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Dromo's Den
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[Up] [Dromo's Den] Richard Montgomery Biography MONTGOMERY,
Richard (1736-75). An American soldier. He was born near Feltrim, Ireland,
Dec. 2, 1736, and was educated at St. Andrew's College and Trinity College,
Dublin. In 1756 he obtained a commission as ensign in the British army, came to
America with his regiment in 1757, during the French and Indian War, and
displayed personal courage and military sagacity at the siege of Louisburg and
in various actions. In 1760 he was made adjutant of his regiment and in 1762 was
promoted to be captain. After the conquest of Canada he took part in the
expedition against Havana and Martinique, and in 1765, after being stationed in
New York for two years, returned to England, where he remained until 1772, when,
selling his commission, he emigrated to New York. In 1775 he represented
Dutchess County in the first Provincial Convention, and in June was appointed by
Congress brigadier general in the Continental army. He was second in command of
the expedition sent under Gen. Philip Schuyler against Canada, but, owing to the
illness of Schuyler, became the actual leader in October. He at once pressed
forward and before the end of November captured successively Chambly, St. Johns,
and Montreal. In the next month he joined Benedict Arnold
before Quebec. On December 9 Montgomery was promoted to be major general. On
December 31, shortly after midnight, the assault upon the town was attempted.
Montgomery scaled the Cape Diamond bastion and, pressing forward at the bead of
his troops, was instantly killed by the first and only volley. The undisciplined
colonial troops were then overwhelmed and a precipitate retreat ensued.
Montgomery's conduct and character were eulogized in Parliament by Burke,
Chatham, and even Lord North; Congress recognized his
services by resolutions of respect, and by its order a monument was erected in
his honor in front of St. Paul's Church, New York City, where in 1818 his
remains were interred with impressive ceremonies. Consult Armstrong, Life of Richard Montgomery, in Jared Sparks's "American
Biography" (Boston, 1834). The New International
Encyclopaedia, Vol. XVI
(New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1920)
205.
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