Washington's orders were that the Americans should fight the new British army as near Quebec as possible.
The decisive struggle took place on the 8th of June.

An American force under the command of General Thompson attacked Three Rivers, a town on the St.Lawrence, half way between Quebec and Montreal.

They were repulsed and the general was taken prisoner.

The wonder is indeed that the army was not annihilated.

Then followed a disastrous retreat.