Lévis, Gaston-François, Chevalier de

(1720-1787)

   Entered French army in 1735; named second in command to Montcalm, 1756; sailed for Canada the same year. On the death of Montcalm at Quebec, succeeded to the command of the French forces, and won the battle of Ste. Foy, 1760. After the capitulation, returned to France, and served under Condé against Prince Ferdinand. Created a marshal, 1783, and the following year a duke and peer of France.

   Index: WM Second in command to Montcalm, 2; his birth and descent, 8; military service 9, 10; character, 11; at battle of Carillon, 55, 60; confidence of Montcalm in, 85; persuades Montcalm to extend line of defence to Montmorency River, 105; his great activity, 110, 118, 126; his bravery, 137; praises courage of troops, both regulars and Canadians, 143; congratulated by Vaudreuil on victory at Montmorency, 144; sent to defend western frontiers, 147; his absence from principal scene of conflict has disastrous results, 147; sends encouraging news from Montreal, 157; his presence and counsel much desired by Montcalm, 165; his absence on eve of battle greatly felt by Montcalm, 195; Montcalm bequeaths his papers to, 219; arrives at Jacques Cartier and takes command, 227; disapproves of retreat, 227; marches army back in hope of relieving Quebec, 229; his regret for death of Montcalm, 233; hears of capitulation of Quebec, 234; decides to march on Quebec in the spring, 241; his efforts to supply needs of his army, 242; occupies Ste. Foy, 256-266; takes possession of General Hospital, 265; arrival of British fleet compels him to retire, 267; surrender at Montreal, 268; his high military qualities, 268. L French general, burning of his flags by, 12. Hd Defeats Murray, 34; his final struggle, 36-37; surrenders, 38; account of having burned French flags, 39; not forgotten, 122.

   Bib.: Parkman, Montcalm and Wolfe; Doughty, Siege of Quebec; Wood, The Fight for Canada; Bradley, Fight with France; Collection des Manuscrits du Maréchal de Lévis, ed. by Casgrain.