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Major General Robert Monckton, 1760 circa (mezzotint)
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Major General Robert Monckton, 1760 circa (mezzotint)
5919935 Major General Robert Monckton, 1760 circa (mezzotint) by Hudson, Thomas (1701-79) (after); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Major General Robert Monckton, 1762 circa.
Mezzotint engraving by J McArdell after Thomas Hudson, 1762 circa.
Moncktons military career was largely centred in North America, most significantly as General Wolfes second-in-command at Quebec in 1759. The text on this print refers to his stint as Governor of New York (1761-1763) and his role in the capture of Martinique. There had previously been several unsuccessful British attempts to take this important sugar island. In 1762 it was heavily garrisoned with over 12, 000 French soldiers, local militia and hired privateersmen. Monckton assembled his force in Barbados, amounting to about 8, 000 troops in total, including 5, 000 British redcoats from America, and local volunteers from the British-held islands of the West Indies (Barbados, Antigua, Montserrat, St Christopher and Nevis).
They landed in Martinique on 16 January 1762 and began the arduous task of hauling the artillery across various gullies and ravines, but found the way blocked by a number of redoubts held by local militiamen. Monckton was forced to set up batteries to take these and his force fought all the way - at a cost of nearly 400 killed and wounded, to where the French had retreated, Fort Royal and Morne Grenier, an adjacent hill. On 27 January the French made a daring attack which failed, while the British gave chase up Morne Grenier and took the position.
Fort Royal surrendered a few days later and within nine days the whole island had capitulated. Monckton immediately sent detachments off to take the neighbouring islands of St Lucia, Grenada and St Vincent, bringing all of the Leeward and Windward Islands under British control. They remain part of the British Commonwealth today.); eNational Army Museum; English, out of copyright
Media ID 22567904
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This mezzotint print showcases Major General Robert Monckton, a prominent figure in British military history during the 18th century. Painted by Thomas Hudson and engraved by J McArdell, this artwork depicts Monckton around 1760, capturing his distinguished presence and commanding aura. Monckton's remarkable military career was primarily focused on North America, where he served as General Wolfe's second-in-command during the pivotal Battle of Quebec in 1759. The accompanying text on the print highlights his tenure as Governor of New York from 1761 to 1763 and his instrumental role in capturing Martinique. The capture of Martinique was a significant achievement for the British Empire at that time. With over 12,000 French soldiers defending the island alongside local militia and hired privateersmen, it seemed like an insurmountable challenge. However, Monckton assembled a formidable force consisting of approximately 8,000 troops from various British-held islands in the West Indies. The arduous task of hauling artillery across treacherous terrain proved challenging for Monckton's forces. They encountered resistance from local militiamen holding redoubts along their path but persevered through fierce battles until they reached Fort Royal and Morne Grenier - key strongholds held by the French. After successfully repelling a daring attack by the French forces on January 27th, Monckton's troops seized control of Morne Grenier and eventually forced Fort Royal to surrender. Within nine days following these victories, all of Martinique fell under British control. This triumph also led to subsequent successful campaigns in neighboring islands such as St Lucia, Grenada, and St Vincent. Major General Robert Monckton played an integral role in expanding British influence throughout this region – an impact that can still be seen today as these islands remain part of the British Commonwealth.
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