Battle of Ticonderoga (1759)

The Battle of Ticonderoga, fought on June 27,1759, was an engagement of the French and Indian War.

In 1758, a major British Army was broken in the Battle of Carillon at Fort Carillon (soon to be renamed Ticonderoga), but during the winter, most of the French and Canadian garrison had been removed to defend Quebec, Montreal, and the French western forts from British attacks.

Determined not to repeat the tactical mistakes of 1758, Sir Jeffrey Amherst moved north from Lake George to cut off the Fort's supply lines. The French quickly withdrew most of their remaining forces and the fort fell to Amherst with no major resistance in July 1759.

Fort St. Frédéric was destroyed by the retreating French after Fort Ticonderoga fell. The time needed to capture the two forts delayed Amherst's forces and prevented him from joining General Wolfe at the Siege of Quebec.The valuable Lt.Col Roger Townshend (Stationed at Fort Edward) was lost during this engagement, having been hit by a French cannonball on July 25 1759. He was sorely missed by Amherst who considered him a friend in his journal. He was also on close terms with Robert Rogers who led the famous Rogers' Rangers from Fort Edward. An inscription to Townshend's death can be found in Westminster Abbey. He was the youngest brother of Lt.Col. George Townshend who 2½ months later was engaged with General Wolfe at the Siege of Quebec

External References

* [http://www.fort-ticonderoga.org/history/bibliographies/1759campaign.htm Fort Ticonderoga National Historic Landmark]
* [http://www.rogersrangers.org/ Rogers' Rangers]
* [http://home.worldonline.co.za/~townshend/ltcolroger.htm Lt.Col. Roger Townshend inscription]

ources

* Amherst's journal
* Rogers' journal

External links

* [http://web2.airmail.net/napoleon/FRENCH_ARMY.htm The French Army 1600-1900]