Francis Glass, Washingtonii Vita
J.N. Reynolds, Ed.

1 Paucis, “ in few words, ” briefly: thus Terence, “ paucis te vobo, ” that is, “ volo (alloqui) te (in) paucis (verbis, ”) “ I wish to speak a few words with you. ”

2 Eques Anglicus, “ an English Knight; ” this was Sir Guy Carleton, who, to the greatest valor and military reputation, united the most consummate humanity and generosity to the vanquished: two qualities which should ever preponderate in the character of those who follow the profession of Arms. — Eques, or miles, is modern Latin for a knight.

3 Sanctum Joannem. ” “ St. John's. ”

4 Expositis, “ being landed; ” de naribus is understood.

5 Montem Regium, “ Montreal, » in Canada.

6 Abhorrentibus. “ Averse from military discipline. ”

7 Vicere, “ prevailde, ” triumphed; taken absolutely.

8 Nuribus, &c. Anglicè, “ and the ladies of that province had reason to thanks the hero, who had preserved entire the virtue and nonor of the females. ” The sentence being somewhat elliptical, may be thus supplied: (negotium) erat nuribus istius provinciœ, (propter) quod, &c. See what has been said on Nurus, in a preceding note.

9 Nonis, “ the nones of December; ” the nones, from nonus, nine, were the seventh day of March, May, July and October; but the fifth day of the rest of the months, thus, Nonœ Decembres, “ the fifth day of December. ”

10 Claustris. By this we understand, in the present passage, “ barriers.”

11 Portas. “ Gates, ” from the simple transitive verb porto, I carry; because the Romans in ploughing round the site of an intended city, (which was the case when they wished to found a city,) always carried the plough over those places where they intended a gate should be: hence, the name.

12 An adjective noun of three terminations, agreeing with the substantive via implied; it is placed here, adverbially, and signifies, “ straightway, ” or “ directly. ”

13 Qui, &c. Anglicè, “ who should discharge (to discharge) the cannons on the Americans coming up. ” — I choose to use tormentum, (a general name for all military engines,) for cannon, rather than a term of modern latinity, less classical.

14 Tormentis, &c., “ he attacked and carried a barrier, defended by several cannon. ” See what has been said on the noun tormentum, in preceding notes.

15 Obnoxia, “ exposed, ” “ liable, ” subject.

16 Certamen, &c., “ the unequal, or disadvantageous contest. ”

17 Ille, &c. “ That renowned leader. ” Montgomery enjoyed the rare felicity of being respected by both friends and foes. The British officers, both in Canada and England, regretted the fall of that commander. Congress, also, passed a very honorable resolve respecting him, and voted him a monument, to perpetuate his valor.

18 Uxorem. “ He married a wife: ” literally, he led, or conducted his wife, (home,) domum being understood. Of the woman was said, Nubo, which signifies, I cover, or veil.

19 Diplomate, “ with a commission of a leader of a cohort. ” His first commission was that of Brigadier-General.