Canadian Campaign > Arnold's Expedition

Arnold's Expedition

Background

Benedict Arnold's Expedition to Quebec, also known as the Arnold Expedition, was a daring and arduous journey undertaken during the American Revolutionary War in 1775. The goal of the expedition was to capture Quebec City and persuade French Canadians to join the American revolutionary cause. Although the mission ultimately failed, it is remembered for the extraordinary hardships endured by the men and the leadership displayed by Arnold.

Background:

1. Strategic Context:

   • The Continental Congress authorized the invasion of Canada in 1775 to bring the province into the revolutionary fold and prevent British forces from using it as a base for operations against the American colonies.
   • General Richard Montgomery led an invasion force from Fort Ticonderoga towards Montreal, while Benedict Arnold was tasked with leading a separate force through the Maine wilderness to Quebec City.

2. Arnold's Objectives:

   • Arnold aimed to reach Quebec City, surprise the British garrison, and capture the city before they could prepare a strong defense.
   • The expedition sought to gain support from the French Canadians, thereby strengthening the American position in the region.

The Expedition:

1. Assembly of Forces:

   • Arnold assembled a force of about 1,100 men, including soldiers from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and other New England states. The force included experienced officers and frontiersmen.
   • The expedition departed from Cambridge, Massachusetts, in September 1775, and traveled to Newburyport, where they embarked on ships to sail up the Kennebec River.

2. The Journey Through Maine:

   • The expedition faced immediate challenges as they navigated the Kennebec River. The men had to portage their boats and supplies around numerous rapids and waterfalls.
   • The terrain was rugged, and the weather conditions worsened as the expedition progressed. The men had to endure cold, rain, and later, snow.

3. Hardships and Attrition:

   • The expedition's boats, which were poorly constructed, began to fall apart, causing supplies to be lost in the river. Food became scarce, and the men faced starvation.
   • Many soldiers fell ill, and some deserted the expedition. Despite these hardships, Arnold managed to maintain discipline and morale among his troops.

4. Reaching the Chaudière River:

   • After a grueling march through the wilderness, the expedition reached the Chaudière River, which led them towards the St. Lawrence River and Quebec City.
   • The journey down the Chaudière River was treacherous, with dangerous rapids causing further loss of supplies and men.

The Assault on Quebec:

1. Arrival at Quebec:

   • In November 1775, Arnold's force, now reduced to about 600 men, arrived on the outskirts of Quebec City. The men were exhausted, starving, and poorly equipped.
   • Arnold attempted to surprise the British garrison by calling for an immediate assault but decided to wait for Montgomery's reinforcements.

2. Montgomery's Arrival:

   • General Richard Montgomery arrived in December with about 300 additional troops, having successfully captured Montreal. The combined force prepared for an assault on Quebec City.

3. The Attack on December 31, 1775:

   • On the night of December 31, 1775, Arnold and Montgomery launched a coordinated attack during a snowstorm, hoping to catch the defenders off guard.
   • Montgomery led his men along the St. Lawrence River towards the Lower Town but was killed in the initial assault. His death caused his men to retreat.
   • Arnold's force attacked from the north but faced heavy resistance. Arnold was wounded early in the assault, and leadership fell to Captain Daniel Morgan. Morgan's men fought their way into the city but were eventually surrounded and forced to surrender.

Aftermath and Impact:

1. Casualties and Captures:

   • The Americans suffered significant casualties, with around 60 killed, 200 wounded, and over 400 captured, including Morgan. British casualties were relatively light, with around 20 killed and 30 wounded.
   • Arnold, though wounded, managed to retreat with a small contingent of his men and maintained a blockade of Quebec City through the winter, though it was largely ineffective.

2. Strategic Consequences:

   • The failed assault on Quebec ended the American offensive in Canada. The defeat highlighted the challenges of conducting military operations in harsh winter conditions and unfamiliar territory.
   • The British retained control of Quebec City, using it as a base to launch further operations against the American colonies.

3. Legacy of the Expedition:

   • Despite its failure, Arnold's Expedition to Quebec is remembered for the extraordinary endurance and determination displayed by the men. The journey through the Maine wilderness is often compared to other epic military marches in history.
   • Arnold's leadership during the expedition earned him significant acclaim, though his later defection to the British overshadowed his earlier contributions to the American cause.

Significance:

• Demonstration of Resolve: The expedition demonstrated the resolve and resourcefulness of the Continental Army. It showed that American forces were willing to undertake bold and challenging operations in the fight for independence.
• Strategic Lessons: The failure of the expedition underscored the importance of logistical planning, local support, and timely intelligence in military campaigns. These lessons would inform future American military strategies.

Benedict Arnold's Expedition to Quebec remains a notable episode in the American Revolutionary War, illustrating both the bold ambitions and the significant challenges faced by the American revolutionaries in their quest for independence.

Canadian Campaign

• Invasion of Canada (1775)
• Capture of Fort Ticonderoga
• Siege of Fort Saint Jean
• Battle of Longue-Pointe
• Arnold's Expedition
• Battle of Quebec
• Battle of Saint-Pierre
• Battle of the Cedars
• Battle of Trois-Rivieres
• Battle of Valcour Island

Sources

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