To capture the fort with its treasures would be to strike a blow at England's supremacy which would tell more than any concerted action at Boston.
"Call the roll," ordered Allen.
Two hundred and seventy men answered the call, and Allen shouted for joy.
"Men of the Great Mountains, we are strong, because a mountain boy is worth ten men of the valleys. We shall capture Ticonderoga. I cannot offer you life; many may be killed, more wounded; but remember we have fought for our homes, we must now fight for our country. We have driven the Yorkers out of the Green Mountains, we must now drive the English out of America, or compel them to recognize our right to govern ourselves. Will you follow me?"
A tremendous shout in the affirmative went up from those brave patriots, and Ethan Allen was so overcome with emotion that for a few moments he could not speak.
Then, raising his sword above his head, he shouted:
"On to Ticonderoga! Victory and freedom, or death, for every man who hears my voice!"
And the Green Mountain Boys took up the cry:
"On to Ticonderoga! Victory or death!"