Ticonderoga 1758: Montcalm's Victory Against All Odds (Praeger Illustrated Military History)

This book recounts the course of the ill-fated British attempt to capture Fort Ticonderoga in 1758 during the French-Indian Wars. The British goal was to carry the war into Canada, and as a key part of this strategy General Abercromby took a force north from Albany to capture the French fortress of Ticonderoga, under the command of General Montcalm. He foolishly attacked Ticonderoga head-on. Ultimately, bravery alone was not enough and what was left of the British forces had to fall back. Abercromby retreated and French Canada was safe for the time being.This book recounts the course of the ill-fated British attempt to capture Fort Ticonderoga in 1758 during the French-Indian Wars. The British goal was to carry the war into Canada, and as a key part of this strategy General Abercromby took a force north from Albaby to capture the French fortress of Ticonderoga under the command of General Montcalm. In addition 15,000 soldiers, he had the finest young officer in the army, Lord Howe, as his second-in-command. Abercromby's men landed at 10a.m. on the morning of 6 July and by noon the entire army had disembarked. Then tragedy struck--during a skirmish Howe was shot through the heart. The army was shaken by this loss, but Abercromby went to pieces. He attacked Ticonderoga head-on. Battalion after battalion was sacrificed, cut to pieces by musketry and grapeshot from Montcalm's troops. Ultimately, bravery alone was not enough and what was left of the British forces had to fall back. Abercromby retreated to the foot of Lake George, and French Canada was safe for the time being.