North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1840-01-15

On the 9th of September the American
army, which numbered then but 1000 men,
advanced towards ST. Johns, without
meeting any opposition whatever from the
| British. They landed about one mile and
half south Of the fort of ST. Johns, and
sent a accommodating party towards the
forts as to be informed of the real strength
and position OF the enemy. This party
was suddenly attacked by some Indians
who were waiting for them in ambush.
The American party lost three men, who
were killed, besides eight men wounded
whilst the Indians were repulsed by the
Americans, with five of their party killed
and leaving four men dangerously
wounded.
Having ascertained that the fort was
built Of strong materials and well garrison
ed, The American army returned The next
day TO Isle aux Noix, where they waited
for reinforcement Of men, and a new
supply OF arms and munitions, which were
10 be sent from Tconderoga and Crown
Point.
General Schuyler was obliged to return
to Albany, NY. to conclude q treaty of
amity with the Indian tribe OF which we
have already spoken. BY the absence Of
Gen. Schuyler the command OF the Amer
lean army at Isle aux Noix, devolved upon
General Montgomery.
Having received the artillery and muni-
ions that he was expecting, and also re-
enforcement Of men, on The l7th Septem-
Der Gen. Montgomery embarked his troops
and descended the Richeieu ill very near
Fort ST. Johns, and began The siege of the
place, after having in vain summoned
Nj or Preston, who was the commander
Of the fort, to surrender. The fort of ST.
Johns being very properly called the key
Of the province OF Quebec after the reduc-
uon Of IIconderoga and Crown Point, was
the most strongly garrsoned of any in
Canada. il contained the greater part OF
two English regiments. These were near
y the whole body Of regular troops in the
Province. There were in the fort large
stores Of provisions, and considerable
quantity of munitions and artillery.
The first coup de main of the American
general was to send a detachment OF SOL
ders to the house of Capt. Hazen, an
English hall-pay officer, who resided at
ST. Athanase, opposite St. Johns, exactly
on the same spot where the Catholic
Church is now built. The Captain was
seized in his bed and brought 10 the Anne
rican camp, from whence he was forthwith
sent to Philadelphia. This gentleman was
the proprietor Of the seigniory Of Sabre
vols, and in consequence Of bis adhesion to
the American cause after he had reached
Philadelphia, where he accepted a COM
mission of colonel in the continental army,
his property was forfeited and passed into
the hands OF Colonel Christie, whose
heirs now enjoy it.
General Montgomery not only succeeded
in detachng the Indians from the British
cause, but persuaded them 10 join the
American side Of the question. As TO the
Canadians, nothing was more pleasing 10
them than 10 welcome an army which
they looked upon as coming TO deliver
them from British rule, 10 which they had
been forced TO submit, by physical force
alone. They rendered the American army
most essential aid. Men focked in grea,
numbers TO the American camp, and the
invading army was furnished by the Cana
dams with large quantities Of provisions
military stores, and, in fact, with every
/ thing they could spare that could be SER
viceable 10 them. In consequence of all
these succours the siege OF ST. Johns was
continued with great vigor but yet the
American army was not in a flourlshing
state. II wanted the most necessary arti-
cles 10 the siege Of fortress: powder and
ball and the soldiers Of Gen. Montgo-
merry were also far from being completely
disciplined. They did not yield TO their
superior officers those marks OF respect and
obedience so necessary TO the welfare Of the
IL