Proposed Articles of Capitulation presented to Richard Montgomery, Esquire, brigadier general of the Continental Army, by the citizens and inhabitants of MONTREAL, represented by subscribers duly elected.
Reply to proposed ARTICLES OF CAPITULATION prepared by Montgomery:
I do hereby certify that the above articles were presented to me, to which I have given the following answer:
THE City of MONTREAL having neither ammunition, artillery, troops nor provisions, and having it not in their power to fulfil one article of the treaty, can claim no title to a capitulation..............
The Continental Army have a generous disdain of every act of oppression and violence: They are come for the express purpose of giving liberty and security. The General, therefore, engages his honor
to maintain, in the peaceable enjoyment of their property of every kind, the individuals and religious communities of the city of Montreal.
The inhabitants, whether English, French, or others, shall be maintained in the free exercise of their religion.
The present unhappy contention between Great-Britain and her Colonies puts it out of his power to engage for freedom of trade to the Mother-Country, nor can he make a general promise of passports;
as far as it may consist with the safety of the troops and the public good, he shall be happy to promote commerce, and for that purpose promises to grant passports for the upper countries when required.
The General hopes to see such a provincial virtuous convention assembled as will enter with zeal into every measure that can contribute to set the civil and religious rights of this and her sister colonies on a permanent foundation. He promises for himself that he will not compel the inhabitants of the town to take up arms against the Mother Country, or contribute towards the expences of the present war.
The Continental Army came into this province for its protection, they therefore cannot consider their opposers as taking up arms for its defence.
'Tis not in the General's power to engage for the return of prisoners: Motives of humanity will induce him to use his interest for their return to their families, provided it can be done without endangering the public safety.
Speedy measures shall be taken for the establishing courts of justice, upon the most liberal plan, conformable to the British constitution.
The inhabitants shall not be burthened with troops, but when necessary requires it, of which necessity the General must be judge.
The inhabitants of the country and Savages shall not enter the town till the guards are posted.
To-morrow morning at nine o'clock the Continental Troops shall take possession of the Recollect gate, the proper officers must attend with the keys of all public stores upon the Quarter Master General, at nine o'clock, at the Recollect gate.
This engagement is understood, and declared to be binding on any future commanding officer of the Continental Troops that may succeed me in this district.
Montreal, Nov. 12th, 1775
RICHARD MONTGOMERY,
Brigadier-General of the Continental Army. |
