MONTGOMERY, RieuAnn (1736-75). An American soldier, prominent in the French and )Car and the American 1:evolution. Ile was horn near Fcltrim, Ireland, and was educated at Saint Andrew's College and Trinity College. Dublin. In 1754 lie obtained a commission as ensign in the British Army, came to Ameriea with his regiment in 1757, during the Freud' and Indian War, and displayed personal cour age and military sagacity at the siege of Louis burg and in various actions. ,In 1760 he was made adjutant of his regiment, and in 1762 was promoted to be captain. After the conquest of Canada he took part in the expedition against Bavaria. and 'Atari inique, and in 1765, after being stationed in New York for two years. returned to England. where he remained until 1772. when, selling his commission. he emigrated to New York. In 1775 he represented Dutehess County in the first Provincial Convention, and in dune was appointed by Congress lirigadier-general in the Continental Army. Ile was second in com mand of the expedition sent under General Philip Schuyler against Canada, but owing to the ill ness of Schuyler, became the actual leader in October. Ile at once pressed forward, and
before the end of November captured successively Chambly. Saint Johns. and Montreal. In the next month he joined Benedict Arnold before Quebec. On December 9th Montgomery was pro moted to be inajor-general. On December 31st, shortly after midnight. the assault upon the town was attempted. NIontgomery scaled the Cape Diamond bastion and. pressing forward at the head of his troops, was instantly killed by the first and only volley. The undisciplined co lonial troops were then overwhelmed and a pre cipitate retreat ensued. Alontgoinery's conduct eharaell'r were eulogized in Parliament by Burke. Chatham, and even Lord North; Congress recoonized his services by resolutions of respect, and by its order a munmuont was erected in his tumor in front of Saint Paul's Church. New York City, where in ISIS his remains were interred with impressive eeremonies. Consult Armstrong. Life of llirhard Montgomery (Boston, 1834), in Sparks's "American Biography."