Capt. Morgan, Lt. Humphrey and I were the only “no” votes.

After dinner, Colonel Arnold, Captain Morgan, and Dr. Senter spent a half hour alone in the library. It was nearly midnight when Captain Morgan, 1st Lt. Humphrey, and I arrived back at Fort Western.

As we climbed up the slope from the riverside to our encampment, I asked, “Shall I let our commanders know what was decided tonight?”

“Do not awaken anyone now. We will let everyone know in the morning.”

Fort Western, Maine

Sunday, September 24th, 1775

Shortly after sunrise, Rev. Samuel Spring, the Expedition Chaplain, arrived at our encampment and all our Riflemen were ordered to muster in the center of our perimeter.

After the brief prayer service, Captain Morgan motioned for everyone to gather ’round and take a seat on the dew-damp grass.

“Colonel Arnold has decided to reorganize our expedition to liberate Quebec into four divisions. Our three Rifle Companies are the First Division. We will depart here tomorrow morning and serve as vanguard for the Expedition.

“Second Division, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Greene is comprised of three Massachusetts Musket Companies. They will depart here on Tuesday, September 26th.

“Third Division, Three Vermont and Connecticut Musket Companies commanded by Major Meigs will follow on Wednesday the 27th.

“Fourth Division, the Expedition’s Rear Guard, bearing our extra provisions, powder, ammunition, the boat repair unit, medical personnel and engineers is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Enos. They will depart here starting on Thursday the 28th and close up as fast as they can as additional batteaux are completed.

“Our Rifle Companies will screen in front of the main body, engage any hostiles and cut trails and foot-paths where necessary.

“Every Rifleman will carry on his person sufficient powder, wadding, and shot for fifty rounds. Every man will have no fewer than five flints, a warm cloak or blanket, and five days’ rations. Each company will have ten batteaux to carry forty-five days of provisions including kegs of powder, food, cooking gear, tentage, and additional clothing.

“Each of the boats will be manned by no fewer than four men and no more than six. The rest of us will walk on the riverbanks. When it is necessary to portage, all hands will pitch in to help carry the boats and their contents.

“The order of march tomorrow morning will the Virginia Rifle Company first, Captain Hendricks Pennsylvania Rifles second and then Captain Smith’s Riflemen. We shall rotate the order of march as necessary.

“As soon as we finish this meeting, start packing your ­batteaux. Try to wrap everything in the boats to keep it as dry as possible.

“Are there any questions?”

“Yes, sir.” It was Sergeant Grier. “What about our wives?”

Captain Morgan shook his head but said, “I strongly recommend against it, but Colonel Arnold has ordered that wives may accompany their husbands on the Expedition.”

Captain Hendricks stood and asked, “Sir, who is our commanding officer?”