To guard against reinforcements from Canada, means were used to inspire that colony with fears for itself.
[Sidenote: Discontents in a part of the American army.] As the army destined for this expedition was about to move, alarming symptoms of discontent appeared in a part of it.

The Jersey brigade, which had been stationed during the winter at Elizabethtown, was ordered early in May, to march by regiments.

This order was answered by a letter from General Maxwell, stating that the officers of the first regiment had delivered a remonstrance to their Colonel, addressed to the legislature of the state, declaring that, unless their complaints on the subjects of pay and support should obtain the immediate attention of that body, they were, at the expiration of three days, to be considered as having resigned; and requesting the legislature, in that event, to appoint other officers to succeed them.
They declared, however, their readiness to make every preparation for obeying the orders which had been given, and to continue their attention to the regiment until a reasonable time should elapse for the appointment of their successors.

"This," added the letter of General Maxwell, "is a step they are extremely unwilling to take, but it is such as I make no doubt they will all take; nothing but necessity--their not being able to support themselves in time to come, and being loaded with debts contracted in time past, could have induced them to resign at so critical a juncture." The intelligence conveyed in this letter made a serious impression on the Commander-in-chief.

He was strongly attached to the army and to its interests; had witnessed its virtue and its sufferings; and lamented sincerely its present distresses.