Ticonderoga Letters for the years 1775 thru 1777

Ticonderoga, NY - 18 July 1775

You will expect that I should say something about this place and the troops here. Not one earthly thing for offence or defence has been done ; the commanding officer has no orders

Ticonderoga, NY - 31 July 1775

Since my last I have been most assiduously employed in preparing materials for building boats to convey me across the Lake.

Ticonderoga, NY - 6 August 1775

Immediately on my arrival here, I issued such orders respecting the provisions and stores, (which I found had been most scandalously embezzled or misapplied,) as I hoped would effectually have brought matters into a right train

Ticonderoga, NY - 31 August 1775

General Montgomery leaves Crown Point to-day, with twelve hundred men and four twelve-pounders. I follow him this evening

Ticonderoga, NY - 20 September 1775

We approached half a mile nearer and then landed without opposition, in a close, deep swamp, which extended to very near the fort. Here we formed, and marched in the best order we could towards the fort, to reconnoitre.

Ticonderoga, NY - 26 September 1775

If Job had been a General in my situation, his memory had not been so famous for patience. But the glorious end we have in view, and which I have confident hope will be attained, will atone for all.

Ticonderoga, NY - 12 October 1775

I am extremely apprehensive that a want of powder will be fatal to our operations. I have sent Express to Albany and New York, but have not yet learnt whether I shall be supplied or not.

Ticonderoga, NY - 26 October 1775

The reduction of Chamblee will, in all probability, be followed by that of St. John's, especially as General Montgomery has now a supply of powder

Ticonderoga, NY - 6 November 1775

Should success crown our endeavours at St. John's, of which there seems to be little doubt, the entire reduction of Canada will, in all probability, be the consequence

Ticonderoga, NY - 28 November 1775

The evening before General Montgomery landed on the Island of Montreal, Mr. Carleton embarked his garrison on board of some vessels and small craft, and made two attempts to pass our batteries

Ticonderoga, NY - 30 July 1776

I left them such directions as I thought necessary, and orders to begin four row-galleys, nearly of the construction of those built in Philadelphia, to carry four pieces heavy and two pieces light cannon each.

Ticonderoga, NY - 7 August 1776

You will station the fleet in the best manner to maintain the possession of those passes, according as your judgment shall determine, cautiously avoiding to place the vessels in a manner, which might unnecessarily expose them

Ticonderoga, NY - 28 August 1776

As the smallpox is now perfectly removed from the army, I shall, in consequence of the intelligence received of the motions of the enemy, immediately assemble my principal strength to maintain this important pass

Ticonderoga, NY - 15 October 1776

They kept up an incessant fire upon us for about five glasses, with round and grape shot, which we returned as briskly. The sails, rigging, and hull of the Congress were shattered and torn in pieces

Ticonderoga, NY - 24 October 1776

I am extremely glad to hear the militia are coming to our assistance. I believe the enemy, from the best accounts we can collect, are endeavouring to fortify Crown Point.

Ticonderoga, NY - 31 October 1776

Monday morning, between eight and nine o clock, our advanced guard-boat, down the Lake, made the signal for the approach of the enemy's fleet. In about one hour, five of their largest boats or gondolas appeared in sight

Ticonderoga, NY - 5 November 1776

I have the honor to congratulate Congress upon the retreat of Lieutenant-General Sir Guy Carleton, with the fleet and army under his command, from Crown Point, Saturday last.

Ticonderoga, NY - 25 June 1777

I informed you yesterday, that an encampment of the enemy had been discovered at Gilliland's Creek. Last night two of their vessels came up to Crown Point, and this morning there are seven lying at that place.