Benjamin Franklin, who is
desired to see this resolution properly executed, for defraying the
expenses thereof."
This resolve was carried into execution at Paris by that ingenious
artist, M. Caffieres, sculptor to Louis XVI., king of France, under
the direction of Dr. Benjamin Franklin. The monument is of white
marble, of the most beautiful simplicity and inexpressible elegance,
with emblematical devices, and the following truly classical
inscription, worthy of the modest but great mind of Franklin.
TO THE GLORY OF
RICHARD MONTGOMERY,
MAJOR-GENERAL OF THE ARMIES OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
SLAIN AT THE SIEGE OF QUEBEC,
THE THIRTY-FIRST OF DECEMBER, 1775,
AGED 38 YEARS.
This monument was erected in front of St. Paul's Church, in the city
of New-York, in the spring of 1789.
General Arnold temporarily became commander-in-chief of the American
army near Quebec, and was accordingly removed to headquarters. Young
Burr was now called upon to perform the duties of brigade major.
Arnold's plan was, by a close blockade, to starve out the enemy; but,
from the weakness of his force, he soon discovered that this was
impracticable; and he knew that, on the opening of the spring, he
could not retain his present position, but must retreat. He therefore
resolved to send in a flag of truce, and demand a surrender. He
informed Captain Burr that he was about to send him with a
communication to General Carlton, the British commander.
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