Americans siege Quebec City

Siege of Quebec City by the Americans - 2

While Benedict Arnold awaited the response to his demand to surrender Quebec city (that would never come), Richard Montgomery secured Montreal.

On 28 November 1775, Montgomery leaves Montreal under the command of General David Wooster and proceeds to Quebec with most of his men.

This time the American forces advance fast. It takes them only five days to reach Quebec City.

As soon as Montgomery reaches the capital, he sends his own letter to Governor Carleton, demanding surrender. This time, however, Carleton doesn’t bother to read the ultimatum and burns it unread. Quebec city was preparing for winter, and the siege by the Continental Army had little effect on the inhabitants.

Besides, the British enjoyed the comfort and protection from the harsh weather, while the Americans suffered out in the open, under blankets, as temperatures dropped. As the weeks passed, the number of revolutionaries decreased due to desertion, smallpox and pneumonia. Both, Arnold and Montgomery knew than the final a decisive assault was required. They decided than the best opportunity would come under the cover of a winter storm.

Yet, to the frustration of the Americans, the skies, usually dark and full of snow in December, remained clear.

The New Year was approaching, and the commanders had an additional problem, as their enlisted men were obliged to serve until 31 December, 1775. Both Arnold and Montgomery knew very well that once released from their obligations, almost all under their command would leave the military immediately and return to their homes.

The judgement day was coming…