Member-only story

Major Reuben Colburn Benedict Arnold and the March to Quebec: A Tale of Bravery, Resilience, and Misfortune

Joseph Foster

·2.6k Followers· Follow

Published in Patriot On The Kennebec: Major Reuben Colburn Benedict Arnold And The March To Quebec 1775

6 min read

204 View Claps

42 Respond

Save

Listen

Prologue: A Man of Ambition and Vision

In the annals of American history, the name Benedict Arnold is forever entwined with both brilliance and betrayal. Yet, before his infamous act of treachery, Arnold was a respected military leader whose daring exploits earned him the admiration of his contemporaries. Major Reuben Colburn Benedict Arnold, a lesser-known but equally courageous figure, stood by Arnold's side during one of his most ambitious and ill-fated campaigns: the March to Quebec.

Patriot on the Kennebec: Major Reuben Colburn, Benedict Arnold and the March to Quebec, 1775

by Mark A. York

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2332 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	163 pages

Chapter 1: Embarking on an Audacious Expedition

In the autumn of 1775, as the American Revolutionary War raged on, General George Washington sanctioned a daring plan to capture the strategic city of Quebec, the stronghold of British power in Canada. The task of leading this formidable mission fell upon Benedict Arnold, a man known for his bravery and resourcefulness. Major Reuben Colburn Benedict Arnold, a close confidant of Arnold, eagerly volunteered to join the expedition.

The undertaking was fraught with peril. The journey to Quebec would necessitate traversing hundreds of miles of uncharted wilderness, braving unforgiving terrain, inclement weather, and hostile native tribes. The British, too, were aware of Arnold's plans and dispatched forces to intercept and thwart his advance.

Chapter 2: Traversing the Perilous Wilderness

On September 11, 1775, Arnold's motley army of 1,100 men set off from Fort Western in Augusta, Maine. Major Arnold, along with his fellow officers, faced the daunting task of guiding their troops through treacherous forests, across raging rivers, and over towering mountains. The terrain proved to be as relentless as the enemy they sought. Provisions dwindled, the cold gnawed at their bones, and disease stalked the ranks.

Yet, the intrepid Major Arnold pressed on, inspiring his men with his unwavering determination. He employed his knowledge of wilderness survival, skillfully navigating the unforgiving landscape and devising ingenious methods to overcome the countless obstacles in their path. Arnold's leadership and resilience proved invaluable as they pushed deeper into the Canadian wilderness.

Chapter 3: Confrontation at the St. Lawrence

After enduring weeks of grueling travel, Arnold's force reached the St. Lawrence River, the final barrier separating them from Quebec. However, their hopes of a swift crossing were dashed when they encountered British warships patrolling the waterway. Undeterred, Arnold ordered the construction of bateaux, small flat-bottomed boats, which they used to ferry troops and supplies across the river under the cover of darkness.

The crossing was not without casualties. British gunboats harassed the American boats, and several soldiers lost their lives in the treacherous waters. But Arnold's determination remained unshaken. He rallied his weary troops and pressed on towards Quebec, now within striking distance.

Chapter 4: The Battle of Quebec: A Pyrrhic Victory

On December 1, 1775, after an arduous journey that tested their limits, Arnold's army approached the walls of Quebec. The city was heavily fortified and defended by a strong British garrison. Despite the odds stacked against them, Arnold launched a bold assault on the city's defenses.

Major Arnold, at the forefront of the attack, led his men with unwavering valor. They scaled the icy slopes of the city walls, engaging in fierce hand-to-hand combat with the British defenders. However, the British resistance proved too formidable. Arnold himself was severely wounded in the leg, effectively ending his participation in the battle.

Without their leader, the American forces were forced to retreat. The Battle of Quebec resulted in a bittersweet victory for the Americans. They had successfully captured several British outposts but failed to take the city itself. The cost had been great: over 100 American soldiers had fallen, including many of Arnold's closest comrades.

Chapter 5: The Long Retreat: A Harrowing Ordeal

Following their defeat at Quebec, the remnants of Arnold's army faced the daunting task of retreating back to American territory. The harsh winter conditions and dwindling supplies compounded by the relentless pursuit of British forces made their journey a desperate fight for survival. Major Arnold, despite his grievous wound, remained a source of inspiration and support for his beleaguered troops.

Arnold's determination and tactical brilliance were instrumental in guiding his men through the unforgiving Canadian wilderness. He devised ingenious strategies to evade British pursuers and led his starving and exhausted troops to safety, enduring unimaginable hardships along the way. Their harrowing ordeal exemplified the resilience and tenacity of the American spirit in the face of adversity.

Chapter 6: The Aftermath: Recognition and Regret

Arnold and his weary army eventually made it back to American lines in the spring of 1776. Despite their failure to capture Quebec, their audacious expedition had demonstrated their unwavering patriotism and military prowess. Major Reuben Colburn Benedict Arnold was hailed as a hero, honored for his bravery and leadership during the treacherous march.

However, Benedict Arnold's legacy would be forever tarnished by his later act of betrayal. In 1780, he defected to the British side, an act that cast a long shadow over his previous military accomplishments. Nonetheless, Major Reuben Colburn Benedict Arnold's contribution during the ill-fated March to Quebec remains a testament to the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of those who fought for American independence.

Epilogue: A Legacy of Bravery and Resilience

The March to Quebec, though ultimately unsuccessful in its primary objective, was a remarkable feat of human endurance, determination, and resilience. Major Reuben Colburn Benedict Arnold, a loyal and courageous officer, stood alongside Benedict Arnold and shared in the toils and tribulations of this epic adventure. His story serves as an enduring reminder of the sacrifices made by countless unsung heroes who shaped the course of American history.

Patriot on the Kennebec: Major Reuben Colburn, Benedict Arnold and the March to Quebec, 1775

by Mark A. York

4.1 out of 5