It may be thought that to push an army into Canada would be too
premature and imprudent. If so, I propose to make a stand at the
Isle-aux-Noix which the French fortified by intrenchment the last
war, and greatly fatigued our large army to take it. It is about
fifteen miles this side St. John's. Our only having it in our
power thus to make incursions into Canada, might probably be the
very reason why it would be unnecessary to do so, even if the
Canadians should prove more refractory than I think for.
Lastly, with submission I would propose to your Honors to raise
a small regiment of Rangers, which I could easily do, and that
mostly in the counties of Albany and Charlotte, provided your
Honors should think it expedient to grant commissions and thus
regulate and put the same under pay. Probably your Honors may
think this an impertinent proposal: it is truly the first favor
I ever asked of the Government, and if it be granted, I shall be
zealously ambitious to conduct for the best good of my country
and the honor of the Government.
On June 9th Allen addressed the Massachusetts Congress:
These armed vessels are at present abundantly sufficient to
command the Lake. The making these acquisitions has greatly
attached the Canadians, and more especially the Indians, to
our interest. They have no personal prejudice or controversy
with the United Colonies, but act upon political principles,
and consequently are inclined to fall in with the strongest
side. At present ours has the appearance of it; as there are at
present but seven hundred regular troops in all the different
parts of Canada. Add to this the consideration of the imperious
and haughty conduct of the troops, which has much alienated
the affections of both the Canadians and Indians from them.
Probably there may soon be more troops from England sent there,
but at present you may rely on it that Canada is in a weak and
helpless condition. Two or three thousand men, conducted by
intrepid commanders, would at this juncture make a conquest of
the ministerial party in Canada with such additional numbers
as may be supposed to vie with the reinforcements that may be
sent from England. Such a plan would make a diversion in favor
of the Massachusetts Bay, who have been too much burdened with
the calamity that should be more general, as all partake of the
salutary effects of their valor and merit in the defence of
the liberties of America. I hope, gentlemen, you will use your
influence in forwarding men, provisions, and every article for
the army that may be thought necessary. Blankets, provisions, and
powder are scarce.
CHAPTER IX.
ALLEN'S LETTERS TO THE MONTREAL MERCHANTS, TO THE INDIANS IN CANADA,
AND TO THE CANADIANS.--JOHN BROWN.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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