The New Hampshire Gazette

The French Troops that served in Canada, being desirous of erecting a Monument in Honour of Montcalm their General, who fell in the Action at Quebec, when we also lost the brave Wolfe. A French Colonel wrote to the Academy of Belles Lettres for an Epitaph, to be placed over Montcalm's Tomb, in a Church in that City; which occasioned the following Letter from M. de Bougainville, Member of the Academy, to Mr. Pitt.

SIR,

The honours paid, under your ministry, to Mr. Wolfe, assure me, that you will not disapprove of the grateful endeavours of the French troops, to perpetuate the memory of the marquis de Montcalm: The body of this general, who was honoured by the regret of your nation, is interred at Quebec. I have the honour to send you an epitaph made for him by the academy of inscriptions: I beg the favour of you, Sir, that you will be pleased to examine it, and, if not improper, obtain leave for me to send it to Quebec, engraved on marble, and to be placed on the marquis de Montcalm's tomb. Should such leave be granted, may I presume to request, Sir, that you will be so good as to inform me of it, and, at the same time, to send me a passport, that the marble, with the epitaph engraved on it, may be received into an English ship, and Mr. Murray, governor of Quebec, allow it to be placed in the Ursuline church. You will be pleased, Sir, to pardon me for this intrusion on your important occupations; but endeavouring to immortalize illustrious men and eminent patriots, is doing honour to yourself.

I am, with respect, &c. De Bougainville.

Mr. Pitt's Answer.

SIR,

It is a real satisfaction to me, to send you the king's consent on a subject so affecting as the epitaph composed by the academy of inscriptions, at Paris, for the marquis de Montcalm, and which, it is desired, may be sent to Quebec, engraved on marble to be placed on the tomb of that illustrious soldier: It is perfectly beautiful: and the desire of the French troops, which served in Canada, to pay such a tribute to the memory of their general, whom they saw expire at their head, in a manner worthy of them and himself, is truly noble and praiseworthy. I shall take a pleasure, Sir, in facilitating, every way, such amiable Intentions: and on notice of the measures taken for shipping this marble, I will not fail immediately to transmit you the passport you desire, and send directions to the governor of Quebec for its reception. I as well beg of you, Sir, to be persuaded of my just sensibility of that so obliging part of the letter with which you have honoured me relating to myself, and to believe that I embrace as a happiness, the opportunity of manifesting the esteem and particular regard with which I have the honour to be, &c.

London, April 10, 1761.
W. PITT.

Here lieth,
In either Hemisphere to live for ever,
Lewis Joseph De Montcalm Gozon,
Marquis of St. Veran. Baron of Gabriac,
Commandator of the Order of St. Lewis,
Lieutenant General of the French forces,
Both an excellent subject and soldier,
Whose memory will be immortalized both here
He made himself master of almost insurmountable fortifications,
Defended by numerous garrisons,
And furnished with a plenty of warlike stores.
He could endure cold, hunger, watchings, & fatigue,
To a degree almost incredible:
He supplied the deficiencies of fortune by his bravery,
A vigilant enemy, and accustomed to conquer;
He supported the tottering state of that colony
Want of soldiers, by experience and activity.
Ever solicitous for the safety of his soldiers,
He was regardless of his own;
four years.
He died on the 14th of September M.DCC.LIX.
In the forty eighth year of his age,
Firmly relying on Divine Providence,
Whose precepts he had always religiously observed;
Universally lamented by his own soldiers,
And even regretted by his enemies.
The mourning French have deposited the mortal
remains
Of this incomparable General,
in a grave
Which an impetuous ball had previously dug.
And commended them to the generous protection
Of their adversaries.