Committee at Ticonderoga to the Massachusetts Congress

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Ticonderoga, May 10, 1775.

To the Provincial Congress now sitting at Watertown:

This is to certify, that previous to Colonel Benedict Arnold' s arrival to the Forts Ticonderoga and Crown Point, a Committee sent from the Colony of Connecticut, furnished with money for the purpose of reducing and garrisoning said Forts, had, with the assistance of seventy men from the Massachusetts, and one hundred and forty from the New-Hampshire Grants, marched within a few miles of Ticonderoga, and this morning, at daybreak, took possession of said Fort, and have given the command thereof into the hands of Colonel Ethan Allen. And said Arnold refuses to give up his command, which causes much difficulty; said Arnold not having enlisted one man, neither do we know that he has or could do it. And as said Committee have raised the men, and are still raising supplies for the purpose of repairing said Forts, taking the armed sloop, and defending this Country and said Forts, we think that said Arnold' s farther procedure in this matter highly inexpedient, both in regard to expense and defence.

JAMES EASTON,
EPAP˙ BULL,
EDWARD MOTT,
NOAH PHELPS.

Committee of War for the Expedition against TICONDEROGA and CROWN POINT.