![Walker, Thomas, active 18th century. “Plan of the Isle aux Noix, in the River Richelieu, and Province of Canada.” Map. [1760?]. Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center, https://collections.leventhalmap.org/search/commonwealth:q524n7219 (accessed April 29, 2025).](https://www.thenmusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/iiif-service_gmd_gmd3_g3452_g3452i_ar062000-full-pct_25-0-default.jpg)
In the second week of September 1775, the army of the Northern Department headed down the Richelieu River and made camp on the uninhabited island of Ile-aux-Noix, some twenty miles south of Fort St. John. Sickness confined Schuyler to his tent, so General Montgomery lead a group of soldiers down the river to reconnoiter the British outpost.
". . . as we judged that going to St. Johns weak as we were, (our Numbers not exceeding one Thousand and the little Artillery we had not come up) migth have a Good Effect on the Canadians & to encourage them to join Us, We resolved upon the Measure and landed our Baggage and Provisions Except for four Days & early on the 6th embarked and without any Obstructions proceeded towards St Johns, when we arrived in Sight of It and at the Distance of about two Miles, the Enemy began to canonade, but did Us no Damage. We approached half a Mile nearer and then landed out Opposition in a close deep Swamp which extends to very near the Fort, here we formed and marched in the best Order we coudl towards the Fort to Reconnoitre"
General Schuyler to General Washington, 20 September 1775www.founders.archives.gov