Journal of Sergeant Roger Lamb, May 9 – November 30, 1775

OUR army was now informed of the military operations of the Americans in Canada last winter, with a particular account of the siege of Quebec. It seems that it had early occurred to the Americans, that if the sword decided the controversy between Great Britain and them, the possession of Ticonderoga would be essential to the security of their states; this fort situated on a promontory, formed at the junction of the waters of Lake George and Lake Champlain, is the key of all communication between New York and Canada.

A scheme was planned by the Americans, for obtaining possession of this valuable post. Having provided a sufficient quantity of powder and ball, they set off for Bennington, to obtain the co-operation of colonel Allen of that place. Two hundred and seventy men, mostly of that hardy people, who are called green mountain boys, were speedily collected at Castleton, which was fixed on as the place of rendezvous. At this place colonel Arnold joined them. He had been early chosen a captain of a volunteer company, by the inhabitants of New Haven, among whom he resided. As soon as he received news of the Lexington skirmish, he marched off for the vicinity of Boston. Immediately after his arrival, he waited on the Massachusetts' committee of safety, and informed them, that there were at Ticonderoga many pieces of cannon, and a great quantity of military stores; that the fort was in a ruinous condition, and garrisoned only by forty men. They appointed him colonel, and commissioned him to raise four hundred men, and attack Ticonderoga. On the 9th May, 1775, Allen and Arnold crossed over with their troops, and landed near the garrison. They contended for some time, who should lead on the attack, and it was at last agreed that they should both go in together, at the head of their troops. They advanced and entered the fort at the dawning of day. A. British centinel [sic] fired his piece at them, and then retreated through the covered way to the parade. The Americans followed, and immediately drew up. The commander was called upon to surrender the fort. He asked by what authority? Allen replied, "I demand it in the name of the Great Jehovah, and the continental congress." The fort, with its stores, and forty-eight prisoners, immediately fell into the hands of the Americans. A strong party was sent off to take possession of Crown Point, where a serjeant [sic]and twelve men performed garrison duty. This was also effected. The next object that drew the attention of the Americans, was to obtain the command of Lake Champlain; but to accomplish this, it was necessary for them to get possession of a sloop of war, lying at St. John's, in the northern extremity of the lake. For the purpose of capturing this sloop, it was agreed to man and arm a schooner, lying at South Bay, that Arnold should command her, and that Allen should bring forward some batteaux on the same expedition. A favourable wind carried the schooner a-head of the batteaux, and Arnold got immediate possession of the sloop by surprise.

The wind again favoring him, he returned with his prize to Ticonderoga, and rejoined Allen. The latter soon went home, and the former with a number of men, agreed to stay there in garrison. In this rapid manner the possession of Ticonderoga, and the command of Lake Champlain was obtained. Intelligence of these events was in a few days communicated to congress, which met for the first time, at ten o'clock, on the same day, in the morning of which Ticonderoga was taken. They rejoiced in the spirit of enterprise displayed by their countrymen, and ordered the cannon and stores to be removed from Ticonderoga to Lake George.

At the same time, congress endeavoured to bring over the Indians to their side, for which purpose they resolved to appoint commissioners to explain to them the grounds of their dispute with Britain, and cultivate their friendship by treaties and presents; to which end they determined to purchase and distribute among them a suitable assortment of goods, to the amount of forty thousand pounds sterling. They likewise sent the following speech to them:

Brothers, Sachems, and Warriors! We, the delegates from the twelve United Provinces, now sitting in general congress, at Philadelphia, send their talk to you, our brothers.

"Brothers and Friends, now attend! When our fathers crossed the great water, and came over to this land, the king of England gave them a talk, assuring them, that they and their children should be his children; and that if they would leave their native country, and make settlements, and live here, and buy, and sell, and trade with their brethren beyond the water, they should still keep hold of the same covenant chain, and enjoy peace; and it was covenanted, that the fields, houses, goods, and possessions, which our fathers should acquire, should remain to them, as their own, and be their children's for ever, and at their sole disposal.

"Brothers and Friends, open a kind ear! We will now tell you of the quarrel between the counsellors of king George, and the inhabitants of the colonies of America.

"Many of his counsellors have persuaded him to break the covenant chain, and not to send us any more good talks. They have prevailed upon him to enter into a covenant against us; and have torn asunder, and cast behind their back, the good old covenant, which their ancestors and ours entered into, and took strong hold of. They now tell us they will put their hands into our pockets without asking, as though it were their own; and at their pleasure they will take from us our charters, or written civil constitution, which we love as our lives; also our plantations, our houses and goods, whenever they please, without asking our leave. They will tell us that our vessels may go to that or this island in the sea, but to this or that particular island we shall not trade any more; and in case of our non-compliance with these new orders, they shut up our harbours.

"Brothers, we live on the same ground with you; the same island is our common birth place; we desire to sit down under the same tree of peace with you; let us water its roots, and cherish its growth, till the large leaves and branches shall extend to the setting sun, and reach the skies. If any thing disagreeable should ever fall out between us, the twelve United Colonies, and you, the six Nations, to wound our peace, let us immediately seek measures for healing the breach. From the present situation of our affairs, we judge it expedient to kindle up a small fire at Albany, where we may hear each other's voice, and disclose our minds fully to one another."

Arnold having begun his military career with a series of successes, was urged by his natural impetuosity to project more extensive operations. He wrote a letter to congress, strongly urging an expedition into Canada, in order to reduce the whole province,

Sir Guy Carleton, the king's governor, in Canada, no sooner heard that the Americans had surprized Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and obtained the command of Lake Champlain, than he planned a scheme for their recovery. Having only a few regular troops under his command, he ordered colonel Johnson¹ to hold a conference with the Indians, and try to counteract the views of congress, by endeavouring to engage them to take up the hatchet. In order to gain their co-operation, he invited them to feast on a Bostonian, and to drink his blood. This, in the Indian style, meant no more, than to partake of a roasted ox and a pipe of wine, at a public entertainment, which was given on design to influence them to co-operate with the British troops. The American patriots, affected to understand it in its literal sense. It furnished in their mode of explication, a convenient handle for operating on the passions of the people, though at the same time, it was well known that if we had not employed them they would most certainly have acted against us.

The Americans were now determined to make a vigorous attack upon Canada. Their success at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, had already paved the way for this bold enterprise, and had broken down the fences which guarded the entrance into that province. They were also sensible they had already gone such lengths as could only be vindicated by arms; and that if a certain degree of success did not attend their resistance, they would be at the mercy of an irritated government.

Montgomery, an enterprizing man, having been appointed a brigadier general, flew to the new formed congress. "Gentlemen," said he, "if you will give me six thousand men, and proper provisions for the business, I'll set off in the winter, march to Quebec, scale the walls, take general Carleton by surprise, make his soldiers prisoners, take all Canada, and then we shall make better terms with the British parliament."

The congress agreed to his proposals. He crossed Lake Champlain, and made as much haste as the difficulty of the way would allow. His first step was to gain over the Indians whom general Carleton had employed, and this in a great measure he accomplished; after which, on receiving the full number of troops appointed for the expedition, he determined to lay siege to St. John's. In this he was facilitated by the reduction of Chamblee, a small fort in the neighbourhood, where he found a large supply of powder.

While Montgomery was prosecuting the siege, the governor general Carleton, collected a party of Canadians and Indians, intending to proceed to the garrison of fort St. John's, and to attack the besiegers; but colonel Warner, with a large party of green mountain boys, and a four pounder, prevented the execution of the design. The governor's party was suffered to come near the shore, but was then fired upon with such effect, as to make them retire, after sustaining some loss.

The failure of general Carleton to relieve the garrison, was a sufficient recompence to the Americans for that of colonel Allen, which had happened some time before. The success which had attended this gentleman against Crown Point and Ticonderoga, had emboldened him to make a similar attempt on Montreal; but being attacked by the militia of the place, supported by a detachment of regulars, he was entirely defeated, taken prisoner, and sent to England.

An account of general Carleton's repulse being communicated to the garrison of St. John's, major Preston, the commanding officer, seeing no hope of any relief, consented to surrender the fort. They received honorable terms of capitulation, and were treated with the greatest humanity by the Americans.

General Montgomery next took measures to prevent the British shipping from passing down the river from Montreal to Quebec. This he accomplished so effectually, that the whole were taken. The town itself was obliged to surrender at discretion, and it was with the utmost difficulty that general Carleton escaped in an open boat, under cover of a dark night.

Montreal stands on an island in the river St. Lawrence, which is ten leagues in length, and almost four in breadth, at the foot of a mountain which gives name to it, about half a league from the south shore. The whole island is a most delightful spot, and produces every thing that can administer to the convenience of life. The town is of an oblong form, well peopled, and surrounded by a wall. The streets are well laid out, and the houses built in a very handsome manner. It is divided into two parts, the upper and the lower; in the last the merchants and men of business generally reside. The upper town, however, contains the principal buildings, such as the palace of the governor, the houses of the chief officers, the convent of the Recollets, the Jesuits church and seminary, the free school, and the parish church. The governor's palace is a large fine building. Besides a general hospital, the neighbourhood of the city contains many elegant villas; and most of the vegetables of Europe grow in it. All the banks of the river from thence to Quebec, which is one hundred and eighty miles, is like one continued village, adorned with fine plantations, and gentlemen's seats at proper distances.

No further obstacle now remained in the way of the Americans to the capital, except what arose from the nature of the country, and these indeed were very considerable. Nothing, however, could damp the ardour of the provincials, notwithstanding it was now the middle of November, and the depth of winter was at hand.

About the same time Canada was invaded in the usual march from New York, a considerable detachment from the American army at Cambridge, was conducted into that province, by a new and unexpected passage. Arnold who conducted this bold undertaking, thereby acquired the name of the American Hannibal. He was detached with a thousand men from Cambridge to penetrate into Canada, by ascending the river Kennibec and descending by the Chaundiere to the river St. Lawrence. Great were the difficulties the Americans had to encounter so long, in marching three hundred miles through an uninhabited country. In ascending the Kennibec, they were constantly obliged to work upwards, against an impetuous current. They were often compelled by cataracts or other impediments, to land and hawl their batteaux up rapid streams and over falls of rivers, Nor was their march by land more eligible than this passage by water. They had deep swamps, thick woods, difficult mountains, and craggy precipices alternately to encounter. At some places they had to cut their way for miles together, through forests so thick that their progress was only four or five miles a day. They, however, proceeded with unabated fortitude and constancy. Provisions grew at length so scarce, that some of the men eat their dogs, cartouch boxes, breeches, shoes, &c. At one time when they were an hundred miles from any habitation or prospect of a supply, their whole store was divided, which yielded four pints of flour for each man. On the last morning before their arrival, at their destination, after they had baked and eaten the remainder of their provisions, they had thirty miles to travel before they could expect any further supply. The men bore up under these complicated distresses, with the greatest fortitude. They gloried in the hope of completing a march which would rival the fame of similar expeditions, undertaken by the heroes of antiquity. Having spent thirty-one days in traversing a hideous wilderness, without ever seeing any thing human, they at length reached the inhabited parts of Canada. The Canadians were struck with amazement, when they saw this armed-force emerging from the wilderness, it had never entered their conception that it was possible for human beings to traverse such immense wilds. The most pointed instructions had been given to this corps to conciliate the affections of the Canadians. It was particularly enjoined upon them, if the son of lord Chatham,² then an officer in one of the British regiments in that province, should fall into their hands, to treat him with all possible attention, in return for the great exertions of his father, in behalf of American liberty.

The city of Quebec was at this time in a state of great weakness, but Sir Guy Carleton at this time arrived from Montreal; his presence was itself a garrison, he was a man of ten thousand eyes, and was not to be taken unawares. The confidence reposed in his talents, inspired the garrison to make the most determined resistance. He issued a proclamation, in which the set forth, "that all persons liable to do military duty, and residing in Quebec, who refused to arm in conjunction with the royal army, should in four days quit Quebec, with their families, and withdraw themselves from the limits of the district, by the 1st of December, on pain of being treated afterwards as spies or rebels." All who were unwilling to cooperate with the British army, being thus disposed of, the remaining inhabitants, though unused to arms, became in a little time so far acquainted with them, as to be very useful in defending the town. They supported fatigues, and submitted to command, with a patience and cheerfulness, that could not be exceeded by men familiarized to the hardships and subordinations of a military life.

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¹ This gentleman was son to the famous Sir William Johnson, who had so greatly distinguished himself in America, in the war of 1755. The following anecdote is related of Sir William: Soon after he had been appointed superintendant of Indian affairs in America, he wrote to England for some suits of cloaths, richly laced. When they arrived, Hendrick, chief of the Mahawk nation was present, and particularly admired them. In a few days Hendrick called on Sir William, and acquainted him that he had a dream. On Sir William inquiring what it was, he told him he had dreamed that he had given him one of those fine suits which he had lately received. Sir William took the hint, and immediately presented him with one of the richest suits. Hendrick, highly pleased with the generosity of Sir William, retired. Sir William some time after this, happening to be in company with Hendrick, told him also that he had a dream. Hendrick being very solicitous to know what it was, Sir William informed him, that he had dreamed that he, (Hendrick,) had made him a present of a particular tract of land, (the most valuable on the Mahawk River,) of about five thousand acres. Hendrick presented him with the land immediately, with this shrewd remark. Now, Sir William, I will never dream with you again, for you dream too hard for me."

² Now lord Chatham, and master of the ordnance.

SOURCE: Roger Lamb, An Original and Authentic Journal of Occurrences During the Late American War, from its Commencement to the Year 1783, pp. 73-83

Journal of Sergeant Roger Lamb, December 1–31 1775

On the 1st of December, general Montgomery joined Arnold upon the heights of Abraham before Quebec, and notwithstanding the extreme severity of the season in this inclement climate, he immediately began erecting his batteries, which by a perfect novelty in military science, being composed of snow and water, soon became solid ice. But finding his artillery make little impression, he determined on a general assault.³ Early in the morning, on the 31st of December, 1775, during a snow storm the attack was made by two divisions, in two different quarters of the town. These divisions were commanded by colonel Arnold, and the general in person. Montgomery's division proceeded to make the attack, by the way of Cape Diamond, while Arnold's division attacked the suburbs of St. Rue. On the first onset, Montgomery led on his men with undaunted resolution; he was attended with a number of carpenters with saws, in order to cut down the pickets, he even pulled some of them down with his own hands, and entered with his aid-de-camp, Mr. M‘Pherson, and two more American officers at the head of his division; here they were received with a heavy fire of musketry. Montgomery, with his officers and a number of men were killed, and the remainder of the divison falling into immediate disorder, were repulsed with much slaughter. On the other side colonel Arnold forced the first barrier, which consisted of thirty men, but before he could attempt the second, a reinforcement of the garrison, in consequence of the defeat of Montgomery in the opposite quarter, was collected against him; here Arnold received a dangerous wound in the leg, by a musquet ball, and was compelled to retire to the camp. To add to their embarrassment, they lost the help of one of their companies, which was quartered on the north side of the river St. Charles, by their not having notice of the attack in due time, which in endeavouring to join the main body, were surprized by a party of our men, under the command of captain Laws, who made a sortie through Palace Gate, and most of them were made prisoners.

The Americans near the second barrier took possession of some houses, but as our troops which sallied out of Palace Gate, came upon their rear, and their numbers being greatly lessened by being killed and wounded, they were obliged to retreat to the barrier which they had but a little before taken, here they maintained their ground until ten o'clock in the morning, when, after a brave resistance, they were obliged to lay down their arms.

The loss which the garrison sustained was but small in comparison. One lieutenant of the navy, and six rank and file killed, and thirteen rank and file wounded; but the loss of the Americans was very considerable; seven officers were killed and six wounded, upwards of six hundred officers and men were taken prisoners. Montgomery was shot through both his thighs and his head. When his body was taken up, his features were not in the least distorted, but his countenance appeared regular, placid, and serene; an elegant coffin was prepared, and he was interred with all military and funeral honors.⁴ He was tall and slender, well limbed, of a genteel, easy, graceful and manly address; to the courage of the soldier he added the military skill of the general, and had the voluntary love, esteem, and confidence of the American troops, who greatly lamented him. In the afternoon, the American officers were confined in the seminary, and well accommodated with bedding, &c. they were treated with the greatest politeness and generosity by the British officers; the privates were confined in the Recollets, or Jesuits college, and well used.⁵ Montgomery's knee buckles, and his aid-de-camp's gold broach, with several other valuable articles found with the dead officers, were all restored to the Americans, which were highly gratifying to them," British soldiers in the moment of victory, will have mercy on a prostrate foe, as the brave and generous cannot be cruel."

General Montgomery received a liberal education in Ireland, his native country. In the year 1758 he had obtained the rank of captain in the 17th regiment of foot, and stood full in the way of higher preferment; having borne a share in all our American wars, and the reduction of Canada, in the year 1759; as soon as peace was restored, he took leave of the army, and having soon connected himself by marriage with an ancient and honorable family in the province of New York, he chose a delightful retirement upon the banks of Hudson's river, where he continued until appointed by the American congress a brigadier general. Colonel Arnold with the shattered remains of his troops, retreated three miles from the city where he had the temerity to encamp. Early in the spring, the Isis, of fifty-four guns, accompanied by the Surprise frigate, and the Martin sloop, on board of which was part of the 29th foot, forced their passage through the ice, before the navigation of the river St. Lawrence was deemed practicable.

Governor Carleton was too great a proficient in the art of war, to delay seizing the advantages which the consternation of the besiegers and the arrival of this reinforcement afforded. He marched out at their head to attack the Americans. On his approach he found every thing in confusion: the late besiegers abandoning their artillery and military stores, had in great precipitation retreated. In this manner, at the expiration of five months, the mixed siege and blockade of Quebec was raised. The fortitude and perseverance of the garrison reflected honor on both officers and privates.

The reputation acquired by general Carleton in his military character, for bravely and judiciously defending the province committed to his care, was exceeded by the superior applause, merited from his exercise of the virtues of humanity and generosity. Among the numerous sick in the American hospitals, several incapable of being moved were left behind. The victorious general proved himself worthy of success by his treatment of these unfortunate men: he not only fed and cloathed them, but permitted them when recovered to return home. Apprehending that fear might make some conceal themselves in the woods, rather than by applying for a relief, make themselves known, he removed their doubts by the following 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 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 may 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 situation 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."

A rich Frenchman, who commanded a regiment of Canadians under Montgomery, and who joined him in Montreal, was likewise taken prisoner. A few weeks after general Carleton ordered the Frenchman to make his appearance upon the parade of the castle. He was brought there under a file of soldiers; general Carleton was walking at the top of the parade. As soon as the man was brought in, he waved his hat for the soldiers to retire and shut the gates. An interview must now take place; let the reader imagine what the Frenchman felt: he expected to be hanged like a dog, or sent over to England to be tried by the English judges. Up to the general he must come, for he could not expect that the general would run towards him. He summoned his courage, and walked with a slow dignified step up to the parade towards the general. As soon as he came up he expected nothing but frowns and the most stinging reproaches, as he was one of the king's subjects in the governor's jurisdiction. The general stopped and looked at him with a mixture of dignity and condescension, and said, "Sir, when did you hear from your family?" " General," replied the other, " I have not heard from them these three months." (The general knew that very well, for he had intercepted all his letters.) "Sir, said he, which way do you chuse to go home, by land or water? If you chuse to go by water, you shall chuse to go by land you The man was struck with his feet, and clasping the

have my barge: if you shall ride in my coach." amazement, fell down at governor's knees, burst into a violent exclamation; "O general, you are too good! you are too good!" The general raised him from the ground, sent him home with honor and joy to his family, with such gratitude in his heart as never forsook him. He continued a faithful subject as long as he lived.

After this gentleman was gone home to Montreal, general Carleton sent for the American prisoners, in small companies, and addressed them with such sweetness and good humour, as was sufficient to melt every heart. "My lads," said he, "why did you come to disturb an honest man in his government, that never did any harm to you in his life? I never invaded your property, nor sent a single soldier to distress you. Come, my boys, you are in a very distressing situation, and not able to go home with any comfort; I must provide you with shoes, stockings, and good warm waistcoats. I must give you some good victuals to carry you home. Take care, my lads, that you do not come here again, lest I should not treat you so kindly."

This humane line of conduct was more injurious to the views of the leaders in the American councils, than any severity that could be used against them.

In general Carleton's dispatches to government, particular mention is made of lieutenant colonel M‘Clean, and his newly raised regiment of Scotch emigrants, for their indefatigable zeal in the king's service, during the siege. Also captain Hamilton of his Majesty's ship, the Lizard, with the officers and seamen, who were formed into a battalion on shore, discharged their duty with alacrity and spirit. Major Caldwell who commanded the militia likewise, proved himself an active and diligent officer.

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³ During the siege, a woman from the American camp stole into Quebec, with letters addressed to the principal merchants, advising them to an immediate submission, and promising great indulgence in case of their compliance. Inclosed was a letter to general Carleton, with a summons to deliver up the town. The messenger was sent to prison for a few days, and then drummed out.

⁴ In general Montgomery's memoirs written some time after his death, by Dr. Smith, of Philadelphia, a celebrated American partısan, speaking on this subject, he says, "O thou swift winged messenger of destruction, how didst thou triumph in that moment! the stroke that severed Montgomery from his army, deprived them of more than a member. It reached the vitals, and struck the whole body with a temporary death. As when the forked lightening, darting through the forest, amidst the black tempests of night, rends some towering oak, and lays its honors in the dust, the inferior trees which it had long sheltered from the storm, stand mournful around. So stood the astonished bands, over their fallen chieftain! nor over him alone, but over others, in their prime of glory, prostrate by his side.

Such examples of magnanimity filled even adversaries with veneration and esteem. Forgetting the foes in the heroes, they gathered up their breathless remains, and committed them to kindred dust; with pious hands," and funeral honors meet; "-so may your own remains, and particularly thine, O Carleton, be honored, should it ever be your fate to fall in hostile fields ! or if, amid the various chances of war, your lot should be among the prisoners and the wounded, may you be distinguished with an ample return of that benevolence which you have shewn to others! such offices of humanity, softening the savage scenes of war, will entitle you to an honor which all the pride of conquest cannot bestow."

⁵ Major Meig, who succeeded Arnold in the command after he was wounded, in writing upon this subject, says, " I dined this day with captain Law, whom in the morning I made prisoner; but in a few hours after I was in my turn wade prisoner also. Captain Law treated me with the greatest politeness and generosity."

SOURCE: Roger Lamb, An Original and Authentic Journal of Occurrences During the Late American War, from its Commencement to the Year 1783, pp. 83-89