This small force was still more enfeebled by being so divided that it was impracticable to unite more than three hundred men at any one point.

All the magazines contained but one hundred and fifty barrels of powder, and six days provisions; nor could adequate supplies from the country people be obtained, as the Canadians no longer manifested any disposition to serve them.
The river began to open below, and it was certain, that the British would seize the first moment of its being practicable, to relieve this important place.

Amidst these unpromising circumstances, the hopes of taking Quebec appeared to General Thomas to be chimerical, and a longer continuance before the town both useless and dangerous.

It was apparent that the first reinforcements which should arrive would deprive him entirely of the use of the river, and consequently would embarrass the removal of his sick, and military stores.

No object remained to justify this hazard.
[Sidenote: The blockade of Quebec is raised.] {May 6.} Under these impressions, he called a council of war, which unanimously determined, that the army was not in a condition to risk an assault--that the sick should be removed to the Three Rivers, and the artillery and other stores embarked in their boats, in order to move to a more defensible position.