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Founding the Nation Trail

The Canadian Campaign: The Siege of Quebec, December 1775-May 1776

Introduction

In early December 1775, Brig. Gen. Richard Montgomery and a force of some seven hundred Continental soldiers joined Brig. Gen. Bendict Arnold and another six hundred Patriot troops on the western outskirts of Quebec City. Lacking a sufficient number of cannon to batter the city into submission, Montgomery launched a bold but unsuccessful ground attack against Quebec on New Year’s Eve. Hampered by logistical problems, a punishing winter, and a lack of hard currency to pay for local supplies, the Continental forces withdrew from Canada that May, heading back to their starting place at Fort Ticonderoga.

1

Montgomery Joins Forces with Arnold

On 1 December 1775, Montgomery’s army which had departed from Fort Ticondoroga in August linked...
2

Montgomery’s Failed Assault on Quebec City

After Montgomery’s combined force moved downriver on 3-4 December 1775 and took up positions on...
3

A Merchant from Montreal Recounts the Assault

Mr. James Price, a resident of Montreal who served the Continental force as a quartermaster,...
4

A Captain Who Fought Alongside Montgomery Recounts the Death of the General

An infantry captain from Connecticut, Abner Stocking, witnessed the defeat of Montgomery’s assault force when...
5

Arnold Describes the Post-Battle Condition of the Continental Forces

Though wounded in the battle, General Arnold assumed command of the Continental army in the...
6

Washington Tells Schuyler he is Unable to Send Reinforcements

In mid-January 1776 when Arnold had only around one thousand troops at his disposal, he...
7

Washington Urges Wooster to Complete the Quebec Campaign by the Spring

Unable to secure extra troops and cannon for the Canadian campaign, Washington nevertheless instructed Schuyler...
8

Wooster Evaluates the Late-Winter State of the Campaign

Responding to Washington’s plea for success by spring, Wooster agreed that the campaign was vital...
9

General Thomas informs Washington about the Mounting Problems in Canada

In mid-March 1776, the Continental Congress promoted Brig. Gen. John Thomas to the rank of...
10

American Diplomats in Canada Describe the Financial Plight of Schuyler’s Army

The Patriots faced another setback at the beginning of May when American diplomats informed the...
11

Thomas Explains the Necessity of Abandoning the Campaign

On 8 May 1776, General Thomas notified Washington that his army in Canada was simply...
12

Arnold Describes the Start of the Patriot Withdrawal

When General Thomas made the decision to withdraw from Canada on 8 May 1775, General...
13

Washington Congratulates Schuyler on his Successful Defense of Lake Champlain

Arnold’s stand on Lake Champlain in mid-October 1776 to be sufficient to discourage Carleton from...