As the weather grew colder in mid-November 1775 and the enlistment period for many Continental soldiers approached its termination date, Montgomery expressed his concerns about keeping enough troops and supplies on hand to seize Quebec City before the arrival of spring.
"I can’t help feeling great Uneasiness, till I know the Determination of the Troops with respect to engaging for six Months longer . . . I was obliged at St Johns to promisee all such their Dismission as chose it, to coax them to Montreal— Indeed Wooster’s Regiment shewed the greatest Uneasiness— I make no Doubt of retaining as Many as will hold the Ground already gotten— but it is of the utmost Importance to finish this Business at once that the Ministry may have no Hopes left of carrying on their infernal Plan in this important Quarter— At any Rate it will be highly expedient to throw in a large Body of Troops as soon as the Ice will bear in order to make a Vigorous Attack on Quebec before the arrival of Succours in the Spring should It not fall into our Hands this Winter."
General Montgomery to General Schuyler, 13 November 1775www.founders.archives.gov