Louis-Joseph de Montcalm

February 29, 1712 (age 47)

Vestric-et-Candiac, France

He entered the army at the age of nine, becoming colonel in 1743 and brigadier in 1747. In 1756 he was sent to Canada as commander of the French troops. During the same year, he seized the English post of Oswego, and the next year Fort William Henry. On July 8, 1758, Montcalm repulsed General James Abercrombie's attack on Ticonderoga. The following year he defended Quebec against General James Wolfe. In the decisive battle on the Plains of Abraham on September 13, 1759, which led to the surrender of the city, both generals were mortally wounded. Montcalm died the following day in Quebec, and was buried in the church of the Ursuline convent.

Louis-Joseph de Montcalm

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General military

Background

Louis-Joseph de Montcalm was born in Vestric-et-Candiac, France on February 29, 1712.

Career

He entered the army at the age of nine, becoming colonel in 1743 and brigadier in 1747. In 1756 he was sent to Canada as commander of the French troops. During the same year, he seized the English post of Oswego, and the next year Fort William Henry.

On July 8, 1758, Montcalm repulsed General James Abercrombie's attack on Ticonderoga. The following year he defended Quebec against General James Wolfe. In the decisive battle on the Plains of Abraham on September 13, 1759, which led to the surrender of the city, both generals were mortally wounded. Montcalm died the following day in Quebec, and was buried in the church of the Ursuline convent.

Achievements

Montcalm is a controversial figure among military historians, some of whom have strongly criticized his decisions at Quebec. But he has also been much memorialized, especially in France, Quebec and parts of New York and Lower Michigan.

Connections

Father:: Louis-Daniel de Montcalm
Mother:: Marie-Thérèse de Pierre

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