Preface (FULL TEXT)

INTRODUCTION

The Boston Committee of Correspondence. Meeting in February, 1774. Joseph Warren. Samuel Adams. Their views, The question of Canada. Adams’s wide influence. Purpose of the Committee. Scope of the present work. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 01 – ROOTS OF BITTERNESS

Early history of Canada. Cartier. Champlain. Canada a royal province. Frontenac. Montcalm. Unrest there. Indian troubles. Wars with the .English colonies. Commercial, ecclesiastical, and political dissensions. The Conquest. The British regime. The habitants. The noblesse. The Church. Governor Carleton. The military class. The British civilians. Mutual relations of these social elements. Thomas Walker. Discord between the British military and civil elements illustrated by the outrage against Walker. Irritating circumstances. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 02 – GERMS OF REVOLT

The real fulminate. A conditional promise of popular government. Difficulties in the way of it. Agitation to secure it. Attempts to gain the co-operation of the French Canadians. Attitude of the British government. Carleton’s motives. The Quebec Act. British-Canadian objections to the new status of the Church. Reply. French-Canadian objection to the same. The new system of civil law. British-Canadian opposition to that. Apparent sentiment of Canada when Carleton returned there.

Real sentiment. The prospect. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 03 – THE REVOLUTION ENTERS CAN A DA

The Quebec Act stimulates the desire of the Americans to win Canada. View that the Act contained nothing to alarm the Americans. Reply. The discussion in Parliament. The value of Canada as a check upon the Colonies understood and borne in mind by the British . The main question: American feeling. Alexander Hamilton’s opinion. Echoes of the discussions in Parliament. Opinions transmitted from Great Britain. American views. Official action. The protests against the Quebec Act essentially sincere. Gleams of hope. Projects in Massachusetts. A plan to open’ communication with Canada adopted. Adams’s letter. John Brown. His journey. Montreal. Life of the Canadians. The political situation in Canada. Influences favorable to the Colonies, The Address of Congress. Difficulties in the way of joining with the Americans. The reply to Adams’s letter. The results of Brown’s mission. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 04 – TICONDEROGA

The British government throws down the gauntlet. The Lexington alarm. Boston besieged. Cannon needed by the Americans. Cannon exist at Lake Champlain. British plans to secure the posts there. The Green Mountain Boys and their designs against the posts. Benedict Arnold. Massachusetts authorizes him to seize Ticonderoga. A Connecticut expedition is organized for the same purpose. Its movements. Arnold meets it. The problem of command. The solution of it. The force is increased. It moves on and takes Fort Ticonderoga by surprise. The road to Canada now open. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 05 – TWO RAIDS INTO CANADA

The capture of Ticonderoga no mean performance. Crown Point. The capture of Crown Point and Fort George. Major Skene. His commission. Skenesborough. The capture of that place. Arnold and Allen. Arnold and Easton. Arnold and the Green Mountain Boys. The strategic design of Allen’s party. Arnold’s attitude toward it. Arnold’s position at Ticonderoga. A scheme to eliminate him. The situation suddenly changes. Arnold’s expedition to St. Johns. Allen’s attempt to occupy St. Johns. His defeat, discredit, and retirement. Determination to resist any British attack. Preparations to transport the cannon to Cambridge and hold the ground. A complicated situation. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 06 – IN SELF-DEFENCE

The Continental Congress wishes to keep clear of responsibility for what has been done at the lakes. The Colonies are not officially involved. It is decided to abandon the posts. But the public feel alarmed. Signs of coming war, particularly from the north. The Indians as well as the Canadians feared. Ticonderoga commonly regarded as an essential bulwark. Protests against abandoning it. Measures of the Colonies to hold it. Connecticut troops are sent there. Arnold is ordered to give place to their commander and resigns. The result is unfavorable. Schuyler is ordered to take command at the lakes. The outlook toward the north is dark. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 07 – CANADA REACHES A CRISIS.

George III. is firm in his policy regarding America. Will he be equally stubborn in sticking to the Quebec Act? The Canadian petition against it. The fate of the petition. The increasing discontent in Canada. Some quail before the prospect of trouble. Others continue to proclaim their rights. Walker’s attitude. A public discussion. The Act goes into force. The consequences at Montreal. An informal delegate sent to Philadelphia. The attitude of the noblesse after the Act takes effect. The attitude of the clergy. Consequences in Canada of the capture of the lake forts. American efforts to reassure the people of Canada. The effect upon the British anti-government party. What that party accomplished. Its final lessons to the Canadians. It is uncertain what turn the Canadians will take. Carleton’s reflections. A possible solution of the problem. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 08 – CONGRESS HESITATES BUT CROSSES

Carleton proclaims martial law. How this is received by various classes in Canada. The sentiment of the Canadians at this time. Method of enforcing the Proclamation. The attitude of the nobles. The Canadian feeling about the Colonials. Their attitude in view of the Proclamation. Carleton’s mistake. A minority are positively friendly to the Americans, and anxious to have an, American army enter Canada. Impulse among the Americans to advance. Carleton’s military forces known to be weak. Arguments in favor of invading Canada: it would prevent the enemy from coming south, make a diversion favorable to Boston, prevent Carleton from forcing the Canadians to take up arms, bring the neutral Canadians to the American side, intimidate the hostile there. save the active friends of the Colonials, deprive England of the resources of Canada, and have a great effect on British public opinion. Objections to the movement and replies to them. Congress decides to send troops into Canada. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 09 – THE ARMY ASSEMBLES

Philip Schuyler. His problem. The right way to attack it. His course. Delays at New York. Time is lost by depending upon letters. Difficulties in getting troops. The Green Mountain Boys. Reinforcements from Connecticut. New York troops. Their inadequate equipment. A lack of gunpowder, muskets, and lead, and the attempts to meet it. Other embarrassments. The behavior of the men. Colonial jealousies. The · troops object to military regulations. Schuyler’s nerves. The troops assemble. Educational value of the reminiscences of the district. The camp life. The army gets into shape. The issue between Great Britain and the Colonies grows sharper. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 10 – THE COUNSELS OF THE FOREST

Peculiar terrors and perils of Indian warfare. The Indians still capable of doing great harm. The near leagues and the remote tribes. The troubles between Great Britain and the Colonies deeply exciting to the savages. They are wards of the government and open to many influences from that quarter. The Iroquois have grudges against New York. Situation of the Canada Indians. Efforts of the Colonials to influence them. The Stockbridges. Their embassy. Force likely to be the prevailing argument with the Indians. Conflicting signs and reports of their attitude. The outlook becomes clearer. Indications respecting the western, the northern, and the central groups. Gage’s orders to Guy Johnson. Johnson’s operations. Carleton’s decision. The council at Albany.’ Baker’s imprudence. General result. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 11 – A CAMPAIGN OF GOOD INTENTIONS

News from Canada of the friendly disposition of the people. Brook Watson’s discredited opinion. Brown’s trip. His report. Tidings of Carleton’s preparations. Schuyler favors an advance but does not move. He could at least occupy Pointe au Fer or Ile aux Noix. He could in fact go to St. Johns. The explanation of his inaction. Montgomery’s course when Schuyler goes south. The army sets out and proceeds to Ile la Motte. There Schuyler overtakes it, and all advance to Ile aux Noix. A letter from James Livingston of Chambly. Schuyler’s address to the Canadians. A move to St. Johns. A skirmish. The army returns to Ile aux Noix. Schuyler’s and British explanations of the movement. Another abortive advance. All return to IIe aux Noix. Demoralization and discouragement. Schuyler taken to the rear, ill. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 12 – THE CURTAIN RISES

Carleton’s difficult position: responsible for the civil administration; uncertain on whom he can depend; compelled to offend some by his reserve; expected to recover the lake posts and to raise 6000 Canadian troops; placed in charge of the upper posts; etc. His troops. His military policy discussed. The British force at St. Johns. Allan Maclean and his corps. Fort St. John. Attitude of the British-Canadian element in view of the invasion. Attitude of the Canadians. Attempts to coerce them. Taschereau. Young La Corne. Cuthbert. Appeals of the loyalists. The Bishop’s influence wanes. The Indians of Canada declare for neutrality. Carleton feels abandoned, but does not lose heart. The Americans again resolve upon a forward move. Reinforcements. Timothy Bedel. The Americans advance to St. Johns. The troops are placed in good positions. Richard Montgomery. A comparison between him and Carleton. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 13 – ETHAN ALLEN’S MISTAKE

Montgomery realizes the importance of winning the confidence of the Canadians. His early operations at St .. Johns tend that way, but an untoward event has an opposite effect. Ethan Allen’s changed position in consequence of the capture of Ticonderoga. His subsequent loss of prestige. He is anxious to recover his ground. He is sent into Canada and wins great éclat there. Circumstances take him to Longueuil, opposite Montreal. He plans with Brown to attack the city, carries out the scheme unsuccessfully single-handed, and is captured. Allen peculiarly obnoxious to the British. His interview with Prescott. He is sent to, England. Effect upon the Canadians. Walker has compromised himself and Carleton feels that now he can safely be arrested. His apprehension brutally affected. The Canadians join the British freely. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 14 – EBB AND FLOW

The Canadians have no disposition to fight in 177 5. Not a fighting people. The problem before them mainly a political’ one, and the influences many on both sides. They are determined not to obey the British, but undecided as to the Americans. This illogical position is a bridge to the American side. Confidence is essential, and this hinges largely upon the outcome at St. Johns. Montgomery understands the fact, but finds his operations greatly hindered by the want of spirit and the insubordination of the troops, and·by the sentiments of Colonial aloofness, jealousy, mutual dislike and mutual distrust among them. Fortunately the Canadians do not realize the faults of his army, and after all they begin to show a certain loyalty to the American cause. The overtures made by La Corne are encouraging, and still more so the capture of Chambly, due mainly to the Canadians. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 15 – VICTORY

The siege of St. Johns drags. The patriots are depressed, and the Tories exult. Hard money is lacking. Exertions are necessary merely to prevent the enemy from escaping. Provisions, ammunition, and troops are hard to get. The sick list is very large. Montgomery’s plan of attack is upset by the protest of his troops; and Carleton and Maclean combine to relieve the fort. Warner’s repulse of Carleton at Longueuil defeats this scheme; Montgomery pursues his original plan; and at length, after suffering much from the siege, the garrison of St. Johns surrenders on Nov. 2, being in great straits and convinced that there is no hope of relief. The next day the Americans take possession. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 16– MORE VICTORIES

The capture of St. Johns has a great effect on people’s minds, but that post is only the gate. It is important to win Montreal, particularly because Carleton is there and also a large quantity of powder. Operations of the Americans. The march of Laprairie. Laprairie. Passage of the river. Action of the suburbs of Montreal. The fortifications of Montreal. Sentiment there. Occupation of the city. The terms. Carleton escapes with his fleet, troops and valuable stores, but is delayed and finally is checked by the Americans. Easton’s letter to him. Brown’s ruse. The fleet surrenders and returns to Montreal. Carleton’s escape. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 17 – AMERICAN ARGONAUTS

The camp of Washington’s army. Arnold, summoned by the Massachusetts authorities to settle his accounts, arrives there. Attitude of Washington toward him.. The route to Canada by the Kennebec. It is brought to Washington’s attention. He proposes to Arnold to invade Canada that way. Steps to gain information. Schuyler is consulted. Arnold grows impatient but is induced to await word from Schuyler. The expedition is determined upon. Measures to secure equipment and troops. Motives for volunteering to go. The riflemen. Preparations and delays. The detachment marches to Newburyport. Its stay there. It sets sail. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 18 – INTO THE WILDERNESS

The voyage to the Kennebec is rough and that up the river tedious and slow. There are settlements on the Kennebec but no base of operations exists there. Colburn’s shipyard. The bateaux. Fort Western. The expedition is launched for the march. Fort Halifax. A Carrying-place. The Five Mile Falls. At Skowhegan. Norridgewock Falls. Misfortunes to boats and provisions. The wilderness begins. The Great Carrying-Place. Conduct of the troops and their leaders. Arnold’s responsibility and his measures. Disturbing signs. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 19 – STERN REALITIES

Dead River seems to end all troubles but proved deceptive, for, though peaceful and beautiful, it is rapid. A stern awakening on Oct. 16. Why the provisions give out. The great storm and flood. Difficulties of progressing both by water and by land. Provisions are lost. Arnold calls a council of war. The decision is to advance. Measures adopted. A conference is called by Enos. The result of it. Upper Dead River and the series of ponds. Crossing the Height of Land. Rendezvous on Seven Mile Stream. An agreeable but anxious situation. Preparations to proceed. News from Arnold, now in advance. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 20 – AT THE THRESHOLD OF DEATH

Arnold’s warning about the route. Why it is not fully obeyed. The trap at Lake Megantic. Hard fortune of those who march down Seven Mile Stream. Equally bad luck of those who march as Arnold directs. Arnold’s voyage down the Chaudière. The hardships of the troops on their way down the river. Disasters. Famine. Rescue. Destruction narrowly escaped. Attitude of the people. Cordial relations between them and the Americans. Arnold enrolls Indians. The army goes on to St. Mary, St. Henri, and Point Levi. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 21 – THE CRISIS OF ARNOLD’S EXPEDITION

The aspect of Quebec, November, 1775. Cramahe, the Lieutenant-Governor. Measures to prepare Quebec for defence. These of little value, particularly because many of the people are not loyal. Sentiment when Arnold approaches. Why British reinforcements ha ve not been sent. Some do arrive at this juncture, but they count for little. Meanwhile the Americans prepare to cross and attack. A review. Information. Difficulties about crossing the river. Maclean arrives at Quebec. Effects of his coming. The Americans cross. It is possible to take Quebec by a coup de main, but it does not seem prudent to attempt that. Arnold endeavors to draw Maclean out or excite an uprising in the town; but he is unsuccessful and blockades the city. Dixon’s death. News comes that a formidable sally is to be made, and, as the American powder and muskets are found to be in a bad condition, Arnold retires to Pointe aux Trembles. The sojourn there is bitter-sweet. Measures to embarrass Quebec. Fraternization of the Americans and the Canadians. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 22 – BEHIND THE SCENES

Interest in Arnold’s expedition and a desire to secure (what Congress has repeatedly urged) the adhesion of Canada prompt Montgomery to go to Quebec, His efforts to persuade the troops to re-enlist. Difficulties: dread of a Canadian winter; the small pay; arrears of wages; colonial jealousy; dislike of Schuyler; the already protracted stay; the independent spirit of the New Englanders; apparent lack of anything to fight for. About 800 remain. Why is not another army ready? There is no general plan to wage war against England, for it has been thought that peaceful opposition can secure redress, especially if she sees the Colonies dare to fight. Opposition of Dickinson’s party to the Canada operations. Minor difficulties,- particularly the attitude of New York, due to Tory sentiment and the machinations of Great Britain. New York has to be handled carefully. Action of Congress. What might have been done in Canada” Montgomery’s work at Montreal. his preparations and his hopes. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 23 – THE GREAT DUEL BEGINS AGAIN

Montgomery is governed by a sense of duty, not ambition, in moving upon Quebec. Military grounds for confidence. The people in that district favorable to the Americans. Communications between Montgomery and Arnold. Montgomery joins the troops at Aspen Point. Mutual impressions. The Americans return to Quebec in high spirits. Carleton arrives there. The situation that he finds. He banishes the disaffected. Many who remain do not wish to fight, but are helpless. Montgomery seals up the town and calls upon Carleton to surrender. He tries to-win over the citizens. Mortars and the riflemen annoy the city. A battery is planted on the Heights. Carleton is again called upon to surrender, but does not receive Montgomery’s letter. A cannonade. The American battery is destroyed. Reasons why a blockade cannot answer. Montgomery’s. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 24 – THE ASSAULT

Montgomery is disappointed but not surprised by his failure to make Quebec surrender. He has already been planning for some time to assault the town. Preparations. His troops and officers, particularly Campbell. Affairs in the city. Montgomery is hampered by the small-pox, friction in Arnold’s detachment, the weather, and treachery. He is forced to change his plan. Early in the morning of Dec. 31, Arnold assaults at one end of the Lower Town. His forces carry the outer defences and might be completely successful, were the situation understood; but they fail and are nearly all taken prisoners. Montgomery is killed, and Campbell, who takes command, orders a retreat. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 25 – TO THE RESCUE

Great depression reigns among the Americans, yet a sortie of the enemy is repulsed. Some soldiers take leave. Scanty supplies. It is determined, in view of the importance of winning Quebec, to put on a bold face. Attempts to get aid from the Canadians. Reinforcements from the Colonies needed. Antill is sent thither with despatches. The situation at Montreal. Wooster’s action. The situation at Albany and Schuyler’s course. He appeals to Washington. Washington’s plan. Effect of the news in the Colonies. Its effect in Congress. The measures voted by that body. Carleton’s despatches to England. The policy adopted there. Possibilities at Quebec. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 26 – THE PLANS WORK OUT

The winter weather at Quebec. The severe duty of the Americans. They stick to their work, however, alld have some touches of comfort. Reinforcements and encouragements. The difficulties of Congress, Delays in sending the new regiments north. The embarrassments of’ Schuyler. Complications growing out of the route.. Cost of feeding the arm y in Canada. Shortages in the new regiments. Failure to re-enlist men in Canada. Hazen and his poor success. The numbers of the Americans at Quebec. Effect of the small-pox among them. Their general want of resources in Canada. Charles Lee is ordered to command there. but finally is sent south. The situation is unavoidable, but that fact makes it no less serious. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 27 – GRAVE OMENS

The pleasure-loving, easy-going character of the Canadians. They do not value liberty or understand the controversy between the Colonies and England, and are not a heroic race. They lack leaders favorable to the Americans. The nobles retain a little of their influence. The clergy, ailed by the women and the ignorance of the men, have a a great power, Carleton is still at work upon the people. The Americans discredit themselves through the weakness and poor appearance of their army, its disorderliness, and the quarrels of its chiefs (particularly that between Schuyler and Wooster), by oppressing the people, by exercising military rule, by banishing men on suspicion, by Wooster’s general unfitness for his place, and by Arnold’s decree forcing paper money upon the Canadians. By the end of March, it is evident that the Americans have made a great mistake. There are signs that the Canadians desire to recover a good standing with Great Britain, and a revolt led by Beaujeu seems especially ominous. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 28 – NEW PLANS, NEW HOPES, NEW ATTACKS

Anxiety, lack of fuel and short rations in Quebec. Reasons why Carleton does not sally: his essential duty is to save the town; he cannot be certain as to the American strength; his own forces are not all sure; and there are advantages in waiting. A close watch is maintained. Wooster arrives at the beginning of April, and Arnold goes to Montreal. New American batteries. The difficulties in the way of erecting them. They injure the city and shipping but have no vital effect. A fire-ship is tried; but it fails. Yet the Americans are still hopeful. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 29 – DARING SCHEMES

Carleton’s treatment of the American prisoners. Some go to the hospital. Some old-country men enlist under the British colors, but do not serve long. The confinement is slightly relieved from gloom by such amusements as the prisoners can invent. The privates are transferred to the Dauphin jail. An elaborate plan, not only to escape, but to capture the city is contrived. A mischance defeats it. The officers also try to escape, but are unsuccessful. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 30 – THE CATASTROPHE AT QUEBEC

A British relief expedition sails. from England but its fortunes are uncertain. A large armament is preparing. The American leaders have for months expected British troops to arrive in the spring, but Congress believes the chief seat of the war is to be farther south. General Thomas. He is sent to command in Canada. He is greatly delayed but reaches Quebec the first of May. Strategic points on the middle St. Lawrence. No preparations yet made to hold them. The arm y before Quebec very small and in a sad plight. Fresh American troops begin to arrive with or soon after Thomas. It is decided

on May fifth to retreat: but, early on the sixth, the British arrive, and the Americans flee precipitately. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 31 – THE APOSTLES OF LIBERTY

The American leaders at the north have long desired to have a committee of Congress on the ground, but that body has preferred that a Canadian delegation should go to Philadelphia. Finally a committee are chosen, and, after many delays, they reach Montreal. Their instructions. The members. Their reception. They establish a press. The Carrolls fail to win over the clergy. Obstacle in the way of the political mission of the Commissioners. They send for specie, which Congress cannot supply. The Canadians look upon Congress as bankrupt. Unfortunate consequences of the regime of liberty now inaugurated. The military policy of the Commissioners. The movements of Thomas. Arnold’s efforts to aid him. Fresh troops arrive. Deschambault and Three Rivers have to be abandoned. State of the army. The Commissioners upset military discipline. They recognize their failure and ask leave to return home. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 32 – THE CEDARS

The flight from Quebec, on second thought, seems less disgraceful than at first, and it is believed that a successful stroke may re-establish American credit. A chance soon offers itself. The British posts west of Montreal are centres of hostile activity, and signs multiply that Montreal is threatened from that quarter. Bedel is posted at the Cedars to guard the approach, but goes to Montreal, leaving Butterfield in charge. Butterfield is attacked by Forster with Canadians, Indians, and a few regulars, and shamefully surrenders. Sherburne, sent to relieve him, does the same. Young, near St. Anne, imitates their example. This leaves the road to Montreal open. But Arnold posts himself at Lachine with some troops and Forster retreats. Forster’s prisoners, threatened with massacre, sign an agreement for an exchange. Arnold confirms this in substance, and during the truce Forster slips away. Wretched condition of the American army. The Commissioners leave and Thomas dies. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 33 – THREE RIVERS

Congress orders six more regiments, commanded by Sullivan, to Canada. After many embarrassments they arrive. Sullivan, though he realizes the confusion, is hopeful. It is decided to attack the British advance post at Three Rivers. Thompson is detached for that purpose. but the plan to make a night attack is frustrated by the treachery of the guide. The main British expedition has now arrived, and a large force has just come up to Three Rivers. The Americans are repulsed and have to retreat into a great swamp. Most of them finally regain Sorel. Great discouragement results from this misfortune. The question of feeding the army. Demoralization. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 34 – HOPE WITHERS BUT SHOOTS AGAIN

Congress. unable to comprehend the situation in Canada, .. gives orders to hold the ground. The post at Sorel, after Sullivan has fortified it, looks strong but is really weak, and its strategic situation is extremely dangerous, for Carleton may reach St. Johns by another way. Sullivan is determined to remain there : but. just as the British are at hand, he discovers his mistake and effects a masterly retreat. Arnold evacuates Montreal. All retire to Ile aux Noix and Crown Point. The three stages of the struggle for Canada up to this point. The chances of success in each. Gloom in the Colonies. The causes of the failure. Valuable fruits of the struggle. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 35 – FROM THE SUBLIME TO GENBRAL GATES

Assistance given in the struggle for Canada by the Declaration of Independence. The campaign of 1776 after June . Burgoyne’s expedition and surrender. Further benefits derived from the war-in Canada. Gates plans a movement against St. Johns under Bedel, and Congress a similar one under Stark. Opposition in Congress and among a few officers to Washington. General Gates. The “Conway Cabal”. Gates becomes head of the Board of War. The two St. Johns schemes are now combined and the.plan is enlarged. Lafayette. Reasons for appointing him to lead the new Canada expedition. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 36 – A BRIEF CAMPAIGN

Lafayette. after taking the advice of a Committee of Congress at the camp, goes to York and neutralizes the anti-Washington spirit of the Canada scheme, insisting upon acting under Washington’s orders. He is given full assurances that he will have enough men and means, and, relying on Gates, proceeds to Albany. There, however, he finds that nothing is ready and that the lack cannot be supplied in time. Arnold, Schuyler, Lincoln, and others advise strongly against moving north. Lafayette, after reporting to Congress, awaits orders, still endeavoring to find some way to carry out the plan. Congress, alarmed by him and others, becomes cautious and soon gives up the plan. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 37 – REASONS OF STATE

The alliance with France changes the character of the Canada schemes, and the failure to gain control of Lake Champlain requires a new route. A road from Coos toward St. Johns. In 1778, Gates plans an expedition by this route, but it has to be given up. Washington takes steps in the same direction. Then, at the instance of Lafayette, Congress adopts a broad scheme of French-American co-operation for driving Great Britain from all her Continental possessions. The state of Canada invites attack, and the Americans, through spies and friends, are well posted about it. Proclamations of Estaing and Lafayette. Washington, however, opposes the plan on both military and political grounds, and it is laid aside. (FULL TEXT)

CHAPTER 38 – THE LINE IS DRAWN

The influence of Samuel Adams and New England wanes. Their wishes no longer shape the policy of the war. The campaign of 1779 is made essentially defensive. In 1780 there is a strong sentiment in favor of attacking Canada, but the French leaders prefer New York. Late in 1781, Washington proposes a joint expedition; but the French minister declines to aid in it. The policy of France. In 1782 Washington has Canada in mind, but peace is in sight and aggressiveness seems unadvisable. Attempts to win Canada in the negotiations fail. Conclusion. (FULL TEXT)