A British regular soldier only a few years before, Montgomery immigrated to America in 1772 and was at first reluctant to support the revolution. But once on side, he led his raw troops well. It was his task to try to force the Canadians to take almost worthless US paper currency in return for provisions, to battle the elements, and to deal with the problems posed by his soldiers' ever-expiring terms of enlistment. Nonetheless, he drove the British from the Richelieu Valley, from Montreal, and then besieged them at Quebec, their last stronghold. Attacking on December 30 and 31, 1775, he led his men into Lower Town Quebec, but British resistance strengthened, and the general was killed. Gabriel's account of Montgomery's military career is well researched and adequately written, but what makes his study especially interesting is his discussion of the revolutionaries' virtual canonization of Montgomery as an American hero. This mythmaking lasted well into the 19th century, the highlights perhaps being its use during the War of 1812 (and additional abortive invasions of Canada) and the 1818 reburial of Montgomery's remains in New York City before thousands of spectators. Nations need heroes, and Montgomery, a casualty before the Declaration of Independance, fit the bill. Summing up: Recommended. All levels and collections.
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