George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 8

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Chapter 67:

The retreat from Canada.

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January—June, 1776.

The death of Montgomery dispelled the illusion

Chap. LXVII.} 1776. Jan. to Mar.

that hovered round the invasion of Canada. The soldiers whose time expired on the last day of December insisted on their discharge; some went off without leave, taking with them their arms; the rest were dejected and anxious to be at home. There remained encamped near Quebec rather than besieging it, about four hundred Americans and as many wavering Canadians. The force commanded by Carleton was twice as numerous as both, and was concentrated in the well provisioned and strongly fortified town. Yet in the face of disasters and a superior enemy, Arnold preserved his fortitude; ‘I have no thought,’ he said, ‘of leaving this proud town until I enter it in tri umph.’ Montgomery had required an army of ten thousand men; Arnold declared that a less number would not suffice.

The chief command devolved on Wooster, who