Articles of Capitulation of Montreal

8 September 1760: a signature, not an assault

On 8 September 1760, Governor General Pierre de Rigaud de Vaudreuil signed articles capitulating Montreal and the French colonial government of Canada to Major-General Jeffery Amherst.

There was no storming of the city. Three armies had already converged — James Murray upriver from Quebec, Amherst down the St Lawrence from Lake Ontario, William Haviland by Lake Champlain and the Richelieu — bringing more than 18,000 British and allied troops against defenders who knew a bombardment would expose Montreal's civilians.

Arms on the parade ground

Under Article 1 the French troops had to lay down their arms and British troops were to take the gates immediately, the British garrison entering after the French evacuation.

Amherst refused the French regulars the customary honours of war. François-Gaston de Lévis protested that the condition dishonoured eight army battalions and two Marine battalions, but could not prevent the capitulation.

During the preceding night the French standard-bearers burned their regimental flags. On 8 September the troops deposited their weapons on the parade ground.

What the fifty-five articles covered

The terms let militia return home, protected property and Catholic religious practice, and arranged the departure of French officials and regular troops. In all, 55 articles addressed religion, property, archives, hospitals, officials and civilians.

3,116 French officers and soldiers were held as prisoners; with accompanying women, children and servants, more than 4,000 people passed into British care.

Organized French defence of Canada ended, but formal sovereignty awaited the 1763 peace treaty, and the document itself contemplated that Canada might be restored to France. The Restigouche garrison did not learn of the capitulation until 23 October and surrendered six days later.