As we have come to expect, Colonel Arnold got right to the point. “Two days ago I received by courier, a message from Brigadier General Montgomery, written on Sunday, October 29th from the British-held Fort St. John’s. In General Montgomery’s letter, he describes how he is now using heavy artillery delivered from Fort Ticonderoga on September 21st and October 5th to bombard Fort St. Johns—his last obstacle before Montreal.

“General Montgomery has pledged to join us at the gates of Quebec as soon as he subdues Montreal. He will be bringing heavy artillery from Ticonderoga with him. This is exactly the kind of weaponry we need to win this battle and this war—and what I recommended to General Schuyler and General Washington after I captured Ticonderoga last May.”3

When Colonel Arnold said these words, I just happened to be looking at Captain Hanchett, seated across the table from Captains Goodrich and Hubbard. All three officers glanced at one another, and Hanchett shook his head. I resolved to bring this to Captain Morgan’s attention.

Colonel Arnold continued, “. . . Given all we have endured since leaving Fort Western, I am disappointed Brigadier General Montgomery is not closer. But that, like the weather, is not something we can control.

“What we can do is get across the St. Lawrence River as soon as possible, isolate Quebec City from the rest of the countryside, and hold the place under siege until General Montgomery arrives with more troops, warm clothing, and some heavy artillery from Ticonderoga.

“To help us accomplish this mission, seated beside me is Mr. John Halsted, a merchant and a Patriot. Until he was expelled by the cowardly enemy across the river just days ago, he lived in a comfortable home in the Upper Town—not far from the Cape Diamond Bastion—the highest point you can see across the river. He tells us Carleton demanded all in the city unwilling to join the militia in its defense to leave. It is apparent the garrison is understaffed.

“Mr. Halsted has agreed to serve as our guide and pilot to get us safely across the river and identify vulnerable locations inside and outside the walls of Quebec. Since he has spent much more time in Quebec City than any of us, I have accepted his offer. Mr. Halsted, please give us your brief assessment of the enemy situation.”

Halsted rose and, using a sketch map on an easel between him and Colonel Arnold, he spoke clearly, “There are now three armed Royal Navy vessels at anchor off Cape Diamond and two large, unarmed, supply ships, the Elizabeth and Jacob.