The Capture of Montreal

General Richard Montgomery led American troops in the capture of Montreal on November 13, 1775. The American presence in Canada proved short-lived. Just weeks later, British victory at Quebec forced a hasty retreat to New York.

The Embarkation of Montgomery’s troops at Crown Point… Sydney Adamson artist; J. W. Evans, engraver; Illus. in: The Century Illustrated Monthly magazine. New York: The Century Co., 1902 Nov., p. 77. Prints & Photographs Division

I have the pleasure to acquaint you with the surrender of Chambly to Major Brown and Major Livingston, which last headed about three hundred Canadians…. The troops are in high spirits. Col. Warner has had a little brush with a party from Montreal. The enemy retired with the loss of five prisoners and some killed; some of the prisoners (Canadians) are dangerous enemies, and must be taken care of…

Extract of a letter from General Montgomery, dated camp before St. John’s, October 20, 1775 … [Philadelphia: Printed by William and Thomas Bradford, 1775]. Documents from the Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention, 1774 to 1789. Rare Book & Special Collections Division

After joining Benedict Arnold, who had led American troops through the Maine wilderness to Canada, Montgomery attacked the city of Quebec on December 31. Montgomery was killed in the failed attempt to capture the city, and Arnold retreated to Fort Ticonderoga in northeastern New York.

Although Arnold was a loyal American officer in 1775, four years later he began corresponding with British officer Major John André. Eventually, Arnold earned infamy for betraying American secrets to the British.

Working Against the Flood on Dead River. Sydney Adamson, artist, H. Davidson, engraver; illus. in: The Century Illustrated Monthly magazine. New York: The Century Co., Jan. 1903, p. 532. Prints & Photographs Division

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