James Montague Letter to the Principal Officers and Commissioners of His Majesty's Navy 1775 October 22

Access and use

Location of collection:
Colonial Williamsburg
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
P.O. Box 1776
Williamsburg, VA 23187
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Douglas Mayo
Phone: (757) 565-8521
Phone: (757) 565-8520
Fax: (757) 565-8528

Summary

Creator:
Montague, James
Abstract:
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Montague writes concerning the bill drawn in favor of George Hastings of the ships "Rebecca" and "Frances Transport" for boatswain and carpenter's stores.

Biographical / historical:

James Montague (1752-1794) was a captain in the Royal Navy. On 14 Nov. 1775 he was posted to the Mercury. In December 1776 he was sent to England with the despatches announcing the capture of Rhode Island by Sir Peter Parker and General Clinton. He then returned to North America; but on 24 Dec. 1777, coming down the North (or Hudson's) River, the Mercury struck on a hulk which the enemy had sunk in the fairway, and became a total wreck. Montague was tried by court-martial at New York, but was acquitted of all blame. In the battle off Ushant, on 1 June 1794, Montague was killed. A monumental statue, by Flaxman, is in Westminster Abbey.

Acquisition information:
Gift, 1931
Arrangement:

1 item.

Physical location:
On site.
Physical description:
1 item.

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Naval Stores