Letter from Colonel Arnold to General Washington

v4:190

Before Quebeck, December 5, 1775.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY: My last of the 20th ultimo, from Point-aux-Trembles, advising of my retiring from before Quebeck, make no doubt your Excellency has received. I continued at Point-aux-Trembles, until the 3d instant, when to my great joy General Montgomery joined us with artillery, and about three hundred men. Yesterday we arrived here, and are making all possible preparation to attack the city, which has a wretched motley garrison of disaffected seamen, marines and inhabitants; the walls in a ruinous situation, and cannot hold out long. Enclosed is a return of my detachment, amounting to six hundred and seventy-five men, for whom I have received clothing of General Montgomery. I hope there will soon be provision made for paying the soldiers' arrearages, as many of them have families who are in want. A continual hurry has prevented my sending a continuation of my journal.

I am, with very great respect, your Excellency' s most obedient humble servant, BENEDICT ARNOLD.