encamped on the Plains of Abraham. Panic seized the small force
which had held on so long. On the ships were ten thousand fresh
British troops. The one thing for the Americans to do was to get
away; and they fled, leaving behind guns, supplies, even clothing
and private papers. Five days later Franklin, at Montreal, was
dismayed by the distressing news of disaster.

Congress sent six regiments to reinforce the army which had fled
from Quebec. It was a desperate venture. Washington's orders were
that the Americans should fight the new British army as near
Quebec as possible. The decisive struggle took place on the 8th
of June. An American force under the command of General Thompson
attacked Three Rivers, a town on the St. Lawrence, half way
between Quebec and Montreal. They were repulsed and the general
was taken prisoner. The wonder is indeed that the army was not
annihilated. Then followed a disastrous retreat. Short of
supplies, ravaged by smallpox, and in bad weather, the invaders
tried to make their way back to Lake Champlain. They evacuated
Montreal. It is hard enough in the day of success to hold
together an untrained army. In the day of defeat such a force is
apt to become a mere rabble. Some of the American regiments
preserved discipline. Others fell into complete disorder as, weak
and discouraged, they retired to Lake Champlain. Many soldiers
perished of disease. "I did not look into a hut or a tent," says
an observer, "in which I did not find a dead or dying man." Those
who had huts were fortunate. The fate of some was to die without
medical care and without cover. By the end of June what was left.
of the force had reached Crown Point on Lake Champlain.

Benedict Arnold, who had been wounded at Quebec, was now at Crown