The first military test of Quebec City's defences, repelling a New England assault and shaping future fortification of New France's capital.
Key Facts
- Date
- October 1690
- Conflict
- King William's War
- Invading force commander
- Sir William Phips (naval); Major John Walley (land)
- Defender
- Governor-General Louis de Buade de Frontenac
- Landing site
- Beauport, Basin of Quebec
- Outcome
- French victory; New England forces repelled
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During King William's War, New England forces captured Port Royal in Acadia, emboldening Massachusetts Bay to attempt seizure of Quebec City, the capital of New France. The fall of Port Royal alarmed Governor-General Frontenac, who ordered the immediate fortification of Quebec City in anticipation of an assault.
Sir William Phips commanded the New England fleet while Major John Walley led ground troops who landed at Beauport. Frontenac famously refused surrender terms, declaring he would answer only by the mouth of his cannons. The landing force was harassed by local militia, and the fleet suffered heavy damage from cannon fire from the city's heights, forcing a New England withdrawal.
The failed assault demonstrated the strength of Quebec City's natural and constructed defences. France subsequently improved the city's fortifications further, while the New Englanders concluded they required substantially more artillery and direct English military support before any future attempt on the city could succeed.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Louis de Buade de Frontenac.
Side B
1 belligerent
Sir William Phips, Major John Walley.