Page:Aristopia (1895).pdf/227

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topia was irresistible, and the British at Montreal immediately surrendered. A strong force was hurried across the country to St. John's, while the Aristopian vessels entered the Sorel and captured the British vessels sent to relieve St. John's. Carleton, the Governor of Canada, made his escape from one of these vessels in a small boat at night, and went to Quebec.

The British force at St. John's being captured, the expedition proceeded to Quebec as hastily as possible. The British garrison at that strongpoint had been warned of the approaching attack, but they were entirely too weak to withstand, even in their stronghold, the combined forces of the Aristopians and General Montgomery. Seeing themselves besieged by a strong fleet on the river and a numerous army on land, with winter near at hand, and not the slightest hope of succor from England before spring, the garrison surrendered. Among the prisoners was Governor Carleton. Ethan Allen and his little band were also recaptured.

Winter had already begun in that high latitude, and there was nothing further to be done. With the heavy cannons of Aristopia commanding the St. Lawrence from the forts at Quebec, Montreal, and Kingston, and a fleet to aid the