 Hazen , ever since his return to the United States in 1776 , had maintained a constant stream of communications with Congress , primarily on the subject of Canada . In January 1778 , these communications bore some fruit , when , with French assistance , planning for an invasion of Canada began . Hazen was assigned the job of deputy quartermaster for this operation . However , the planning was hampered by supply and staffing difficulties , and never got off the ground . It was ultimately cancelled by Congress in March 1778 . 
