Letter from Colonel Arnold to the Congress

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Camp before Quebeck, January 12, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Since writing the enclosed , General Wooster has acquainted me he cannot leave Montreal, but has sent down Colonel Clinton, to whom I shall resign the command, until my wound will permit my doing duty, which my Surgeon thinks will be four or six weeks. Colonel Clinton acquaints me, we cannot expect more than two hundred men from Montreal. I have put on foot the raising a regiment of three hundred Canadians, which I make no doubt of effecting. They are to have the same pay, and be under the same regulations, as the Continental forces. I make no doubt the exigency of our affairs will justify the step I have taken, (though without authority for so doing,) and that it will be approved of by the honourable Continental Congress.

I am, most respectfully, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,

B˙ ARNOLD.

P˙ S. The forts of Niagara and Detroit are an object, which, I make no doubt, the honourable Congress have in view. Mr˙ Antill, now on his way down, can inform you in regard to their strength, stores, &c.

B˙ A.