General Schuyler' s Instructions to Colonel Ritzema

v3:740

Isle-aux-Noix, September 10, 1775.

SIR: You will proceed, with the detachment under your command, to the road leading from St˙ John' s to LaPrairie, and post yourself in such a manner as most effectually to cut off the communication between the garrison of St˙ John' s and the country. This will be most probably best effected by approaching that post as near as the enemy' s artillery will admit.

You will be very watchful of the garrison of Chambly, by means of detached parties from your main body, or, which is preferable, by some trusty Canadians, lest any supplies of provisions or men should be thrown into St˙ John' s.

As you cannot march with intrenching tools, you must purchase or borrow from our friends in the country, should you stand in need of them.

Colonel Allen and Major Brown have orders to request that provisions may be brought to you, which must be punctually paid for, for which purpose I have furnished you with the sum of £318 1s˙ 10d˙ in gold.

General Montgomery will probably remain on the ground where he lands you, till the 11th, towards night. You will perhaps have it in your power before that time to report your situation, and the reception you may have met with. You will, as frequently as opportunity permits, furnish me with such intelligence as may seem of consequence, by

v3:741

I must recommend not only to you, Sir, but every officer under your command, the strictest attention to good order, that our friends may not suffer in their property; that you cultivate the friendship of the Canadians by all manner of means, and should any person sustain damage, that you make him ample satisfaction.

You will not fail to procure the best accommodation for your Troops your situation admits, with respect to lodging, medicines, and refreshments. Some rum also will be necessary, if to be had.

If possible, you will endeavour to establish a correspondence at Montreal. If any of our friends in Canada will furnish you with the cash necessary to carry on the service, your orders upon me in their favour shall be duly honoured.