December 31 marks the anniversary of the American attempt to capture Quebec from the British in 1775. The expedition led by General Richard Montgomery and his lieutenant, Benedict Arnold ended in failure and the death of General Montgomery.
Richard Montgomery is another example of a British officer passed over for promotion who joined the American forces. Like so many members of the British army, Montgomery was born in Donegal, Ireland. His father was a member of Parliament and secured for his son a place in the 17th Regiment of Foot in 1756. The young ensign joined at just the right moment for a soldier the French and Indian War (Seven Years War) had begun in the forests of Pennsylvania. He served at the siege of Louisburg under the command of General “Mad” James Wolfe. Montgomery went on to serve with General Amherst as part of the successful capture of Montreal by the British. After the war was over, Montgomery was briefly stationed in New York before returning to England. However, as so many officers were, he was disappointed not being promoted beyond a captaincy. He sold his commission and returned to New York in 1773. Montgomery would buy an extensive property in Westchester County and perhaps re-ignite a romance that had begun while he was stationed in the city. That same year, Montgomery married Janet Livingston, a member of one of the most influential New York families.
When conflict erupted between the colonies and Great Britain, he was appointed Brigadier General in the new army and second in command to General Philip Schuyler of another illustrious New York family. General Schuyler was physically not up to leading the campaign that was brewing in New York in 1775. That was simply to take Montreal and Quebec in the hope that they would join the cause against Great Britain.
Although initially successful with the capture of several forts along Lake Champlain and the fall of Montreal in November of 1775, the attempt to take Quebec was a failure leading to the death of Montgomery and the loss of many colonial soldiers. Montgomery’s second in command, Benedict Arnold led a heroic retreat through the snows of New York, beginning his rise to the top of the Continental Army.
Upon hearing of the death of Montgomery, the Second Continental Congress instructed for a monument to be erected in his honor. When it arrived in 1789 from France, the capital of the new country was in New York City. The monument was placed at St. Paul’s Chapel became the first monument created by the United States government. His widow, in 1818, had his body moved from Quebec to St. Paul’s where they remain today.
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