History Packet No. 3

Era 3: Revolution and Settlement - 1763 to 1820

A Journal of the Expedition Against Quebec,
1775-1776

Ebenezer Tolman was born on 31 May 1748 in Attleboro, Massachusetts, the son of Henry Tolman and Mary Slack. After his father's death, eight-year old Ebenezer lived with his grandfather Slack until the age of fourteen, when he apprenticed to a carpenter. About 1769 around the age of twenty-one he moved to Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire.

Tolman enlisted into the Continental Army for eight months in 1775 at Mystic, Massachusetts into Captain Jonathan Whitcomb's Company in Colonel James Reed's Regiment of the New Hampshire Troops. Tolman fought in the battle of Bunker Hill. In September of 1775 he volunteered and was detached to go with Colonel Arnold on the expedition to Quebec, Canada.

September 1775
13th   Marched from Cambridge in the evening and encamped at Malden that night.

14th   This morning marched very early, and encamped that evening at Beverley. This day marched 25 miles - the weather very sultry. Nothing material.

15th   This morning marched briskly along, and got into Newburyport at 8 o'clock at night, where we were to make a stay for some days.

16th   In Newburyport, waiting for the vessels, getting ready to carry us to Kennebec.

17th   This day had a general review, and our men appeared well, and in good spirits, and made a grand appearance, and we had the praise of hundreds of spectators, who were sorry to see so many brave fellows going to be sacrificed for their country.

18th   Had orders to embark in the evening; our fleet consisted of eleven sail of vessels, - sloops and schooners; our number of troops, consisted of 1300 and 11 companies of musketmen and three of riflemen. We were all embarked this evening and lay in the river all night.

19th   Early this morning weighed anchor with a pleasant gale, our colors flying, drums and fifes a playing, and the hills all around covered with pretty girls weeping for their departing swains. This night had like to have proved fatal to us, for we were close aboard of the rocks, before we knew anything about it. We were immediately all called upon deck, expecting every moment to be dashed in pieces against the rocks, but the wind fortunately freshening, we got clear after several tacks, to the great joy of us all.

20th   Arrived at Kennebec river, rowed and sailed up against the wind and tide.

21st   Arrived at fort Weston, where we halted for some days, and here we were furnished with bateaux and provisions, for carrying us up the river. Continued here the 22d, 23 and 24th.

25th   Embarked on board our bateaux and arrived at Fort Halifax in the evening of the 26th.

27th   Carried over Ticonic falls our bateaux and provisions, 40 rods land carriage, and then pushed up three miles.

28th   Pushed up eight miles, the water so bad that the bateaux men were obliged to drag the boats up over the shoals, and in many places were up to their chins in water.

29th   Pushed up to the second carrying-place, called Cohiggin falls.

30th   Carried over 60 rods and pushed up 3 miles.

October
1st   Pushed up over rocks and shoals, where we were many times over head in water, pulling the bateaux over, and arrived at the third carrying place in the evening.

2nd   This day carried over Norridgewalk falls, one mile and a quarter and then encamped very uncomfortably this night after carrying our boats over roots, and rocks and mud.

3rd   Pushed up 11 miles on our way. Capt. Hendrick's company of riflemen shot a young moose which weighed about 200 lbs; but we had none of it, they being before us. This day we left all inhabitants, and entered an uncultivated country, and a barren wilderness. The timber for the most part is birch, pine, and hemlock. Some places on the river side, there are pieces of ground, where large sugar trees grow.

4th   Pushed up eight miles to Tintucket or Hell Gate falls, and carry over forty perches.

5th, 6th, & 7th   Pushed up to the head of Kennebec, where we carried out into a pond. These three last days we came about 20 miles.

8th   This day we pushed on very briskly, it being Sunday, the foremost company lying still on account of heavy rains, but we marched all day, it being very wet and cold, and we suffered a good deal from the inclemency of the weather, and came up with some of them at night.

9th, 10th, & 11th   Carried to the first pond 3½ miles land carriage, crossed the pond two miles.

12th & 13th   Carried to a second pond ¾ of a mile, crossed the pond one mile over, then carried 2 miles to a 3rd pond and crossed the pond two miles over.

14th & 15th   Carried into Dead River three miles and went up one mile, then encamped at night. This river runs so still, that it can scarcely be perceived which way it runs; it is black water, about 4 rods wide and runs S. E.

16th   The water now being deep and dead, we betook ourselves to our barge and rowed up six miles.

17th   Rowed up (after carrying over a small carrying place, about 10 rods) 16 miles.

18th   Rowed up 20 miles, and carried over a small carrying place.

19th   Carried over 4 carrying places, and rowed up about five miles this day.

20th, 21st, 22nd   Were detained in our tents by heavy rain.

23rd   The water being shallow, we were obliged to lay by our oars, and take our setting poles; we pushed up 10 miles.

24th   Our provisions growing scanty, and some of our men being sick, held a council and agreed to send the sick back, and to send a Captain and 50 men forward to the inhabitants as soon as possible, that they might send us some provisions. Accordingly the sick were sent back, and Capt. Handchit with 50 men sent forward. Before this Col. Enos, with three captains and their companies turned back and took with them large stores of provisions and ammunition, being discouraged, (as we supposed) by difficulties they met with. This day got forward nine miles. The water very rapid and many of our boats were upset, and much of our baggage lost and provisions and guns.

25th   Snowed all night; very cold this morning, pushed over two carrying places, and got forward 8 miles this day.

26th   Pushed up 4 ponds and carried over two carrying places, one of them a mile over. The ground covered with snow.

27th   Crossed a pond ½ mile over, and carried 15 rods to another pond, 2 miles over, to the Great Carrying place, 4 miles and 50 perches over. Here it was agreed to leave most of our bateaux, being greatly fatigued by carrying over such hills, rocks and swamps, as were never passed by man before.

28th   After carrying over the Great carrying place, we encamped by a small stream, running into Chaudiere Pond; dealt out to each man four pints of flour and what little meat we had, which was about 4 oz. a man.

29th   Early this morning set out for the head of Chaudiere river. This day we suffered greatly by our bateaux passing by us, for we had to wade waist high through swamps and rivers and breaking ice before us. Here we wandered round all day and came at night to the same place, we left in the morning, where we found a small dry spot, where we made a fire, and we were obliged to stand up all night in order to dry ourselves and keep from freezing. We continued so till next day when a bateaux came up and took us across the river.

30th   At noon were relieved from our miserable situation and we made the best of our way through the woods for Chaudiere.

31st   Pushed on for Chaudiere with all speed, in hopes of overtaking our bateaux in order to get some flour, for ours was all expended; but to our great grief and sorrow, our bateaux were stove and the flour was lost, and the men barely escaped with their lives; now we were in a miserable situation, not a mouthful of provisions, and by account 70 miles from inhabitants, and we had a wilderness, barren and destitute of any sustenance to go through, where we expected to suffer hunger, cold and fatigue. Here the captain with the ablest men pushed forward, in order to get provisions to send back for the sick.

November
1st   This morning started very early and hungry and little satisfied with our night's rest. Traveled all day very briskly, and at night encamped in a miserable situation. Here we killed a dog and we made a very great feast without either bread or salt, we having been 4 or 5 days without any provisions, and we went to sleep that night, a little better satisfied. Our distress was so great, that dollars were offered for bits of bread, as big as the palm of one's hand.

2nd   This morning when we arose, many of us were so weak, that we could hardly stand, and we staggered about like drunken men. However we made shift to get our packs on, and marched off, hoping to see some inhabitants this night. A small stick across the road was sufficient to bring the stoutest to the ground. In the evening we came in sight of the cattle coming up the river side, which were sent by Col. Arnold, who got in two days before. It was the joyfullest sight that ever I beheld, and some could not refrain from crying for joy. We were told by the men, who came with the cattle, that we were yet twenty miles from the nearest inhabitants. Here we killed a creature, and we had some coarse flour served out, straws in it an inch long. Here we made a noble feast and some of the men were so hungry, before the creature was dead, the hide and flesh were on the fire broiling.

3rd   Marched this day 20 miles, wading several small rivers, some of them up to our middle and very cold. In the evening came in sight of a house, the first we had seen for 41 days.

4th   Last night had a plenty of beef and potatoes, but little or no bread to be had. Snowed most of the night. In the morning marched down the river to inhabitants thick settled.

5th   Continued our march down the river. The people very hospitable, provisions plenty, but very dear, milk one shilling sterling per quart, and bread a shilling per loaf, weighing no more than 3 pounds. Came this day twelve miles.

6th   Came up with Col. Arnold, and the advance party. Marched off together at 2 o'clock and marched till 12 o'clock at night. Roads excessively bad, most of the way mid leg deep, with mud and water. Marched 17 miles.

7th   Marched three miles, then halted till night, when a lieutenant and 20 men were sent forward, to see if our way was clear. Accordingly they marched till near 2 o'clock in the morning, and when we halted we were in sight of Quebec, the river St. Lawrence between us and the town.

8th   Took up our quarters along the river side, until our troops behind could come up; here we stayed till the 13th. By this time all the men alive were come up, several having perished with hunger in the woods. During our stay here, we took a midshipman, belonging to a frigate in the harbor, who came on shore with some others in a boat to carry away flour from a mill on our side of the river. The river is about one mile or some better wide. At the city one £8 gun frigate and a sloop of war, with some merchant men in the harbor.

13th   Crossed the river at night in long boats and canoes. Some of the canoes over set in the river, but none of the men lost, only some few guns and some clothes. Got all over against morning at a place called Wolf's cove.

14th   This morning were fired upon by the frigate, but received no damage; took up our quarters in some good houses near the town, which were forsaken by the owners. Here we remained till the 20th. During which time we were informed that there were not more than 100 regulars in the city, with a number of sailors and other new recruits, in all not exceeding four hundred under arms. The first day we came over the river, we passed close by the walls of the town, and gave three cheers without being molested by the enemy, who fired a few shots from their cannon, but did no harm.

21st   Marched up the river 20 miles to Point Aux Tremble, our ammunition being almost expended, and too scanty to attack the town with. Here we were joined by Genl. Montgomery with the York forces from Montreal, who had taken St. John's fort, Chambles and Montreal. In these places they took a great quantity of provisions, clothing, ammunition and cannon, with 950 prisoners. Remained here till the 5th December, when we marched back to Quebec, and laid siege to the town. Continued the siege until the 29th, during which time we took several prisoners and cannonaded and bombarded each other both day and night. During these transactions the two men who had been left with Lt. M'Cleland, came to us and informed us that they had buried him at the first inhabitants, after he had been brought down the river by two Indians, hired by Capt. Smith for that purpose.

December
Sunday 30th & 31st   It began to thicken up towards night, and snowed very much. We were ordered to be in readiness, and at 2 o'clock at night, we were mustered, and got all fit for scaling the walls, and marched near to the city, some with ladders, some with axes, and some with saws. Gen. Montgomery with his forces, on the one quarter, and Col. Arnold on the other hand. Gen. Montgomery was to throw three sky rockets into the air for a signal for each party to strike together. Accordingly, about 5 o'clock, in the morning, began the attack; but they could not get to the walls, but retreated back to their quarters, Gen. Montgomery and two leading officers being killed by the fire from the city. There were three or four false flashes made, for a signal to retreat, but Col. Arnold did not receive them, but carried on the attack on his quarter, and got possession of their two gun battery, and took 70 prisoners. Our colonel being wounded in the beginning of the attack, was carried back, and the captains themselves then took the lead, and drove the enemy, until overpowered by numbers and surrounded, we were obliged to surrender ourselves prisoners of war. During the attack Capt. Hendrick and Capt. Hubbard, with Capt. Morgan's first Lieutenant, were killed. Likewise they set St. Roche all on fire. We were all put in the French convent, and there they gave us a gill of rum to drink and hard bread to eat.

January 1776
1st   Our allowance of provisions is one pound of bread and a half pound of pork, and one gill of rice for a day, and 6 oz. of butter for a week.

2nd   In prison. This day we had a cask of porter sent to us by some gentlemen of the town.

3rd & 4th   The general sent for a list of our names, of the old countrymen in particular by themselves, that were with us, and they chiefly listed in the king's service.

5th to 8th   The prisoners petitioned to have their packs sent in to them, whereupon they sent out a flag, and received them for us.

8th to 15th   The general sent for a list of the occupations of the prisoners. The small pox is very plenty with us.

15th to 19th   Capt. Hubbard died with the wound he received a coming in.

19th   This day I was taken down with the small pox and carried to the hospital and in 15 days was able to return to the prison.

19th to 22nd   Five of those that listed out of prison, and five others deserted the garrison in the night. There were two men put in irons for attempting to break out of prison.

22nd to 25th   There were three vessels and a house burnt by our people. The enemy went into St. Roche after plunder. There were two of our people taken a going to set fire to the shipping.

25th to 29th   There were eight men deserted the garrison. The people go out into St. Roche every day, and fetch in the remains of the buildings that were burnt.

29th to 31st   Two men of Capt. Ward's company died with the small pox. The men are getting well, some of them.

February
1st to 5th   There were 2 men deserted, 7 of our men died with the small pox, and one man died with the pleurisy. He was sick but 4 days.

5th to 9th   Three men deserted. Forty men lay sick in prison.

9th to 12th   Very snowy. The storm very heavy. Three men were stifled to death in the night on duty.

12th to 16th   This morning 60 men went to the hospital with the small-pox. The men have it very favorably.

16th to 20th   Six of the old countrymen, that listed out deserted, and the remainder of them put into prison again, because those deserted.

20th to 24th   Five men died with the small pox. The enemy made an attempt to go out after our people's cannon, and got drove back. There was a continual firing after them.

24th to 31st   Nothing remarkable.

March
1st to 6th   Three men deserted.

6th to 10th   One of the prisoners was put in irons for talking with one of the sentries. We hear that Boston is taken by our people.

10th to 13th   There was an alarm in the city at 10 o'clock at night. A large picket was set around the prison, and a field piece before the door.

13th to 18th   The "emigrants" are moved into the artillery barracks, and the rest of us into a stone goal and are locked up at 7 o'clock at night.

18th to 25th   Nothing remarkable.

25th to 30th   In the night one of the prisoners got out of prison and run to our people. We are in a miserable condition, having no wood, we almost freeze.

30th to 31st   Most of the prisoners consulted together to break out of prison, to try their best to take the town, but as one of the persons was cutting away some ice at the cellar door, in order to have it handy to open at a moment, to go out at, the sentry standing nigh, and hearing the cutting, acquainted the officers of the guard, who acquainted some other officers, and they coming in, inquired who was cutting at the door, and what they were [about]. On which, one of the prisoners informed them of all the transactions that were going forward. The officers searched all the rooms in the prison, and every man's pack, to see if they could find any arms or ammunition, for they supposed some of the people in the town had supplied us with arms and ammunition; but they could not find any such thing with us. At this we were put all in to strong irons.

April
1st to 14th   Our people having a battery across the river, at Point Levi, they threw shot into the town very merry. The officers of the guard are very particular with us. They call a roll and count us morning and evening.

14th to 27th   It is very sickly with us. The scurvy and lameness rage very much, occasioned by living on salt provisions.

27th to 31st   The town was alarmed in the night.

May
1st to 6th   Nothing strange; but in great distress and despair.

6th   This morning 3 ships came in with a re-enforcement of about one thousand men. All the bells in the town rang for joy most of the day. Then all the forces in the town marched out on Abraham's Plains to have a battle with our people, but they retreated as fast as possible and left a number of sick in the hospital. Likewise some of their cannon and ammunition with a number of small arms and packs.

7th & 8th   The general ordered the irons to be taken off the prisoners. The general likewise gave the "Emigrants" their liberty again. This morning two ships came in. The ships have gone up the river, and a number of troops by land, for Montreal.

9th to 14th   Three ships and three brigs came in. There were six prisoners put in with us, taken strolling about. One company set out for Montreal.

14th to 19th   Two ships went out. One of them a packet for England.

19th to 23rd   One ship and a number of small craft came in. Thirteen prisoners listed into the king's service. One ship sailed out.

23rd   Our allowance is one pound of soft bread and one pound of beef.

24th to 26th   The militia have laid down their arms. One of those men that went out of prison was put on board a 50 gun ship; but he did not incline to enter on board, and they put him in irons, and threatened to hang him, but he was taken out of irons and put into prison again in the evening. Robert Beard was taken out of prison and has got his liberty. He is going home by water to Ireland.

26th to 30th   One ship went out, and twenty came in. There were 8 or 9 prisoners taken out to work; they stayed out 1 or 2 days, and were required to swear allegiance to the king, that they would not take up arms against him, and to make known all experiments against him.

30th & 31st   Four ships came in; one brig and two ships went out.

June
1st to the 5th   Eighteen ships came in with Gen'l. Burgoyne. There are six thousand Hessians and Hanoverians come to assist the king's troops. Five hundred marched up the river for Montreal.

5th   This day General Carlton with a number of the officers, came to see us, and inquired of us whether we had fared as well as they promised us we should when we were taken. We told him we fared very well. He said he did not take us as enemies, and likewise said if he could rely upon our honors, he would send us to New England, if we would be quiet and peaceable, and not take up arms any more.

June 6th, A. D. 1776.

A copy of an answer sent to Gen'l. Carlton.

May it Please Your Excellency:
We, the prisoners in His Majesty's goals, return your Excellency our most happy and unfeigned thanks for your clemency and goodness to us whilst in imprisonment. Being sensible of your humanity, we give your Excellency thanks for your offer made us yesterday, and having a desire to return to our friends and families again, we promise not to take up arms against His Majesty, but remain peaceable and quiet in our respective places of abode, and we further assure your Excellency that you may depend on our fidelity. So we remain your Excellency's humble servants.

Signed in behalf of the prisoners.

7th to 12th   Thirteen of the prisoners were taken out to go a fishing. Two ships sailed. Gov. Carlton has gone up to Montreal. One regiment has set out for the same place. The French are obliged to send a number out of every parish.

12th to 17th   Two of the prisoners that were out at work, run away.

17th to 21st   A child killed with lightning. Two ships came in.

21st to 25th   Nothing strange.

25th to 30th   The soldiers are cut short of their allowance of bread - half a pound a week; likewise the prisoners the same. A company marched for Montreal. One ship came in.

July
1st to 7th   Five ships came in, and three schooners. Two prisoners were put in with us, that were taken up at Montreal by the Indians.

7th to 14th   Nothing remarkable.

14th to 19th   Col. McLean came from Montreal.

19th to 21st   A ship came in. One of the prisoners, that were taken last, was taken out and confined in close prison in irons for talking saucy to the provost.

21st   This day a number of the prisoners, that went out to work, ran away through the woods. The general has sent after them.

22nd   The General has come down from Montreal.

23rd to 27th   One ship came in and one went out. One of the prisoners taken crazy.

27th to 29th   One ship sailed. Two officers came into prison, and inquired if there were not some of us, that wanted shirts. They were told, there was a number of us that had none. They told us we should all have shirts, that wanted. They likewise told us, we should be sent home in ten days.

29th to 31st   Our officers have the liberty of the town.

August 1st to 3rd   Nothing remarkable.

4th   The General sent for all the prisoners to come in, who were out in the country at work, that were minded to go home.

5th   This day ninety-five prisoners embarked on board the ship.

6th   This day expected to embark, but were disappointed.

7th   This day the men all in good spirits, and embarked on board the ships. Sixty of the prisoners on board the Mermaid.

8th   This day our provisions are pork, peas and hard bread. The wind in our favor, but waiting for orders to sail. At night removed from the Mermaid to the John Christopher.

9th   This day our provision is fresh meat and soft bread. The wind in our favor, but no orders to sail.

10th   Last night a brig came down the river with 28 prisoners. At little Wolf's Cove, the wind blows up the river.

11th   This morning the signal was given for sailing. Weighed anchor and went down about one mile. At night weighed anchor, and went down the river thirteen miles. The weather cold and stormy.

12th   This morning the signal was given. We weighed anchor and beat down the river about 11 miles, and came to an anchor, the wind being strong against us.

13th   This day we lay by waiting for the wind.

14th   This morning weighed anchor with a pleasant gale of wind. Sailed down the river about 15 miles, and came to an anchor. Then hove up, and with a brisk wind, sailed down the river to the Isle Obeeck, 50 leagues from Quebec.

15th   Having a prosperous gale of wind, we made sail. In the afternoon passed by a Frigate, lying in the river, to see if there was no fleet coming up except their own.

16th   This day we had a very brief wind.

17th   The wind breezed up in our favor.

18th   Left Gasey and made St. John's Island.

19th   St. John's Island being eleven leagues long, we sailed by it most of the day. Hove in sight of Cape Breton Island, before we left Saint Johns. Espied a ship in distress, cast away on the end of the island, her foremast, mizzenmast and bowsprit carried away. A barge was sent on board from our convoy, but we have heard no return.

20th   We were detained by beating round the island to get letters ashore to the Governor of the island, concerning the wreck, that was run ashore.

21st   This day, we had a small breeze of wind against us. At night came to an anchor, in order to send a boat ashore with letters to the Governor.

22nd   This morning the boat went ashore and returned about sunset. Then hove up with a brisk wind. Sailed all night.

23rd   This day went thro' Canso Gut into Chebucto Bay. Left it this night and came in to the open ocean.

24th   It was our misfortune to have the wind ahead, so that we drifted from our course, and made little or no head way this day.

25th   Sunday - The wind still ahead. Changed our course N. W., and made Cancer Shore that night.

26th   This day the wind got about almost fair, and breezed up a very brisk gale about dark.

27th   The wind held fair and strong till about 2 o'clock this afternoon.

28th   The wind died away and there was a large swell.

29th   This morning the wind quickened up, and the captain of the ship took an observation and found us to be in latitude 42°, which is Boston latitude.

30th   A light breeze, but very fair, and continued so this day.

31st   We were told, by the second mate, that we were abreast of New York, and were afraid to put in for a harbor, for fear our Privateers would give them a basting.

September
1st   Sunday - Were this night informed, that we were south of Pennsylvania.

2nd   This day kept our course S. W. until the morning, the wind being yet ahead.

3rd   This morning we were almost up with the Virginia Cape. We about ship and run upon the other tack.

4th   About 3 o'clock this morning, blew up a squall and a heavy shower of rain. We were obliged to shorten sail, and stand before it.

5th   Fortune yet frowning in regard to the wind, we look up within two points.

6th   We were informed by the shipmen, according to reckoning, that we were in the latitude of Philadelphia. Latitude 39° North.

At this point Tolman's journal abruptly ends. What is known is that Tolman and his fellow prisoners were finally put ashore on a New Jersey beach at midnight and simply turned loose. They made their way to Elizabethport where they received a "hospitable " welcome. With his enlistment expired Tolman was discharged in the fall of 1776 and presumably returned to Fitzwilliam.

Tolman, along with many others, did not follow their parole agreement with England to not take up arms against the king. In 1777 Tolman again enlisted, this time for a three-year term in Captain Elijah Clayes Company in Colonel Nathan Hale's New Hampshire Regiment. He rejoined the army at Fort Ticonderoga in May and was appointed Orderly Sergeant. Tolman fought in the battle of Hubbardston in July. In August, however, after three mouths of service, Tolman took sick and hired Amos Boynton (also on the Arnold Expedition) from Fitzwilliam to replace him. After leaving the army Tolman returned to Fitzwilliam.

In 1781, after regaining his health from his years of service, Tolman married Mary Clark. The couple continued to live in Fitzwilliam until about 1787 when they moved to Marlboro. By 1790 the Tolman's had made another move, this time to Parkersfield (before it was called Nelson) where Ebenezer lived until 1838, when he died at the age of 90.

Ebenezer Tolman's journal and biographical sketch was published in the Celebration of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the First Settlement of Nelson, New Hampshire, 1767-1917, Nelson Picnic Association, August 15, 1917.