The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution, Vol. 1 (of 2): or, Illustrations, by Pen And Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for IndependenceLossing, Benson John
History
The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution, Vol. 1 (of 2): or, Illustrations, by Pen And Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for Independence
Lossing, Benson John
United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783
* Two Indians were sent forward with Jakins to carry letters, one to
General Schuyler on Lake Champlain, the other to some persons in Quebec.
They betrayed their trusts, for the latter, named Eneas, was known to
have reached Quebec, but the letters went into the hands of Lieutenant-
governor Carmache instead of those for whom they were intended. The
letters to General Schuyler never reached him.
** Judge Henry, who at the close of the last century was president of
the second judicial district in Pennsylvania, was one of the soldiers in
this expedition, and has left behind him a lucid and exceedingly
interesting narrative of the ''hardships and sufferings of that band of
heroes." In reference to the destitute condition of the troops before
food was sent back from Sertigan, he says, "Coming to a low, sandy beach
of the Chaudière, for we sometimes had such, some of our companies were
observed to dart from the file, and with their nails tear out of the
sands roots which they esteemed eatable, and ate them raw, even without
washing. The knowing one sprang; half a dozen followed; he who obtained
it ate the root instantly.... They washed their moose-skin moccasins in
the river, scraping away the dirt and sand with great care. These were
brought to the kettle and boiled a considerable time, under the vague
but consolatory hope that a mucilage would take place. The poor fellows
chewed the leather, but it was leather still. They had not received food
for the last forty-eight hours. Disconsolate and weary we passed the
night." A dog was killed and furnished material for broth, but
starvation would have destroyed them all in a few days. *
* "My dog was very large and a great favorite. I gave him up to several
men of Captain Goodrich's company. They caried him to their company, and
killed and divided him among those who were suffering most severely from
hunger. They ate every part of him, not excepting his entrails."--Letter
of General Dearborn to the Rev. William Allen.
Valley of the Chaudière.--Washington's Manifesto.--Joined by Indians.--
Arrival at Point Levi.--Incidents of the March
194The beautiful valley of the Chaudière was now before them, enlivened
with a friendly population and blessed with abundance of provisions.
Arnold had been furnished with printed copies, in French, of a manifesto
by Washington, to be distributed among the people. It explained the
causes of the contest, and asked them, as neighbors and friends, to join
the standard of liberty. Arnold, with great discretion, circulated these
freely, at the same time acquiescing in the wishes of Washington by
treating the inhabitants with the greatest respect. Every thing received
from them was paid for, and they rendered aid in return with a hearty
good will. *
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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