Richard Montgomery, a major-general in the army of the U. States, was
born in 1737, in the north of Ireland. He embraced the profession of
arms, and served under Wolfe, at Quebec, in 1759; but, on his return
to England, he left his regiment, although his prospects for promotion
were fair. He then removed to America, for which country he
entertained a deep affection; he purchased an estate in New York,
about 100 miles from the city, and married a daughter of judge
Livingston. His feelings in favor of America were so well known, that,
on the commencement of the revolutionary struggle, he was entrusted
with the command of the continental forces in the northern department,
in conjunction with general Schuyler. The latter, however, fell sick,
and the chief command in consequence, devolved upon Montgomery, who,
after various successes (the reduction of fort Chamblee, the capture
of St. John’s, and of Montreal), proceeded to the siege of Quebec.
This he commenced Dec. 1, 1775, after having formed a junction with
colonel Arnold, at Point-aux-Trembles; but, as his artillery was not
of sufficient calibre to make the requisite impression, he determined
upon attempting the capture of the place by storm. He made all his
arrangements, and advanced, at the head of the New York troops, along
the St. Lawrence. He assisted, with his own hands, in pulling up the
pickets that obstructed his approach to the second barrier, which he
was resolved to force, when the only gun fired from the battery of the
enemy killed him and his two aid-de-camps. The three fell at the same
time, and rolled upon the ice formed on the river. The next day his
body was brought into Quebec, and buried without any mark of
distinction. Congress directed a monument, with an inscription, to be
erected to his memory, and placed in front of St. Paul’s church, in
New York, and, July 8, 1818, his remains were brought from Quebec, in
consequence of a resolve of the state of New York, and interred near
the monument. General Montgomery was gifted with fine abilities, and
had received an excellent education. His military talents, especially,
were great; his measures were taken with judgment, and executed with
vigor The sorrow for his loss was heightened by the esteem which his
amiable character had gained him. At the period of his death, he was
only 38 years of age.