The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-05-31
MEMOIR OF RHODE-ISLAND.
1859.


The success of the last campaign had
relieved the colonies in great degree from
the annoyance ofthe enemy. The ministry
determined to follow up the advantages they
had gained and if possible to subdue the
whole of Canada. ]
General Amhurst commanded the north /
ern army, consisting of IL 900 regulars and
prcyincials, and was The first in motion
bearing down all before him. Ticonderoga
fell into his hands in July, and Crown Point
in August, but still the enemy was formi-
dabe on Lake Champlain, both by their
land for,ifcations as well as armed vessels
on the lake.
While Gen. Amherst was preparing YES
sells of force and making preparation to
strike blow against the French on Lake |,
Champlain, Gen. Prideaux lin the English
service) advanced another army up to Fort
Niagara, where he arrived about the mid
die of July, and inverted it on all sides. |
4 few days after, Gen. Pridenux was killed
stance seemed to discourage thearmy as much
as the loss Of a battle; the command then de- !
volyed on Sir VIM. johnson. The French
fearing the loss of Niagara collected "A large
force and determined if possible to raise the
siege by engaging the beseging army in
the field. They advanced for that purpose,
but Gen. Johnson made such a iudcious
arrangement for their reception, that the
French were defeated with great loss and
the pursuit continued for five miles with
great slaughter; sixteen French officers
were taken, besides Monsieur Aubry, their
commander. Ader this battle the garrison
of Fort Niagara surrendered themselves
prisoners of war. This conquest cut off
tho communication between the French Of
Canada and theIr brethren OF Louisiana.
After tie taking Of TicoGderosa, Crown
Point ard Niagara, all eyes were turned to
the principal theatre of the war, Quebeck.
On the eth of April Admiral Saunders
came within sight of Louisburgh, but the
harbor being obsiructed by Ice he bore away
for Halifax. He there detached a squadron
to the river St. Lawrence to intercept sup
plies coming from France TO Quebec, where
he took several store ships, but II sail with
provisions and troops, under convoy of three
fngates, had gone ahead and arrived safely
at Quebec. Admiral Saunders, as soon as
the season would permit followed with an
army Of 5000 men, and the troops were
embarked on an island near the capital of
Canada.
Gen. Wolfe commanded the land forces.
He was an officer, young, ambitious, and
OF great military attalnments; and under
him were Brigadiers Morton, Townsend
and Murray. The city was strong and de-
Tended by nature aud art, besides containing
u garrison more numerous than the whole
invading army.
When Wolfe saw the position and strength
of The town he almos, despaired of the en-
terprlse, but being young, ambitious and de-
termined, he proceeded to make prepara-
ton for the siege. Various delays and dis
appointments consumed the summer. and il
was not till the 18th Of September that the
army landed under cnver of the night at
place ieas, expected by the French climb
ed up steep hill, through narrow path,
by holding on the stumps aud boughs in
their way up the steep ascent BY these
means the army attained the heights of A
braham, in the rear of the town, where they
formed in order of battle. The French
General Monicalm, marched out to give him
battle, in the open field, and about niue o.
clock the engagement commenced. Itwns
a severe and bloody day, but the English
were victorious, Wolfe and Monicalm were
both killed, tho former at the moment when
victory perched upon the British standard.
The command now deyOlyed on Gen.
Townsend who continued the action and
drove the French within their lines. The
English lost 500 aud the French 1900 men
IN the action after which the town was
closely besieged and the feet coming in
front of the town on the seventh. in aid Of
the army the French surrendered the place
on terms honorable to the Government, and
the inhabitants Of the town. 4 garrison OF
5000 men were left la the city under co,n