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| November 1775 |
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| Written by Andrew Stough |
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It was planned that General Montgomery was to join forces with Colonel Benedict Arnold who had been sent by General Washington to proceed across Maine and join forces at Quebec. Montgomery’s march to Montreal was both difficult and trying but the march across the Maine wilderness then on to Quebec took a dreadful toll on Arnold’s command. That the small force survived at all was due to Arnold’s driving force and his ability to inspire and lead men (Ward). Arnold arrived at the St. Lawrence across from Quebec on November 9th. He had planned an immediate attack, which, if it had been made at that time would probably have been successful. A raging storm and high waves on the St. Lawrence prevented Arnold from crossing and the moment was lost. The delay of a few short hours allowed Canadian Govenor Sir GuyCarleton to add to his force denying Arnold his golden opportunity. Arnold, with a minimum of ammunition (five rounds per man) short of food and everything else necessary for a winter military expedition went into a siege position close enough to challenge the city but far enough away to protect the force from the Canadians' cannon fire. Montreal On the 13th of November Montreal was captured and Montgomery left a holding force in the city; the army was now on the march to Quebec. References: Christopher Ward's "War of the Revolution" |