What about this? Ethan Allen is of course an American folk hero, and Google
will take you to many references to him, though none mentions the intended
sacrifice. Try <"Ethan Allen" Carden Montreal>. I found this among Sir
Lionel Carden's papers at the library of the Society of Genealogists in
London.
"Frank Moore's Diary of the American Revolution.
An action with a party of rebels commanded by Colonel Ethan Allen in the
neighbourhood of Montreal. The latter had formed a design to surprise and
take possession of that city in which a party of Royalists and some Indians
(commanded by Major Carden) went out and attacked them. In the engagement
Major John Carden, a brave veteran late of the 60th Regt was mortally
wounded by Allen. Presently after an encounter happened between him and Mr
Johnston. Allen fired at him without effect and subsequently surrendered.
The Indians finding Mr Johnston had taken this famous leader proposed
sacrificing him to the memory of Major Carden and Mr Johnston had great
difficulty in saving his life.
From the Middlesex Journal April 2 1776."
This is not of course the rascally Major John Carden who claimed to have
been killed at the battle of Charleston in 1781 (see page 38 of the Report
on the 1998 Carden Gathering, copies of which are now available again from
me), but
both served in the 60th regiment.
Arthur Carden of Horsham, England.