The second time: Phips’ attack on Quebec (1690)

As the political centre of a French colony, the town became embroiled in the conflicts of the Old World. Near the end of the 17th century, France was at war with numerous states, including England, united under the League of Augsburg. As a result, New France, which was governed by Louis de Buade de Frontenac at the time, launched attacks against the colonies of New England.

The English colonists retaliated by sending William Phips to capture the town of Port-Royal in May 1690. That same year, he pursued his campaign by leading a fleet of 34 ships up the river to Quebec City. More than 2,000 men dropped anchor off the shores of Quebec City that October and called for its surrender.

Faced with this threat, Governor Frontenac refused to comply. Quebec City was protected by numerous fortifications in the Upper and Lower Towns, and guarded by an army of 3,000 men. The attacks of the English were not effective. After four days, their ammunition was depleted, many militiamen had fallen ill and more than a hundred had been killed or taken prisoner. Meanwhile, on the French side, enemy fire had caused only minor damage and resulted in just half a dozen casualties. Phips was forced to retreat to New England empty-handed.

Frontenac is famous for the bluntness of his reply upon hearing Phips’ demands. What was his reply?