Holland House 4 Jany 1776. [Near Quebec]
Dear Gen
A person going to three Rivers presents an Oppertunity of informing you that Nothing of Consequence has happened since I wrote you Yesterday Morning. We have a Number of Canadians joined us, most of them without Arms ー which are much wanted, I make no Doubt you will send all you possibly can with three or four hundred pair of Snow Shoes, A few Barrels of Sugar for the Hospital and fifty light Shovels ー our Cash is nearly expended ー Inclosed is a Letter I received this Minute from Montreal; I have sent back Lieutenant [William] Hull but detained his party at point Aux Trembles, he has in Charge Capt Belat the Villain who destroyed the powder, he has behaved exceeding ill here. I think it necessary to confine him in Montreal or send him into the Colonies ー I must also beg Leave to observe the Lenity shewn to our prisoners heretofore in Montreal and places adjacent ー it may be justified by principles of Humanity at the [same] Time, under our present Circumstances would be highly imprudent and dangerous ー It is my Opinion that every Soul who were in Office at the Reduction of the Country and others who are looked upon inimical should be immediately sent over the Lake without Respect of persons. If they are suffered to remain in the Country and [were] we defeated the Consequence will probably be the Loss of the whole Country. ー You will be good enough to excuse the Incorrectness of my Letter which I am obliged to write lying on my Back ー If there is any absent officers belonging to the Regiments here ー perhaps it may further the Service to order them to join immediately ー Col Nicholas went from this yesterday Morning for Montreal without Liberty or taking Leave I am Dear General [&c.]
B. Arnold Col &c
P.S. I hope you will think it necessary to send back every Soldier who has deserted from us under pretence of his Time being out.
B.A.
Copy
1. Papers CC (Letters of Major General Philip Schuyler), 153, I, 458-59, NA.