Roger Enos Bails on the Quebec Expedition
Roger Enos commanded the rear guard on Benedict Arnold’s Quebec Expedition.
In an effort to save his men, Enos retreated and was given a court martial for his decision.
Published 12/12/19 - Updated 12/2/21
Roger Enos
Roger Enos was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Connecticut Militia who marched his men to Boston after Lexington and Concord.
While he was there, Enos participated in the Battle of Bunker Hill.
He spent the Summer of 1775 on patrol around the city during the Siege of Boston.
This is when Enos was tasked with a special assignment…
Special Assignment
Roger was one of three men chosen to command a company during Benedict Arnold’s Quebec Expedition. The other two were Christopher Greene and Daniel Morgan.
The goal of the Expedition was to cross the Maine wilderness and meet the Northern Army for an invasion of Quebec.
Roger Enos was instructed to take up the rear guard.
Maine Wilderness
Unfortunately, this trip was much longer and more arduous than planned. Additionally, winter set in early.
The men were unprepared and underfed...on the verge of starvation.
Halfway through, Enos decided that the best decision for his men was to turn around and return to Boston.
This was done, but the rest of the Expedition successfully reached Quebec and many people began to ridicule Roger as a traitor.
Although he received a court martial he was totally absolved of any wrongdoing, with many of the men who oversaw the trial releasing statements in Enos’ favor.
Vermont
Roger was still unable to shake the label of traitor back home in Connecticut and decided to relocate to Vermont.
He was almost immediately placed in charge of a militia unit in his adopted home, eventually being appointed as a Major General.
Enos spent the rest of his life as a major leader of Vermont, eventually being buried in the Ira and Ethan Allen family graveyard.
I have written about several Founders from VERMONT.
Here are a few of my favorites:
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