Lieutenant Benjamin Whitcomb, Part 3 - "Its Design Is Somewhat Artful"
British Brigadier General Patrick Gordon died on August 1, 1776 , a week after he was shot near St. Johns, Quebec, by American Lieutenant Benjamin Whitcomb . Three days later Sir Guy Carleton, the commander in chief of British forces in Canada ordered: "The commanding Officers of Corps will take especial care that every one under their command be informed, that Letters, or messages from Rebels, Traitors in Arms against the King, Rioters, disturbers of the public Peace, Plunderers, Robbers, Assassins, or Murderers, are on no occasion to be admitted: That should emissaries from such lawless Men again presume to approach the Army, whether under the name of Flag of Truce Men or Ambassadors except when they come to implore the King's mercy, their persons shall be immediately seized and committed to close confinement to be proceeded against as the Law directs: Their Papers & Letters for whomsoever directed (even this Com'r in Chief) are to be deliver'd to the Provost Ma...