History of Vermont. 380 



i-eturn of this detachment, Montcalm found that 

 he had nothing to fear from the British army at 

 fort Edward, and prosecuted the siege with fresh 

 vigor, and the most confirmed hopes. Monroe 

 and his garrison defended themselves with 

 much spirit and resolution till their works were 

 much injured, their ammunition nearly expend- 

 ed, and the enemy had made near approaches to 

 the fort. Still expecting to be relieved by gen«- 

 eral Webb, Monroe had refused all terms of 

 capitulation from the third to the ninth of Au- 

 gust. Montcalm had intercepted the letter 

 which Webb had wrote to Monroe advising hint 

 to surrender.* This letter was sent into the 

 fort to Monroe, with further proposals for a ca- 

 pitulation. Every circumstance now served to 

 convinccMonroe that it would be impossible for 

 him to preserve the place, or to hold out much 



• Fort-Edward, August 4, l* at Ndoh. 

 Sir, " J am directed by General V\'"ebb t® acknowledge the rft" 

 'ceipt of three of your letters ; bearing date nine o'clock yefterday morn- 

 fng, and one about six in the evening, by two rangers, which arethconiy 

 men that have got in here, except two yesterday morning with youf" 

 first.acquainting him that the enemy were in sight. He has ordered m« 

 to acquaint you, he does not think it prudent, (as yau know his strength 

 it this place) to attempt a junction, or to assist you, till reinforced by the 

 militia of the colonics, for the immediate march of which repeatea ex* 

 presses have been sent. One of our scouts brought in a Canadian prison- 

 er last ni^ht, from the investing party, which is very large, and have pos- 

 sessed all the grounds five miles on this side of Fort William Henry. The 

 iiumber of the enemy is very considerable, thr prisoners say eleven thou- 

 sand, and have a large train of artillery, with mortars, and were to opera 

 their batteries this day. The s^cncral thought proper to «end you this in' 

 telligenee, that in case he s'-oiiid be so unfortunate, from the delays of the 

 militia, not to have it in his power to give you timely assistance, you might 

 be able to make the best terms i ft in your pov.-er. Tlie bearer is a «efr 

 Jeant of the Connecticut forces, and if he is happy enough to get in wfB 

 bring advices from you. Wekeep continual scouts going, to endeavor t» 

 get in, or bring intellistem'e from you. I am, sir, with the heartiest ana- 

 most anxiou« wiihas for your wdfare, your most obedient humble ser« 

 vant. 



G. BARTMAM, AI^-(3.«-C«my- 

 To Col. Monroe, or ofTicrr commanding 

 at Fort William Henry. 



roL. I. Z 2 



