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The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Extract of a letter from Ticonderoga dated September 23, 1776, reports on improving American army health and spirits, British troop dispositions in Canada from a deserter's account, Canadian discontent, Burgoyne's naval preparations, and widespread sickness among British forces including a foiled mass desertion.
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"Our sick decrease fast, and the army is in high spirits, but whether we shall have the pleasure of giving Burgoyne a rap upon his knuckles is uncertain, as at present he does not seem disposed to come this way.
A sergeant, who deserted from the British army at Point aux Trembles, between Montreal and Sorel, the 31st of August last, says that Colonel M'Lane's regiment was quartered at Point aux Trembles; 1200 foreigners are at Quebec; all the 34th at Montreal, except two companies with Col. Johnson and his Indians at Le Chien.
That he heard the officers compute their army at 7000, in which were the 9th, 20th, 21st, 24th, 29th, 31st, 34th, and 49th, and the Germans.
There are none of the Canadians in the King of England's service; but they are in a worse situation than the children of Israel in Egypt, for the regulars have robbed them of every necessary of life, and now compel them to work without any prospect of a reward.
They universally wish we were in possession of their country again, declaring their eyes are now fully opened.
That Burgoyne had a few gondolas, two sloops, and a floating battery, building at St. John's.
That he frequently heard it said they were to cross the lake to Crown Point, as soon as their naval preparations were perfected.
That the troops in general were very sickly, the foreigners in particular, being afflicted with the fever and flux. And that fifty of the soldiers had signed an agreement to desert together, but being betrayed by one of their accomplices, some of them were condemned to be sent to Senegal, and there to serve during life."
What sub-type of article is it?
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What entities or persons were involved?
Where did it happen?
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Ticonderoga
Event Date
Sept. 23, 1776
Key Persons
Outcome
british troops very sickly with fever and flux, especially foreigners; fifty soldiers planned mass desertion but were betrayed, some condemned to lifelong service in senegal.
Event Details
Letter reports American army's improving health and high spirits at Ticonderoga; uncertainty about engaging Burgoyne. Deserter from British army at Point aux Trembles on August 31 details British troop locations and strength of about 7000 including various regiments and Germans; no Canadians in British service, locals oppressed and wishing for American return; Burgoyne building gondolas, sloops, and floating battery at St. John's for crossing to Crown Point.