The earl of Loudon, unsuccessful in all his attempts, and disappointed in the hope of gaining laurels by his victo ries in Canada, placed his army in winter quarters. This was followed by a controversy with the settlers in Massa chusetts about the extent of the act of parliament for billeting soldiers. The people firmly maintained that it did not apply to his majesty's subjects in the planta tions ; and addressing the earl, they offered such reasons for their opinion and their conduct, and made such sub missions, as induced him to recal the orders which he had issued for the marching of troops, in order to force them to obedience.
Instead of producing fear and repressing activity, the ill success of the British arms excited the indignation of the people, both in England and the colonies, and urged them to more vigorous preparations. Mr Pitt, afterwards created earl of Chatham, was raised to the head of the administration in Europe. Powerful in de bate, and able in the cabinet, of a noble independence of spirit, capable of forming great schemes, and of exe cuting them with unusual decision, and unremitting perseverance, this accomplished statesman had the com plete direction of the strength and the riches of his coun try. In no pan of the empire was his character more popular than in America. Ile assured the govei nuns of the provinces, in a circular letter which he addressed to them, that an effectual force should be sent, to act against the French, both by sea and land ; and he called upon them to raise as large bodies of men as the population of the colonies would allow. These were to be supplied with arms and ammunition by the crown. A vigorous activity diffused itself through all the plantations ; and the designs of the minister were seconded by the cheer ful and unabating exertions of the people. A powerful armament, equipped with extraordinary despatch, sailed from the harbours of England. The earl of Loudon having returned to Europe, the command of all the British forces in America devolved on general Aber crombie. This officer was at the head of 50,000 men; of which, 20,000 were troops raised in the provinces. Three expeditions were resolved on, (A. I). 1758;) the first against Louisbourg, which had fallen into the hands of the French ; the second against Ticonderoga and Crown Point ; and the third against Fort du Quesne. The troops destined to act against Louisbourg, consist ing of 14,000 men, were commanded by major general Amherst ; and admiral Boscawen, with 20 sail of the line, and IS frigates, was ordered to co-operate with him in reducing the place. The army embarked at Ha lifax on the 24th of May, and arrived before Louisbourg on the 2d of June. The fleet intercepted the supplies which were designed by the enemy for the relief of their colonies. The approaches of the British were regular and decisive. General 'Wolfe was detached with 2000 men to seize a post at the Lighthouse Point, from which the enemy could be annoyed with greater hope of suc cess; and that young and gallant officer executed the service with so much promptness and ability, that the French were driven from their position, and several batteries of heavy artillery were erected upon it. The
cannonade began, and it was perceived that the town must ultimately fall. One of the enemy's ships in the harbour was blown up ; the flame was speedily commu nicated to two others, which shared the same fate. Another large vessel that had run aground, was destroy ed by a detachment of seamen under captains Laforey and Ballour ; and another being towed off in triumph, the English took possession of the harbour. A gene ral assault was meditated by the enemy ; but Drucourt the governor, influenced by the wishes of the traders and inhabitants, agreed to capitulate ; and resigned the place, with all its artillery and stores, to the British commander.
The expedition against Ticonderoga and Crown Point, was led by General Abercrombie in person ; six teen thousand effective men were under his orders, and he was provided with every thing necessary for the success of the enterprize. The troops embarked on Lake George, and landed without opposition, under the cover of some heavy pieces of artillery mounted upon rafts. They were divided into four columns, and marched in that order towards the vanguard of the enemy ; but the French, not being in sufficient force to oppose them, deserted their camp and made a hasty retreat. The English general then advanced towards the fortress of Ticonderoga, through woods which were almost impassable, and under the direction of unskillul wiides; so that the C011.111111S were driVt'll UpOD each other, and thrown into unavoidable confusion. Lord Howe, at the head of the tight centre division, fell in a. skirmish with a wandering party of the French, and (lied, lamented by the whole army. The British having taken possession of a post at the Saw-mills, about two miles front Ticonderoga, and Aberci ombie having learn ed that a reinforcement of So00 men was daily expected by the enemy, it was resolved to storm the place, before the reinforcement should arrive, and even without w ait ing for the artillery which was necessary to reduce it. The attempt was unsuccessful, notwithstanding the extraordinary bravery of the soldiers ; so that after a contest of four hours, the general thought( it prudent to order a retreat, and relinquish the expedition. Fort Frontignac was destroyed by Colonel Bradstreet ; and the demolition of that strong hold facilitated the en deavours of the English against Fort du Qucsne, which, after a short time, fell into their hands. Thus ter minated the campaign of ; during which, though the success of the British was not equal to the expectations which were formed front the mighty force brought into ac tion, their advances were both considerable and decisive.