The following is an installment of “On This Day,” a new series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by following the actions of Gen. George Washington, the Continental Congress, and the men and women whose bravery and sacrifice led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Jan. 12, 1776
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Two weeks after the disastrous American assault on Quebec, known as the “attack on Quebec,” Gen. George Washington remained unaware that the invasion failed or that Gen. Richard Montgomery was killed on Dec. 31.
The decision to invade Quebec rested on two assumptions. First, many colonists, mainly British Protestants, still viewed Catholic French Canada as a lingering threat. Second, Quebec was seen as a natural fit for the American cause, with many in the Continental Congress believing it “deserving” of a place in the new union.
Unaware that the city had not fallen, and that Montgomery was dead, Washington wrote to him anyway, pleading for any spare blankets, clothing, and arms he could send, as the army around Boston urgently needed supplies. Washington also wrote to Brig. Gen. Benedict Arnold, likewise expecting good news and reinforcements. He noted that Congress was even considering raising a new army for Canada that winter.
Although Congress promoted Arnold to brigadier general on Jan. 10, Washington did not learn of it until sometime later, and his letters continued to be addressed to “Col. Arnold” throughout January.
Washington would not learn of the American failure at Quebec until late in the evening on Jan. 17.
To Col. Benedict Arnold
Your favour of the 5th ulto from before Quebec incloseing the returns of your detachment—is Come to hand[.] from the account you give of the Garrison & State of the Walls I expect soon to hear from you Within them, which will give me vast pleasure.
I am informed that there are Large quantities of Arms—blankets Cloathing & other military Stores in that City—these are articles which we are in great want of here[.] I have therefore wrote to Genl Montgomery or whoever is Comanding Officer in that Quarter to send me as Much as Can be Spared from thence.2 if you Can assist in expediting their dispatch you will much oblige me.
I understand that the Congress have it under Consideration to raise an Army for the defence of Canada on a new Establishment. When I received this information I applied to Congress to know, whether it was their intention that you & the Officers in your detachment were to be appointed there or remain as you were Appointed in this Army as newly arranged, to which I have not yet recd their answer.
the want of So many good Officers is felt here, especially in the recruiting Service which does not go on So brisk as I Could wish. I think it will be best for you, to Settle for the arrearages due to your men Since Octobr Last with the Paymaster of the Army at your place—I don’t know any better way for you or them to receive it.
G.W.
In January 1776, Arnold was regarded as one of the American army’s most capable battlefield commanders in the early years of the Revolutionary War. He was always in the thick of the fighting, bold, relentless, and widely seen as heroic, rising rapidly from colonel to major general. His daring role in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga and operations on Lake Champlain the year before were hailed as game-changing.
Arnold was badly wounded during the assault on Quebec. It would be four more years before his allegiance collapsed and he committed the treason that would define his name in American history.