The portage around the Skequaga Falls took a toll on the expedition’s equipment and supplies. Arnold’s chief surgeon, a Rhode Island physician named Isaac Senter, described the setback.
"We had now a number of teams employed in conveying the batteaux, provisions, camp equipage, &c., over this carrying place. By this time, many of our batteaux were nothing but wrecks, some stove to pieces, &c.. The carpenters were employed in repairing them, while the rest of the army was busy in carrying over the provisions, &c.. A quantity of dry cod fish, by this time was received, as likewise a number of barrels of dry bread. The fish laying loose in the batteaux, and being continually washed with the fresh water running into the batteaux. The bread casks not being water-proof, admitted the water in plenty, swelled the bread, burst the casks, as well as soured the whole bread. The same fate attended a number of fine casks of peas."
Dr. Isaac Senter, in his journal, 5 October 1775Senter, Isaac The Journal of Isaac Senter, Physician and Surgeon to the Troops Detached from the American Army Encamped at Cambridge, Mass., on a Secret Expedition against Quebec, under the Command of Col. Benedict Arnold, in September 1775. (Philadelphia: The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1846), p. 18.