MONTGOMERY, RICHARD, 1736-75, U. in Ireland, son of Thomas Montgomery member of parliament for Lifford: educated at Trinity college, Dublin. In 1754 her obtrained a commission in the army, came to America with his regiment three years after wards, and displayed personal courage and military sagacity at the siege of Louisburg and in other actions. In 1760 gen. Wolfe appointed him adjutant of his own regi Meat. Ile took part in the expedition against Havana and Martinique, and shortly after returned to England (1763); resided there for nine years, sold his commission, and again came to America. He settled and married in New York, was a delegate from his county, Datchess, to the provincial convention of 1775, and soon afterward was commissioned by congress as one of the brig.gens. to command the colonial forces. An invasion of Canada was determined upon and in the same year (1775) Montgomery was made second in command of one of the two divisions sent out under Arnold and Schuyler. The late ter was attacked by illness and obliged to return to Albany, leaving Montgomery at the head of the division. Ile at once pressed forward and though embarrassed by lack of munitions and food, and by the disaffection of some of his command, had before the end of November captured successively Chambly, St. Johns, and Montreal; thus gaining the mastery over the greater part of the province. In the next month a junction was
effected with Arnold before Quebec. The assault of the town was at once resolved upon and on Dec. 31, shortly after midnight, attempted, a snow-fall aiding the concealment of the troops' movements. One division was to direct its attack against the fortifications at the lower end of the town, while the other under Montgomery's command was to scale the cape Diamond bastion. The surprise was complete, the British artillerists retreating after one discharge. Unhappily Montgomery, who was pressing forward at the head of his troops, was instantly killed by this single fire, two of his aids falling with him. The undisciplined colonial troops were overwhelmed at the loss of their leader, and a precipitate retreat ensued. There is little doubt that Quebec would have fallen had it not been for the death of the gallant commander. His conduct and char acter were eulogized in parliament by Burke, Chatham, and even the bitter tory lord North; congress recognized his services by resolutions of respect and veneration; and by its order a monument was erected in his honor fix front of St. Paul's church, New York city, where in 1818 his remains were interred with impressive ceremonies. The " Death of Montgomery"'is one of Trumbull's masterpieces.