This exceptionally rare and beautiful engraving is printed on lain paper and measures approx 4 1/4" by 7 1/8" (sheet size) including 3/8" margins on each edge. It is titled "Son mérite personnel l'emporte sur toutes les considérations" (rough translation "personal merit outweighs other considerations") and although it is unmarked by the artist or engraver the scene was drawn by Jean Jacques François Lebarbier and engraved by Nicolas Ponce in 1782.

    The scene pictured here depicts a massive and stately "hero's" funeral procession moving through a massive croud of British soldiers toward the gates of the city of Quebec. The body of Montgomery is carried on the shoulders of British army officers who have removed their hats in respect and is witnessed by two Native American Indians seated on a cannon in the foreground. The actual circumstances of Montgomery's burial were somewhat less ostentatious.

    Richard Montgomery (December 2, 1738 – December 31, 1775) was an Irish-born soldier who first served in the British Army. He later became a Major General in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and he is most famous for leading the failed 1775 invasion of Canada. He was esteemed by George Washington as one of the two top military officers of the Revolutionary Army and his death at the Battle of Quebec represented a major loss for the nascent American Army. Montgomery died on the morning of December 31, 1775 in a hail of cannon, musket and grapeshot which rained down on the attacking American forces - with his death the attack on Quebec fell apart and a brave attack by Benedict Arnold also resulted in the capture of many Revolutionary Soldiers.

    On January 1st, 1776, the British started collecting bodies of the deceased and soon found the body of what they believed to be a low ranking officer of the American colonial army. After being brought to General Carleton, an American prisoner confirmed that the body was that of General Richard Montgomery. Once Montgomery's death was announced, Benedict Arnold assumed command of the American colonial forces. As Montgomery was a well-respected man on both sides of the battlefield, Carleton ordered that he be buried with dignity, but "not with too much fanfare". At sunset on January 4th, 1776, Montgomery's remains were put to rest. During his burial, American prisoners who were allowed to be present acknowledged Montgomery as a "beloved general" with "heroic bravery" and "suavity of manners" who held the "confidence of the whole army."

    The scene depicted in this Engraving certainly never actually took place but Image would certainly have appealed to the public on both sides of the conflict.

    WorldCat finds only one example of this outstanding American Revolutionary War Engraving in any Library or Museum Collection - that being an example held by the Library of Congress.

    This wonderful 18th century depiction of the funeral General Montgomery came to us as a part of a simply amazing archive of 17th 18th and a few 19th century maps, views and portraits related to the French and British colonies in North America. The Archive was put together in the mid 19th century by a Canadian collector and contains many items of great rarity and beauty. All of the items in this archive are exceptionally well preserved with most exhibiting no wear or damage of any kind. There are over 160 items in this archive and we have been offering these rarities over the past few months as part of our regular, weekly eBay auctions.

     This wonderful American Revolutionary War related Engraving is 100%, unconditionally guaranteed to be an original, 1782 printing and not a restrike, reprint or reproduction. It is in excellent condition - clean and crisp and very attractive with no tears, edge chipping, physical damage or repairs of any kind. Overall this is an exceptionally well preserved and very attractive example of this important Revolutionary War Engraving.

     A very rare and striking, original, 1782, American Revolutionary War related engraving depicting a highly imaginative representation of the funeral of American Major General Richard Montgomery and a fantastic addition to any collection!!

     Be sure to check out this sellers other auctions for other portraits and Views from this amazing Archive which are also being offered for sale this week on eBay!!

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