Doctor James Tacher (1754-1844), surgeon of the Continental Army documented his life and work during the Revolutionary War. He witnessed may pivotal moments of this big historical event. He was there, when General Arthur St. Clair abandoned Fort Ticonderoga on 5th July 1777.
Here it is, what Thacher wrote in his journal about that day
By reason of an extraordinary and unex- pected event, the course of my Journal has been interrupted for several days. At about 12 o’clock, in the night of the 5th instant, I was urgently called from sleep, and informed that our army was in motion, and was instantly to abandon Ticonderoga and Mount Independence, I could scarcely believe that my in- formant was in earnest, but the confusion and bustle soon convinced me that it was really true, and that the short time allowed demanded my utmost industry. It was enjoined on me immediately to collect the sick and wounded , and as much of the hospital stores as possible, and assist in embarking them on board the batteaux and boats at the shore.