a point that blocked their view from the fort, Phelps quickly took up an oar, and being a strong active man as well as a good oarsman, he excited the suspicion of the oarsman by his efficient work. The boatman remarked with an oath, 'You have seen an oar before now, sir.' This excited the suspicion of the boatman at the time that he was not a good and loyal citizen, but a rebel, however his fear of Phelps' superior strength prevented any attempt to carry him back to the fort. This the boatman confessed to Capt. Phelps after the surrender of the fort. Capt. Phelps returned safely to his command, and reported the intelligence he had gained to General Ethan Allen. The information he gathered enabled the attacking force to plan a surprise dawn raid that resulted in the bloodless taking of the fort. Trenton and Princeton At about this time Phelps raised a militia company mostly at his own expense, and was appointed captain. He served under Col. Ward, was at Fort Lee, joined General George Washington's army, and was at the battles of Trenton and Princeton. Later he acted as commissary, and after the war was chosen Maj. Gen. of militia. As commissary, he supplied troops with all manner of supplies, including guns and bayonets, clothing, "victualing and liquor," and lodgings for his troops and horses. References External links Noah Phelps Papers William L. Clements Library, The University of Michigan Service record from Francis B. Heitman's Historical Register of Officers of the Continental Army 1740 births 1809 deaths American militia generals American people of English descent Connecticut militiamen in the American Revolution Military personnel from Connecticut