The Honble Robt Monckton, Major General. Governor of New York.

SEVEN YEARS' WAR HERO

Mezzotint measuring 222 by 130mm, plate size: 150 by 115mm. Some very slight toning to edges, London, Printed for J. Smith at Hogarth's Head, Cheapside,

A lovely copy of this famous portrait of the Colonial Governor. Robert Monckton (1726-1782) was born in Yorkshire and educated at Westminster. He joined the 3rd Foot Guards in 1741 and fought in the Austrian War of Succession. By 1752 he'd been promoted to lieutenant-colonel and was posted to Nova Scotia.

 

Monckton was in North America throughout the Seven Years' War. He served on the provincial council at Halifax, was appointed lieutenant-governor of Annapolis Royal, and in 1755 led a successful surprise attack against the French in Nova Scotia. His actions during the war, such destroying French settlements along St John's River, led to promotions, including being appointed second in command to General Wolfe on his expedition against Quebec. He played a vital part in that campaign, leading four battalions to Point Brevis, which "was of immense strategic importance; artillery batteries were soon constructed, and on 12 July commenced a destructive fire upon the city. Elements of Monckton's command participated in Wolfe's attempt of 31 July to lure the French defenders into a confrontation by landing troops on the Beauport shore, between Quebec and the Montmorenci River; the first wave of grenadiers attacked without waiting for their supports and were repulsed with heavy losses. Monckton's troops subsequently landed in good order, and covered the withdrawal of the survivors" (ODNB). He remained on good terms with General Wolfe throughout the campaign, which Wolfe's other two brigadiers did not. As such it is only Monckton who appears in Benjamin West's celebrated painting, The Death of General Wolfe. Monckton's actions culminated in his appointment to governor and commander-in-chief of New York in 1761.

 

 

Stock Code: 233922