Writing of George Washington

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The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.--vol. 04

Cambridge, November 5, 1775.

Dear Sir: Your Favor of the 26th Ulto. with the Inclosures, containing an Acct. of the Surrender of Fort Chamblee was an excellent Repast, but somewhat incomplete for Want of Montgomery's Letter, which (a Copy) you omitted to inclose. On the Success of your Enterprize so far, I congratulate you, as the Acquisition of Canada is of unmeasureable Importance to the Cause we are engaged in. No Acct. of Arnold since my last. I am exceeding anxious to hear from him; but flatter myself that all goes well with him, as he was expressly ordered in Case of any discouraging Event to advertize me of it immediately.⁷⁷ I much approve your Conduct in Regard to Wooster.

[Note 77: The situation of affairs in Canada at this time may be understood by the following extract from a letter, dated at Montreal, October 19, and written by Brook Watson, an eminent merchant of that city, to Governor Franklin, of New Jersey. The letter was intercepted by General Montgomery and forwarded by him to General Schuyler:
"Such is the wretched state of this unhappy province," says the writer, "that Colonel Allen, with a few despicable wretches, would have taken this city on the 25th ultimo, had not its inhabitants marched out to give them battle. They fought, conquered, and thereby saved the province for a while. Allen and his banditti were mostly taken prisoners. He is now in chains on board the Gaspee. This little action has changed the face of things. The Canadians before were nine tenths for the Bostonians. They are now returned to their duty; many in arms for the King and the parishes, who had been otherwise, and daily demanding their pardon and taking arms for the crown." This Mr. Watson went over to England in the same vessel in which Allen and his associates were transported as prisoners and in irons. Allen's wrists and ankles were heavily manacled. In his narrative he speaks of having received much ill treatment from Watson during the voyage. Watson was afterwards Lord Mayor of London.-- Sparks.] My Fears are at an End, as he acts in a subordinate Character. Intimate this to General Montgomery, with my Congratulations on his Success, the seasonable Supply of Powder, and wishes that his next Letter may be dated from Montreal. We laugh at his Idea of classing the royal Fuzileers with the Stores. Does he consider them as Inanimates, or as a Treasure? If you carry your Arms to Montreal, should not the Garrisons of Niagara, Detroit &c. be called upon to surrender, or threaten'd with the Consequences of a Refusal? They may indeed destroy their Stores, and if the Indians are aiding, escape to Fort Chartres; but it is not very probable.

The inclosed Gazette exhibits sundry Specimens of the Skill of the new Commander in issuing Proclamations, and a Proof in the Destruction of Falmouth, of the barbarous Designs of an infernal Ministry. Nothing new hath happened in this Camp. Finding the ministerial Troops resolved to keep themselves close within their Lines, and that it was adjudged impracticable to get at them, I have fitted out six armed Vessels, with Design to pick up some of their Store Ships and Transports. The Rest of our Men are busily employed in erecting of Barracks &c I hope, as you have said nothing of the State of your Health, that it is much amended, and that the cold Weather will restore it perfectly. That it may do so, and you enjoy the Fruit of your Summers Labour and Fatigue, is the sincere wish of, Dear Sir, etc. Generals Lee and Mifflin are well: Colonel Reed gone to Philadelphia.