AMHERST, JEFFERY, Lottn, an associate in arms general Wolfe, was born at Riverhead, in Kent, England, on the 29th of January, 1717. As the estate of his father, who resided ut Kent, was io devolve on his elder brother Sackville, Jeffery, the second son, a ho possessed a strong predilection for a military life, re solved to dedicate himself to the profession of arms. He accordingly, when only about 14 years old, accepted a commission as ensign of the guards, and entered into the service of his country. In 1711, he became aid-dc camp to the then general, afterwards lord Ligonier. In this capacity he accompanied that officer into Germany, at the memorable battles of Roucox, Dettingen, and Fontenoy. His meritorious exertions now rendered him so conspicuous, that he was admitted on the staff of his royal highness the duke of Cumberland, and was present at the engagements of Laffeld and Hastenbeck. At the commencement of the difficulties with Great Britain and France in 1757, it being determined to make the French possessions, in America, the principal seat of warfare, Amherst who had attained to the rank of colonel received orders to return to England, was created ma jor general, and, with the illustrious Wolfe, was appointed for the American service. He departed from Plymouth, March 16th 1758. As the reduction of Louisbourg, the capital of the island of Breton was now meditated, he embarked the troops, which he brought out with him, at Halifax, on the 28th of May, and sailed for Louisbourg with the English squadron, consisting of twenty one line of battle ships and twenty frigates, under the command of admiral Boscawen. It is unnecessary here to enume rate the various plans and operations of the several com manders on this occasion, or particularly to notice the military exploits and prudence of Amherst, and the ex traordinary exertions of the distinguished Wolfe. The town of Louisbourg, though so strongly fortified as to be deemed almost impregnable, was at length taken on the 26th of July, and with but little farther difficulty the whole island of Cape Breton, at the expense of about 400 men killed and wounded.
General Amherst was soon honoured with the re ward due to his success ; and in the ensuing September was appointed commander in chief of all the forces in North America, in the place of general Abercrombie, whose attack and retreat at Ticonderoga, became the topic of severe animadversion and the primary cause of his removal. In the following year was formed the great design of attacking, as nearly at the same time as practicable, Crown Point, Niagara, Quebec, and the forts south of lake George ; that by thus distracting and wearying the enemy, all Canada might be taken at one campaign. The several armies were commanded by Amherst, Wolfe, and Prideaux. Amherst at the head of 12,000 troops and provincials was to penetrate into the interior, by the lakes, make himself master of Ticonde roga and Crown Point ; establish a naval force in lake Champlain, descend by means of the Sorril into the St Lawrence, and in conjunction with Wolfe and Prideaux, lay siege to Quebec. The army under the command of general Amherst was the first in motion, and arrived on the 24th of July before Ticonderoga., the fortifications of which place, the enemy, alter has. i..;; nearly destroyed, had abandoned. Aniher:,t immediately sec about re pairing the works of this important post, while scouting parties were sent in the neighbourhood of Crown Point in order to watch the movements of the enemy. He soon learned that the French, considering that place un tenable had departed, and instantly prepared to fortify it. Niagara, having at the same time surrendered to the troops and provincials of Sir \Villiam Johnson, every prospect of success was now held out. But it was still necessary to overcome the French flotilla on lake Cham plain, and the garrison at Isle Aux Noux was to be re duced. The preparations for these purposes were scarcely made ready when the sudden and unexpected approach of cold weather, frustrated his present expec tations, and ultimately obliged him to desist from his formidable enterprize.