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Description

One of the Earliest Views of a Battle Fought on American Soil

Interesting engraving depicting the French defense of Quebec City against the English/Massachusetts Bay Colony attack under the command of Admiral Phipps and Major Hohn Walley in 1690.

The map view is centered on the St. Lawrence River, with a view of Quebec at the top left.  At the right, across the St. Charles River, a battle between the French and allied Indians, versus the "troupes Angloises" (Massachusetts Bay Colony Troops) is shown.  A number of ships are shown in the St. Lawerence, depicting the British & French forces.

At the bottom, a key depicts important features of the view and battle.  

Battle of Quebec

The Battle of Québec was fought in October 1690 between the colonies of New France and Massachusetts Bay, then ruled by the kingdoms of France and England, respectively. It was the first time Quebec's defenses were tested.

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, and Governor-General Louis de Buade de Frontenac ordered the immediate preparation of the city for siege.  When the British proposed terms of surrender, the Governor-General famously declared that his only reply would be by "the mouth of my cannons."

British Major John Walley led the invading army, 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 volley fire from the top of the city. 

Reference