Diary Preface - Diary Part I - Diary Part II - Diary Addendum - Haskell Home Page.
January 1, 1776 -- May 30, 1776
(Born July 1, 1754 - Died January 12, 1829)
January 1st, 1776 Monday. -- About four o'clock this morning we perceived a hot
engagement at the city by the blaze of cannon and small arms, but could no report by
reason of the wind and storm, it being a violent snow storm. We supposed that Gen.
Montgomery had stormed the city. Just after daylight all was still. We are fearful and
anxious to hear the transactions of last night. This morning I took my clothes and pack
upon my back, being very weak and feeble after small pox. Returned to the camp. Found all
my officers and three of my messmates and almost all the company taken or killed, and the
rest in great confusion.
Could get no particular account of the siege until the afternoon, when we received the
following.
This morning about four o'clock, the time appointed to storm the city, our army divided
into different parts to attack. Gen. Montgomery was to storm the upper town and scale the
walls, while Col. Arnold was to cut the pickets leading from the walls to the river
Charles, and enter the lower town as soon as the signal was given. They proceeded; it
being dark no discovery was made. They got near the walls, when a heavy fire of cannon and
small arms began from the enemy, they being prepared and expecting us this night. Here a
number of our men were killed or wounded. The rest not being disheartened rushed on; came
to the walls; cannon roaring like thunder and musket balls flying like hail. Our men had
nothing for cover. Our General and his aide-camp and Capt. Cheseman were killed by a
charge of grape shot from the walls, which put this party in great confusion. There
appeared no officer to take command. Col. Camrael came up and ordered them to retreat.
Col. Arnold was wounded and brought off, and a number of his men killed and wounded. The
rest advanced and cut the pickets, so that with great difficulty they entered the town and
took possession of the battery and secured themselves to wait until daylight. Hearing a
great shout and the firing cease, and not knowing the occasion, they concluded that the
General had got in and the city had surrendered. After it was light, and to their great
disappointment, they found it otherwise. They found themselves surrounded and no retreat,
and that they must fall into the hands of the enemy. Thus we were defeated, with the loss
of our General, and upwards of 400 of our officers and men killed or taken. Every Capt. in
Col. Arnold's party was killed or taken, and but four of his men escaped and they
invalids.
January 2nd, Tuesday. -- Today Major Meigs, one of our officers taken, came out of
the city on parole, and has liberty to stay till Friday and carry the clothes belonging to
our men in to them. He informs us that our men are used very well.
January 3rd, Wednesday. -- About twelve o'clock last night were alarmed by a report
that the enemy had come out upon us. Marched to headquarters and found the alarm false.
January 4th, Thursday. -- The Canadians are daily joining us. The most of our men
fit for duty are on guard.
January 5th, Friday. -- We are in expectation every night that the enemy will come
upon us. We took two spies who came out last night. Today Major Meigs went back, according
to his parole.
January 6th, Saturday. -- At night we began to build breastworks with snow to
secure us from musket balls, if the enemy should come out against us.
January 7th, Sunday. -- Today had orders to carry the packs and clothing belonging
to our messmate prisoners to headquarters to be sent to them.
January 8th, Monday. -- This morning we carried the prisoner's packs to
headquarters.
January 9th, Tuesday. -- Heard that Gen. Worcester was on his way from Montreal. A
bad snow storm today.
January 10th, Wednesday. -- Severely cold and uncomfortable.
January 11th, Thursday. -- Continues cold. In the afternoon we went to the hospital
to bury one of our company who died of a wound. At night a bad snow storm.
January 12th, Friday. -- Cold, uncomfortable weather. The snow deep and bad
storming. One of our company died with the small pox today.
January 13th, Saturday. -- Cold and squally. Little stirring. Nothing new.
January 14th. Sunday. -- Continues cold and uncomfortable. No remarks.
January 15th, Monday. -- A bad snow storm. And so cold that a man can scarce get
out without freezing.
January 16th, Tuesday. -- We had letters from our friends, the prisoners in the
city.
January 17th. Wednesday. -- A cold snow storm; the snow deep.
January 18th, Thursday. -- Clears off pleasant in the afternoon. I went on guard at
St. Roche's.
January 19th, Friday. -- At night was relieved from guard. This evening some of our
guards at St. Roche's set fire to some buildings there that enemy were going to make use
of for firewood.
January 20th, Saturday. -- Moderate, but some snow. The enemy were firing some part
of the day from the city.
January 21st, Sunday. -- A pleasant day. This morning three of prisoners made their
escape from the city.
January 22nd, Monday. -- Last night some of the guards at St. Roche's set a number
of vessels on fire that lay against the village. In the evening I was on guard at St.
Roche's.
January 23rd, Tuesday. -- A pleasant day. We had several shot thrown at our guard
house; in the afternoon we took three prisoners-merchants belonging to the city; carried
them to headquarters. In the evening I was relieved from guard.
January 24th, Wednesday. -- Moderate weather. 140 men arrived from Montreal. At
night some of our guards set fire some house in St. Roche's suburbs.
January 25th, Thursday. -- This day, about noon 500 of the enemy came out of Palace
Gate. About 200 advanced, almost to our guard house. As soon as we were mustered they
retreated in again.
January 26th, Friday. -- This day we had orders for all of Col. Arnold's detachment
to go down to Bon Poir passage to keep a stationed guard, to prevent the Tories from
carrying wood and provisions into the city that way.
January 27th, Saturday. -- Exceeding cold weather.
January 28th, Sunday. -- Mr. Spring, our chaplain, preached at Camp Dryoise.
January 29th, Monday. -- Continues cold, but something more moderate in the
evening.
January 30th, Tuesday. -- This day we had to go down to the Bon Poir ferry and join
Capt. Smith, which was not agreeable to our company, we looking upon ourselves as free
men, and have been since the first of Jan., refused to go. Our company consisting of 14
men fit for duty, enlisted for two months under Capt. Newhall in Col. Livingston's
regiment. In the afternoon were put under guard at headquarters for disobedience of
orders.
January 31st, Wednesday. -- Today we were tried by a court martial, and fined one
months pay, ordered to join Capt. Smith's immediately, or be again confined and receive 39
stripes, two minutes allowed to answer in. We, finding that arbitrary rule prevailed,
concluded to go with Capt. Smith. Then we were released and went to our quarters.
February 1st, Thursday. -- This morning we marched down to Bon Poir ferry and
joined Capt. Smith's guard, much against our will. Last night some of our guards at St.
Roche's set some of the buildings on fire. The enemy firing upon them with cannon and
small arms, killed one and wounded two men. We were alarmed, went to rendezvous. When all
was still again went back to our quarters.
February 2nd, Friday. -- Exceeding cold. A number of the enemy out in St. Roche's
gathering up the ruins of burned buildings for firewood.
February 3rd, Saturday. -- The weather almost unendurable by reason of the cold.
February 4th, Sunday. -- Reinforcements are daily coming in. Twenty five men
arrived from New England.
February 5th, Monday. -- The weather continued extremely cold. It has been so for
three days past. At night three of our prisoners made their escape from the city. They
brought news of our friends, prisoners in the city, that provisions are scarce; that the
enemy intends to come out upon us soon, and take our stores.
February 6th, Tuesday. -- It continues cold as ever. There is little stirring by
reason of the cold. In the evening we espied a bright light in the city, and another on
Bonpoir village. Supposed to be a signal made by some Tory in order to carry some
provisions in across the river. A party was sent from our guard to Bon Poir to find out
the occasion of the light. Before we had gone far the light was gone. We marched down to a
Tory house where we supposed the light was made, and set a guard this night. In the
morning we returned back to our quarters.
February 7th, Wednesday. -- Continues cold as ever.
February 8th, Thursday. -- A pleasant day. A large number of the enemy are in St.
Roche's picking up the ruins of burnt buildings for fuel. We had several shells thrown at
our guard house, but they did no damage.
February 9th, Friday. -- A severe snow storm came on this afternoon, increasing
this evening.
February 10th, Saturday. -- The storm continues. Such a storm, I believe, never was
known in New England. Two of our men nearly perished going after provisions.
February 11th, Sunday. -- It clears off pleasant. Our commander sent a flag to the
city today. The enemy did not fire upon him, but gave him ill treatment and refused to
receive any letters from him.
February 12th, Monday. -- Pleasant sun, but cold, which is nothing strange in this
country.
February 13th, Tuesday. -- This morning one of our prisoners made his escape from
the city. Two British soldiers deserted and came with him.
February 14th, Wednesday. -- A pleasant day, and the sun is so warm that snow gives
a little on the roofs of the houses, which is something remarkable. We had a number of
shots fired at our guard house, but did no damage. Some troops arrived from New England.
February 15th, Thursday. -- Raw, cold weather. Today we had a number of shots fired
at our guard house, but received no damage. This evening six of our prisoners made their
escape from the city, and brought one deserter with them. In the evening we had some
shells thrown at our guard house but received no damage.
February 16th, Friday. -- We had a number more shots fired at our guard house
today, but none have done us any damage yet.
February 17th, Saturday. -- A cold, sharp air. We have shot flying around our guard
house every day, from the enemy, but have received no damage yet.
February 18th, Sunday. -- We had a severe cold night and it continues cold today.
February 19th, Monday. -- Clear, cold weather; all still.
February 20th, Tuesday. -- A moderately pleasant day. We had a number of shot fired
at us today. Not a shot has struck our house yet.
February 21st, Wednesday. -- Continues pleasant. This morning a hot cannonading
began on both sides, which lasted some hours; we received no damage.
February 22nd, Thursday. -- A cold day. Our guard divided into two companies. Set
another guard below us, one mile distance.
February 23rd, Friday. -- Cold uncomfortable weather.
February 24th, Saturday. -- A number of the enemy are out in St. John's suburbs,
taking down the buildings for firewood.
February 25th, Sunday. -- About nine o'clock last evening had orders to lay on our
arms and double our guards, as there is a movement among the enemy. We kept a good
lookout, but all still.
February 26th, Monday. -- There is a brisk firing in the city with small arms.
February 27th, Tuesday. -- A warm, pleasant day; the snow beginning to thaw; at
night we had some rain.
February 28th, Wednesday. -- Continues rainy; the going is exceedingly bad. Feb.
29th. Thursday. -- This morning our company had orders to go to Bonpoir village to join a
guard with Capt. Bailly and relieve a French guard. We went down and took our quarters in
a house by the river side.
March 1st, Friday. -- Extremely cold. In the afternoon we had a number of shot
fired at our guard house, but did no damage.
March 2nd, Saturday. -- Thick weather and some snow. Clears off pleasant in the
afternoon.
March 3rd, Sunday. -- Severe cold. In the evening we took three prisoners who came
out of the city.
March 4th, Monday. -- Uncomfortable weather; in the evening we had a heavy rain.
March 5th, Tuesday. -- Continues rainy. This morning we hoisted a red flag before
the city. At night a bad storm of snow, with a hard gale of wind at northeast.
March 6th, Wednesday. -- We had some rain this morning, but cold. We received our
pay from Capt. Smith for one month.
March 7th, Thursday. -- Pleasant weather.
March 8th, Friday. -- Some troops arrived from Philadelphia.
March 9th, Saturday. -- The enemy are busy cutting a channel in the ice to make a
passage into the lower town.
March 10th, Sunday. -- Cold uncomfortable weather.
March 11th, Monday. -- A pleasant morning. This afternoon our house took fire on
the roof; with much difficulty we put it out.
March 12th, Tuesday. -- A cold snow storm and hard gale of a wind. It clears off
this morning.
March 13th, Wednesday. -- This afternoon a party of the enemy came out of the city,
on a party of men at Wolfe's cave, on fatigue. After a small skirmish the enemy went in
again.
March 14th, Thursday. -- This afternoon our General sent a flag to the city. The
enemy would take no letters from him, and ordered him back again, or they would fire on
him immediately.
March 15th, Friday. -- A pleasant day.
March 16th, Saturday. -- We are making preparations for another attack on the city;
collecting fascines and other materials to build batteries as soon as the weather will
permit.
March 17th. Sunday. -- It being St. Patrick's day we had the curiosity to go to
Mass in Bonpoir.
March 18th, Monday. -- A brisk firing with cannon and small arms in the city.
March 19th, Tuesday. -- Today we had a piece of cannon and two howitzers come into
camp.
March 20th, Wednesday. -- Troops are daily coming in to our assistance from various
parts. One large company came in today.
March 21st, Thursday. -- Cold uncomfortable weather. Our battery at Point Levi is
almost completed.
March 22nd, Friday. -- A hot firing began this morning in the city upon our men at
Point Levi, at work on the battery, and continued all afternoon. Three companies more are
ordered on to Point Levi.
March 23rd, Saturday. -- We had information this morning that a party of the enemy
had gone down the river by water after provisions. About 150 men were sent down to
obstruct them and 3 companies of Canadians were sent to Orleans to strengthen our guards
there.
March 24th, Sunday. -- A cold stormy day. One of our prisoners belonging to Capt.
Lane's artillery made his escape from the city.
March 25th, Monday. -- We had a number of shot fired from the city at our battery
at Point Levi. One company arrived in camp from the Jerseys.
March 26th, Tuesday. -- We heard from the party down the river. They have had a
skirmish with the enemy and have taken a party of 30 men without any loss on our side;
only three men wounded. About 200 more were sent to reinforce our party down the river.
Upwards of 100 cannon were discharged within a few minutes in the city and some shells
thrown at our troops at Point Levi.
March 27th, Wednesday. -- This morning about 11 o'clock our house took fire on the
roof, the wind blowing fresh at Northwest, the fire spread fast; we saw no possibility of
saving the house, and went to clearing it as soon as possible. It was soon after burned
down. We moved up to Bonpoir village. This afternoon some prisoners taken down river were
brought to headquarters.
March 28th, Thursday. -- Uncomfortable weather. Raw cold wind for several days.
March 29th, Friday. -- Some firing at our troops at Point Levi from the city.
March 30th, Saturday. -- One of the guard at the lower guard house was killed by a
cannon ball from the city. A number of the enemy came out on St. John's. We went down to
them, after a short skirmish with them they went in again. We received no damage.
March 31st, Sunday. -- Rev. Mr. Briggs came to our quarters and gave us a discourse
from 36th Psalms and 7th verse.
April 1st, Monday. -- General Worcester arrived at camp; we lost one man, killed at
Point Levi, with a cannon ball from the city.
April 2nd, Tuesday. -- We are at work building batteries at different places.
April 3rd, Wednesday. -- This morning we opened our battery at Point Levi; there
was a hot cannonading on both sides all day; we received no damage; we had some rain this
evening; the snow is now five feet deep on a level.
April 4th, Thursday. -- We had cannonading on both sides today.
April 5th, Friday. -- We began to work on the battery at Bonpoir ferry. The army
discovered us and fired on us but did no damage.
April 6th, Saturday. -- This night all our company was on fatigue at the passage
battery; two twelve pound cannons were brought to the battery.
April 7th, Sunday. -- A bad storm of hail and rain; no stirring today.
April 8th, Monday. -- We fired several shot from our battery at Point Levi.
April 9th, Tuesday. -- At work on the passage battery hauling fascines and planks
for platforms.
April 10th, Wednesday. -- A pleasant warm day.
April 11th, Thursday. -- Bad stirring! The snow goes fast; the ground overflowed
with water.
April 12th, Friday. -- We have an easterly wind that carries off the snow and ice
fast.
April 13th, Saturday. -- It is bad traveling, by reason of the water being in many
places on the road, three ft. deep; the ground begins to appear on top of some of the
hills.
April 14th, Sunday. -- But little done on our battery on account of the badness of
the road.
April 15th, Monday. -- The time of our last engagement has expired; we intend to
set out for New England soon.
April 16th, Tuesday. -- We had an invitation today from the officers of Col.
Livingston's regiment to go to Bonpoir; they treated us handsomely; after going through
the manual exercise we returned to our quarters.
April 17th, Wednesday. -- The general desires that we would stay a few more days in
camp.
April 18th, Thursday. -- Our company went to headquarters to get a pass to go home.
By the general's desire we concluded to stay a few more days longer; we have two fine
ships at Orleans with which, at a convenient time, we intend to burn, shipping in the
lower town; a women belonging to the Pennsylvania troops was killed today by accident-a
soldier carelessly snapping his musket which proved to be loaded.
April 19th, Friday. -- Cold, uncomfortable weather. The enemy fired several shots
at our guard house at Bonpoir ferry and struck the house two or three times.
April 20th, Saturday. -- I received four pounds of Capt. Smith; the enemy began a
brisk fire upon our guard house at the ferry at different parts of the city; damaged the
houses much; drove us out of it into the battery but hurt no man.
April 21st, Sunday. -- The enemy have almost beat our guard house down at the
ferry, although it is very strong, nearly three feet thick through with stone; we heard
the Americans had taken Boston.
April 22nd, Monday. -- This morning we opened our battery at Bonpoir ferry, fired a
number of shot into the city and received some from it; being stormy in the afternoon the
firing ceased on both sides; 150 men arrived at Montreal on batteaux.
April 23rd, Tuesday. -- A hot cannonading began on both sides this morning; we
opened a bomb battery in the evening and threw a number of shells into the city.
April 24th, Wednesday. -- This morning we began to fire hot shot from the ferry
battery; as one of our men was ramming home a cartridge in one of our guns-we had fired
hot shot out of it-the piece not being well sponged-the cartridge took fire and mortally
wounded a man.
April 25th, Thursday. -- We have kept a steady cannonading from the batteries for
three days past.
April 26th, Friday. -- A storm of rain; but little firing on either side today; we
split a twelve pounder in our battery at the ferry which wounded a number, but none
mortally.
April 27th, Saturday. -- This morning we mounted a brass twenty four pound cannon
in the ferry battery-discharged her once and broke the axletree; which was all we fired
today.
April 28th, Sunday. -- Fine pleasant weather; a number of troops arrived today from
New England; we have a steady cannonading on both sides today.
April 29th, Monday. -- A number of the New York troops are discharged and are to
set off for home up the river by water tomorrow morning. This morning we mounted our brass
piece again and got in readiness for a warm fire in the morning.
April 30th, Tuesday. -- Thick, rainy weather. No firing today on either side. Gen.
Thomas is expected in camp with a large reinforcement; when he arrives we that are left of
Col. Arnold's detachment are to be discharged.
May 1st, Wednesday. -- We had snow last night. A raw cold day. But little firing on
either side for some days past.
May 2nd, Thursday. -- Gen. Thomas arrived in camp with 500 men. We had a report
that there is a British fleet in the river.
May 3rd, Friday. -- Our captain went to headquarters to get a pass for us to go
home, he got a promise of one. In the evening we brought up some of our fire ships against
the city, and set them on fire, but being too late in the tide-did no execution.
May 4th, Saturday. -- The Canadian troops are all called into headquarters. It is
supposed that another attack will be made on the city soon. Our captain got our discharge
and a pass for us to march home.
May 5th, Sunday. -- We marched to headquarters to get in readiness to march home.
May 6th, Monday. -- This morning three frigates came up the river anchored before
the city. We drew four days provisions. At three o'clock marched for home. The frigates
fired a salute. We marched up as far as Point aux Tremble. An express overtook us and told
us that the whole army was on retreat. That the enemy came out and drove all our army off
the ground, took our cannon and a number of our sick. We marched five miles farther and
put up, being very much fatigued.
May 7th, Tuesday. -- We set out before daybreak. All our army is on retreat,
followed by three ships. Some of our men were taken at Point aux Tremble, and a schooner
and a brig which we have had in possession all winter. The frigates are beating up the
river. We were stopped at Shambo till afternoon, then we set out again and marched the
greater part of the night.
May 8th, Wednesday. -- Our army stopped at Point Shambo on order to make to make
stand against the enemy. We marched and got within tree miles of Three Rivers when we put
up.
May 9th, Thursday. -- We came to Three Rivers this morning. I am so much beat out
and so lame that I can scarcely walk one step. I fell in with one Mr. Halstead, a
gentleman from Quebec who has got his family with him, and is going to move to New York. I
got into his boat with his family. About noon set out from Three Rivers and went twenty
seven miles up the river.
May 10th, Friday. -- We set out early in the morning; crossed a lake in the river
when we met with some difficulty, it being squally and we a good distance from land. We
arrived at night within two miles of the river Sorrel.
May 11th, Saturday. -- We arrive at Sorrel river this morning tarried all day
waiting for a batteaux to proceed up the river. Here is a Prussian general and a number of
troops fortifying the mouth of the river.
May 12th, Sunday. -- We set out about nine o'clock, went about twenty miles up the
river to a village called St. Dennis, where we tarried all night.
May 13th, Monday. -- We had a head wind, got but a little way up the river. We put
up at a village called St. Charles, about three leagues from Fort Shambole.
May 14th, Tuesday. -- We arrived at Fort Shambole this afternoon, unloaded our
boats and tarried in the Fort tonight.
May 15th, Wednesday. -- This afternoon we set out by land, arrived at St. John's
Fort about nine o'clock and put up.
May 16th, Thursday. -- Our company has gone over the lake, they set out last night.
I am detained for a passage, there is no provisions here. My musket was seized; valued at
ten dollars.
May 17th, Friday. -- Mr. Halstead and his family have arrived here. I expect to go
over the lake with them, but can get no boat at present.
May 18th, Saturday. -- There is an Indian canoe going over the lake. I have got
liberty to go in her. We set out about nine from St. Johns; went 30 miles up the lake to
the white house and stopped all night. We met with some provisions at the Isle of Norce.
May 19th, Sunday. -- We set out at daylight, went about 15 miles. The wind blew
hard against us, we put ashore on an island to wait until it is more moderate. A little
before night we set out again; went a few miles to another island, and there we tarried
all night.
May 20th, Monday. -- Pleasant morning. We set out early-got within about 12 miles
of Crown Point; the wind blew so hard against us that we had like to have perished before
we could get to the land. We left our boat and set out in the woods to travel to Crown
Point. Traveled about 10 miles, found a house where we tarried all night.
May 21st, Tuesday. -- We set out in the woods again; traveled until noon, came to a
house where we tarried until sunset; then we crossed over a bay to Crown Point.
May 22nd, Wednesday. -- This morning five of us in company, crossed the lake from
C.P., took a path in the wood leading to No. 4. We traveled to Otter Creek and put up.
May 23rd, Thursday. -- We had some rain this morning, which detained us a few
hours. We set out, traveled to Derum, put up at a public house.
May 24th, Friday. -- Set out this morning; traveled 27 miles to Cavendish, put up
at a public house.
May 25th, Saturday. -- Set out this morning; came to No. 4 ferry. In the afternoon
crossed over, made a stop at No. 4; then traveled about 2 miles to Major Bellows' and put
up at public house.
May 26th, Sunday. -- We set out early in the morning; traveled thro' Walpole, and
here we had a rainy day. Came to Swansy and put up.
May 27th, Monday. -- Set out early in the morning; bad traveling! Traveled thro'
Fitz Williams. At night came to Ashburham and put up.
May 28th, Tuesday. -- Set out this morning. Traveled thro' Westminster and
Lunenburg; came to Littletown and put up.
May 29th, Wednesday. -- Set out in the morning; Traveled to Concord when I overtook
some of my messmates, whom I have not seen since I was at Three Rivers. Set out again;
traveled thro' Billerica; came to Andover and put up.
May 30th, Thursday. -- Set out this morning; traveled thro' Boxford and Bradford.
About 12 o'clock arrived at Newburyport. Found all friends well.
********** ********** **********
Distances.
58 miles from mouth Kennebec river to Fort Weston.
19 miles from Fort Weston to Fort Halifax.
20 miles from Fort Halifax to Meconick carrying place.
9 miles from Meconick carrying place to Norridgewalk.
19 miles from Norridgewalk to Corretunkers carrying place.
18 miles from Corretunkers carrying place to the Great carrying place.
14 miles across the Great carrying place to Dead river.
86 miles across Dead river to the first pond.
8 miles across the ponds and carrying places to Chandieu streams.
74 miles from Chandieu streams to the first inhabitants.
54 miles from Sattigan to Quebec.
150 miles from Newburyport to Kennebec.
529 miles from Newburyport to the City of Quebec.
********** ********** **********
Other Pages
Diary Preface
Diary Part I
Diary Part II
Diary Addendum
Haskell Home Page.