Hartford, May 31, 1775
Sir:
By Captain [Jonathan] Brown I would advise you of my consulting the General Assembly of this Colony respecting the fortress at Ticonderoga. They have ordered Colonel [Benjamin] Hinman to take the command there with one thousand men, and four Companies raising at Albany, artificers, &c. to repair and defend that post. It is expected you will continue with Colonel [Ethan] Allen, and put the place in the best posture. of defence you are able, and guard against any surprise from the enemy till the succours arrive, and you receive further directions from the Congress.2 I should have proceeded from hence to Ticonderoga, but some events taking place since my departure from the Congress, makes it necessary for me to repair immediately thither.
I am, Sir [&c.]
Joseph Henshaw
1. Force, comp., American Archives, 4th, II, 724, from Mass. Arch., vol. 193.
2. Henshaw failed to follow the instructions given to him on May 27 by the Massachusetts Provincial Congress which directed that if Connecticut had made provision for garrisoning Ticonderoga, Arnold should return to Watertown "and render accounts of his expences in that expedition, in order that he may be honourably discharged."
