head of the united forces, appeared before Quebeck. attempt to storm the city, Gen. The Americans were compelled their distinguished and enterprihalf of their troops. SEC. 12. 1776. When Congress received intelligence of the misfortunes at Quebec, they ordered a reinforcement of troops, and sent Gen. Thomas to command them. They amounted, when they arrived at Quebec, to about 1,900 men. The small pox had broken out in the American army during the winter, and the men were too reduced to admit of any effectual exertions, and as the British were daily expecting reinforcements, it was resolved, May 5th, to make the best retreat in their power. SEC. 13. The next day General Carlton marched out to attack the Americans.They had already began their retreat, and now abandoned their artillery and baggage, and without attempting to face the enemy, retired in the utmost confusion; but the British not being in a situation to pursue, only 100 men fell into their hands.They proceeded to Sorelle, where Gen. Thomas died of the small pox. In consequence of these and various other disasters, the American army became so reduced, as to make it necessary wholly to evacuate Canada, which was accordingly done on the 18th of June. 12. What did Congress do? What disease broke out in the army? What followed? 13. What prevented the retreat? What caused the evacuation of Canada 9 When did the event take place! CHAPTER VI. FROM 1776 To 1778. Declaration of Independence; Continuation of the War to the surrender of Burgoyne; Revival of the controversy respecting the NewHampshire grants. SEC. 1. The British had now recovered possession of the whole province of Canada, and the shattered remains of the American army took refuge at Crown Point.The events of the whole campaign were unfavorable to the Americans, with some few exceptions. Still, amidst all these misfortunes, the Americans remained firm and determined; and notwithstanding their army was small and undisciplined, while their enemy's was strong and powerful, and gaining victory, still they were undaunted; and in defiance of all risk and danger, on the fourth of July, 1776, the Congress, then in session, publickly declared the Colonies to be Free and Independent, under the name of the United States of America. After enumerating the wrongs received, and declaring these to be sufficient grounds for separation, they solemnly and deliberately proceeded to declare it in the following words: 1. What did the British recover? Were the events of that campaign favor◄ able or unfavorable? What were the feelings of the Americans?" What deolaration did Congress make? When? "We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in general Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connexion between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, dissolved; and that as free and independent States, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things, which independent States may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour." SEC. 2. Thus was forever severed from the British crown the fairest part of her possessions. The struggle was no longer between subjects and their master; it became the determined stand of a whole people, who knew their rights, and were determined to maintain them; a contest for national existence, for life or death. While the war was progressing in other parts of the country with various success, important events were taking place in the north. After the evacuation of Canada, the Americans halted at Crown Point and the British at St. Johns, and both were engaged for the remainder of the summer in building vessels and making preparations for securing the command of Lake Champlain. The Americans found themselves at length in possession of a naval force of 1 sloop, 3 schooners, and 5 gondolas, carrying 55 guns and 70 swivels, and manned with about 400 men. The British armament was much superior in the number and strength of vessels, guns, and implements of war. 2. What was the effect? Where were the Americans located, and where the British? How were they employed? What was the comparative force of each? SEC. 3. On the 11th of October, 1776, the American and British squadrons met, Col. Arnold commanding the former. After a short though obstinate contest, the British were forced to retire, not being able to bring all their force into action. This battle was fought near Isle Valcour. The British had two gondolas sunk, and one blown up with 60 men.The Americans lost one schooner and one gondola, and had several other vessels much injured. Arnold was convinced of the superiority of the enemy, and attempted to draw off his fleet to Ticonderoga. SEC. 4. October 13th, the wind proving favourable, the British pursued and overtook the Americans near Crown Point. A sharp action here took place; but the British being greatly superior, were victorious. The action lasted about four hours; but Arnold finding that no exertions could counterbalance the difference in force, and that defeat was inevitable, ran most of his vessels ashore and blew them up. Two gallies, two schooners, one sloop, and one gondola escaped to Ticonderoga. The Americans, after the destruction of their vessels at Crown Point, set fire to that fortress, and made good their retreat to Ticonderoga. The works had been repaired and strengthened, and it was thought to be now in a situation to sustain an attack. Carlton landed at Crown Point, and after examining, and finding the works at Ticonderoga too strong and too well defended to be easily reduced, he resolved not to attack it. Winter approaching, he re-embarked his troops and returned to Canada. SEC. 5. 1777. The British formed a 3. What took place on the 11th October? Describe it. What did Arnold attempt? Why? 4. What took place October 13th? Describe it. What was done by the Americans after this? What was done by Carlton? 5. What plan did the British form? How was it to be executed? Who commanded the northern American army? Which army was superior? What did Schuyler do? A plan to cut off all communication between New-England and the other States. powerful army was to leave Montreal, and proceed by way of Lake Champlain to the Hudson, and thus co-operate with the British army at New-York, and a complete chain be formed between New-England and the rest of the country. Gen. Schuyler was assigned to the command of the northern department of the American army, assisted by Gen. St. Clair and other distinguished officers. The American army, in point of numbers, and supplies of arms and military stores, was greatly inferior to that of the British. Schuyler, after inspecting Ticonderoga, left the works in charge of Gen. St. Clair, and chose Fort Edward as the strong hold for his army. SEC. 6. July 1st, Burgoyne, who had command of the northern British army, landed, and invested Ticonderoga with a force of 7,000 men, and a powerful train of artillery. The American garrison consisted only of 3,000 men. St. Clair, deeming his force inadequate to maintain the fort, and finding Burgoyne had taken post on Mount Defiance, which completely commanded Ticonderoga, on the 6th of July evacuated the place, and retreated towards Fort Edward. St. Clair, by a circuitous route, proceeded first to Castleton in Vermont, and thence to Hudson river, closely pursued by a detachment sent by Burgoyne to intercept his retreat. They were overtaken on the 7th, and attacked in the rear, which was commanded by Warner and Francis. 6. Who commanded What was his force? Describe his retreat. the northern British army? What did he do July 1st? What the American? What course did St. Clair take } Where did he retreat to? What did Schuyler do? |