General Wooster to President of Congress

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GENERAL WOOSTER TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Montreal, January 27, 1776.

SIR: Your favour of the 30th November I have just received.

To a man who engages in this glorious struggle from the pure principle of love to his country, if he meets with the applauses of his countrymen for any services, it must certainly give him very sensible pleasure.

My brethren, in America, were not only entitled to any little services I may have rendered them, but ever will be to my most strenuous efforts to serve them, and I shall always think myself exceeding happy, and most amply rewarded, if they prove successful.

Long before this reaches you, you will have received the news of the unhappy attack upon Quebeck. I most sincerely condole with you for the loss of the brave and most amiable General Montgomery, and the rest of the brave officers and soldiers who fell gloriously with him.

Colonel Arnold still keeps up the blockade. I have sent him all the troops that could possible be spared from this garrison. I should have immediately gone there myself, but it was thought unadvisable for me, at that time, to leave this place, which it was necessary to secure as a retreat.

Troops now begin to come in from the Colonies, and, as I have got mailers nearly settled here, I intend, in a little time, to proceed on to Quebeck.

We shall want every thing; men, money, heavy cannon, mortars, shot and shells, and a large supply of powder, as we have not more than four tons in the Province. I have wrote General Schuyler my sentiments fully, upon what may be necessary in carrying on the siege; also, the state of the Province, and what measures have been taken in it, which suppose he has communicated.

To remedy the evil of sinking so much hard cash in this country, I have advised that every article wanted in this country from the Colonies, especially all kinds of West-India goods, and liquors, and New-England rum, be brought over the Lakes, which I am convinced may be done, and sold lower than what we are now obliged to give. These articles may be then paid for in Continental money, and that, in my opinion, will go a great way towards giving it a currency.

I am, with the greatest esteem and respect, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

DAVID WOOSTER.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq˙, President of Congress.