Today in History

Today in History: November 13

The Capture of Montreal

Benedict Arnolds sets out for Canada
The Embarkation of Montgomery's troops at Crown Point,
Sydney Adamson artist,
The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine, January 1903,
Prints and Photographs Division

I have the pleasure to acquaint you with the surrender of Chambly to
Major Brown and Major Livingston, which last headed about three hundred
Canadians…The troops are in high spirits…Col. Warner has had a
little brush with a party from Montreal. The enemy retired with the loss
of five prisoners and some killed…Some of the prisoners (Canadians)
are dangerous enemies, and must be taken care of.

General Richard Montgomery to the Continental Congress,
October 20, 1775.
Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789

General Richard Montgomery led American troops in the capture of Montreal on November 13, 1775. The American presence in Canada proved short-lived. Just weeks later, British victory at Quebec forced a hasty retreat to New York.

After joining Benedict Arnold, who had led American troops through the Maine wilderness to Canada, Montgomery attacked the city of Quebec on December 31. Montgomery was killed in the failed attempt to capture the city, and Arnold retreated to Fort Ticonderoga in northeastern New York.

Although Arnold was a loyal American officer in 1775, four years later he began corresponding with British officer Major John André. Eventually, Arnold earned infamy for betraying American secrets to the British.

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