American Success in the Carolinas and Disaster at Quebec
December 1 — General Richard Montgomery sailed down the St. Lawrence River with a small column of 300-330 men to bolster Colonel Benedict Arnold at Point aux Trembles. Despite winter, supply shortages, and expiring enlistments, the Siege of Quebec began two days later, on December 3, with just 800 American troops. Montgomery faced a difficult decision, and most of his troops’ enlistments were set to expire at midnight on December 31.
- Richard Montgomery (1738–1775) — Montgomery was a Brigadier General in the Continental Army during the early days of the American Revolutionary War. He led part of the American forces during the failed Invasion of Canada (1775–1776) and captured key positions before he was killed during the Battle of Quebec.
- Benedict Arnold (1741–1801) — Arnold was an officer who rose to prominence for his bold leadership in battles such as Quebec, Valcour Island, and Saratoga. Despite his military talent, Arnold was driven by personal grievances and ambition that put him at odds with many of his contemporaries. Feeling slighted by the Patriot Cause, Arnold famously committed treason in 1780 when he tried to turn West Point over to the British. After the plot was discovered, Arnold defected, received a commission in the British Army, and led raids in Connecticut and Virginia. Following the war, he moved to England, where he struggled as a merchant.
December 1 — Jonathan Fowler Recants
New York — The recantation of Judge Jonathan Fowler: — Whereas I, Jonathan Fowler, Esq., one of his Majesty’s Judges of the Inferior Court for the County of Westchester, in the Province of New Yorlv, did some time ago sign a protest against the Honorable Continental Congress, which inconsiderate conduct I am heartily sorry for, and do hereby promise for the future not to transgress in the view of the people of this continent, nor in any sense to oppose the measures taken by the Continental Congress.
I do also certify, that some time past being at Court at the White Plains, I heard a person say, whom several people present believed to be a lieutenant or midshipman of the Asia, man-of-war, that the captain of the Asia intended to take Captain Sears up, and that there soon would be delivered (gratis) from on board the man-of-war, great quantities of paper money in imitation of Continental currency, which would be printed with the types taken from Mr. Holt, of Virginia. As witness my hand, Jonathan Fowler. — Pennsylvania Journal (December 6, 1775).
- Isaac Sears (?–1786) — Sears was a prominent leader of the Patriot Movement in New York City, along with Alexander McDougall and John Lamb. Sears was involved in various incidents, including the Battle of Golden Hill.
- Pennsylvania Journal — First published by William Bradford in 1742, the Journal supported the Patriot Cause. Bradford famously printed a masthead with the “emblem of the Effects of the Stamp Act” on October 31, 1765, the day before the Stamp Act took effect. He also printed key documents issued by the Continental Congress and Thomas Paine’s The American Crisis.
December 2 — In North Carolina, Colonel William Woodford and his Patriot forces arrived on the south end of Great Bridge, west of Fort Murray. Woodford and his men established a camp and built defensive fortifications on the banks of the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River.
- William Woodford (1734–1780) — Woodford was a Virginia Patriot who led militia forces early during the American Revolutionary War, before joining the Continental Army. Woodford helped drive the British out of Virginia before fighting with Washington’s Army during the Philadelphia Campaign (1777–1778). Woodford was taken as a prisoner of war at the Siege of Charleston (1780) and died in captivity in New York.
December 2 — In South Carolina, Colonel Richard Richardson, a Patriot, issued a proclamation, calling on the inhabitants of the region to deliver Patrick Cunningham, Henry O’Neal, and other Loyalist leaders to his camp.
- This was part of the Snow Campaign (November–December, 1775). Following the outbreak of the war, South Carolina was divided between Patriots and Loyalists, with both vying for control of the Backcountry, where the village of Ninety-Six served as the center of activity on the western frontier. While Patriots and Loyalists skirmished at the Battle of Ninety-Six (November 19–21, 1775), a Patriot force led by Colonel Richardson moved into the Backcountry.
December 3 — Lieutenant John Paul Jones raised the 13-stripe Grand Union Flag over the Alfred, a converted merchant ship, at Philadelphia. This was the first time an American Flag was raised over an American warship.
- John Paul Jones (1747–1792) — Jones was an American naval commander during the American Revolutionary War, who is often referred to as the “Father of the American Navy.” Jones is known for his daring leadership and victory over HMS Serapis in 1779, and his statement, “I have not yet begun to fight!”
- Alfred — The Alfred was a merchant ship owned by Robert Morris. Originally called the Black Prince, the name was changed after he donated it to the Continental Navy.
December 5 — Colonel Henry Knox arrived at Fort Ticonderoga and started making preparations to transport the artillery to Boston.
- Henry Knox (1750–1806) — Knox was a General in the Continental Army and a close friend of George Washington. Knox led the expedition to retrieve cannon and artillery from Fort Ticonderoga in 1775 and served as Chief Artillery Officer of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Following the war, he served as the first Secretary of War and helped establish the Society of Cincinnati.
December 6 — Thomas Randolph Tarred and Feathered
New Jersey — At Quibbletown, New Jersey, Thomas Randolph, cooper, who had publicly proved himself an enemy to his country, by reviling and using his utmost endeavors to oppose the proceedings of the continental and provincial conventions, in defence of their rights and liberties; and being judged a person not of consequence enough for a severer punishment, was ordered to be stripped naked, well coated with tar and feathers, and carried in a wagon publicly around the town — which punishment was accordingly inflicted. As soon as he became duly sensible of his offence, for which he earnestly begged pardon, and promised to atone, as far as he was able, by a contrary behavior for the future, he was released and suffered to return to his house, in less than half an hour. The whole was conducted with that regularity and decorum that ought to be observed in all public punishments. — Holt’s Journal (December 28, 1775).
- Cooper — Barrel maker.
- John Holt (1721–1784) — Holt was a prominent newspaper publisher from Williamsburg, Virginia. His most famous publication was the New York Journal or General Advertiser, or Holt’s Journal. Holt was a member of the New York Sons of Liberty, who helped support his printing operation. He fled New York City when British forces approached it in 1776. He resumed printing operations in Kingston until British forces attacked and burned the town during Clinton’s Highlands Expedition (1777). He resumed publication at Poughkeepsie and died in 1784.
December 7 — Congress promoted Richard Montgomery to the rank of Major General.
December 8 — In Paris, Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes, declared that King Louis XVI had issued an injunction against loading munitions aboard American vessels. However, this law was never diligently enforced.
- Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes (1717–1787) — Vergennes was the French Foreign Minister from 1774 to 1787. He directed France’s support for the United States during the American Revolutionary War. Motivated by a desire to weaken Great Britain and restore France’s power, he approved secret aid in 1776, backed formal alliances in 1778, and expanded military assistance that helped secure victory at Yorktown. His policies shaped the course of the war, but the financial strain contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution (1789–1799).
December 8 — General Montgomery sent a message to Quebec City, demanding its surrender. After General Guy Carleton refused, American artillery batteries opened fire, but were ineffective. Carleton intended to hold out and allow the harsh winter conditions to devastate the Americans while he waited for British reinforcements to arrive from Europe.
- Guy Carleton (1724–1808) — Carleton was a prominent British officer and politician during the 18th Century. He is most famous in America for being the Governor of Quebec during the American Revolutionary War and commanding British forces during the Invasion of Canada (1775–1776).
December 8 — Colonel Knox left Fort Ticonderoga and started transporting captured British ordnance 300 miles east to Boston, using 40 sleds drawn by 80 oxen. Knox referred to his expedition as his “Noble Train of Artillery.”
December 8 — Lord Dunmore sent Captain Samuel Leslie and a contingent of troops from Norfolk to Fort Murray, west of Great Bridge.
December 9 — Battle of Great Bridge
Virginia — Leslie and his troops arrived early in the morning and made preparations to attack the American camp at Great Bridge. British forces advanced over the bridge, but the Americans pushed them back. Colonel Woodford led the Americans over the bridge and eventually pushed the British back to Fort Murray. That night, the British left the fort and retreated to Norfolk.
This article about the Battle of Great Bridge appeared in the Pennsylvania Evening Post on January 6, 1776:
This morning, after reveille beating, two or three great guns and some muskets were discharged from the enemy’s fort near Great Bridge, which, as it was not an unusual thing, was little regarded by Colonel Woodford. However, soon after, he heard a call to the soldiers to stand to their arms; upon which, with all expedition, he made the proper disposition to receive the enemy.
In the meantime, the enemy had crossed the bridge, fired the remaining houses on the island, and some large piles of shingles, and attacked our guard in the breastwork. Our men returned the fire and threw them into some confusion, but they were instantly rallied by Captain Fordyce, and advanced along the causeway with great resolution, keeping up a constant and heavy fire as they approached.
Two field-pieces, which had been brought across the bridge and planted on the edge of the island, facing the left of our breastwork, played briskly at the same time upon us. Lieut. Travis, who commanded in the breastwork, ordered his men to reserve their fire till the enemy came within the distance of fifty yards, and then they gave it to them with terrible execution.
The brave Fordyce exerted himself to keep up their spirits, reminded them of their ancient glory, and, waving his hat over his head, encouragingly told them the day was their own. Thus pressing forward, he fell within fifteen steps of the breastwork. His wounds were many, and his death would have been that of a hero, had he met it in a better cause.
The progress of the enemy was now at an end; they retreated over the causeway with precipitation, and were dreadfully galled in the rear. Hitherto, on our side, only the guard, consisting of twenty-five, and some others, upon the whole not amounting to more than ninety, had been engaged.
Only the regulars of the 14th Regiment, in number one hundred and twenty, had advanced upon the causeway, and about two hundred and thirty Tories and negroes had, after crossing the bridge, continued upon the island. The regulars, after retreating along the causeway, were again rallied by Captain Leslie, and the two field-pieces continued to play upon our men.
It was at this time that Colonel Woodford was advancing down the street to the breastwork with the main body, and against him was now directed the whole fire of the enemy. Never were cannon better served; but yet, in the face of them and the musketry which kept up a continual blaze, our men marched on with the utmost intrepidity.
Colonel Stevens, of the Culpeper battalion, was sent around to the left to flank the enemy, which was done with such activity and spirit that a rout immediately ensued. The enemy fled into their fort, leaving behind them the two field-pieces, which, however, they took care to spike up with nails. Many were killed and wounded in the flight, but Colonel Woodford very prudently restrained his troops from urging their pursuit too far.
From the beginning of the attack till the repulse from the breastwork might be about fourteen or fifteen minutes; till the total defeat, upwards of half an hour.
It is said that some of the enemy preferred death to captivity, from a fear of being scalped, which Lord Dunmore inhumanly told them would be their fate should they be taken alive. Thirty-one killed and wounded fell into our hands, and the number borne off was much greater.
Through the whole of the engagement, every officer and soldier behaved with the greatest courage and calmness. The conduct of our sentinels we cannot pass over in silence. Before they quitted their stations, they fired at least three rounds as the enemy were crossing the bridge, and one of them, who was posted behind some shingles, kept his ground till he had fired eight times; and after receiving a whole platoon, made his escape over the causeway into our breastwork.
The scene was closed with as much humanity as it had been conducted with bravery. The work of death being over, everyone’s attention was directed to the succor of the unhappy sufferers, and it is an undoubted fact that Captain Leslie was so affected with the tenderness of our troops towards those who were yet capable of assistance, that he gave signs from the fort of his thankfulness for it.
What is not to be paralleled in history, and will scarcely appear credible, except to such as acknowledge a Providence over human affairs, this victory was gained at the expense of no more than a slight wound in a soldier’s hand; and one circumstance which renders it still more amazing is, that the field-pieces raked the whole length of the street, and absolutely threw double-headed shot as far as the church; and afterwards, as our troops ajaproached, cannonaded them heavily with grape-shot.
December 10 — Connecticut troops left Boston after their enlistments expired.
December 10 — Battle of Conanicut Island and the Burning of Jamestown
Rhode Island — Around midnight on December 10, 1775, Captain James Wallace of the HMS Rose landed 200 Marines on Conanicut Island. The British were engaged by Rhode Island Militia forces, but were able to push through and proceeded to burn at least 16 buildings in Jamestown and seize livestock.
In his diary, Reverend Eza Stiles wrote: “This Morning we were awaked with the Conflagration of Jamestown on Conanicott. An awful Sight! The Bomb Brigg & several Tenders full of Marines went over last Night, & about o’clock or a little before day landed and set fire to the Houses. The men continued ravaging & firing till about Noon & returned.”
On December 16, 1775, the Providence Gazette reported: “Sunday morning last, the bomb brig, a schooner, and two or three armed sloops left the harbor of Newport and landed about two hundred marines, sailors and Negroes on the Ferry on the east side of Conanicut, from whence they immediately marched across in three divisions to the West Ferry, and after burning all the houses near the Ferry-Place, returned towards their vessels, setting fire to almost every house on each side of the road, from the West to the East Ferry, and several houses and barns some distance on the North and South side of the road, driving out the women and children, swearing they should be burnt in the houses, if they did not instantly turn out. Captain Wallace commanded. Mr. John Martin, standing unarmed in his own door, was shot. Fifty cows and six oxen, a few sheep and hogs were taken. All were plundered of beds, wearing apparel and household furniture. They left Conanicut the same morning and got back to Newport at Noon.”
- These events were part of the Operations in Narragansett Bay, off the coast of Rhode Island.
December 12 — After receiving reinforcements, Colonel Richard Richardson had roughly 3,000 men under his command in South Carolina. He had taken Loyalist leaders Thomas Fletchall and Richard Pearis as prisoners. Meanwhile, the Loyalist militia led by Patrick Cunningham gathered near present-day Simpsonville, North Carolina.
December 13 — Colonel Woodford and his Patriot forces occupied Norfolk, Virginia. Lord Dummore and his troops took refuge in a flotilla of ships in the harbor.
December 14 — Congress created the 13-person Marine Committee, which replaced the Naval Committee. The Marine Committee was tasked with purchasing and outfitting all authorized warships.
December 21 — Parliament approved the Confiscation Act for seizing rebel property and subjecting crews of American vessels to impressment into the Royal Navy.
December 22 — Parliament passed the Prohibitory Act to block foreign trade with the American Colonies. Ships found trading with the colonies were subject to impoundment by the British Navy.
December 22 — Congress authorized the construction of 14 vessels, including five 32-gun, five 28-gun, and three 24-gun frigates. Dudley Saltonstall, Abraham Whipple, John B. Hopkins, and Nicholas Biddle received commissions as Captains, while Esek Hopkins was appointed the nation’s first naval commander-in-chief.
- The ships were to be named Hancock, Randolph, Raleigh, Warren, Washington, Congress, Effingham, Providence, Trumbull, Virginia, Boston, Delaware, and Montgomery.
- The Continental Navy had 14 vessels and 332 guns, while the British Royal Navy had 89 warships and 2,756 guns.
December 22 — Battle of Great Cane Break
South Carolina — Colonel William Thomson led a force of 1,400 South Carolina Militia in an attack on Patrick Cunningham and his Loyalist force at Great Cane Brake on the Reedy River. The Americans captured supplies and took prisoners, but Cunningham escaped. The Battle of Great Cane Break was the culmination of operations conducted during the heavy snowfall known as the “Snow Campaign.”
December 24 — The American schooner Warren, cruising the waters off Cape Ann, Massachusetts, apprehended the British brig Sally. The Americans seized 153 casks of wine, which were delivered to General George Washington as a Christmas gift.
December 25 — General Montgomery held a Council of War with his officers. They devised a plan to launch an attack on the British on the morning of December 31. The plan called for Montgomery to lead an attack on the Lower Town, while other forces attacked strategic positions around the city.
December 26 — This morning, about four hundred of the militia of Sussex County, New Jersey, under the command of Colonel Ephraim Martin and Marsh Thompson, assembled at Newtown, and from thence proceeded in good order and regularity, in quest of Tories, a considerable number of whom, inhabitants of that county, had entered into a combination and agreement not to comply with any Congress measures. We hear about forty are taken, most of whom have recanted, signed the association, and profess themselves true sons of liberty, being fully convinced of their error. Two or three, who remain incorrigible, are to be sent to the Congress to be dealt with. — Holt’s Journal (December 28, 1775).
December 28 — Charles Lee’s Oath of Allegiance
Rhode Island — Last Monday, General Lee arrived from Cambridge, at Newport, Rhode Island, attended by his guard, a party of riflemen, and the cadet company of Providence. While there, he called before him a number of obnoxious persons, to whom he tendered an oath of fidelity to the country, which was taken by all of them excepting Colonel Joseph Warton, Jr., Nicholas Lechmere, and Richard Beale, the two last custom-house officers, who refused taking it; upon which, they were put under guard and sent to Providence.
The following copy of the oath imposed by General Lee, is submitted to the public, who will judge how far it is consistent with that liberty, independence, and right of private judgment, which the Americans pretend they are contending for:
“I, ____, here, in the presence of Almighty God, as I hope for ease, honor, and comfort in this world, and happiness in the world to come, most earnestly, devoutly, and religiously do swear, that I will neither directly nor indirectly assist the wicked instruments of ministerial tyranny and villany, commonly called the king’s troops and navy, by furnishing them with provisions and refreshments of any kind, unless authorized by the Continental Congress or Legislature, at present established in this particular colony of Rhode Island. I do also swear, by the tremendous and Almighty God, that I will neither directly nor indirectly convey any intelligence, nor give any advice to the aforesaid enemies described; and that I pledge myself, if I should by any accident get knowledge of such treasons, to inform immediately the committee of safety. And, as it is justly allowed that when the rights and sacred liberties of a nation or community are invaded, neutrality is not less base and criminal than open and avowed hostility, I do further swear and pledge myself, as I hope for eternal salvation, that I will, whenever called iipon by the voice of the Continental Congress, or by the Legislature of this particular colony under their direction, take up arms, and subject myself to military discipline in defence of the common rights and liberties of America. So help me God.” — Pennsylvania Evening Post (January 16, 1776).
- Charles Lee (1732–1782) — Lee was an officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He helped defend Charleston during the American victory at the Battle of Sullivan’s Island but fell out of favor with George Washington. Lee was critical of Washington, tried to help the British win the war, and was then relieved of command during the Battle of Monmouth.
December 28 — In Philadelphia, the Committee of Secret Correspondence met with French agent Archard de Bonvouloir. He assured the Americans that France was sympathetic toward the Patriot Cause but would ignore secret efforts to raise money and arms in France.
- Achard de Bonvouloir (1749–1783) — A French secret agent who met secretly with American revolutionary leaders in 1775 while pretending to be a merchant. He provided early communication between Congress and France by suggesting French goodwill toward the American cause. His mission helped lay the groundwork for later French support, though official agents, such as Silas Deane.
- Committee of Secret Correspondence — A committee established by the Continental Congress in 1775 to coordinate diplomatic efforts and transatlantic communication during the American Revolutionary War. Key members included Benjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee. They secured secret aid from France and Spain, despite British blockades and internal conflicts. By 1781, the Committee’s duties were transferred to the newly established Department of Foreign Affairs, with Robert Livingston as the first Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
December 31 — Battle of Quebec
Quebec City, Province of Quebec — Early in the morning of December 31, Montgomery led an attack on the Lower Town, while other forces attacked strategic positions around the city. Unfortunately, heavy snow, darkness, and confusion created chaos in the Battle of Quebec. Montgomery and his men were ambushed, and Montgomery was killed. Arnold’s attack also failed, and he was severely wounded in the leg. Daniel Morgan tried to rally the Americans and press the attack, but after fierce fighting, he was forced to surrender. Arnold took command of the remaining American forces outside the city and organized a siege, which lasted until the spring of 1776. British reinforcements, under the command of General John Burgoyne, arrived at Quebec City in May 1776 and forced the Americans to scatter and begin the retreat south to Crown Point.
This account of the battle was printed in the New York Packet on February 1, 1776:
The Americans have made an unsuccessful attack upon the town of Quebec. General Montgomery, finding his cannon too light to effect a breach, and that the enemy would not hearken to terms of capitulation, formed a design of carrying the town by escalade. In this, he was encouraged by the extensiveness of the works and the weakness of the garrison. When everything was prepared, while he was awaiting the opportunity of a snow-storm to carry his design into execution, several of his men deserted to the enemy.
His plan, at first, was to have attacked the upper and lower town at the same time, depending principally for success upon the upper town. But discovering, from the motions of the enemy, that they were apprised of his design, he altered his plan, and, having divided his small army into four detachments, ordered two feints to be made against the upper town, one by Colonel Henry Livingston at the head of the Canadians, against St. John’s gate, the other by Captain Brown, at the head of a small detachment, against Cape Diamond, reserving to himself and Colonel Arnold, the two principal attacks against the lower town.
At five o’clock this morning, the hour appointed for the attack, the general, at the head of the New York troops, advanced against the lower town. Being obliged to take a circuit, the signal for the attack was given and the garrison alarmed before he reached the place. However, pressing on, he passed the first barrier, and was just opening the attempt on the second, when, by the first fire from the enemy, he was unfortunately killed, together with his aide-de-camp, Captain J. McPherson, Captain Cheesman, and two or three more. This so dispirited the men that Colonel Campbell, on whom the command devolved, found himself under the disagreeable necessity of drawing them off.
In the meanwhile, Colonel Arnold, at the head of about three hundred and fifty of those brave troops (who with unparalleled fatigue had penetrated Canada under his command) and Captain Lamb’s company of artillery, had passed through St. Roques’ gate, and approached near a two-gun battery, picketed in, without being discovered. This he attacked, and though it was well defended for about an hour, carried it, with the loss of a number of men. In this attack, Colonel Arnold had the misfortune to have his leg splintered by a shot and was obliged to be carried to the hospital.
- John Lamb (1735–1800) — Lamb was a New York Patriot who became a leader of the Sons of Liberty and participated in protests against Taxation Without Representation. He joined the Continental Army and served with distinction in various campaigns, including Canada, Philadelphia, and Yorktown.
After gaining the battery, his detachment passed on to a second barrier, which they took possession of. By this time, the enemy, relieved from the other attack, by our troops being drawn off, directed their whole force against this detachment, and a party sallying out from Palace gate, attacked them in the rear.
These brave men sustained the whole force of the garrison for three hours, but finding themselves hemmed in, and no hopes of relief, they were obliged to yield to numbers, and the advantageous situation the garrison had over them.
After this unfortunate repulse, the remainder of the army retired about eight miles from the city, where they have posted themselves advantageously, and are continuing the blockade, waiting for the reinforcements which are now on their march to join them.
December 31 — General George Washington, faced with expiring enlistments in the Continental Army, reversed policy and allowed free African Americans to enlist.
