HtSTORY OF VERMONT. 69 



from England, and it was known that these 

 would amount to a strong force. Instead of at- 

 tempting further to annoy the enemy, it now 

 become necessary to provide for their own safe- 

 ty- A council of war was called on May the 

 fifth, and it was concluded to make the best re- 

 treat in their power. 



On the next day, early in the morning, the 

 Isis man of war and two frigates made their ap- 

 pearance in the river. By the zeal and activity of 

 their officers and men, these vessels had forced 

 their way through the cakes of ice, while the 

 passage up the river was extremely difficult 

 and dangerous. They had on board one thou- 

 sand marines, and two companies of the twen- 

 ty ninth regiment ; which were landed with 

 much expedition. About noon, general Carle- 

 ton threw open the gates of the city, and mar- 

 ched out with eight hundred regular troops to 

 give battle to the Americans. Universal con- 

 sternation now took place in the camp of the 

 besiegers. They had already began their re- 

 treat, and were so dispersed at Point Levi, the 

 Isle of Orleans, Beau Port, and other villages, 

 that general Thomas could not collect together 

 more than three hundred men. Without at- 

 tempting to make any opposition, the Ameri- 

 cans abandoned their artillery, stores, baggage, 

 and every incumbrance ; and fled as fast as they 

 could in every direction. The king's troops 

 Avhich had just arrived, were not in a condition 

 to pursue them ; and so precipitate was their 

 flight, that not more than one hundred, inclu- 

 ding the sick, fell into the enemies' hands. 

 They retreated forty five miles before they stop- 



