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

General Thomas informs Washington about the Mounting Problems in Canada

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. “Gen. Thomas.” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1765 – 1896.

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. “Gen. Thomas.” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1765 – 1896.

Wool felt cocked hat. Object ID H-075. Courtesy of The Fort Ticonderoga Museum Collection.

Wool felt cocked hat. Object ID H-075. Courtesy of The Fort Ticonderoga Museum Collection.

Wool felt cocked hat. Object ID H-075. Courtesy of The Fort Ticonderoga Museum Collection.

Wool felt cocked hat. Object ID H-075. Courtesy of The Fort Ticonderoga Museum Collection.

In mid-March 1776, the Continental Congress promoted Brig. Gen. John Thomas to the rank of major general after he brought the siege of Boston to a successful conclusion. Now bearing two stars, Thomas traveled to Canada to take command of the Continental Army besieging Quebec City. His survey of the situation on the Plains of Abraham warned Washington that the Canadian expedition was not likely to achieve its aims.

"I find that the troops who engaged only to the 15th of April are mostly on their return home, and cannot be prevailed on to continue longer in the Country; and by the information given me have no reason to expect, that when those who are on their way here shall arrive, the whole will much exceed 4000, exclusive of the small number of Canadians, who have and are likely to engage in the Continental service. The Artillery, powder &c. are not yet arrived, and little or no preparation made, as I expected there would have been, for the defence of the Country—not an Artificer, as I can find, for building Boats or floating Batteries, which are in my opinion very necessary to defend the River, nor a person who understands the use of Artillery, except those who are confined in Quebec. "

General Thomas to General Washington, 27 April 1776
Sources
  • www.founders.archives.gov