7. Carleton abandoned Montreal without a fight
The loss of St. Johns led to the desertion of nearly 500 of the militia upon which Carleton had hoped to rely for his defense of Montreal. Carleton had at his disposal a small fleet of vessels with which he could move men and supplies. Following the surrender of St. Johns Montgomery occupied positions along the Saint Lawrence River, where the local French Canadians welcomed his troops with enthusiasm. When the Americans placed artillery in positions which threatened Carleton’s shipping (and his escape route) the British commander decided that Montreal was indefensible with the forces at this disposal. On November 11, he abandoned the city, withdrawing to Quebec.
While at Montreal, Montgomery’s army was reduced due to the expiration of the enlistments of many of his men. The general was actively recruited in the area of the city. Nearby, Colonel David Livingston raised a regiment of about 200 men, designated the 1st Canadian Regiment, which joined Montgomery’s force for the attack on Quebec. By the time Montgomery was ready for the assault on Quebec, he had roughly 500 men, leaving another 200 to garrison Montreal when he advanced. He also had word from Arnold of his expedition moving forward. On November 19, the remaining British ships below Montreal surrendered to the Americans, and the way to Quebec was opened.