Washington sends Benedict Arnold to Canada (September 1775)
[As Washington waits out the British troops in the ongoing Siege of Boston, he authorizes more troops to join the invasion of Canada under Col. Benedict Arnold. For further reading, please visit the National Archives. This highlight is part of our ongoing Legacies of Liberty series, where we celebrate Washington and Lee’s Revolutionary founders.]
Camp at Cambridge Septr 10th, 1775.
Dear Brother,
So little has happend since the date of my last that I should scarce have given you the trouble of reading this Letter, did I not immagine that it might be some satisfaction to you to know that we are well and in no fear or dread of the Enemy. Being, in our own opinion at least, very securely Intrenched, and wishing for nothing more than to see the Enemy out of their strong holds, that the dispute may come to an Issue. The inactive state we lye in is exceedingly disagreeable especially as we can see no end to it, having had no advices lately from Great Britain to form a judgment upon.
In taking possession about a fortnight ago of a Hill within point blank (Cannon) shott of the Enemy’s Lines on Charles Town Neck we expected to bring on a general Action, especially as we had been threatned by reports from Boston several days before, that they (that is the Enemy) intended an Attack upon our Intrenchments nothing however followed but a severe Cannonade for a day or two, and a Bombardment afterwards for the like time; which, however, did us no other damage than to kill two or three men and wound as many more—Both are now at an end, as they found we disregarded their Fire and continued our Works till we had got them compleated.
Unless the Ministerial Troops in Boston are waiting for reinforcements, I cannot devise what they are staying there after—and why (as they affect to despise the Americans) they do not come forth, & put an end to the contest at once. They suffer greatly for want of fresh Provisions notwithstanding they have pillaged several Islands of a good many Sheep and Cattle—They are also scarce of Fuel, unless (according to the acct of one of their Deserters) they mean to pull down Houses for Firing. In short they are from all accts suffering all the Inconveniencies of a Siege. It is true by having the entire Command of the Sea & a powerful Navy; & moreover, as they are now beginning to take all Vessells indiscriminately, we cannot stop their Supplies through that Channel; but their Succours in this way ⟨hath⟩ not been so powerful as to enable them to give the common Soldiers much fresh meat as yet. By an Acct from Boston of the 4th Instt the Cattle lately brought in there, sold at publick auction from Fifteen to £34.10 Sterg a piece & the Sheep from 30/ to 36/ each—& that Fowls and every other Species of Fresh Provisions went in proportion—The expence of this one would think must soon tire them were it not that they intend to fix all the Expence of this War upon the Colonies—if they can I suppose we shall add.
I am just sending off a Detachment of 1000 Men to Quebec by the way of Kennebec River, to co-operate with General Schuyler who by this is, I expect, at or near St Johns on the N. end of Lake Champlain; and may for ought ⟨I⟩ know have determined the Fate of his Army and that of Canada, as he left Crown point the 31st of last Month for the Isle-au-Noix (within 12 Miles of St Johns where Govr Carltons principal force lays)—If he should succeed there, he will soon after be in Montreal without opposition and if the Detachment I am sending (though late in the Season) from hence should be able to get posession of Quebec the Ministry’s Plan, in respect to that Government will turn out finely.
I have only to add my love to my Sister and the little ones, and that I am with the greatest truth Dr Sir
Yr Most Affecte Bror,
Go: Washington
Cambridge Head Quarters Septr 14. 1775
Sir,
You are intrusted with a Command of the utmost Consequence to the Interest & Liberties of America: Upon your Conduct & Courage & that of the Officers and ⟨Soldiers⟩ detached on this Expedition, not only the Success of the present Enterprize & your own Honour, but the Safety and Welfare of the whole Continent may depend. I ⟨charge⟩ you therefore and the Officers & Soldiers ⟨under⟩ your Command as you value your own Safety and Honour, & the Favour and Esteem of your Country that you consider yourselves as marching not through an Enemies Country, but that of our Friends and Brethren, for such the Inhabitants of Canada & the Indian Nations have approved themselves in this unhappy Contest between Great Brittain & America.
That you check by every Motive of Duty, and Fear of Punishment every Attempt to Plunder or insult any of the Inhabitants of Canada. Should any ⟨American Soldier be so base⟩ and infamous as ⟨to injure⟩ any Canadian or Indian in his Person or Property, I do most earnestly enjoin you to bring him to such severe & exemplary Punishment as the Enormity of the Crime may require. Should it extend to Death itself, it will not be disproportionate to its Guilt at such a Time and in such a Cause. But I hope and trust that the brave Men who have voluntarily engaged in this Expedition will be govern’d by different Views that Order, Discipline, & Regularity of Behavi⟨our⟩ will be as conspicuous as their Courage & Valour. I also give it in Charge to you to avoid all Disrespect or Contempt of the Religion of the Country and its Ceremonies—Prudence, Policy and a true Christian Spirit will lead us to look with Compassion upon their Errors without insulting them—While we are Contending for our own Liberty, we should be very cautious of violating the Rights of Conscience in others; ever considering that God alone is the Judge of the Hearts of Men and to him only in this Case they are answerable.
Upon the whole, Sir, I beg you to inculcate upon the Officers, the Necessity of preserving the Strictest Order during their March thro’ Canada to represent to them ⟨the Shame & Disgrace⟩ and Ruin to themselves & Country if they should by their Conduct turn the Hearts of our Brethren in Canada against us. And on the other Hand the Honour and Rewards which await them, if by their Prudence, and good Behaviour they conciliate the Affections of the Canadians & Indians to the great Interests of America, & convert those favourable Dispositions they have shewn into a lasting Union and Affection.
Thus wishing you and the Officers and Soldiers under your Command all Honour, Safety and Success I ⟨remain⟩ Sir
Your most Obedt Humble Servt,
Go: Washington