which was matured by a fine education. Entering the army of Great Britain, he successfully fought her battles with Wolfe, at Quebec, in 1759, on the very spot where he was doomed to fall, when fighting against her,. under the banners of freedom. After his return to Eng. land, he quitted his regiment, in 1772, though in a fair way of preferment. He had imbibed an attachment to America, viewing it as the rising seat of arts and freedom. After his arrival in this country, he purchased an estate in New York, about a hundred miles from the city, and married a daughter of Judge Livingston. He now considered himself as an American. When the struggle with Great Britain commenced, as he was known to have an ardent attachment to liberty, and had expressed his readiness to draw his sword on the side of the colonies, the command of the continental forces, in the northern department, was intrusted to him and Gen. Schuyler, in the fall of 1775.

By the indisposition of Schuyler, the chief command devolved upon him in October. He reduced fort Chamblee, and on the third of November captured St. Johns. On the 12th, he took Montreal. In December he joined Col. Arnold, and marched to Quebec. The city was besieged, and on the last day of the year it was determined to make an assault. The several divisions were accordingly put in motion, in the midst of a heavy fall of snow, which concealed them from the enemy. Montgomery advanced at the head of the New York troops along the St. Lawrence, and having assisted with his own hands in pulling up the pickets, which obstructed his approach to one of the barriers he was determined to force, he was pushing forward, when one of the guns from the battery was discharged, and he was killed with his two aids. This was the only gun fired, for the enemy had been struck with consternation, and all but one or two had fled. But this event probably prevented the capture of Quebec. When he fell, Montgomery was in a narrow passage, and his body rolled upon the ice, which fo ned by the side of the river. After it was found the next morning among the slain, it was buried

by a few soldiers, without any marks of distinction. He was thirty-eight years of age. He was a man of great military talents, whose measures were taken with judgment, and executed with vigour. With undisciplined troops, who were jealous of him in the extreme, he yet inspired them with his own enthusiasm. He shared with them in all their hardships, and thus prevented their complaints. His industry could not be wearied, his vigilance imposed upon, nor his courage intimidated.

To express the high sense entertained by his country of his services, congress directed that a monument of white marble, to his memory, should be placed in front of St. Paul's church, New York.

The remains of Gen. Montgomery, after resting fortytwo years at Quebec, by a resolve of the state of New York, were brought to the city of New York, on the 8th of July, 1817, and deposited, with ample form and grateful ceremonies, near the aforesaid monument in St. Paul's Church.*

60. Washington, Commander in Chief of the American Army.

In May, 1775, congress met pursuant to adjournment. Hostilities having commenced, it was a point of vital importance to the American cause, to select a proper person for commander in chief of the American forces.

George Washington,† a delegate from Virginia, was, by the unanimous voice of congress, appointed, to fill

*Morse's Revolution.

+ For three years subsequent to the defeat of Braddock, Washington superintended the troops of Virginia; in which highly dangerous service he continued, until peace was given to the frontier of his native colony, by the reduction of fort Duquesne; an enterprise undertaken in conformity with his repeated solicitations, and accompanied by himself, at the head of his own regiment. The arduous duties of his situation, rendered irksome by the invidious treatment experienced from the governor, and by the unmanageable disposition of the officers and privates under his command, were related by himself, in a highly interesting narrative, and fully acknowledged by the assembly of Virginia. Soon afterwards he retired to his estate at Mount Vernon, and pursued the arts of peaceful life, with great industry

this important station, on the 15th of June, 1775. "To Washington's experience in military affairs are united. sound judgment, extensive knowledge of men, perfect probity, pure morals, a grave deportment, indefatigable industry, easy manners, strict politeness, a commanding person, cool bravery, unshaken fortitude, and a prudence

that baffled and confounded his enemies."

Soon after his appointment, General Washington repaired to the army, who were besieging Boston; he was received with profound respect and joyful acclamations by the American army.

The Americans having so closely invested Boston, the British commander judged it prudent to evacuate the town, which they did on the 17th of March, 1776, taking with them 1500 of the inhabitants, who dared not stay on account of their attachment to the British cause.

General Washington immediately entered the town, to the great joy of the inhabitants.

and success. When the proceedings of the British parliament had alarmed the colonists with apprehensions that a blow was levelled at their liberties, he again came forward to serve the public: was appointed a delegate to congress; and in that body was chairman of every committee selected to make arrangements for defence. He was now in his forty-fourth year, possessed a large share of common sense, and was directed by a sound judgment. Engaged in the busy scenes of life, he knew human nature, and the most proper method of accomplishing his plans. His passions were subdued, and held in subjection to reason. His mind was superior to prejudice and party spirit; his soul too generous to burden his country with expense; his principles too just to allow his placing military glory in competition with the public good.

On the president of congress announcing his commission, he replied: "Though I am truly sensible of the high honour done me in this appointment, yet I feel deep distress, from a consciousness that my abilities and military experience may not be equal to the extensive and important trust. However, as the congress desire it, I will enter on the momentous duty, and exert every power I possess in their service, for the support of the glorious cause. I beg they will accept my most cordial thanks for this distinguished testimony of their approbation. But, lest some unlucky event should happen, unfavourable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room, that I this day declare, with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honoured with. As to pay, sir, I beg leave to assure the congress, that, as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to accept this ardu ous employment, at the expense of my domestic ease and happiness, I do not wish to make any profit from it. I will keep an exact ac count of my disbursements; those, I doubt not, they will discharge, and that is all I desire." Grimshaw's Hist. U. S

61. Attack on Sullivan's Island.

In the months of June and July, 1776, the British commanders, Gen. Clinton and Sir Peter Parker, attempted to destroy the fort on Sullivan's island, near Charleston, S. C. Their force consisted of two fifty gun ships, and four frigates of twenty-eight guns each, besides several smaller vessels, with 3000 troops on board. The fort was commanded by Col. Moultrie, with a garrison of but 375 regulars, and a few militia. This fort, though not entirely finished, was very strong.

"However, the British generals resolved, without hesitation to attack it; but though an attack was easy from the sea, it was very difficult to obtain a co-operation of the land forces. This was attempted by landing them on Long Island, adjacent to Sullivan's Island on the east, from which it is separated by a very nar row creek, said to be not above two feet deep at low

water.

"Opposite to this ford, the Americans had posted a strong body of troops, with cannon and intrenchments, while Gen. Lee was posted on the main land, with a bridge of boats betwixt that and Sullivan's Island, so that he could at pleasure send re-enforcements to the troops in the fort on Sullivan's Island.

"On the part of the British, so many delays occurred, that it was the 24th of June before matters were in readi ness for an attack; and by this time, the Americans had abundantly provided for their reception. On the morning of that day, the bomb-ketch began to throw shells into Fort Sullivan, and about mid-day, the two fifty gun ships, and thirty gun frigates, came up, and began a severe fire.

"Three other frigates were ordered to take their sta tion between Charleston and the fort, in order to enfilade the batteries, and cut off the communication with the main land; but, through the ignorance of the pilots, they all stuck fast; and though two of them were disentangled, they were found to be totally unfit for service. The