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Auktionsarchiv: Los-Nr. 20

MONTGOMERY, Richard, Brigadier General, Continental Army . Autograph letter signed ("Rd. Montgomery") to "Robert" [Livingston?], St. Johns, 5 October [1775]. 4 full pages, folio, small marginal tears, small holes at center fold.

Auction 10.12.1999
10.12.1999
Schätzpreis
8.000 $ - 12.000 $
Zuschlagspreis:
27.600 $
Auktionsarchiv: Los-Nr. 20

MONTGOMERY, Richard, Brigadier General, Continental Army . Autograph letter signed ("Rd. Montgomery") to "Robert" [Livingston?], St. Johns, 5 October [1775]. 4 full pages, folio, small marginal tears, small holes at center fold.

Auction 10.12.1999
10.12.1999
Schätzpreis
8.000 $ - 12.000 $
Zuschlagspreis:
27.600 $
Beschreibung:

MONTGOMERY, Richard, Brigadier General, Continental Army . Autograph letter signed ("Rd. Montgomery") to "Robert" [Livingston?], St. Johns, 5 October [1775]. 4 full pages, folio, small marginal tears, small holes at center fold. "OUR LIBERTIES ARE SO INTIMATELY CONNECTED WITH FREEDOM IN CANADA...O FORTUNATI AGRICOLI! WOULD I WERE AT MY PLOUGH AGAIN!" A long, very remarkable letter from Montgomery, during the late stages of his seige of the British fort at St. Johns on Lake Champlain. He describes the dire conditions of the camp, lack of food, "want of discipline...want of spirit," but is confident of success: "The Garrison can not now escape...I hope in a few days...to erect my Batteries on the west side the port which is their weak side." In regard to Ethan Allen's failed attack on Montreal, in which Allen had been captured (25 September) he writes: "Allen's imprudence has done us some mischief, however I hope it is of no great consequence as I have had overtures of accommodation thro' the introduction of...St. Luke Le Corne," a French-Canadian on the side of the British who "is one of the greatest Scoundrels existing." Montgomery continues: "Had I had sufficient force to have mastered St. Johns Everything would now have been settled - the Canadians in General have our success exrtremely at heart - I have begged a Committee from the Congress." He goes on to complain about the quality of his troops, with the exception of Major John Brown who "is the only field officer of any share of abilities," and emphasizes the importance of gaining control of Canada for American independence: "I have requested that they will as soon as possible chuse faithfull representatives to take their seats in the Continental Congress & make a part of that union now so formidable to Tyrants...Our Liberties are so intimately connected with freedom in Canada...[and] no reconciliation can take place 'till their Liberties are secured on the same basis with our own." On the "badness of the troops" Montgomery writes: "The New Englanders I am now convinced are the worst stuff imaginable for soldiers...The first Rgt. of Yorkers is the sweepings of York Streets & they have not more spirit than the New Englanders." The disheartened Montgomery concludes: "Nothing shall ever tempt me again to hazard my reputation at the head of such raggamuffins. Honour the very soul of the soldier has no existence among us." Montgomery was propelled into command of the Canadian invasion after Schuyler was taken ill. Despite the poor quality of troops and countless logistical problems, St. John's capitulated on 2 November; among the prisoners was Major John Andr. (See notes to previous lot)

Auktionsarchiv: Los-Nr. 20
Auktion:
Datum:
10.12.1999
Auktionshaus:
Christie's
New York, Rockefeller Center
Beschreibung:

MONTGOMERY, Richard, Brigadier General, Continental Army . Autograph letter signed ("Rd. Montgomery") to "Robert" [Livingston?], St. Johns, 5 October [1775]. 4 full pages, folio, small marginal tears, small holes at center fold. "OUR LIBERTIES ARE SO INTIMATELY CONNECTED WITH FREEDOM IN CANADA...O FORTUNATI AGRICOLI! WOULD I WERE AT MY PLOUGH AGAIN!" A long, very remarkable letter from Montgomery, during the late stages of his seige of the British fort at St. Johns on Lake Champlain. He describes the dire conditions of the camp, lack of food, "want of discipline...want of spirit," but is confident of success: "The Garrison can not now escape...I hope in a few days...to erect my Batteries on the west side the port which is their weak side." In regard to Ethan Allen's failed attack on Montreal, in which Allen had been captured (25 September) he writes: "Allen's imprudence has done us some mischief, however I hope it is of no great consequence as I have had overtures of accommodation thro' the introduction of...St. Luke Le Corne," a French-Canadian on the side of the British who "is one of the greatest Scoundrels existing." Montgomery continues: "Had I had sufficient force to have mastered St. Johns Everything would now have been settled - the Canadians in General have our success exrtremely at heart - I have begged a Committee from the Congress." He goes on to complain about the quality of his troops, with the exception of Major John Brown who "is the only field officer of any share of abilities," and emphasizes the importance of gaining control of Canada for American independence: "I have requested that they will as soon as possible chuse faithfull representatives to take their seats in the Continental Congress & make a part of that union now so formidable to Tyrants...Our Liberties are so intimately connected with freedom in Canada...[and] no reconciliation can take place 'till their Liberties are secured on the same basis with our own." On the "badness of the troops" Montgomery writes: "The New Englanders I am now convinced are the worst stuff imaginable for soldiers...The first Rgt. of Yorkers is the sweepings of York Streets & they have not more spirit than the New Englanders." The disheartened Montgomery concludes: "Nothing shall ever tempt me again to hazard my reputation at the head of such raggamuffins. Honour the very soul of the soldier has no existence among us." Montgomery was propelled into command of the Canadian invasion after Schuyler was taken ill. Despite the poor quality of troops and countless logistical problems, St. John's capitulated on 2 November; among the prisoners was Major John Andr. (See notes to previous lot)

Auktionsarchiv: Los-Nr. 20
Auktion:
Datum:
10.12.1999
Auktionshaus:
Christie's
New York, Rockefeller Center
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