Far from being dispirited by this reverse of fortune, that body redoubled its exertions to hasten reinforcements to the army in Canada, and urged the several conventions to collect for its use all the specie they could obtain.

These measures were, in some degree, accelerated by having been anticipated by the Commander-in-chief.[25] [Footnote 25: On the first intelligence received in the camp at Boston of the fate of Montgomery, General Washington, though extremely delicate respecting the assumption of power, without waiting for the orders of congress, had immediately requested the New England governments to raise several regiments to reinforce that army.

This proceeding was approved by congress.] The service in Canada being deemed of too much importance to be entrusted to Colonel, now Brigadier General Arnold, or to General Wooster; and the health of General Schuyler not admitting of his proceeding to Quebec; General Thomas, an officer who had acquired reputation at Roxbury, was ordered to take command of the army in that province.
In the hope of exciting throughout Canada the sentiments which prevailed in the United Colonies, and of forming with it a perfect union, three commissioners, Mr.Franklin, Mr.Chase, and Mr.
Carroll,[26] were deputed with full powers on this subject, and with instructions to establish a free press.

These commissioners were directed to assure the people that they would be permitted to adopt such form of government as should be agreeable to themselves; to exercise freely all the rights of conscience; and to be considered as a sister colony, governed by the same general system of mild and equal laws which prevailed in the other colonies, with only such local differences as each might deem conducive to its own happiness.

They were also instructed to inquire into the conduct of the American army, and to correct any irregularities which might be offensive to the people.
[Footnote 26: They were accompanied by Mr.Carroll, a bishop of the Roman Catholic church.] Congress seems to have entertained the opinion expressed by General Washington in a letter to General Schuyler, "that the Province could be secured only by laying hold of the affections of the people, and engaging them heartily in the common cause." In pursuance of this opinion, they adopted the magnanimous policy of compensating those individuals who had suffered for their adherence to the Americans.
[Sidenote: Blockade of Quebec continued.] In the mean time Arnold maintained the blockade of Quebec.