On the evening of the same day, intelligence was received that a British fleet was below; and, the next morning, five ships, which had, with much labour and danger, made their way up the river through the ice, appeared in sight.

They soon entered the harbour, and landed some men whilst the Americans were assiduously employed in the embarkation of their sick and stores--an operation carried on the more slowly, because the first appearance of the ships deprived them of the aid expected from the teams and carriages of the Canadians.
About noon, Carleton made a sortie at the head of one thousand men, formed in two divisions, and supported by six field pieces.

The Americans had thrown up no intrenchments, and could not bring into action more than three hundred men.

Under these circumstances, victory was scarcely possible, and could have produced no important effect.
General Thomas, therefore, with the advice of the field officers about him, determined not to risk an action, and ordered his troops to retreat up the river.

This was done with much precipitation, and many of the sick, with all the military stores, fell into the hands of the enemy.