Under the command of Benedict Arnold, a group of around 1,100 soldiers set out for Quebec in a bold offensive strategy aimed at gaining control of the British-held territory in Canada. The expedition commenced in order to exploit the early stages of the American Revolution, hoping to win over French-speaking Canadians. Arnold and his troops departed from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and made their way through dense forests, rugged terrain, and rivers that posed constant challenges. The soldiers endured extreme hardship, facing hunger, illness, and the threat of attack from hostile forces. Among their challenges, the men often faced adverse weather and dwindling supplies, which tested their resilience.

The route taken was arduous, involving the portage of heavy equipment and supplies across the untamed wilderness, specifically through the banks of the Kennebec River in Maine. Arnold's leadership was instrumental in maintaining morale as the troops worked to push through the wilderness, driven by the promise of a greater cause. The plan was met with skepticism, but Arnold aimed to secure a surprise attack on Quebec City to inspire the population to rebel against British authority. This initiative reflected a significant strategic point in the revolution, signaling an early American effort to expand the conflict into Canada.

As the forces approached Quebec City, Arnold's advance became a testament to the challenges of guerrilla warfare and the complexity of command logistics in the 18th-century military context. Although the expedition was marred by suffering and reduced effectively to a handful of troops, it marked an essential moment in the Continental Army's efforts to engage British forces in a broader context of war. Arnold’s expedition would ultimately lead to attempts at securing French Canadian alliances and testing American military capabilities beyond its borders. The campaign forged roads from Lexington and Concord to Canada, setting the stage for future operations in the revolutionary war.