CANADA HISTORY - DOCUMENTS UNITED STATES

1775 Letter From General Montgomery

Analysis of the Document - (The Document follows below the Analysis)

The 1775 Letter from General Richard Montgomery was a crucial document during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War, as Montgomery attempted to seize control of British-held Quebec. Written amidst his military campaign, Montgomery's letter reflects his frustrations and concerns about the campaign's success, particularly the challenging conditions and lack of reinforcements.

This letter underscores Montgomery's sense of urgency and desperation, as he sought to inspire support for the cause while also detailing the significant logistical and environmental difficulties his army faced in the harsh Canadian winter. His attempt to encourage sympathy from American forces and leadership highlights his belief in the importance of securing Quebec for the broader revolutionary effort.

In terms of its impact on Canadian history, Montgomery's campaign and the letter represent a pivotal moment in Canada’s defense during the American Revolution. While his siege of Quebec ultimately failed, it had lasting implications. The failure solidified Quebec’s allegiance to the British Empire and reinforced Canadian resistance to American republicanism. The invasion was seen as a threat by the French-speaking inhabitants of Quebec, who had just begun to adjust to life under British rule after the 1763 Treaty of Paris. Their resistance to the American incursion helped to establish Quebec’s role as a loyalist stronghold, a fact that would continue to shape Canadian political and cultural identity in the years to come.

Furthermore, the failure of Montgomery's invasion emphasized the importance of geographic and logistical considerations in warfare, particularly in the rugged and unforgiving terrain of Canada. The logistical problems Montgomery described—such as difficult winter conditions, lack of supplies, and poor communication—would become familiar challenges in the history of military campaigns in the region.

In the longer term, the letter from General Montgomery and the failed invasion it chronicles served as a key moment in the consolidation of Canadian identity. It reinforced the divide between the British-controlled north and the rebellious American colonies, contributing to the eventual separation of Canada from the United States and laying the groundwork for Canada’s distinct path as a nation loyal to the British Crown. The 1775 campaign thus stands as a significant episode in both the history of the American Revolution and the history of Canada, reinforcing the divergent futures of the two countries.

Extract of a Letter from General MONTGOMERY, dated Camp before St. John's, October 20, 1775. 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. We had not above fifty of our troops. Indeed it was the plan of the Canadians, who carried down the artillery past the fort of St. John's in batteaus. I send you the Colours of the 7th Regiment, and a list of stores taken. Major Brown assures me we have gotten six tons of powder, which with the blessing of God will finish our business here.--Major Brown offered his service upon this occasion.--Upon this and all other occasions I have found him active and intelligent.

The enemy's schooner is sunk. They have not been anxious to save her, else they might easily have protracted her fate. I must now think unless some unlucky accident befalls us, we shall accomplish our business here, as I shall fall to work in earnest on this side the water. 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, La Mouche one of them. The Caghnawagas have desired 100 men from us. I have complied with their request, and am glad to find they put so much confidence in us, and are so much afraid of Mr. Carleton; not that I think they had any thing to apprehend. He has too much business on his hands already to wish to make more enemies.

I shall endeavour by means of the Chambly Garrison, to obtain better treatment for Allen and the other prisoners, as well Canadians as our own troops.

I shall send off the prisoners as soon as possible; their number of women and quantity of baggage is astonishing.

The Commanding Officer at St. John's has been so polite as to let our batteaus pass to the Head of the Rapids, in order to take in the baggage of the Chambly Garrison. He behaved very genteely to Lieutenant Lockwood of Waterbury's, who went in with the request from Major Stopford.

The Major is a man of family in Ireland.

Major Brown has brought the Colours of the 7th Regiment, which I have the honor to transmit to you.

***

ARTICLES proposed for his Majesty's Garrison at CHAMBLY.

Article I. The officers and men not to be made prisoners, but to march, unmolested, with their arms, accoutrements, twenty-four rounds of ammunition each, drums beating, colours flying, and provision and carts sufficient to pass by the shortest road to Montreal, or any other place in the province of Quebec, at the option of the Hon. Major Stopford, the Commanding Officer.

2. Officers and men to be allowed their baggage.

3. The men not to be decoyed from their Regiment.

4. Women and children to be permitted to go with the Regiment, and their effects unmolested.

5. The ammunition and stores of all kinds, remaining in the Garrison, to be given up.

6. Hostages to be given on both sides, for the faithful performance of the above articles, and then to be exchanged.

......... Signed, J. STOPFORD, Major of the Royal Fusileers, commanding at Fort Chambly.

***

The answer to the articles proposed by the Hon. Major Stopford, agreeable to the instructions of Brigadier General Montgomery, commanding the Continental Forces for the time being, is this:

Article I. The Garrison, officers and men, to surrender themselves prisoners of war.

2. In case the Garrison surrenders prisoners of war, to be allowed all their baggage agreeable to their desire.

3. It never was the intention of any officer, intrusted with the command of the party, now besieging your fort, to take advantage of decoying the garrison, after a solemn engagement entered into by both parties, and consequently your fears on that head are groundless.

4. The women and children shall be permitted to go with the rest of the Garrison and take their effects, provided the Garrison surrender as aforesaid.

5. The ammunition and stores, c. of all kinds to be delivered up upon the faith and honour of the Commanding Officer.

.......... Signed, JOHN BROWN, Major, commanding the Continental Forces before Chambly.

***

In reply to Major Brown's answer to the Hon. Major Stopford's proposals, in regard to the surrender of Fort Chambly, Major Stopford having considered Major Brown's articles, agrees to the same, although he could wish the first article might have been as he proposed.

Major Stopford's relying in every article to Major Brown's honour, will give him up the fort any hour to-morrow morning.

.......... Signed, J. STOPFORD, Major of the Royal Fusileers, commanding the Garrison of Chambly, Fort Chambly, 18th Oct. 1775. ***

An Account of STORES taken at Chambly.

80 barrels Flour, 11 ditto Rice, 7 ditto Pease, 6 firkins Butter, 134 barrels Pork, 7 ditto damaged, 124 barrels Gun-Powder, 300 swivel shot, 1 box musket Shot, 656+ musket Cartridges, 150 Stand of French Arms, 3 Royal Mortars, 61 Shells, 500 Hand Grenades, Royal Fusileers 83, Accoutrements 83, Rigging for three vessels at least.

List of OFFICERS taken at Chambly.

Major Stopford; Captain Price, sick; Captain Goodwin; Lieutenants Hamar, Harrison, Shettleworth; Captain Alge, of the Schooner; Commissary McCullough; a Surgeon.

Published by Order of the Congress. CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.