Extract of a Letter from Ticonderoga

v3:26

Two persons who have lately come from St˙ John' s (being examined under oath before the General) give accounts that the King' s Troops are well fortified at St˙ John' s; that there is at that place four hundred and seventy Regulars, and one bundled and ten at Chambly, about twelve miles distant; about twenty at Montreal, and one company at Quebeck; forty Indians at St˙ John' s; Colonel Guy Johnson and Colonel Claus, with five hundred Indians, just arrived at Montreal, and just going to join the English rebels against us. One of these men was at Montreal, and saw Johnson and his Indians. They appear to be two sensible men and give a very direct account. There are two large and strong vessels near finished at St˙ John' s, to carry about fourteen or sixteen carriage guns each, and they are every day in expectation of being joined by about four thousand Regulars that are come into the river, and then to come against us. The Canadians are determined not to fight against us unless forced by a formidable Army. About three weeks ago an attempt was made to force the Canadians to take up arms, and they were about to hang some in every Parish, when the Canadians rose in a body of near three thousand men, disarmed the officer that was after recruits, and made him flee, being determined to defend themselves in the best manner they could by a full resistance, rather than be forced to arm against the Colonies. The common people there cannot bear to have the old French laws take place again amongst them, as they will be thereby plunged into enormous taxes. We had a few days ago two men who went down the lake with an Indian boy from Doctor Wheelock' s college, intending to land him about thirty miles this side of St˙ John' s, who are taken by a scout of the enemy, and held prisoners.