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Rare early battle plan of Quebec, showing the siege of 1690 by the British Forces, along with the French lines of defense and battlements.
Excellent detail of one of the earliest naval battles fought in American waters.
Battle of Quebec
The Battle of Quebec was fought in October 1690 between the colonies of New France and Massachusetts Bay, then ruled by the kingdoms of France and England, respectively.
Following the capture of Port Royal in Acadia, during King William's War, the New Englanders hoped to seize Quebec itself, the capital of New France. The loss of the Acadian fort shocked the Canadians. Governor-General Louis de Buade de Frontenac ordered the immediate preparation of the city for siege.
Major John Walley led the invading British forces, which landed at Beauport in the Basin of Quebec. However, the militia on the shore were constantly harassed by Canadian militia until their retreat, while the expedition's ships, commanded by Sir William Phips, were nearly destroyed by cannon volleys from the top of the city.
Both sides learned from the battle: the French improved the city's defenses, while the New Englanders realized they needed more artillery and better support from England to take the city.
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