![[AMERICAN REVOLUTION]. MONTGOMERY, Richard. Autograph letter signed ("Richd. Montgomery Brigd. Genl") to Colonel Timothy Bedel, Montreal, 16 November 1775. 1 page, folio, staining along folds affecting some letters of text, staining on bottom edge affecting Montgomery's title in signature, repairs to folds.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2001/NYR/2001_NYR_09806_0009_000(034553).jpg?w=1)
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[AMERICAN REVOLUTION]. MONTGOMERY, Richard. Autograph letter signed ("Richd. Montgomery Brigd. Genl") to Colonel Timothy Bedel, Montreal, 16 November 1775. 1 page, folio, staining along folds affecting some letters of text, staining on bottom edge affecting Montgomery's title in signature, repairs to folds.
MONTGOMERY'S BOLD CAMPAIGN IN CANADA: "I HAVE IT MUCH AT HEART TO HARRASS THE ENEMY IN THEIR RETREAT"
An important letter by which General Richard Montgomery directs operations during his campaign against British forces in Canada. The plan to invade Canada and encourage Canadian colonists to join forces against the British was born in the first stages of the American Revolution. Uncertainty on the part of the Continental Congress delayed the operation until August 1775 when Montgomery, second in command to General Schuyler, led a small army and an irregular fleet north on Lake Champlain. Schuyler's sickness thrust the command into the hands of Montgomery, who mounted a successful attack upon the British post at St. Johns and captured Montreal.
Now, just three days after seizing Montreal, Montgomery directs Colonel Bedel in the next stage of his operation along the St. Lawrence River: "You will proceed down the River with Lt. Colonel [Seth] Warner's Regiment & your own Corps keeping as close to the Enemy as apt attention to the Safety of the troops under your command will admit of. The Circumstances & Situation of things must point out how you are to act. I have it much at heart to Harrass [sic] the Enemy in their retreat if possible to get possession of all or any of their vessels especially that with the powder. All public stores except ammunition & provision shall be given to the troops who take them. Above all I am anxious to secure the person of the Governor & Genl. Present, as also to release Mr. Walker & any other Prisoners who may be on board." If the British manage to escape, Montgomery directs Bedel to "attend them at a convenient distance till you join Col. [Benedict] Arnold if that can be done." He assures the Colonel that he will receive support: "I shall follow with the Artillery & main Body of the Army as fast as possible. If the Enemy be past the vessel, Col. Easton will embark his artillery & proceed along with you. I furnish you with cash for provisions etc. for the use of the troops under your command."
Montgomery's success on the St. Lawrence continued until he reached the city of Quebec which was firmly in the hands of Governor Guy Carleton (1724-1808) and a hastily gathered army. American efforts to take the city failed and Montgomery, an officer with a promising future in the Continental Army, fell dead in the assault.
MONTGOMERY'S BOLD CAMPAIGN IN CANADA: "I HAVE IT MUCH AT HEART TO HARRASS THE ENEMY IN THEIR RETREAT"
An important letter by which General Richard Montgomery directs operations during his campaign against British forces in Canada. The plan to invade Canada and encourage Canadian colonists to join forces against the British was born in the first stages of the American Revolution. Uncertainty on the part of the Continental Congress delayed the operation until August 1775 when Montgomery, second in command to General Schuyler, led a small army and an irregular fleet north on Lake Champlain. Schuyler's sickness thrust the command into the hands of Montgomery, who mounted a successful attack upon the British post at St. Johns and captured Montreal.
Now, just three days after seizing Montreal, Montgomery directs Colonel Bedel in the next stage of his operation along the St. Lawrence River: "You will proceed down the River with Lt. Colonel [Seth] Warner's Regiment & your own Corps keeping as close to the Enemy as apt attention to the Safety of the troops under your command will admit of. The Circumstances & Situation of things must point out how you are to act. I have it much at heart to Harrass [sic] the Enemy in their retreat if possible to get possession of all or any of their vessels especially that with the powder. All public stores except ammunition & provision shall be given to the troops who take them. Above all I am anxious to secure the person of the Governor & Genl. Present, as also to release Mr. Walker & any other Prisoners who may be on board." If the British manage to escape, Montgomery directs Bedel to "attend them at a convenient distance till you join Col. [Benedict] Arnold if that can be done." He assures the Colonel that he will receive support: "I shall follow with the Artillery & main Body of the Army as fast as possible. If the Enemy be past the vessel, Col. Easton will embark his artillery & proceed along with you. I furnish you with cash for provisions etc. for the use of the troops under your command."
Montgomery's success on the St. Lawrence continued until he reached the city of Quebec which was firmly in the hands of Governor Guy Carleton (1724-1808) and a hastily gathered army. American efforts to take the city failed and Montgomery, an officer with a promising future in the Continental Army, fell dead in the assault.
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