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The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
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On December 30, 1775, American forces under Generals Montgomery and Arnold attacked Quebec in two detachments. Montgomery was killed early, leading to retreat with 15 losses. Arnold's group forced barriers but surrendered after being surrounded, with about 100 casualties. Prisoners well-treated by Governor Carleton.
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Extract of a letter from MONTREAL, January 5, 1776.
CAME here last night with despatches to General Wooster, I have just time to acquaint you, per express, that on the 30th instant two attacks were made by our troops on Quebec (and a feint at Cape Diamond) the one at St. Roques by Col. Arnold's detachment, consisting of about 400 men, with 60 of Captain Lamb's company of artillery, and a party of Indians; the other at Drummond's wharf, under Cape Diamond, by the New York troops, commanded by General Montgomery, who was at their head. The attack commenced between five and six o'clock in the morning. It is with the greatest concern I inform you, that our brave General, his Aid de Camp (Mr. McPherson) and Capt. Cheeseman, fell the first fire, in the glorious attempt. I was with the General's party, and near him when killed. Mr. McPherson behaved with spirit, and was an honour to his country. We passed the first barrier without opposition: This fatal stroke of losing our General threw our troops into confusion, and we received orders from Col. Campbell to retire with the loss of about 15 men. Col. Arnold's detachment on the south side forced two barriers (out of four) and about nine o'clock they were surrounded, and under the necessity of surrendering themselves prisoners of war; they are very well treated. Governor Carleton buried General Montgomery and Mr. McPherson with all the honours of war. Major Meigs is out on parole of honour for three days, and has leave to carry in all the officers baggage. Col. Arnold was wounded in the small of his leg, at the first barrier, as was Major Ogden, and they both retired. Colonel Green had the command afterwards. Col. Arnold's detachment behaved with the greatest bravery, and struck terror into General Carleton, or he would not treat them as he does. Major Meigs says, General Carleton does not expect to hold Quebec long. Captain Hendricks of the Pennsylvania rifle-men, Lieutenant Humphreys of Morgan's company of Virginia ditto, and Lieut. Cooper of Captain Manche's company, are killed; Captain Lamb is slightly wounded, and about 100 privates are killed and wounded.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Quebec
Event Date
On The 30th Instant
Key Persons
Outcome
general montgomery, mr. mcpherson, and capt. cheeseman killed in first fire; about 15 men lost in montgomery's party; col. arnold and major ogden wounded; arnold's detachment of about 400 surrendered as prisoners after forcing two barriers, with captain hendricks, lieutenant humphreys, and lieut. cooper killed, captain lamb slightly wounded, and about 100 privates killed and wounded; prisoners well treated; montgomery and mcpherson buried with honors.
Event Details
Two attacks on Quebec: one at St. Roques by Col. Arnold's 400 men, artillery, and Indians; the other at Drummond's wharf by New York troops under General Montgomery. Attacks began 5-6 AM. Montgomery's party passed first barrier but retreated in confusion after his death, ordered by Col. Campbell. Arnold's forced two of four barriers but surrounded by 9 AM and surrendered. Feint at Cape Diamond.