summer and autumn of 1775. He was really a
commissioned pirate, for he burnt and plundered
dwellings, and stores, and plantations, wherever he
pleased. The fact above alluded to was the plunder
and destruction of the houses on the beautiful
island of Providence (not the town of Providence)
by that marauder, at the close of November, 1775.
He also desolated Connanicut island, opposite
Newport; and every American vessel that entered
that harbor was seized and sent to Boston.]

the 16. Nothing remarkable hapened this day at night we were all
ordered to Ly upon our arms.

the 17. This day we had the disagreeable news that our men were
defeated that went to Quebeck and that General montgomery and colonel
Arnold were either killed or taken Prisoners but we Pray God thy news
may prove falce[204] at night it was thought their was a spy out from
Boston and our centrys fired at him but we dont know the Sertainty of
it cold weather for the Season.

[Footnote 204: Arnold, with only seven hundred men,
appeared before Quebec on the 18th of November, and
demanded its surrender. He was soon compelled to
retire, and, marching up the St. Lawrence twenty
miles, he there met, in December, General
Montgomery, with a small force, descending from
Montreal. They marched against Quebec, and, early
in the morning of the 31st of December, proceeded
to assail the city at three distinct points.
Montgomery was killed, Morgan and many of the
Americans were made prisoners, and Arnold, who was
severely wounded, retired to Sillery, three miles
above Quebec.]

the 18. Nothing strange this day.

the 19. This day we heard that our men had taken a Ship Loaded with
Gunpowder the truth of it we have not yet Learned but we hope it will
prove true.[205]

[Footnote 205: Several of the prizes captured by
Manly and others contained powder and arms; and
late in December, Colonel (afterward General) Knox
arrived from Ticonderoga with forty-two sled-loads