Orders to Benedict Arnold

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In Committee of Safety, Cambridge, May 3, 1775.

SIR: Confiding in your judgment, fidelity, and valour, we do, by these presents, constitute and appoint you Colonel and Commander-in-Chief over a body of men not exceeding four hundred. Proceed with all expedition to the western parts of this and the neighbouring Colonies, where you are directed to enlist those men, and with them forthwith to march to the Fort at Ticonderoga, and use your best endeavours to reduce the same, taking possession of the cannon, mortars, stores, &c˙, also the vessel and the other cannon and stores upon the Lake. You are to bring back with you such of the cannon, mortars, stores, &c˙, as you shall judge may be serviceable to the Army here, leaving behind what may be necessary to secure that post, with a sufficient garrison. You are to procure suitable provisions and stores for the Army, and draw upon the Committee of Safety for the same, and to act in every exigency according to your best skill and discretion for the publick interest, for which this shall be your sufficient warrant.

BENJAMIN CHURCH, Chairman Com˙ of Safety.

By order:

WM˙ COOPER, Secretary.

To Benedict Arnold, Esquire, Commander of a body of Troops on an expedition to subdue and take possession of the Fort of Ticonderoga, &c.