The course of each led through the wilderness toward a central point near Bennington; and, before long, a motley array of mountaineers, in rough garb but of tried strength and valor, were gathered as though for some military exploit. Colonel Ethan Allen was placed at the head of the expedition,--James Eaton and Seth Warner being second and third in command: the troops arrived at Shoreham, opposite Fort Ticonderoga, on the night of the 7th of May. Detachments were sent off to Skenesborough (now Whitehall), and other points, to secure all the boats they could find for the transportation of the troops to the opposite shore. About this time Benedict Arnold appeared among them, thirsting for military glory. He bore a colonel’s commission from the Massachusetts committee of safety, and attempted to assume command of the expedition. The Green Mountain Boys, however, would follow no leader but Allen, and Arnold was obliged to yield, engaging to act as volunteer, with the rank but not the command of colonel. The night of the 9th of May had arrived, but not so the boats for which detachments had been sent in quest. Yet it was deemed best not to delay the enterprise, and transportation was commenced with the few boats at command. The work proceeded slowly; day was about to break when Allen and Arnold, with only eighty-three men, had crossed. To wait another day would lead to discovery by the garrison. Allen drew up his men and announced to them his purpose. “It is a desperate attempt,” said he, “and I ask no man to go against his will. You who are willing to follow, poise your firelocks.” Not a soldier shrank from his duty. Guided by a boy, they mounted the hill silently and at a rapid pace. Day was breaking as Allen, with Arnold at his left hand, arrived at a sally port. A sentry snapped his piece at him and retreated, closely followed by Allen and his men. Another sentinel thrust at Eaton with his bayonet, but was struck down, when he begged lustily for quarter. His life was spared on condition of his leading the way instantly to the quarters of the Commandant who was yet in bed. Allen thundered at the door, and demanded a surrender of the fort. The Commandant appeared at the door half dressed, “the frightened face of his pretty wife appearing over his shoulder.” By this time the Green Mountain Boys had formed on the parade ground, and were giving vent to hearty cheers. The garrison were made prisoners as they rushed forth in their confusion, having been startled out of their sleep. The Commandant was bewildered at what he beheld, and addressing Allen, cried out, “By what authority do you act?” “In the name of the great Jehovah and the Continental Congress!” was the reply. Captain Delaplace with forty-eight of his men, a great supply of much needed military and naval stores, and a valuable fortress, were among the trophies of this brilliant dash of inexperienced farmer soldiers.