The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

HARTFORD, May 23, 1775.

Extract of a Letter from Ticonderoga, dated May 23, 1775.

I shall endeavour to give you a very concise Journal of Matters here, since the 12th Instant.

May 12. We set sail from Skenesborough, in a Schooner belonging to Major Skeene, which we christened Liberty.

Sunday, 13. Arrived at Ticonderoga, from whence after some Preparations, we set sail for Crown-Point.

Monday, 14. Contrary Winds retarded our Voyage, and the Day drew to a Close when we anchored at Crown-Point.

Tuesday, 15. Contrary Winds. Col. Arnold with thirty Men took the Boat, and proceeded on for St. John's, leaving to Capt. Sloan the Command of the Vessel with the Sailors; and to me the Command of the Soldiers on board: About 12 o'Clock, while beating down, we espied a Boat, sent out our Coxswain to bring her in, it proved to be the French Post from Montreal, with Ensign Moland on board, we examined the Mail, and among other Things, found an exact List of all the Regular Troops in the northern Department, amounting to upwards of 700.

Wednesday, 16. A fair Gale, we overtook Col. Arnold in the Boat, took him on board, and at Night arrived within 30 Miles of St. John's, when the Wind fell, and the Vessel was becalmed.--We immediately armed our two Boats, manned them with thirty five Men, and determined by Dint of rowing to fetch St. John's, and take the Place & the King's Sloop by Surprize at break of Day.

Thursday. After rowing hard all Night, we arrived within Half a Mile of the Place at Sunrise, sent a Man to bring us Information and in a small Creek, infested with numberless Swarms of Gnats and Musquitoes, waited with Impatience for his Return.

The Man returning, informed that they were unapprized of our coming, though they had heard of the taking of Ticonderoga and Crown-Point. We directly pushed for Shore and landed at about 60 Rods from the Barracks; the Men had their Arms, but upon our briskly marching up in their Faces, they retired within the Barracks, left their Arms, and resigned themselves into our Hands.

We took 1 Prisoners, 14 Stands of Arms, and some small Stores. We also took the King's Sloop, two fine Brass Field Pieces and Four Boats. We have destroyed five Boats more lest they should be made use of against us. Just at the Completion of our Business, a fine Gale arose from the North! we directly hoisted Sail, and returned in Triumph.--About 6 Miles from St. John's we met Col. Allen with 4 Boats, and 50 Men, who determined to proceed and maintain the Ground.

This Scheme Col. Arnold thought impracticable, as Montreal was near, with Plenty of Men and every Necessary for War: Nevertheless, Col. Allen proceeded, and encamped on the opposite Side of the Lake (or River as it is there called) the next Morning he was attacked by 200 Regulars, and obliged to decamp and retreat.

Friday, 19. Returned again to Crown Point, from thence to Ticonderoga.

Saturday, 20. Encamped at Ticonderoga. Since that Time, nothing material has happened. It is Col. Arnold's present Design that the Sloop Enterprise (as she is called) and the Schooner Liberty shall cruize on the Lake, and defend our Frontiers, 'till Men, Provisions and Ammunition are furnished to carry on the War.