With Arthur Cohn, American Revolutionary War Historian and Author
As we enter the 250th anniversary year marking the beginning of the American Revolution, it seems proper to revisit some of the lesser-known events and people from that era to examine what occurred, and perhaps, why.
When “the shots heard round the world” rang out at Concord and Lexington on April 19th, 1775, few realized that this was the opening salvo of an eight-year struggle for the independence of Britain’s American colonies to become the United States of America. By returning to the nation’s earliest events through writings, images and stories, we can often better understand what happened.
Richard Montgomery, son of Irish aristocracy, had become a professional British soldier who served in North America during the French and Indian War. After that service, in which Richard had proven himself in combat and as a gifted leader of men, he was promoted to Captain. After eight years of continuous action, Richard finally was able to return to Great Britain. Captain Montgomery’s friendship with several pro-American British members of Parliament, coupled with Montgomery’s long experience in North America, caused Montgomery to develop a sympathy for the American colonies.
In 1772, after being passed over for promotion to the rank of major, Montgomery resigned his commission in the British army and made the life-changing decision to emigrate to America. Arriving in New York City, Richard, now a civilian, bought a farm just north of city and courted and married Janet Livingston, the daughter of a prominent Hudson Valley family.
When war broke out, Richard was appointed to the New York Provincial Council. Soon after, he was offered a general’s commission in the new Continental Army being formed by its newly appointed Commander-in-Chief, George Washington. Montgomery’s military and leadership experience coupled with his commitment to his adopted country’s cause produced a remarkable record of success.
Art’s talk will introduce the audience to Richard Montgomery and take a focused look at the campaign of 1775, when an army under the command of Benedict Arnold and an army under the command of Richard Montgomery invaded British Canada and almost won the war.
The presentation will also examine Richard’s marriage to Janet Livingston Montgomery and their lives interrupted by conflict.
