ARNOLD'S MARCH 
 
 FROM 
 
 CAMBRIDGE TO QUEBEC 
 
 BY 
 
 Ezra Dodge Hine^ 
 
 «i • 
 
 ' « V ■ t c J t ■ 
 
 « g ** » i I 41 I' t I 
 
 ■ « 
 
 « V , • 
 
 » t »■ 
 
 I From the Historical Collections of the Essex Institute 
 Vol. XXXIII, 1897.] 
 
 Ube Salem Vteee 
 
 Saleh, Mass. 
 
 1898. 
 

ARNOLD'S MARCH 
 FROM CAMBRIDGE TO QUEBEC. 
 
 BY EZRA DODGE HINE8. 
 
 " The hearts that beat one hundred years ago 
 Were players in a mighty symphony ; 
 Each lieard its separate i)art, no more : while we, 
 Who hear the solemn measures swell and flow 
 Confined in one majestic hymn, bestow 
 Upon the whole the name of history." 
 
 In Salem, on Fridiiy, June 17, 1774, the session of the 
 General Court is drawing to a close. Before the clay is 
 (lone, md the vvoi k is finished, Samuel Adams, that staunch 
 patriot, has at last succeeded in securing the election of 
 delegates to attend the meeting of the First Continental 
 Congress, to he held in Philadel})liia in September, 1774. 
 One of the delegates thus chosen was John Adams, who 
 
 EurrouiAL NOTE.— Tliere are local traditions connucted with thin famous march 
 whicli would well repay the lal)or ot tracing out. It lias alwaj-K been said that 
 Arnold dined with a friend in Salem on his waveast. Ue seems to have leftCani- 
 lirldfje about a day behind the last division of his troops. Naturally the main 
 body would not march throu;rli Salem on account of the serious ol)struction 
 offered to the movement of a l)ody of troops by thi^ Beverly Ferry. But the Gen- 
 eral, with nieml)ers of his stalf, inijrht very well hiive done so, for Arnold liad 
 friends in Saleni. The Mariiuis de CliaHtellux records passinj; the ferry from 
 Beverly to Salem in 1782 " in two Hat bottomed boids containing' ea(;b six horses" 
 (K. I. Hist, Coll., Vol. XXX, ])\). i'4-5) and Felt (Annals of Salem, Vol. II, p. 520) 
 says that " a detachment ot Arnold's force, destined to Canada, took dinner at 
 Salem, September 14." 
 
 The lirst battalion wliicli moved out from tlie (;anip at Oam)>ridj?e on the after- 
 noon of Wednesday, September i:^, marched tluouuli Slalden and Lynn, and 
 bivouaclvcd, the second niKlit, in Upper Beverly. .And it is thoufiht probable 
 that the oiien jdain to the west of the iMeetln^"lIouse, the (;hipman Parsonage, 
 and the Baker Tavern, was the spot selected. The second battalioii left Cam- 
 bridiic on the morning of Thui'siiay and halted for the niglit at I'anvcrs. A 
 level tract to the eiist of, and just ofif Oanvcrs Scpuire lias been pointed out hv 
 traiiition as their camping ground. With the growing activity of our day iii 
 anti(|uaiian research, it is not unlikely that private letters and journals "may 
 come to light which will locate these interesting events beyond a peradventure. 
 The press of the last century, witli its provoking reticence in matters of detail, 
 offers little assistance. If our modern newspapers could borrow a little of this 
 reticence and lend to the earlier chroniclers something of the superabundant 
 loquacity of our times, a liappy mean would seem to be estaldished. 
 
 (242) 
 
 ■VUM^^i^^^ 
 
243 Arnold's march from oambridgk to Quebec. 
 
 afterwards became the second President of the United 
 States. Three days hiter, John Adams, on his journey 
 from Boston to Ipswicii, where he goes to attend Court, 
 tarries in Danvers. He remains tliere over nijjht in an 
 inn or ordinary l<ept hy one John Piemont, whicli stood 
 upon Danvers square. 
 
 Adams, before he retired for the night, wrote in his 
 diary the following words — words whicl), his biograplier 
 says, are tlie first that we have from him, in rehition to 
 his feelings about his election as a delegate to the coming 
 Continental convention. He wrote as follows : 
 
 " Monday, June 20, 1774. 
 
 At Plemont's in Dnnvers, bound for Ipswich. Tliere is a new and 
 grand scene open before me; a Congress. This will be an assembly 
 of the wisest men npon tlie continent, who are Americans in princi- 
 ple, that is, against taxation of Americans by authority of Parliament 
 I feel myself unequal to this business. A more extensive knowledge 
 of the realm, the colonies, and of commerce, as well as of law and 
 policy, is necessary, than I am master of. What can be done? Will 
 it be expedient to propose an annual Congress of committees? to pe- 
 tition? Will it do to petition at all? — to the King? — to the Lords? 
 — to the Commons? What will such consultations avail? Delibera- 
 tions alone will not do. We must petition or recommend to the As- 
 semblies to petition, or, — [and here is a pause, — afterwards he adds] 
 The ideas of the people are as various as their faces. One thinks, 
 no more petitions, — former having been neglected and despised; 
 some are for resolves, spirited resolves, and some are for bolder 
 counsels. 
 
 I will keep an exact diary of my journey, as well as a journal of 
 the proceedings of Congress." 
 
 These were bold, brave words, suggestive of the hour; 
 written by a man who was destined, so soon, to stand as 
 a bright and shining light, in the troublous times then so 
 near at hand. 
 
 When the time came, John Adams was on hand and 
 attended the convention in Philadelphia, where he per- 
 formed excellent service for his country. He was after- 
 
Arnold's march from gambridqe to Quebec. 244 
 
 wards elected a delegate to the second Continental Con- 
 gress, held in Philadel[)hia, May, 1775, and while attend- 
 ing this Congress he, on Juno 14, 1775, performed a very 
 signal service for his countiy. Discussing the question 
 respecting the artny in Canihridgo then i)esieging the 
 British troops in Boston, he made a motion, "that Con- 
 gress would adopt the Army at Caml)ridge, and appoint 
 a General or Commander-in-chief ; that thougli this was 
 not the proper time to nominate a General, yet he had 
 no hesitation to declare, that he had but one gentleman in 
 his mind for that important command, and that was a 
 gentleman from Virginia, who was among us, and very 
 well known to all of us, a gentleman whose skill and 
 experience as an officer, whose independent fortune, great 
 talents, and excellent umversal character, would conunand 
 the approhaticm of all America, and unite the cordial 
 exertions of all the colonies, better tiian any other person 
 in the Union." There was no mistaking whom Adams 
 meant. All eyes were inmiediately turned upon Washing- 
 ton who, in his modesty, letired to the Library. On the 
 next day, June 15, 1775, George Washington was chosen 
 by ballot, unanimously, by the Continental Congress, to 
 be General and Commander-in-chief of the American 
 army. Wise men ! Wise choice ! On the assembling 
 of Congress the next morning the President, John Han- 
 cock, informed Washington officially of his appointment. 
 The acceptance of the same by Washington was in brief 
 words, but throughout full of modesty and humility, show- 
 ing that he desired to do his duty faithfully and well, but 
 at the same time fearing the responsibility thus laid up(m 
 him to be too great. Events which followed show that the 
 choice of the Congress was a wise one. 
 
 Washington's commission as General and Commander- 
 in-chief was dated June 19, 1775, two days after the 
 
245 Arnold's makgh trom Cambridge to qukbkc. 
 
 Buttle of Blinker Hill, iiiid soon after ho departed for 
 Ciiinl>rid<;e, whore he arrived July 2, 1775. Tin' next 
 day, July ii, uiuU-r the "Great Klin " near (^anilMid<;e 
 eonimoii, which is still Htandiii<r, and now known as the 
 " Wasliin<^ton Kim," General \Vashin<j;toii, in brief hiit 
 well chosen words, took formal eommain] of the American 
 army. The battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill had 
 been fought. The cause of Massachusetts had become 
 the common cause of all the colonies, and troops were 
 now hastening to Cambridge from all parts of the country. 
 Soon various plans and projects were proposed, and 
 among others, "The Expedition to Quebec," or "The 
 March of Arnold from Gambridge toQuel)ec." 
 
 To muleratand better what is to follow, the condition 
 of Canada, in 1775, should be stated. 
 
 Canada, like the other American colonies, was, at this 
 time, under British rule. With the exception of a few 
 yeius, Canada had, previous to 1759, been under French 
 rule ; but, since 1759, when the English conquered Canada, 
 it had been an English colony. In so far Canada was 
 not unlike the American colonies on the south. Since the 
 English had come into possession of Canada there had 
 been a great deal of discontent and dissatisfaction. Most 
 of the inhabitants, especially of that portion which is now 
 called Quebec, were French people. It was of course 
 obiu)xious to them to be sulyected to English rule. 
 There were, however. Englishmen among them but their 
 number was small in comparison with the large number 
 of inhabitants. After the conquest, the Canadians were 
 placed at first under military rule, and governed by 
 English laws. Now, in 1774, the wise heads in the Eng- 
 lish government, seeing with alarm the results which at- 
 tended the severe, unjust and unrighteous laws inflicted by 
 them upon the American colonies to the south of Canada, 
 
AKNOLD's march from CAMBRIDGE TO QUEBEC. 246 
 
 and fearing that Caiuida n)i<;ht bo induced to join them, and 
 if so, that then English rule in America vvouhl ho lost for- 
 ever, — decided that soniotinng must l)o done to satisfy and 
 ploaso the (>anadians, and thus keep thorn on good terms 
 with the Home Government. The result of all this was the 
 passage of the "Quebec Act,*' which was a very signifi- 
 cant act. It gave to the Canadians, among other things, 
 — representation, — the veiy thing that the other ("olonies 
 liad desired for so lonj; a time. 
 
 Tlie act provided "that Canadian subjects professing the 
 Catholic faith might be called to sit in the Council ; that 
 the Catholic clergy with the exception of the regular orders 
 should bo secured in the enjoyments of their professions, 
 and of their tithes from all those who professed their re- 
 ligion ;" and there were also other provisions. It will 
 roiidily be seen in this Act, there is quite an advance for 
 the Canadians from military rule, and while all may not 
 be statesmen, yet the ordinarily intelligent man, know- 
 ing the facts, cannot fail to see in all this, that no great 
 love for the Canadians prompted the Act, but rather the 
 necessity existing of something being done, and that some- 
 thing quickly, so that the English might be able to hold 
 the Canadians, a>id especially Quebec, the " Git)raltar" of 
 the new world. The Englishmen in Canada were bitter 
 and indignant that the Home Government should pass 
 such an Act and they, with many of the Indian tribes, were 
 very friendly to the American colonies. 
 
 It is seen that in September, 1775, there was a kindly 
 feeling shown to the American colonies by many of 
 the Canadians ; more than this, the country was not very 
 well guarded, many of the troops having been sent to 
 Boston. There were also great military stores in Quebec. 
 There was a strong feeling that the Canadians were many 
 of them in sympathy with the colonies and would join 
 with them against the English. 
 
247 arnold'h march fhom oambkidok to qurbro. 
 
 OAUSK or THR KXI'KDITION. 
 
 In 1775, uf'ter tlio capture of Tie()ii(loi()<;ii and (-rown 
 Point, Congress Imd conccivod the idea of ohtainin«^ pos- 
 HOHsion of Canada, and tliuii nnitin^ tlio whole continent 
 in oj)po8iti(Ui to Great Hritain. This phin was presented 
 to Conj^ress hy Benedict Arnold and others, and after 
 Washini^ton took command of the army, he was stron<j;ly 
 impressed with the advisability of such a movement, and 
 General Schuyler had already been selected to lead an 
 army into C.mada by way of the Northern lakes. Bene- 
 dict Arnold now proposed that an expedition slu)nld start 
 from Caml)rid<ie, jjo to Newl)uryport, embark there for 
 the month of the Kennebec, i)roceed throu»;h the wilder- 
 ness of Maine, then over the Canadian country to Quebec, 
 and capture that city by surprise. 
 
 Congress also sent a conunittee to Gc^neral Washington, 
 to confer with him in relation thereto. 
 
 TROOPS COMPOSING THE KXPEDITION. 
 
 Sept. 8, 1775, the foUowing order was issued by the 
 Commander-in-chief. 
 
 "The detachment going under the command of Col. Arnold to be 
 forthwith taken off the roll of duty, and to march this evening to 
 Cambridge Common, where touts and everything necessary are pro- 
 vided for their reception. The rifle company at lloxbury, and those 
 from Prospect Hill, to march early to-morrow morning to join the 
 above detachment. Such ofllcers and men as are talten from General 
 Green's brigade, for the above detachment, are to attend the muster of 
 their respective regiments to-morrow morning at 7 o'clk., upon Pros- 
 pect Hill; when the muster is finished, they are forthwith to rejoin 
 the detachment at Cambridge." 
 
 The troops were arranged in two battalions and were 
 commanded respectively by Lt. Col. Christopher Greene, 
 of Rhode Island, and Lt. Col. Roger Enos, of Connecticut. 
 
AHNOLD'h MAKCII from CAMDKIDGB to QlJiSIlKC. 248 
 
 Tiio first l»ittalion hiul hovum (;(>ini)!U)ie8, mid tho Hec^oiid 
 hIx c<)in|)iuiiuM. Tliuru whh one Hurirtton and one cluiplairi 
 for l)utli iiattulions, and tho whole dotachtueiit waH under 
 the coiiiniaiid of Col. Honedict Arnold. 
 
 DEI'AIITURE OF THK FIRHT BATTALION FROM CAMBRIDGE. 
 
 On the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 13, 1775, there 
 is a connnotion near Ciinihriil^e common. The first part 
 of this little army is tihout to .start upon its march. It h 
 to he a lonj;, a feaiful, and a perilous journey, hut it is 
 well they know not what is hefore them. Had they known, 
 it would have made their stout hearts (piail. They do not 
 know and so they start off with li<(ht hearts ami cheerful 
 steps. They soon cross the old hridfi^e over tho Mystic 
 river, after passin;^ from Caml)rid^e thronj^h Clmrlcstown 
 and, journeying alon;jf the old road in Mcdford, finally reach 
 Maiden in tho early evening. Here they find a conven- 
 ient spot, and spreading their white tents encamp for the 
 night. On the morrow they resume their march, con- 
 timiing along tho old Boston road, and hefore noon reach 
 Lynn. Realizing the importance of the undertaking that 
 these men have entered upon, it is desired that the readers 
 of this story hecome ac(|uaii»t(Ml with them, an<l so hy 
 word-illustrations, they will he presented as they make a 
 short halt in their march. 
 
 Marching down the side of the troops, as they have 
 halted, will he seen a man, who, the moment the eye rests 
 upon him, will he recognized as a bravo fellow. It is 
 Christopher Greene. lie is a Rhode Island man, who, 
 previous to entering the army, was a farmer. By his 
 looks it is seen that he is a very intelligent man. He 
 has had tho confidence of his fellow-citizens in a remark- 
 able degree. He is one of the many men who took a bold 
 
249 Arnold's MARfH from Cambridge to Quebec. 
 
 stand ajjjiinat the King, and his counsel tended to encourage 
 measures for military defence. Early in 1775 he is com- 
 missioned captain in a regiment organized by the General 
 Assembly for the Continental service. He marches to 
 Caml)ridge, and here is selected as rnuitenant-colonel, and 
 placed in command of this poition of Arnold's army, and 
 now is en route for Quebec. He is a man of sterling worth. 
 
 Yonder is seen an oflScer conversing very earnestly 
 with some of the patriots gathered about him. His name 
 is Timothy Bigelow. He is from Worcester, Mass. He 
 is the major of this detacliment. See him as he moves 
 about — a very noticeable personage. He is very tall, 
 more than six feet in height, and of fine personal a[)pear- 
 ance. It will be observed that his bearing is erect and 
 martial, and his step niost graceful. 
 
 In early life a blacksmith, at the outbreak of the Revo- 
 lution he is in command f)f a company of minute men. 
 Before the Revolution, he was a member of the Whig 
 club which met in Boston, and was the associate of 
 Warren and Otis. Heconmiands a company in Col. Jona. 
 Ward's regiment. Under his unwearied instruction the 
 company attain such excellence in militaiy exercises as 
 to draw from AVashiuirton on the first review : "This is 
 discipline indeed!" He possesses a vigorous intellect, 
 ardent temperament, and a warm and generous heart. 
 Look at him again and again. Rememl)er him in the 
 future. 
 
 Look, now ! and behold a rifle company under comniMnd 
 of Cai)t. Matthew Smith. This company have come all 
 the way from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to do service for 
 their country ; they are picked men — all large fellows — 
 six-footers. See how they are dressed ! Each man has 
 a rifle barrelled gun, a tomahawk, or small axe, and a 
 long knife, usually called a scalping knife, which serves 
 
 HIST. COLL. VOL. XXXIII 16* 
 
Arnold's march from cambkidgb to Quebec. 250 
 
 for all purposes in the woods. Hla under dress — by no 
 means in a military style — is covered by a deep ash- 
 colored hunting shirt, legirins and moccasins, if the latter 
 could be procured. A savage dress, indeed! Such men 
 would naturally carry terror with them. It will be ob- 
 served that the ca|)tain of this co.npany, Captain Smith, is 
 a good-looking fellow and has the air of a soldier but, as 
 we listen, he is found to be quite illiterate and very talka- 
 tive. One cannot fail, however, in glancing at him, to be 
 impressed with this fact — that he is a man who, if occasion 
 require, will be a biave fellow ; and in his company, 
 walking al)out, are noticed certain men, who answer in the 
 roll call to these names : James Crouch, Richard Dixon, 
 Robert McClure, Lt. Archibald Steele, Lt. Michael Simp- 
 son, John Joseph Henry, John Harris, whose father was 
 the founder of Ilarrisburg, John Shaefter the drum- 
 mer, and Sergeants Thomas Boyd, Robert Cunningham, 
 and Robert Dixon, and privates Jolm Tidd and John 
 McKonkey. They will be heard from a^^ain. 
 
 Not far from this company is another company of riflemen 
 coming also from Pennsylvania (Cumberland County). 
 Their dress, it will be seen, is like that of the company just 
 described ; it will be noticed that an officer is moving about 
 among his men conversing pleasantly with thetn. He 
 is their beloved Capt. Wm. Hendricks. . One is attracted 
 to him at once. One has to look up he is so tall, but in 
 so doing the eyes look upon a man of mild and beautiful 
 countenance, behind which it is felt is a soul animated by 
 a genuine spark of heroism. 
 
 Go down the line still farther and here will be found 
 a Rhode Island n)an with his company, — Capt. Samuel 
 Ward. He relates that when hostilities coimnenced he 
 was just out of college, that he joined the Rhode Isl- 
 and army of observation and was appointed captain. He 
 
251 Arnold's march from cambridgk to quebeo. 
 
 soon left for Ciiinbridge. His youth surprises — no won- 
 der — he is the youngest officer in the expedition. 
 
 Next in line is Captain John Tophani, also a Rhode 
 Islander, with his company. Hearing the news of the 
 Battle of Lexington he raises a company and marches to 
 Cambridge ; and hero he is with his company bound for 
 Quebec. 
 
 Here also, as one goes about, will be noticed three other 
 companies commanded respectively by Captains McCobb, 
 Jonas Hubbard, a Worcester man, and Cai)tain Simeon 
 Thayer. These three companies with those previously 
 descril)ed make up the first battalion of Arnold's detach- 
 ment, which battalion having halted for a brief time, the 
 command is given to resume their march — the drums beat, 
 the fifes play, and they move on, passing over the road 
 to Danvers, and at nightfall reach Beverly, where they 
 halt and encamp for the night. Friday, this battalion 
 marches on through Wenham, Ipswich, RowU'y and New- 
 bury, reaching Newburyport in the evening. 
 
 Not long after this first battalion of troops has passed, Ihe 
 sound of music is again heard, and the remainder or second 
 battalion of Arnold's army — its rear guard — is in sight. 
 Watch them as they pass along in their haste to oveitake 
 those gone before them, their companions in this new 
 and untried march. 
 
 Marching at their head is noticed their lieutenant col- 
 onel, Roger Enos, a man ot fine presence ; he is from 
 Connecticut, and has seen service in the French war. He 
 served as a captain in Israel Putnam's regiment in 1764. 
 Notice the major with these troojjs as he passes by. He 
 also is a native of Connecticut. He has always been a 
 military man ; is just the man to undertake this march. 
 It will be interesting to know something about him. 
 
 Return Jonathan Meigs. His name was given him by 
 
Arnold's march from Cambridge to Quebec. 252 
 
 his father, — surely nothing strange in that. Eminently 
 proper when the story is told. His father when a young 
 man, like many another young man before and since, went 
 a-courting. He paid his attentions to a fair Quakeress, 
 but was unsuccessful and she repeatedly rejected him, 
 saying, " Nay, Jonathan, I respect thee much hut camiot 
 marry thee." But, on his last visit, as he slowly mounted 
 his horse, the relenting lady beckoned to him to stop, 
 saying, " Ret iirn Jonathan! Return Jonathan!" These, 
 the happiest words he had ever heard, he gave as a name 
 to his first-born son. Although named Return, there is 
 no return about him when once started on a mission. His 
 face is set towards the north, — towards Quebec. He 
 means to reach the goal. 
 
 Look ! now, another rifle company is passing rapidly 
 along ; this time not from Pennsylvania but from farther 
 south, from Virginia — from the valley of the Shenandoah. 
 How suggestive the name ! Just observe their captain, 
 that remarkable specimen of m man, Daniel Morgan ; of 
 whom Henry says, " ho was a large, strong bodied person- 
 age, whose appearance gave the idea history has left us of 
 Belisarius — kind in manners and, where attached, truly 
 afli'ectionate." He is six feet hi<jh and a man of <;reat 
 strength. It is said no man i)erformed more efficient ser- 
 vice in the Revolution than Morgan. This man was a team- 
 ster in Braddock's army and, for some offence committed 
 against a British officer, was condemned to receive five 
 hundred lashes, although he always jocosely afLrmed the 
 drummer miscounted and gave him but four hundred and 
 ninety-nine. One can see by his looks that he is a very 
 daring man. He bears upon his person the effects of en- 
 counters with the Indians. After leaving the army he 
 settled down as a farmer, and was rapidly acquiring prop- 
 erty when the Revolution broke out. 
 
253 Arnold's march from Cambridge to qurbec. 
 
 He hears of the battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill, 
 and no longer can he remain in his Virginia home. He 
 immediately sets about to raise a rifle ccmipany and to de- 
 part for the scene of war ; and, in less than a week after- 
 wards, he had his company complete, and was on the march 
 to Cambridge. In battle he was a fearful man, and fought 
 desperately ; his men loved him, and their affection was 
 his reliance. 
 
 With him of course, are his riflemen. Mark them as 
 they pass along. They are the famed corps from the 
 Shenandoah valley and the mountains round about. It is 
 said that the drum and life, and even the sergeant's hard 
 dollars on the drum head would not have enlisted a man 
 of his corps. It was like the devotion of a Highland 
 clan to its chief — Morgan was the chief. When Morgan 
 cried "come, boys! who's for the camp at Cambridge?" the 
 moinitaineers tinned out to a man. With blankets buck- 
 led to their backs, their baggage, a supply of food in their 
 pouches, scanty as the al)origiues would take for a long 
 march — they grasped their rifles and strode away to the 
 north, a band of young giants for the combat of liberty. 
 
 The dress of these riflemen was somewhat different from 
 that of the Pennsylvania riflemen, — take notice as they 
 pass along. 
 
 White or brown linen hunting shirt, ornamented with a 
 fringe and secured by a belt of wampum in which a knife 
 or tomahawk is stuck ; leggins and moccasins ornamented 
 in Indian fashion with beads and brilliantly-dyed porcu- 
 pine quills. On the pait of their shirts covering the 
 breast are the words of Henry, "Liberty or Death." A 
 round hat completes their costume which, it must be con- 
 ceded, is to say the least warlike and at the same time 
 picturesque. Quite a sight for the people of those days ! 
 
 This is the Captain Morgan, and this the rifle company, 
 
Arnold's makch from Cambridge to Quebec. 254 
 
 whom Washington met as he rode about Cambridge to in- 
 spect the intrenchments. Morgan sahited his commander- 
 in-chief with the warm words, " From the right bank of the 
 Potomac, General !" " From the Potomac ! then they are 
 my old neighbors." He must shake hands with them, and 
 the brave Washington dismounts, goes along the lines 
 and, with tears upon his cheeks, shakes hands with the 
 hardy huntsmen of the Shenandoah. 
 
 Following, in quick succession, are the companies 
 commanded respectively by Captains Henry Dearborn, 
 Merchant, Williams, Goodrich and Scott. Dearborn was 
 a noted fellow both before and afterwards. 
 
 There is a volunteer for this expedition who in marching 
 by claims one's attention. Who can he be, this young 
 man, a mere stripling, only nineteen years of age? He 
 is a grandson of the great theologian Jonathan Edwards ; 
 he is destined when a man to be a Vice President of the 
 nation which is to be. He is none other than Aaron Hurr 
 — the gay, the handsome, the rollicking young Burr. 
 
 At the time of the breaking out of the Revolutionary 
 War, he was at Litchfield, Conn., studying law. The 
 drums aroused him. He writes to his college friend Ogden, 
 urging him to come quickly to Litchfield, and start with 
 him for the seat of war. Ogden replied he could not at 
 present, but while waiting for Ogden came the news of the 
 Battle of Bunker Hill. Burr could wait no longer, and 
 mounting his horse he rode in haste to Elizabethtown 
 where he aided Ogden, and together they made their way 
 to the camp at Cambridge. After a while in camp he is 
 very sick with fever. One day tossing in his bed he over- 
 heard Ogden and the others talking in the next room con- 
 cerning this expedition. He immediately sat up in bed, 
 and declared his intention to join in the march. Ogden 
 and his friends remonstrated, but Burr, feeble as he was, 
 
255 Arnold's march from Cambridge to Quebec. 
 
 bengal! to dres8 himself. His comrades stood aghast at his 
 actions. But no argument, no i)ersuafsion, could move him, 
 when his mind was made up. Go he would — go he did 
 (and here he is in Lynn on his way to Quebec). We shall 
 hear from him again later on. With him in thf proces- 
 sion as it moves along will be noticed Ogden and also 
 Rev. Samuel Spring, the chaplain of this Jiimy, both of 
 whom had been in college with Burr. 
 
 This second ])attalion follow along in the wake of the 
 first ; encamp Thursday night in Danvers, Friday night 
 in Newbury, reaching Newbury[)ort Saturday morning. 
 
 And now let us change the scene. We iire in Cam- 
 bridge-town. We observe two men in very earnest con- 
 versation. Are they recognized? One of them is surely 
 known. He is the commander-in-chief of America's 
 braves, the beloved Washington ; and the other, a short 
 handsome man, of a florid complexion. One must by 
 this time have anticipated who he is. It is the most im- 
 portant man of all in this expedition to Quebr ", — Benedict 
 Arnold. Would that we might hear Washin^ , )n give him 
 his instructions concerning this great undertaking which 
 he has chosen him to command. Washington has the 
 greatest confidence in Colonel Arnold, and feels that he is 
 intrusting him with a mission which he hopes and believes 
 will be of the most important service to the colonies. lUit 
 now the hour has come for parting. There is no record 
 of just what was said, but it requires but little imagination 
 to believe that, as the great chief looked into the face of 
 Arnold, it must have occurred to him, that ere they should 
 clasp hands again, great events would happen ; and with 
 sad, yet tender feelings, feelings of hope and cour- 
 age, he must have said good-bye and wished him success 
 in what he considered would be a momentous undertaking. 
 'Tis over, now, and Arnold on the morning of Friday, 
 
AKNOI,1I)'h MAKOH from CAMHKIUGE to gUKBKC. 2i)6 
 
 Sept. ir)th, mounts his liorso, a Hne one too, — for he knows 
 a f^ood horse, and (loos he not \v(!ll know how "to t.rn 
 and wind a Hery Pegasus, and vviteh the worhl with noble 
 horsemanship?" — and with liis aids hastens to Newbury- 
 port, whither his troops have preceded him. 
 
 The troops remain in Newburvport three or four (hiys. 
 Sunday, the 17th, many of them attend church services 
 in the Old South Piesbyterian Churcii, still standing. 
 The chaplain of the exj)editi()n, Rev. Samuel Spring, dis- 
 courses to them from the text : " Kxcej)t thy presence go 
 with us, carr}' us not uj) hence." Burr afterwards spoke 
 of this sermon, with high commendation. 
 
 Tuesday morning, Sept. lilth, the whole detachment 
 leave Newburyport on ten transports, and in the early af- 
 ternoon sail for the mouth of the Ivennebec. \N''''le the 
 transports containing the troops are sailing along ^ .c coast, 
 and before they reach the Kennebec river, an ei)isode nuist 
 be related concerning Burr, which hapi)eried while he 
 was at Newburyport. 
 
 Timothy Edwards, his uncle and his guardian (for Hurr 
 it must be remem})ered is a minor), is greatly exercised over 
 Burr's departure ; so much so, that he desi)atches a 
 messenger to Newburyport with orders to bring him 
 back — peacefully if he can, forcibly if he nuist. He 
 finds Burr, and hands him a letter from his uncle, which 
 commands his return. Reading it, he looks coolly up at 
 the messenger, and asks the following characteristic 
 question : 
 
 "Suppose I refuse to go, how do you expect to take me 
 back? If you were to attempt it l)v force, I would have 
 you hung up in ten minutes." The messenger looks 
 frightened — l)ut he has his lesson well. The first letter 
 failing of its mission — as it most certainly had — he had 
 but to produce a second letter tor the inspection of the 
 
257 ahnold'k mahcii fuom camuuidqe to qukhkc. 
 
 youno; iiihu. This was riither more tender in its senti- 
 ments than the fir-tt ; it iiIho eiieU)se(l some money. Hurr 
 was moved — his feeliii<;s, l>ut not his resolution. Tenia 
 flowed. Ho informed his unele that he <_Duld not now 
 retire from a scheme in whicjj his jieart and, as he sn[)- 
 posed, his honor was embarked. The messenj^er departed 
 to meet the nnele, and Hmi hastened onward to Quebec. 
 
 The troops are now at the mouth of the Kennebec 
 river, and thus far the journey of these brave men has 
 not been an arduous one, but now is about to be com- 
 menced a march wliich, for courage, clear jrrit, bohlness, 
 bravery, patience, sul!"erin<r, endurjuice and fortitude, 
 under the most trying, and at times painful circumstances, 
 stands we believe without a ])arallel in the world's history. 
 A march undertaken without an extensive knowledge of 
 the country through which it led ; a march not over good 
 roads nor through a fruit I'nl land ; a march the issue of 
 which was involviul in more than ordinary doubt; surely 
 a most wonderful march. 
 
 Nothing daunted, the brave army make their way north- 
 ward — now floating in their bateaux upon the Kenne- 
 bec ; now, owing to the rapid currents and falls of the 
 river, leaving the streams, and with their boats and bag- 
 gage marching on the land, around these rapids; again 
 taking to the river, soon to leave it for the woods and 
 marshes, and so on till the Dead River is reached ; up 
 that stream, leaving it to pass up its side, and again glid- 
 ing in bateaux adown the stream. 
 
 Over the mountains they go and down the valleys, then 
 to another stream, and now pushing on and on till the 
 heights are reached — the high lands separating the wa- 
 ters running south into the Atlantic Irom those running 
 northward into the St. Lawrence — reaching Chaudiere 
 pond; around this, then on and ofl" the Chaudiere River, 
 
 HI8T. COLL. VOL. XXXIII 17 
 
Arnold's maucii fuom cammkidok to giiKBKC. 2i>ii 
 
 mostly off, on, on, thnm<jrli llio Cii.i.idiim ('oiintry, till 
 tinHlly, — all this time toot-soius woiiry, neiirly fuiniHlK.'d 
 with hnn«;t>r, cold — ehilliHl to tlie very bono, son ftini*: . not 
 knowinj^ vvhotluir lifo wiis worlii th(i sfi-ivin<? for, and death 
 seeniin<j^ iniinin(Mit, thi-<)n<;li trials, h-oul)l(>s and ti'il)nla- 
 tions many, at last they reach Point Levi on the St. Law- 
 rence, opposite and in sijj^ht of (^n(dioc, the object of their 
 lonjL^ and weary march. Not discourajj^cd, hnt brave, hope- 
 ful and trustful, ready at any time to cross the river, and 
 with their bold conunander Arnold at the head, they cross 
 the St. Lawrence and manih against the eitadel of (Que- 
 bec, now aseendin": the |)ath made immortal by the *jlori- 
 OU8 .Mchievement of the gallant Wolfe ; now upon the plains 
 of Abraham demanding the surrender of the town ; re- 
 pidsed, but not discouraged, r<.'treating up the river, to 
 Point au Trembles, wjiitlng here, to l>e joined later by the 
 forces under the command of the brave Montgomery, and 
 jointly with them to suffer defeat — Montgomery dying, 
 A.rnold wounded — and of these brave men many killed, 
 others wounded, and some prisoners — this is a synopsis of 
 their march and experiences, and it is so full of thrilling and 
 daring exploits, the best account which can be given is to 
 relate, in the words of those who took part, some of the 
 events of tluvt wonderful march. 
 
 Having arrived at the mouth of the Kennebec, the fleet 
 sail up the river to the ship yard of Colonel Colborn, 
 where the vessels were left, and tin; bateaux provided, 
 with which to ascend the river. The bateaux were built 
 at Agry's point about two miles below what is now Gardi- 
 ner (then called Pittston) and the residence of Colonel 
 Colborn, and here arrangements were made i'or the. 'idvance 
 through the wilds of Maine, and the Canadian wilderness 
 to Quebec. Arnold's arrangements were as follows : he 
 thought it advisable to send as a vanguard an oflBcer and 
 
251) aunoli/h MAurii from cambkidok to Quebec. 
 
 sevni men — for the purpose of iisccrtiilnin}^ luid marking 
 the [)iilh8 which were used by th<* Ituliiinfi, iit the numer- 
 ous carrying phices in the wilderness, towjirds the head 
 of the river, and also to ascertain the course of the river 
 Chaudiere. 
 
 The oflScer chosen by Arnold was Archibald Steele, 
 a lieutenant in Matthew Smith's company of riflemen. 
 Arnold allowed him to select his men, and he chose the 
 following: Jesse Wheeler, George Merchant and James 
 Clifton, of Morgan's company of riflemen ; Robert Cun- 
 ningham, Thomas Boyd, John Tidd and John McKonkey 
 of Captain Smith's compiuiy of riflemen ; John Joseph 
 Henry, also a member of Smith's con?i)any, not quite 
 seventeen years of age, and two guides, Jeremiah Getchel 
 and John Ilorne. They proceeded in two birch-biirk 
 canoes, their guides l)eing acquainted with the river, as far 
 as the great carrying place. 
 
 The tirst canoe bore Ave men', with their arms and bag- 
 gage, one barrel of pork, one bag of meal, and two hun- 
 dred weight of biscuit. The other canoe carried seven 
 men, their arms, baggage and provisions. 
 
 On Saturday, the 23d day of September, in the evening, 
 they arrive at Fort Halifax, which stands at the junction 
 of the Sebasticook river with the Kennebec river. Hallo- 
 well was then the name of the town, now Augusta. From 
 here they travel on and in a few days reach Norridge- 
 wock falls. After passing the falls of Norridgewock, 
 they ascend the river rapidly, blazing every carrying 
 place, thus making a route for those who follow. Friday, 
 the 29th of September, they arrive at the great carrying 
 place. The distance across to the Dead river is from 
 twelve to fourteen miles. Reaching this point their 
 guides informed them that they were not acquainted far- 
 ther — so after this they found their way as best they 
 
AKNOLO'S MARCH KKOM (lAMBHIDOK TO QUE»KC. 2()() 
 
 might. By journoyingrt Inird, pcriloiiK, diHcournging und 
 Ht tiiiieH wt?II nigh fatal, on Simchiy, OcIoImm- 8th, this 
 party roachiMl the height of land, which dividcH the 
 vvateiH of New Enghind from those of CJanada. On that 
 day they reached a lake ^*un•oun<l«'d by high and craggy 
 nionntains. At 8 o'clk, they catne to th(( extreme end of 
 the tiflh and last lake and on this lake ohlained a full 
 view of those hills, which were tluMi, and are now, called 
 the height of land. They hnrry ashore, draw ont their 
 canoes, and cover them with leaves and l>rusli-woo<l. This 
 done, with their arms in their hands and their provi>ions 
 in their pocikets, they make a race across the mountain by 
 tin Indian path, easily ascertainable, until th(\y arrivt; upon 
 the bank of Chaudiere river. This was the end (»f Ihcii' 
 desires. To discover and know the course of this river, 
 was the extent of their orders ; beyond this, they had 
 nothing to do. 
 
 And now, standing at the foot of a high pine, Steele 
 usked if any one could climb a tree. Cunningham offered 
 — climbed the tree, and from the top discerned the course 
 of the river and even gazed upon the Lake Chaudiere, 
 distant fourteen or fifteen miles. Now the party, having 
 accomplished that for which they set out, commenced their 
 return march to meet the on-coming main army. To show 
 some of the hardshii)s encountered by this brave band of 
 pioneers, let there be related one or two of their expe- 
 riences on their return to the main army. Their provis- 
 ions nearly out, and they nearly famishing, knowing not 
 what to do : — finally, one of the i)arty shot a small duck. 
 At night gathering around their camp fire, they anxiously 
 discussed the question how this duck and their little pit- 
 tance of remaining food could be most effectually used to 
 prolong life. They decided to boil the duck in their camp 
 kettle, each man putting in his last bit of pork, and each 
 marking his own by running through it a small wooden 
 
261 AUNOT.D'h MAIiCIl FIIOM rAMIUtlDnR TO QllKHKC. 
 
 nkewer, miukod with Iuh own priviitr murk. Tlio luoth 
 so lUiuio w'liM to be all tlu) Clipper tho poor followH had, re- 
 serving the l)<)ihi<l porU tor hreaUt'iiMt, iind tho diu-k to ho 
 divlihul and laid by. " .My app('til(\" Hays IltMiry, "was as 
 ravLMiouH aH a wolf, l)ut tho rosolution to take no more 
 than tho broth was kopt." KiHin<^ early tho no.xt niorninj? 
 oaoh man took hi.s mouthful of pork and breakfast was ovor. 
 Tho duck was then soparatod into ton parts, and dividod 
 in tho huntoi's usual way ; — that is, ono of tho party, 
 turninji^ hi.s back ; and thon, Stoolo askod of tho man 
 whose back was turned to the fragnuMits, " Whoso shall 
 this be V" The unm answered, nanung one of the party. 
 Ilj'ury says his share of the duck was one of the thij;hs. 
 Tho day wore away, the men hastenin;:; on, tho duck was 
 eaten, and tho party, tired out, encamped when ni<rht came 
 to sleep. Kisin<r next niorninj^ they resumed their march 
 with not a morsol of food. Travollin<i: all the weary day 
 they lay down aj!;ain supi)orles8. 
 
 ilonry also says that tho next day, tryinj; to hurry on, 
 they ran their canoo against a partially sunken tree, which 
 tore open the bark from stem to stern. Delayed some 
 hours for repairs, and utterly exhausted with hunger and 
 fatigue, and the main party some distance ahead, — they 
 began to despair. He says " the thought came that the 
 Almighty had destined us to die of hunger in the wilder- 
 ness ; — the tears fell from my eyes as I thought of my 
 mother and family in their far-off home. But it was not 
 designed that wo should thus perish, for soon was heard 
 the sharj) crack of the riHo, followed by a shout and a 
 huzza and, pushing forward, we saw, to our great joy, 
 a moose deer struggle from the water, and fall upon the 
 bank. We were saved. Tho forest shores echoed with 
 our shouts of exultation, as the whole party gathered 
 around their game. Kindling a tire, we feasted." 
 
 Another story about Shieffer the drummer is told. He 
 
AUNOLDV MAHCII FIIOM CAMHUIIXtK TO giJKHRC. 2(!2 
 
 wiiM v(iry noar wif^hti'd, and llciiry mxys tlio lau^hiiijj ntook 
 of th« company. In hoiuc pliucM wlion' limy would crosH 
 nivituvs l»y Hto|>|)iri<x tVoni oiki Io^ to aiiotlior, poor Slm'U'er 
 would very often tall, dnini and all, Ix'twccMi tlio loj;.s 
 and into the water, uiucii to the aiuusenuMit of the hoI- 
 dierrt ; hut notwithstanding!^ all thin, and HonietinieH he- 
 in^j; nearly .starved, and at other tiintvs alinont naked, he 
 horo his drum unharmed l>y all its jostlin^s, safely to 
 (^uehee, while many others, hale and hearty, died in the 
 wilderness. 
 
 Ijet us now return to Koit Western, aiul see what 
 has happened to the main army, liy the 2.')th of Sep- 
 tember, the troops had all reached tin' fort, and here 
 Arnold decides that the troops shall march in four divis- 
 ions, and Monday, the 2')th, the first division, consistinjif 
 of the three companieH of ritlomen, starts for (Quebec; the 
 next day ColoneKiri'en, with three companies of nmsUet- 
 uien, nets out for the North ; and the following; day, 
 Wednesday, Meijj^s, with the thlid division of the army, 
 conaistiiif^ of four companies of nniskctmen, marches for- 
 ward, and after him (Jolonel lOnos with three companies 
 of musketmen C()mprl.sln<? the fourth division, start along 
 upon their journey, l)rin<>;in^ up the rear. Each of the 
 four divisions took with them forty-tivo days' provisions. 
 After seeing them dei)art, — the lust boat upon the river, — 
 Arnold steps into his bark canoe and paddled by Indians 
 shoots rapidly ahead of the rear division. 
 
 The route is to the third carrying i)lace up the Kenne- 
 bec, tirst to Fort Halifax at the junction of the Sebas- 
 ticook with the Kennebec; here they found two block 
 houses, and a hirge barrack eiuloscd with a })icket fort. 
 After leaving this place the men had to wade in the water 
 sometimes up to their chins, which of course was very un- 
 comfortable to say the least, and so they work their way 
 
2o3 aknold's maucii ficom cambuidois to quebkc. 
 
 iil<)ii<4' sometimes in their bateuux, now upon the land, and 
 iij^siin wuilins^ in the water. Soon tliey reach Skowhegan 
 fiills : here of course they have to leave the river and take 
 to the land. The troops still journey on, and now the 
 falls of Xorridgewock are reach(Hl. Meigs, in his journal 
 says: "at 7 o'clk. on the evening of Octr. 8d, a little 
 below Xorridgewalk my battoe tilled with water. Here I 
 lost my kettle, l)utter and sugar ; a loss [he says] not to 
 be rei)laced hero." The time has now arrived when the 
 army will leave behind them the abode of man, and enter 
 the uninhabited wilderness. Col. Arnold comes to us and 
 cncam})s with the men. And now they push up the river, 
 leaving it many times to pass over the several carrying 
 places, until the Great Carrying place is reached. This 
 Great Carrying place is about lifteen miles across from the 
 Kennel )ec river to the Dead river ; there are on the way 
 three ponds which the troops in their march have to cross. 
 On their way there are four carrying places. To the 
 tirst pond three and three-fourths miles — then the pond 
 one-fourth of a mile wide — second carrying place one 
 mile, second pond one-quarter of a mile wide — third 
 carrying place one mile — then the last })ond four miles 
 wide, and then over land four miles to the Dead river. 
 
 By the 15th of October many of the troops had reached 
 the Dead river. From hero Arnold desi)atches a messen- 
 ger to parties he knew in Quebec to ascertain what he 
 niijjht concerning the movements there. 
 
 The troops find the ascent of the Dead river very diffi- 
 cult ; there are a great many falls and carrying places. On 
 the 24th of October Thayer says, " We had intelligence of 
 its being 25 miles to the Great Carrying place where the 
 height of land is, and in the mean time destitute of pro- 
 visions, for the two barrels of Hour brought gave 2 lbs. 
 to each man, and we only had a half pint left to deliver 
 
AKNOLD'h MAIUni FUOM CAMIJUIIXIK TO QUKUKC. 2()4 
 
 out ; besidea the continual snow Ji*?gravated us more, and 
 left us in a situation not to be desired." Novv^ many of the 
 men are taken sick. Is it any wonder, when we realize 
 what they have l)een through? The river is very narrow, 
 and the walking upon the land is exceedingly bad. The 
 men are becoming disheartened and many desire to re- 
 turn. 
 
 Affairs are now looking diibions. A council of war U 
 held. These are the men who compose it : Colonel Green, 
 Captiiins Topham and Thayer, and Colonel Enos. It was 
 held at the request of Colonel Eiios. Enos desires to give 
 up and go l)ack, to decide the inarch a failure, but the 
 council decided acrainst 'ini. They resolved that Enos 
 should not go back ; should not return ; but must go for- 
 ward with them. It was decided that it would be wronjj 
 to give up now ; that they must anil would go forward at 
 whatever cost. Does one realize what brave men they 
 were, what remarkal)le courage they displayed in this? 
 
 Enos' party, who were six in niunber, regretted ex<!eed- 
 ingly this action taken by llieir comrades. So they hold 
 another council, this time among themselves, and Captains 
 McCol)b, Williams and Scott, declared they would return, 
 and not rush into imminent danger. Captain Thayer says : 
 -^"Capt. Williams stepped towards me and wished me 
 success, Init told me he never expected to see me or any 
 of us again alive — he was so conscious of the imminent 
 danjier we were to i?o throuirh. Col. Enos also advanced 
 and, with tears in his eyes, wished me and mine success, 
 and took as he then supposed his last farewell of me." 
 
 Just imagine the parting in the wilderness between these 
 brave men, — pathetic it musthav(? been, — brave indeed had 
 they l>een, those who now retuin ; braver they who, foresee- 
 ing what may be their fate, resolve that they will not turn 
 back l)ut will go forward, let what will happen. Enos 
 
2rt5 aknold's makcii fuom oamhimixie to qukukc. 
 
 iiuil liis iiioii now coimneiice tlii'ir rotiini inarch. They took 
 with them, iunong other tilings, provisions ptirt of which 
 ought to have been given to the men on the iidvunce. This 
 was a groat Mow to the troojjs composing the other divi- 
 sions, ami they felt it keenly, and were severe in their de- 
 miiicialion of Enos. Colonel Arnold, who was in advance, 
 did not hear of th(! trouble caused by P]uos for some time, 
 and when he did learn of it was greatly incensed. Enos 
 went back without any order from his superior officer. 
 Colonel Arnold. Arnold's design was, that only the 
 sick in the various divisions should return. Enos finally 
 reached Cambiidge, where he was tried by court martial, 
 but vviis acquitted. 
 
 The troops that are left now continue their march up 
 the DeM<l River. As they move along the river, very 
 often they are obliged to leave the same on account of 
 the many falls; but, still nothing daunted, they press (m 
 and on. 
 
 Colonel Arnold now, with a small party, pushes ahead 
 of the main army, on, to the Chaudiere lake, and then 
 down the river or by it to the French settlements, in the 
 hope of finding food. Under date of Oct. 27, 1775, he 
 writes to Colonels Green, Enos and the captains, "I shall 
 proceed with what men 1 have as fast as possible to the 
 inhabitants, and endeavor to procure and send back pro- 
 visions. Please make all possible dispatch. " 
 
 The army as they advance soon tindthe rain has changed 
 to snow, and ice has formed upon the water. It is now 
 with great difficulty that they proceed upon their way. 
 Soon, however, they reach the high lands which separate 
 the waters of New England from the waters of Canada. 
 This was on October 27. By Octol)er 30, the whole 
 body of troops had reached the Chaudiere pond or lake. 
 They are now in a very bad condition and in great need 
 
 HIST. COLL. VOL. XXXIU 17* 
 
Arnold's march from caimhuidgk to quehec. 266 
 
 of [nod. At this pliico JuUiii-s, Uk; iidiii whom Arnold had 
 previously dispatched, retunuHl, jiiid iiitorined him that 
 the French inhiibitunts were rejoiced to hear of his com- 
 ing siiid would gladly furnish his men with provisions. 
 
 Arnold, at this time, writes to Washington and informs 
 him that "the march thus tar has been attended with an 
 amazing deal of fatigue, which the officers and men have 
 borne with cheerfulness." He says, " I have been much 
 deceived in every account of our route, which is longer, 
 and has been attended with a tiiousand difficulties I never 
 apprehended ; but, if crowned with success, and condu- 
 cive to the i)ublic good, I shall think it trifling." 
 
 Arnold is now desirous of sendin<j' a message to Gen- 
 eral Montgomery at Montreal, and to whom does he in- 
 trust the message? Why, to none other than Aaron Burr, 
 the young volunteer. 
 
 Montgomery was one hundred and twenty miles away 
 and Burr alone was to seek him and deliver to him 
 the message of Arnold. This messaije was of great im- 
 portance as it divulged the future plans of Arnold. Arnold 
 showed great confidence in the ability of young Burr by 
 sending him, ;s he was al)out to do, across the country 
 and on such a critical missicm. In performing this duty 
 Burr tirst gave proof of his tact and address. He knew 
 that the French peo[)le had never become reconciled 
 to British rule ; he also knew that the Catholic clergy 
 specially abhorred it. Therefore, with this knowledge what 
 does he do? Why, he assumes the garb and bearing of 
 a young priest and goes directly to a religious house near 
 the camp and seeks an interview with its chief. He 
 knows Latin and French, and consequently finds no diffi- 
 culty in conversing fluently with the venerable priest. 
 Burr soon perceives that this old man is just the person 
 he has need of, and feeling safe in so doing, he avows his 
 
267 arnold'.s .march from ca.mbriixjk to qurbkc. 
 
 real cimractor, and askei, through him, aid from the cleri- 
 cal order in the prosecution of his work. 
 
 But what saith this ancient servant of God? After 
 jtjazing in astonishment at the young man, lie replies: 
 "You are hut a hoy! It is impossihio for you, for one 
 of your tender years to perforin such a journey as you 
 descrihe. It will be a long joinney ! It will be beset 
 with great danger." Did Burr answer by saying, "you 
 are quite right, venerable father?" Oh, po ! Bim' i say, 
 "1 am going forward to meet General Montgomery. I shall 
 not return to Colonel Arnold." The priest, finding him 
 determined to go forward, furnished him with a trusty 
 guide, and one of the rude carriages of the comitry. 
 From one religious family to another the guide conveyed 
 him with perfect safety, and with such comfort as made 
 the journey seem a holiday excursion com|)ared with the 
 recent severe march through the wiklerness. All went 
 merry as a marriage bell ; they had a fine time until they ar- 
 rived at Three Rivers. Here they wore interrupted; for 
 rumors of Arnold's arrival had been reported, and the 
 authorities were on the lookout to prevent communication 
 between the two armies. Burr was concealed three days 
 in a convent at Three Rivers, alter which he and his guide 
 proceeded, reaching Montreal without (uither interrup- 
 tion. Burr immediately went to Montgomery's head- 
 quarters, gave the information with which he was charged, 
 and narrated his adventures. Montgomery received him 
 with great favor ; he was charmed and delighted with him. 
 He showed his appreciation by making hitn his aid-de- 
 camp with the rank of captain. 
 
 Turn now to Arnold and his army. Arnold has been 
 moving ahead of his men searching for food, which he 
 has found, and sends the same back to his army, who 
 receive it, as well they may, with great joy. Now the 
 
Arnold's makch fhom cambimdgk i. qukbkc. 2()8 
 
 journey is made, most of the time, upon the sides of the 
 Chandiere river, it being impos8il)le to remain loiitjr upon 
 the river, owing to the rapids. Many of the bateaux 
 weie destroyed soon after l)eing placed upon the stream. 
 But on they go, and soon arrive at a French house, and 
 receive hospitality there. It is the first house seen for 
 many days. Here they were well supplied with fresh 
 beef, fowls, butter and vegetables. This place is Sarti- 
 gan. Heie at Sartigan, while the soldiers were arriving, 
 a body of Indians, occupying as their hunting grounds a 
 part of the territory over which Arnold had marched, 
 waited upon him, and with all the formality and dignity 
 which characterize an Indian council, demanded the cause 
 of his entering upon their territory. Arnold made a 
 formal reply to them, and among other things he said, "I 
 feel myself happy in meeting with so many of my breth- 
 ren from the different quarters of the great country. 
 Brethren, we are the children of those people who have 
 now taken up the hatchet against us. More than this, — 
 one hundred years ago we were all as one family. Our 
 fathers bought land of your fathers, and have grown a 
 great people. We have planted the ground, and by our 
 labor grown rich. Now a new king and hi« wicked 
 great men want to take our land and money without our 
 consent;" and so he goes on, finally telling them why 
 he is here; and asking help of them. With offers of 
 money and provisions, he finally succeeds in persuading 
 fifty of their warriors to join his army, and they served 
 him faithfully. 
 
 From here on to Point Levi, all through the Canadian 
 country, Arnold caused to be distributed a manifesto from 
 Washington to the Canadians, which had been prepared, 
 translated into French, and printed before the departure 
 from Cambridge. 
 
269 Arnold's makch fuom ca.aibuidge to qukbeo. 
 
 From Siirtigan the army struggle along, in any way 
 they see Ht, over snow and ice, and without any regard 
 to companies or divisions. A liard, rough journey until, 
 finally, hy the 10th of Noveml)or, tlie whole of the army 
 who had survived the [)erilous march through the wilder- 
 ness, reach Point Levi, opposite and in sight of Que- 
 bec, the object of their weary and toilsome march. 
 
 Arnold remained here at Point Levi nearly a week, and 
 the first matter that demanded his attention was, how 
 he should get his men across the St. Lawrence and at- 
 tack Quebec ; for the English, having been informed of his 
 near approach, had burned all the boats upon the Point 
 Levi side of the river so as to Impede his progress. But 
 Arnold, with his accustomed skill and tact, immediately 
 sent out into the country round about, and with the help 
 of his Indian allies, succeeded in collecting qtiite a num- 
 ber of canoes. Now he must be on the alert and watch 
 his opportunity to cross the river, as there were a numlier 
 of armed vessels on the river between Point Levi and 
 Quebec. Here he showed great skill and judgment. 
 How many men are there that, in the face of such obstacles, 
 would have thought of crossing the river under such cir- 
 cumstances? He watched his time, and on the evening 
 of Monday, November 13, everything being in readiness 
 for embarkation, at nine o'clock, it being quite dark, the 
 first division set olf, and passing between the Hunter, an 
 armed vessel of fourteen guns, and Quebec, land safely 
 on the Quebec side of the river. 
 
 The boats are immediately sent back, and continue to 
 pass and repass over the river until all are over, with the 
 exception of a few soldiers left on guard at Point Levi. 
 The troops land in Wolfe's Cove, so called, and ascend 
 the heights over the same route taken by the gallant 
 Wolfe in 1759. Having reached the plains of Abraham, 
 
AUNOLU'8 AIAUCII FliO.M ( AMBKIDOK TO QUKBKC. 270 
 
 the next day, Tuesday, in the nioniiiij^, proper jrnardsare 
 phiced on the different roads, so as to cut off the eoninin- 
 nication between city and country. Durin<; the day the 
 main l)ody inarch upon the heij^hts near the city, and <rive 
 three loud huzzas. In the eveninj^ Arnold sends a tlag 
 to the town with a demand of the f^arrison in the name 
 and behalf of the United Colonies. As the flag ap- 
 proached the walls, the color bearer was tired upon, con- 
 trary to all rules or customs upon such oc(!asions. 
 
 The troops renuiin here on the heights of Abraham 
 al)out a week, and here was the first blood-shed l)e(()re 
 Quebec. It was in this way. Sergeant Dixon ofCai)tain 
 Smith's rifle company received a cannon shot in one of his 
 legs. He was removed to the house of an English gen- 
 tleman, where amputation took place, and he soon after 
 died, and was buried upon the heights. An incident con- 
 nected with this shooting is interesting, showing as it 
 does a strong sentiment, which the prospect of death did 
 not quench. The lady of the house where Dixon was 
 carried, though not approving of the principles or doings 
 of the Americans, was nevertheless very attentive to 
 Dixon, and presented him with a cup of tea, which he 
 declined, saying : "No, madam, I cannot take it ! It is 
 the ruin of my country." Uttering this noble sentiment, 
 he quietly and peacefully passed to his rest. 
 
 Soon the order is given to strike their tents and de- 
 camp from the plains, and early on the morning of Nov. 
 19th, the army marcli up the river and soon after encamp 
 at a place called Point au Trembles, about seven leagues 
 from Quebec. 
 
 Thus far we have been taken along in imagination with 
 this army, and they have reached the very gates of Que- 
 bec, and then departed therefrom, — but of course we 
 cannot leave theitt,'.W.ithd;at'.niir{'atiiiig. -hew. they remained 
 
 • • ! V • * . . » • • • 
 
 * k 
 
 • * 
 
 •■•••.. i. .■;'.•..■ 
 
 • • > 
 
 
271 AKNOLD'h MAUCIl FKUM GAMBKIUGIfi TO (jUEBKO. 
 
 at their onoampment upon the river for a while, until 
 joined by the brave Montfj^oinory and his army from Mon- 
 treal ; how togetlier they afterwards moved to attack (Que- 
 bec ; liow they laid siege to the city ; how, on that stormy 
 morning of the* last day of the year 177;'), they made an 
 attack upon Quebec ; how the brave and fearless Mont- 
 gomery was killed ; how the impetuous and brave Arnold 
 was wounded, and many brave officers and men were 
 killed, and others, some wounded, and some prisoners; 
 how, what was hoped might l)e a victory, was turned into 
 defeat ; all this happened, and more — the half of which 
 has not been, and cannot here be told. 
 
 We were defeated ! What would have been the future 
 of the country which was to be, and of the man Benedict 
 Arnold? yes, what of the man Benedict Arnold, if, 
 instead of defeat, victory had perched upon our banners, 
 and as a result Quebec had fallen into our hands ? 
 
 
 I • 
 
 
 " ••! t • • I ! • - • ' • 
 ! " ' : ••• . >" •-.•••■■ 
 
 * . • • . .* . I ••...• • • « • 
 ...'.•< . • •