Re: Montcalm and the Native American Connection

Name    : 
E-Mail  : 
Subject : 

Comments:
: George -

: Thanks for that. You've added another treasure to your collection, I gather.

: Reevaluating Montcalm seems to be quite popular these days, and I'm wondering why.  Someone on one of the Egroup history groups mentioned the same thing, and mentioned new histories which are removing some of the polish of his previously glorious history.  Are you aware of any new publications or any reason why, as Elaine showed us with her post, his "downsides" are coming to light now?

: Thanks,
: Sarah M.

: : Hello all,

: : Just saw the long message written by Elaine relative to Oswego and Montcalm.  He indeed had experience relative to what his Native American allies were capable of doing prior to Fort William Henry.  But, even the following year, he still had not learned and seemingly did not care.  I recently purchased an original copy of an issue of the British Magazine from Ebay.  In this particular issue is an account of the death of Lt. Col. Samuel Beaver of the 46th Regiment of Foot (Thomas Murray's).  It was at the Battle of Ticonderoga, July 1758, that Major General James Abercrombie made his futile assault against the abattis and breastwork hastily prepared by Montcalm a mile from the fort.  After several assaults, the British were beat back and those wounded and dead left on the field.  Montcalm sent out a party to reconnoitre the environs for a report on the English and their activities.  They were already on Lake George heading for the former site of Fort William Henry.  But, laying wounded on the field wounded was Samuel Beaver.  An officer of the French forces found him and promised him succor once he went upon a nearby hill to spy out the area.  He said upon his return he would see he was taken back to the fort and taken care of properly as an officer.  However, during the departure of this officer, some of the French allied Native Americans came up to the Lt Col, killed him, and scalped him.  Upon his return the officer came upon the tragic scene and was able to identify the perpetrators.  He went to Montcalm to protest and have something done to the guilty parties, but Montcalm refused for fear of antagonizing his allies.  Consequently, the officer resigned on the spot as he declared that he would not stain his honour by serving longer under a man who contenanced such horrid barbarities.  I plan to submit an article on this incident as report in the magazine to the Fort Ticonderoga Bulletin in the near future.

: : Your Most Humble and Obedient Servant,

: : George A. Bray III
: : Major, Rogers' Rangers
: : Site Historian 


Optional Link URL:  
Link Title:         
Optional Image URL: