative Documents 177
Plentiful Crop lowered it >a little about the latter end of August but not until I had
been under 'the necessity of to order the Commissary General to purchase corn .at a
high rate from the Ingrossers, who thus in spite of all my efforts, have profited by the
Public Distress.
When it is considered that Great Britain is engaged in an Expensive War and which
is carried on at 3,000 miles distance by which the supplies of Provisions &c., are exposed
to the dangers of the Sea .and powerful Enemies, it becomes the duty of every good
Citizen to do every thing in his1 Power to diminish the Price of Provisions as by thai-
means Government may be enabled to establish and fill the Magazines so as to Obviate
the bad consequences which might arise from the Provision Fleet from Europe for New
York and the northern parts of America falling into the Hands of the Enemy, or an
Enemy's Fleet being first in the Elver St. Lawrence. This* Country is in peculiar cir-
cumstances1 whilst the Rebellion continues in the neighbouring 'Colonies Little or no
Resources can be had from Importation, which is the natural means to Reduce the price
of any Commodity besides the Climate absolutely prevents it for seven months of the
year, hence occur the great necessity of Government taking Precautions to secure Bread
for the People as well as the Army. Humanity .as well as Policy Justifies the measure,
a few interested Traders would have been dissatisfied and would have endeavoured to
have made a Clamour against it in London but in Canada it would instead of a Revolt,
which some People .affected to fear, have given general satisfaction to the Canadians,
who looked for it and stood in need of it & would have given them Confidence in their
Government, whereas there are not wanting People to insinuate to them that they could
not rationally expect Redress from a Council, one half of which at least was composed
of Dealers in Wheat & Meal Mongers.
The Legislative Council having resolved not to fix the price of wheat and flour by
Ordinance, were pretty unanimous in preparing and passing one to prevent the Exporta-
tion of Provisions .for two years, tho' there is nothing repugnant to the Laws of Trade in
the Ordinance, yet not to interfere with the Custom House, the Legislative 'Council
required the Naval Officer to take the Bonds &c. tho' that Business could have been done
with much more ease to the Merchant at the Custom House.
The Ordinance Received my assent and I hope will next year be productive of good
Consequences in keeping low the price of Provisions as I will on my part be careful that
the Respective Officers be diligent in putting it in Force.
As many of the Members who were adverse to fixing the price of Wheat and Flour,
declared their Readiness to Concur in passing .an Ordinance against Ingrossing, Fore-
stalling & Regratting, in place to the Address to me for the Renewal of the Proclama-
tion, the Heads of~an Ordinance were prepared accordingly.
In Consequence oif the successful Attempt to ingrpss the Wheat in the (Spring of
1779, which I have already mentioned, to Your Lordship, I had consulted the Attorney
General and Received his Opinion in Writing that the Statute of Ed. ye 6th against
Ingrossers, Forestallers &Regrators was in Force in this Province In Conformity with
that opinion and with the Advice of a Quorum of the Council, I issued a Proclamation
declaratory of that Law and of the method of convicting Offenders by the Justices of the
Peace in their Quarter Sessions, without the intervention of a Jury, which in this case
was the most advisable mode of Prosecution, as the old Subjects who give the Ton on
•furies are Traders and few of them have any objection or Scruple to get money whether
by Ingrossing, Forestalling or Regratting.
The Legislative Council made the same Statute the Basis of the Ordinance and
extended the Offences of Ingrossing and Forestalling to the Proprietors of Mills and
Manufactories of Flour as otherwise a Combination of five" or six of these men by buying
up a large Quantity of Wheat would have been sufficient to Raise the Price of Flour to
whatever sum they pleased. This gave umbrage to Messrs. Cuthbert, L'Eveque, Alsop
& Grant, who all have or propose to have dealings in Wheat .and Flour. The majority,
however, felt the necessity of some thing being done. The Ordinance was Passed and
Received my Assent. It was printed and Ready to be published when fortunately it was
discovered by Mr. Powell, an Attorney in Montreal, who w.as employed to defend an
Ingrosser against whom a Prosecution had been commenced, that the Statute of Edward
the 6th had been repealed.
The Legislative Council, agreeable to that Statute, had inflicted the Penalty of the
Pillory, (which as conveying Infamy with it, would have had great effect in deterring
Canadians,) upon Persons convicted of that Offence. The Quebec Act restrains the
Legislature of the Province from carrying into Execution without His Majesty's pre-
vious approbation any Ordinance inflicting severer penalties than Fine or Three months
Imprisonment.— I was therefore under the necessity to re-assemble the Legislative
3573—12
178 Illustrative Documents
Council to alter that -clause of the Ordinance as likewise the Title of it. I cannot sup-
pose that the Attorney General concealed from me or the Legislative 'Council- any Know-
ledge he may have had of the Statute being repealed, at the same time I must acknow-
ledge to Your Lordship that there have been many things in that Gentleman's Conduct
which tend to Destroy that Confidence which I should have in the Person who fills that
employment.
As it is my Duty it has been by ibusiness to inform myself of the State of the Country
and I coincide with the majority of the Legislative Council in considering 'the Cana-
dians the People of the Country and think that in making Laws and Regulations for
the Administration of these Laws Regard is to be paid to the Sentiments and manner
of thinking of 60,000 rather than of 2,000, three fourths of whom are Traders 'and
.therefore Cannot with propriety be considered as Residents of the Province. In this
Point of View the Quebec Act was both Just and Politic, iho1 unfortunately for the
British Empire it was enacted Ten years too late.
It requires but little penetration to discover that had the system of 'Government
eollicited by the old Subjects been adopted in Canada, the Colony would in 1775 have
become one of the United States of America, whoever considers the number of old
Subjects who in that year corresponded with and joined the (Rebels, of those who
abandoned the Defence of -Quebec, in virtue of Sir iGuy Carleton's Proclamation in
the fall of the same year, and of the many others who are now the avowed well
wishers of the Revolted Colonies, must feel the truth, however national or Religious
Prejudices will not allow him to declare it.
On the other hand the Quebec Act alone has prevented the Emissaries of France
and the Rebellious Colonies from succeeding in their efforts to withdraw the Canadian
Clergy and Noblesse .from their allegiance to the Crown of, Great Britain. For this
Reason amongst many others this is no time for innovation's and it cannot be suffi-
ciently inculcated on the part of Government that the Quebec Act is a -Sacred Charter
granted by the King in Parliament to the Canadians as a Security for their Religion,
Laws & Property.
These being my Sentiments Your Lordship will conceive some of the Reasons
which prevented me from Communicating the lath, 13th & 16th Instructions to the
Legislative Council. — I have now been' upwards of Two Years in the Country, have
conversed fully with all kinds of men and have not found that the People were dis-
satisfied with the Ordinances which Regulate the Proceedings in the Courts of Justice,
.on the contrary -all are Sensible that Debts are recovered easily and with less Pro-
crastination than formerly.
It was with great Regret that I found myself obliged not to communicate the
Instructions relating to the security of Personal Liberty. The Citizens in no country
ought to be liable to long Imprisonment. Persons accused of Crimes ought certainly
to be brought in a limited time to Trial, but in time of a War and Rebellion, it would
be impolitic and in the present circumstances of the Province highly dangerous to
.attempt any innovations of the Idnd. I have been under the disagreeable necessity
of imprisoning several Persons for corresponding with Rebels or assisting them to
escape, and have great Reason to suspect many more of being guilty of the sam-i
Practices, but have made it a Rule to pretend Ignorance as often as I can and am
satisfied against the bad consequences of their Treachery except where their Crime i3
publicly known and I think it my duty to take notice of them-, as a contrary conduct
.would betray weakness and would encourage others to follow their example, this was
the case with Mr. Charles Hay of Quebec and Mr. Cazeau of Montreal.
w« Th-6 ?rfovifnSe is «urrounded by Enemies from without and as happens in all Civil
Wars is infected wit.h Spies & Reoret, Enemies from within.
The Right Honourable,
Lord George Germain.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Illustrative Documents 179
(206)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS
Series Q, Vol. 17, pt. 2, pp. 718-21.
.Quebec 25th Oct. 1780
No, 72.
My Lord,
I have the Honor to acquaint Your Lordship that I have just received an Express
from Major Carleton who commands one of the detachments mentioned in my Letter
to your Lordship of the 17th Ultimo.
The secrecy and dispatch with which thie detachment penetrated prevented any op-
position of consequence on the Part of the Enemy and on the 10th and llth Instant the
Garrisons of Fort Ann and Fort George surrendered Prisoners of War.
Major Carleton, who has as well as his detchment shewn great zeal and Activity
in this affair, having fully answered -the purposes for which he was <sent is returned
to Crown Point Where He is to remain as long as the 'Season will permit the Vessel
to navigate the Lake, in order to draw the .attention of the Enemy.
The reports assiduously published upon all occasions by the Enemy of Cruelties
committed by the Indians are notoriously false <and propagated merely to exasperata
the ignorant and deluded People. In this late Instance Major Cforleton informs me
they behaved with the greatest moderation and did not strip or in any Respect ill use
their Prisoners.
I enclose for Your Lordship's Information a List of the Killed wounded and
Prisoners.
A Party of one hundred men and Mohawk Indians crossed Lake Champlain with
Major Carleton (to cooperate with Sir John Johnson who must be before this time upon
the Mohawk River and another Party of 200 Canada Indians under the command of
Lieut. Houghton of the 56th Regiment marched at the siame time toward the Connecti-
cut River. They are returned having destroyed thirty-two Barns full of grain, two> mills
and other Buildings and Killed a number of Cattle.
They brought away 32 Prisoners without any Loss altho' pursued by a Superior
Force of which it is thought m-any were Killed.
I every day expect to hear of Sir John Johnson's Success upon_the Mohawk River.
I have the Honor, etc.,
F.H.
Lord Geo. Germain,
P.S. 22nd November.
I have kept this Letter open in hopes to give Your Lordship >an account of the
Party which was sent- upon the Mohawk River under the Command of Sir John John-
son.
The Enemy by means of Two Oneida Indians, who deserted from Niagara had
Received Information of an Intended attack upon the Mohawk River and had prepared
accordingly but this did not prevent his Success tho' it occasioned him to meet with
great opposition.
I have just received a Letter from Sir John wherein he acquaints me that he had
destroyed the Settlements of Schohary and Stone Arabia and laid waste a .great extent
of Country. He had several Engegements with the Enemy in which he came off
Victorious, in one of them near Stone Arabia he Killed a Colonel Brown, a notorious
and Active Rebel with about 700 Officers and men.
The Vessel being under Sail, I have only time to enclose the Return of the Killed,
wounded & missing.
I have the pleasure to acquaint Your Lordship from Sir. John's Letter that I have
great reason to hope that many of the missing will find their way to Oswego or Niagara,
as some Indians and Rangers well acquainted with the woods are with them.
I cannot finish without expressing to your Lordship the perfect satisfaction which
I have from the Zeal, Spirit and activity with which Sir John Johnson has conducted
this arduous Enterprise.
F.H.
3573— 12
180 Illustrative Documents
(207)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. 17, pt. I, p. 152.
Private/ Quebec 25th Oct*. 1780.
&]y Lord,
Inclosed I transmit to Your Lordship three Papers, (all of which I have received
within these few days) N°. 1 was taken with Mr. Laurence & , sent to me by Admiral
Edwards— NO 2 was forwarded to me by Sir Henry Clinton & N« 3 .is one of the many
Copies which I have intercepted coming into this Country, by the means of Indians,
*ho from their Attachment either to the French, or the Rebels, have lately visited
Rhode Island— these, together with Letters I have received from Sir Henry Clinton
-vould convince me that the Enemy have serious Thoughts of attacking this Province
early in the Spring— Even had I no other Evidence of their Intentions, the general
Disposition & Behaviour of the Inhabitants, make it beyond a doubt to a nice Observer
that we have little to expect from their assistance in Military Operations, & that they
have learned to consider the arrival of the Fleet as an Event that will certainly happen,
and that it is- Equally sure their Efforts to reconquer the Province will be .successful.
1 am nevertheless determined this Winter to attempt tbe Formation of several Canadian
Companies, which I shall do by degrees placing them under such Officers as appear to
me most likely to serve us, nor would I have delayed the attempt so long but from the
Exhausted State of our Provisions, & the astonishing Price Flour sold at in the
Province.
To Explain fully to Your Lordship where this Province is at present the most
exposed, & whence arises the great difficulty of defending it, both with Respect to its
Extent & the peculiar manner in which the Houses are situated, viz, — Each House
about three Acres from his Neighbour, & no Town, or Villages, together with the
Schemes I have formed of opposing the various modes of attack would far exceed the
Limits of a Letter, at the same Time, I wish to Convey a few Observations on the
Methods proposed by the Enemy for reducing us.
Our Signal Successes in Carolina will probably render the Rebels incapable of
undertaking such formidable Expeditions against Detroit & Niagara as are proposed in
No. 1. A small new Fort has been constructed at the former, and the works at the
latter have been considerably improved, besides both are tollerably well provided with
artillery, & the Garrisons, altho* few, composed of the best Troops — I would hope that
the Force proposed would meet such Obstacles as they seem not to Expect, and which
would render their success Precarious — Nor does the Enemy seem fully apprised of the
Difficulties He has to surmount before he renders Himself Master of the Navigation of
the Lakes Erie & Ontario. The former is Navigated by Six Armed Vessels which, tho'
in general small, cannot but be found of great use. On Lake Ontario we have three
Vessels of 16 guns and two smaller ones, besides a new Post which I established in 1778
on an Island in the River St. Lawrence just in the Entrance of Lake Ontario. The
Operations proposed by the Enemy at Oswego, are more formidable and .much better
calculated to ensure them Success than any other Part of their Plan, not only from its
favorable Situation for building, but the awe it must create tJhfo'oiut the whole Six
Nation Indians. I have, in former Letters, Expressed to Your Lordship how much I
wish to establish a Post (there, and the advantages it would afford us. I am now more
than ever convinced of its necessity, & early in the Spring I mean to take Possession
of it— at least nothing but the Impossibility of supplying the Garrison with Provisions
or some unforeseen Change shall Prevent it.
If I am enabled to keep only a tollerable Garrison at Sorrell, it will be at Hand to
attack any troops who may attempt to penetrate by the River St. Francois &, in all
Events, to maintain their ground, which will effectually secure Montreal, & St. John,
while at last They can either retreat to Quebec or St. John, as Exigencies require. No
Exertions have been wanting during the Summer to strengthen Quebec, but situated as
we are it was impossible to begin a regular Citadel, we have endeavoured to make the
utmost of the strong ground on Cape Diamond, by occupying it with detached Redoubts,
and altho our Progress has been greatly delayed for want of able Miners, & Stone
Quarriers yet I am confident what we have done will be of great use, even should we
be attacked in the Spring.
.In speaking of difficulties I am sorry to begin with that essential Article of Pro-
isions but as not a Single Ship of the Fleet proposed to sail in Augt. is yet arrived, I
am under much embarrassment on that Head-For it is absolutely necessary always to
have more than a Twelvemonths in Store, in the Upper Posts; otherwise the least
Illustrative Documents 181
attack in any Quarter which might delay that Transport, would throw the Garrisons
there entirely at the Mercy of the Enemy— And doing this keeps us so Short of Pro-
visions in these Posts, that I have, more than once been alarmed for the Consequences
--Happily our late Harvest has been a good one, & therefore should the Kings' Service
require the declaration of Martial Law, I have no doubt but •! shall easily Collect a
tollerable supply of Grain.
The necessary Stores for the Artillery and Engineers which were shipped for this
Year are not arrived — this will leave every Post in this Province very bare in these
Articles, & Quebec in particular will be ill provided with Gun-Powder —
No actual Service presenting itself for the Troops in the Province, I have hitherto
studiously avoided pressing Your Lordship or Sir Henry Clinton for further Reinforce-
ments, notwithstanding I have been disappointed in my Hopes of seeing the Troops of
Convention, & have this Summer only received about 1000 Effectives, instead of the
2000 I applied for— however I cannot suppose it for the Kings' Service to be at present
sending Detachments from New York to Canada— Sir Henry Clinton has too many
Enemies to oppose, & too much precious time is lost in Passages, but I trust Your Lord-
ship will maturely Consider that with my present Force, after leaving Garrisons in the
many and distant Posts which this extensive Province obliges me to occupy, I remain
unable to detach any Troops against an Enemy who might appear with only a moderate
Force, & to permit such an one to take Possession of the Country, & join the Labour of
the Inhabitants, to their own Efforts is to lose a great opportunity of encreasing the
difficulties of the Enemy.
I therefore beg Leave to request in the most Earnest manner, that a Reinforcement
of British Troops may be sent here very Early in the Spring to .consist of, at least, 2 or
3000 men, & it is absolutely necessary that they bring with them 12 months Provisions,
& the demands of Ordnance & Engineers Stores, which were ordered for 1780, together
with the Artificers applied for, & also the several Articles which are included in the
demands sent to England by this Conveyance for 1781 — At the same Time that I request
this large addition of Force, I beg to assure Your Lordship how difficult it is for
Government to provide for all its dependencies at this Crisis, nor can any Officer be
more averse than I am to keep Troops inactive, I would therefore suggest that such
Reinforcement being arrived and the Enemy's design changed, they should re-embark,
and if necessary have their number encreased from hence, & proceed to the Southern
Colonies, or even to the West Indies if the Public -Service required it. Could I persuade
myself that in Case of an Attack the Canadians would .stand neuter, I think I could
defend this Province with a less Force — but when I see the Common People influenced
by their old Prejudice & all Ranks so totally blind to their true Interests, as not to
wish a long Continuance of their present happy Government, I am led ito believe that
the Appearance of our Enemy would be followed by the Revolt of a great part of the
Province, who like the other Colonies might not stop until They had involved them-
selves in all their miseries — these are the Considerations joined to the Importance
which I know the Trade of this Country is of to Great Britain, and the amazing Sums
i at this moment is indebted to the Merchants, which make me so strenuous in my
demands & in my Exertions for its Safety.
I therefore beseech Your Lordship will not attend to any Report which it is possible
you may receive from well disposed Persons residing here, who judge of the People
merely from their External Appearance, but who from want of Opportunities, are totally
ignorant of their real Characters.
Having already Suggested to Your Lordship the Propriety of sending Troops from
hence by Sea, in certain Circumstances, I think it my duty briefly to inform Your
Lordship what my Ideas are respecting Offensive Operations from hence.
To Attempt any serious attack, or the Establishment of a formidable Post in the
midst of an Enemy's 'Country intersected with Woods, strong Passes &c. thro' which
your Artillery, your Provisions &c must be conveyed, is too imaginary an Object even
to occupy for a moment Your Lordship's Attention, and I am convinced no Post at, or
near Albany can be taken or supplied except by the Navigation of the Hudson River
— yet I am persuaded, was it practicable to occupy & support such a Post from New
York, it would be scarce possible for the Enemy to prevent me from giving or receiving
the assistance of Troops from that Quarter, but they must always move totally unpro-
vided with Artillery, Provisions, or Baggage, & every man, from the Commanding
Officer must Carry his own Knapsack — It is true, that with a considerable Force and
Great Exertion, Fort Stanwix might be invested from this Province, but when we are
distressed about supplying and maintaining our present distant out Posts, I am of
opinion the same Force might be employed elsewhere to much greater advantage—
these Considerations induced me to conclude that the Troops from hence to be
employed elsewhere must be transported by Sea— At the same Time I conceive con-
182 illustrative Documents
aiderable Detachments from this Province, moving on the Enemy's Frontiers & some-
times even penetrating to a considerable distance, but always so formed as to be ready
to makl quick movements, may be done with great Security, and are, and will be of
grea detriment to the Enemy, my Opinion on this Point is supported by the Success
of Sir John Johnson last May on the Mohawk River as well as that of Major Carleton
in the taking of Fort Ann and Fort George during the Course of this Month, the Par-
t'culars of which are related in my Letter No.. ....
Having frequently mentioned the difficulty of transporting Provisions to the Upper
Posts I ibeg to add that we have used our Endeavours to lessen them ias much as pos-
sibie 'particularly at C6teau-du-Lac, where new Store Houses are erected, & a very
Compleat Canal finished, by which loaded Bateaux Pass thro' three Locks & avoid a
most tedious & laborious Passage up a Violent Rapid.
Our Labours this Year have been encreased by a Fire which happened at St. John s
in May last, amongst some Wooden Barracks which destroyed several Platforms &
nlew up a temporary Powder Magazine, in which was the Ammunition for four Guns,
with four or five Barrels of Powder, and no sooner had we repaired this Damage, than a
most violent and continued rain occasioned a considerable Part of the Earth Parapet,
•which is composed of ,a loose Clay, to give way, but the whole is now in a fair way of
being entirely reinstated— The same bad weather had a similar Effect upon the new
Fort at Detroit, which we are also Employed in repairing. I Have the Honor to be, &c.
Fred: Haldimand
Lord George Germain
Endorsed.
Quebec 25th Octr. 1780.
Governor Haldimand
(Private)
Recd. 31st Decr.
(3. Inclosures)
(208)
INTERCEPTED DOCUMENT CAPTURED WITH Mr. LAURENS.
Extract of the Report of .a Committee appointed to prepare a Letter of 'Credence to His
Most Christian Majesty, taken with Mr. Laurence, and forwarded by 'Governor
Edwards to His Excellency General Haldimand.
Plan of an Attack upon Quebec.
1st. that a number of Men be assembled at Fort Pit from Virginia &Pensylvania
".mounting to 1500 Rank and File, for which purpose 3000 should be call'd for, & if more
than 1500 appear, the worst to be dismissed; to these should be added 100 light Caval-
iies, one half armed with Lances; the whole should be ready to march the 1st day of
June, & for that purpose they should be called together the 1st of May, so as to be in
Readiness the 15th, the real & declared Objects of these (Corps should be to attack
Detroit & to destroy the Towns of those Indians who are inimicable to the United
States.
2ndiy That 500 men be stationed at, or near Wyoming this winter to cover the
Frontiers of Pennsylvania & New Jersey, to be re-inforced by 1000 men from these
States early in the Spring, for which purpo.se 2000 must be called for to appear on the
1st of May, so as to be in Readiness by the 15th these must march on the 1st of Juno
at farthest for Oncaquaga to proceed from thence against Niagara, this is also to be
declared.
3rdiy That an addition to the Garrison of Fort Schuyder, or Stanwix 1500 be
stationed this winter along the Mohawk River & preparations of every kind made to
build Vessels of Force on Lake Ontario early next Spring, & to take Post at, or near
Oswego, a Reinforcement of 2500 from the Militia of New York & the West Parts of
Connecticut & Massachusetts may be added to these Early in the Spring, for which pur-
pose a Demand must be made of 5000; a Party consisting of 500 Regular Troops & 1000
Militia must march from. Schnectady, so as to meet those destined to Act against
Niagara at Oncoguaga, they should be joined by about 100 light dragoons armed as
aforesaid, together with all the Warriors which can be collected from the Friendly
Tribes in their March to Niagara — they should destroy the Seneca and other township
of Indians who are inimicable.
4thiy That 2,500 Men be marched from Fort Schuyler as early as possible after the
middle of May to Oswego, & take a Post there or in the Neighbourhood to .be defended
Illustrative Documents 183
by about 500 men, that they be also employed in forwarding the Vessels to be built
for securing the Navigation of Lake Ontario, & in making Excursions towards Niagara,
so as to keep the Indian Country in Alarm & facilitate the Operations in that Quarter.
5thiy That a number of Regiments be stationed along the Upper Posts of Connecti-
cut River to bo recruited in the Winter, so as to form a Body of 5000 Regular Troops
Rank & File, & every Preparation made to penetrate into (Canada by the way of the
River St. Francis, the Time of their departure must depend upon Circumstances,
& their Object be kept as secret as the nature of the thing will permit— when they
arrive at St. Laurence, they 'must take a good Posit at the mouth of St. Francis & turn
their Attention immediately to the Reduction o-f Montreal, St. Johns & the North East
End of Lake Champlain— these operations will be facilitated by the several Movements
to the Westward drawing the attention of the Enemy to that Quarter, if successful, so
as to secure a Passage across the Lake, further Reinforcements may be thrown in, and
an additional Retreat secured that way — the next Operation will be in .Concert with
the troops who are to gain the Navigation of Lake Ontario &c. — This Operation however
must be feeble as long as the necessity exists of securing their Rear towards Quebec —
such detachment however as can be Spared, perhaps 2000, with as many 'Canadians1 as
will join them, are to proceed up Cadaroque, and take a Post defensible by abou.j 300
men, at, or near the Mouth of Lake Ontario' — They then will join themselves to> those
Posted as aforesaid at, or near Oswego, & leaving a 'Garrison at that Post, proceed
together to the Party at, or near Niagara, at which Place they ought if possible to
arrive by the middle of September, the troops who have marched against Detroit should
also, whether successful or not, return to Niagara if that Post is possessed or foeseiged
by the Americans, as a Safe Retreat can, by that means be accomplished for the whole
in Case of Necessity.
On the supposition that these Operations succeed, still another Campaign must be
made to reduce the City of Quebec. The American Troops must continue all Winter in
Canada, to supply them with Provisions, Cloathing &c. will be difficult, if not imprac-
ticable, the Expences will be ruinous, the Enemy will have time to reinforce, nothing
can be attempted against Halifax — Considering these Circumstances, it is perhaps
more r>rudent to make Incursions with Cavalry, Light Infantry and Chasseurs to hams
and alarm the Enemy & thereby prevent them desolating our Frontiers, wnich seems
the object during next campaign. .
But if the Reduction of 'Halifax & Quebec are objects of the highest Importance to
the Allies, they must be attempted.
The Importance to France is derived from the following Considerations.
1st The Fishery of Newfoundland.
2nd The Possession of those two Places necessarily secures to the Party of their
Friends, the Island & the Fishery s.
3rdiy it wjn strengthen her Allies and garantee more strongly their Freedom &
Independence.
The Importance to America results from the following Considerations.
l*t The Peace of their Frontiers.
2ndiy xhe arrangement of their Finances.
3rdiy The Accession o'f two States to the Union.
4thiy The Protection & Security of their Commerce.
5thiy That it will enable them to bend their whole Attention & Resources to the Creation
of a Marine will at once serve them and Assist their Allies.
Add these Considerations.
1st That Great Britain by holding these Places will infest the Coasts of America with
small Vessels, to the great Injury of the French, as well as the American Trade.
2d. That her Possessions in the West Indies as materially depend on the Possession
of Posts to supply them with Bread & Lumiber & to refit their Ships, & receive
their Sick as well Soldiers as Seamen.
In order then to secure as far as Human Wisdom can provide, the Reduction of
those Places, Aid must be obtained from France — 'Suppose a Body of from 4 to 5000
French Troops sail, from Brest in the beginning of May under Convoy of 4 Ships of
the Line & 4 Frigates, their object to be avowed, but their Cloathing Stores &c such as
designate them for the West Indies, Each Soldier must have a good Blanket of a large
size to be made into a Coat when the weather grows Cold, thick Cloathing for these
Troops should be sent in August so as to arrive at such Place as Circumstances may
184
Illustrative Documents
by that time Indicate by the beginning of October; these Troops by the End of June
might arrive at Quebec, which for the reason already assigned they would, in all
Probability, find quite defenceless, possessing themselves of that City & leaving there
the Line of Battle Ships, the Marines and a very small Garrison, with as many of the
Canadians as readily can be assembled, for which purpose Spare Arms should be
provided, which might be put in Boxes & marked as for the Militia of one of the French
Islands— The Frigates and Transports should proceed up the River St. Laurence—If the
Americans are already at that Place, the Troops will co-operate for the above mentioned
Purposes, if not, a Post must be taken there and Expresses sent off &c. — In the Interim
.3 of the 'Frigates, with 4 of the Smallest Transports should proceed to Montreal, & if
possible possess that City, when the Nobles and Clergy shall immediately be called
together by the General, who should if possible be well acquainted with the manners
both of France & of the United States. The Troops should bring with them very ample
Provisions, especially of Salted Flesh, as they will come to a Country exhausted by
the British Army,— By the latter end of July, or middle of August, the Reduction of
Canada might be so far compleated that the IShips might proceed to the Investiture of
Halifax, taking on board large supplies of Flour— A part of the Troops might march
and the Sick follow as they recover — A considerable number of American Troops also,
might then be spared for that service, which with the Militia of the States of Massa-
chusetts & New Hampshire might proceed to the attack of Halifax, so as to arrive the
beginning of Septr., and if that Place should fall by the beginning or middle of Octr.,
the Troops might either proceed against Newfoundland, or remain in 'Garrison until the
next Spring, at which time that Conquest might be compleated —
If Halifax should not be taken the Squadron & Troops would stiH be in time to
operate against the West Indies.
To the Honble Benjamin Franklin Esqr.
Sir
The above Plan referred to in Your Instruction, You shall lay substantially before
the French Minister — You shall consult 'the Marquis de la Fayette on any difficulties
which may arise, & refer the Ministry to Him as He hath made it his particular Study
to gain Information on those important Points.
.By Order of Congress
Witness
Charles Thomson, Secretary
Indorsed — Extract of the Report of a Committee appointed to prepare a
Letter of Credence to His Most Christian Majesty.
No. 1.
In Govr. Haldimands' (Private)
of 25th Octr. 1780.
Copy.
(209)
PROCLAMATION.
(Translation)
The persuasive love which has always animated the Heart of the King for the
Inhabitants of Canada, and the desire of withdrawing them from the Dominion of
the English, have determined His Majesty to send into one of the American Ports Land
and Sea Force capable of effecting this grand Object.
The moment of their Arrival (au point) at the Spot where they should join the
Troops of the United States; the General of the two Allied Nations will take care to
concert the most speedy measures to fulfil the views of Congress and the King in
Effecting (trayaillant) the Independency of Canada, and if the French fly with Joy
to s*uccour their distressed Brethern, doubt not they will hasten to shake off the Yoke
of the Common Enemy— The time is at last arrived when Canada will be set free
(rendue a lui meme) and in joining itself to the Thirteen Independent States, will
bind again (va reserrer) the Cord of that strict Friendship which unites them for ever
to France — By ho'w many motives ought such an Alliance to be dear to the Inhabitants
of Canada, to those who feel the Blood of France run in their Veins, and who under
the Tyranny of a foreign Government have not ceased to glory in the Name. Admitted
to the Confederacy, to which Congress have not ceased to call them, and the Affection
of the King again presses to invite them, they will partake all its .advantages and
begin by choosing a Constitution, that will suit themselves. The Clergy, Noblesse and
People— All the orders of the State too long forgotten and neglected, will see their
Illustrative Documents 185
Religion, Privileges and Manners flourish again— They will find again in their Ally, dear
Brethren, to whom they are attached from a Community of Birth, Sentiment and
Customs, and will have no more to fear tihe Profanation, Scorn and Insult of a foreign
Master. After so many Proofs of Patriotism & Honor which has always distinguished
the Canadians, His Majesty, as well as the Congress of the United States, cannot
believe they would do them sufficient Justice, if they employed any other motives to
recall them to what they o'we to their Countrymen of France, to the Americans and
themselves, than the Reasons they will find in their own Hearts, lo animate them to
Vengeance, to the Love of Liberty, to make them fly under our Colours in Cpmpleating
bv their Co-Operation the first Condition of the Alliance between France and the United
States.
It is with particular Satisfaction that the Marquis de la Fayette, Major General
in the Service of the said States of America, Commanding the Kings' Regiment of
Dragoons and Commanding in Chief the American Troops designed to co-operate in
Canada, with the French Army &c. &c. &c. According to the Power & Instructions
which we have to this Effect, declares in the name of the King, and in the name of
the Congress of the United States, to whomever it may concern, that in the just War
in which His Majesty finds himself engaged, and. in Consequence of the Reprisals to
which he has been forced, by the Hostilities of Great Britain, he hath been pleased to
order an Army by Land and by Sea to co-operate with those of the United States, for
the Deliverance of Canada — that in joining with the United States to engage Canada
in the Confederacy, and by Consequence in the Alliance, 'which binds them to France,
His Majesty invites the Noblesse and all the Inhabitants to join the Combined Army
for this happy Revolution — that His Majesty judging of the affection of the Canadians
by the feelings of his own Heart, is intimately persuaded, as well as the Congress
of the United States, that the Allied Troops will find in the Country all the Resources
and Succours of which (without doing the least wrong to the Interest of the Inhabitants)
it is susceptible — that the Canadians will Endeavour to bring back the Ancient Disposi-
tion of the Savages & to procure from them all the Intelligence which can contribute
to our Success. Though very far from thinking that any French in Canada, are capable
of joining to spill the Blood of his own Brethren, the Wisdom ol His Majesty and
•the Congress engage them to forewarn (prevemT) the Canadians, that the least succour
given the British Troops in their Preparation of Defence, in augmenting the Difficulties
and Dangers of the Allies, should be considered by them as an Act of Hostility.
Mons? the Count de Rochambeau, Lieutenant General of the King's Army, Grand
Cross of the Royal and Military Orders of St. Louis, and Commander in Chief of
His Majesty's Army (doit) will publish alter his arrival, a more particular Invitation
to join Canada to the Confederacy of the United States, and we shall be charged to
renew with the Canadians, the fraternal Disposition of said States in the Assembly to
be called for that Purpose.
The Instructions at present made public, communicate to the Canadians the Design
of His Majesty and the Congress of the United States for their deliverance, and to invite
them to second our Efforts in breaking themselves, the Fetters under which they groan.
Dated Head Quarters on Connecticut River
(Signed)
La Fayette
By the General's Order
Capitaine Secretary
Indorsed —
Copy
•Translation
Proclamation
by the Marquis La Fayette
inviting the Canadians to Revolt
Reed, inclosed dm Sir H. Clinton's
Letter the 18th Octr. 1780.
No. 2.
In Govr. Haldimand's (Private)
of 25th Oct r.1780.
•jgg Illustrative Documents
(210)
REPLY OF COMTE DE ROCHAMBEAU TO DEPUTIES OF THE INDIANS.
Reponce de Mr. le Comte de Rochambeau Commandant un Corps de Troupes de Sa
Majeste tres Chretienne aux Deputes des Nations Indiennes venues a New-port
Royal
Anns.
Nous, Jean Baptiste — Donatien De Vimeur, Cte de Rochambeau Lieutenant-General des
Armees du Roi, Grand5 Croix de TOrdre Royal & Militaire de S*. Louis, Gouverneur
de Ville franche, en Roussillon, commandant un 'Corps de Troupes de Sa Maje&te tres-
chretienne.
Le Roi de France Votre Pare n'a point oublie Ses Enfans, il m'a charge de presents
pour vos Deputes, comme marque de eon Souvenir. II a appris aves douleur que plu-
sieurs Nations trompees par les Artifices des Anglais Ses enneinis avoient attaque et
leve la hache contre Ses bons et fideles allies, les Etats Unis de TAmerique — II me charge
de vous declarer qu'il estrl'ami ferme et fidele de tons les amis des Ameriquains et
1'ennemi decide de tous leurs Ennemis. II espere de Ses Enians, qu'il aime tendrement,
qu'ils ne tiendront Jamais, dans cette guerre contre les Anglais, d'autre Parti que celui
de leur Pere./.
The King of France Your Father has not forgot his Children, in token of his remem-
brance, I have gifts -from him, for your Deputies, he Lea-rued with grief that some
Nations deceived by the English, who are his Enemies, had attacked and lifted up the
hatchet against his good and faithful Allies the United States — I am desired by him to
tell yon that, hp is tb,p. firm and fait.bfnl frienrl of their ^rieniHg and t.hp. Rworn enemy of
all its foes, he hopes that his Children, whom he loves sincerely will take part with him
in this War against the English, and never .side but with him who is their father.
le Cie. de Rochambeau
Fait a Newport, le 30 Aout 1780.
I' j Given under our hand and seal, the thirtieth of August 1780,
arms at New port in Rhode Island.
' Par Monseigneur
De Sibille
/Indorsed/ No. 3.
in Governor Haldimands' (Private)
af 25th Octr. 1780.
(211)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, p. 268.
\
Quebec,, 26th October, 1780.
Yours of the 9th September by Sea is Received with the papers enclosed which I
had not before seen, a similar one to the Indians has lately appeared here, w-Mch
indicates a real design upon this Province.— Not a word of the store & victualling .ships
expected this fall. I acknowledged your former letters in cypher by two in the same
manner over Land, which I fear have miscarried.— I try a new Route now, by which I
hope to hear ifrom you.
You will hear of the Alarm upon the Frontiers, I wish it may serve you. Forts Ann
& George are Destroyed.
Sir H. Clinton
'( in Cypher.)
(212)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 135, p. 154.
Quebec, Novr. 2d, 1780.
Sir
T have the Honour to acquaint you by His Excellency's desire that he is well pleased
earn that you are returned & likewise of his having sent Captain Le Maistre with
Illustrative Documents 187
all the Papers & full directions to enable you jointly to pursue the affairs he is charged
with & that it will be very material to discover exactly the Quantity of Provisions Mr.
Pii Calvet has collected at his Mill or other place with a design of assisting the Rebels
or any other matter that may shew the Viilany of that man.
I am &c.
R. B. Lernoult.
Major Carleton.
(213)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 283-5.
Quebec, (Nov. 1780?)
Sir,
The Trade fleet of 42 Ships sailed the 31st of May, it was separated, only 18 (are
arrived. — Another Fleet of Victuallers was soon to follow, a Rebel Paper says a large
ordnance Ship is sunk in Action, she answers the description otf the True Briton with
Naval Ordnance & the Stores most wanted here.
A scout from the Mohawk River informs that the Onidas instead of joining their
Confederacy in the Royal Interest which they came to Niagara to do, have, in a Body,
seized the Mohawks Land ,& are protecting the Harvest which is very plentiful, for
the use of the Rebels.
(214)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 150, pp. 89-90.
Quebec, Novr. 3rd, 1780.
Sir,
The Express from Halifax arrived here the 31st of Octroi return you many thanks
for your Letters -of the 29th & 30th of Septr. I am highly sensible of your kind 'atten-
tion in sending the Plan of an attack upon this Province. I had received from Admiral
Edwards such extracts from the dispatches of Congress which Mr. Laurens was carry-
ing to Europe as related to the checque of ye Enemy agst Canada & its Frontiers.
Tho5 the matter contained in them was not entirely new to me, it was very satisfactory
to have the Intelligence collected from different Quarters & various circumstances,
authenticated by s-uch undoubted Authority, it will serve to convince People at a dis-
tance of the Propriety of many measures useful for the defence of the Province which
without some such discover of the Enemy's intentions would perhaps appear super-
fluous. The great success that has attended His Majesty's Arms in the Southern parts
of America will rendej ye efforts of France & the Rebel Congress in all probability more
vigorous to make themselves masters of the northern parts. They have already taken
some steps which point that way. It is therefore incumbent to be prepared for the
Event & I hope you will continue your kindness in communicating to me every Intel-
ligence which you may learn of the Enemies Intentions or Preparations during the
Course of the Winter.
Governor Hughes.
I am &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
188 Illustrative Documents
(215)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 135, p. 156.
Quebec, 6th November, 1780.
Sir,
Capt. Le Maistre has Instructions to make every possible Inquiry towards a Dis-
covery of Mr. Du Calvet's Transactions — his being in confinement makes it necessary
some thing should done immediately. You will therefore in Conjunction with Capt. Le
Maistre use every possible means to collect from the Persons you have had employed
every circumstance which can militate against him or Pillion, having brought this
matter to such a Length, it were Pity the Pains which have been (taken should p.rove.
inffectual.
I am &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Major Carleton.
(216)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 147, pp. 272-5.
Quebec, 15th Novr. 1780.
Sir,
I take the Opportunity of a vessel sailing to New York to permit Ensign Drummond
of the 44th Regiment, who, I hear, is promoted in the Army under your Excellency's
Command to join his Regnut & he will have the Honor to deliver this Letter.
The enclosed are duplicates of notes I dispatched at different Times thro' the woods
which perhaps have not reached your Excellency. My Intention of sending out Detach-
ments upon the Frontiers has been successfully executed. .Sir John Johnson is
returned. He had different skirmishes with the Rebels in which they had above a
hundred Officers and men killed, amongst them a Colonel Brown, from the beginning
an inveterate & an active Rebel — above 60 are taken Prisoners. — -Sir John's Loss was
very inconsiderable, some Rangers, who were missing, having made their way to
Niagara — I am particular in the Account of this Little Affair from the Rebels having
circulated Reports of it very disadvantageous to us which will of course have reached
your Excellency.
The Crops at Schohary and the Mohawk River were never known to be so great
and as so little had been sent to Market and every grain destroyed for near 50 miles, it
is thought that the Enemy's Loss at a moderate computation cannot be less than
600,000 bushels of grain. This with the damage done by the Detachment under Major
(arleton and another of above 200 Indians, which marched at the same time for
Connecticut River & Destroyed 32 Barns full of grain and a Quantity of Live Stock,
will have greatly impoverished those Parts but will probably be an additional motive
lor the Enemy to attempt the Reduction of this Province for the security of their
frontiers.
I have just Received Advice pretty well authenticated that an attack is seriously
intended this Winter against Carleton Island in order by cutting off the Communication
lo Reduce the upper Posts and Indians — by the same Express I have the Misfortune
to learn that a fine new vessel carrying 16 Guns is totally lost upon Lake Ontario, either
by having overset or blowing up, and all the crew perished with Lieut. Col. Bolton of
the King's Regiment, Lieut. Colleton of the Royal Artillery, Lieut. Royce & 30 men
of the 34th Regt. Captain Andrews, who commanded the Vessel and the Naval Arma-
ment upon that Lake, (a zealous, active & intelligent officer) & 40 seamen. The Loss
of so many Good Officers and Men at this Period and /the disappointment of forwarding
Provisions for the Vast Consumption of the Posts I shall feel severely and I must
Request of your Excellency that if an Exchange of any Officers of the Army in this
Province should be effected at New York, you will have the Goodness to order them
to join their Regiment by the earliest opportunity — further assistance however neces-
sary it may happen to be I cannot in your present situation expect but must look for
it from home.
There are two small vessels arrived, which sailed with the fall Fleet but were
separated from it by a Gale of Wind seven weeks ago and give no further account of it,
xf it does not arrive in a few Days, I shall Despair of seeing it this year as the Winter
Illustrative Documents 189
seems to be set in. — I need not tell your Excellency the Disappointment this would be
to me, not only for the Supplies of Stores for the various Departments butt particularly
on account of Provisions, a difficulty I have struggled with ever since my arrival in
this Province. In order to feed the Troops in this Part of the Province I shall be under
the necessity of recalling Provisions from the Magazines at Montreal & Sorel where they
are deposited for the purpose of pushing on <to the upper Posts immediately after the
River is navigable, as their stores are generally exhausted by the first of June. — This
scarcity which the Victuallers not arriving must unavoidably occasion may have a very
fatal effect with the Indians and frustrate my hopes of increasing my strength by new
Levies which I shall not be able to support.
I shall be obliged to your Excellency to inform me if 'the Letter, I took the Liberty
to transmit to you for Genl. Washington, requiring you would forward or suppress it
as you might see necessary, was sent.
I have the Honor to be &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
His Excellency General Sir Henry Clinton.
(217)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 278-80.
16th Novr, 1780.
Sir Henry Clinton,
Sir,
An Idea has just struck me which if improved, I think may be highly advantageous
to the King's Service in this Province, in which I have to request Your Excellency's
assistance. — Genl Arnold having been frequently in this Province upon Business
before the breaking out of the Rebellion had an opportunity of being intimately known
to and forming connections with the Inhabitants both French and English, particularly
at Montreal. — In his Military Capacity he distinguished himself at the Siege of this
Place and in other Parts of this Province by which he acquired the perfect confidence
of the disaffected Inhabitants, and of course took the Advantage of retaining them as
Emissaries in the Rebel Interest.
I have suspected many Persons to be concerned in this Business which has been a
continual source of Inconvenience and disappointment to the service but by the Art
and Secrecy of those employed & many of them being under the Influence of Religion,
all my efforts to discover them have been ineffectual and tho' I have confined some
upon well founded suspicion yet I cannot find Proofs sufficient to justify my making an
Example.
Before the French Alliance I suspected the Jesuits and some few of the Clergy —
since I ;am 'Confident that the greatest part of them have cantered, warmly into the
Interest of the Rebellion & it is much to be feared find means to correspond with the
Enemy. — there is a person in Custody, one Charles Hay, (brother to Mr. Hay, Quarter.
Master Genl in the Rebel Service), a Monsr. Du Calvet and a Monsr Cazeau, against
whom there are strong presumptive Proofs. — Mr. Arnold must from his Intimacy with
the former have a knowledge of his Brother's Transactions with the Enemy — and from
the resentment he has discovered at the fate of Major Andre, of which he was the
innocent Cause, as well as the change of his Political Ideas manifested in his address
to the Public, I should think he will not hesitate candidly to give Your Excellency
<^very Information in his Power, by which a discovery may be made and a stop put to
the Intercourse which certainly subsists between this Province and the Principals in
Rebellion. If Genl. Arnold should have removed from New York, I entreat Your
Excellency will, nevertheless, Transact this Business with Him, the result of which I
shall wait for with the utmost Impatience. I enclose a list of the People most suspected
here and at Montreal.
I have the Honor to be &c.
In case the service should have called Your Excellency from New York, I shall
take the Liberty to direct this Letter eventually to Genl. Robertson.
190 Illustrative Documents
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALD1MAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 57-2, pp. 309-14.
Quebec, 28th Nov., 1780.
Lord George Germain.
My Lord.
Ae this will be the last opportunity of writing to you by the way of the River St.
Lawrence, I embrace it to express myself freely and fully on the situation of -this
Province Every day gives me more and more reason to think that an Invasion is
intended early in the Summer. The more the affairs of the Enemy are desperate in the
Southern Colonies, the more they will find it necessary to use every effort to make
themselves Masters of Canada, it is their last resource & if their efforts should succeed,
they would soon recover their losses to the Southward. The large Body of Indians which
we'have employed against them & which has prevented thousands of their best men
from joining Washington's Army, would be for them by the Assistance & Intrigues of
their French Allies, which I see daily increasing, the Rebels would find resources for
the War from this Country, which from a variety of Accidents & circumstances, we have
hitherto been unable to procure, was the Defence which I am able to make confined
solely to that of Quebec, it would not be so difficult, but My Lord, I have a very
extensive Province to secure which from its Local circumstances is vulnerable in many
places and what is still worse, if any of these places are Attacked & Carried by the
Enemy, the others fall of course from the impossibility of communication, of sending
supplies of Provisions to them, Thus, My Lord, if Carleton Island should fall into the
Enemy's Hands, Niagara & Detroit would infallibly be lost, for with all the Industry
& Attention, which I have employed to that object, I have not been able to furnish
these Po,s!tis with Provisions for mor« than it-he Commencement of next Spring. On the
other hand if the Enemy should penetrate into the Province by a road which they have
been some time making and which is now greatly advanced from the Cohoes to the Bay
of Misissqui, I must have a Body of Troops to oppose their further progress, otherwise
Montreal, which is totally indefensible, would fall into their Hands & would be
attended with the same fatal consequences to the Upper Posts as the loss of Carleton
island. — Your Lordship will observe that this is even upon the supposition that Isle
aux Noix, St. Johns & Sore-1 should be GO well garrisoned as that the Enemy should
•think it imprudent to attempt them. Your Lordship will see the necessity of sending
the reinforcement which I mentioned in my former Dispatches & which I hope will
consist of British Regiments, if I can be enabled to establish a strong Post at Oswego,
of which from want of Provisions, I now despair, & after garrisoning Quebec, have a
Body of men sufficient to oppose the Enemy upon their penetrating into the Country,
by the Bay of Misissqui or St. Francois, or at least to cover St. Johns, Chambly and
Sorel, I hope every attempt on the part of the Enemy will be frustrated. Aware of the
danger I shall neglect nothing which I think. can be of use to the Service or correspond
to the confidence which my Royal Master has put in me. My first care must be to
secure the Provisions in the 'Country, the foreseeing of the present circumstances made
me wish so much that the Legislative Council would have fixed the Price of Wheat
and Flour by Ordinance, nothing so easily accomplished last year, or so grateful to
the People, nine tenths of whom were under the necessity of purchasing Flour for their
daily subsistence and would have considered themselves under obligation to the
Government which could protect them against Oppression, now the People have enough
tor their own Families & the measures which would last year have been considered a
benefit for the People, would now be attributed solely to my attention to the King's
Interest. — From the Disappointment of the Second Provision Fleet, I have been obliged
to change my Plan by sending back Troops destined for this District and have been
under the necessity of bringing down to Quebec & its neighbourhood Provisions which
I had sent to Montreal & Sorel 'to be ready for Transportation in the Spring to the
Upper Countries. I intend to feed the Troops whenever it is possible upon Fresh
Provisions, both with a view to 'save Salt Provisions and as being the manner least
hurtful or invidious to prevent an Enemy from meeting with succours upon their
arrival in the Province, in the Parishes below Quebec, this, especially if the Commis-
sary General can make an agreement with the Inhabitants to furnish the Soldiers
quartered on them with Bread, will be sufficient, but other methods must be taken with
the rich & plentiful Parishes on the River Chambly & Sorel & where the Invasion is
most likely to take place. I intend with the advice of the Council to issue a Proclama-
tion ordering the Inhabitants to thresh their own Grain by a certain day, so that on
me Approach of an Enemy, it & the cattle may be easily conveyed to Sorel to be put
Illustrative Documents 191
under the protection of the Troops & the Militia of the Country, who. will be ordered to
rendezvous there. Though at the same time I must acknowledge to Your Lordship I
nave no confidence in being able to collect many of (the latter. I am certain there is
frequent intercourse by letter or message between the French or Rebel Generals in
Rhode Island and some of the Priests & Jesuits, assisted by some disaffected old
subjects whom with all my industry I could not discover. And tho' the Noblesse will
probably behave well, I make no doubt there are many Inhabitants, in each Parish,
who would swerve from their Allegiance upon the Approach of a French Army.
Severity & rigor will be necessary and in Proportion my Conduct has hitherto been
rrild & forbearing, it will be the reverse if I find that no other means can preserve the
Province. — I am too jealously & gratefully devoted to the Service of the King and the
Biitish nation to neglect any measure which may in my opinion contribute to the good
of 'the Service, tho' it may expose myself to censure from Persons not acquainted with
the circumstances.
I do not intend to renew the Proclamation for delaying the Foy & Homage which
will soon expire but will instruct the Deputy ,Recr. General not to enforce Payment of
the Quinits due, which from being so long neglected & delayed would distress some of
the Seigneurs, tho' the Acts de Foy & Homage may be necessary to impress by Law
fJ->eir ancient usages upon their minds the Allegiance due to their Sovereign.
I have 'the honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
(219)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 129, pp. 200-1.
Montreal, 28th Decber, 1780.
S*r.
I am favoured with your Letter of the 25th Instant, and shall follow His Excellency,
the Commander in Chiefs Orders respecting Cardinal.
The Business of the Captain and Lieut, of Militia I know to be a Civil matter and
f only transmitted it as coming to me from Lieut. Colonel St. George, who told me at
the same time <that he had wrote to Mr. Baby on the same subject. Colonel Silvester
I believe is a very honest man and meant well but I find that he and Mons. St. 'George
never are of the same opinion and as the Latter is the execute man (and indeed the
only usefull man among the Militia Officers in "this District) I have managed matters
so as to keep Silvester quiete and St. George did all the Business. On the present case
Mr. St. George recommended the two men. I have transmitted it to His Excellency,
bhould I now apply ito Mr. Silvester its possible he may name People different from
those already mentioned by Mr. St. George, who is certainly much Better acquainted
with the People than Colonel Silvester.
I have mentioned those particulars for His Excellency's Information and shall say
nothing "to Colonel Silvester till the return of the Post. I have no Interest in the
Question but the Good of the Service.
I have the Honor to be, &.
Allan Maclean.
Lftptain Mathews.
.(220)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. 18, p. 130. :
Copy of a Letter (in Cypher) from Sir Henry Clinton to His Excellency -General
Haldimand, -dated New York, 9th November & Received at Quebec the 29th December,
1780.
By Intelligence lately an Attempt against Canada is probably intended as soon
as the Winter is so far set in as to render Naval transactions on the Coast improbable,
as the French under Rochambault will Compose the Principal Part of the Armament.
— I am inclined to credit the Accounts. — I hear of a Combination being formed in
Canada by the Inhabitants to join him. As from the difficulty of 'Carriage the Arma-
ment intended against 'Canada will probably be obliged to trust to the Country for
Supplies of Flour and other Provisions I submit to Your Excellency whether it would
not be of moment to take from the Inhabitants every Article of that Sort except what
may be absolutely requisite for the Support of their Families.
192 Illustrative Documents
(221)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 287-8.
Copy of a Letter in Cypher to Sir Henry Clinton dated Quebec 3rd Jany 81 & sent
by his return Express.
I have yours of the ninth Novr. acquainting me of the French and Kebels Design
under Monsr. Rochambalt.— I shall employ every means in my Power to defeat it.—
The greatest difficulty I have to struggle 'with c'est le want of Provisions.— pas un seul
Ship of the last Fleet having arrived, I am prevented forming magazines and raising
Canadians as I intended.— II y a long Terns que je suis convaincu qu il y a une com-
bination you mention but never have been able to discover the Principals. I must fear
qu'elle est soutenue par le Clergy.— the most dangerous agents and the most difficult
to discover. Pour raccoursir -cette Letter I have directed the Bearer, (who, Major
Holland assures me may be trusted,) to tell you verbally the situation of Affairs here,
and whatever he shall pick up on his way back, which I request you will let me know
as soon as possible.
The only aid I can expect from you will be an attempt upon Rhode Island or a
Feint of it, should a large Detachment of French Troops be sent from thence.
(222)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 95, pp. 94-9.
Quebec, 5th Jany, 1781.
Sir,
Upon consideration of what Your Excellency was pleased to 'Communicate to
me verbally the 2d Instant respecting Intelligence received from the Southward the
28th & 29th of last month, and what you proposed to be done in "Consequence I think
it my Duty to observe that an Ordinance passed in Council or a Proclamation from
yourself as Commander in Chief of the Forces to the Inhabitants in General to thresh
their Wheat appears to me equally improper and impolitick, what end could it answer
but to alarm the People, encourage Cabals, and give time to Enemies of Government
for distressing it effectually.
If nevertheless Your Excellency is fully bent upon ordering the Grain to be threshed
the best 'way would be to appoint the Officers in whom you can most confide to take
certain Districts under their command & to order the Captains as well as other Officers
of the Militia within the Districts so alloted to them to obey those Officers & every
command they receive from them, these Officers to be instructed on a 'Certain day to
order the Habitans through their own Captains and other Officers of the several
Parishes within their respective Districts to thresh. However, you will please observe
that this is offered as rather a more eligible method than the two before mentioned.
I neither advise or recommend the measure in any shape whatever.
The Plain, simple and easy Method of filling your own Magazines and depriving
those attached to the American Cause from amassing Provisions for their Friends is to
employ honest men not immediately in the service of Government to purchase wheat
in the Country with Ready Money upon Commissions at the most moderate price they
can procure it, particularly in the parts most accessible to the Enemy, when pur-
chased they will have a right to order it to be threshed & conveyed to the Magazines
you chuse to have it deposited in.
This will be more agreeable to the Spirit of the British Government, better adapted
to the exigencies of the times and can bring no Distress upon the Inhabitants o,f the
S°?? £ 'whose welfare and Happiness you are bound as well as all the other Servants
the Crown to study and peruse, the difference of a few Thousands to Great Britain
at such a time can never enter into any sort of competition with the Weight and
Influence, Sound Policy and the National Interest direct to be preserved in this Pro-
vince, while she retains any footing in America.
The more I think of the Enemy's invading this Province in Winter, the more
impracticable it appears to me they can execute it in any degree of Force, but should
ohntln OffiPpen7iuin^it' ^ey might feed it wiih small Parties of picked men and some
fnr I * Office^ to ?^d a*d direct them till the Season proved favourable to pushing
forward, would not the threshing of the Grain by whatever Method inforcedf which
Illustrative Documents . 193
the Habitans would expect to be followed by Taxation of it already debated in .Council
and lost by one Voice only, lay .a Foundation for something of that sort. I am sure
at least it would lead them to conceal or perhaps destroy it, rather than be deprived
of their expected Price, for no men in the world are more governed by the love oi
gain than the Canadian Peasantry.
Whenever you receive certain Intelligence of the Enemy moving to invade the
Province it would be right I think to proclaim Martial Law as the best means of
keeping the Inhabitants in a due subjection to their Duty, this step might be taken
without consulting the Council, in such situations a decisive 'Conduct & vigorous
measure are the most likely to be attended with success.
I am, &c.
H. T. Cramahe.
His Excellency,
General Haldimand.
(223)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 95, pp. IOO-I.
Sir,
I have considered your Letter -of the 5th of this month and have given Attention
to ye Reasons which you urge agst the Proclamation which I proposed to issue with
the 'concurrence of the Council obliging the Inhabitants to thrash their Grain without
loss of time.
The Method you propose is too slow in its operation for the present Exigence. The
Inhabitants never sell their Wheat till ye month of March and have been already
instructed by the Emissaries otf the Enemy and the Engrossers to keep it up, after the
Intelligence which Sir Henry Clinton has sent and which I have communicated to you,
it would be in my opinion an unpardonable negligence to lose time in taking measures
\vhich may tend to deprive the Enemy of the means of subsistence. In Issuing the
Proclamation we only follow the example given by the King's Council when the Enemy
threatened to invade Britain. In Regard to alarmting the minds odt the People it is in
vain to think of preventing it, ye changing the Quarters of ye Troops in order to
Assemble a number sufficient to prevent ye Enemy from penetrating tp Montreal, it is
unavoidable. I have the greatest Reluctance to proclaim Martial Law, any rate it
never could be advisable till ye Invasion takes place and then it is to-c; late to advise
ye People to thresh their Grain, the only alternative then would be to destroy the Prop-
erty of the King's subjects, and this it is my Duty to prevent. I natter myself yt ye
King's Council and other his faithful subjects wall give me such Assistance as will for-
ever irender ye Proclamation of Martial Law unnecessary.
Experience has hitherto shewn in America that it is not an Effective Measure to keep
ye People in subjection and obedience. Vigorous and decisive measures, unanimity in
ye King's Council & in ye Officers olf Government may have that effect and I request
from ye Lieut. Governor every assistance in forw/arding measures which I think neces-
sary for the King's Service.
(Unsigned and undated.)
(224)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, January 18, 1781.
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
FREDERICK HALDIMAND,
Captain-general and Governor in Chief of his Majesty's Province of QUEBEC, and the
Territories depending thereon in AMERICA; Vice-admiral of the same. General and
Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Farces in the said Province and the Frontiers
thereof, &c. &c.
3573—13
194
Illustrative Documents
PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS the safety of the property of his Majesty's liege Subjects, and the neces-
sary deifence of this province, may speedily require that all Grain, Cattle and Provi-
sions, which might in" any degree favor or afford succour to an Invasion in this Prov-
ince by the King's subjects in Rebellion, should be deposited in Places of Security, for
Protection and Defence by the King's Troops under my Command;
Therefore, with the advice of his Majesty's Council, I have published this Proclama-
tion, requiring all hie -Majesty's faithful subjects, to prepare without Delay for such
an Event ; by diligently causing their Grain of what kind soever, to be forthwith threshed
and prepared, ready to be transported,- if needful, to such Places of Security as may be
judged proper, for the safety of the same, and the necessary defence -oif the province.
His Majesty's Subjects will answer a"t their Peril and Risk the Disobedience of an
Injunction requisite and made for the Preservation of their property, and the Security
and Defence of the province.
The several 'Captains and other Officers of Militia are hereby commanded to use all
Diligence in causing this Proclamation to be carried into speedy and due Execution ;
And that without Delay they do severally proceed to take an exact account from all
and every his Majesty's Subjects, and who are hereby strictly enjoined to grant the
same, in the several Parishes throughout this Province, of the Number of Cattle and the
several Kinds thereof. Also of the Quantity of Grain and Flour, which respectively
may be in the possession of all and every person and persons in the said Parishes.
The said Captains of Militia are further commanded speedily to make return of
their several Proceedings herein ; those in the District of QUEBEC to Mr. Dupre, Colonel
of Militia; those of Three Rivers to Mr. Tonancourt, Colonel of Militia; those otf the
District of Montreal on the North side of the River St. Lawrence to Mr. Neveu Sevestre,
Colonel of Militia; and those in the said District on the South side of the said River
to the Officer commanding his Majesty's Troops at Sorel.
GIVEN under my Hand and Seal at Arms in Council, at the Castle of Saint Lewis,
this fifteenth day of January One Thousand seven hundred and eighty-one, and in the
twenty-first year of His Majesty's Reign.
FRED: HALDIMAND.
By His Excellency's Command,
GEO; POWNALL, Secy.
GOD SAVE THE KING.
(225)
LA GAZETTE DE QUEBEC.
JEUDI, le 18 Janvier, 1781.
PAR SON EXCELLENCE.
FREDERIC HALDIMAND,
Capitaine-genieral et Gouverneur en Chef de sa Ma/jeste en la Province de QUEBEC et
Territoires en dependans en AMERIQUE; Vice-amiral d'icelle general et Commandant
en Chef des Troupes de sa Majeste en la dite Province et Frontieres, &c. &c.
PROCLAMATION.
La surete des proprdetes apartenans aux Fidels Sujets de sa Majeste et la defence de
eette Province, pouvant 'exiger que tous les Grains, Bestiaux et Den/rees quelconques
necessaires a la vie, qui pouraient favoriser et aider les sujets Rebels de sa Majeste
dans 1'invasion de cette Province, soierit deposes en lieux surs pour etre proteges et
defendus par les troupes du Roi qui so-nt sous mes ordres;
A ces causes, de 1'avis du Conseil de sa Majeste, je fais publier cette Proclamation,
qui ordonne a tous les fidels sujets de sa Majeste, pour se preparer sans delai *a un tel
evenemeint, pour etre diligemment transportes en cas de besoin, dans tels endroits de
surete; qui se-ront juges convenable, pour leur conservation et la defense de la Pro-
vince.
Que les sujets de sa Majes.te repondront a leurs risques, et perils et fortunes de la
^-sobeissance qu'ils comanettront a cet o,rdre, sorti et donnie pour la conservation de
leurs proprietes et pour la surete et defence de la Province.
[1 est ordonne par ces presentes a tous Capitaines et Officers des Milioes de fair,e
dans leurs Paroisses respectives, toutes leurs diligences, afin de mettre incessamment
Illustrative Documents 195
eette Proclamation en execution, et de proceder incontinent chacun dans leurs dife-
rentes Paroisses, a prendre de tous et chacun sujets de .sa Majeste un etat exact de la
quantite des Grains et Bestiaux et de leurs diferentes especes, .comm'aussi de la quan-
tite des Grains et Farines qui seront dans la possession de tous et chacuns particuliers,
auxquels il est par ces presentes rigoureusement ordonne de donner tel etat.
11 est en outre ordonne aux dits Capitaines des Milices de faire le plutot possible
le raport de leurs demarches a cet egard; ceux du District de Quebec >a Mr. Dupre,
Colonel de,s Milices; ceux des Trois Rivieres a Mr. Tonanoourt, Colonel des Milices;
ceux du district de Montreal du cote du Nord du Fleuve St., Laurent a Mr. Neveu
Sevestre Colonel des Milices; et iCeux du dit District du cote du Sud du dit Fleuve a
FOfficier commandant les troupes de sa Majeste a Sorel.
Donne sous mon Seing et le Sceau de mes Armes en Conseil au Chateau St. Louis, le
quinzieme jour de Janvier mil sept cens quatre vingt un, et dans la vingt-unieme annee
du Regne de sa Majeste.
(Signe) FRED; HALDIMAND.
Par Ordre de Son Excellence,
(Signe) GEO. POWNALL, Secre.
Traduit par Ordre de Son Excellence
F. ,1. CUGNET. S.F.
VIVE LE ROI.
(226)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 154, pp. 285-6.
15th Jany, 1781.
Sir,
I am directed by the General to acquaint you that a Proclamation has this day
passed in Council and will be immediately issued, directing that the Inhabitants
immediately thresh out their grain with a view to prevent its falling into the Enemy's
Hands should an invasion of the Province take place, by forming Magazines for its
Security. His Excellency's Intentions and preparations for that Exigency you are
sufficiently acquainted with, he therefore desires that on your way from St. Johns you
will minutely examine the store houses at Sorell and estimate the quantity of grain
they will contain, and what provision can be made for the stores which at present
occupy them, and as He purposes as soon as' the Roads will permit to have the
Prisoners removed from Chambjy, and thinks itt would be a commodious situation
for a Magazine he desires you will .make the like observations at that place (without
letting it be understood), Report to him your opinion of the advantages and disadvan-
tages which may attend these situations.
I am &c.
R. Mathews.
Captain Twiss.
(227)
ORDINANCE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
Anno vicesimo primo Georgii III Regis.
Chap. II 1.
4N ORDINANCE for further continuing an ordinance made the twenty-ninth day
of March in the seventeenth year of His Majesty's Reign intitled "An Ordinance for
regulating the Militia" of the province of Quebec, and rendering it of more general
Utility "towards the Preservation and Security thereof."
Be it enacted and ordained by his Excellency the Governor by and with the advice
and consent of -the Legislative Council of the province of Quebec, and by the Authority
3573— 13£
196 Illustrative Documents
of the same IT IS HEREBY ENACTED That an Ordinance made in the seventeenth
year of hS Majesty's reign, intitled "An Ordinance for regulating the Militia" of the
Province of Quebec, and Tendering it of more general utility "towards the preservation
and Security thereof" and every Article and Clause ' therein contained shall be and
continue, and the same is hereby further continued from< the passing of this present
Ordinance, unto the .thirtieth Day of April, which will be in the year of our Lord, one
thousand seven hundred and Eighty three.
Ordained and enacted by the Authority aforesaid .and passed in council under the
public Seal of the province, at the council chamber in the Castle of St. Lewis in the
City of Quebec the twentieth day of January in the twenty first Year of the Reign o;
our Sovereign Lord George the third by the Grace of God of >Great Britain France and
Ireland King Defender of the faith, and so forth, and in the Year of our Lord One
thousand Seven hundred and Eighty One.
By his Excellency's command.
1 Ordinances, P. of Q. 1780-1781 (Can. Arch.)
(228)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
February 15, 1781.
To His Excellency FREDERICK HALDIMAND, Captain^General and commander in
Chief of His Majesty's Province of QUEBEC and the Territories depending thereon in
AMERICA, Vice-Admiral of the same. 'General and 'Commander in Chief of His
Majesty's Forces in the said Province and Frontiers thereof, &c, &c, &c.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY.
We His Majesty's Faithful and Loyal Subjects the British Inhabitants of Montreal,
in Town Meeting assembled, beg leave to address your Excellency on your Proclamation
in Council.— We thank your Excellency for having made publick the intelligence you
have received, that the King's Subjects in Rebellion intend to invade this Province,
we shall thereby foe more particularly on our Guard, and as it is our duty, 'so it is our
wish to discover their Emissaries, aiders or abettors within the Province. When we
consider the Calamities of War and tne Oppressions which OUT fellow Subjects in the
neighbouring Colonies are still suffering, under the arbitrary tyranny of their leaders,
we cannot but acknowledge the blessings of a Constitutional 'Government, which we
have the happiness to enjoy under your Excellency's Administration and attention to
our Interests from your unwearied endeavours to protect our Trade. We cannot then
forbear to express our detestation of an Attempt which must disturb our Peace, but
when we consider your Excellency's constant care to repair and augment the fortifica-
tions, when we consider the number of well disciplined troo(ps in the Province we have
the most sanguine Expectation that the design of the Enemy will be frustrated. It only
rests with us to assure your Excellency of our hearty concurrence with any measure,
that tend to the Protection and safety of the Province, and that we cheerfully submit
to be regulated in such «nanner as you may think will best answer that end.
Montreal, 29th January, 1781.
HIS EXCELLENCY'S ANSWER.
•Quebec, 5th February, 1781.
Gentlemen; —
" I have received your address and return you thanks for the sentiments of Loyalty
' to the King and of attachment to his 'Government which are expressed in it. My
' best endeavours 'will be exerted to secure to the Inhabitants of this Province the
' continuance of the blessings of Peace and Industry. It is with great Satisfaction that
' I 'Consider tihe Unanimity and Zeal which prevail amongst the Inhabitants of Mont-
' real. They may be assured that whenever their Services becomes necessary, I will be
' happy in every opportunity to reward such of them as shall distinguish themselves in
'the Defence of tihe Province.
Montreal, January 29, 1781.
To his Excellency FREDERICK HALDIMAND, Captain-general and Commander in
Chief of the Province of Quebec, and the Territories thereon depending; Vice-Admiral
Illustrative Documents 197
of the same. General' and iCommander in Chief of His Majesty's Forces in the said
Province and the Frontiers, &c, &c, &c,
MAY IT PLEASE YOUK EXCELLENCY.
We, his Majesty's Faithful and Loyal New Subjects, the Citizens o,f the town of
Montreal, beg leave to address your Excellency on your Proclamation in Council. We
thank your Excellency for having made public the intelligence you have received that
the Rebels intend to make an attack upon this Province; we shall thereby be more
on our guard, and as it is our duty, so it is pur wish to discover their emissaries and
all who may be inclined to aid or abet them in this country.
When we consider the calamities of war and the oppressions which our' fellow-
subjects in the neighbouring Provinces are still suffering under the tyranny of their
Leaders, we 'cannot but acknowledge the happiness of a Constitutional Government
which we enjoy under your Excellency's 'administration, and attention to our interests
from your endeavours to protect our trade.
Wherefore we detest a design which must disturb the peace of the Province; but
when we reflect on your Excellency's constant care to repair and augment the fortifica-
tions, and the number of well disciplined Troops now in the -country, we have the
most sanguine expectation that the attempts Oif the enemy will be frustrated.
We have only to add our assurances to your Excellency, that we will heartily
concur in the measures which may best tend to the security of the ^country, and that we
submit ourselves to be regulated in such manner as your Excellency may think most
proper to answer that end.
HIS EXCELLENCY'S ANSWER.
Gentlemen,
" I have received your Address, and I return you Thanks for the sentiments of
" Loyalty and Attachment you express .for his Majesty's Person and Government; and
" it is with real satisfaction I remark the unanimous zeal of the Inhabitants of Mont-
" real on those objects. On my part I shall 'Continue to use my utmost endeavours
'* .to insure, the tranquillity oif the Province* and secure its Inhabitants in the full enjoy-
" ment of the fruits of their industry: -and if, in order to obtain so desirable an end, I
" should have occasion for their assistance, I shall make it my duty to reward those
" who may distinguish themselves in the King's service."
Quebec, 5th February, 1781.
To the Gentlemen, Citizens, &c. of the town of Montreal.
To His Excellency FREDERICK HALDIMAND, Governor and Commander in Chief
of His Majesty's Forces in the Province of Quebec, and the Frontiers thereof, &c, &c
&c.
We His Majesty's faithful and Loyal British subjects, the 'Gentlemen, Merchants
and Traders inhabitants of Quebec, beg leave to assure your Excellency at this Crisis,
when the hostile designs of our infatuated and deluded Brethren of the neighbouring
Provinces against the Peace of this Colony are in some degree apparent, that we will
under your Excellency's directions strenuously exert ourselves to the utmost of our
Power, to render abortive every Attempt and frustrate every Intention to disturb
the Tranquillity ithiat happily exists throughout every p»art of this Province.
It is with great pleasure 'that we .acknowledge the Wisdom of your Excellency's
late Measures to defeat the Enemy's obtaining any Succours upon our Frontiers, and
it is with real satisfaction that we see all the People so chear.fully adopt -the Views of
your Excellency.
We are convinced that whilst Unanimity subsists amongst the numerous Inhabitants
of this Province, there is little to be feared from the Operations of an Enemy acting
and held together only by compulsion, ,and who are forcibly made the Engines of
Oppressions to others at the Moment they themselves are most oppressed.
We consider ourselves peculiarly happy to enjoy under your Excellency's Govern-
ment the blessings of Peace; at a time when every part of America suffers the terrible
Effects of Rebellion and its consequent Calamities. We repose a perfect Confidence
in your Excellency's pursuing those means that may best ensure its Continuance and
we will with the utmost chearfulness support your Excellency with our Lives and
Fortunes against all His Majesty's Enemies.
Quebec, 6th February, 1781.
198 Illustrative Documents
HIS EXCELLENCY'S ANSWER.
Quebec, 7th February, 1781.
Gentlemen,
" I return you thanks for this Loyal Address. It is 'with great satisfaction that I
' consider the unanimity which prevails amongst His Majesty's Subjects in the different
' parts of the Province. From their united efforts, the best founded hope may be
' entertained that the designs of 'the Rebels ag>ains't the peace and tranquillity of the
' Province will be frustrated. •
" The exertions which the Citizens of Quebec made on a former occasion in defence
' of their Liberties and Properties, are -to me the strongest assurance that they will
' chearfully concur in every measure which can conduce to the safety of the Province
' and the good of the King's service."
To the Gentlemen, Merchants and Traders, Inhabitants of Quebec.
To His Excellency FREDERICK HALDIMAND, Captain-general and Governor in
Chief of the Province of Quebec, and the Territories thereon depending in America;
Vice-admiral of the same. General and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Forces
in the Province and Frontiers, &c. &c. &c.
We, New Subjects, the principal 'Citizens of the City of Quebec, take the liberty
most respectfully to represent to your Excellency, that it is with the greatest Surprise
and the Highest Indignation we learn from your Excellency's Proclamation that the
enemies of the State are still threatening this Province with an Invasion, and make
it share the calamities and miseries of a cruel war, which has for several years past
desolated the neighbouring Provinces.
We heartily embrace this opportunity to assure your Excellency, that, always
steady in our duty and 'faithful to the Oath we have . taken to his Most Excellent
Majesty, we 'will use our utmost endeavours to oppose their Invasion, which cannot
but involve us, as well as the (inhabitants of the country, in the most deplorable
condition.
We most sincerely thank your Excellency for the judicious precautions you have
taken to put this Province in >a respectable state of defence, and for the wise purposes
of your Proclamation, tending to the preservation of the property of the inhabitants.
We conclude by assuring you that, ever zealous and grateful, we will never cease
praying for your Excellency's health, prosperity and preservation.
HIS EXCELLENCY'S ANSWER.
Gentlemen,
" I Receive with real satisfaction your assurance of inviolable attachment to the
|| King's service; the unanimous zeal of his Majesty's Ancient and New Subjects can
"alone insure to us the tranquility and welfare of this Province; and in case our
" enemies should attempt to disturb it, the conduct of the inhabitants of Quebec in
" 1775, is to me proof of their fidelity."
Quebec, llth February, 1781.
To the Gentlemen principal Citizens of the New Subjects of the City of Quebec.
(229)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 290-1.
Anxious to hear from you to guard against Accidents I dispatch the Bearer with a
Triplicate of my Letter by your last Express. He thinks he can intercept a weekly
Courier from Washington to Albany. I wish it may happen on his way to you. — Every
thing quiet here. — I have scouts abroad to watch the motion of the Enemy upon Every
Route by which (they can enter the (Province and I have taken Precautions to distress
them should an Attempt be made.— Not a word from Halifax.— I begin to fear that my
dispatches by the Fleet said to have put in there in Novr. are taken.— We have frequent
and false Reports of Affairs to the southward spread here to influence the Ignorant
& Indians.— a few lines from Your Excellency upon any material Occurrence would
enable me to prevent their Effects.
: hope you rec'd my Letters of the 15th Novr by Ens. Drummond. I requested
your endeavours to procure from Mr. Arnold some information of the disaffected
subjects in this Province.— his private and public Transactions could not .fail to give
Illustrative Documents 199
him a perfect knowledge of Them.— He may depend upon my not making use of his
Name but a& he should permit. — I have presumptive Proofs against some of them but
none that would justify making an Example nor am I able to procure such with Every
Effort in my Power to make.
.Quebec, 7th Feby.
Fred. Haldimand.
Endorsed:— 1781
Sir Henry Clinton.
Semt by B. Davis.
the 7th Feby.
(230)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, February 15, 1781.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
SECRETARY'S-OFFICE, QUEBEC, 14th February, 1781.
IN CONSIDERATION OF THE BADNESS OF THE SEASON, AND for the greater
conveniency of those persons who have not yet been able to give their attendance at
the Castle St. Lewis in (the City of Quebec, for the purpose of rendering Fealty and
Homage, (which 'they owe to his Majesty agreable 'to <the Order of his 'Excellency the
Governor and Commander in Chief of this! Province, dated the 28th of December Last';)
I am directed by His Excellency, to signify his Pleasure (to the persons concerned, that
he does hereby prolong the time for the purposes above-mentioned until the end
of May next, before which time His Excellency requires that all persons concerned do
give their attendance for thait purpose.
GEO. POWNALL, Sec'ry.
LA GAZETTE DE QUEBEC. j
JEUDI, le 15 Fevrier, 1781.
AVERT1SSEMENTS.
DU SECRETARIAT, A QUEBEC, ILE 14 Fevrier, 1781.
EN CONSIDERATION DE LA IMAUVAIS SAISON, ET POUR la plus grande
comodite de ceux qui n'ont point encor pu venir au 'Chateau St. Louis en la ville de
Quebec pour rendre et porter la Foi et Homage qu'ils doivent a sa Majeste suivant lee
ordres de son Excelence le Gouverneur et Commandant en Chef de cette Province, en
date du^28 Decembre dernier, II m'a ordonne d'avertir les particuliers qui y sont
interesses qu'il prolonge par <ces presences le terras- mention-no aux dits, ordres juisqu'>a lia
fin de Mai prochain; avant lequel terns son Excellence ondo/nne a tous ceux qui y son't
intereases de venir a oet effert.
(fiigne) GEO. POWNALL, Seer.
Traduit par Ordre de eon Excellence,
F. J. CUGNET. S.F.
(232)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 154, pp. 122-3.
Sorell, Feby 26, 1781.
Sir,
The Duties of my Profession so constantly engross my attention that I have no
opportunity of becoming sufficiently acquainted with the Private Principles of the
Inhabitants to discover whether any material change has taken place in their (senti-
ments respecting Government but in my late tour I thought I perceived that many
dread the approach of the French and Rebels and that few or none wished for it.
2QQ Illustrative Documents
Your Excellency's Proclamation has certainly been a great means of reducing the Price
of Corn and has likewise had other good effects without being attended with any bad
consequences at least as far as I am capable of judging.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Wm. Twiss.
His Excellency,
General Haldimand.
(233)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, p. 292.
Quebec, the 28th Feby, 1781.
in Cypher by Quin. No. 3.
Every thing here quiet. — Necessary Preparations' to receive the enemy were made
with little etir.— I am now assured that the Invasion has failed solely irom the Eebels
not having fulfilled their Engagement — they h-ave^ however, Lately sent some cannon
to Fort Stanwix. Dissentions prevail in the Kebel Troops thro'out the Provinces &
those at Philadelphia have quitted their Army. I have been put upon my Guard by
an Intelligent & staunch friend at Albany against the People of Vermont, (with whom
I have been some time in Treaty), who seek to deceive both the Congress & the Koyal
I shall spare no Pains to work upon those- People & if I succeed I shall not fail
to tell you of it, but I have great doubts.
Endorsed : —
Letter in Cypher to Sir Henry 'Clinton,
of 28th feby.
(234)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 154, pp. 334-5. •
Captain Twiss begs leave 'to mention to His Excellency that he thinks it necessary
that orders be sent to the Captains of Militia.
at Kamouraska.
That he give every possible assistance and employ all the best Carpenters in his
Parish in order to raise the Arch of the new Bridge before the Ice goes— otherwise this
work will cost double Labour and the Inhabitants will be taken from Sowing their
Lands to finish the Bridge.
at River du Loup,
That they immediately cut, square, and draw to the spot where the Bridge is pro-
posed to be built, as much Timber as will entirely compleat the two Buttments which
are proposed to be executed in July
Before the snow goes this Parish should be particularly attentive that all the
Timber they have already cut and squared in the Woods for this new Bridge should be
d,raw flout of the Woods and laid in heaps, so ias to be most (convenient to be drawn on
the first snow next fall, otherwise it is more than probable all this Timber will be burnt
during the Summer and the Parish will be burdened with a great additional Labour
to replace it.
Endorsed :
Memorandum from Captain Twiss.
Illustrative Documents 201
(235)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 81, p. I42.
Quebec 7th March 1781.
To Capt. Hay
or
Officer Commg alt Ange Ga'rdienne.
Sir,
The Captain of Militia at Ange Gardiene, where you command, having made com-
Eloint to His Excellency, that Joseph Jacob lejeune, and Nicola le Tarte have treated
im with insolence, I am directed to inform you, the General authorizes you to confine
them in the Guard, until the Captain of Militia who will deliver this letter requests
their Enlargement.
I am &c.
(Signed) E. B. Lernoult
Adjt. General.
(236)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
\
Thursday, March 29, 1781.
Since the affair of the Miamis Town something similar happened at ,St. Joseph's.
A detachment from the Cahokias consisting of sixteen men only, 'Commanded by a half
Indian, named John Batiste Hammelaine, timed it so as to arrive at St. Joseph's with
pack horses when the Indians were out on their first hunt, an old chief and his family
excepted. They took the traders prisoners and carried off all the goods consisting at
least of fifty bales and took the route of Chicagou. Lieutenant Dagneau du Quindre.
who was stationed near St. Joseph's, immediately assembled some 'Indians and
pursued them as far as the Petit Fort, a day's journey beyond the River du Chemin,
where on the 5th December he summoned them to surrender, and on their refusing to
dp it, he ordered the Indians to attack them. Without the loss of a man on his side, he
killed four, wounded two, and took seven prisoners, the other three escaped in the
thick woods; three of the prisoners were brought in here amongst whom is one Brady,
A Superintendent of Indian affairs, the rest were taken to Michilimaking. The Rebels
having quitted that country, Brady, who says he had no longer desire of remaining in
the Rebels service, did not follow them.
(237)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 81, p. 147.
Quebec 9th April 1781.
B. G. Maclean
Sir,
The inhabitants of La Chine having refused to submit to the Captain of Militia
appointed by Lieutenant Colonel Sevestre His Excellency desires you will give him the
necessary assistance should he require it, to enforce due obedience to his orders.
I have the honor to be &c.
(Signed) R. B. Lernoult,
A. G.
(238)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. 18, pp. 49-50.
Secret. Whitehall, 4th May, 1781.
Governor Haldimand.
Sir,
The Convoy being detained at Portsmouth by the Tryal of the Captain of the
for Neglect of his Charge last year, I have an Opportunity of Acquainting you
202 Illustrative Documents
that since my Despatches were sent off I have received certain Information that the
French Court have given 'Orders 'to M. de Lucerne to dissuade the Congress from
making an Attack on Canada until they had driven the King's Troops out of the
Thirteen Provinces. As therefore you will have nothing to apprehend for the safety of
your own Government, you will have it more in .your power to co-operate with Sir
«H3nry Clinton in reducing the Revolting Provinces and it appears to me that the most
efficient means you Can employ for that purpose is by sending up to Vermont so
considerable a Force as to encourage Ethan Allen and the people of Vermont to declare
for His Majesty's Government and cut off all Communication between Albany and the
Mohawk River and prevent Washington's Army receiving any Supplies down the
Hudson's River.
I am &c.
George Germain.
(239)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
Thursday, May 10, 1781.
Sunday last the 6th Instant being the anniversary of raising the Siege and
Blockade of this. C'iity by the Rebels, in 1775-6, in commemoration of the Event on the
Monday following the Officers and other principal Gentlemen of the British Militia
pave a most elegant Dinner at Mrs. Fitzgerald's, at which were present his Excellency
the 'GovernoT with his suite, and the other principal Gentlemen of the Garrison as well
Civil as Military. The Company consisted of upwards of a hundred persons, and the
Evening concluded with the utmost harmony and decorum.
(240)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. 18, pp. 87-92.
No. 88. Quebec, 14th June, 1781.
My Lord,
I embrace the first .opportunity to remove any apprehension Your Lordship might
have entertained for the Safety of this Province from the designs meditated & intended
to have been executed last Winter. — to prevent the success of which I took every pre-
caution my abilities & Resources could effect without alarming the Minds of the People
or removing from their Quarters any Part of the Troops; having issued early a Procla-
mation directing the Inhabitants to thresh out their Corn in order to secure it to
Them against whatever might happen & having it in my Power upon the shortest notice
to collect the Troops by means of the Inhabitants Sleds.
1 have the honor 'to be, &c.
Fred. Haklimaind.
The Right Honorable,
Lord George Germain.
(241)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 57-2, pp. 328-33.
Quebec, 6th July, 1781.
Lord George Germadn.
My Lord,
On the 29th of last December I received a letter in Cypher ifrom Sir H. Clinton,
the copy of which is enclosed. I had last October discovered and apprehended several
1 ersone carrying letters to Congress, Mr. Washington & the Marquis De La Fayette,
>ut though they are confined in separate Prisons, I cannot trace the combination farther
ian among the Lower Class of Canadians, at the same time a Slip of Paper found among
Illustrative Documents 203
the letters contained Intelligence written in Milk, which must have been composed by
some Person who had more capacity & opportunity to make observations than the
Lower class of Canadians generally have. Mr. Du Calvet, a Merchant in Montreal, is
in custody on that occasion, the Person who has confessed the writing of the letters
says he put Du Calvet's name to one of them at his desire, & he who was apprehended
with the letters upon him, declares that he undertook the Journey to the Rebel Colonies
at the Instigation of Mr. Du Calvet.
I ordered the Council to Assemble on the 15th of January, & with their concur-
rence issued the Proclamation which Your Lordship will see among the minute's.
I did not adopt the mode proposed by Sir Henry Clinton df taking the Grain &
Provisions into my Possession and of leaving with the Proprietors only <a quantity
sufficient for the subsistence of their Families. The Proclamation appeared equally
efficacious . & less alarming. If the Inhabitants complied with the Proclamation the
Cattle and Corn upon the Approach of an Enemy might have beeen transported to
places of safety & if they disobeyed it, I would have done my Duty with less regret in
destroying all Provisions which could not otherwise have been prevented from falling
into the Hands of the Enemy.
The Biehop gave me a proof otf his good Disposition in writing a circular letter to
the Clergy well adapted to* the occasion. •'
The Inhabitants of the Towns of Quebec & Montreal presented Addresses to me
full of sentiments of Loyalty to the King and of Attachment to the Constitutional Gov-
ernment of the Province. These things in themselves are of no great Consequence but
as the Inhabitants in the Towns give the Ton to the Traders in the Country, who have
but too often been the Instruments of retailing sedition & rebellion to the ignorant
Inhabitants, I gave my consent to have the addresses with my answers published in the
Quebec Gazette.
I hiave the honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldrmand.
(242)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 57-2, pp. 333-8.
Quebec, July 8th, 1781.
Lord George Germain.
My Lord,
Most Private.
I take the opportunity of a strong merchant ship to communicate to Your Lord-
ship the circumstances otf an -affair of which Your Lordship cannot have too early
notice. In my letter of -the 25th of October, (No. 74), I expressed the Hope of giving
Your Lordship further information relative to the affairs of Vermont, but o-bserved
that from what had happened I could not draw flattering conclusions. I have now the
Honor to acquaint Your LordsMp that in November last I received a letter from Mr.
Chittenden, (General and Governor of Vermont), proposing an exchange of Prisoners.
I thought this a favorable occasion to improve for negociating a matter df greater
importance, and Agree'd to receive a Flag of truce upon the Business proposed, having
previously employed proper Persons to signify my wish and Authority to Messrs, Chit-
tenden & Ethan Allen to propose Terms of Reconciliation of Vermont with the Mother
Country, which, if they were inclined to accept might be transacted by a Person prop-
erly instructed who should come with a Flag apparently to settle a Cartel for the
exchange of Prisoners. Altho' this was not expressly Agree'd to, it was so far encour-
aged as to promise it should be considered af and in all events that a Flag df Truce
should be sent as soon as Lake Champlain was (frozen, inviolable secrecy was required
by (them and Agreed to ton both ;sides. — In ,the course <©f the Winter !the Flag was dis-
patched but from bad weather & unavoidable Accidents, was obliged to return and
relinquish the Attempt until the Spring. — It arrived at the Isle aux Noix the 8th of
May where the same Agent I sent last Fall to Vermont was ready to- receive whoever
might be entrusted to negociate with him. Colonel Ira Allen, (Brother of Ethan), was
the Person sent with the Flag. My Agent opened to him the real Business which had
produced the Interview, showing him the Powers he had to Act and the Proposals made
204 Illustrative Documents
by me to the People of Vermont and desiring to know if he was authorized to act in
their behalf & what Instructions he had brought for that Purpose, he replied that he
was not charged with Any that could justify his Concluding any Public Business except
the Cartel. My Agent remonstrating upon the Inconsistency of this Conduct after what
had passed between them the preceding Autumn, & Acquainting him with my Determi-
nation to bring the Affair to an issue, he became more unreserved and affable, having
before assumed an obscure & haughty Conduct. As I cannot in (fewer words or more
perfectly convey to Your Lordship a knowledge of what passed at this Interview than
from extracts from a Journal regularly minuted I take the liberty to enclose them
to-gether, from all which Your Lordship will be induced to form various conjectures &
probably be at a loss to see into the real indentions of that designing People.— I am
apprehensive the Flag was sent merely to cause a jealousy on the part of Congress and
to intimidate that Assembly into a Compliance with a Union upon the Independent
Terms they contend for, from a belief Vermont is in Treaty with us. This opinion is
strengthened 'from a persuasion that whatever they profess, they are dn their Hearts
inveterate Rebels and, if once united with Congress, would be very formidable Enemies,
having been from their early contests with their neighbouring Provinces continually
in Arms. They are in every respect better provided than the Continental Troops and
in their principles more determined. These considerations with the impossibility
of acting from this Province except in great Force owing to- their inhabiting that part
of the Country bordering on the Lakes Champlain & George, Hudson & 'Connecticut
Rivers, ready to a man to turn o:ut on the first Alarm, with Provisions upon their Backs,
and possessed of a strong Country where they Can Attack and Harrass an Enemy in
the most advantageous situations, have always made me anxious to prevent the Union
they seem so bent upon accomplishing. Another reason for giving in to this idea will
appear to Your Lordship in the enclosure No*. 7, where the People of Vermont make a
merit with Congress, their having secured their Frontiers from our Incursions near a
month by including them in a Truce, inconsiderately entered into by Major Carleton
upon his excursion to that Country last Autumn, foreseeing that it might be attended
with bad consequences I immediately broke it— notwithstanding these circumstances
from the sensibility with which Your Lordship will perceive by the latter part of the
Journal, Mr. Allen seemed impressed, and the candor of his Professions upon taking
leave, I still hope for success, -and Your Lordship may depend that neither money nor
pains shall on my part be wanting to accomplish it.
x A few days ago I received a letter in Cypher from Sir H. Clinton expressing strong
suspicions arising from the mysterious Conduct of the People of Vermont, particularly
from their extending their Territory and Jurisdiction & their giving up to Congress
Colonel Beverley Robinson's letters to Ethan Allen, circumstances although apparently
unfavourable to a Union with Great Britain, have a different effect. The Inhabitants
of their late acquisition being, as it is reported, Friends of Government. Colonel Ira
Allen, when here, represented the necessity of exposing Colonel Robinson's letters to
Congress, the Messengers who brought them and the letters having been delivered by
the Country People.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
.(243)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 134, pp. 79-81.
Albany, July 15th, 1781.
Sir,
Yesterday I was honored with Your Excellency's favor of the 10th Instant.
I cordially congratulate you on the explicit reassurances you have that a
Detachment of Count d'e Orasse's Fleet will speedily join that under Monsieur de
ouche for the attack of Quebec but am (illegible) larger body of Troops had not been
ordered trom the West Indies, five thousand men 'with what addition they may receive
trom the Marines a force inadequate to the reduction of that place, especially as the
oops which will penetrate from Co-os must necessarily be employed in the (illegible)
'Canada. I should therefore advise an augmentation to the force immediately
in^?u ™ Q116^60 of at least two thousand five hundred or three thousand men to
with Mons. de Touche. I am perfectly in sentiment with Your Excellency that
every demonstration of an attack upon New York should be given (illegible) Count de
Kochambeau with the French Troops should not march from you until the Fleet sails
Illustrative Documents 205
from Boston. Your Excellency will perceive by the rout enclosed you Monday last
what time he may reach Co-os & penetrate from thence to the south bank of the 'St.
Lawrence, he will therefore probably reach that soon after the arrival of the fleet and
Army at Quebec. As you left it to my discretion to forward or detain your orders to
General Bailey I have thought it mostx expedient to do the latter, my reasons for it T
hope soon to have the pleasure (illegible) 'to Your Excellency in a (illegible) which I
conceive necessary in order to adjust finally \vhat may be further necessary essentially
to prosecute the attempt against Canada.
I am &c.
P^. Schuyler.
His Excellency General Washington
(244)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CA'NADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 321-3.
New York, July. 23d, 1781.
Sir.
On the 21st Instant I was honored with your two Letters in Cypher dated the 6th
and 21st Ultimo.
Those you mention to have forwarded by Ensigns Drummond and Prentice never
reached me nor have I heard of those Gentlemen being taken; I am therefore appre-
hensive that some worse misfortune may have befallen them.
If a Reunion of Vermont with the Mo'ther 'Country -can be effected it must be pro-
ductive of happy 'Consequences but I confess my suspicions of those People as well as
Your Excellency.
Rear Admiral 'Graves having ordered a Convoy for Halifax and Quebec, General
Reidesel with a number of Officers and men belonging to your Army embrace that
Opportunity of going thither, and they will take with them from Halifax the victuallers
for Canada that were obliged to Winter there.
Mr. Wise, my 'Commissary General informs me that two very large victualling
Transports -were selected at Cork by Captain Sharpe (the Agent, who had the care of
our last Fleet from thence), to replace the Cargoes of four smaller of yours which were
made use of here; and as they were directed to proceed with the first Ships for Quebec
I hope they will haive reached you before this and .have relieved you from the Distress
'which you was afraid you would experience from the want of your usual supply reach-
ing you in time.
I have not received the least Intimation from home relative to the Intentions of
Government with respect to Your Province, But 'the en-closed Extract of a Letter which
I received lately from the Minister wall shew you what those of the 'Court of France are
in regard to Canada.
By the next opportunity I shall send your Excellency such Information as I can
procure from General Arnold upon the subject you mention in your Letter of the 6th
Ultimo in the meantime I beg leave to refer you to 'General Reidesel for Information
respecting the State of affairs here and have the honor to be, &c.
H. Clinton.
P.S. As His Excellency 'General Knyphansen is very anxious to have that part of
his Regiment 'which went to Canada returned here, if Your Excellency will be so good
as to send them back. I will take care to replace them by an equal number as early
as possible.
H. C.
205 Illustrative Documents
(245)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. 18, pp. 95-8.
Whitehall, 26th July, 1781.
Governor Haldimand.
Sir,
411 the Intelligence we have .received of the designs of the Enemy leave Canada out
of their Plan and therefore you will have . nothing to apprehend .for the Safety of the
/Province. I trust you will appear in 'considerable Force upon the Frontiers' which
'' will be the surest means o,f giving efficacy to your negotiations with the Vermont People,
nothing indeed should be omitted to attach them to His Majesty, and I can assure
you that no expense that shall" be found necessary for 'that purpose will be regretted.
I am sorry you should have cause to doubt their sincerity but I flatter myself that when
they see a Body of Troops sufficient to protect them near at hand, they will readily
yield to the force of the weighty arguments you will have it in your power to urge.
9\
The intercepted Letters irom Washington and La Fayette, 'which you will see
printed in the Gazette of the 14th Inst. show the .state of the Rebel affairs 'to be almost
desperate and that an encrease o.f the French Land & Sea force is their principal depend-
ence ; no considerable addition has yet been made to either from Europe, but our private
Intelligence informs us that Mr. de Grasse is to go to the West Indies- in August of
which Sir George Rodney is apprized and will follow him
I am &c.
Geo. Germain.
(246)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 18, pp. 99-101.
Most Secret. Whitehall, 31st July, 1781.
Governor Haldimand.
Sir,
Since Lord George Germain's dispatch of the 26th Instant was sent off & his
Lordship went into the Country, the most certain & precise Intelligence has been
received of the Plan and Intentions of the Enemy and I therefore think it my Duty
in his Lordship's absence to dispatch this by Express after the Cerberus to inform you
of what has been discovered.
The French Court have absolutely refused to eend any more Troops to the Con-
tinent, they have put Mr. Rochambeau under Washington's order but with the excep-
tion of not .making Detachments /from his Army In Consequence of a meeting between
Washington and the French General and Admiral it has been settled that the French
Troops are all in a Body to join Washington on the North River but they are not to
move until the Fleet quits Rhode Island & .goes to Boston as the Admiral thinks they
would be unsafe when the Troops were gone and rejected Washington's proposal of
sending a /Body of New England Militia to occupy the Fortifications at Newport and
protect them, the whole of the Military Stores are to be left at Providence under a
Guard of 200 French and 500 (Militia are to encamp on Rhode Island, thinking Sir
Henry Clinton too weak to make any attempt upon them, in which, however, it is hoped
they will be mistaken. It was Washington's request that the whole of the French
Iroops should have gone by Sea to Virginia but the French Admiral would not venture
convoy them & that project was therefore entirely laid aside. No attempt is to be
made upon New York after the French Troops join Washington until de Grasse arrives
•om the West Indies with his Fleet and long before that can happen, Sir Henry Clin-
Illustrative Documents 207
ton will have received his Reinforcement of near 6,000 Europeans. This Intelligence,
which may be entirely relied on, will fully prove to you that no attempt will be made
by France or the Rebels on (the side of Canada and leaves you entirely Master of your
own operations & to -carry on what Enterprises you may judge proper to undertake
on the Frontiers of the Revolted Provinces in "Co-operation with and support of the
Southern Army, and in pursuance of .the great Object of the War, the restoration of
the Constitution.
I am &c.
Wm. Knox.
(247)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, 147, pp. 400-1.
(Undated, probably July, 1781.)
Sir Henry Clinton.
(Cypher)
Tho' it is scarce possible the following Report (just received from an approved
Loyalist in Albany) should not have reached Your Excellency yet the extreme difficulty
our Messengers find in escaping the Vigilance of the Enemy induces me to mention it.
The Troops upon the (Hudson & Mohawk Rivers are ordered immediately to
Peekskill where a Body of French Troops are arrived — It is supposed an Attack upon
New York is intended — General Schuyler came up in a great Hurry & has ordered
1000 Boats to be got ready by August, the Workmen to be paid in hard cash— The
Frontiers to be guarded by the nine months men — a Draft of 800 men to be made from
the Militia — All the Tories near (the Frontiers are ordered to move to the East side of
Hudson's River and are by order plundered at Discretion.
Uninformed as I am of what is passing in any & all Quarters it is impossible to
judge from the Above what is the Enemy's real design or to give that Assistance by a
well-timed Diversion which I otherwise might — tho' a want of Provisions would render
it less Effectual, it would still be in my power to Alarm & to Diminish the Enemy's
Force, should the Attack expected be their Object. — I hope this will arrive safe and
procure me the pleasure of hearing fully from Your Excellency your opinion of what
is likely to happen & if in Your Quarter what you wish done from this to favor you —
The cypher is a very Tedious one but impossible to be discovered. We therefore can
run no Risk in Communicating our Ideas to each other — Should their Intention be
against this Province, I can only say that every measure in my Power to adopt for its
defence is in active forwardness — My Situation in regard to Provisions is very alarming,
we are now living from Hand to mouth in Expectation of the Fleet. Should any mis-
fortune befall it the 'Consequences must be very distressing, this Country being
threatened by Fa,mine owing to Caterpillars which have destroyed almost all the Hay
& a great part of the Grain.
Herein is a Duplicate Concerning Major Rogers to which I request Your Excel-
lency's answer. — I wait for a vessel to send you a Cypher less Tedious and full as Safe.
No. 5.
Endorsed. Sir Henry Clinton in Cypher.
(248)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. Vol. 147, pp. 338-40.
Sir Henry Clinton in Cypher.
This is an extract of a letter I prepared to send together with a full account of all
that has passed in the Affair of Vermont by a small schooner which I cannot now per-
mit to sail. I must wait for a more favorable Opportunity and in the mean time
acquaint you that it appears to me infinitely more Dangerous to yield to the delays
urged by that People than to bring them to a declaration since from the best Informa-
tion these Delays are only to gain time to strengthen themselves to Act no doubt in co-
operation with Congress— They are busy forming Magazines, have raised a considerable
number of -men, and in a few months will be an important Ally or a formidable Enemy
t/o either side, from the whole Tenor of their Conduct I cannot think they will adopt
ours.
20g Illustrative Documents
To carry on the Deception Ethan has quitted the Service but Ira goes Commissioner
to Co£gres7instead of .coming here with the Flag--This is to avoid the Test of a Discov-
ery I think it cannot fail to produce. An intercepted Letter dated Albany, the 15th
July from Schuyler to Washington is just sent in by "two unknown It congratulates
him upon the confirmation that a Detachment of Count De Gras s Fleet will join that
of Mons. De Touche. for the Attack of Quebec and agreeing with him that every
Demonstration ior an attack upon New York should be -given, That De Kochambeau
shouid not march with the Troops until the Fleet leaves Boston, he is to penetrate
This Letter appears to have been conveyed to me by design to prevent a Diversion
in your favor, where I conceive the (Blow is Levelled.— I wait in the utmost anxiety to
hear /from you & in the .most painful suspense for Provisions, without which my
Efforts must be very ineffectual.
I shall send a Duplicate of this.
No. 6.
Second August, 81.
To -Sir Henry Clinton.
(249)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 383-8.
(Jueibec, August 2d, 1781.
Private.
Sir,
In regard to Affairs in this Province .the Prospect of a want of Provisions is an
Alloy to every Pleasure, I should derive from my exertions in defence of the Province
•"'T in perfecting measures to tact offensively should the Exigencies of the 'Service demand
a diversion in your Favor or any other movement in Force. — I am take now living
upon a Cargo which fortunately arrived .from Cork to a merchant here about a fortnight
ago. — this but <a Temporary relief. The Season for westerley winds is set in and we
have not heard .a word of our expected Fleet. — There .are five or six stout Privateers
cruizing in the Gulph & there is too much Reason to fear that all our Victuallers,
should they get so far safe, cannot escape their vigilance. — there is no great quantity
of last year's grain remaining in the Country & that sold at an Extraordinary Pri-ce
and the present Crop considerably Injured by 'caterpillars. — The Hay so much so that
the Inhabitants are disposing of & killing their <cattle. — This is a momentary advantage
— but its bad consequences will be severely .felt in the Spring.
I have the honor to be, &c.
His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton.
(250)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 331-2.
New York, 2nd Augt, 81.
Having wrote to your Excellency on the 20th ultimo by General Reidesel, I have
little now to add but 'to acquaint you that he sailed .from hence a few days since for
Canada with a considerable number of Officers and men belonging to the Army under
your Command. General Knyphansen being anxious to have that Part of his Regiment
that was sent to Canada Returned here, I mentioned it in my letter by General Reidesel
that if your Excellency would send them back, I would replace them by an Equal
number as early as possible — the french and Rebels only wait for a Reinforcement from
the West Indies to make ,an Attack upon this Posit which I certainly think they will
attempt upon its arrival and it is hourly expected — I need not therefore say of ho'w much
consequence a diversion upon the Frontiers of this Province and the Speedy decision of
\ Illustrative Documents 209
Vermont in our favor would be.— The force of the Enemy opposed 'to me in 'this Quarter
is about four thousand french and seven thousand Rebels — the latter do not increase
v\ry fast— tho' it is a favorite object, that they now meditate.
H. C.
To His Excy. General Haldimand.
Endorsed, 1781.
From
Sir Henry Clinton,
2nd Augt Rec'd 21st Septr.
Express by Lieut. Hamilton.
(251)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 150, pp. 97-8.
Quebec, (August, 17817).
Sir,
Some ships of the Trade Fleet under convoy of the Danse & Pandora are
arrived. My dispatches contain nothing very Interesting or that can be new to you.
Notwithstanding the Vigilance of the Convoy & of Capt. Young 'with his Cruizers,
several of the Merchant men have been taken in the Gulph & some at Sea by a Ship
of the Line, French or Spanish. The Frigates having seen some of their Convoy safe
to the Isle of Bic, are returned to the Gulph for the Protection of the rest. Captain
Young has sent up three Eebell Privateers but others of Force still remain, which are
too strong for the small vessels & too fast sailors for the others.
I am &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Lieut. Govr. Hughes.
(252)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, p. 341.
Quebec, 3d Septr. 81.
Vermont Assembly ds to meet the 1st Octr. — I shall send a large Detachment about
that time to take Post and remain while the season will permit at Crown Point. Strong
Parties will likewise appear upon the Mohawk River and Frontier of Pennsylvania. —
I have strong Hopes from the Assurances of those in whose Loyalty and Knowledge
I have the greatest confidence that this step will produce a favorable decision in the
affairs of Vermont. — if Your Excellency >can derive .any advantage from it in your
present situation it will afford me infinite Pleasure.
The English & Cork Fleets and Troops with Genl. Reidesel are safe arrived. I shall
write fully by the Garland'.— a duplicate of this will be forwarded over Land.
The Garland with Knyphausen's Regmt will sail in a few days.
Endorsed : —
forwarded to Dr. Smyth. 17th Sept.
No. 7.
(253)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 364-5.
Quebec, 29th Septr. 1781.
My dear Sir.
Your letter ctf the 25th July was delivered to me by Mr. Pagan in consideration
of which I gave him Permission to send a Cargo of Grain to New York, but I find the
Price is still so high as to prevent his availing himself of it. — It is, however the General
opinion and indeed, it must happen, as well from the Quantity of Provisions lately
arrived from Great Britain, as a plentiful Crop in the Country notwithstanding the
3573—14
210 • Illustrative Documents
Injury threatened by the Catterpillars that wheat will in the course of the winter Fall
to 4/ or 4/6 pr Bushel, should your Province be threatened with scarcity and that
100,000 Bushels or more' would be acceptable to you or the Troops, I shall with great
Pleasure have it purchased for you, arid as you always have a number of Transports
some might be sent to receive it- early in the spring with a proper Convoy but in that
case you must give me immediately notice thro' the woods by means of Sir Henry
Clinton's Cypher (what Quantities & of what Quality you will want and say if it would
be more convenient to have it in part Flo;ur), that they may be procured in the most
favorable Season — particular care must be taken not to breathe this so as it may jeach
this Country, for should the Merchants find it out, the Price would immediately be
kept up. Grain is always a ready money Article with us, and I shall have some diffi-
culty in procuring a sufficiency to make this Purchase, not having received any specie
from Home these two years past and very necessary Payments are often retarded 01?
that Account so that if you can by Bills on the Treasury or otherwise devise means by
which prompt Payment can be made, it will be very acceptable. I do not mention this
matter to Sir Henry Clinton as it relates more to the Inhabitants of your Province than
to the military.
I have the honor to be &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
General Robertson.
(254)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 381-7.
Sir H. C.
Quebec, 29 Sept. 81.
Since Genl Rieidesel's 'arrival here I have had miamy conversation with him upon
the Subjects communicated to Him by your Excellency for that Purpose, particularly
that proposing a diversion from Canada to co-operate by way of Fort Pitt with an
expedition from the Southern Army up the Rivers Potomack and Susquehannah. To
convey more perfectly to me your Excellency's Ideas and that I might the better -digest
them Genl. Riedesel has committed them to Paper, of which I have the Honor to trans-
mit herewith a Copy.
Satisfied that your Excellency will do me every Justice which I feel my Zeal for the
Service of our Royal Master and the Respect I have for your Excellency's Judgement
deserves, I shall not take up your Time with Assurances of my Readiness to concur
and second you in every Measure by which the Service might be promoted but pro-
ceed to state to your Excellency the Impossibility of executing the design suggested
from you, by Genl Riedesel circumstanced as we are at present in this country — & here
I cannot help lamenting that the Information your Excellency must have had of the
Practicability of that great undertaking musit have proceeded from Persons totally
ignorant of the unavoidable difficulties in its way or influenced by private Interested
Views.— Such there is but too great Reason to apprehend are Mr. Grogan and Mr.
Connelly. The former long employed in the Indian Department under Sir J. Johnson
hut from want of Inclination or want of Health has been disqualified to act since the
Rebellion. He has since remained in the Enemy's Country and claims vast Possessions
in the Neighbourhood of Fort Pit, the latter it is supposed has the same Views, may
be a clever man but certainly is not possessed of the Abilities or the Knowledge to
judge of any other than the Speculative Part of the undertaking they have recom-
mended, movements so many & general are the obstacles to this that I am at a loss
where or which to begin in representing them to your Excellency— for the sake of Method
I shall take them in the order they occur from the Plan by Genl Riedesel.
The proposed diversion taking Place in the Winter is .inadmissible as it never can
he done except by water and the Lakes and Rivers from Montreal upwards cease to be
navigable in the month of Novr.
Without suggesting io your Excellency the risks of detaching from the Army in
:>ymce 2 000 men (the whole active foot of the B. Troops) entirely upon the
supposition that the French have laid aside for the present their design a-ain-st it.-
1 confine myself to- the difficulties of conveying & supporting so large~a Body of
«£*?«£ Q? 'a FieW where th^ whole subsistence must accompany them from
rom G BS-f?reS m °'f the Province received generally late in the Season
Illustrative Documents 211
Your Excellency w.Hl more readily conceive this when I acquaint you that it is
with the utmost exertions, that one Regiment with a Corps of Rangers that occupy the
upper Country are furnished from year to year with the necessary supply of Provi-
sions and that the Garrison of Niagara has been more than once since the commence-
ment of the Rebellion within a few days of evacuating it for want of Provisions. — The
consumption of Provisions at the Posts, particularly at Niagara is so prodigious owing
to the absolute necessity of Victualling the Indians driven from their Habitations &
attending upon the Service that with every M><*,sure in the Power of (Economy to
devise it is scarce possible during the Transport Reason to convey a Sufficient Quantity.
— in order to accomplish it I have constructed Store Houses about 50 miles above Mont-
real to which Provisions are slaid in the course of the Winter that the water Transporta-
tion be begun the Instant the River becomes navigable which it does at that Place a
Fortnight sooner than at Montreal.
The late arrival of the Provision Fleet this year makes it very doubtful whether
the necessary supply can be forwarded — & at Niagara there is no Resource. — When it
is considered the Provisions with every Store necessary for 12 months for 2,000 men and
a supply of the former with Presents for at least that number of Indians, (of which 3/4
are women & children), dn addition .to the present consumption in the upper Country
amounting at alone one season with another to 4,000 R. pr day must be conveyed in
Bateaux 200 miles up Rapids intersected by carrying Places to the first Lake from
thence to Niagara in Vessels, then over a carrying Place of 7 miles and up a Rapid
of 18 to Fort Erie from whence they proceed to Presqu'Isle it will appear to those who
have a knowledge of the Route a work of Time.— To take and maintain a Post at Pres-
qu'Isle with a small force drawn from the G/arrisons/ of N/iagara/ & D/efrroit/ might
be easily accomplished but to: proceed into the country depending upon the Indians and
Inhabitants of the Ohio would be dangerous & Ineffectual.— Fort Pitt is not to be taken
by a coup-de-main nor will the enemy suffer it to be surprised. — it is by the most
Authentic Account I have had one otf the stronge&t Places in the country. — We have
daily experience that the disposition of the Inhabitant's upon the Ohio is by no means
so yielding to Government as is represented. — Those retired to that Quarter and Ken-
tuck upon Pretence of separating Themselves from Rebellion are encroaching upon the
most valuable Hunting Grounds of the Indians and securing to Themselves rich Set-
tlements. They are always ready to turn out upon our Scouting Parties and never fail
doing it when they have Opportunities yet when made Prisoners profess their Loyalty.
—There is no dependence even in those Indians who are declared in our favor and
there are a number in that country our avowed Enemies.
In all Excursions undertaken by the Troops this war there has not been a single
Instance where the Indians have fulfilled their Engagements but influenced by a
caprice, a dream, or a desire of protracting the war to obtain Presents, have dispersed
and deserted the Troops.— of this there was a striking Instance last Campaign in the
very country in Question where a detachment from Detroit if the Indians had gone
into the Views of the Officer who commanded, would most probably have defeated Col.
Clark & broke up all the Settlements in that Quarter.
It would neveirtheleas be impossible 'to (succeed in an any attempt in those Countries,
without the Friendship of the Indians (by which alone we have kept P/ossession/ of
it) & there is no do.ubt they are very useful Attendants of an Army but where success
depends upon Enterprise and Perseverance little must be set down to their Credit in
the Plan of Operations upon the whole I beg leave to hazard my Opinion to your
Excellency that unless so much were to depend upon this Expedition as to abandon
to it all other Pursuits offensive and defensive in this Province in order to carry it
thro' by dint of Force & Exertion, it would at present be impolitic to undertake it —
to attempt it and fail would have a very fatal Effect with Indians and to ensure suc-
cess it would be the Business of one Season to form the necessary Magazines of Pro-
visions. Bateaux, Stores & Materials and Indian Presents at Niagara, &c. that there
might be nothing to do early in the next but to Transport the Troops.
Endorsed :
Sir Hry Clinton,
29th Sept. 51.
Since the above was closed I have received a dispatch from Detroit with an account
of a stroke made by Joseph Brant upon the Ohio,— for the Particulars of which I beg
leave to refer your Excellency to the enclosed. — Major De Peyster informs me that he
is not without hopes that a large Body of Indians detached for that Purpose may yet
fall in with Mr. Clark's main Body which it was expected would consist of 1500 men
3573— 14£
112
Illustrative Documents
including a Body from Augusta County in Virginia & a draft from the Settlements /of/
Kentucky. The" war in the country is on our Part entirely defensive except by
scouting Parties constantly employed to prevent the Encroachments of Settlers or to
haxrass the Frontiers, which I encourage as much as possible. Some thing similar to
this but of less importance happened the 8th Ultimo in the neighbourhood of the
German Flats where a party of the 6 Nations attacked about forty of the Enemy, killed
3 Officers & 19 Privates & took 8 Prisoners.
P.S. to 29th Septr. 81.
(255)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, pp. 374-7.
Quebec 1st Octr, 81.
Sir.
The Intelligence for which' I have for some days detained the Frigate is at length
arrived.
My Agents are returned from their Conference with Ira Allen and Major Fay & I
here enclose Continuation of their Proceedings from No. 22 to 33. These & conversations
(I am forbid to commit to Paper,) which passed between those Gentn. have almost,
if not entirely removed1 my suspicions of Allen's Party — but I see with much concern
that the wished if or Revolution very little depends upon their Interest, at least as things
are at present circumstanced. 'The Prejudice of >a great Majority of the Populace &
the prevailing Influence of Congress are too powerful to admit of a change (within any
given Time from one to three years) by negotiation.
The leading men in our Interest advise as a last Resource my Issuing a Proclama-
tion confirming to Vermont the late assumed Territory and other Privileges (contained
in a letter marked A) thinking that from the late refusal of these by Congress, the
Populace may be inclined to accept of Terms from Government.
This Proclamation they desire may be followed by a .force equal to support the
friends of (Government who w/ait for an Opportunity to declare themselves^ and leave those
in Opposition — In so Critical a juncture I most sensibly .feel the want of Particular
Instructions, fearing on one side to let an opportunity escape — which may never be
7ooalled & on the other taking upon myself a decision of such Importance, a Firm dis-
interested zeal for 'the King's Service which has hitherto, will in this Instance Guide
my Conduct and in Acting for the Best I shall hazard the Consequences with the Gener-
osity of my Royal Master.
How far Incroachments by Vermont on New York may .affect future Politicks I
know not— at present I conceive them indiscriminately Engaged in Rebellion, and if
by sacrificing a part of one to the interest of the other a Reunion of the most Valuable
with the Mother Country Can be effected I think it my Duty to make the attempt.
In this Faith I shall Issue the Proclamation, worded with as much Caution as Con-
sistent with my Hopes of its Success — it is to precede the Detaohment .and as the
Preparations to Receive it cannot be made before the 12th or 14th Instant to which time
the meeting of 'their Assembly is put off the Troops will necessarily not move as soon as
mentioned in my other Letter to Your Excellency. Reports brought by my Agents
from good Authority respecting the Enemy having laid aside their Intention against
N. York makes this delay less painful to me.
Your Ex. will not understand that any offensive measures against Vermont are
to be undertaken by 'the Detachment from Crown Point, on the contrary every appear-
ance of Hostility will be carefully avoided, While Parties will be sent to Distress the
other frontiers, it is hoped this Conduct will convince the People of Vermont that it is
ihe Intention of 'Government to protect them and facilitate the endeavours of the Lead-
ing men in our favor to gain the Populace in the course of the Winter to make Prepara-
tions for a more Effective Essay in the Spring -which if mutually Carried on I should
hope might prove successful.
I have the Honor to be, &c.
F. H.
His Excy. General
Sir H. Clinton.
Illustrative Documents 213
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, p. 380.
3rd Octr, 81.
Sir. H. C.
No. 9. By 'the Garland you will receive >a voluminous derail of my negotiations
with Vermont — I find it necessary to issue a Proclamation promising them all con-
tained in that of the King's Commissioners, and (until I shall receive the King's, or
the authority of one of his 'Commissioners to confirm their late Extensions) >to 'Consider
them belonging to the Province of V 1, as such to protect them and grant them
Privileges — I hope Your Excellency will see 'the necessity of ratifying these Promises
and enable me without Loss of Time to declare the same, as our success with that
People seems ultimately to depend on it.
Endorsed. No. 9.
General Sir Henry -Clinton.
3rd Octr.
In Cypher.
(257)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 134, pp. 153-4.
St. Johns, 14th October, 1781.
Sir,
As soon as the Light Infantry Company and Detachment of the 29th Regiment
arrives, you will proceed with them and whatever number of Troops and Royalists that
can be spared from the Garrison oi St. Johns and Isle aux Noix to Ppinte au Fer,
where you will also take under your orders the two British Light Companies and Lieut.
Colonel Creuzburg's Chasseurs now encamped there, with this command you are to
reach with all possible expedition the upper end of Lake Champlain 'where you will
make such a Detachment .as you deem adequate for the purpose of penetrating beyond
Lake George to cause such terror and dismay on the west as they can — with what
remains of your force you will take post at Crown Point, not suffering any hostilities
^0 be committed on that side unless you are attacked, carefully watching the motions
of the Vermont state and not trusting too far their friendly disposition. Trucks should
be taken from hence to facilitate the conveyance of the number of Batteaux you may
think proper to pass upon Lake 'George.
You are to remain as long as the season will admit unless any event should happen
to make lit necessiary for youi ito return sooner, transmitting to me from time to time
whatever you think necessary for my information.
Col. St. Leger,
Endorsed:
Letter of Instructions to Col. St. Leger, dated, St. Johns, 14th Octr. 1781.
(258)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. 19, p. 127.
No. 100. Quebec, 23rd Octr. 1781.
My Lord.
i I beg leave in this Letter to remark to Your Lordship that the Chief Part of our
Work this Summer has been confined to Quebec and I hope we are so wall advanced
as to render what is done very useful should we be attacked next year— if not som*
Attention may be paid to other Parts of our extensive Frontiers.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
The Right Honorable,
Lord George Germain.
214 Illustrative Documents
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PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 19, p. 167.
Secret. Quebec, 23d October, 1781.
My Lord,
I have the Honor to acknowledge the Receipt of your Lordship's Letter, (secret),
of the 4th May, communicating Information that the French Court have given Orders
to ]VT, de Lucerne to dissuade the Congress from making any Attack upon Canada until
they have driven the King's Troops out of the Thirteen Provinces and therefore recom-
mending to me to Co-operate with Sir Henry Clinton by sending a considerable Force
to Vermont to encourage that People to declare for His Majesty's Government. — I beg
Leave to refer your Lordship to my Letter, (most secret), of this date, for what had
been already determined upon in your Lordship's Views and to assure you, my Lord,
that no occasion shall be neglected to accomplish them.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
The Right Honourable,
Lord George Germain.
<260)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, p. 381.
Sir Henry Clinton with about six thousand men went on board a fleet of 28 sail of
the line to try to relieve Lord Cornwallis. He was forced to surrender on the 19th, the
very day our fleet sailed, we have not heard from (Sir Henry nor of our fleet. Sir Henry
and Mr. Digby who is a joint Commissioner on their arrival will1 consider and answer
youj letters about Vermont. I will willingly give a very good Estate in that Country
and every Provincial interest to fix these People in the interest of the Crown but 1
doubt this recent event will defeat all your Trouble — general Arnold says pere Floquet
is an Inveterate Enemy, Jacob roue no better and indeed the gros of the Boston
Leaders little better— he had no Friendly aids from any of the Noblesse.
Ever Yours
James Robertson.
Octr, 31/81.
Rec'd 14th May 82.
(261)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 147, p. 386.
P. S. General Arnold says Monsr. du Calvet, pere Floquet, Messrs. Hay, Cord,
Freeman and Wtattis were friends to the Rebels.
Endorsedc —
From A. 1781.
Sir Henry Clinton.
12 Novr. Rec'd 14 May. 82
By D/av/is.
(262)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
(B. 147, p. 387.)
No. 8.
My Anxiety for the Fate of affairs in the Chesapeake obliges me to dispatch a Runner
to you. On that Event the Conduct of Vermont will turn, if unfortunate, she will be our
most dangerous Enemy, otherwise Affairs are in a good train — The Detachment under
Illustrative Documents 215
Col. St. Leger has had every effect I could expect. The Vermonters appear conciliated
and a large Body of the Enemy are drawn from at! Quarters to Albany — But these
Efforts will prove feeble unattended to the Southward.
Sir H. Clinton
14th Novr.
Sent the 15th by Davis.
No. 8.
(263)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series Q, Vol. 19, pp. 268-74.
Most Secret. Quebec, 23rd November, 1781.
My Lord,
It has always been my study as it is my indispensable Duty to make Your Lord-
ship Acquainted with the true state of men and things in this Province so that Your
Lordship may be enabled to take such measures as shall be most Conducive to the
Good of the Empire in General as well as to the Safety of this Province in Particular.
In several former Letters I have mentioned to Your Lordship the effect which the
French Alliance with the Kebels had made upon the Minds of the Canadians and
particularly the Clergy. The Successes, tho' fluctuating, which we have had, joined to
the vigilant Attention which I have had to their Conduct, have hitherto kept them, if
not within the limits of their Duty, at least within those of Decency, but the News of
the Superiority of the French Fleets & a report which is whispered of Lord Cornwallis's
Surrender, It is with great grief that I see their Attachment to France concealed under
a Zeal for the Preservation of their Religion & will on the first favourable Occasion
engage them in the interest of the Rebels, and it is with still greater Regret that I see
many of His Majesty's antient Subjects declaring their Attachment to the Cause of
the Rebels as openly as their own Safety will permit and their Expectation that the
Independence of America must soon be acknowledged. — Your Lordship may be assured
that if ever the Rebels shall invade the Frontiers of this Province, accompanied by a
•few hundred French Soldiers, a great number of Canadians will take up arms ir^ their
Favor, and that by far the greatest part of them will serve them as Guides & furnish
them with Provisions and every other assistance in their Power. My observations
have so confirmed me in this Belief that so far from wishing to Arm them in defence
of the Province, I am apprehensive that the Attempt might in my weak state be
attended with dangerous Consequences, but I must Act in this when necessary, as
Circumstances shall require. Their 'backwardness to sesrv^ is manifested in their
Seamen, some of whom from Necessity I am obliged to employ on the Upper Lakes,
where notwithstanding they Receive very high Wages, they serve with the utmost
Reluctance and will on no account remain above two years. On the other the Rebels'
have been lately supplied with some Money and a great Quantity of Ammunition &
ether Warlike Stores. They have already established Magazines in different Places on
the Frontiers, inconsiderable as yet, but which from being contiguous to' Districts or
Townships may be easily augmented. The Inhabitants on the Frontiers of Canada have
from their Infancy been accustomed to Live in the \Voods, & if the Situation of Affairs
to the Southward is as bad as it is represented, it will not be difficult for the Congress
to engage them, partly from Enthusiasm, Resentment of Recent Injuries, and Love of
Plunder to join a Kind of a Crusade in order to subdue this Country. The People of
Vermont, notwithstanding the inclinations which many amongst them have to Shake
off the Tyranny of the Congress, may find themselves under the necessity to make
great and Zealous exertions against us in order to wipe off the Suspicions which from
many circumstances cannot but be entertained against them. The Rebels have every
Intelligence which they can wish for, and have Received assurances that the Canada
Indians will at least remain neuter, if not join them. Every method will be put in
Force to shake the approved Fidelity of the Five Nations, by convincing them that, a/s
we, are not able to give them protection, the only means to save themselves is to lose
no time in embracing the Party of the Americans,
The Vessel being ready to sail affords me no Time to enter more minutely into the
detail of these matters, but what I have mentioned will be sufficient for Your Lordship
to form a just Idea of our Situation •%; danger. This Province is very extensive & is
accessible in many Places. The best of the Troops under my Command are necessarily
?.nd indispensably employed in guarding the Upper Posts. The greater number of those
216 Illustrative Documents
T have here are Germans and consist mostly of Invalids whom General Burgoyne left
bohind him or of Recruits Totally Ignorant of Military Discipline. In case of an
Invasion after leaving the necessary Garrisons in the Posts which I cannot abandon, I
cannot assemble more than 2,500 men capable of keeping the Field two months, and I
have every Reason to fear that many of them would take that Opportunity to desert to
the Rebels. This state of things is in no Respect exaggerated, it points out the necessity
of a large Reinforcement early in the Spring & of our having the Command of the
Gulph of St. Lawrence,, as otherwise a French Squadron may deprive this 'Country
of every Resource. ^
The Provisions arrived too late this year to rerider it possible for me to take posses-
sion of Oswego, it would have required more time and workmen than I had to employ
to Build a Fort at that Place capable to resist the Force which an enterprising Enemy
sensible of Incursions and Devastations which their Country would suffer from it, would
not have failed to Employ against it.
From many Observations which I have made and many steps which the Enemy
have taken during this Summer there is Reason to apprehend that the Plan of Attack
found amongst Laurence's Papers will be renewed and prosecuted early next Spring.
The great Distance and Difficulty of communication between our different Posts will
create obstacles to our resisting the Attack in every Point and as the Posts are, not-
withstanding all my Efforts only Victualled until Spring, in case a Supply of Pro-
v^sions cannot be forwarded before any Invasion of the Lower Country takes place, it
will be almost impossible to do it.
I have for many Months observed in the Canadian Gentlemen an Expectation of a
Revolution which was to take place in the Country, and am the more confirmed in this
from a letter, dated Paris the 6th of last March (which has fallen into my hands from a
Mr. Lotbiniere, who after having Received the King's Bounty, in London went over to
the Rebels in Philadelphia) wherein He tells his son that He expects to see him in 14
or 15 Months from the date of the Letter and in a situation to settle His Affairs to
their mutual satisfaction. In another part of his Letter He desires his son to remain
"a la campagne, quelques mouvements qu'il y eut dans la pays pourvu que vous
restiez Spectateur absolu de tout sans y prendre la moindre part, en ce cas Je vous
crois plus en surete ou vous etes qu'en aucune ville." Many Letters are in the same
stile and are plain indications of some design against this Province in the which France
cannot, now that the Provinces of Virginia & Carolina are recovered, refuse to give
assistance to the Congress.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
The Right Honorable,
Lord George Germain.
(264)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol 150, p. 121.
Quebec, Jany 30th, 1782.
Sir,
Being anxious to obtain a knowledge of the true state of Affairs upon the Coast &
in the West Indies I have thought fit to send an officer, (Lieut. Launiere), to Penobscot
l-V whom I request you will communicate to me whatever circumstances may have
reached your Quarters, distinguishng all authentic Intelligence from the Current
Reports of the Country, & I must further request that should any Intelligence reach
you towards Spring that you think may be useful to the Service to communicate to
me you will dispatch a faithful Indian, an officer or some Person of trust, taking neces-
sary Precautions to prevent your despatch falling into the Enemy's hands. — Uncertain
of the fate of this, I shall only add that I am, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
The Officer Commanding His Majesty's Troops at Penobscot. >
(265)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 171, p. 58.
Sir,
The infirm State I have been in this some time past has been the reason that I have
not had the honour of waiting on your Excellency to mention to you my wishes relative
to the repeal of the Militia Laws, which I have ever thought not only insufficient to
Illustrative Documents 217
/
nnswer the ends proposed but werij prejudicial to the public service, before Your
Excellency's arrival in this province (haveing first mentioned the matter to Sir Guy
Carleton) I proposed an ordnance to that Purpose. It was rejected Mr. Cramahe
alleging that it was an improper season to think of those matters, when that law last
expired I mentioned to your Excellency my wishes to have it new modelled, your not
ihinking it expedient at that time prevented my moving it in Council satisfied that
such a motion for such a law without your approbation would have had a bad rather
than a. good tendency, the icritiiqal situation just now of public affairs leads me to hope
that Your Excellency may change your opinion on that head nor can I consistant with
the Ideas I have of my duty as a member of the Legislative Council neglect (before
the end of the Session) suggesting my Ideas to your Excellency on that subject, as the
longer vigorous measures (with respect to the Canadians) are deferr'd the less assist-
ance can be expected from them. We experienced in 1775 the bad consequences that
attended such delays, almost the total loss of the province, nor can we suppose now
that should the Enemy get a footing in the province without taking prudent precautions
beforehand that the Canadians would arm readier in our favour than formerly, and
who can say that the province will not be invaded next Summer? our ExYcelienicy'e
Military Knowledge will enable you to judge how far vigorous and decided measures
may be deemed expedient, but for my part should the state of publick affairs be found
to be in as bad a way as lately represented, instead of repealing old laws and making
new ones I should be happy to see all civil business cease, Your Excellency assume
your military character only & the whole province become soldiers, if in treating of this
matter I have said too much or express'd myself with too great warmth, I flatter
myself Your Excellency's Candor will attribute it to the true cause, my zeal for the
publick Service to which my principles as well as my interest attach me, Independent
cf my sincere good wishes for Your Excellency's Honor and Credit founded on the
respect I bear to that distinguished and honorable Zeal you have always manifested
for the King's Service and that Integrity of heart which marks your character —
I/ have the Honour to be with the greatest respect
Your Excellency's
Most obedient & most humble Servant
Henry Caldwell.
Belmont 7th Feby. 1782.
Endorsed — Colonel Caldwell 82
of February 7th
reed. do. 8th
Concerning the Militia Laws.
(266)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 48, pp. 98-9.
New York, February 22d, 1782.
Sir,
I think it right to send by Express to Your Excellency the following Intelligence
which has just been communicated to me by the Honourable William iSmith, Chief
Justice of New York, exactly as it was given me by him.
" About a fortnight since an Intelligent person from Connecticut suggested that
tho' the Rebels talked of an Attack in the Spring on New York, he had strong
suspicions of a preparation to invade Canada, and yesterday I learnt by a direct
channel that General Schuyler said to one of his Confidents and yet our .friend that
La Fayette went to France to propose that project and that they were waiting to know
the Result."
The following Intelligence has been received since the above by another channel.
" Large Stores of Provisions at the dalle af Ohio."
" The Rebel General Clark, a very enterprising man, a Virginian at Kain Tuck,
and is to have the command of two State Regiments besides other Troops, with about
one thousand French and Spaniards, with these the ensuing Spring he sets off on an
expedition against Detroit and its dependencies, his route is down the Ohio to the
mouth of the Wabache, thence up the same to the head thereof, where we have a
•carrying place, thence to Detroit. To induce the Rebels to undertake this expedition
they have received Accounts that our Garrison is very weak at Detroit, the Information
to the Rebels is from Prisoners 'that have been carried to Detroit, who have returned,
218 Illustrative Documents
some of the Rebel Officers say that there will be an expedition by the Allied Forces
against 'Canada the ensuing Summer, and it's asserted the Rebels have agreed to give
tbe French Canada in case the combined Forces of the French and Rebels should be
successful enough to reduce it. That this engagement by the Rebels is asserted by
some who have seen the agreement on the proceedings of Congress last Winter."
' I have the honor to be, &c.
H. Clinton.
(267)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol 148, pp. 16-9.
Quebec, 5th March, 1782.
Sir Henry Clinton,
by Lieut. Rogers, 53d Regt.
by way of Halifax.
'Sir,
Finding by Reports from the Colonies by the last Scouts that Preparations are
making at & in the neighbourhood of Albany which indicate a renewal of the Enemy's
design against this Province upon the Plan discovered by the 'Capture of Mr. Lawrence,
it is unnecessary to Recall the Particulars of these Reports, as they of course prevail
with you and as your Authentic Knowledge of the State of Affair* in the active Scenes
it will be in your Power to Judge if they have any Foundation. The conduct of the
Canadians obviously discovers that they are in Early Expectation of some Revolution,
from which they expect to derive Advantage and tho' all my efforts have proved
ineffectual in making any material discoveries there is not a doubt that an intercourse
is supported between them and the French and it is from that Source their Hopes are
fed and their Conduct 4s influenced.
A Report now prevails amongst them that the Pope has Issued a Bull Absolving
them from their Oath of Allegiance to the English on returning to that of France, it is
likewise said that the Congress have issued a Proclamation declaring Pardon to all
Americans who having been induced to join <the King's Army, will acknowledge and
support the Independence of the States. Whether these Reports are true or not, they
have their Effects.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 98, p. 99.
Michilimackinac, 9th March, 1782.
A Party of Canadians & Indians were raised early in the 'Spring 1780 in con-
sequence of an order sent from this Post in the month of March in that year. They
could not have been equipped .from the Post had there been Government present
sufficient for the purpose, therefore it is apparent to Your Excellency that they must
have been furnished by Traders of the 'Country when they were assembled, to have
restrained the Traders who did furnish, and to have confined them to what was only
requisite, would have been impossible.
(Signed)
Patk. Sinclair,
Lt. Governor.
General Haldimand.
Illustrative Documents 219
(269)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 19, pp. 257-63.
Most Secret.
Whitehall, 22d April, 1782
Governor Haldimand.
Sir,
Undoubted Intelligence is received that .an Armament is now preparing at Brest
for America. It is said to be -destined against Quebec and is to consist of Six thou-
sand Troops conveyed by a considerable naval Force; it appears to me very doubtful
whether 'their real object be New York, Halifax, or Quebec.
A squadron of His Majesty's Ships is now cruizing off Quebec to prevent the
Enemy from putting to iSea or to endeavour to intercept -them if they do. — I trust they
will not be able to elude the Vigilance o,f so able and experienced an Officer as Vice
Admiral Barrington, who has the Command. But if unfortunately the Enemy should
escape and their purpose be an Attack on Canada, I have such Confidence in your Zeal
and Military Abilities, in the large Body of Troops under Your Command, and in the
Strength of the Works you have Constructed for the defence of Quebec at so vast an
Expense, that I cannot entertain a doubt of your repelling any force that can be brought
against you, and the preservation of Canada is so strongly recommended to Sir Guy
Carleton that he has the King's directions to go there himself if he shall find it neces-
sary with such part of the Forces under his .Command as he may judge fitting. I
must recommend to you to take every precaution and to use the utmost Vigilance to
be prepared against an Attack and besides keeping a proper and sufficient 'Garrison
in Quebec to provide whatever may be wanted in case of a siege. You will appoint
some light and swift sailing Vessels to watch the Entrance to the River with Orders
that upon the Appearance of the Enemy's Fleet two' of them should proceed to New
York and give Intelligence to the Admiral -commanding there and the other to return
to you. You will .also appoint signals for the more speedy conveyance of Intelligence
along the River and to the Posts in the country.
Our great Naval Force upon the Lakes will be a good Guard against an Attack
on that side in the summer but as it may be expected that some Attempt may be made
by the 'Congress to co-operate with the French Forces or make a diversion in4 their
favour, those Communications must be carefully attended to.
The Indians in this case will require particular attention. I cannot sufficiently
recommend the sound Policy .as well as Humanity of your Reasoning upon the 'Subject
of these Savage People in the case of Vermont 'where you say that you have not sent
a single Indian across Lake Champlain, knowing the impossibility of restraining them
to Discrimination; chusing rather to risk the Loss of their Services should Vermont
attack, than the Danger of exasperating that People by trusting the Indians amongst
them. — I must recommend the same Policy to you throughout and on no Account to order
or permit any predatory Excursions to fee made uipon the Frontiers of the Revolted
Provinces.
I have the Honor to inclose to you the Address of the Ho'use of Commons to the
King together with his Answer and two Resolutions. You will .see by these that the
King's Servants are bound as much as they are not only to avoid all Measures of
offensive War but in truth every Act that Carries the Appearance of attempting to
reduce the Revolted Colonies to Obedience 'by Force.
I need not observe to you that the Offer made in your Proclamation published
among the Vermontese is totally repugnant to these Resolutions. Nor in Truth after
a careiful perusal of the many Papers you have transmitted does there appear to me
sufficient Ground of Confidence in- these People to justify the hazardous Steps which
you very properly say "requires much Force and much precaution to avoid Mis-
fortunes similar to that which has already happened."
If you are attacked on that side it becomes Indispensible to engage these hardy
People by every possible means to engage in defending your Frontier. In this case
no way appears to me so likely to attach them and so consistent with the general system
now adopted as that of assuring them of His Majesty's Disposition to prefer Claims
ajising from Possession and Cultivation to those arising 'from Grants made without
Knowledge and obtained, I apprehend by Collusion & Imposition.
In all events it will be a Service of considerable Importance to gain their Con-
fidence and Affection and make them preserve their Neutrality. But in this and many
other Cases, your own Prudence 'will prove a better Instruction than any I can give you,
220 Illustrative Documents
and will engage you to seize Advantages which may offer by open and Honourable
means avoiding the least Appearance of Insidiousness.
His Majesty has been pleased to give Orders for sending out 'to America all the
American Prisoners of War who are confined in Great Britain and Ireland in order
to their being exchanged against an equal number of His Majesty's Troops or seamen
and it being intended that the same measure should extend to all His Majesty's
Dominions, it is His Majesty's Pleasure that you should .send back all the American
Prisoners now in Canada, who have been taken in the Service of Congress, in Cartel!
Vessells or other ways to Boston or such other Port as may be more convenient, to be
there delivered to such Persons as shall be appointed to receive them and give ,the
Masters of 'those 'Cartels or other Vessels Certificates of such Delivery, which certificates
the Masters are to carry to New York and deliver to the Commander in Chief of His
Majesty's Forces) there, who, I am assured, will receive an equal number O'f His
Majesty's Troops or Seamen in exchange of what shall appear to have been sent, and
you will likewise send to Sir Guy Carleton by other Conveyances the Masters' Receipts
for the numbers sent on board that in Case they should run away with the Vessells
as has some times happened in Europe, he may be able to demand the due Equivalent,
which is always "allowed here in such (Cases.
The possibility of Sir Guy Carleton coming into 'Canada has induced a considera-
tion of the consequences and as it can only happen from Canada becoming the Seat
of the War, the same Reasons which, were communicated to you by Lord Dartmouth
in the year 1775, for your coming to England will have equal Force at present.
His Majesty, therefore, fully sensible to your Merit and Services and wishing to
shew every attention to your Character, has been graciously pleased to grant you Leave
of Absence from the Province retaining at the same time your Commissions, and all
their Emoluments and I have the satisfaction to enclose His Majesty's Royal License
for that purpose, which you will make -use of if the date of your and Sir Guy Carletpn's
American Commissions makes it impossible for you consistent with your own Feelings
to accomodate the Point of Rank with Sir Guy iCarleton.
* '.i'.fi<
I am, &c.
Shelburrie.
(270)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 149, pp. 238-41.
Halifax, April 25th 1782.
Sk,
I am of opinion from what I hear from Boston that some thing is intended 'against
Canada this year, but that it will depend entirely on the French being able to send
a Fleet up the River St. Lawrence which I very much doubt. Capt. Inglis -will take
care to gitve you the earliest and best Information in his Power.
I have the honor to be, &c.
A. S. Hamond.
Governor Haldimand.
(271)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 148, pp. 24-9.
Montreal April 28th, 1782.
In Cypher.
Your Excellency's Dispatch of the 22d Feby with an Extract from Lord George Ger-
n; Reived the 6th instant and that of the 10th March (Duplicate & Triplicate> the
together with Copies of Lord George's to me by the January Packet.
Illustrative Documents 221
The Latitude for negotiating with Vermont is so differently expressed in His Lord-
ship's Letter to me of the 26th July and his subsequent Dispatch to Your Excellency,
v.-ommunicated in your letter, that it is difficult to act with any Prospect of Success, on
one hand without hazarding Blame and on the other more particularly as His Lordship
has not touched upon that material Part of the Subject in his Letter to me and as I
am totally uninformed of the Plan of operations for the ensuing Campaign.
To Conduct an Intercourse with the Vermontere, encouraging them to expect that
their Interests will be attended to, proved a too general & ineffectual Doctrine before
Lord Cornwallis's Misfortune, now it would be a matter of Ridicule, which is suffi-
ciently manifested by their Concessions to Congress and relinquishing their late assumed
jurisdiction, (on which our Hopes were founded), notwithstanding the Encourage-
ment I gave them of its being Confirmed. To attempt to Treat with them upon Con-
ditions short of that would be adding to our lost time nor will they even be accepted
if not Attended with an apparent Prospect of our Affairs on this Continent taking a
prosperous turn. This Crisis is arrived when Coercion alone must decide the Part
Vermont will take and that measure should be determined upon from the moment the
Troops directed by Lo;rd George Germain to appear upon their Frontier shall take
Post and must be carried into Execution as far as possible (after giving them sufficient
notice), by laying Waste their Country if they do not accept the Terms offered, Other-
wise the bare appearance of the Troops will only Serve to Confirm them in their pre-
vailing and* Too Just Idea that we want Abilities to force them to compliance and will
enhance their Merit and Influence with Congress.
The Moment I can form any Certain Judgment that this Province is not to be
Attacked by the River, &c. Agreeable to La Fayette's Proposal communicated in your
Letter I shall not fail appearing with as. great a Force as my strength and circum-
stances will admit of upon the Frontiers for the Purpose expressed in His Lordship's
Letter, (for which I have already made preparation but the impossibility of Penetrating
far into the Country with so inconsiderable a force as that will be, is too evident to
require enlarging upon and our Expectations of Success should be proportioned to that
disadvantage.— 3,000 Men were assembled and 3,000 more in Readiness to cut off Colonel
St. Leger's Retreat last Autumn had he Ventured any length into the Country in which
Case they v would have infallibly Succeeded. It is not the Number of Troops Mr.
Washington can spare from his Army that is to be apprehended, it is the Multitude of
Militia and them in Arms ready to turn out at an hour's notice upon the Shew of a
single Regt of Continental Troops that wall oppose his Attempt, The 'facility of which
has been Jatally experienced. This movement cannot be effected before the middle of
June, not only from the uncertainty of what may happen but from the Want of flour,
having laid seven weeks past upon that destined for the Upper Country, which must be
replaced from the Purchase of Wheat, I have made to provide against the usual Delays
of the provision Fleet and that Wheat cannot be ground before that Period. In con-
sequence of the Information Contained in Your Excellency's of the 22d February con-
cerning the Attempt intended by Clark against Detroit I have sent orders eventually
to reinforce that place with two Companies of Butler's Rangers which is all I can
at present do for it and these must be drawn from Oswego, where I hope a Post is
by this time taken. Preparations having been made for that purpose in the Course of
the Winter at Carleton Island from whence a Detachment was to proceed the Moment
Lake Ontario became navigable. I have more to hope from the Secrecy with which this
was conducted and the Activity of Major Ross than from the Strength of his Detach-
ment which is very inadequate to this necessary undertaking but proportionate to my
force and Circumstances.
I wdith much concern refer Your Excellency to a laifce Rebel News Paper printed at
Fish Kill wherein all that has passed in my Negotiation with Vermont and as com-
municated to you is related. This proves that our Confidence has somewhere been
betrayed & God knows what bad Effects it may have in that Affair particularly if Allen
& Fay have been sincere. About two months ago I sent a Messenger to Allen to learn
what had passed in Congress relative to Vermont Affaire, the Messenger was taken on
his way out, but fortunately destroyed his Dispatch. This has prevented my forming
so good a judgment as I might have done of their late Transaction but I have with
great difficulty procured two men who are now on that Business. These Obstacles
oblige me to request that Your Excellency will not, as you have mentioned in your
Letter, confine or Leave entirely dependent to a channel thro' me the interesting Pur-
suit /of/ reclaiming Vermont, that I shall make every effort in my Power shall be
222 Illustrative Documents
relied upon, but I am s<o circumstanced as to require every Aid that can be given The
ooth May I shall send a Field Officer of Provincials as fittest to treat with that People
by appofntment of a Col. Beadle to confer with him at Havril, (Haverhill) on Connecti-
cut River he has promised to propose some Matter of Import— the Character I have of
him from' many Loyalists who'knew him, is not flattering to my Hopes but as some-
thing may be discovered by the Interview explanatory of Vermont Affairs ] have
I^end off your two first Messengers with This and shall detain the last a few Days
in hope of communicating to Your Excellency Some News (from Europe, The Ice hav-
ino- broke up much Earlier than usual, arrivals are looked for in a few Days. The
Duplicate of your Letter of 22d feby & Genl Robertson's are not Received. The Men
bave received Ten Guineas each.
Fred. Haldimand.
Sir Henry Clinton.
(272; i
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B 137, Vol. 2, p. 163.
Du Village de S*. Francois le 16 Juin 1782.
Mon General,
Voisy le party de retour a deux heures apre midite eelon leur Raison quill mon fait
il on etoit au chemins de raisin Ront suivant yos ordre et etan la il on trouvee la
primiair BLaux bailee brule ensjuite il on avanscee il on trouvee un ^autre nrais person
detans voiyent c-ela il on etoit jusqu'a un maison ou il on trouvee cet homme avec si
famiille et Ton fait prdsonnier pour marquer quille on etoit ou on les a envoy e et en
Leur Retour il ont brule 1'autre Blaux hause.
En moiitant il on fait trois prisonnier de ceux qui son partie de Montreal que je
vous envoye ausi ; dont il y a un Capite et deux Lietenants il n-on pas eu de connessence
de troie autre ni les prisonniers rie les on veu depud leur depar de Montreal.
le prisonnier de Cohos Raporte pour nouvelle que Son Excellence le General
Carleton et a Rivee a Nooivel Yorke avec dix mille hommes et quille y a tout apparence
que son a Rivee fra du bien que leur Troupe Etoit tres mal et que 1'on Luit avoit ditt
que si .cela ne .alle pas mieux que leurs soldats maiderodiS les larme© pas>, et que larme
de Vachetons avoit gainnier du cote de halpannie et quatre mil troupes fransoit cette
homme pare honnete homme il vous dira tons a vous meme il me la p-romie comme je
ne is-uis pas bien ou Mt de la langue angloiis, je donne les quiatre pordugais iau sauva.sres
pour les quatre prisonniers suivant la fascon.
J'ay Fhonneur d'etre a Son Excellence avec un profond respect
Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
Luc S<chmid —
Endorsed: From C1. Militia Schmid to M. G. Riedesel
10th june 1782.
(Translation)
The Village of St. Francis, 16th June, J7B2. -
General:
The party returned at two o'clock in the afternoon, according to the report they
have made me, they went to Hazen's road in pursuance o<f your orders and on arriving
there they found that the first blockhouse had been burned, they afterwards advanced
and discovered another, but no one being there they went on to a house where they
found this man wdth his family and made him prisoner to prove that they had been
where they were sent, and on their return they burned the other blockhouse.
On their way out they made three prisoners of those people who have gone from
Montreal, whom I sent you likewise. These are .a captain and two lieutenants, they have
no information »of the three others, nor of the prisoners not having seen them since
they left Montreal.
The prisoner from Cohos- states that His Excellency General Carleton has arrived
at New York with 10,000 men and that other troops were very badly off arid that he
had been told that if their situation did not improve, their soldiers would not, bear
arms and that the army of cowboys had made headway toward Albany and 4,000 French
Illustrative Documents 223
troops. This man .seems to be honest, he will tell all this to yourself, he has promised
me, as I am not very well acquainted with the English language. I hav,e given four
Portuguese to the Indians for the four prisoners as usual.
I have the honor to be, etc.,
Luc Schmid.
(273)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 202, pp. 120-1.
May it please Your Excellency,
I take the earliest opportunity to inform you that we have for some time past been
in a Continual Alarm from Two American Privateers, one of which Landed at Pereee,
Captured all the Craft found there, with whatever they found valuable on shore, spiked
up the Twelve Pounder and hove it over the Clift. The other Two four Pounders they
carried off. They next proceeded up the Bay, Burned all the Craft they found there,
Took me Prisoner on Board And after a long Examination before the most Despicable,
Rancorous and unjust Tribunal that- ever a poor Culprit appealed to, I was acquited of
the false and groundless accusation of being Rich, and was dealt with accordingly (for
I was ordered on Shore in a Clamor with every mark of disrespect
After every Act of wanton destruction, (except that of striping and burning Houses),
They dropt down with the Tide, came to an Anchor where they still remain and how
long we shall be able to say That our Houses are our own, God only knows
Felix O'Hara.
N.B. The Government House at Peiroee is not yet demolished, but is well plun-
dered.
(274)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
*
Series B, Vol. 150, pp. 71-2.
Quebec, 28th June, 1782.
Sir,
Captain Young is stationed with a force sufficient to protect the Gulph & River
from the Injury of Privateers and will furnish the means of conveying intelligence
expeditiously to you, New York & this place. I have lately made a Purchase of a
very fine Vessel carrying Twenty Six Guns, Nine & Six Pounders, which I have sent
to reinforce him. He has taken a Privateer, mounting eighteen 4 Pounders & near a
hundred men.
I am &c. ,
Fred. Haldimand.
Sir Richard Hughes.
(275*
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 20, pp. 163-7.
Most Secret. Quebec, 17th July, 1782.
My Lord,
x I have the Honor to acknowledge the Receipt of Your Lordship's Letter, (most
secret), of the 22d April, communicating the Intelligence you had received that an
Armament then fitting oat at Brest, was said to be intended against Quebec, and
224 Illustrative Documents
Recommending to me Precautions in consequence thereof for the Defence of this
Province Every internal one in my Power to take have long been in Preparation and
are carrying into Execution with the utmost Vigilance, (always cautiously avoiding to
alarm the People), in Expectation of the Event. And on Receipt of Your Lordship's
Letter I immediately communicated that Part of it respecting sending Intelligence to
New York to the Senior Officer of His Majesty's Navy in the Gulph and River, not
having proper Vessels myself for that Purpose. There .are at present two Frigates
c ruizing in the Gulph and two here, come up for the Recovery of their sick and other
Causes.
The late signal success in the West Indies and the season being so far advanced, I
should think that whatever might have been the Intention of the Enemy, there is now
little to be apprehended from it, at least this year.
In Obedience to His Majesty's Commands upon Receipt of Your Lordship's Letter
I immediately set about collecting all the Prisoners of War in this Province for the Pur-
pose of Exchange, which from its great Extent will necessarily take some Time, but
none shall be lost in sending them to the Colonies in the most convenient and
expeditious manner.
The Address of the House of Commons to the King with the King's Answer and
two Resolutions contained in Your lordship's Letter are received and Your Lordship
may rely on my strict observance of the System adopted and pointed to therein.
Having endeavoured to answer to the most satf&f actory manner in my Power, the
various subjects contained in Your Lordship's Dispatches by His Majesty's Ship
Assistance, It now remains for me to acknowledge the Receipt of the King's Permission
to return to England, contained in and referred to in the last Paragraph of Your Lord-
ship's Letter, most secret.-— In doing which, my Lord, I really want words to express
the Gratitude I feel for this most gracious mark of His Majesty's continued Favor and
attention to my Character as an Officer.
Inspired with a just sense of this, I with the same devotion to His Royal Will,
which has ever actuated my Conduct, most humbly submit to it, and as my first wish
tins ever been to contribute my humble Services to the Honor and Happiness of a
Nation .for whom from Inclination and Gratitude I feel so warmly, it would be most
gainful to me for a single Instant to embarass or by the Rank I hold, be in the way
•rrf the execution of any Measures which shall be thought advantageous to the Good of
the Empire for I persuade myself that Your Lordship will feel the impossibility of my
subjecting myself to an Officer who in every' Rank, has been my Junior during a Service
on my Part of 43 Years as an Officer, whatever Commission he may at present hold in
America, particularly at ,a Period when Command becomes most honorable.
There is another Motive, My Lord, which makes me submit with less Reluctance,
it is my state of Health. The severity of the climate renders the consequences remain-
ing from a Fall I received last year, so stubborn as to require an Hot Bath and other
Assistance I cannot have in this Country, but my zeal for the King's Service would in
the present moment, have engaged me to risk all Consequences rather than to propose
a Remedy which Providence seems to have thrown in my way ere it is too late. The
same motive will induce me to remain until the Spring unless Sir Guy Carleton should
arrive in the Province this season. I shall by the first opportunity communicate my
Intentions to Sir Guy Carleton in case Your Lordship should think fit to send out an
Officer or direct him to chuse one from the Southward to take this complicated Com-
mand before the Service may spare Him from New York.
I have the honor to be &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
The Right Honorable
The Earl of Shelburne.
(276)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
General Haldimand.
Sir,
Series Q, Vol. 19, pp. 93-5.
Whitehall, 31st July, 1782.
he alarming Accounts you therein gave of the State of Canada were sufficient to
cause great apprehensions for the safety of that Province, but the Impression then made
has been totally removed by the receipt of a letter from you of the 5th of last month
Illustrative Documents 225
by Capt. Kobertson of the Surprize Letter of Marque, who arrived in Town the 12th
Inst. His Majesty is much pleased at the account you give of the Establishment made
at Oswego by the Detachment under Major Ross, of whose Conduct upon that occasion
you will signify His Royal Approbation as well as that of the Officers and men employed
in the Expedition and I make no doubt but the judicious measures you have taken for
opposing the Force intended by the Enemy against Detroit will not be unsuccessful.
The late Successes in the West Indies under the Command of Lord Rodney and the
decided Superiority of the Force under his Command removes every sort of apprehen-
sion of any Naval Detachment from that part, that Event, however, will not occasion
your being less upon your Guard in Case the Enemy from any other Quarter should
appear upon your Coast.
The reasons which induced the late Secretary of State to apprize you of the
probability of Sir Guy Carleton directing his Course towards Canada, having gained
ground, His Majesty presumes that you will in Case that Event should take place, avail
younself of His most gTa>ciouis Indulgence already signified to you, land I have now only
to repeat to you that His Majesty entertains the highest opinion of your Merit and
Service, and I have 'authority 'to assure you that only'which has been already suggested
could have induced the Shadow of a wish for you withdrawing yourself from your
Government.
I am &c.,
T. Townshend.
(277)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 20, pp. 213-5.
Most Secret. Quebec, 17th August, 1782.
. My Lord.
Inclosed I have the Honor to transmit to Your Lordship a duplicate. of my Letter,
(most secret), of the 17th July, forwarded by the Quebec.
After many and the most mature Considerations of that Part of Your Lordship's
Letter of the 22d April, (most secret), respecting myself, and comparing it with Lord
Dartmouth's to which it refers me, anxious as 'I am for the King's Service, I fear my
remaining here this winter, (risquing the late arrival of Sir Guy 'Carleton, when it will
be found out of my Power to leave the Province), may tend more to impede than
forward it.
I have therefore taken the following Precautions for my going Home in all events
providing the Province remains in Tranquility, which must be decided before the
Fleet sails.
Major General Clarke's want of experience in the very complicated and uncommon
Service of this Country, &c., has induced me to call down Brigadier General Powell,
irom the Upper Country who has seen every kind of Service thro'out the Province since
the Commencement of the War and who will be an able assistant to Him. I shall send
up Brigadier General McLean in his room. He has a local knowledge of the Country
& is otherwise qualified for that Command.
The, German Troops will be perfectly attended to under Major General De Reidesel,
who is really zealously and disinterestedly attached to the King's Service.
This, My Lord, is my present Resolution, the Execution of it will depend entirely
upon events — the Receipt of Commands from Home, Intelligence from Sir Guy Carleton,
the Invasion of the Province, &c., but let what will happen, Your Lordship may rely
upon my acting for the Best and from no other motive whatever but what I shall think
t^e Good of the King's Service.
I have the honour to be &>c.
Fred. Haldimand.
The Right Honorable
The Earl of Shelburne.
3573—15
226 Illustrative Documents
(278)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 123, p. 277.
RETURN OF THE MILITIA OF THE SETTLEMENT OF DETROIT, AUG. 1, 1782.
Present.
Companies
Commission.
Captains. Lieuts. Sergeants. Rank & File
Cap-
/McGregors . 1
I 4
4
112
\Maisonvilles
3
3
88
Montfortons
2
3
72
Campeaus
Morans
Gamelins
2
2
3
3
3
3
69
57
70
16
19
448
. At. S. DEJPEYSTER.
Major Kings Regt, Commanding Detroit.
Endorsed: — Return of the Militia of the Settlement of Detroit August 1, 1782.
(279)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 20, pp. 199-204.
No. 8. Quebec, 17th August, 1782.
My Lord,
Anxious to transmit as eoon as possible duplicates of the most material Parts of
dispatches by the ship Quebec, (which sailed from hence the 17th of July), I embrace
the opportunity of a well armed ship, the Venus, to forward them to Your 'Lordship
and to acquaint you that nothing of any moment has occurred in this Province since
that time, nor have I received any communication whatever from Sir 'Guy Carleton. —
News Papers and Eeports from the Colonies say that Congress are determined not to
listen to any Overtures short of Independence and have given orders <to prosecute the
VV £ir. •
I have the Honor to inform Your Lordship that Hostilities on our Part are now
effectually etoped ithro'out this Province
A large Scout has lately been sent by the Province of New York to range between
the Lakes George and Champlain to prevent all Communication between this Country
a£?i. ,M ?ou'thward and with Vermont of whom They have become very Jealous
AHho thus scourfc deprives me of usefull Intelligence and might be easily cut off I shall
by no means attempt it
I have the honor to be &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
Anv, ^°rd4hip that Mr- Wa6hington had lately unexpectedly
Albany and the Frontier Poste, escorted by 400 of his best Cavalry.
The Right Honorable
The Earl of Bhelburne.
Illustrative Documents 227
From the best Intelligence I can procure, (which I have just received), I am per-
suaded that his Excursion was occasioned by a Eeport conveyed to the Colonies, (on
my forming a Magazine of Provisions for the intended Detachment to Vermont), that
an Expedition was on Foot from this Province to favor Vermont or against Albany, in
which case he would have raised the Militia and in 48 Hours have 'Collected a numerous.
Army. — So cautious am I at this Juncture of giving Room for the least Jealousy, that
I have defered sending the number of Troops I intended to work at the Isle aux Noix,
knowing the Impossibility of keeping secret from the Enemy the most trifling occur-
rences in this Province, but ae the Report dies away I shall forward by degrees the
Troops for that Service.
F.H.
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 61, p. 114.
Quebec ce 23 Septembre 1782.
Monsieur,
Je suis charge de la part de Son Excellence Monsieur le General de vous dire qu'il
ra regu Votre lettre du 16e du Courant — Comme la demande que vous faite d'etre Exempt
de Logement de Troupes et de Corvees est inconsistante et contraire aux Reglements qui
ont ete fait au sujet le general m'prdonne de vous marquer qu'il ne peut pas vous
1'accorder, les Capitaines des Milices des differences Parroissee du Gouvernement
extant le juge de eeoix de leujrs Paroissiens qui meritemt oe*t.te Indulgence, c'es't par leur
canal que pareille applications doivent se faire et s'il la trouve justes, ils en font leur
Raport au Colonel de Milice de leur District.
Je suis Mr
Votre tres humble Serviteur
(Signe)
L. Genevay '
Mr. Daniel Cramer.
Endorsed Mr. Daniel Cramer 1782
at Varennes of 23d lSeptr
(Translation)
Quebec, 23rd September, 1782.
I am directed by His Excellency, the General, to say that he has received your
letter of the 16th inst. — as the request you make to be exempted from the lodging of
troops iand from corvees is inconsistent with, -and contrary to the regulations which
have been made on the subject, the General orders me to inform you ihat he cannot
grant it, the Captains of the Militia of the different Parishes in the Government, being
the judge as to which of their Parishioners deserve this Indulgence, it is through that
•channel that such applications should be made, and if such <are found to be just, they
will make their report to the colonel of the militia of their district.
I am, Sir, etc.,
L. Genevay.
Mr. Daniel Cramer.
(281)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
LOWER CANADA.
Extract from an orderly book of the Royal Regiment of New York, 1st Battalion,
namely: —
" Winter Quarters for the Army in Canada.'-'
By order of his Excellency the Commander in Chief,
. 21st October, 1782.
Head Quarters of the Army, "
Quebec,
Detachment of Royal Artillery,
44th Regiment.
Grenadier Co., 31st Regiment.
3573—151
228 Illustrative Documents
Ange Gardien, Chateau Richer, St. Ann, St.
Jerriole, St. Joachim,
Regiment of Prince Fredrick.
Pointe Trembles, Jacques Cartier, Cap-Sante,
Deschambault, Grondines,
31st Regiment.
Three Rivers.
Detachment of one Officer and 25 Men of the
Regiment of Specht.
St. Thomas, St. Ignace, Islette,
Regiment of Losberg.
St. Nicholas, St. Antoine, St. Croix.
Regiment of Hesse Hanault.
Pointe du Lac.
Detachment of Brunswick Grenadiers.
Machiche Barracks.
Loyalist Families.
Berthier, Lanoraye, La Valtrie.
Battalion of Brunswick -Grenadiers.
Isle St. Ignace.
31st Regiment.
River Sorel.
Sorel.
Royal Artillery.
Regiment of Reidesel.
2 Companies of Regt. of Rhetz.
2 Loyal Block Houses on the River Yamaska.
Detachment of Jessup's Rangers.
St. Antoine Beloeil.
Brunswick Dragoons.
Chambly and St. Johns.
29th Regiment.
Roger's Rangers.
Isle Aux Noix aux Fevres.
53rd Regiment.
Loyal House Block on Dutchman's Point.
Detachment of Jessup's Rangers.
St. Sulpice, Repentigny, L'Assomption.
Battalion of Earner.
Terrebonne, Mascouche de Terrebonne, Isle Jesus
Is't Battalion, Royal Yorkers.
N.B. The larger families of both Battalions to be
lodged in the barracks of Lachenaye.
Montreal. »
34th Regiment.
River du Chene Milles-Isles.
Loyalists of Vercheres.
Illustrative Documents 229
Lachine Barracks and Coteau du Lac.
Detachment of 34th Regiment.
Laprairie, St. Philippe, Chateauguay.
Hanault Chasseurs.
Upper Posts.
8th or King's Regiment,
84th Regiment.
2nd Battalion Royal Yorkers.
Butler's Rangers.
Captain Herkimer's Bateaux-men.
Coteau du Lac,
Oswego.
Henry Hope.
Acting Qr. Mr. Gen.
(282)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 20, pp. 343-4.
Quebec, 26th Octr. 1782.
Private.
Sir,
In answer to the last Paragraph of your Letter of the 31st July, I beg leave to
refer you to the enclosed Duplicate of a Letter I had the honor to write to Lord Shel-
burne the 17th of August last.
Upon the Principal which has hitherto actuated my conduct I have, notwithstand-
ing the arrangement I had made .for going to England, found it necessary to remain
in this Province the Winter, seeing from the apparent obstinacy of the Congress in
declining the Overtures for Peace, and from the continued Hostilities of the Enemy in
the Upper Country that there is a Probability of an early attempt being made on this
Province in the Spring.
I mention this to you, Sir, not from an Intention in any respect -to retreat from the
Resolution expressed in my Letters of the 17th July and 17th August to Lord Shel-
burne, my State o,f Health and awkward Situation here making it every day more
necessary for many Reasons that I should avail myself of His Majesty's Gracious
Permission to go to Europe but that you may be satisfied neither of these motives shall
influence me to risque the King's Service at so critical a Period.
I have the honor to be &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
The Right Honorable
Thomas Townshend.
(283)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 21, pp. 1-3.
Quebec, Novr. 10th, 1782.
Private
Sir,
Having finished for this Seas-on my correspondence with the King's Ministers on
the Public Affairs relative to my Command, it remains for me to add to my Letters
by, His Majesty's Ships Assistance -and Surprize on the subject of my (particular
Situation, that having communicated to Sir Guy Carleton the substance of Lord Shel-
burnes Letter of the He briefly has acquainted me that it is impossible he
can come into this Province this year and wholly unlikely that He ever will.
I have to request, Sir, that you will assure His Majesty that devoted to His Ser-
vice and influenced by Principles of Attachment and Gratitude for his Goodness I
have sacrificed to a Sense of duty those Feelings of which a Soldier can never entirely
230 Illustrative Documents
divest Himself, at the Idea which the Earl of Shelburne entertained of the Probability
after so many years of honorable Service of my voluntarily remaining under the Com-
mand of a Junior Officer. My Heart feels too sensibly the Force of His Majesty's
Benevolence and Justice not to be assured that such a sacrifice will never be required
of me as a duty.
I have been forty-three years an Officer; a stranger to Politics, and to a Language
which does not proceed from the Heart-— my stipulation is a most painful one, considered
as commanding here only until a Junior Officer shall find it necessary or convenient
\o supercede me, which is at this moment actually the case, the substance of Lord
Shelburne's Letter being as well known in this Province as to His Lordship. My attach-
ment to His Majesty's Service and Gratitude to the Nation which has so generously
adopted me, can only end with my existence, but after having without any solicitation
on my part been called to the Supreme Command in the Northern District of America,
I never imagined that the considerations which with propriety influenced the conduct
of the King's Minister in 1775, could ajfter four years Service, be revived to my Morti-
fication in the year 1782, when the State of Public Affairs is so materially altered. I
therefore, Sir, most earnestly request that you will exert your^Good Offices with His
Majesty that such measures may be adopted in the course of the winter as will enable
me to profit of the Leave of Absence His Majesty has been graciously pleased to give
me, and by that means to withdraw myself from a Mortification which has operated
as effectually as if the Cause had really taken place.
The Right Honorable
Thomas Townshend.
I have the honor to be &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
(284)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA.
Anno Vicesimo tertio Gecirgii 111. REGIS.
.-" -:«• CHAP 11. 1.
AN ORDINANCE.
For further continuing an Ordinance made the twenty ninth day of March in the
seventeenth year of His Majesty's Reign, intituled, " An Ordinance for regulating the
Militia of the province of QUEBEC and rendering it of .more general utility towards the
preservation and security thereof."
. Be it enacted and Ordained by His Excellency the Governor, by and with the
idyice and consent of the Legislative Council of the province of Quebec, and by the
authority of the same it is hereby Enacted, That an Ordinance made in the seven-
teenth year of his Majesty's Reign, intituled, "An Ordinance for regulating the Militia
ne province of Quebec, and rendering it of more general utility towards the pre-
servation and security thereof," and every article and clause, therein contained shall
J and continue, and the same is hereby further continued from the passing of this
present Ordinance, unto the thirtieth day of April, which will be in the year of our
Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty five.
FRED. HALDIMAND.
Ordained and Enacted by the authority aforesaid, and passed in council under the
public seal of the province, at the council chamber in the castle of St. Lewis, in the
city of Quebec, the fifth day of February, in the twenty third year of the reign of
3ur sovereign Lord George the Third, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France,
and Ireland, King, defender -off the faith, and so .forth, and in the vear of our Lord
one thousand seven hundred and eighty three.
By his Excellency's Command.
J. Williams, C.L.C.
Quebec Gazette, 13th February, 1783.
Illustrative Documents 231
(285)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, March 20, 1783.
Extract of a Letter from Albany, dated February 24.
" The party of Continental troops under the command of Colonel Willet who went
against Oswego, suffered much on their rout; they had a great many men and horses
drowned in Lake Oneida, several men frozen to death, and above 40 sent to the hospital
in this place, mostly from having their hands and feet frozen."
(286)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 21, pp. 72-6.
Whitehall, 28th Feby, 1783.
General Haldimand.
Sir,
I cannot reply by this conveyance to all the Dispatches I have received from you
in the course of several months, as several of them require the mature Deliberation of
His Majesty's Confidential Servants, the Result of which I shall have the honour to
communicate to you as soon as possible. At present I shall only trouble you upon the
points which seem to demand immediate attention.
The Imprisonment of Hay, Cazeau, Du Calvet and Pillon, was highly expedient at
the time when you resolved upon that measure, but the King entertains some doubts
whether it 'be now any longer necessary. It is the earnest wish of Hie Majesty to
establish as far as depends upon him, a perfect re-union and cordiality between British
subjects and the People of the United States in North America and therefore he is not
unwilling to give the earliest proof of His conciliating Disposition by the Enlargement
even of those under His Majesty's own Government, whom the circumstances of the
War had rendered it necessary to secure upon Discovery of their traitorous Intercourse
with his revolted subjects. Upon this principle His Majesty would command me to
signify to you His Pleasure for the Release of the above mentioned persons and of any
ethers you may have imprisoned for the like offences did he not consider that circum-
stances may exist which would render such an Order improper, and that he can in
this as in every other respect, rely perfectly upon the rectitude of your Judgement
and Decision. The King therefore adopting your own idea that those persons should
not be enlarged except upon a persuasion in the Governor that the circumstance would
not be detrimental to the Public Tranquility, leaves it entirely to you to continue them
in confinement or to set them at Liberty. Should you think proper to release them,
you will endeavour at the same time to make them sensible of His Majesty's most
gracious Lenity in thus permitting the pardon of a correspondence which was car-
ried on in the Treasonable Hope of subverting the Government of Quebec and for
which they could not have even the common Excuse 'of real or pretended Grievances.
I am &c.
T. Townshend.
(287)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, May, 15. 1783.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
TO THE LOYALISTS, &c.
AS MANY INDUSTRIOUS PERSONS AT THIS TIME MIGHT BE willing to
settle and take farms in Canada. CHARLES De LANAUDIERE, Esq; anxious to
establish a number of Americans upon his Estates of St. Anus's and De Lanaudiere
on the River Masquinonge, will grant the folio-wing terms to any person properly
recommended, viz.
232 Illustrative Documents
Ten years free from all rent, after which time they shall pay the accustomed rent
ol the Country. For four years the wheat for the use of their family shall be ground
for nothing- and all boards necessary for their building, &c, .shall be sawed gratis at
his mill. Both of these Seigneuries are close to the high road, and have grist and saw
mills upon them, they may also depend upon every encouragement in Mr. Lanaudiere'e
power with regard to provisions, &c, on their first setting off.
N B If any other terms are more agreeable Mr. Lanaudiere is ready and willing to
make them as convenient to the Settlers as he with propriety can.
(288)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
/
THURSDAY, August 7, 1783.
Since our last the German auxiliary troops embarked on board twenty-five trans-
ports, and began on Sunday morning to fall down to Bic, where they are to rendez-
vous, and from thence sail for Europe, under convoy of his Majesty's Ship Pandora,
Capt. Inglis; they consist of the following Regiments and Corps, viz.
Troops of Brunswick under the command of Major-general REIDESEL.
RiedeseFs Dragoons, commanded by Major de Bauman.
Prince Frederick's battalion of Grenadiers, by Ool. Praetorius.
RiedeseFs regiment of Infantry, by Col. de Hille.
Rhetz'e ditto, by Major de Louke.
Specht's ditto, by Major Ehrenkrook.
Troops of the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel under Major-general de Loos.
Lossberg's regiment, commanded by Major-general de Loos.
Troops of Hesse Hanau, under Col. Lentz.
Company of Artillery, commanded by Major Paeusich.
Corps of Chasseurs, by Col. de Creutzbourg.
First battalion of the Hereditary Prince of Hesse Hanau, by Col. Lentz.
Troops of Anhalt Zerbst, under Col. Raushenblat..
Regiment of Anhalt Zerbst, commanded by Col. Raushenblat..
On Saturday morning last his Majesty's 31st regiment, and Sunday morning follow-
ing the 44th were 'reviewed on the Heights of Abraham, by his Excellency GENERAL
HALDIMAND; each corps made a fine appearance, and went through their several
manoeuvres, evolutions and firing, with such alertness and regularity, as did honor to
both men and officers, and gained the General's approbation.
(289)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B. 130, p. 91.
Dear Sir.
Colonels Neveu Sylvestre & St. George Dupre have lodged a complaint against an
inhabitant by the name of Duchene for having erected a regular wooden battery before
his door on which was mounted a swivel for a pound ball and near it a gallows; in
mockery -of the Loyalists as it is supposed. The part I have taken in my military capa-
city was to send a file of men to dismantle his works and to direct the fellow himself
to bring in his cannon and Gibbet and then deliver him oveir to messieurs Neveu
Sylvestre & St. George to deal with him as Militia Field Officers and Magistrates.
They will report their proceedings to the Governor General.
I have the Honor to be, &c.
Barry St. Leger.
28th August (1783)
Captain Matthews,
Illustrative Documents 233
(290)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol 45, pp. 113-9.
Whitehall, 8th August, 1783.
Sir,
Since I had the Honor of writing to you on the 10th May to send home all the
Foreign Troops serving in Canada, The King's Servants have 'taken into their con-
sideration the Military arrangements for the Peace Establishment and in consequence
of their determination the Secretary at War will signify to you by this opportunity
His Majesty's Commands for the reduction of the 1st Battalion of the 84th Regiment'
and Communicate to you every Information respecting the Regular Military Force to
be continued within -the Province of Quebec.
The King received much satisfaction on the receipt of your Dispatch intimating
your ready acquiescence with His Majesty's wishes that you would continue to conduct
His Affairs in Canada until 'that Province may be in a more settled state and His
Majesty cannot too highly applaud your endeavors to quiet the uneasiness of the
Inhabitants on account of the Limits assigned by the Provisional Articles of Peace.
I am now to acquaint you that it is His Majesty's Pleasure that the two Battalions
of Provincials that (have been raised by Sir John Johnson be disbanded and you will
forthwith issue the necessary orders 'for that purpose, signifying to Sir John Johnson
and the Officers and men belonging to them that their Services have met with His
Majesty's approbation.
The King's Servants have not been unmindful of the Situation and Spirit of His
Majesty's /faithful Subjects who have taken up arms in defence of His just Rights and
the support of His Cro'wn and Dignity in North America, and you will see by the
enclosed Vote of the House of Commons that Parliament upon their recommendation
are disposed to alleviate the misfortunes to which the War has exposed them and to
give them every Relief that the Country, consistent with the present exhausted state
of its Finances can possibly afford. It will therefore be very desirable and indeed
essentially necessary that you should as soon as you .conveniently can, furnish me with
a list containing the names of the Officers of those Corps — The Places of their Nativity
— Situation previous to their obtaining Commissions in those Corps — length of Service
— if they had before been in the Army — Whether they sold out — at what time — with the
occasion as well as you can ascertain it — and every other information that you may
judge proper for His Majesty's knowledge.
In a separate Dispatch you will receive Instructions for your 'Government in making
grants of Land to the Corps which may be disbanded in Canada, as well as to any
of the Loyalists who may have taken refuge within that Province. You will 'without
doubt think it prudent and consistent with sound Policy to establish a principal part
of those People in such a situation as may be most likely to serve as a Barrier against
any Incursions from the. Inhabitants of those Colonies that have revolted from their
Allegiance, in which case it may not be amiss to point out 'to you that the Tract of
Land to the Eastward of the River St. Lawrence .and bounded on the North and West
by the revolted Colonies Appears to be ,a position well fitted for that purpose. The
Bay of Chaleurs which I observe, by your Letters you have ordered to be examined,
I find upon enquiry is a situation well calculated for forming an advantageous Setltement,
particularly for carrying on the Whale and other Fisheries in the Gulph of St. Lawrence
and promises fair to be a comfortable asylum for many of the Loyalists who are dis-
posed to pursue that occupation, and may be in time of considerable advantage to
this Country. The King therefore approves of establishing some o.f the Loyalists at the
Place, giving to them Grants of Land Agreeable to His Majesty's Instructions. You
have without doubt judged wisely in sending Sir John Johnson to Niagara, as his
influence wit£ the Indians from the favorable opinion they have ahvays entertained
of him and his Family, may at this critical juncture be a means of preventing disagree-
able consequences which might otherwise happen. The King at the same time much
approves your having sent Major Holland to inspect into the state of the Post at
Cataraquy and to survey the north side of the Lake Ontario as well as of your intention
of carrying into execution your endeavor to prevail upon the Mohawks to settle to the
Northward o,f that Lake, provided the Country should be found well suited to their
convenience. These People are justly entitled to our particular Attention, and it would
be far from either generous or just in us after our Cession of their Territories and
hunting grounds to forsake them. I am therefore authorized to acquaint you that the
King allows you to make those offers to them or to any other Nations of the friendly
234
Illustrative Documents
Indians who may be desirous of withdrawing themselves from the United1 States and
occupying any Lands which you may grant them in the Province of Quebec. It is to
be hoped that from thence they will be able to carry on their Hunting to their former
Grounds and return -with their Furs and Peltry where the British Trader can meet
them in security and being under our protection their Attachment to His Majesty may
continue. And this Country may enjoy the Advantages of their Trade. In the Asscrf-
ment of Presents to be .sent out to you for these People you will find a Supply of Tools
•and Implements for cultivation which it is judged will be useful in the formation of
their new settlements in case they avail themselves otf the Offers you may make to them.
The King intending that the detachment of the Koyal Regiment of Artillery to be
stationed in Canada during the Peace shall consist of four Companies, I am to acquaint
you that orders have been sent to Sir Guy Carleton to dispatch that number of men
to Quebec, and it is the King's Command that you do upon their arrival, embark the
two Companies already serving there and send the Company belonging to the 1st
Battalion to the Island of Dominica and the remaining Company to England in any
of the Transports which may be employed in conveying the detachment from New
York. I have received your Letters, Nos. 28 & 29, containing an application for Instruc-
tions with regard to the conduct you are to pursue in case the State of Vermont should
be attacked and you should be called upon for your support or that demands should
be made upon you for supplies of Ammunition. As these Letters are dated before you
could have received information of the signing of the Provisional Articles of Peace It
must now be unnecessary to observe to you that consistent with The Treaty before
mentioned no assistance can be given to the Inhabitants of that State to enable them
to act against the Americans -.
(291)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, September 18, 1783.
On Wednesday the 27th ult. Captain SCHANK, previous to his retiring from the
command olf the iriarvy in Gan.adla, gave an elegamlt lanitert'aiinanelnt cm (board his own ship
the inflexible, too itihe Naivial Detpairttoemlt, -anid "t'he gta^risoos off St. John's and 1'Iislie iaux
Noix.
(292)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, October 2, 1783.
Friday evening last arrived here, in five weeks from New-York, the Ship Lucretia,
Capt. Wilson, having on board two companies of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, com-
manded by Major Williams and Capt. Abson.
The Charming Polly, with two other companies of the same regiment, under the
command of Major Lernoine and Capt. Keith, is hourly expected, having left Sandy
Hook two days before Lucretia.
(293)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 82, p. 96.
Head Quarters — Quebec
13th Novr. 178:].
Sir,
I am to acquaint you His Excellency has been pleased to nominate Etiene Decham-
bault Genl. Lieut, in Your Company in the room of Charles Louis de St. Ours the Com-
mission bearing date 22nd May 1783.
I have the honor &c
(Signed) R. B. Lernoult
Ad jit. Gnenterafl.
Captain Rouville.
Illustrative Documents 235
(294)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 130, pp. 96.
Montreal, 13th November, 1783.
Sir,
When His Excellency did me the honour lo appoint me to the command of the
District of Montreal I looked upon myself as responsible to him for the conduct of the
Troops, and for the due execution of the different branches of Duty annexed to it, and
amodifg ftihem I deemed ttoe uniotslt eisisepbial poinlt of my attemitlioini — The giving the
quickest currency to all his orders and rigidly enjoining and seeing paid the most exact
obedience to them.
Seeing things in this light I must own I was not a little astonished the other day
to hear from the Captain of Militia at Terre Bonne, that the officer commanding at
Duchene had sent him orders to prepare his Parish for the reception of three companies
without the least previous communication with me and that a captain and two com-
panies were actually ordered to proceed there. I sent to Captain Jones, requiring an
explanation of this insult offered to my command, who informed me that he had
received a route enclosed from Major Jessup and that he acted in obedience to his
orders and that if he had not been sure that I had received information likewise of this
movement he would have communicated to me the receipt of the Route and the direc-
tions sent to him—This I deemed an Apology sufficient for the size of the soldiership
of officers of this class whose chief merit in arms, it must be allowed lays more in their
affection to their King & steady adherence to his cause than in military management.
I think it however a debt I owe the dignity of Command to desire that His Excel-
Mncy, the Commander in chief may be informed of the proceedings of Major Jessup,
le.ist in time to come he may probably not think it necessary to consult me or my
otfdjare; whilst I staoid ais ia Cypher, amid alt the isiaime timie amiswreiriajble for everything
done in this District.
I have the honor to be, £c.
Barry St. Leger.
Major Mathews.
(295)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 23, pp. 32-6.
No. 25. Quebec, November 18th, 1783.
My Lord,
I have had the Honor to receive yesterday by way of Halifax Your Lordship's
Letters of the 12th May, 16th & 24th July, 7th & 8th August last. It is to be regretted
that the Dispatches were detained at Halifax from the 20th of September to the 10th of
October, as from my having received them so late in the Season, it will not be in my
Power to give Your Lordship communication of my Sentiments relative to the contents
of them as the two only remaining Vessels sail from this Port to-morrow or next day.
The nature of this climate and the advanced season will not permit my carrying
into immediate Execution His Majesty's Orders relative to the disbanding the 1st Bat-
tialkxn of the 84t!h Regimft, the 2nd Btatttn of Sir Jolhn Johnson's, and the Oomps otf
Rangers, commanded by Lieut. Colonel Butler, as the Posts of Oswego, Cataraqui and
O&rleton Island are Garrisoned by the two former and the latter at Niagara, and
Detroit, but Your Lordship my depend upon my doing everything in my Power not to
lose a moment in executing His Majesty's orders on that Head.
I have the Honor to enclose a List of the Provincial Corps serving under my
command.
I have the honor to be &c.
Fred. Haldimand.
The Right Honorable
Lord North.
236
Illustrative Documents
(296)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Series Q, Vol. 23, p. 36b.
List of the Provincial Troops in Canada, serving under His Excellency General
Frederick Haldimand.
Head Quarters, Quebec.
19th November, 1783.
Corps.
When
Raised.
No. of
Companies.
When
Complete.
1st Battalion Kings' Royal Regiment of New
York
2nd Battalion King's Royal Regiment of New
York .
19fch June, 1779..
21st Julv, 1780
10
10
29th Nov., 1780.
Never entirely complete
Lieut. Colonel John Butler's Corps of Rangers
Major Edward Jessup's Corps of Loyal Rangers
Detachment of King's Rangers, commanded
by Major Rogers
15th Sept., 1777.
12th Nov., 1781.
25th Nov., 1781.
10
10
3
17th Sept., 1781.
12th Nov., 1781.
25th Nov., 1781.
Number of companies, 43
N.B. The two companies of Canadians employed with General Burgoyne's Army
in 1777, were on their return to Canada, Dismissed both .Officers and Men.
One company of Canadians employed with the Army against Fort iStanwix under
Captain Rouville, on their Eeturn to Canada, the men were Dismissed but the officers,
consisting of one Captain, Four Lieutenants and Four Ensigns have been kept on Pay
ever since.
Fred. Haldimand.
Endorsed:
In Govr. Haldimand's
No. 25.
of 18th Novr. 1783.
No. 2.
(297)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA.
HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 82, p. 101.
Sir,
Head Quarters — Quebec
27th Novr. 1783.
I have the honor herewith to Enclose the General orders of the 25th Inst with the
n j il r y°untersigns for the Month of December next. The orders & Instructions
alluded to in these orders are thos-e I had the honor to transmit the 19th inst for your
information only. As the Disbanding the Provincial Corps in the lower parts of this
Province will take place -the 24th of December next, Hie Excellency has himself wrote
to Officers Commanding them, to prepare Everything for that Event, the orders
for itJhoisie in your Disrtwuclb wild ibe tnamism lifted to yo-u
I have the honor &c
(Signed) R. B.
N.B. I have included the orders of this day.
Hrigdr Genl. St. Leger
Lennoult
Adjt. Genl.
Illustrative Documents 237
(298)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 82, p. 103.
Quebec, Deer. 15th 1783.
Sir,
I have His Excellency the Commander in Chiefs orders to signifie to You, that the
Entire Reduction of your Company is to take place on the 24th of December 1783, from
which period all Pay and Emoluments are to cease and determine, You will please
ttoereifoire to ooimtmiumiioatie l!hieee orders to Itftue several Officers the-reuinfbo bekmginig, &
acknowledge the Receipt of this official Letter.
I have the honor
R.B.L.— A.G.
Captain Rouville.
(299)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 61, p. 169.
Quebec ce 22e Decembre 1783.
Monsieur,
J'ai ordre de Son Excellence le General en chef de vous informer Monsieur, que
£ar les arrangements fait en consequence de la Paix, les appointments annexes a,
Employe de Commis Canadien pour les Transports Inspecteur des Milices cesseront
au 24e du Present mois.
J'ai Thonneur d'etre Monsieur
Votre tres humble et
Tres obeissant Serviteur
(Signe) R. Mathews
•Monsieurs DeschambaulH In teurs
i <£ -Milices
Baby ^ Commie6 Canadians
Tonnancour V pour les
St. George Dupre'sJ Transports
Louis drinville, assistant ditto
Honore Grenier, Assistant des Milices Canadiennes '
Endorsed Circular Letter dated 22 Deer. 1783.
(Translation)
Quebec, 22nd December, 1783.
Sir:—
I am ordered by His Excellency, the General in Chief, to inform you, Sir, that by
the arrangements made in consequence of the Peace, the appointments attached to the
department of the Canadian Commissariat for transport and inspectors of militia, will
terminate on the 24th of the present month.
I have the honor to be, etc.
R. Mathews.
(300)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 61, p. 174.
A Messieurs les Capitaines des Milices de Ste Anne, Riviere Ouelle & Camouraska —
Monsr
Etant necessaire pour le Bien public que le Portage qui conduit au Lac Timisquata
soit debarasse et rendu praticable pour des cheyaux charges; j'ai jugie a propos oYy
fnire travailler 150 Hommes choisis, des Compagnies de Milices de Ste Anne, La Riviere
Ouelle, et Camouraska, sous la conduite de leurs propres officiers, chaque Compagnie
fouinissent un nombre d'hommes proportionne a sa Force, les Miliciens se nourriront
238
Illustrative Documents
aux rnemes, et se Fourniront des Instruments, ou out^ls que leurs officiers jugercait
convenables aux Travaux qu'ils devront faire, me reservant de leur dcmner une Gratifi-
cation si cet ouvrage est fait aussi solidement que j'ai Lieu de 1'esperer, et si quelqu'un
des Miliciens venoit a deserter il faudroit que la Compagnie le remplace immediatement
par un nombre double de Travailleurs —
Ayant charge M. Renaud Voyer des district de Quebec pour la conduite de cet
ouvrage il vous est enjoint Monsieur de faire marcher saris delai le nombre des Mili-
ciens que votre Compagnie doit fournir au Lieu qu'il assignera, et de lui donner outre,
ce toute 1'assistance dont il pourra avoir besoin pour former cette communication d'une
tacon aussi solide que la nature du Terrain voudra 1'admettre.
Je suis Monsr
Endorsed Lettre Circulaire aux Capts des Milices de St. Anne, Riv. Ouelle et Camou-
raska — .
(Translation)
To the Captains of the Militia of Ste. Anne, Riviere Ouelle, and Camouraska.
Sir:
It being necessary for the public good that the Portage, leading to Lake Temis-
quata should be opened and made practicable for loaded horses, I have deemed proper
to cause one hundred and fifty men, selected from the companies of militia of Ste.
Anne, Riviere Ouelle and Camouraska to work upon, it under the direction of their own
officers, each company will furnish a number of men in proportion to its Strength.
The militiamen will subsist themselves and will Furnish such implements or tools
v/hich their officers judge necessary for the Work which they are to do, reserving to
myself the right of giving them a Gratuity if this work is done as thoroughly as I have
Reason to hope, and if any of the militiamen should desert, the company will imme-
diately replace them by double the number of Labourers; having directed M. Renaud
overseer of roads for the district of Quebec, to superintend this work, You are directed,
sir, to cause the proper number of militiamen from your Company, to march without
delay to the Place which he will appoint and will give him, besides this, all the
assistance that he may need to complete this work in as thorough a manner as the
nature of the ground will permit.
I am, Sir,
(301)
REPORT ON THE PORTAGE AT LAKE TEMISCOUATA.
Rapport du portage du Lac Temiscouata.
Envertu d'un Ordre de Son Excelence le general Haldimand du 29 mars dernier por-
lant ses instructions de faire ouvrir la communication qui conduit au lac Temiscouata et
d'emplpyeT a cet ouvrage les habitants des parcisses voisines par corvee, leur allouant
par voie d'encouragement un petit salaire et des vivres, et Son Excellence nous ayant
confie la conduite des travaux ainsi que celle des miliciens; nous, Jean Renaud, grand-
voyer du district de Quebec, accompagne de 1'Hon. Jean Collins, Ecr. depute-arpenteur-
general nous sommes expres transportes a la riviere des Caps, en Bas de Kamouraska,
ou, ayant engage trois guides au fait et connaissant le Portage du dit lac, et commande
un parti de onze hommes, nous avons cherohe en descendant le long du fleuye un
endroit commode, pour monter les cotes de la mer qui sont partout fort escarpees, et
ayant trouve un endroit qui nous ,a paru le plus favorable a environ six lieues plus
bas que 1'eglise de Kamouraska et pres de 1'endroit ou 1'ancien sentier etait pratique,
nous avons plaque les dites cotes en les elongeant de long des Caps et nous avons con-
tinue de plaquer jusqu'a la riviere du Loup, environ une lieue et demie dans les terres,
poursuivant en general la direction du sud-est. La, laissarit M. Collins avec le dit
parti et les guides pour poursuivre jusqu'au lac et plaquer le chemin dans les plus
beaux endroits possible, .suivant toujours la meme direction sud-est, nous sommes
revenus sur nos pas a la riviere des Caps pour commander les miliciens, savoir : de la
compagnie de la riviere des Caps, 21 hoinmes; de la seconde compagnie de Kamouraska,
hommes; de la premiere compagnie de dite, 41 hommes; de la riviere Ouelle, 51
hommes; de Samte-Anne, 51 hommes, faisant en tout 185 hommes, pour travailler dix-
uit jours. Apres leur avoir livre des vivres, nous les avons mis a 1'ouvrage le douze
.mm, ouvrant le Ihemin et les cotes de doude pieds de large, arrachant les arbres, otant
souches, reches, cailloux, abattant les buttes et remplisant les trous. Mais, ayant
trouve des bas-fonds de cedrieres et epinettieres fort longs et pleins 'd'eau sans beaucoup
I egout, nous avons ete oblige de ponter ces endroits avec des lambourdes hautes de
Illustrative Documents 239
deux pieds a deux pieds et demi et des pieces de six pieds a travers, et de distance
en distance, de quinze pieds.
Ces travaux etaient si penibles par la longueur des ponts dont 1 un en particuker
est ide diix-hruilt surpents, eit le toanfepoirit du bolis ptfoipre pour <les tfaiire a brais d'hamjneis
que cette .corvee n'a pu penetrer que jusqu'a la dite riviere du Loup, laquelle a huit
perches de large et ou nous avons fait deux bons canots de bois pour traverser. M.
Collins retourna du lac avec son parti apres quatorze jours de marche et travaux, ayant
plaque et chaine le chemin et pose des poteux chaque demi-lieue marquant la distance
qui s'est trouvee de douze lieues et seize -arpents, depuis le fleuve Saint-Laurent jusqu'au
dit lac Temiscouata. .
Ayant d'avance envoye des commandements aux capitaines des paroisses de Samt-
Roch, Saint-Jean et 1'Islet, pour fournir chacun 61 hommes, faisant en tout 183 hommes,
pour travailler pendant 21 jours, ils arriverent au Portage le 29 de juin et leur ayant
delivre des vivres le 30, ils 'furent mis a 1'ouvrage et releverent le premiere corvee
d'hommes qui fut congediee.
Nous continuames 1'ouverture du dit •chemin de douze pieds de large faisant des
points sur les riviere® et les rui&saux, particulierement un pont de 45 pieds d'ouver-
ture et 100 pieds de pave sur la riviere Verte, a 9 lieues en deca du lac, et un autre
pont de 36 pieds d'ouverture et 64 de pave sur la riviere Saint-FranCbis, a 7 lieues
du dit lac, et ainsi des autres sur de plus petites rivieres et ruisseaux qui sont fort
nombreux, ce qui augmenta beaucoup 1'ouvrage et la saison etant deja avanoee par
rapport aux travaux des habitants, il ne resta plus de temps pour ponter les bas-fonds
de la meme maniere qua nous les avons fait jusqu'a la riviere du Loup, mais seulement
avec des pieces mises cote a c6te sur la longeur du chemin, prevoyant que cette seconde
corvee ne pouvait pas penetrer jusqu'au lac, nous fimes encore un commandement de
21 hommes de la riviere des Caps, 16 hommes de la seconde compagnie de Kamouraska,
26 hommes de la premiere compagnie de dite, 31 hommes de la riviere Ouelle, et 31
hommes de Sainte-Anne, en tout 125 hommes pour travailler 16 jours, Ils se rendirent
le 4 juillet; ils furent mis a 1'ouvrage, les etandant icomme les .autres par petits partis
dans le bois, pour ouvrir le chemin toujours de douze pieds suivant en general les
plaques faites par M. Collins. Le 29 juillet, ayant fini Touvrage du dit chemin jusqu'au
lac tous les hommes furent congedie et renvoyes chez eux.
Miais pouff- qu'on pu iroaileT1 en voitiuire swr tou'te la loirngueiuT de ce chteimin il aieistiralitt
a faire un endroit pres de la riviere Saint-Francois, appele la lieue des (Roches qui est
plein de gros •cailloux ou il etait necessaire de miner, et, n' ay ant ni mineurs ni outils
propres a miner nous en fimes a notre retour la representation a Son Excellence a
qui il a plu d'enyoyer un parti de mineurs avec un assistant-ingenieur pour faire sauter
ces roches et cailloux, et, par son ordre, nous avons commande le 13 septembre 24
hommes de la riviere des Caps et Kamouraska pour servir les mineurs et faire cette
partie du chemin.
Comme ce chemin conduit sur le tra,ver.s du pays, il croise toutes les montagnes
qui sont fort irequentes et quelques-unes tres hautes; et alternativement il se trouve
des bas-fonds ou les eaux sejournent n'y ayant pas beaucoup d'egout et le soleil ne
pouvant y penetrer, a cause des bois touffus, il etait done neeessaire de ponter, mais
si jamais cette partie du pays s'etablit, ces pontages ou chaussees ne seront plus
uitiiles iparce que lies /tierneis se debair/nasjsiainit, 1'eau -fcrouvieirai njatuirelliemienlt eon coons' et
le soleil aidera a les assecher. Nous avons trouve plusieurs endroits ou la terre parait
tres bonne et propre a etre cul-tivee.
Quebec, le 20 Janvier, 1784.
Jean Renaud.
Voyer du district.
(Transactions of the Royal Society of Canada, June and September, 1918, Pp.
74-6.)
(Translation)
Report on the Portage at Lake Temiscouata.
In pursuance of an Order from his Excellency -General Haldimand of ^March 29
last conveying his instructions to open 'the communication leading to Lake Temiscouata
and to employ on this work the Inhabitants of the neighbouring parishes by Corvee",
allowing them by way of encouragement a small gratuity and provisions, having
entrusted us with the supervision of the work as well as that of fhe Militiamen; we,
240 Illustrative Documents
Jean Renaud, Grand Voyer of the district of Quebec, accompanied by the Honourable
John Collins, Esq., Deputy Surveyor General, went purposely to the Riviere des
Caps below Kamouraska where having engaged three guides well acquainted with
the Portage of the said Lake -and caHing out .a party of .eleven men we endeavoured
by passing along the shore of the River to find a ccmvenient place to ascend the
neighbouring escarpement, which is every where steep, and having found a spot 'which
seemed to us the most favourable about ,six leagues below the church at Kamouraska
and near the place where there was a old trail, we have surveyed along the said hills
passing around the capes, and we have continued to survey as far as Riviere du Loup,
about a league and a half inland, following in general a south easterly .course. There
leaving Mr. Collins with the said party and the guides to go on to the lake and lay
out the road in the best course possible, following still the same south easterly direc-
tion, we returned to Riviere des Caps to call out the Militia to wit; from the company
of Riviere des Caps, 21 men; from the second company of Kamouraska, 21 men; from
the first company aforesaid, 41 men; from Riviere Ouelle, 51 men; Sainte-Anne, 51 men,
making in all 185 men, to work 18 days. After having given them provisions, we set
them to work the twelfth June, opening the road along the shore twelve feet wide, cutting
down the trees, taking out stumps, rocks, boulders, levelling down the mounds and
filling the hollows. But, having found the bottoms of the cedar and pine swamps
very wide and filled with water without much of an outlet, we 'were obliged to bridge
these places with logs from two feet to Dwo and a half feet thick with cross pieces six
feet in length in sections fifteen feet long.
This work was so difficult on account of the length of the bridges,, of Jwhich one
in particular was eighteen .chains in length, and the 'wood to build them having to be
carried on the shoulders of the men, this corvee was only able to advance as far as
the said Riviere du Loup, which is eight rods wide and where we made two good
wooden canoes to cross it. Mr. Collins returned from the lake with his party after
14 days marching and working, having laid out and chained the road and planted posts
every half league marking the distance which is found to be twelve leagues and sixteen
chains from the River Si. Lawrence to the said Lake Temiscouata.
Having previously/ sent Orders to the Captains of the parishes of Saint-Roch, Saint-
Jean and Tlslet to supply each 61 men, making in all 183 men, to wcirk 21 days, they
arrived in the portage on the 29 of June and having delivered provisions to them on
the 30, they were set to work and relieved the first Corvee of men who were discharged.
We continued opening the said road twelve feet wide, building bridges over the
rivers and streams, particularly one bridge of a span of 45 feet and 100 feet of roadway
of Riviere Verte, nine leagues this side the lake and another bridge of 36 feet span
and 64 feet roadway over Riviere Saint-Francois, seven leagues from said lake and also
others over the smaller rivers and streams which are very numerous, this much
increased the work and the season being already advanced with reference to the farm
work of the inhabitants, no time remained for bridging the bottoms in the same manner
which -we had done as far as Riviere du Loup but only with logs laid side by side length-
wise on the road, foreseeing that this second Corvee could not advance as far as the
lake, we made another call for 21 men from Riviere des Caps sixteen men from the
second company of Kamouraska, 26 men from the first company aforesaid, 31 men from
Riviere Ouelle and 31 men from Sainte-Anne, in all 125 toi work sixteen days. They
reported on Uhe 4th July; they were set to work, extending them like the others in
small parties in the woods, to open the road still twelve feet wide following in general
the survey made by Mr. Collins. The 29th July, having finished work upon the said
road as far as the lake all the men were discharged and sent home.
But in order to make the entire length of this road passable for a carriage there
still remained a place to be ^improved near the River Saint-FranQois called the place
of rocks which is filled 'with large boulders where it would be necessary to mine them,
and, having neither miners nor tools for mining, we reported this to his Excellency on
our return and he was pleased to send a party of miners with an assistant engineer
to blow up these rocks and boulders, and, by his Order, we called out on the 13 Sep-
tember twenty-four men from Riviere des Caps and Kamouraska to assist the miners
and complete this part of the road.
As this road runs across country, it crosses all the mountains which are very
numerous and some of them very high; and alternately it passes over bottoms where
the water lies, having not much of an outlet and the sun cannot penetrate on account
of the thickets, it was, therefore, necessary to bridge these, but if ever this part of the
country is settled, these bridges or causeways will not longer be useful, because when
Illustrative Documents 241
the country is cleared, the water will naturally find its way and the sun will assist in
drying it up. We have found several places where the soil appears very good and suit-
able for cultivation. /
Quebec, the 20 January, 1784.
Jean Eenaud,
Voyer of the District.
(302)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THUKSDAY, JANUARY 1, 1784.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
WHEREAS from the circumstances of the time, there is a probability that many
of the Loyalists, who, from principle as well as a laudable attachment to their Sover-
eign, are obliged to quit their native country, and would now incline to settle in this
province;
This is to give notice to all concern'd, especially to those who wish to settle to-
gether in the -townships, that HENRY CALDWELL, Esq; of Belmont near Quebec,
is possess'd of several large tracts oi; as good lands as any in this province, sufficient
to settle some thousand families, which, from every motive, he is inclined to let out
in grants forever, on the most reasonable terms. The lands are situated as follows, viz.
CALDWELL MANOR, that large tract of land formerly a Seignorie purchased from
Monsr. FOUCAULT, lying opposite to RIVER LACOLLE, from whence it cuts across
into MISSISKOU BAY, and comprehends that neck of land, that runs into LAKE
CHAMPLAIN, containing in the whole about fifty Thousand acres; The land of a very
superior quality, on .which there is a great deal of fine Oak timber, with Ash, Beech,
Black Birch and Hickory, with large Pine timber and Cedar, and little or no underwood.
The river abounding with fish. The greatest part of the land is laid out in lots of 100
acres, 5 in front by 20 in depth, bounded and number'd.
Also about 130,000 acres of land in the Seignorie of LAUZON, at two miles and
upwards distance 'from the great river, opposite and above the town of QUEBEC, lying
on the banks of the RIVER CHAUDIERE, and other rivers that fall into the great
River ST. LAWRENCE; the lands much superior to those situated on the great river.
Col. CALDWELL, wishes and means to give every encouragement to the new settlers,
grist mills and saw mills shall be erected in the most 'convenient situation, and if
the number of settlers are sufficient to maintain a Clergyman he will assist in building
a Church and procuring a Clergyman of the persuasion of the majority of the inhabi-
tants.
Col. CALDWELL has also about 1500 or 2000 acres of improved land, meadow,
arable and pasture, <the whole less than 4 miles distant from the town of QUEBEC,
which he will let, for any term of years as may be agreed on, on the most reasonable
terms.
Application to be made to HENRY CALDWELL, Esq; at BELMONT, and Mr.
Jeremiah McCarthy, Land Surveyor at CALDWELL MANOR, or in his absence to
ANDREW BROWN, or GEORGE LINTON, settled on the premises.
BELMONT, 24th December, 1783.
(303)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 1784
ADVERTISEMENTS.
THIS is to give notice that His Excellency the Governor, in order to fulfil His
Majesty's gracious Intentions for the Welfare of the Refugee Loyalists and disbanded
Troops residing in this Province, has caused such Lands to be examin'd by the
Surveyor-general and his Deputies, as He thinks best calculated to establish advan-
tageous Settlements for them. Such, therefore, of the Loyalists and disbanded Troops
who are now dispersed thro'out the Province (Sorel excepted) and who wish to have
' 3573—16
242 Illustrative Documents
Concessions of Land from the POINTE AU BAUDET (where the last Settlements are)
to Cataraqui and its Vicinity, are required to repair to La Chine (where Quarters will
be allotted to them) by the 2d. day of April next, and where proper Persons will be
appointed to muster them, in order that the quantity of Land that will be wanted may
be ascertained, and that Seigneuries may be marked out and granted by the Governor
and Council according to His Majesty's Orders.
The Loyalists and disbanded Troops wha are at present quartered in the upper
part of the Province, and who wish to have Lands at the Bay of Chaleurs, will repair to
Sorel by the 2d. day of April next, where they will be mustered as above-mentioned.
Those who are at present at Quebec, and who wish to go to Chaleurs Bay, will give
in their Names, by the said 2d.-day of April, at my Office.
All Issues of Provisions to the Refugee Loyalists and disbanded Trooips will cease
on the 10th day of April next, except at Quebec, Sorel, and the Quarters at La Chine.
By His Excellency's Command,
R. Mathews.
(304)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, March 11, 1784.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO THE DISBANDED CORPS and Refugee Loyalists,
'that in Consideration of the Inconvenience which might attend moving their Families
before the opening of the River,. They are not to pay attention to that Part of an Adver-
tisement published in the last Quebec Gazette, but are to remain in their present
situation, until the River shall become navigable, when Bateaux will be in readiness at
their respective Quarters, (to receive them and their Baggage.
By His EXCELLENCY'S Command. v
R. Mathews.
Quebec, 9th March, 1784.
(305)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 217, p. 399.
St. Jiohns, 4th May, 1784.
Hon'd Sir,
We, the humble Petitioners undermentioned, are served His Majesty George the
tbiid and second and are now worn out and are not able to settle a new plantation, Hnm-
ble desires and Hopes His Excellency will take it into consideration and will not allow
that they shall suffer, and as we have Familys and not able to support ourselves and
Like wise have faithfully served His Majesty this late Rebellion and also have Left
our Plantations and Interest in the Colneys on purpose to Shew our Loyalty and if we
are not considered off, we and our Famileys must suffer .which the humble petitioners
begs the favour of an answer to be directed to John Martin, Capt. of the British Militia
at St. Johns.
From, Sir, your most Humble Pettitioners, Devote and Humble Servants to Com-
mand.
Ralph Spooner. John Smith.
rp ,, . _, . Francis More. Saml. Rickinson.
To Major Mathews. John Smith<
at Quebec.
(306)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1784.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
and Disbanded Troops destined for the Bay of 'Chaleurs, are hereby
!? SSel? l^nded for their conveyance cannot be got ready before the
to that d te embarkation will be advertised in the Gazette previous
Illustrative Documents 243
The Loyalists, &c. destined for Cataraqui will embark at this place on Monday next
the 17th instant on board Batteaux which will be delivered to them for that purpose^
By His EXCELLENCY'S Command.
• R. Mathews.
May 12, 1784.
(307)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 98, p. 272.
Michlimackinac, 5th Augt. 1874.
Sir.
Since the report of the Ottawa's intention against this Post, well founded, the Inha-
bitants have mounted a Guard of Twenty men every night by my desire, and very
cheerfully will continue so doing while there are a number of them sufficient for that
purpose in the Traders' Village.
I have the Honor to be,
(Sgd.) Danl. Robertson.
His Excellency General Haldi'mand.
(308)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1784.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT THE VESSELS APPOINTED to convey the
Refugee Loyalists to the Island of Cape Breton, have been ready for their reception these
two days past, and will positively sail on Friday the. 8th instant. As those Loyalists
who have given in their names for that place have had sufficient notice to prepare for
their voyage, they are desired to embark immediately, otherwise they will forfeit their
passage and all further supply of Provisions in this Province.
(.309)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1784.
Quebec, November 18.
Last Tuesday hie Excellency GENERAL HALDIMAND, Governor and Captain
General of tJie province, embarked on board his Majesty's ship the Atalanta, com-
manded by Captain Foley. His Excellency was received on the Grand Parade and
saluted by the troops under arms. The streets were lined by the troops in garrison
and his Excellency was accompanied to the water side by his Honor the Lieutenant
Governor, the members of his Majesty's Council for the province, by Brigadier-General
St. Leger the Commandant, other officers of the garrison, Judges and others, who bid
him an affectionate and respectful adieu; Upon his setting off from the shore his Excel-
lency was saluted by the guns of the garrison, which the Atalanta returned and immed-
iately set sail with a fair wind for England.
John Schank, Esq; Captain in the Royal Navy and late Commissioner of the
Marine Department in this province; and Robert Mathews, Esq; Major o<f the 53d
regiment and late Military Secretary to the Commander in Chief, went also in the
Atalanta with the Governor.
(310)
THE QUEBEC GAZETTE.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1784,
Quebec, November 25.
On Thursday last Brigadier-Gen. St. LEGER, Commandant of his Majesty's forces
in Canada, embarked on board his Majesty's schooner MERCURY, for Montreal. He
was saluted by the guns of the garrison on his leaving the shore, and soon after he had
got on board the Mercury set sail with a fair wind.
3573— 18i
244
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(312)
PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF CANADA. HALDIMAND PAPERS.
Series B, Vol. 145, p. 120.
Return of Hie Majesty's Vessels on the undermentioned Lakes.
On what Lake. Vessels' Names. How rigged. Tonnage.
Lake Champlain. Eoyal George. Ship 384.
Inflexible. 204.
Maria. ^29.
Carleton. 96.
Washington. 127.
Trumbull. 119.
Liberty. 37.
Commissary.
Lake Ontario. Limnade. 220.
Seneca. 130.
Haldimand. 150.
Caldwell. 37.
Mohawk. 50.
Lake Erie Rebecca. 136. ^
Gage. 114.
Dunmore. 70.
Felicity. 45.
Wyandott. 37.
Adventure. 18.
New Sloop at 'Mackinac.
January, 1785.
INDEX
PAGE.
Abson, Captain 234
Acadian River 120
Acadians 64, 121
Adam, Captain Joseph 91, 246
Admiralty Board 156
Adventure, a ship 251
Advice boat, between Quebec and
Halifax 47
Advice boat 52
Albany, N.Y., 5, 7, 8, 10, 24, 32, 33, 36
38, 64, 95, 108, 110, 136, 145, 166,
174, 181, 198, 200, 202, 207, 208,
215, 218, 222, 226, 231
Alexandre, Ensign Jacques 247
Alexandre, Lieut. Jh 246
Allan, Colonel John 135, '137
Alleghany River 12
Allen, Colonel Ira, 32, 203, 204, 208,
212, 221
Allen, Ethan, 22, 32, 33, 166, 202, 203,
204, 208
Allin, Ensign Joseph 245
Allison, Captain 61, 96, .116
Allsopp, Geo 25, 88, 89, 176, 177
Amelotte, Ensign Pre 94
Amiot, Lieutenant Jh 249
Amiptte, Lieutenant Jos 94
Ancienne Lorette, parish of 91, 245
Andre, Major John, mentioned 189
Andre, Captain John, letter from 102
Andre, Ensign Seraphin 94, 249
Andrew, a ship. 75
Andrews, Captain 188
Angelica, a ship «g
Ange Gardien, parish of, 58, 91, 201,
228, 245
Anhalt Zerbst, Regiment of, 45, 60, 109
130, 232
Annapolis, N.6 53, 54
Anne, fort 8, 26, 179, 182, 186
Anthony's Nose 18, 25
Arbuthnot, Commodore and Admiral
Mariot 16, 21, 54, 155, 164
letters from 53, 54, 156
Archambault, Ensign A'mble 92, 248
Archambault, Lieutenant Denis 93, 248
Archambault, Captain J. Bte 93
Archambault, Captain Joseph 248
Archambault, Ensign Jh. Jaq 248
Archambault, Ensign Pre. 247
Archambault, Ensign V 93
Archambeault, Lieutenant Jos 93
Argo, ship 171
Argyle's, Duke of, Regiment 54
Arnold, General Benedict, 31, 96, 189.
198, 205, 214
PAQE.
Artificers, Body of 69, 130
Artillerymen, Company of 70
Askin, Mr. John 46
Assistance, a ship 224, 229
Astwick, William 66
Atalanta, Man of War 39, 243
Attorney General 44, 149, 176, 177, 178
Aube, Captain Andre 91, 245
Aubrey, Captain '. 69
Auge, Captain 140, 141
Auige, Captain Antoine 246
Auger, Captain Antoine 91
Augusta County, Va 212
Ayot, Pierre 79
B
Baby, Colonel Francis, 89, 99, 101, 176,
191, 237, 244, 250
Baby, Jacques, an officer 143
Baby, M. L., an officer. . .. 143
Baby, Captain Louis 92, 143
Baby, Captain Pierre 248
Badeaux, Captain Jean Bapt 91
Badelar, an officer 143
Baily, the Revd. ., 52
Bailey, General f -7, 205
Balcarres, Lord 70
Ballerive, Captain Antoine 246
Barbau, Lieut. Jacques 245
Barbaux, Ensign Etiene 246
Earner's Battalion 108, 228
Earner, Colonel de 105, 106
Baronie de Longueuil, parish of 249
Barracks 49, 69, 140, 182, 228
Barrington, Lord 2
Barrington, Vice-Admiral 219
Earth, and Son, Messrs 46
Batiscan, parish of 67, 91, 246
Bauchaine, Lieut. Bonav're .' 246
Baucham, Captain Pierre 248
Bauchamp, Ensign Jean 248
Baudry, Captain Louis 249
Baulac, Ensign Jacques 249
Bauman, Major de 232
Baye de Fevre 59, 62
Baye St. Antoine, parish of 246
Baye St. Paul, parish of 91, 245
Bazin, Ensign • 142
Beadle, Colonel 222
Beaubien, Captain 8, ]42
Beauchamp, Ensign I. Mich 92
Beauchamp, Captain Pre 92
Beaudet, Captain Jacque 91
Beaudry, Captain L. ." > . 94
Beaujeu, M. de 58, 143
253
254
INDEX
PAGE
Becancour, parish of, 67, 91, 111, 125,
126, 154, 246
Beauce district of 63, 68, 245
Beaumont, parish of 59, 91, 244, 246
Beauport, parish of 91, 245
Beaupre, Lieutenant Martin 247
Becquencourt, parish of 64
Becquets, Ste. Pre. les, parish of, 59,
67, 91, 246
Begin, Captain 91
Bejin, Captain Etiene 245
Bejin, Lieutenant Jacques 245
Bejin, Lieutenant J. Bte 245
Bejin, Captain Louis 245
Belair, Captain Jean Bte 248
Belanger, Lieutenant Frs. .' 245
Belanger, Lieutenant Jean Bte 245
Belfleur, Captain Dominique • 94
Belhumeur, Lieut. Frans 247
Bellaire, Captain Bte 92
Bellanges, Ensign J. .Bte 248
Belle-f euille, Le Baron de 78
Bellefleur, Captain Leopold Remi 249
Belle Isle, Straits of 27, 66, 171
Bellestre, an officer 143
Bellestre, Picotte de 89, 176
Belletete, Captain Joseph. 246
Bellette, Joseph 91
Belleuil or Belle Isle, parish of... 159, 228
Bellisle, Mr 106
Belliveau, Davdd 64
Belmont, 217, 241
Be'loeuil, St. Mathieu, parish of 249
Benard, Lieut. Bte 93
Bennington, Vt , 5, 64
Bernard, Lieutenant J. Bte 247
Bergner, Augustan 79
Bernier, Lieutenant Jean 244
Berthelot, Captain 244
Berthiauone, Ensign Ohs 249
BertJhier, parish of, 58, 60, 91, 93, 228,
245 247
Betourne, Ensign Lo'uis 94
Bic. Isle o'f 13, 14, 17, 128, 155, 209
Bilodeau, Lieutenant Jean 245
Bird, Captain Henry 27
Biroleau, Ensign Joseph 92, 248
Birom, Ensign Joseph 246
Biscoimet, Ensign Louis, fils ........ 249
Biissonnet, Captain Ant 247
Bii&connette, Captain Louis • 94
Bisconette, Ensign N. 94
Bissonet, Lieut. Ant 92
Blais, Captain Michel 58, 91, 244
Blait, 'Captain Louis 91, 244
Blay, Lieutenant J. Bte 244
Blay, Ensign Louis 247
Bleurie, Indian officer 142
Blondeau, Lieutenant Germain 245
Blondeau, Ensign Lambert 92, 247
Blue Licks, Ky 38
Boileau, a deserter ' 156
Boileau, Ensign Jacques 92
Boileau, Captain Pre 94
PAGE.
Boilleau, Major Pre , 94
Boily, Captain Jean 91, 245
Bois, Major de .- 79
Boi&claiir, Ignace 67
Boisclair, Jean 67
Boi'Siclair, Joseph 67
Boiisleau, Lieutenant Jacques f 248
Boisvert, J. Bte., Lieut 246
Bolton, Lieutenant Colonel Mason- 28,
45, 75, 96, 188
Bonne, Ensign 142
Boone, Daniel 35
Bordua, Major Fr 94
Boston, Mass., 15, 30, 31, 60, 64, 65, 75,
77, 78, 84, 85, 109, 110, 123, 135,
137, 152, 166, 205, 206, 208, 214, 219
Bostonians 100, 101, 120
Bouchard, Captain Pierre 91, 245
Bouchel, Captain 244
Boucher, Lieutenant Ignaice 244
Boucher, Captain Joseph 244
Boucher, Captain Tenace 91
Boucherville, Captain 8, 142
Boucherville, parish, of 94, 249
Bougainville, a French naval officer,
14, 130
Bouillard, Captain J. B>te. 91
Boulanger, Ensign 92
Bo/uleau, Captain Louis 245
Bivet, Lieut. Joseph 247
Bouquet, General Henry, mentioned.. 1
Boiuras&a, Captain Frans 91, 245
Bourdon, Captain Francois 93, 247
Bourg, Captain Bennende 91
Bourgeois, Captain Joseph 246
Bourgeoise 49
Booirg Royal, parish o'f 91, 245
Bourque, Captain Beloin 246
Bouteillette, Lieut. v Jos 94
Bouteillefote, Captain Louis 94
Booitette, Ensign Andre 93
Bouthillier, Ensign Andre 247
Bouthillier, Captain Louis 249
Bouthillier, Lieut. J"h 249
Boyer (see Pi'llon) 169
Brady, 'an Indian trader 201
Brant, Joseph 211
Brasisard, Captain Pierre 91, 246
Brest, France, 21, 23, 37, 151, 156, 219, 223
Bridgewater, a snip 150, 171
Brilliant, a ship 74, 132
Brisset, Ensign Joseph 94, 249
Broadlhead, Colonel 35
Brodeur, Captain J. Bte 94
Brouillard, Captain J. Bte 246
Brousseaux, Ensign J<aicques 94,249
Brooisseaux, Lieut. J!h 249
Brousset, Charles 67
Brown, Andrew 241
Brown, Elisiha • 58
Brown, Major and Lieut .-Colonel John
19, 21, 25, 156, 179, 188
Browne, Lieut 74
INDEX
255
PAGE.
Bruneau, Ensign 244
Brunet, Ensign Hyacinth e 248
Brunswick recruits - • • 60
Brunswick troops 120, 158, 228, 232
Bryant's .station, Ky. 38
Burgoyne, Lieut. General Jotun, Cam-
paign of, 8, 10, 17, 32, 83, 84, 107,
109, 122, 159, 215, 236
Burke, Mr. J 174
Butler, Colonel John, destroys Wyom-
ing, 4; operations of, 6; men-
tioned 12, 13, 35, 52, 104, 236
Butler, Captain Walter 12, 35, 96
Butler's Ford 35
Butler's Rangers 4, 6, 12, 15, 25, 27, 34,
36, 37, 221, 229
Byron, Admiral John 54
Bruce, Coloneil 54
Cacouna or Cacona, parish oif 91, 244
Cadaroque 183
Cadieux, Lieutenant FraoKxris ... .92, 247
Cahokia .27, 201
Caldwell, Lieutenant Colonel Henry,
7, 36, 39, 88, 89, 176, 241; letters
'from 217
Caldwell, Captain William 12, 37, 38
Caldwell's Manor 241
Caldwell, -a .ship 86, 251
Camel, a ship' 85
Camiront, Landrotche 67
Oampault, Ensign, Jh '... 248
Campbell, Captain 54
Campbell, Lieutenant-Colonel John,
68, 74, 117, 136, 153
letters to 68, 131,134
Campeau, Ensdign 92
Campeau, Captain 226
Campeault, Ensign Jo<s 92
•Canada Creek 35
•Canadian Corps 45
Cainso, Gut of 6, 81, 97, 155
Cape Breton 39, 243
Gape Diamond 24, 134, 180
Cape Henlopen 54
Cap de La Magdeleine, parish of 67,
91, 246
Cap St. Ignace, parish of . ». . . .58, 91, 244
Cap Sante, parish of 91, 228, 245
Captains off Militia 80, 86, 87, 91, 194,
201, 227, 235, 238
€arce, Joseph 79
Cardin, Captain Jean Bte 249
Cardinal, mentioned 191
Cardinal, Captain Frans 94, 249
Carleton Island 3, 8, 12, 15, 25, 27, 28,
33, 35, 37, 69, 71, 105, 135, 188, 190,
221, 235
Carleton, Major Christopher 5, 6, 19,
20, 21, 26, 27, 32, 73, 74, 82, 107,
134, 154, 179, 182, 188, 204; letters
from 149, 156, 157, 159, 163, 164,
PAGE.
165, 172; letters to 73, 74, 136, 158,
162, 164, 165, 166, 186, 188
Carleton, Sir Guy 2, 6, 8, 11, 37, 38, 46,
47, 52, 53, 55, 69, 117, 125, 126,
178, 217, 219, 220, 222, 224, 225,
226, 234
Carle-tan, a ship 85, 251
Carolina, a shilp 145, 180
Carolina, State of 216
Carpenters and sawyers, employment
at Sorel 67
Carry, Lieutenant Jean 249
Carston, Caleb 166
Carter, Landon 8
Cartier, Micnel 64
Castonguay, Lieut. J. Marie 244
Cataraqui 3, 23, 39, 49, 69, 233, 235, 242, 243
Caughnawaga 18, 26
Caute, Captain Frans 245
Cavellier, Lieut. Guillaume 93
Cavellier, Captain Kanjard 92
Oaville, Ensign 1 92
Cayel, Ensign Pierre... 92
Cazeau, Mr 178, 189, 231
Cazeau, Captain Joseph 91
Cebert, Captain Frans . ., 249
Chabert, Captain 26
Chabot, Captain Louis 94
Ohabot, Ensign Joseph 249
Chales, Lieutenant Jacques 92,247
Chambers, Captain 73
C'hamibly, Nivervtille, an officer 143
Chambly, Fort 3, 19, 21, 29, 53, 71, 85,
94, 153, 156, 159, 163, 164, 165,
169, 173, 190, 195 228
Chambly River 175, 190
Champlain Lake 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 14,
16. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 26, 32,
33, 38, 39, 66, 69, 70, 71, 73, 82,
96, 98, 107, 108, 114> 122, 125, 126,
128, 129, 136, 146, 159, 160, 161, 172,
179, 183, 203, 204, 219, 226
Champladn, parish of 67, 91, 246
Chaleur. Bay of 4, 39, 54, 80, 111, 115,
233, 242
Chapu, Captain Looiis 93, 248
Ohapu, Lieut. Pierre 93, 248
Oharbonneau, Captain Jos 92
Oharbonneau, Ensign Jh 248
Charbonneaux, Ensign Louis 92, 248
Chareitier, Captain Jh 246
Oharetier, Ensign Jean 246
Charitier, Captain D'mque 247
Charliand, Pierre 19, 20, 21, 157, 158,
159, 162, 163, 165, 170, 173
Charlebois, Lieutenant Pierre ....92, 247
Charles, Cape 66
Charles, Lieutenant Desevy. 92
Charles bourig, parish oif . 91, 245
Charlestlown, S.C 152
Charlo or Charland, Peter, letter from 156
Charlotte, County of, N.Y., riots in. . 1
Gharthiier, Captain Domq 93
256
INDEX
PAGE
Char-tier, Joseph 91
Chartres, Le Due de 78
Chateauguay, or Chateau Guaye,
parish eft 94, 229, 249
Chateau, Richer, parish of 58, 91, 228, 245
Charles, Le Due de 78
Chaudiere river 4, 15, 72, 132, 241
Chauiiri'on, Major N 92
Ohavalier, Ensign Michel 93
C'hazy river 95
Chemin, Eiver du 201
Chemung, battle at 12
Chenier, Monsr 114
Chenier, Captain Ignace 92
Chenier, Ensign Ign. 92
Ghenier, Captain J. Bte 92
Cherokee Indians 9
Cherry Valley, destruction of settle-
ment at • 12, 96
Chesapeake Bay 5, 164, 214
Cheval, Captain Pierre 249
Chevalier, Captain J. Bte 94
Ghevalier, Ensign 244
Chevalier, Ensign Michel < • • • 247
Chevalles, Lieutenant P 94
Chevreudls, Isle aux 69
Cheyniez, Captain J. Bte 247
Chicago Trail 27
Ghicagou 201
Chittenden, Mr. Martin 203
Chretien, Antoine 78
Circular to captains, officers, and
militiamen 55, 59, 60, 62, 64
Clarke, Major General Aluxed 225
. Clarke, Colonel George Rogers 9, 13,
33, 35, 36, 110, 155, 156, 211, 217, 221
Claudefremiere, Captain 94
Clergy, Canadian 49, 54, 174, 184, 189
CLinicour, a half pay officer 142
Clinton, Sir Henry, mentioned 8, 10,
12, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 25, 29, 30,
31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 45, 52, 56, 61,
82, 83, 104, 112, 115, 123, 146, 148,
149, 150, 155, 161, 164, 166, 172,
180, 181, 193, 202, 203, 204, 206,
210, 214
letters from 56, 60, 61, 96, 102, 104,
122, 158, 168, 170, 191, 205, 218
letters to 52, 98, 108, 109, 122,
124, 126, 136, 137, 144, 167, 170,
171, 186, 188, 189, 190, 198, 200,
207, 208, 209, 210, 212, 213, 214,
218 220
evacuates Philadelphia 2
Cobequid 54
Coder, Lieutenant Pierre 93
Cognawaga, N.Y 18
Coiteux, Captain Joseph 249
Colleton, Lieutenant 188
Come, Joseph 65
Collins, Hon. John 89, 238, 239, 240
Counmissary General 177
Commissary, .a ship 85, 251
PAGE.
Commissions, granting of 45
Commoyer, Captain Ignace 249
Congress, Continental, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 15,
16, 19, 21, 22, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 39,
73, 83, 84, 113, 137, 138, 167, 172,
185, 187, 200, 202, 207, 212, 214,
216, 218, 219, 229
Connecticut, State of, mentioned, 107,
182, : 217
Connecticut River, 3, 7, 8, 14, 16, 21,
22, 27, 32, 107, 108, 111, 112, 128,
146, 149, 158, 179, 183, 185, 188, 204, 222
Connolly, Mr. John 143, 210
Constantin, Lieutenant 246
Contey, Madame .* 157
Continental army 4, 15
Continental troops 219, 231
Contrecoeur, parish of 59, 68, 94, 249
Convert, a ship .',85, 144
Co-os or Cohos, 7, 8, 11, 98, 149, 190
204, 205, 208, 222
Cornelia, a ship 144
Corbin, Captain Francois • 91
Coriveau, Captain Pas>c. 91
.Cork, Ireland 122, 208
Cormiray, Captain Alex 91
Cornwallis, Lord, 33, 34, 35, 214, 215, 221
Corvees, 4, 5, 45, 71, 80, 86, 125, 126,
227, 238, 239, :.... 240
Coste, Le Sieur 91
Cote, Captain Louis 245
Coteau du Lac 15, 24, 140, 182, 229
Cote Beaupre, parish of 245
Cote, Captain Joseph 58
Cote, Louis 91
Cote L'air, Mr 65
Couillard, Captain Baptiste 58
Coullard Depre, Captain J 91
Council, nomination of 44
Courmoneau, Maurice 67
Cournoyer, Captain J. Bte. 94
Cournoyer, Major Paul .' 94
Cournoyer, Lieut. Pierre 249
Courtemanche, Lieut. Joseph 94,249
Courtemanche, Captain Louis 94, 249
Couvaix, Captain Pascal .' 245
Cox, Lieutenant Governor Nicholas, 17, 68
letters from 155, 163
letter to 157
Cramahe, Lieutenant-Governor H. T.,
5, 25, 29, 54, 58, 63, 66, 68, 89, 99,
118, 176, 217
letters from, 58, 61, 63, 66, 68, 192
letter to 193
Cramer, Daniel, letter to 227
Crawford, Colonel 38
Crawford, Lieutenant 68
Crepaut, Lieutenant J. Bte 245
Crepeau, Captain Pierre 91
Crepeaux, Ensign Ignace 92
Crespeur, Ensign Ignace 248
Crevier, Ensign Francois 63
Crevier, Lieutenant Gabriel 93, 248
Crevier, Lieutenant Louis '...92, 247
INDEX
257
PAGE.
Criminal Law of England 44
Crofts, Lieutenant, 19, 106, 108, 111,
114, 118, 119, 154
Crown Point, 4, 18, 26, 33, 69, 70, 159,
160, 161, 179, 209, 212, 213
Cugnet, fills, F. J 143, 195, 199
Cugnet, Pere 143
Cuisy, Lieutenant 142
Cumberland Bay 95
Creutzbourg, Colonel de 232
Cureux, Lieutenant Joseph 244
C'urnoyer, Lieutenant Igce 94
Curotte, Lieutenant N 92
Cuthbert, James 89, 176, 177
Cutters 85
Cuvillion, Ensign Gabriel 92, 248
Cymare, Captain Augustin 91
D'Abadie, Captain 135, 137
Dage, Captain Augustin 248
Dage, Ensign Aug. fils 248
Bagenet, Ensign Joseph 248
Dagenet, Captain Laurent 93
Dagenet, Lieutenant Louis 93, 248
Danae, frigate 171, 175, 201, 209
Dartisrny, Ensign Joseph 94
Dartmouth, Lord, mentioned, 1, 220, 225
letter to 43
Dassigni, Ensign Joseph 249
Dauteau, Lieutenant Ant 94
David, Eiver 20
Davidson, A. C. L. C 90
Davis, B., a courier 199, 215
Daze, Captain Augustin 92
Daze, Ensign Chas. 92
Daze, Lieut. Etienne 92
Dean, Silas 23
Deau, Lieutenant Joseph 92, 247
Deblois, Captain Pierre 245
De Blois, Lieut. Pierre 58
Debrine .. . . 99, 100
Dechambault, Lieutenant-Colonel, let-
ter from 79
Deer Island * 3, 69
Defiance, a ship _. . 128
Defend, Captain Louis 92
Dejarlais, Captain Jean 91, 246
Dejean, a Canadian officer 9
Delanaudiere, Mons 64
Delaware, State of 26, 65
Delaware Bay 5
Delaware River 54
Delisle, Jacque 91
De Lery, J. G. C. .. 89, 143, 176
Delisle, Captain Jacques 245
Delivery, a s'hip 85
Demange, F. P 77, 78
Demarest, Captain J. Bte 94
Demers, Lieutenant J. Bte 245
Demouicihel, Captain Paul 247
Demover, Lieutenant Joseph 248
Denwher, Ensign Lou-is 248
3573—17
PAGE.
De Noyer, Ensign Jos- 93
Depeltau, Captain Pierre 247
Depeltau, Captain Philipe 92,247
De Peyster, Miajor A. S. 46, 152, 211, 226
letters from 155, 169
Deplicis, Henry 78
De Qudndre, Lieutenant Dagniau . .27, 201
Deri, . Lieutenant Louis 246
Deriviere, Captain Pierre 92
DerO'Cihers, Ens<ign L. 92
Deroisier, Lieutenant Ant 246
Derosier, Lieutenant Jacques 92, 248
Derrochers, Lieutenant Francois .... 249
Derrc-'dhers, Captain Hyacinthe 249
Deruisseau, Lieutenant Alexis 92
Deschambault, M 56, 79; 126, 237
Deachambault, Etiene 234
DescthambauK, fils 143
Desichambault, Pere, Inspector of
Militia 143
De&chambaullt, parish of 91, 228, 245
Desiohaimp, Captain Ant 93, 247
Desic'henaux, Fra. Cravier 91
Deserters 47
Desifond, Ensign Pierre 249
Desjiardin, Captain Louis Roy 247
Desjardins, Ensign J'h 92,248
De&jardins, Lieutenant Paul 248
Desmaret, Ensign Jh. 248
Despelteau, Captain Pierre
Desipins1, Major Jean Baptiste 92
Despre, Captain J. Bte 244
Dessain, Joseph 65, 100
D'Estaing, Co.mte 4, 6, 9, 10, 13, 21, 30,
31, 61, 65, 77, 78, 83, 96, 102, 108,
109, 115, 126, 128, 138, 145, 152
proclamation by 75
Destiimauville, Lieut 142
Detroit, Fort 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 15, 22,
24, 27, 28, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 49,
57, 72, 81, 97, 104, 105, 110, 112,
114, 132, 136, 148, 149, 152, 155,
156, 180, 182, 183, 190, 211, 217, ,
221, 225, 226, 235
Detroit river, provision vessels in ... 43
Devau, or Devaux, or Deffau, Mr. J.
D. 120, 152, 159
Di amcmd, Cape 15, 24
Dien, Capfcadn Alexr 91,244
Digby, Mr 214
Diligence, a sihip 85
Dionne, Alexis 58
Dionne, Lieutenant Frans 244
Dionne, Germain 59
Dispatch, a snip 85
Dominique, Captain / 249
Dosez, Lieutenant Etiene 248
Dostaller, Lieutenant Pre. Cazobon. . 247
Douglas, Stair, Esq 46
Drinville, Louis 237
Dominica, Island of 234
Drouin, Lieutenant Etiene 245
Drummond, John 895 175
258
INDEX
PAGE.
Drummonld, Ensign 188, 198, 205
Duanesboro, N.Y 35
Dubec, Francois ; ••• °<
Dubois, Lieutenant Francois 92<, 248
DTibois, Ensign Joseph •. 249
Dubreuille, Major J. Bte • • • ^
Du Calvet, Pierre 20, 21, 165, 170, 173,
187, 188, 189, 203, 214, 231
Dufdhawne, Ensign D'imque 247
Duicthenaye, hal'f pay officer 142
Duc'hene, an inhabitant ***
Duichesne, raver 10°, 1|
Duford, a prisoner 166, 173
Dufour, Lieutenant Jn. Bomar 245
Dufresne, Ensign Antoiine 247
Duhamea, Ensign Jean Frs . 249
Dulude, Ensign Ant. 249
Du/miais, Ensdign Pierre 248
Dumas, Captain ,- • • 244
Dumias, Ensign Jean Bte 249
Diimias, Lieutenant • • 244
Dumas, Enfeiign Pierre 93 )
Dunning, Ensign, Toiiss'ad'nit 249
DuTJimore, a ship 86, 251
Diwnoint, parish oif 92
Dunineny, Lieutenant N 94
Dup, Captain Albert 249
Duplessis, Ensign Joseph 247
Dupont, Ensign 244
Dupre, Colonel Le Comte 244
Dupre, Antoine, an officer 143
Dupre, Lieutenant Emanuel 244
Dupuis, Captain Albert 94
Dupuis, Lieutenant Pierre 248
Dupuy, Ensiign Pierre 93
Doiquet, Joseph 95, 168
Durocher, Lieutenant Fr. 94
Durdoher, Captain Hiathe 94
Dus&ault, Captain 244
Dussault, Captain J. Bte 94, 249
Dufcohim'asn's Point 228
Dutau, Lieut. Ant 249
Duval, Captain Francois 91, 244
Duval, Lieutenant 244
Duverger, half pay officer 142
Duvernet, Lieutenant 57
E
Eboulements, panisih of 91, 245
Ecureui'ls, parish olf 91, 245
Edward, fort 8, 15, 73, 98, 136
Edlwardfe, Admiral and Governor R.
22, 180, 182, 187
letter from 172
Ehrenkrook, Major 232
Elliott, Captain Matthew 34
Emigrants, Royal Highland, Regiment
of, 9, 14, 39, 45, 103, 124, 229, 233, 235
Engineers, Royal 36, 68, 69
English troops 49
Erie, Fort 46, 105, 211
Erae, Lake 45, 49, 86, 105, 180
PAGE.
Estaing, Comte ,d', 4, 6, 9, 10, 13, 21, 30,
31, 61, 64, 65, 77, 78, 83, 85, 96,
102, 108, 109, 115, 126, 128, 138,
145, 152
Estates and Effects of Persons leaving
the Province without paying
their Debts , 68
Etier, 'Captain Paul 92
Experiment, ship 138
Faith, a ship 86
Farland, Ensign Prisque 93, 247
Fay, Major 212, 221
Felicity, -a ship 86, 251
Fileatrau, Captain Pierre 248
Fileatrau, Captain Charles 248
Filiatrau, Lieutenant Jh. •. . . . 248
Filiatros, Lieutenant Jos 92
Filiatros, Lieutenant Pre 92
Filiatros, 'Captain Charles 92
Finlay, J. 25, 176
Fisheries 71, 75, 111, 116, 127, 183, 233
Fishing Posts 80
Fisseau, Captain Laramee Jacques 247
Fissiaux, Lieutenant Jacques 93
Fitzgerald, Mrs 202
Five Nations Indians, 11, 16, 34, 52, 72,
117, 135, 137, 144, 215
Fleet, the British 47
Fleurimond, Ensign 142
Fleurimont, a Canadian Officer 11
Fleury, (Captain Antoine 91
Floquet, IPere 214
Florida 16, 138,167
Floyd, Colonel 35
Foisy, Captain Claude Frenie.re 249
Foley, Captain 243
Forrette, Lieutenant Fra 93
Fort Anne 8, 26, 179, 182, 186
Fort Chambly, parish of 249
Fort /Edward .8, 15, 73, 98, 136
Fort Hunter 35
Fort Johnson 18
Fort Pitt, 6, 12, 22, 33, 34, 35, 37, 48,
145, 182, 210, 211
Fort Slossar 46
Fortin, Lieutenant Charles 244
Fortin, Captain Jean Bte 91, 245
Fortin, Captain Joseph 93
Foucault, Monsr. 241
Foucher, Lieutenant Amable 94, 249
Fo-umier, Captain Joseph 91, 244
Fox, Theophilus Ill
Foy, Captain Edward 61
letters from 63, 64
letter to 61
France, war with 59
Franklin, Benjamin 23, 138, 153, 167
Fraser, Mr 176
Fraser, Captain Malcolm 5, 59
Fraser, Lieut. William 19, 154
Fraser, Peter 17, 111, 120, 155, 163
INDEX
259
PAGE.
Freeman, Mr 214
Fremont, Captain 244
Fremont, Ensign 244
French Fleet 56, 60
Fretier, Captain Jos 92
Frichette, Francois 67
Frishet, Captain Etiene 245
Frontiers, defense of 69
Frotier, Lieutenant Rene 245
Fundy, Bay of 31
Fur Trade 48, 112, 129
Furland, Lieutenant Pierre 245
G
Gage, a ship 86, 251
Gage, General Thomas, establishes his
Hdqrs. at Boston 1
Gagne, Ensign Rene" 244
Gagnion, Lieutenant Jean 245
Gagnon, Captain Pre 92
Gamble, Captain 61
Gamelin, Captain 226
Gamelin, M 119
Garnion, Captain Pierre 248
Garland, ship 74, 115, 209, 213
Garnaud, Captain Jacques 91, 245
Gaspe, district of 63, 144
Gaspey, Lieutenant 142
Gatebois, Lieutenant Andre 94, 249
Gates, General Horatio, mentioned, 30,
31, 96, 148
Gatien, Mr 114
Gausselin, Captain Louis 245
Gautier, Ensign Ant 92, 247
Gautier, Ensign Hyacinthe 247
Gautier, an Indian officer 142
Geddes, George Ill
Gemus, Captain Joachim 247
Genesee river 13
Genest, Captain Louis 91
Genevay, Captain Louis, letters from,
168 227
Genus, 'Captain Joach 92
Gentilly, parish of -. 91, 95, 246
Geoff roy, Ensign Frans 247
George, Fort 26, 179, 182, 186
George, Lake, 5, 22, 32, 38, 64, 144, 170,
172, 204, 214, 226
Georgia, Province of 16, 96, 102, 138
Gerard, French envoy 13, 30, 126
Gerard, a deserter 156
Gerard, Lieutenant Gabl. 246
German Troops, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19,
38, 49, 72, 98, 106, 109, 124, 130,
136, 144, 161, 216, 232
Germain, Lord George, mentioned, 10,
11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 24, 28, 32, 37,
48, 68, 81, 110, 118, 124, 152, 206,
220, 221
instructions to Haldimand 2
forwards appointment to Haldi-
mand 43
letters from, 43, 45, 103, 104, 148,
150, 166, 201, 205, 206
3573—171
PAGE.
letters to, 47, 48, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72,
74, 80, 81, 96, 112, 114, 126, 127,
128, 129, 131, 132, 133, 134, 143,
161, 171, 174, 175, 179, 180, 190,
202, 203, 213, 214, 215
Germain, Ensign B'te 244
Germain, Captain Pierre 91
Germain, Major Louis 244
German Flats, N.Y 212
Giard, Lieutenant Antoine 94, 249
Giardi, Captain Frans 249
Giasson, Ensign 92
Gigon, Etieime 58
Giguere, Ensign Etiene • 245
Giguere, Lieutenant Ignace 245
Gkiais, Captain Lo<uis 245
Gingrais, Captain Augt 245
Gingras, Lieutenant Louis 245
Gingrat, Le Sieur . 91
Girard, Captain Jh 94, 249
Girard, Lieutenant Joseph 245
Girty, Simon 38
Giroux, Captain Raphael 91, 245
Glastgow, Scotland 54
Gordon, Lieut. Ann 119
Gordon, William 52
Gosselin, Captain Clement, letter
from 78
'Gosselin, Ensign Joe 245
Goisselin, Captain Louis 91
Gosselins, the two 59, 79
Gouin, Captain Louis 91, 246
Goullet, Lieutenant Louis 249
Goulette, Lieuitemant Prisqrue 245
Goulette, Lieutenant L 94
Goviin, Lieutenant Ignace 245
Grand'Clos, Bigrel die . . . . 77, 78
Gi'aindmaison, J. Bte 244
Grand Portage m 126
•Gram-d St. Ours,' parish of 59, 94, 249
Grant, Captain David Alexander ... 52
Grant, Joseph 12, 34, 35
Grant, William 89, 176,177
Grasse, Coumt de 204, 206, 208
Gravel, Lieutenant Ignace 245
Graves, Admiral iSaimuel 172, 205
Gray, Major J-aoneis, letter from 119
Green Bay 27
Greenwood & Wigginson 72
Grenie, Pierre Charlo 19, 20, 21, 157,
158, 159, 162, 163, 165, 170, 173
Grenier, Honore, an officer 143, 237
Grey, Major 80
Grollaer, Captain Pierre 245
Groleau, Pierre 91
Grondines, parish of 91, 100, 101, 228, 245
Guadeloupe, a ship 128
Guay, Captain Andre 91, 246
Gueniard, Ensign Antoiine 248
Guerard, Lieutenant Jacques 245
Guerardl La Fresniere, Ensign Ant. . . . 247
Guernsey, Island of 171
Gugy, M 62, 67, 89, 176
260
INDEX
PAGE
Guilbaut, Ensign 'Gregodre 246
Guillet, Ensign Michel 94, 249
Guinard, Lieut. Ant/me 93
Guinard, Lachay 140, 141
Gudmdon, Ensign Nicholas 92, 248
Gudntain, Ensign Joseph 249
Guirien, Captain 91
Gun Boats 69, 70, 73, 85 86
Guy, Major Pierre 92
H
Habeas 'Corpus Act > . . . . 44
Habitants 48, 58
Haldimand, Lieutenant-General Fred^
eric, 'acquaints' Lord George Ger-
.main with -his policy in Canada 47
addresses to 196, 197, 198
appo'imted Governor-General .2, 43
commands in West Florida and)
New York 1
efforts to obtain information . . 3
instructions .from British Gov-
ernment on his appointment as
Governor-General, 43
issues proclamation on 'appoint-
ment >as Governor-General .... 46
letters from 44, 47, 48, 52, 59, 60,
62, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73,
74, 80, 81, 87, 96, 97, 98, 99, 104,
107, 108, 109, 112, 114, 116, 118,
119, 120, 122, 123, 124, 126, 127,
128, 129, 131, 132, 133, 134, 136,
137, 138, 143, 144, 146, 149, 151,
153, 158, 159, 161, 162, 165/166,
167, 171, 173, 174, 175, 179, 180,
186, 187, 188, 190, 192, 193, 198,
200, 202, 203, 207, 208, 200, 210,
212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 218, 220,
223, 225, 236, 239
letters to 43, 45, 53, 54, 56, 58, 60,
61, 63, 66, 68, 79, 80, 95, 98, 99,
102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 111,
114, 120, 121, 132, 135, 140, 141,
148, 150, 152, 153, 154, 156, 157,
158, 163, 164, 165, 166, 172, 191,
192, 200, 201, 205, 206, 217, 218,
223, 231, 233, 243
mentioned 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,
23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33,
35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 66, 74, 89, 117,
146, 151, 168, 182, 232, 236, 238,
239, 243
present at Carleton's departure. 52
proelamiations by 46, 193, 194
recommends purchase of .SoreL 4
requests (power to augment
naval forces and nomination of
council 44
requests Sir John Johnson to
provide one hundred voluiru-
teers 47
PAGE.
requests umilimitedi military
powers 43
takes measures for protection of
shipping 5
to coTrespond with Sir Henry
Clinton 45
to raise corps of Canadians ... 45*
Haldtimand, ifort 3
Haldiirnand, ,a ship 86, 163, 251
Haldimand papers 71, 74, 80, 81, 85, 86,
87, 88, 89, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100,
102, 103, 104, 105, 107, 109, 110,
111, 113, 114, 116, 117, 118,' 119,
120, 121, 123, 127, 131, 132, 136,
137, 140, 143, 144, 145, 146, 153,
155, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162,
164, 166, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172,
173, 174, 175, 180, 186, 187, 189,
190, 191, 192, 195, 199, 200, 204,
205, 207, 208, 209, 210, 212, 213,
215, 216, 217, 218, 220
Halifax, 3, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 23, 28, 30,
31, 36, 39, 47, 52, 61, 96, 97, 98, /
115, 123, 128, 135, 137, 138, 144,
146, 147, 150, 164, 167, ife 183,
184, 187, 198, 205, 218, 219, 220,. . 235
Hamel, Captain Antodne 91, 245
Hamel, Lieutenant Pierre 245
Haimel, a French merchant 21, 173
Hammelaine, Jean Bte 201
Hamelifn, Captain Joseph 91, 245
Hamelin, a haLf breed 27
Hamilton, Captain and Lieutenant
'Governor Henry, 6, 9, 46, 57, 75,
81, 82, 97, 108, 110, 112, 129, 145, 156
Hamilton, Lieutenant-Governor Henry,
letter .from 43
Hamilton, Duke of, Kegdment 54
Hamond, Lieut. -Governor A. S., letter
from 220
Hanau Chasseurs 109
Hanau, Company of 70
Hanault, Hesse, Regiment of, 228, 229, 232
Hare, Captain 169
Haree, Captain Jack 91
Harnois, Ensign Augustin 246
Harrison, Mr 176
Harve, Captain Zacharia 245
Harvest of 1778 58
Haverhill, Mass 222
Havre, France 31
Hay, Mr. Charles 178, 189, 214, 231
Hay, Captain, letter to 201
Hay, Major 57
Hay, Mr. Udney 189
Hazen, Moses, mentioned, 3, 5, 7, 16,
21, 48, 64, 71, 78, 118, 130, 134,
136, 149, 163
Hazens Regiment 14, 20, 38, 128
Hazens Road 15, 136, 149, 222
Hebert, Lieutenant Alexandre 94, 249
Hebert, Captain Joseph 249
Hendrix, Fort . 26
INDEX
261
PAGE
Henri IV, King of France 75, 77
Kercule, ship 171
Herkimer, Captain, Bateaux-men of.. 229
Hertford, Conn 64
Hertel, half-pay officer ." 142
Hertel, John 74
Hervey, Captain 61, 116, 128
Hervieux, Captain 92
Hervieux, Lieutenant Jean Bte — 93, 247
Hessian Troops 115, 158, 228, 229, 232
Hetiez, Lieutenant Gabriel 92, 248
Hetiez, Captain Joseph 248
Hilair, Captain St. 'Martin 248
Hille, Colonel de 232
Hind, Frigate 12, 16, 28, 161, 172
Holland, Major Samuel, 96, 97, 115,
176, 192
Holland House 20
Holmton, ship 171
Hope, Henry 229
Hope, a ship 86
Houghton, Lieutenant 27, 179
Houle, Lieutenant Jh. Simon 245
Howe, Lord 54, 60
Howe, Sir William 70
Howe, Fort 53
Hudson River, 8, 24, 31, 32, 33, 49, 181,
202, 204, 207
Hughes, Captain 70
Hughes, Lieutenant Governor Rich-
ard, 97, 98, 115, 135
letters from 138, 154
'letters to 97, 123, 137, 187, 209
Hunter, Fort 25, 35
Huoayointe, Chief 117
Huot, Captain Michel 58, 91, 245
Huron, Lake 46, 86, 105
Illinois River 4, 9, 13, 81, 110, 126
Indians, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16,
17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28,
31, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 48, 54, 57, 66,
68, 70, 71, 75, 84, 95, 103, 104, 106,
108, 112, 115, 116, 129, ]30, 134,
135, 136, 137, 145, 146, 148, 154,
155, 159, 167, 168, 169, 172, 175,
179, 180, 182, 186, 190, 201, 211,
.216, 218, 21p, 223, 234
Indian Department 8, 56, 146,210
Indian Interpreter 82
Indians, (Supt. of 44
Indian Traders 113
Indians, Western 8
Inflexible, a ship 85, 234, 251
Inglis, Captain 220, 232
Intelligence between Europe and Can-
ada 47
Intelligence to the Rebels 48
Ireland, Mr 61
Isabella, ship 171
Isle aux Coudres, parish of 91, 24:i
Isle aux Grues, parish of 244
PAGE.
Isle aux Noix 3, 5, 15, 26, 32, 33, 38, 69,
71, 73, 74, 134, 136, 137, 190, 203,
213, 227, 228, 234
Isle aux Oyes, parish of 244
Isle Dupas, parish of 94
Isle Dupas-Visitation, parish of 247
Isle du Portage, parish of 244
Isle Jesus 20, 92, 162, 228, 248
I'sle Jesus, Pt. Martin, parish of 248
Isle Jesus, St. Francois, parish of, 92, 248
Isle Jesus, Ste. Rose, parish of.. "..92, 248
Isle Perrault, parish of 92
Isle St. Ignace 59, 228
Islette, parish of 91, 228
Isle Verte, parish of 91, 244
Jacques Cartier, place 228
Jamaica 109
Jannot, Ensign Isidore 93, 247
Jannot, Captain Jh 247
Jannot, Ensign Michel 247
Jautard, Mr. 113
Jean, Ensign Bros 248
Jenkinson, Honble. Charles, letter to 146
Jersey, a ship 85
Jerseys, the 48
Jessup, Major '. .148; 174, 235, 236
Jesuits 189, 191
Jeune Lorette, parish of 91, 245
Jobin, Captain Jacques 91, 245
Johe, Captain 99, 140
Johns, Mr. 120
Johnson Hall 18, 19
Johnson, Colonel Guy 35, 44, 56
Johnson, Sir John, 3, 10, 13, 15, 17, 18,
19, 21, 25, 26, 36, 47, 54, 68, 69,
117, 134, 137, 148, 159, 161, 170,
172, 174, 179, 182, 188, 210, 233, 235
letters to 47, 54
Johnstown, N.Y 17, 18, 19
Joinville, Ensign Ant 247
Joinville, Captain Pierre 94, 247
Joly, Captain Felix 92, 248
Jones, Captain 235
Jones, John Paul 5
Jordan, Mr 175
Joutan, Lieutenant Pierre 246
Kamouraska, parish of 5, 39, 58, 69,
200, 238, 239, 240, 244
Kamourasqua, Chemin de ." 78
Kaskaskia „ . 9, 13
Keitih, Captain 234
Kenneibec River 10, 15, 110, 120, 132
Kentuicky, 27, 34, 35, 38, 212, 217
King's Royal Regiment of ,New York,
9, 10, 17, 18, 19, 25, 36, 109, 162,
227, 228, 229, 236
Kirkland, 'Saimuel, a Missionary 12
Knox, William, mentioned 32, 33
letter (from 206
262
INDEX
PAGE.
Knyphausen, General, mentioned, 17,
152, 158, 161, 205, 208
letter from 151
letter to 159
La Bal/me, Colonel ................. 27
La Baye ...................... 60, 118, 119
Labrador .................. 6, 80, 116, 127
Labea, Lieutenant Pre .............. 245
Labissoniere, Lieutenant Danl ...... 246
Labreque, Lieutenant Pre ............ 245
Labroquerie, Ensign ................ 142
La Bruere, an officer ............... 143
La Bruere, L'aine .................. 143
Lacadie, parish of ................ 53, 93
Lac deux Montagnes, parish of ...... 247
Lacerte, (Lieutenant Joseph ......... 246
Lachapelle, Lieut. Frans ............ 247
Lachenaye, parish of, 15, 92, 99, 140, 228
La Chine, parish, 20, 92, 162, 201, 229,
242, .......................... 246
Laco'Ue Rirsrer ........ : ............. 241
Lac fit. Paul, parish of ............ 91
Lachapelle, Captain Jos ........... 93
LaChevrotiere, half pay officer ...... 142
LaConibel, Lieut. Pre. .... .......... 93
Lacoiste, Captain L'aine ............. 92
LacO'S'te, Lieutenant Elde ............ 92
Lacoste, Captain Jacques ........... 92
La Croix, Captain Jos ............... 92
La Croix, Lieutenant Jo& ........... 92
La Crodx, Joseph ................... 91
Lacroix, Lieutenant Paul ........... 247
Laderoute, Captain Hyacinthe. . . .92, 247
LaFayette, [Marquis de, mentioned, 7,
8, 9, 21, 23, 31, 36, 78, 82, 84, 95,
108, 110, 158, 169, 171, 172, 175,
185, 202, 206, 217, ..... , ........ 221
letters .from, 82 .............. 84
proclamation by ..... . ........ 184
Lafleur, Ensign D'mque, .......... 92, 248
La'fond, Captain J. Bte ............. 246
Lafontaine, Lieut ................... 142
Lafontaine, Lieut. Frane .......... 92,248
Lafontaine, Joseph ............. • • • .• 143
Laforce, Mr ......................... 66
Laforce, Captain ................... 244
Laforge, Lieuiteoo1* Vincent ........ 92
Laigrenade, Ensfr'L' J. Bte ...... ...... 94
LaGuerche, Enr ^ Antoime ........ >. 246
Lahaye, Major Louis ... ........... 92
LaJoye, Mr ......................... 170
Laliberte, Captain Joseph ....... ... 245
Lalonde, Captain Albert ............ 92
Lalon.de, Cap tain Ant ............... 92
LaMadelaine, halif pay officer ...... 142
LaMorandiiere, half pay officer ....... 142
Lamarche, Lieutenant Frans ........ 247
Lamarche, Lieutenant Nicolas, ... .93, 247
LaMare, Captain Louis .............. 92
Lambert, Lieutenant Etiene ........ 245
LaMothe, Captain W ............... 57
PAGE.
LaMotte, a Canadian officer 9
LaMotte, an Indian officer 142
Lamoureux, Ensign Michel 249
Lamusitte, Lieutenant Toussaint, 93, 247
Laony, Jean Baptiste 107
Lanaudiere, Mr. Charles de, 39 61,
143, 231, 232, 23fr
Landxie, Nichdlas 64
Lanet'ose^ Lieutenant Ant 94
Laniglade, an Indian Officer 142
Langlois', Ensign Ign-ace 246
Langlois, Captain Pierre 248
Languedoic, Captain Etne 94
Languedoc, Ensign Joseph 249
Languedoc, ship of war 77, 78
La Norray or Lan/oraie, parisih of, 60,
93, 228, 247
Lanouette, Captain Ann 246
Lanouette, Lieutenant Jo.achdm ..... 246
La Nouvelle Accadie, parish of 248
Lapancardiere, parish of 244
Lapare, Lieutenant Pierre 245
La Periere, an officer 143
LaPierre, Ensign Jos. 93
La Plandry, Alexis 67
Laplante, aidte Major, Bte 246
Lapoint, Ensign Jacques 93, 249
La Porte, Captain Antme 93
Laporte, Lieutenant Charles 93,247
Laporte, Captain Louis 93,247
La Potherde, an officer 143
Laprairie, au tort, parish oif 94, 249
Laprairie roiad 157
Laprairie St. Pierre, parish of 94
Laprairie St. Philippe, parish of .... 94
Lapurie, Ensign Joseph 248
Larcheveque, (Lieutenant Paul 247
Lariviere, Captain An. Clement. .92, 248
Lariviere, Lieutenant Frans 94,249
Lariviere, Captain Joseph 94, 249
Lariviere, Lieutenant Michel 249
Lariviere, Ensign Louis 94,249
LaRocque, Ensign iGuillauone 94
LaRocque, Major N 92
L'Assomption, parish of, 92, J228, 244,
245, 248
Lataille, Lieut. J. Bte 94
Lataitte, Lieut. J. Bte" 249
La Terriere, Mr 101, 127
Latours, Captain J. Bte. Jerome.. 92, 248
Latriimouille, Ensign Jacques 94
Latulippe, Ensign Jos 92
Launiere, M., an Indian officer, 15, 16,
36, 142, 146, 147, 153, 216
Launiere, Captain 244
Launiere, Mr., letter to 168
Launiere, J., an Indlian officer 142
Laurens, Henry, 7, 8, 22, 34, 36, 172,
180, 182, 187, 216, 218
Laulonde, Ensign Etiene 247
Laurier, Captain 58
Laurin, Captain. Joseph 92, 248
Lauzaer, Captain Augustin 91
INDEX
263
PAGE.
La Vallee, Ensign Pierre 94
La Valterie, parish of, 60, 81, 93, 228, 247
Laviolette, Captain Jean 94, 249
Lavoix, Lieutenant Michel 245
Law, Captain Geo 21
Leak, Captain 114
Lebault, Ensign Alexis 247
Le Belle, Ensign Jean 244
Lebert, Lieutenant Fr 94
Lebert, Captain Louis 94
Le Blanc, Captain Alexis 91
Leblanc, Ensign J. Bte 248
LeBlanc, Captain Joeeph 93, 248
Leblanc, Captain Julien 92, 248
Le Bon, Baptiste 63
Le Bon, Louis 63
Lebrodieur, Captain J. Bte 249
Leclair, Lieutenant Alexis 246
Leclair, Lieut. J. Bte. . . . 245
Leclair, Catain Jean 91, 245
Le Claire, Lieutenant Pre 92
Leduc, Lieutenant Antoine 92,247
Leduc, Captain Michel 92, 247
Leduc, Ensign Rene 92 247
Lee, a tehip 85
Lees, Mr. John 143
Lefebvre, Lieutenant Pre 94
Leifeivre, Ensigin Pre 94
Leffevre, Lieutenant Pierre 249
Lefevre, Lieutenant Pre 249
Legislative Oounicil, members oi, 46, 68
Legislative Council, proceedings of,
. 175, 176, 177, 178, 217
Lejeune, J. Jacob 201
Le Jeune, Ensign Lacroix 92
Lelang, Captain Dotmque 247
Le lav-al, Lieut. Guillaunne 248
Le Maistre, Captain Francis L.
21, 186, 188
letters from, 54, 68, 81, 114
Lamoine, Major 234
Le Maine, Captain Jacques 92
Lemoine, Ensign Joseph 92, 249
Le Moine, Ensign Jos 94
Leniz, Colonel 232
Lepage, Captain Joseph 91, 245
Lepine, Captain Pierre 248
Leproust, Captain Loui® Jh 246
Lernoult, Captain R. B., letters from,
186, 201, 234, 236, 237
Lerous, Lieutenant Gabriel 247
Le Roux, Ehisign Gab 92
LeSieur, Captain Antoine Oil, 246
Lespine, Captain Pre 93
L'Etang, Cap-tain Dominique 92
Letter ojf Marque 61
L'Eveque, Mr 176, 177
Levesque, a,n offiicer 143
Levesque, Francois . . 89
Levy, Marquis de 76, 77
L'Heureux, Captain Louis 91,245
Liard, Captain 244
Liberty, Armed Brig 16, 85, 151251
PAGE
Licking River, Ky. 38
Lieut. -Governors subordinate 'to Gov-
ernor-General 44
LLmnade, a ship 251
Limoge, Ensign Toussaint. 92, 248
Lincoure, Lieut. J. Bte 94
Lincourt, Captain Jean Bte 249
Lincto, a French Canadian 13, 156
Lin-ton, George 241
L'Isle Dupas 59
L'Islette 58
Livernois, Lieutenant Frans 249
Liverpool, England 17, 161
Livius, Peter, Esq 44, 52
Lizard, letter oif Marque 148
Lizard, Armed ship 155, 161
Lizot, Mr 52
Lizotte, Lieutenant Bernard 244
Loohry, Colonel 35
Lolo, Lieutenant Charles 94
Lolo, Ensign Louis 94
Longboats 85
Long Island........ 5, 61, 6i5
Longprez, Lieutenant Guille 93,247
Lonigue Pointe, parish oif 93, 247
Longueuil, Joseph de 89, 176, 237
Longueuil, Inspector of Militia 61, 143
Longueuil, parish of 94, 249
Lookout, a ship 85
Loos, Colonel de 158, 161
Loos, MajoT-General de 232
Lorette, Notre-Dame, parish of 244
Lorette Indians 137
Lorimier, M. de 60
Lorimier, Chev. half pay officer. ,t. . . . 142
Lorimier, Verneuil, half pay officer. . . 142
L'Ormiere, parish of 91,246
Losiberg Regiment oi 228
Lotbiniere, Mr 216
Lotbiniere, an offiicer 143
Lotbiniere, parish of 91, 114, 245
Louis, Ensign 246
Louis, Joseph, a half breed 13, 53, 100
Louke, Major ide 232
Lowder, Colonel 135, 137
Lower C'ohoes 149
Loyalists, 4, 19, 69, 70, 72, 118, 120,
125, 159, 160, 161, 167, 228, 232,
233, 241, 242, 243
Lozo, Lieutenant Charles 249
Lozo, Ensign Loruis 249
Lucerne or Luzerne, M. de 202, 214
Lucretia, a ship 234
Lulair, Lieut. Pierre 248
Lussien, Lieutenant Rene 246
Lutwidige, Captain 63
M
Mabane, Adams 89, 176
Machias 15, 135, 137, 153
Machiche, parish of 4, 60, 70, 228, 246
Mackinac, 27, 251
Macintosh, Brigad'r 110
264
INDEX
PAGE
Maclean, (Colonel and. Brig.-General
Allan, 14," 18, 21, 52, 54, 70, 124, 225
letters from, 86, 191
letters to, 110, 173, 201
Magistrates 176
Magnan, an officer 143
Maisonville, Captain 152, 226
Malboeuf, Lieut. Frans 93, 248
Manon, Captain Antoine 248
Manseaux, Captain Frans 246
Marchand, Captain Pierre 246
Marchand, Lieutenant 244
Marchessau, Lieutenant Christophe . . 249
Marchessot, Ensign Christ 94
Marcoux, Lieutenant 142
Marcoux, Captain 244
Maria, a ship 85, 251
Marines, Royal 184, 204
Marion, Captain Ant 92
Marsolet, Lieut. Bona 92, 248
Martel, Elnsign Jean 93, 248
Mathieus, Lieutenant Frans 248
Martial Law .- 113, 193
Martin, a ship : . . 85
Martin, Lieutenant Etiene 94, 249
Martin, Lieutenant Hilaire 92
Martin, Captain Jean Bte 94, 249
Martinbaie, Lieutenant Frans . . 249
Martinbeau, Lieutenant Fr 94
Martinico, Island of 96
Mary, ship 85
Maryland, State of , 26
Mascouche de Terrebonne, parish of
9'2, 248
Mascouche, Lacbenay, parish of 248
Maseres,* Francis 21
Maska, parish of 59, 246
Maskinonge, parish- of 60, 91, 246
Masquinonge, parish of €»0, 91, 246
Masquinonge, river 231
Massachusetts, State of, 22, 23, 30, 182, 184
Mathews, Major .Robert 243
letters from 195, 237
letters to, 86, 1/2, 191, 232, 235, 242
Mathieux, Lieut. Fra 92
Maunnier, Ensign Jos 94
Maurer, Lieut 140
Maurice, Janvier 67
Maurin, Captain Jean 244
Menard, Lieut. J. Bte 245
Menier, Lieutenant Francois 245
Menut, Mr. 143
Mercier, Lieut. Jos 92
Mercure, Captain Pierre 91, 245
Mercury, schooner, 3, 16, 85, 152, 155,'
163, 172, 243
Mesplet, Fleury 113
Messier, Captain Jos 94
Miami portage 27
Miami river 9, 13, 27, 35, 126
Miami town 201 '
Michigan lake 46, 86, 105
Miehilimackinac, 97, 105, 112, 115, 130,
149 '169, 218 .243
^ PAGE.
Micmac Indians 13, 128
Middle river 149
Mignot, Lieut. Alexis 245
Military State of Quebec, sketch of . . . 48
Militia, Canadian, 2, 8, 9, 27, 39, 49, 57,
61, 75, 82, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 97,
103, 109, 111, 157, 163, 169, 180,
182, 191, 192, 194, 195, 196, 207,
221, 226, 227, 232, 239 240
Militia and Company of Volunteers,
Detroit, report on 57
Militia, British 143, 202, 242
Militia company 102
Militia, captains of, 80, 86, 87, 91, 194,
201, 227, 235, 238
Militia, etc., summer circuit, 1778,
memo 58
Militia, Inspectors of 120
Militia Law 216, 217
Militia, salaries of Majors 58
Millard, Captain J. B.te 93, 247
Millet, Ensign Charles 249
Milles-Isles, parish of 228
Minerva, American privateer 66
Miramichi 13
Mississippi river 4, 27, 81, 123, 145"
Mississquoi Bay, 14, 103, 129, 130, 136,
157, 190, 241
Missiy, Captain Joseph 249
Mocquin, Lieutenant 92
Mohawk Indians ....26, 137, 179, 187, 233
Mohawk River, 7, 8, 10, 12, 17, 18, 21,
22, 25, 26, 32, 33, 35, 104, 110,
114, 159, 170, 172, 179, 182, 187, '
188, 202, , 207
Mohawk, a ship 251
Mohawk valley ,. 35
Momorency, Ensign J 94
Mompesson, Captain 169
Monarque, Captain Jacque 248
Monarque, Lieut. Jaoq. . ' 93
Monarque, Captain Jean Bte 248
Mondor, Captain Andre 93,247
Mondor, Ensign Andre, fils 247
Monet, Captain Ch 92, 248
Monmouth, a ship 83, 84
Montforton, Captain 226
Montmorency, Lieut. J. Bte 249
Monsell, Captain William, letter from 166
Montague, Captain 46, 152
Montague, Admiral 66
Montcalm, Monsieur de 76
Montigny, L'aine, an officer 143
Montigny, cadet, an officer 143
Montizambert, half-pay officer 142
Montmagny 61
Montreal, 2, 3, 7, 11, 13, 15, 20, 21, 23,
24, 26, 28, 29, 30, 36, 37, 39, 47, 49,
52, 61, 69, 71, 74, 80, 87, 88, 95,
97, 125, 126, 127, 141, 159, 163, 165,
166, 169, 173, 176, 177, 178, 180,
183, 189, 190, 191, 193, 194, 196,
197, 203, 210, 211, 220, 222, 228,
235. 243 . 250
INDEX
265
PAGE.
Montreal, cut off by Rebels 43
Montreal, H.M. Frigate 46
Moran, Captain 226
Moravian Missionaries 37
More, Francis 242
Moreau, Lieutenant Jean 246
Moreau, Ensign Joseph 246
Morin, Captain Jean 91
Munro, the Revd 52
Murray, General James 2
Myers, Mr. 120
Me.
McAlpin, Captain 148, 174
McCarthy, Jeremiah 241
MoCord, Mr 214
McGregor, Captain 226
Mclntosh, Donald 124
McKee, Alexander 169
McKenna, the Rev. • 52
McLean, Brig. -^General Framois,, 15,
80, 97, 98, 115, 124, 130, 135, 137 N
letter if roan 164
letters to 79, 132 153
Nadau, Louis . . 170
Nadeau, Ensign Alexis 244
Nadon, Lieut. Joachim 92, 248
Nairn, Captain 70, 74, 114, 130
Nancy, ship .' 97, 98, 171
Narbonne, Lieutenant N 94
Natchez 9
Nauer, Charles 140, 141
Naval forces on the lakes 44
Navy 50
Neveu Sevestre, |P. Paul, Lieut.-
Colonel, 92, 191, 194, 195, 201,... 232
New England, 58, 65, 106, 123, 132, 135,
136, 147, 206
Newfoundland, 8, 11, 14, 22, 23, 30, 115,
116, 130, 150, 172, 183, 184
New Hampshire 19, 23, 44, 184
New Jersey 22, 184
New Orleans 9, 145
Newport, R.I 23, 31, 186, 206
New York, 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, 15, 16, 17,
19, 22, 24, 32, 38, 39, 56, 61, 82,
95, 97, 98, 102, 104, 120, 137, 143,
161, 168, 170, 177, 180, 188, 189,
205, 207, 208, 209, 212, 217, 219,
220, 223, 224, 226, . 234
Newspapers, rebel 47
Niagara, Fort, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15,
22, 23, 25, 27, 28, '33, 35, 37, 39,
44, 49, 57, 69, 72, 97, 104, 105, 112,
113, 129, 132, 135, 136, 148, 149,
152, 170, 172, 179, 180, 182, 183,
188, 190, 211, 233, 235
Nicole, Lieut. Jacque 244
Nicolet, parish of, 67, 68, 100, 101, 106, 246
Nicolp.t river 19. 106, 154
PAGE.
Niverville, Antodne, an officer 143
Niverville, (half pay officer 142
Noblesse, the Canadian '.
49, 130, 184, 185, 191
Noel, Lieutenant Joseph 245
Norau, Captain Charles 91, 245
Normandeau, Ensign Athanas 94,249
North, Lord, letter from, 233
letter to 235
Norton, Captain 158
Nova Scotia, 13, 14, 16, 22, 30, 31, 39,
81, 128, 138, 147, 155, 167, 172
Ocean, ship 171
Oger, Captain Etienne 92
O'Hara, Felix, letter from 223
Ohio, falls of, 9, 35, 36
Ohio river.... 27, 36, 36, 38, 135, 211, 217
Olivier, Captain Loud® 93
Oualbrener, Captain S. Pre 94
Onandaga falls 25
Oncaquaga village 182
Onedda Indians, 12, 25, 135, 170, 179, 187
Oneida Lake 35, 231
Oneida village 13, 26
Onion River 70
Onoindagas Indians , 137
Onslow 54
Ontario Lake, 3, 7, 8, 9, 13, 22, 23, 28,
45, 69, 86, 105, 109, 136, 180, 182,
183, 188, 221, 233
Ordinances, 87, 88, 89, 90, 97, 190, 192,
195, 196, 230
Ordinance, 29th March, 1777, relative
to epie-s 55
Ordnance, Board of 45, 68
Orleans, Island of 58, 245
Osburn, William 169, 170
Oewegatchie 9, 15, 72
Oswego, 8, 11, 13, 16, 22, 23, 26, 28, 33,
35, 37, 38, 39, 49, 72, 108, 117, 122,
134, 135, 136, 144, 148, 167, 170,
172, 179, 182, 183, 190, 216, 221,
225, 229, 231, 235
Ottawa Indians 243
Ottawa, a ©hip
Otter, sloop 158
Otter Creek 6, 70, 73, 82, 96, 98
Oudet, Ensign Jean 244
Paeusch, Major 232
Pacquet, Lieut. Jacques 2
Pagan, Mr 209
Page, Ensign Francois 245
Paget, Captain Francois 247
Pallas, 'frigate 68
Pandora, frigate 209, 232
Panet, fils, an officer 143
Panet, pere, &n officer 143
Paquet, Lieutenant Boniface 248
266
INDEX
PAGE
Paradis, Captain Pre 92, 246
Parent, Ensign J 92
Parry, Captain Jean
Parry, Captain Joseph 91
Patrick's (hole 52
Payefort, Major Paul 92
Payet, Lieutenant Boniface 92
Payez, Lieutenant Pierre 248
Payment, Lieutenant Pre 92, 248
Peaclham 149
Pearl, frigate 151, 152
Pearison, Captain Richard, 5, 52, 66,
74, 75, 116
Peekskill, N.Y., 31, 207
Pelland, Captain Pre 93, 247
Pelletier, Lieutenant Pierre 249
Penco'ur 27
Pennsylvania, 4, 6, 22, 26, 33, 35, 182, 209
Penobscot Bay, 15, 16, 31, 36, 130, 135,
144, 146, 153, 154, 216
Perce. 17, 38, 155, 157, 163, 223
Pepin, Lieutenant Francois 245
Perras, Major Jacques 244
Perault, Lieutenant J. Bte 245
Perrault, Captain 244
Perrault, Jacques 58
Perrouett, Michelle, an officer 143
Peters, Captain 47, 148, 174
Petit, Lieutenant Louis 94, 249
Petit Fort 27, 201
Petit St. Ours, parish off 94, 249
Petit Riviere, parish off 91, 245
Petrimous, 'Captain Fran& 94, 249
Pey, village olf 156
Philadelphia .31, 83, 84, 216
evacuation of 48
Philips, General W. 144
Pioard, Lieutenant Am,able 93
Pd/card, Captain Joseph 93
Picard, Captain 244
Piedallu, Lieutenant Julien, Fils, . . . 249
Piedally, Captain Julien, Pere 249
Piedonond, Indian officer 142
Piercie, militia off Ill, 155
Pierre Lepage, Lieutenant 244
Pierville, Indian officer 142
Pillon, a French surgeon, 20, 21, 163,
164, 165, 169, 170, 173, 188 231
letters from 69, 170
Pinard, Lieutenant J. Bte 63, 246
Pines, Captain Pierre 91, 244
Pinguet, Lieutenant ' 244
Pins'somneau, Lieutenant P 94
Pinsonneaux, Ensign Pre 249
Piquet, Monsr. La Mothe 14 130
Pitt, Fort, 6, 12, 22, 33, 34 35, 37 48
145, 182, 210, ,! .'211
Plante, Captain Prisque 91, 245
Pte. a la Caille, parish of 244
Pointe au Baudet 242
Pointe au Fer 18, 33, 157, 213
Pointe au Trembles, parish of, 65 91
93, 228, 245, .... .' 247
Pointe Claire, parish of 92, 247
PAGE.
Pointe du Lac, parish of, 15, 60, 62
67, 91, 99, 228, 246
Pointe Levy, parish of 59, 91, 168, 245
Pt. Michel Quinchien, parish of 247
Pt. Michel Vaudireuil, parish olf 247
Poirier, Lieutenant Pierre 246
Poisson, C'aptain Antoine 91, 246
Poliquin, Captain Dom'que 245
Poliquin, Captain Jos. Demq 91
Polly, Prov. armed brig 16, 85, 151, 234
Pommeran, Captain 244
Pomminville, Captain Vital 94, 249
Pontiac, Indian Chief 11
Porlier, Mr 10, 113, 114, 115
Porlier, Cure of St. Ours, letter from 121
Porlier, Captain Jacques 92
Port Joly St. Jean, parish of 244
Portsmouth, England 64, 201
Potevin, E;nsign Pre 249
Potomac river 33, 210
PoudretjC'aptain Ant 92
Poulin, Captain Joseph 245
Powell, Brig.-General H. Watson,
mentioned, 7, 35, 48, 64, 80, 103, 225
letters from, 63, 64, 80, 95, 98
120, 121
letters to 118, 119, 120
Powell, William Dummer 177
Pownall, George 89, 176, 194, 195, 199
Praetprius, Lieutenant-Colonel 80
Prairie, Lieut. Jh 249
Prairie, Lieutenant Julien '. 94
Prairie la Madelaine, Fort Laprairie,
parish of 249
Prairie la Madelaine, Nativite, parish
of 249
Prairie la Madelaine, St. Pierre, parish
of 249
Prairie la Madelaine, St. Philipe, par-
ish of 249
Predalue, Lieutenant Jos 94
Predalue, Captain Julien 94
Premier, Captain Rainville 94
Prentice, (Ensign 205
Presqu' Isle 49, 211
Prevost, General 152
Prices Current 173
Priests 59, 130, 191
Prince Edward Island 15
Pritchard, Azariah 19, 20, 21, 172
Privateers, American, 3, 4, 6, 11, 17, 27,
28, 38, 71, 75, 80, 97, 111, 115, 116,
123, 138, 155, 157, 163, 171, 172,
208, 209, 223
Proclamation, Haldimand's, June 30
1778 ; 46
Proux, Lieutenant Jh. 246
Proval, Lieutenant Guillaume 245
Provincial Armed Vessels 85
Q
Quebec, 5, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22,
23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 36,
37, 39, 56, 57, 61, 62, 65, 66, 68, 69,
INDEX
267
PAGE.
70, 74, 75, 79, 80, 81, 85, 87, 88, 97,
99, 100, 101, 104, 105, 106, 108, 109,
116, 118, 119, 120, 122, 123, 127,
129, 130, 131, 132, 134, 136, 137,
143, 144, 145, 147, 150, 154, 155,
156, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 164,
166, 168, 170, 171, 173, 174, 175,
176, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183,
184, 186, 187, 188, 190, 191, 192,
196, 198, 199, 200, 202, 203, 204,
205, 208, 209, 212, 213, 214, 215,
216, 218, 219, 223, 225, 226, 227,
229, 234, 235, 236, 237, 241, 242,
250 251
Quebec Citadel 44, 68
Quebec, district of, 5, 59, 91, 176, 194,
238, 240, 244
Quebec, fortifications of 2, 49
Quebec Gazette, 29, 30, 90, 138, 139,
141, 143, 158, 173, 174, 193, 194,
196, 199, 201, 202, 203, 230, 231,
232, 234, 241, 242, 243
extracts from, 46, 52, 138, 139,
141, 143, 158, 173, 193, 194, 1%,
199, 201, 202, 231, 232, 234, 241,
242, 243
Quebec, military state of 48
Quebec, province of, 56, 87, 88, 90, 149,
193, 197, 233, 234, 244
Quin, a messenger 200
Quinchien, parish of 92
Quintal, Ensign Jos 94
Quintal, Captain Michel 94,249
Quirion, Captain Frans 245
Rabby, Captain Pierre 92
Racicotte, Ensign Chas 94
Rainville, CaJptain Paul 91, 245
Raking, Captain . ./ 163
Rangers, 75, 82, 120, 135, 146, 159, 169,
179, 188, 211, 235, 236
Rangers, King's 236
Rangers, Loyal 236
Rassicot, Lieutenant Ch 249
Ration, a ship 85
Rauschenplatz or Raushenblat, Briga-
dier de 168, 232
Reaume, Ensign Amable 92
Reaume, Lieutenant Nic 92
Rebel emissaries 72
Rebecca, a ship 251
Receipt, a ship 85
Recollet, Ensign Simon Tarte 248
Regiment, 8th, or King's, 27, 72, 75,
82, 188, 229
Regiment, 29th.... 73, 74, 95, 166, 213, 228
Regiment, 31st 74, 227, 228, 232
Regiment, 34th 19, 72, 188, 228, 229
Regiment, 44th 158, 161, 188, 227
Regiment, 47th 69
Regiment, 53rd 27, 70, 218, 228, 243
Regiment, 56th 179
PAGE.
Regiment, 60th or Royal American... 2
Regiment, 62nd 74
Regiment, 70th 54
Regiment, 84th, 45, 103, 124, 125, 229,
233, 235
Regiment of Creutzburg 213
Regiment of Knyphausen 209
Regiment of Hanault, Hesse 228
Regiment oif Los'sberg 158, 228, 232
Regiment of Reidesel 228, 232
Regiment of Prinice Frederick 232
Regiment of Prince oif Brunswick. ... 80
Regiment o,f Rhetz 228, 232
Reidesel, 'General 32, 35, 205, 208, 209,
210, 225, 232
Reine des Anges, parish of 244
Renaud, Mr. Jean 238, 240, 241
report from 238, 239
Repent-igny, parish <yf 247
Rapentigny L'Assotnuption, parish <ol
93, 228
Resny, Captain Leopold 94
Retournez, Lieutenant Louis 249
Rhetz, Regiment of 228, 232
Rhode Island, 22, 28, 32, 33, 60, 164,
168, 172, 180, 186, 191, 192, 206
Richardson, Geo1 Ill
Richelieu river 3, 7, 19, 23, 24, 94
Richerville, halt pay officer 142
Rickinson, Saml. 242
Rigauville, Major de 11
Rimousky, parish of 91, 244
Risson, Lieutenant Andre 245
Rival, Lieutenant Jean 93, 247
Rivette, Lieoitenant Jos 93
Riviere au Boeu'f ; 110
Riviere Bati scant, parish of 246
Riviere Becancour, parish of 91
Riviere Cheisne, or Du Chene, 92, 228,
235, 248
Riviere des Caps, parish of 91, 240
Riviere des Prairies, parish of ... .93, 248
Riviere diu Loup, parish of, 60, 91, 107,
140, 141, 200, 238, 239, 240, 244, 246
Riviere du Sud, parish of 244
Riviere Lachigan P. Roch, parish of.. 248
Riviere Ouelle, 39, 58, 78, 237, 238, 239,
240, 244
Riviere Richelieu, 'St. Antoine, parish.
of 249
Riviere Richelieu, St. Charles, parish
oif 249
Riviere Richelieu, St. Denis, parish of 249
Riviere Verte 240
Road, Hazen's 48
Roberge, Captain Pierre 91,245
Robertson, Captain 225
Robertson, Captain Daniel, letter from 243
Robertson, 'Major-General James,
mentioned 159, 189, 222
letters ifrom. 152, 214
letter® to 160, 209
Robillard, Ensign Jh 247
Robillard, Ensign Paul 247
268
INDEX
PAGE.
Robinson, Colonel Beverley 204
Rotch, Ensign Antme 93
Roch, Captain Joseph 93
Racha'mbeau, Cerate de, mentioned,
23, 29, 185, 186, 191, 192, 204, 206, 208
letter from 386
Rocque, Lieut. Ant 247
Rocque, Lieutenant 'C-hiillaume 249
Rocque, 'Captain Joseph 247
Rodney, Sir George : . .206, 225
Rogers, Colonel David 145
Rogers, Major James 36, 146, 207, 236
Rogers, Lieut.-Colonel Robert, 137, 144,
145, 167
letter 'froun 146
Rogers, Lieutenant 218
Rogers's Rangers 228
Roland, Lieutenant Jean Pierre 249
Rolland, Lieut: J. Bte 94
Roinney, H.M. $hip 46
Ross, Major 35, 37, 63, 221,225
Rossignol, Lieutenant Guillaume. .92, 248
Rouari, Marquis de La 78
Rooissel, Captain Jean Bte 94, 249
Rouville, Mr 142, 143
Rouville, Jr. Hertel de 53
Rouvdlile, Captain, mentioned 8, 236
Rouville, Captain Hertel de, letter
if rom 53
letter to 237
Row Galley 86
Roy, Captain Alexr t 91, 244
Roy, Captain Aug 244
Roy, Ensign Baptiste 92
Roy, Captain J. Bte 93, 248
Roy, Captain Joseph 91, 245
Roy, Captain Louis 93
Royal Artillery 188, 227, 228, 233
Royal Engineers 36, 68, 69
Royal Highland1 Emigrants, Battalion
of, 9, 14, 39, 45, 103, 124, 229, 233, 235
Royal George, ship 85, 251
Royalists 47
Royal Reghnent of New York, 9, 10,
17, 18, 19, 25, 36, 109, 162, 227,
228, 229, 236
Royal Ro.ad 36
Royce, Lieutenant 188
Roye, Joseph 58
Royer, Captain Joseph 91, 245
Roy, Mr 59
Ruisseau des Anges, parish of 93
S
Sabourin, Captain Paul 92
Sa Kinaw, 'mentioned 95
Salem, Mass 155
Sallaberry, Mr 142
Samson, Captain Antoine 91, 245
Sandusky 34, 35, 37,110
PAGE.
Sandwich, Lord, 12, 50, 81, 128
letter ifrom 123
letter to 116
Sandwich Bay 66
Sandy Hook 5, 54, 234
Sans Regret, Captain Joubert 249
Saratoga 8, 38, 98
Sartigan 4, 147
Sault aux Recollets, parish o*f, 16, 93,
141, 248
Sault Ste. Marie 27
Savages, Tribes of 49
Savannah, Ga 145, 152
Savoy, Duchy oi 14, 130
Scaroon Lake 18
Schenectady, N.Y 22, 35, 170, 182
Schemid, Captain Louis 246
Schmid, Captain Luc, a Canadian
officer, 11, 118, 140,142
letters from 118, 222
S'chuyler, Major-General Philip, men-
tioned, 32, 207,208
letter from 204
iSchuyler, Fort 182
Scioux, Tribe of Indians 156
Scoharie Creek 25, 26, 179, 188
Scott, Captain 17, 18
Scouting parties 47
Seaford, a ship 144
Seguin, Lieutenant Frans 92, 248
Seneca Villages 12, 13, 182
Senecal, Lieutenant Louis 94, 249
Senef, Lieutenant Jean Bte 92, 248
Serapis, Ship of war 5
Serindac, Lieutenant 244
'Sevigny, Ensign Aug . . 248
Shanks, Lieut, and Captain John, 69,
105, 155, 234, .< 243
Sharpe, Captain 205
Shelburne, Lord, mentioned, 37, 38,
229, 230
letter from 219
letters to 223, 225, 226
Sherwood, Captain Justus 32
Ships, list of 45, 46
Shupenachadie, N.S 54
Sibille, Mr. de 186
Sicard, Captain A'mble 248
Sicard, Captain Joseph 248
Sillery 85
Silvester, Captain 80
Sinclair, Captain Patrick, mentioned 115
letter from 218
Siniguy, Peter 107
Sivigny, Ensign Aug 93
Six Nations Indians, 9, 14, 23, 28, 39,
104, 129, 180
Smid, Captain Pere 91
Skeensborough 7, 98
Smith/ John 242
Smith, Honble. William 217
Smith, an officer ' 143
Sodus Bay 13
Sophia, ship 171
INDEX
PAGE.
Sorel, parish of 249
Sorel river 170, 174, 228
Sorel village and parish, 3, 4, 5, 15, 24,
28, 29, 31, 39, 59, 60, 62, 63, 64, 65,
66, 67, 68, 69, 71, 73, 74, 83, 86, 94,
96, 99, 115, 116, 120, 134, 180, 189,
190, 194, 195, 199, 228, 241, 242
Soumande, Captain 93
Soumande, De Lorme, Indian officer 142
Soulange, parish of 92
Souligny, Captain Ignace 93, 247
Souligny, Lieutenant Prudant 93
Sources, les, parish <xf 92
Spaniards 81
Specht, Regiment of .228, 232
Spitfire, a ship 83
Split Rock 107
Spooner, Ralph 242
Spring, ship 171
Spy, a ship 85
Stanwix, fort, 22, 24, 25, 26, 136, 167,
181, 182, 199, 236
Steuben, Major-General 39
Stiles, Mr 116
Still Water, 8, 10, 12, 96, 102, 104, 108, 110
Stone Arabia 25, 179
Studholme, 'Captain 53
Sullivan, Major-General John, 12, 13,
14, 129, 148
Supreonant, Lieutenant Frs 94, 249
Surinam, mentd 115
Surprize, letter of marque 225, 229
Susquehanna, river. . .4, 10, 12, 33, 104, 210
Sutton, Captain 43
Swift, sloop 158
St.
St. Andre, half-pay officer 142
Ste. Anne, parish of, 58, 62, 65, 91, 92
228, 237, 238, 240, 244, 245, 246, 247
Ste. Anne du Sud 5, 39, 79
Ste. Anne Joachim 58
St. Anthony, Bay of 65, 100, 105
St. Antoine, Bay of, 105, 106, 111, 112,
118, 246
St. Antoine, Curate of 113
St. Antoine, parish of, 10, 91, 94, 95,
228, 244, 245
St. Augustin, parish of... 91, 245
Ste. Augustine 31
St. Aulaire, M. de 99, 100, 111
St. Charles, parish of, 19, 58, 91, 94, 99,
103, 120, r 159
Ste. Croix, parish of 91/95, 168, 245
St. C'uthbert, Berthier, parish of... 93, 248
St. Denis, Curate of 113
St. Denis, parish of 10, 95, 114, 249
St. Disier, Captain 92
St. Esprit, parish of 93
St. Etiene, parish of 245
Ste. Farnille, parish of 58, 91, 245
St. Ferriel, parish of 91, 245
Ste. Foy, parish of 91, 245
St. Francis, river 106, 129, 168
PAGE.
St. Francis village, 3, 7, 11, 13, 19, 38,
95, 106, 111, 119, 141, 190, 222
St. Francois, parish of, 48, 58, 60, 63,
65, 71, 91, 106, 118, 140, 190, 244, 245
St. Francois river, 3, 4, 7, 8, 14, 22, 23,
24, 31, 49, 72, 100, 106, 114, 123,
154, 180, 183, 239, 240
St. Francois Xavier, parish of 91
St. Francois, Ensign Frans 94, 249
Ste. Genevieve, parish of, 91, 92, 114, 248
St. George Dupre, Major, 80, 92, 143,
191, 194, 195, 232, 237
St. iGeorge, Mr., letter from 86
St. Germain, Mr 244
St. Germans, Mr 119
St. Gervais, parish of 91, 245
St. Henry, parish of 91, 245
/St. Ignace, parish of 228
St. Jean, fort, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 33, 49,
52, 58, 64, 69, 73, 107, 120 156, 157,
158, 159, 166, 180, 182, 183, 213,
228, 234
St. Jean, Island of 15, 17, 155, 240
St. Jean, parish of 91, 245
St. Jean Bte., parish of 244
St. Jean Deschaillion, parish of 91, 245
St. Jean Port Jolly, parish of 91
St. Jeanne Isle Verault, parish of 247
St. Jerriole 228
St. Joachim, parish of 91, 228, 245
St. John river 8, 39, 53 54, 146, 147
St. Johns, 71, 85, 98, 103, 120, 146, 151,
154, 156, 157, 158, 159, 166, 180,
190, 195, 213, 228, 234 242
St. Johns, Newfoundland 172
St. Joseph, parish of 91, 94, 245
St. Joseph de Soulange, parish of 247
St. Joseph, trading post 27, 155, 156
St. Laurent, Captain Andre 94, 249
St. Laurent, Ensign Hipolite 94
St. Laurent, Ensign Philipe 249
St. Laurent, parish of 93, 245, 248
St. Lawrence, Gulf oif, 4, 13, 31, 34, 97,
115, 123, 127, 128, 130, 155, 161,
171, 209, 216, 223, 224, 233
St. Lawrence river, 3, 10, 11, 13, 21,
23, 29, 31, 37, 38, 69, 74, 75,
85, 104, 115, 123. 127, 130, 134,
153, 158, 166, 177, 180, 183, 184,
190, 194, 205, 220, 223, 224, 233
St. Leger, Colonel and Briig.-General
Barry, 10, 33, 37, 80, 215, 221, 243
letters from, 113, 154, 232, 235
letters to, ... .116, 153, 213, 236
St. Leonard, parish of, 93
St. Lewis, Castle of, ..88, 89, 196, 199, 230
St. Louis, parish of 244
St. Luc, La Corne <de, 89, 143, 176
St. Luc, .L'Aisne, an officer. .' 143
St. Marie, parish of 91, 245
St. Martin, Ensign Fr 94
St. Martin, Ensign. 142
St. Martin, parish O'f ' 92
St. Michel, parish of 58, 91, 93, 245
270
INDEX
PAGE
St. Nicholas, parish of 168, 228, 245
Ste. Nicolette 65
St. Olivier, parish of 94, 249
St. Onge, Mr 118
St. Ours, Curate of 113
St. Ours, Mr 176
St. Ours, Charles Louis de 234
St. Ours, Paul Roc de 89
St. Ours, Lieut 142
St. Ours, parish otf 10, 115, 120
St. Peter, Island of 28, 58, 172
St. Peter lake 15, 134
St. Peter, point 163
St. Peter, ship 85
St. Pierre, lake 100
St. Pierre, parish oif 91, 244, 245
St. Pierre Les Beoquets 59, 67, 91, 246
St. Philippe, parish of 229
•St. Regis 68
St. Roicque or fit. Roch, parish of, 5,
58, 59, 91, 239, 240, 244
St. Sulpice, parish df 93, 228, 247
St. Therese, parish of 249
St. Thomas, parish of 58, 228, 244
St. Valier, parish of 58, 91, 245
St. Vincent, parish of 92
'St. Vincent de Paul, parish of 248
Tadioussac .11, 116
Tarte, Nicola le 201
Taschereaux, Major Gabl. 244
Temisicouata, lake 8, 39, 238, 239, 240
Temple Bay 66
Ternay OT Ternad, Admiral de, 158,
166, 168, 172
Terrebon.ne, parish of, 16, 20, 92, 141,
162, 228, 235, 248
Thames, .frigate 158
Thibau, Captain Jacque 91, 244
Thibeau, Lieutenant Simon 92
Thomson, Mr. Charles 184
Three Rivers, District of 4, 29, 39, 86
Three Rivers, Town of, 15, 62, 65, 95,
101, 102, 106, 107, 139, 194, 228
Ticonderoga 6, 70, 82
Tierson, Ensign Christ 93
Tinus, Captain Louis 92, 248
Tdoga River 12, 134
Toneault, Ensign Jean Bte 246
Tongue, Captain 163
ToiMianico.ur, Mr. de, 62, 65, 67, 143,
194, 195
Tonnanicour, Lieutenant 142
Tonnancour, G., Indian officer 142
Tonnancour, Lieutenant Colonel G.
de, letters Ifrom, 65, 95, 100, 102,
105, 106, 107, 111, 125, 126, 140,.. 141
letters to 62, 66, 67, 99, 101, 108
Torier, Ensign Francois 246
Tor tin, Lieutenant Frans 245
Totamagouiche 54
Tou>che, Monsr. de 204, 208
PAGE.
Townshend, Lord 68
To'vvnsheed, Honble. Thomas, letters
ifrom 224, 231
letter to ^ 229
Tradelle, Lieutenant Benjamin 247
Traversier 71
Traversy, Joseph, a habitant, 48, 53,
65, 100, 101, 140, 141
Tremblay, Captain Jean Francois. . 91, 245
Trerablay, Lieutenant Louis 245
Trepander, Lieut. Jean. 246
Tribe's Hill 18
Triton, ship 74
Trois Pistoles, parish of 244
Trois Rivieres, parish o'f, 91, 100, 118,
139, 195, 240, 246
Troops in Canada, return of 45, 50
Trottier, Jean 91
Trudel, Ensign Benj 93
Trudel, Lieutenant Jean 245
Trudelle, Lieut. Philipe 245
True Brdton, ship 171
Truimbull, a ship 85, 251
Truteau, Captain Jos 93
Tryon, Governor, mentioned 1, 96
Tulipe, Ensign Jh. la 248
Turgeon, Lieutenant 244
Tuskaroras 135
Twiss, Captain Williaan 30, 69
letters 'from, 99, 103, 140, 199, ... 200
letter to 195, 200
Two Mountains, lake of 26
Turney, Lieutenant John.. . , 37
Upper Country, 70, 82, 108, 112, 113,
126, 129, 130, 211, 221
Upper lakes 215
Uipper Foists, 112, 115, 135, 144, 148,
149, 167, 182, 229
Urquhart, John : . Ill
Vachon, Ensign J. Bte 94, 249
Vadenet, Lieut. Antme 93, 248
Vadenet, Captain Louis 93, 248
Vaine, Captain Jean Bte 92, 248
Valiniere, M. de la 127
Valle, Captain Pierre 92
Valiquet, Lieutenant Pierre 92, 248
ValloiiS, Ensign Jean 92, 247
Vain Rensselaer . . . ." 25, 26
Varennes, parish of 63, 86, 94, 249
Varennes Ste., Therese, parish of . .94, 249
Varry, Ensign Joseph 94, 249
Vassall, Ensign 142
Veaudreuille, parish of 92
Venus, a ship 226
Veroheres, parish of 59, 80, 86, 94, 249
Vere, Captain Louis Olivier 247
Vereau, ICaptain Frans 245
Vergennes, a French Minister 30, 34
INDEX
PAGE.
Vermont, 22, 31, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 39,
148, 166, 167, 199, 202, 203, 204,
205, 206, 207, 209, 212, 213, 214,
221, 222, 226, .227, . .' 234
Vermonters .215, 221
Verreau, 'Captain Francois 91
Vertue, parish of 93
Vessels on Lakes George, Champlain,
Ontario, Erie, Huron and Michi-
gan, return of 51
Victuallers «. . ]S7
Viel, Ensign Michel 244
Vigneau, Ensign • 142
Ville LeGras, Lieutenant Pierre 92
Ville et Banlieu de Montreal, parish
of 247
Ville des Trois Rivieres e>t Forges St.
Maurice, parish of 246
Vincennes 9, 97, 108, 110, 112
Vincent, Ensign Jacques 94
Vincent, M. Jean Ill, 112
Vinulet, Ensign Jacques 249
Viper, ship 74, 75, 115, 116
Virginia, 6, 9, 22, 33, 48, 145, 182, 206,
212, 216, 219
Volant, Ensign 244
Volunteers, Canadian 169
w
Wabash river 9, 36, 135, -155, 217
Walburn, Captain Peter 249
Walsh, Lieutenant 95
Wallace, Sir James 138
War Office Papers 119
PAGE.
Washington, General George, 7, 8, 12,
22, 30, 31, 33, 38, 39, 78, 83, 84,
123, 145, 148, 151, 169, 170, 171,
189, 190, 198, 202, 206, 208, 221, 226
letter to 204
Washington, .a ship 85, 251
Watts, Mr. 214
Weir, ship '. 171
West Indies, 47, 150, 181, 183, 184, 204,
206, 208, 216, 224, 225
Westmoreland County, Pa 35
Wheeling, Va 35
Whitkom, Major 73, 120
White, Basil 64
Willett, Colonel Marinus 38, 231
Williams, Major 234
Williams, Mr. J. (Clerk) 176, 196, 230
Wilson, -Captain 234
Wise, Mr.. 205
Wolfe, a provincial armed ship, 28, 163, 172
Wyandot, a sihip 86, 251
Wyoming, destruction of 4
mentioned 13, 22, 52, 182
Yamachiche, parish of 91
Yiamaska, parish of, 5, 19, 20, 53, 91,
118, 159, 162
Yamaska river, 8, 14, 99, 129, 154, 156, 228
Yamaska, St. Hyacinthe, parish of... 249
Yamaska, St. Olivier, parish of 249
Yorktown, Va 33
Young, Captain, naval officer, 16, 123,
161, 172
letters to 151, 155, 209, 223
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