The Withdrawal from Boston
And
Gains and Losses
The Fortification of Dorchester Heights and the subsequent withdrawal from Boston was another in a string of failures by the British. It wouldn’t be there last. - Sir John Dassero, Professor of History at Columbia University
Ultimately, the trade of Halifax for Quebec City was a win for the Americans. - Sir John Dassero, Professor of History at Columbia University
March 4 - 17, 1776
On the night of March 4, American troops quietly, and successfully, managed to take the the heights overlooking Boston and mount a number of cannons there. The cannon, brought by General Knox from Ticonderoga, put the British in an unenviable position. The American could now shell the British ships in the harbor.
The British Admiral, Molyneux Shuldham, informed General Howe that their position was untenable and the Royal Navy was in danger unless they retook the Heights or withdrew. After some debate, General Howe gave the order to withdraw.
He sent a letter to Washington informing the Americans that, if they did not contest the evacuation, the city would be left unharmed. Washington acknowledged the letter and Howe withdrew from the city on March 17.
March 7 - 11, 1776
As the winter turned to spring, the Americans under General Montgomery began tightening the siege of Quebec City. Having spent most of the winter in and around Montreal, the Americans were well trained and equipped they had also received additional re-enforcements, both from local militia and continental regulars. As a result, the American numbered approximately 5,000. On the other hand, the British forces in Quebec City were wearing out there welcome amongst the Quebecois.
On March 7, believing his forces to be ready and knowing it would only be a matter of time before the British were re-enforced, General Montgomery ordered his forces forward. Despite being outnumbered, the British managed to hold their works against American attacks for most of March 7 and March 8. In the evening of the 8th, Guy Carleton, believing to have the Americans on the ropes, ordered a counter attack for the morning.
On March 9, the British counter-attack began, forces swarmed out of the city and managed to push the American forces back, however, in so doing took massive casualties, especially when they ran into the American’s prepared defenses. By the early evening, the British were forced to call off the attack.
-British counter-attack, March 9
Overnight both forces took stock of the situation, Carleton and the British were pleased, they had bought themselves some space and did not believe the Americans would attack again. Montgomery had other plans. He correctly believed the British had been stretched thin from the day’s actions. Additionally, he had received word of the growing resentment within the city to the British. As a result, he issued orders to attack at first light.
When the attack began, the British were caught wholly surprised and unprepared. By 12PM, the Americans had entered the city and were pushing the British out. Although casualties were high on both sides, the British, due to their inferior numbers, were forced to fall back.
Finally, in the early hours of March 11, 1776, Sir Guy Carleton, leader of the British forces and Governor of Quebec, was forced to surrender along with the remaining 700 men he had.
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Sir Guy Carleton, who will spend the rest of the war as an American prisoner
April 4 - May 3
Following the American victory at Halifax, Washington kept in close contact with Arnold. As a result, Arnold knew the British had withdrawn from Boston and were, most likely, heading his way. Arnold also knew the British outnumber him two to one and could attack in much the same way he did, from the rear. As a result, Arnold, together with Eddy and Washington (the younger), gave orders to be constructing additional fortifications in and around Fort Cumberland. The idea was simple, they couldn’t hold Halifax, but they could try and hold the mainland.
When the British landed to the south and north of Halifax on April 15, Arnold was ready. He had already stripped the Fort of most of its defenses and powder. What was left, he spiked. Finally, he fired the docks before leaving. While the docks wouldn’t be completely destroyed, they would suffer heavy damage and need serious repair before they could be used fully.
Howe arrived on April 20 and was furious. He was left with a shell of fort, no guns, no powder, and a burnt out dock.