Ethan Allen to Governour Trumbull

v2:1649

Bennington, July 12, 1775.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR: The notice your Honour hath taken of the letters I have already sent to you emboldens me to trouble your Honour with this; more especially on account of the intelligence which Mr˙ Bennet, the post, hath this day communicated to me: he will communicate the same to your Honour. This intelligence corresponds with the prediction? of which I have formerly Wrote you. I was apprised of the necessary consequences that, are about to take place, except we support our friends in Canada. I lay my honour on it, that the Indians in general, (I might almost have said the same of the Canadians,) are disposed to be either neuter or assistants to the United Colonies; my former letters have given the reasons, and also the reasons why they will be necessitated to join against us, except we advance an army into Canada: shall, therefore, not enlarge here.

Were it not that the Grand Continental Congress had lately incorporated the Green Mountain Boys into a battalion, under certain regulations and command, I would forthwith Advance them into Canada, and invest Montreal, exclusive of any help from the Colonies; though, under present circumstances, I would not, for my right arm, act without or contrary to order. If my fond zeal for reducing the King' s fortresses, and destroying or imprisoning his troops in Canada, be the result of enthusiasm, I hope and expect the wisdom of the Continent will treat it as such; and, on the other hand, if it proceed from sound policy, that the plan will be adopted.

Provided the enterprise be attempted, (inasmuch as in our Northern Department we are scarce of the article of powder, and as the Regulars are well intrenched at St˙ John' s, with a good artillery,) it will be requisite to land and march out of shot of their intrenchments Montreal, which may easily be done. Commanding the country defeats the grand purpose of the enemy' s ratifications. ' Tis a pity such a handful of Regulars should command Canada, in spite of the United Colonies, and against the will of the Canadians and Indians.

I am, Sir, with The greatest respect, your Honour' s most devoted, most obedient, and most humble, servant,

ETHAN ALLEN.

To Governour Trumbull.