North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1840-02-19

with his mer. il is beyond all possibility
10 describe the JOY OF both armies when
they met. Those Of the United Colonies
here met old friends whom they little ex-
pected to find in the Province OF Quebec,
thinking them yet quietly enjoying their
peaceful fre-sides, whilst the Canadians
were overj"yed TO meet The brave band of
Col. Arnold, who had undergone hardships,
the recital OF which, looked more like ro-
nance than real truth. The Canadians
were also happy in meeting their country
men and friends who had joined Col. Ar
nold's party.
The army Of Col. Arnold marched out
and met tina. of Gen. Montgomery some
three or four miles from the encampment.
Gen. Montgomery fortunately had brought
large supply OF winter clothing for Col.
Arnold's troops, who il may well be sup
posed were in great need of them.
After having held Council with Col.
Arnold and his principal officers and having
given TO his soldiers the necessary time TO
TEST themselves, General Montgomery or
dered his troops 10 proceed towards uebec,
and on the 9Th December, they arrived in
sight of the walb of the metropolis of Cam
ada. The Continental army was far from
being equal to the British army within
the walls Of Quebec; nay, il was really
inferior, both in regard 10 numerical strength
and discipline. Add TO this the powerful
protection afforded to the British by the
walls OF one Of the best Notifications in
North America, and we have clear
idea oil the advantages Of the English over
the American army.
General Montg sent flag of truce
In order to Summon the British Governor TO
surrender Immediately, else the place should
be besieged. But General Carleton order
ed his sentries 10 fire on the bearer OF this
summons, who was obliged to return with
ont performing his errand. However
Montgomery was decided in his own mind
that the English Governor would yet re-
ceive the summons; he still! hoped TO find
Governor Carleton in the same state Of
indecision and uncertainty Of mind rs he
was when he abandoned so precipi,ately
the city Of Montreal, at The approach OF
the American army. General Montgome-
nv had recourse TO the expedient OF en-
blowing Canadian habiiant to be the
bearer of a letter TO Gen. Carleton, in
which the American officer exaggerated
the number and powerful strength OF the
invading army under his command, argu-
ing at the same time the insulFiciency OF
the number of the British troops TO defend
works of such magnitude and extent as
those OF Quebec, and consequently the i'm
possibility of making eilectual resistance TO
an enemy who had already taken forcible
possession of many English forts, since the
unfortunate collision between the mother
country and the United Colonies. He
finished this letter by demanding formal
and immediate surrender of @ uebec, threa-
tening. in case OF refusal, the English
garrison and the inhabitants of the city
with all the calami,ies and horrors al an
assault, in which ii would he impossible 10
put stop 10 the furious passions of the
victorious soldiers, who delight in muir
der, rapine, and all sorts of crime.
Gen. Carleton foresaw that his disgrace
would be completed by giving way third
time before an enemy who had chased him
gu, of every corner OF the Province. but
this strong- hold. He expected from the
authorities which had constituted him
Governor Of this Province. the most un-
limited ccnsnre for his past unmilitary con-
duct, and the only hope remaining for him
was to try the fortunes Of war, and resist,
till in appearance he would have done all
that could he expected from sn Officer pla-
ced in the high and responsible station en-
trusted TO him BY his sovereign. Under
those circumstances Gen. Carleton refused
peremptoriy 10 surrender, and prepared TO
make the most vigorous resistance.