The Virginia Gazette

PHILADELPHIA, Jan.6.

Extract of a letter from a volunteer with Col. Arnold, to his friend in this city, dated Point aux Tremble, 21 miles from QUEBEC, Nov. 21, 1775.

of about 600 miles. When we left Cambridge we were 1100 strong; about half way Col. Enos got frightened, and with three companies, and the sick, which together was about half our number, and the greatest part of the provision, turned back! May shame and guilt go with him, and wherever he seeks a shelter may the hand of justice shut the door against him. Perhaps have said too much; but a man that has suffered by him can hardly refrain speaking. We were about two months on our march, 3 days of which we did not see a house, and at short allowance, six days of which we were at half a pound of pork and half a pound of flour per man a day; after which, for four days, we had only half a pound of flour per day, our pork being done; two days of which we lost ourselves, marched 40 miles, and were but ten miles on our way. Our whole stores was then divided, and it was about four pints of flour per man; a small allowance for men near 100 miles from any habitation, or prospect of a supply. After having travelled 20 or 30 miles on this scanty allowance, we came to a river, which we were told was only eight miles from the inhabited parts. Here I sat down, baked and eat my last morsel of bread; but think what was my distress, when I found, after crossing the river, that I had 20 miles to travel before I could expect the least mouthful. However, my dread was soon removed by the return of Col. Arnold, who, with a small party, had made a forced march, and returned to us with some cattle he had purchased of the inhabitants. On these we made a voracious meal, and renewed our march with new courage to Point Levi, from thence we were transported in birch canoes to the Plains of Abraham, and from thence retreated to this place to wait for General Montgomery who, we are told, by express this day, will be with us soon.