Capt. Morgan, 1st Lt. Humphrey, and I were on our way back to our part of the perimeter when a young messenger, attired in the blue jacket and white leggin’s of the Continental Army, caught up to us and announced, “Sirs, Adjutant General Gates asks that you gentlemen join him immediately for a brief meeting at Col. Arnold’s Headquarters next door to General Washington’s.”

Once again, Capt. Febiger welcomed us and escorted us into the dining room where General Gates was seated next to Col. Arnold. Both men rose and the Adjutant General motioned for us to take seats and began, “Thank you for coming on such short notice. There are three matters that precipitated this meeting.

“First. His Excellency, General Washington, has instructed me to remind all the commanders and Adjutants that this first offensive against our enemy is a historic event and it’s every Adjutant’s duty to carefully document all orders received and given, to maintain a precise record of all personnel, an accurate chronology of events, and the names of all persons—friendly and enemy—killed, wounded, too sick for duty, missing in action, or taken prisoner. He also wants a careful record of all interactions with members of the local populace whether American, British, French, or Indian. Colonel Arnold and I will conduct this briefing this evening.

“Second. Several weeks ago, His Excellency and I met with an Abenaki tribal chieftain who assured us the French-Canadian population and most of the Canadian Indians—not Mohawks, who are allied with the British—will support our endeavor or at least not act against us.

“Early this morning, this same chief unexpectedly arrived here with four young Abenaki Indian braves who have volunteered to serve as scouts and guides for the expedition. They all speak some French and one of them is almost fluent in English. Colonel Arnold has agreed to have them accompany the force. Captain Morgan, if you agree, three of them will be assigned to your Advance Force.”

“That’s fine with me,” our commander replied, “but I would like to have General Washington’s orders on what kind of disciplinary measures I am allowed to use if we have problems. . . .”

“Of course,” General Gates replied. “You will have those instructions in writing before you depart for Newburyport in the morning.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Now,” the General continued, “There’s one final matter. His Excellency is very concerned the British may already be aware of our plans. If so, the British fleet may try to blockade Newburyport­—or worse yet—intercept the ships required to transport the expedition to Maine—on the way into the port or even more devastating—attack the fully loaded transports with more than a thousand brave Patriot volunteers and all their supplies aboard.

“He has directed Colonel Arnold to dispatch a small reconnaissance party to Newburyport within the next three hours. I will let our Expeditionary Force Commander explain.”