The Revolt of Pontiac and the American Invasion

Montreal: An American City

The City Falls

American rebel infantry officer, circa 1775­1776

Caption: American rebel infantry officer, circa 1775­1776

In October there were a number of skirmishes at Longueuil, on the south shore of the river, which a number of American detachments had reached. Once again, the Canadians, powerless, were discouraged to see Carleton "unwilling to cross to the south shore to repulse approximately 40 men in Fort Longueuil." 36 On October 18 Fort Chambly fell to the Americans, after weak resistance by its garrison. Encouraged by these victories, the invaders redoubled their efforts at Fort Saint-Jean, which, with no hope of rescue, fell on November 2 after 45 days of siege. This was the final obstacle before Montreal. Carleton could do nothing but flee for Quebec. The English residents were increasingly unhappy with the defections as the American army approached, so much so that on November 13 Montgomery entered Montreal without firing a single shot.

Some Montrealers, including James Livingston, Moses Hazen and Jeremiah Dugan, then joined the Americans, who assigned them the task of raising Canadian troops for their army. The recruiting effort did not, however, yield the desired results, and few Canadians took up arms for the American cause.