No. 112.] 697 



to seize Crown Point, which was occupied by a mere sergeant's 

 guard. That fort and garrison, the ensuing day were captured 

 without resistance. The trophies of this conquest, were two hun- 

 dred pieces of cannon, mortars and howitzers, and a large amount of 

 military stores. Another most desirable acquisition to the patriot 

 cause, was a ware house filled with materials for boat building.* 

 These munitions were of great value and importance in the future 

 operations of the colonies, but such results were far transcended by 

 the moral influence and political consequences of this measure. 

 Remember Baker had been summoned from Otter creek to partici- 

 pate in this expedition, and hastening to the aid of his old asso- 

 ciate happily intercepted boats despatched from Crown Point to 

 announce at St. Johns, the capture of Ticonderoga. 



Arnold renewed his pretensions to the supreme command, after 

 the reduction of the forts, in the arrogant and dictatorial spirit, 

 that at every period of his career, sullied his character and mar- 

 red his preferment. Although rejected by the troops, Allen in 

 deference to the great intrepidity winch had been exhibited by 

 Arnold, partially acceded to these claims. The Connecticut com- 

 mittee however, justly assuming that the government of Massachu- 

 setts had no relation to this movement, established Allen in the 

 command, with unlimited powers. A course which Massachusetts 

 ultimately approved. 



Elated with the eminent success of their bold project, it was 

 decided to attempt the capture of an armed sloop, lying at St. 

 Johns. A small schooner commanded by Arnold, accompanied 

 by Allen in a batteau, proceeded to St. Johns upon this errand, 

 and by successfully accomplishing it, secured to the Provincials 

 tlie ascendancy on the lake. 



Although Congress, on the intelligence of these extraordinary 

 events, advised " the transportation of the various articles to a 

 place of security," they required an inventory of them to be made, 

 in the languasje of their resolution, " in order that they may be 

 safely returned, wlien the restoration of harmony between Great 

 Britain and the colonies, so ardently desired by the latter, ?hall 



*TbompaoD> History of Vermont. 



