The Orders from General Washington:
(Benedict Arnold POV)
It was the letter from General Washington that had him up before dawn, pacing the cramped quarters of his makeshift office in Quebec. The city itself had proven surprisingly hospitable under the circumstances. With his men quartered in the old barracks left behind by both the French and the British, he had managed to keep his soldiers separated from the civilians of the province, preventing the usual frictions that came from occupation. This, in turn, allowed him the space and focus to construct his gunboats—vital tools for the coming campaign.
He was nearly ready for the next phase of operations, his mind filled with plans and strategies. Yet the arrival of Washington's letter filled him with such a mix of emotions that he found himself unable to sit still. Joy, pride, and a faint sting of disappointment wrestled for dominance as he read and reread the missive by the faint light of an oil lamp.
To Colonel Arnold, Canadian Expedition,
I have read nearly every report of the expedition under your command and am deeply impressed with your initiative, skill at arms, and organizational acumen. Your efforts to support our allies in rebellion in Canada have not gone unnoticed, and Congress recognizes the significant contributions you have made to our shared cause.
However, there is concern among the members of Congress regarding the absence of any representatives from Canada to join their ranks. This has caused some unease, though it does not diminish the gratitude we hold for your remarkable service in the field.
That said, I must address a pressing matter regarding command in the northern theatre. Numerous reports from General Montgomery's army have reached us, many of which speak to the challenges under his leadership. There are those who advocate for his replacement by an officer of greater energy and decisiveness, someone capable of transforming the current difficulties into victory and stability among the officers and allies under your combined command.
While Congress will not yet grant you the rank of general—a decision influenced by concerns over the number of Connecticut officers already holding such positions—I am pleased to offer you some assurance that the burdens of your current position will be alleviated. If your reports are accurate, the following news should ease many of your logistical difficulties. And that of your tired and weary troops
General Jonathan Halbert has been appointed to relieve General Montgomery and assume command of the Canadian Expedition. He brings with him the authority to address many pressing concerns, including the provision of funds, equipment, and other essential resources. Moreover, I have written to Congress to ensure that the debts accrued by your expedition will be assumed by the Continental Army, provided all receipts are signed, dated, and cataloged for review. Any expenditures deemed unrelated to the war effort will remain your responsibility, but I am confident that the majority will be properly accounted for.
Your sacrifices for this cause have been extraordinary, and I hold the deepest respect for your unwavering dedication. I trust that your continued service will bring about a most virtuous and glorious victory for our noble endeavor.
Hold the line, Colonel. General Halbert will have need of you when he arrives.
Yours in service,
General George Washington
Commander in Chief, Continental Army
Arnold lowered the letter, his mind churning. The words of praise from Washington brought a warm sense of validation. The acknowledgment of his efforts and sacrifices felt like a balm after months of hardship and struggle. Yet, there was a sting in the decision not to promote him. He had expected it—Connecticut officers were already viewed as overrepresented—but it did little to soothe the disappointment.
Still, the arrival of Halbert brought a glimmer of hope. Resources, funds, and a stronger command structure could mean the difference between survival and disaster. He only hoped Halbert would arrive before the situation deteriorated further.
Arnold sighed, folding the letter carefully before tucking it into his coat. He stepped to the window, gazing out over the frozen city. Quebec, with its snow-laden rooftops and winding streets, had become a precarious foothold in a hostile land. The men were restless, supplies were strained, and the enemy would not remain idle for long. He knew that Halifax was eager to regain their great city, so that they could continue a campaign that would be vital to ending their fair attempt at the Republic.
He had no choice but to hold, as Washington had commanded. Halbert would bring reinforcements and relief, and together, they would take the fight to the British once more.
But until then, the burden was his alone to bear.
AN: Enjoy
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