The Liberators in Montreal (Quebec 1775)

Carleton learned of the fall of St Johns on 4 November, by which time he also knew that more Americans were approaching Quebec through Maine. Nor would he receive the two regiments ordered from Boston in the summer. The commander of the North American squadron, Vice Admiral Samuel Graves, had refused to sail north so late in the year, even though vessels routinely docked safely in Quebec as late as November. Carleton wrote to Lord Dartmouth, Secretary of State for the Colonies, blaming the disaster on incompetence at Halifax and Boston, lack of support from the habitants, and traitors in Montreal. With Montgomery undoubtedly approaching, Carleton put the garrison and what stores he could save aboard a small flotilla, but - possibly from a sense of honor - did not set sail for Quebec until the American army was across the river. Knowing mat he must capture Montreal and Quebec before winter set in, Montgomery left St Johns without delay, sending Brown, Livingston and Easton to Sorel, to prevent Carleton escaping by boat. On arriving opposite Montreal on 11 November, he sent three men across to negotiate with the citizens. He was aware that the defenses were weak and the people demoralized, but saw benefits in magnanimity. Promising to allow every citizen "the peaceable enjoyment of their property of every kind," his troops entered the city on 13 November, taking over the barracks and public storehouses. Unfortunately, the pro-American citizens were not inclined to play the gracious victor. They demanded Montgomery listen only to them and treat the Loyalists as a conquered people. Their bitterness and Montgomery's decision to leave the loathsome David Wooster (and his equally troublesome Connecticut troops) in charge, would destroy relations with the Canadians and any hope of improving the level of support for the invaders. Meanwhile, Carleton and Prescott had sailed for Quebec on 11 November, taking Thomas Walker with them. Guns had been spiked, and powder and ball thrown into the St Lawrence. Prescott had also suggested burning the barracks, but concerns for private property forced Carleton to deny the request. As the flotilla approached Sorel on 12 November, a vessel ran aground. By the time it was re-floated, the wind had dropped and the vessels had to anchor for three days. On 15 November, a flag of truce appeared, along with a letter signed by Easton demanding that the squadron surrender. To add substance, Brown rowed out to the ships and offered to show them a battery of 32-pdrs. An officer was sent ashore to confirm this, but either shirked his job or was hoodwinked by Brown (who had neither batteries, nor guns). Carleton's flotilla mounted 30 guns, but again the threat of substantial loss of life made him hesitate. He called a council of war: one captain offered to attack the batteries while the rest headed for Quebec; another -a noted pilot, familiar with the dangerous waters around Sorel - offered to row him downriver. Carleton agreed to the latter proposal. Dressed as an habitant, he was spirited away, leaving Prescott with instructions to drop stores and heavy guns into the river, and then decide to surrender or risk passing the enemy positions. Prescott tried to negotiate with Easton, but the latter convinced him that his position was hopeless and on 44 19 November (the day Carleton reached Quebec) he surrendered along with 120 troops and almost 200 sailors. Aboard the captured fleet Easton found the guns Prescott had failed to destroy, as well as 200 pairs of shoes. He also discovered Thomas Walker, who immediately returned to Montreal to help Wooster pacify the city. Most importantly, Easton had acquired the ships Montgomery needed to transport his own men to Quebec. As the first snows fell, Montgomery borrowed £5,000 from James Price to have winter clothing made from captured British uniforms, and weapons and ammunition manufactured at the Forges St Maurice. Leaving Livingston, now a colonel, to raise a regiment of Canadians, he set off for Quebec via Trois Rivieres. Unfortunately, the men whose enlistments expired on 10 December now decided that their job -driving the Regulars and Papists back from the frontier - was done and headed for home, counting the journey as part of their service. With just 800 men, Montgomery wondered if he had the quantity, and quality, of troops to hold Montreal and take Quebec. Almost 200 miles (322km) away, Carleton had the same concerns about holding Quebec and retaking Montreal.