|
American Colonies |
Kirke takes Quebec |
English Newfoundland
| Phips
| Treaty of Utrecht |
War of Austrian
Succession |
Capture of Louisbourg |
Treaty of Aix la
Chapelle | Halifax |
French Indian Wars |
Governor Murray
William Phips was born
in Massachusetts on Feb 2, 1651 in an area which would
later become the state of Maine. He left home for Boston
at a very young age and became involved in merchant
shipping industry. He worked his way up to Captain and
in 1687 convinced financial backers to finance a search
for Spanish treasure which had disappeared around 1600.
He recovered the
treasure and was able to keep 16% of the treasure while
the rest went to his investors and the Crown. This
resulted n his appointment as Governor of Massachusetts.
He presided over the establishment of colonial self
government and a judicial system for the colony.
The spring of 1689
marks the beginning of the war between France and the
league of Augsburg which was lead by Great Britain.
North America had become a major theatre of war and the
French ordered Frontenac to launch operations against
the English colonies. The French forces streamed south
and attacked the English settlements on the frontier
where the destroyed the villages and either killed or
capture the inhabitants. These aggressive attacks
shocked the New England colonists to action and Phips
was give command of a naval/army force which sailed for
Acadia and arrived at Port Royal on May 22, 1690 and
overwhelmed the post with ease. With Acadia secured he
force returned to Boston and re-equipped and prepared
for the next attack.
By August Phips was
ready and on the 9th sailed for Quebec City, the heart
of New France. Phips had a fleet of about 34 ships,
including 4 large warships and over 2000 men. Phips
arrived at Quebec City on August 19th and demanded the
surrender of the city. Frontenac replied The only answer
I have for you general will come from the mouths of my
canon and muskets. Let him learn this is not the way a
man such as me is to be summoned."
Phips launched his
attack in the area of the St Charles River but was met
by Jacques Le Moyne de Sainte-Helene who managed to
rebuff the British assault. The heights of Quebec City
were defended with several canons which were able to
fire down upon Phips fleet and within a week the French
bombardment was taking it's toll. By October 24th, the
cold weather was setting in and Phips, fearful of being
trapped in the St Lawrence by freezing water decided to
give up the siege.
Phips ordered the
return to Boston and weighed anchor only arriving back
in New England in December. His fleet was battered and
some ships lost and Frontenac remained in Quebec and
died at the age of 76 on November 28th, 1698, having
never returned to France after the battle.
|
