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Founding the Nation Trail

The Canadian Campaign: Arnold’s Expedition to Quebec, September-December 1775

Introduction

In early September 1775, the commander of the Contintental Army, General George Washington, instructed Col. Benedict Arnold to lead an expedition through central Maine and up to the St. Lawrence River to support Maj. Gen. Philip J. Schuyler’s advance into Canada. Inaccurate maps and poor preparations turned what was supposed to be a three-week trip into a two-month ordeal that tested the limits of Arnold’s soldiers.

1

Washington Notifies Congress about Arnold’s Expedition to Canada

Encourged by reports that the Indians and many inhabitants of Canada would welcome an alliance...
2

Arnold’s Troops Arrive at Newburyport

A sixteen year old rifleman from Pennsylvania, John Joseph Henry, described the initial leg of...
3

Arnold’s Expedition Reach Fort Western

After sailing from Newburyport to the mouth of the Kennebec River without encountering British warships,...
4

Up the Kennebec River to Fort Halifax

Trailing behind Morgan’s detachment by a day or two, the main body of Arnold’s force...
5

Bypassing the Shequaga Falls

North of Fort Halifax, the Kennebec featured a series of rapids and falls that had...
6

Supply Troubles at Norridgewock

The portage around the Skequaga Falls took a toll on the expedition’s equipment and supplies....
7

Arnold’s Soldiers Transit the Carrying Place

In the second week of October 1775, the main body of Arnold’s force reached the...
8

The Expedition Ascends the Height of Land

After hauling their battered batteaux over some thirty miles of marshy terrain, Arnold’s force reached...
9

Starvation Stalks the Expedition at Lake Megantic

By the end of October 1775, Arnold’s main force had climbed past the Height of...
10

Arnold Informs Montgomery of his Progress Toward Quebec City

As the main body of Arnold’s troops steeled themselves for the final leg of their...
11

Desperation Sets in for Arnold’s Soldiers

Though Arnold remained indefatigble, many of his troops had reached the limits of their endurance....
12

A Welcome Meeting on the Road to Sartigan

Just as all hope seemed to be lost, a group of Canadian settlers accompanied by...
13

Arnold and His Troops Cross the St. Lawrence River

In the early morning hours 11 November 1775, Arnold’s rejuvenated soldiers boarded canoes at Point...