Extract of a Letter from Ticonderoga to a Gentleman in Hartford, Conn., Dated May 23, 1775

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I shall endeavour to give you a very concise journal of matters here since the twelfth instant.

May 11. — We set sail from Skenesborough in a schooner belonging to Major Skene, which we christened Liberty.

Sunday 13. — Arrived at Ticonderoga, from whence, after some preparations, we set sail for Crown Point.

Monday 14. — Contrary winds retarded our voyage, and the day drew to a close when we anchored at Crown Point.

Tuesday 15. — Contrary winds. Colonel Arnold, with thirty men, took the boat and proceeded on for St˙ John' s, leaving to Captain Sloan the command of the vessel with the sailors, and to me the command of the soldiers on board. About twelve o' clock, while beating down, we espied a boat; sent out our coxswain to bring her in. It proved to be the French post from Montreal, with Ensign Moland on board. We examined the mail, and among other things, found an exact list of all the regular Troops in the Northern Department, amounting to upwards of seven hundred.

Wednesday 16. — A fair gale. We overtook Colonel Arnold in the boat, took him on board, and at night arrived within thirty miles of St˙ John' s, when the wind fell and the vessel was becalmed. We immediately armed our two boats, manned them with thirty-five men, and determined, by dint of rowing, to fetch St˙ John' s, and take the place and the King' s sloop by surprise at break of day.

Thursday 17. — After rowing hard all night, we arrived within half a mile of the place at sunrise, sent a man to bring us information, and in a small creek, infested with numberless swarms of gnats and musquetoes, waited with impatience for his return. The man returning, informed us they were unapprised of our coming, though they had heard of the taking of Ticonderoga and Crown Point. We directly pushed for shore, and landed at about sixty rods distance from the barracks; the men had their arms, but upon our briskly marching up in their faces, they retired within the barracks, left their arms, and resigned themselves into our hands. We took fourteen prisoners, fourteen stands of arms, and some small stores. We also took the King' s sloop, two fine brass field-pieces, and four boats. We destroyed five boats more, lest they should be made use of against us. Just at the completion of our business, a fine gale arose from the north; we directly hoisted sail, and returned in triumph. About six miles from St˙ John' s, we met Colonel Allen with four boats and ninety men, who determined to proceed and maintain the ground. This scheme Colonel Arnold thought impracticable, as Montreal was near, with plenty of men, and every necessary for war. Nevertheless, Colonel Allen proceeded and encamped on the opposite side of the lake, or river, as it is there called; the next morning he was attacked by two hundred Regulars, and obliged to decamp and retreat.

Friday 18. — Returned again to Crown Point, from thence to Ticonderoga.

Saturday 19. — Encamped at Ticonderoga. Since that time nothing material has happened. It is Colonel Arnold' s present design that the Sloop Enterprise, as she is called, and the Schooner Liberty, shall cruise on the Lake, and defend our frontiers, till men, provisions, and ammunition are furnished to carry on the war.