History Browser

Synopsis of television episode on James Wolfe's role in the siege of Louisbourg. Wolfe was determined to avenge the French general the Marquis de Montcalm's North American victories. It was at Cormorant Cove, which the French neglected to protect, that Wolfe first tasted glory and acquired a reputation for recklessness that would grow. This episode is part of the "Canada: A People's History" series. Includes links to educational resources, bibliography, games, puzzles, and video clips.

Synopsis of television episode of the British attack on the Fortress of Louisbourg. On June 1, 1758, a massive British force arrived at Louisbourg, led by commander General Jeffery Amherst. To Louisbourg Governor Augustin de Drucour, it appeared that the British were intent on killing everyone and burning the town. This episode is part of the "Canada: A People's History" series. Includes links to educational resources, bibliography, games, puzzles, and video clips.

Synopsis of television episode on England's plan to capture Louisbourg. The French fortress that guarded the entrance to the St. Lawrence River had long been a source of friction between France and Britain. The strategic fort was located on Île Royale and was the centre of the French fishing industry, a key military post, and training base for the French navy. This episode is part of the "Canada: A People's History" series. Includes links to educational resources, bibliography, games, puzzles, and video clips.

The 58th Regiment of Foot was one of several British units sent to America in 1757 in preparation for the attack on Louisbourg. Although the siege did not begin until 1758, the regiment saw the capture of the fortress and was present at the capture of Quebec the following year. This soldier is shown in marching order, carrying his pack and haversack. His red coat shows the black regimental facings of the 58th Foot on its cuff and lapels. The uniform is unusual for British infantry of the period because the regimental lace is yellow instead of the normal white, and the coat lining (seen on the turned back coat tails) is buff instead of white. Reconstruction by G. A. Embleton. (Parks Canada)

The 17th Regiment of Foot arrived at Halifax in 1757. It took part in the siege of Louisbourg as part of Brigadier James Wolfe's brigade. The 17th’s grenadiers were surprised by a French sortie on 9 July 1758. Their captain, Lord Dundonald, and part of the company were killed. The regiment was later part of General Amherst’s army, advancing up Lake Champlain in 1759 and down the Richelieu River in 1760. It fought at Île-aux-Noix and was at the surrender of Montreal in September 1760. (Library of the Canadian Department of National Defence)

During the 1750s, British North American colonies grew to the point that they began to spread into territory already occupied by the French colonies and First Peoples. After the expulsion of British settlers in 1754, an undeclared war broke out between French and British colonies.

The portrait shows Major-General James Wolfe in the all red uniform that he frequently wore during the siege of Quebec and probably also during the siege of Louisbourg as well. This type of all red uniform dated from the days of the Duke of Marlborough as an optional field dress for officers. The original source for this 1766 portrait is a sketch made by Captain Hervey Smyth, Wolfe's aide-de-camp during the siege. The black band worn around Wolfe's arm is a mourning band in remembrance of the general's father, who had died in March 1759.

Miniature portrait of Captain John Montresor. Between 1758 and 1760, Montresor was present at Louisbourg, the siege of Quebec, and the capitulation of Montreal. Includes access to descriptive archival record for the artwork.

In June 1758, a British fleet and army arrived off Île Royale, and the siege of Louisbourg began. It lasted five weeks, thanks to strong fortifications and the determination of the outnumbered defenders. French surrender was followed by deportation of the civilian population.

The 78th (Highland) Regiment of Foot was at the siege of Louisbourg in 1758, at the siege of Quebec in 1759 and at the battle of Sainte-Foy in 1760. It remained in garrison at Quebec until disbanded in 1763, some of its men remaining in Canada as settlers. Reconstruction by R.J. Marrion. (Canadian War Museum)