Newspaper Page Text
NO. 44.
*
THE REFLECTOR.
MILLEDOEVILI.E* G. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8,1818.
BIOGRAPHY.
OF RICHARD MONTGOMERY,
-neral in the Army of the U. Stales.
Montgomery was born in Ireland
1737, n descendant of an ancient
lc family. After receiving a li-
tion, lie entered the army at an
d. In bis twenty-first year we
lding the rank of captain in the
British regiment, under general
Tie had home a full share in all the
wars and the reduction of Cana-
d therefore no common claims to
But although his military abili-
ighly distinguished, war anu con-
no other charms to him than as
of peace and happiness to man-
lie found leisure in the midst of
ultivate an excellent taste for phi-
polite literature. To these lie ad-
ful study of the arts of government
hts of mankind ; looking forward
e when he might return to the still
■rivate life, and give a full flow to
and acquired virtues of a heart
al excellence. lie had formed an
lunent, amounting even to an en-
ove for this country. The wood-
c plain ; the face of nature, grand,
anil yet rejoicing in her prime ;
rivers, descending in vast tor-
gli wild and shaggy mountains, or
ilent majesty through fertile vales :
icrous branches and tributary
our romantic scenes of rural quiet:
icity, then uncorrupted by luxurv
t vice ; our love of knowledge and
liberty—all these served to convey
f primeval felicity to a heart winch
ght with benevolent feelings. In
country was blessed with peace ami
iateiy resigned his commission, am.
d to these shores, lie selected a
I spot on the hanks of the Hudson,
-York; married a daughter of
liivingston of that slate ; and
om the hustle of a noisy world. In
t eligible of all situations, the life oi
gentleman, deriving its most cx-
disli from reflection upon past dan-
past services, he gave full scope to
ophical spirit and taste for rural el-
Satisfird with himself, and raised
vulgar ambition, lie devoted his
Jomestic pursuits, the intercourse oi
Society, the study of useful books,
improvement of bis villa. But nei-
*1 nor lawn could make him forget
which lie owed society. When the
unlawful authority was stretched
(ontgomcry was ready to exchangt
ful groves for the tented field. From
day in which the first American
as spilt by the hands of Britisl
and the better genius of the em-
d abhorrent from the strife of death
r children, our hero clmse bis part,
appointed a major-general, the su
nk of eight who were clmscn by
ess in 1775. His principh-s of Inv’-
ined unshaken. Love to our bre-
m we must oppose, the intcrehang
(fires, which had so intimately knit
of friendship between the two itiem-
meuiory of those days in which he
der the same banners ; the vast fa-
tuai happiness raised by our union,
to be dissolved by ourdissentions
ihilation of those plans of improve-
hirb we w ere engaged for the glo-
empire—all these consideeations
to vender this conflict peculiarly
to him and every virtuous Aincri-
ould have been outweighed by no
ddy but the unquenchable love of
nd that sacred duty which wc owe
s and our posterity. The neces-
istancewa? manifest, and no s
lid question our right. “ (u cases
1 oppression, (says Blaekstone)
hath very justifiably risen to one
'dicate the original contract sub-
ween the king and the people.—
’reign power threaten desolation
mankind will not be reasoned out
'ngs of humanity, nor sacrifice li-
acrupulous adherence to jiolitical
mery did not hesitate to accept the
n, praying at the same time that
might speedily reunite us in every
Fretilin and interest; and (hat the
pire might again become the envy
tion of the universe.” (Letter to
luyler, 8th Nov. 1775.) He was
jointly with general Schuyler,
pedition against Canada ; hut, in
e of the illness of that gentleman,
f the duty devolved upon him.
enevolence in the whole plan of
ion. It was to be executed not
force as by persuasion, and it
’ suited to the genius of Montgo-
understood the blessings of a
iment, and coulil display them
ting eloquence. He had a soul,
terested, affectionate, delighted
to alleviate distress, and to diffuse happiness.
He possessed an industry not tube wearied,
a vigilance that could not he eluded, and
courage equal to his other abilities. Witu a
few new-raised men, of different colonies
and various tempers, ill supplied with arms
and ammunition, undisciplined, unaccustom
ed to danger—under such circumstances,
and in the short space of an autumnal and
winter campaign, in rigorous northern
dimes, to achieve a work which cost Great
Britain and the colonies the labors of several
campaigns, and what was a sacrifice of in
finitely more value, the life of Wolfe—this
certainly required a degree of magnanimity
beyond the ordinary reach, and the exertion
of the highest abilities of every kind. The
command and conduct of an army were hut
small parts of this undertaking. The Indians
were to he treated with anil retained ; the
Canadians were to be managed, protected
and supported ; and even his own army in
some degree, to be formed, disciplined, and
animated ; to be accustomed to marches,
encampments, dangers, fatigues, and tin
frequent want of necessaries. When lus
men labored under fatigue, wanted food,
made their beds on the snow or in deep mo
rasses, they were ashamed to complain, when
they found that their general was willing ti
share in the execution of all that lie com
manded. Thus his example did more to in
spire patience, obedience, anil love of ordi r.
than the most rigid exercise of power could
have effected. The ifluence of this exampl
was still stronger as it did not appear to he the
effect of constraint or political necessity,
hut the amiable expression of a sympathiz
ing soul, leading him to eondeseend to all
capacities; exact in his own duti n s, and gteat
even in common tilings. His own superior
military knowledge he would sacrifice to tin
general voice, rather than interrupt that u
ninn on which success depended ; and when
a measure was once resolved upon by tin
majority, however much contrary to his owe
advice and judgment, lie magnanimously
supported with his utmost vigor, disdaining
that work of low ambition which will striv
to defeat in the execution what it could not
direct in planning.
It is not necessary that We should follow
hi in through the details of the war in Cana
da. After capturing Fort Ghamhte, St.
John’s surrendered to him, and the governor
of Montreal abandoned that city to his vic
torious arms. Beingjoineil by Arnold, with
a body of well disciplined New-England
troops, lie laid siege to Quebec on the 1st of
December. He was now on the same plains
which had been consecrated by the blood of
Wolfe. Here lie won his earliest laurels,
and he seemed to be animated by a kindred
spirit with the departed chief. The situa
tion of his army was pressing. Snows and
frost only quickened his motions. He hop
ed by one successful stroke, before the ar
rival of succour to the garrison, to complete
his plan, and save the effusion of Idood,—
Owing to the small size of bis guns, the bom
bardment produced no effect, and lie was
compelled to make an attempt to storm the
garrison. He passed the first barrier, and was
about to attack tbesecond, when a fatal shot
released his gallant spirit, and united him
with the glorious commander whose fame lie
emulated !
It. liar, sometimes been stated that the body
of the general was privately interred in the
evening by a few s ddiers ; but this is not
true, and justice to his generous adversary
requires that we should vindicate the reputa
tion of the lieutenant-general of Canada
from such a stigma. We have ample
testimony in The Campaign against ffuehec
in the year 177 5, by John Joseph Henry.
Esq. who was lately a presiding judge in
one of the judicial districts of this state.—
This is a homely tale, but it is exceedingly
interesting, because the writer saw all that
he describes. He was under the command of
Montgomery, and being taken by the ene
my, had an opportunity of witnessing the
honors that were paid to his memory. The
following passage is transcribed from Mr.
Henry’s hook.
“It was on this day that my heart was ready
to burst with grief at viewing the funeral of
our beloved general. Carleton had in our
former wars with the French, been the friend
and fellow soldier of Montgomery. Though
political opinion, perhaps ambition or inte
rest, laid thrown these worthies on different
sides of the great question, yet the former
could not but honor the remains of his quon -
dtini friend. About noon the procession pas
sed our quarters. It was most solemn. The
coffin, covered with a pall, surmounted by
transverse swords, was borne by men. The
regular troops, particularly that fine body
' of men. the seventh regiment, with revers
ed arms, and scarfs on the left elbow, ac
companied the corpse to the gravfc. The
funerals of the other officers both friends and
enemies, were performed this day. From
many of us it drew tears of affection for the
defunct, and speaking for myself, tears of
greeting and thankfulness towards Carleton.
The soldiery and inhabitants appearad af
fected by the loss of this invaluable man.
though lie was their enemy. If such men a*
Washington, Carleton and.Montgomery had
had the entire direction of the adverse war,
the contention in the event might have hap
pily terminated to the advantage of both
sections the nation. M‘Plierson, Clicesc-
man, Hendricks, Humphreys, were all dig
nified by the manner of the burial.”
In the History of American Revolution,
Dr. Ramsay pays a well-earned tribute to
the memory of this accomplished soldier.
“ Few men have ever fallen in battle, so
much regretted by both sides, as general
Montgomery. His many amiable qualities
had procured him an uncommon share of
private affection, and his great abilities an
equal portion of public esteem. Being a
sincere lover of liberty, he had engaged in
the American cause Trom principle, and quit
ted the enjoyment of an easy fortune and the
Highest domestic felicity to take an active
share in the fatigues and dangers of a war
instituted for the defence of the community
of which he was an adopted member. His
'veil known character was almost equally es
teemed by the friends and foes of the side
which lie had espoused. In America lie was
i elebrated as a martyr to the liberties of
mankind ; in Great Britain as a misguided
good man, sacrificing to what lie supposed
to be the rights of his country. His name
was mentioned in parliament with singular
respect. Some of the most powerful speak
ers in that illustrious assembly displayed
their cluqurnite in sounding his praise and
iamentiug his fate. Thosein particular who
bad been his fellow soldiers in the late war,
expatiated on his many virtues. The min
ister himself acknowledged his worth, while
or reprobated the. cause for which lie fell.—
He concluded an involuntary panegyric by
saying, • curse on his virtues, they have un
done Ins country.’
To express the high sense entertained
by his country of his services, congress di
rected a monument of white marble, with
the following inscription on it, which was
executed by Mr. Cassicrs at Paris, and pla
ced in front of St. Paul’s church, New-York.
This monument was erected by order of Congress, £>5th
Janinty, 1776, to trunsm.t to posterity a grateful remem
brance of the patr.otisnv, conduct, enterprise, and per.so-
ver.mce of Major-^ener.d Richard Montgomery; who.
aiier a series of success adn -.dst the most discouraging
difficulties, fell in the attack on Quebec, 31st December,
1/V.5, aged 69 years.”
in the present number of this Journal we
have given a view of the monument, and we
('lose this account by adding that the bones
of the deceased have been brought recently
from Canada, and are now deposited in the
city of New-York, near the monument erect
ed by order of Congress. We do not deem
it necessary to dwell upon the particulars of
the ceremony attending this “sad ostent,”—
The following inscription was placed upon
the coffin :
The state -of New-York, in honor of general Richard
Montgomery, who fell gloriously fighting for the Inde
pendence and liberty of the CJ. S. before the walls of Que
bec, die 61st December, 1775, caused these remains of
•Ins distinguised hero to be conveyed fiorn Quebec, and
deposited, on the 8th day of duly, 1818, in St. Paul's
church, in the city of New-York, near the monument e-
rected to his memory by the United Stales.
Smith's Sermon, Am, Hint*.
TOPOGRAPHY.
PENSACOLA.
Pensacola stands on the west side of the
hay of that name. From a number of good
observations by Mr. Ellieot, its latitude is
30 deg. 23 hi. 43 see. north, and its longi
tude 87 deg. 14 m. 15 see. west from Green
wich. The harbor of Pensacola is rendered
of little value, from a singular cause. The
worms in the harbor are so numerous that,
a vessels bottom is generally ruined in two
months ; anti it is absolutely necessary for
ail vessels, not copper-bottomed, lying in
the harbor, to be hove down and cleaned
every 5 or 6 weeks.
The entrance into the bay is defended by
a small fort, on the west end of St. Rose’s
Island, and a battery on the main land, near
ly opposite to it. *
The Conceah falls into the head of Pensa
cola bay, which is a beautiful body of water,
well stored with a variety of fine fish, crabs
and oysters, and is justly considered one of
the best harbors on the whole coast—vessels
not drawing more than 21 fret water may
cross the bar, at *11 times with safety.
This river has generally though errone
ously, been called the Escambia, which is
the name of a much smaller stream that falls
into it from the west, a short distance above
Millar’s place. The banks of the Conecali,
during a large portion of the spring, are in
undated for many miles down the Pcnsatola
bay, with very few exceptions.
The population of West Florida is very
inconsiderable. The principal settlement is
on the Mississippi, between the boundary
and the Iberville. On the north side of the
Iberville, and the lakes, to the Gulf of Mex
ico, there, are a few scattering inhabitants.
Thence along the coast to Mobile hay there
srsrsrnm. .. i. .;san-. .'i.n t ' i
are a few more. There are likewise a few
more about the bay. From the city of Mo
bile, up the Mobile and Tensaw rivers, to the
boundary, there may possibly be forty fa
milies. From Mobile point to Pensacola
bay there are no inhabitants, and no more
than half a dozen farms on the bay. Froia
the head of the hay, up to the Conecah tu
tiic boundary, there are two plantations or
farms. The population of the cities of
Mobile and Pensacola does not exceed fif
teen hundred inhabitants. From Pensacola
bay to St. Mark’s there are no inhabitants.
The upland of West Florida is generally
of a very inferior quality. The river bot
toms and flats are fertile, but too inconside
rable as to quantity or too low and marshy,
to give much value to the province.
The governors of West Florida have been
always noted for intrigue and duplici
ty. Their character is well depicted by a
Seminole chief who was present with Mr.
Ellicott at drawing the line between the Uni
ted States and Spain. Mr. Ellicott says,
“ The Mad Dog (Seminole chief) asked col.
Hawkins A myself, if we supposed gov.Folrh
would attend to the treaty to which we
answered in the affirmative. “ No, (replied
the Mad Dog) he will not attend ; he knows
what I shall say to him about his crooked
calks. His tongue is forked; and, as you
are here, lie will he ashamed to show it. If
lie stands to what he told us, you will be of
fended ; and if lie tells us the line ought to
he marked, lie will contradict himself; but
tie will do neither, lie will not come.”
POLITICAL.
Premature Controversy and kditoriul Spar
ring.—In these piping times of peace, when
the ordinary political controversy no longer
prevails, it is not a little amusing to observe
what light grounds of contention will arise
among editorial brethren. The East and the
West are already, and very prematurely put
ting forth their claims on a very interesting
subject ; hut whether these political pioneers
are really in advance of a respectable force,
or whether their arute sensibilities are con
fined to themselves alone, does not clearly ap
pear. Kentucky, or rather some of tne news
papers of Kentucky, have manifested a dis
satisfaction at the administiation of Monroe
—that lie has not been sufficiently friendly to
the republics of South America—that lie has
appointed “ aristocrats” to office—is not
friendly to internal improvements, Ac. Ac.
The same papers have dwelt with some ener
gy and justice, on the distinguished abilities
and political sentiments and services of Mr.
Clay, which latter circumstance, has alarm
ed a Boston editor, who has taken a notion
that the Kentuckians are putting forth Mr.
Clay as a candidate for the Presidency at
iiie next election,in opposition toMr.Monroc.
Whether there are or arc not grounds for
the suspicions of the Boston editor, we do
not pretend at present to decide ; but in the
f illness of his zeal and patriotism tie lias not
hesitated to name Mr. John Quincy Adams,
the Secretary of State, as having claims on
the American people, which were now en
croached upon. He has asserted that Mr.
Clay is making exertions to “ get up a party
to supplant Monroe and Adams !” This ig
trulygivingahintvvhir.il cannot be misun
derstood ; and the Kentucky editor accord
ingly retorted w ith some spirit, that it is the
right and the duty of an independent people
and an independent press to speak with can
dor and plainness of the measures of admi
nistration—that he had but exercised this
right, and the charges of the Boston editors
were silly, servile and malicious.
It must be gratifying to the people, who
generally manage their affairs in their own
way, to learn that the Boston editor has just
made an important discovery, which ought
to have been ap[Wfca«t at the outset of the
controversy, vizTthat these speculations are
rather premature ! and that it will be well
to defer all this delicate sparring for a few
years—pledging himself to coincide with
and echo the voire of the people, whatever
it may be t—Mitional Advocate. ('Jlejmb.J
VALUABLE PROPERTY FOR SALE.
T HE subscriber wishes to sell his establish
ment in the town of Watkinsville, Clark
county, at present, and formerly occupied as a
Tavern and Store. The establishment consists
of five half acre lots in the most eligible part of
said town, on which theie is a newly erected
building fifty-two feet long, and two stories high ;
also an excellent store house, a dwelling house,
and all necessary out houses for a tavern, vvitli
an excellent garden. The situation is supposed
to be as healthy as any in the Southern country,
and has of late become n place of considerable
resort for persons from the lower country during
the summer months—Persons wishing to pur
chase are invited to call and view the premises.
JAMES LIOON.
Watkinsville, August 26.
* FUR SALE,
V N elegant four wheel CARRIAGE, which
will be sold low for cash. Apply to >lr,.
John Hunt, Montioello. aept. 1.