Canadian Campaign > Battle of Trois-Rivieres

Battle of Trois-Rivieres

Background

The Battle of Trois-Rivières, also known as the Battle of Three Rivers, took place on June 8, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War. It was a significant engagement in the American invasion of Quebec, following the failed attempt to capture Quebec City and the subsequent retreat of American forces. The battle resulted in a decisive British victory and marked the end of the American campaign in Quebec.

Background:

1. Strategic Context:

   • In 1775, the American Continental Congress authorized an invasion of Quebec, hoping to bring the province into the revolutionary cause and prevent British forces from using it as a base to threaten the American colonies.
   • The initial stages of the campaign saw American successes, including the capture of Fort Ticonderoga and the advance into Montreal. However, the failed assault on Quebec City on December 31, 1775, marked a turning point.
   • By the spring of 1776, the American forces, weakened by disease, harsh winter conditions, and lack of supplies, were in retreat from Quebec City.

2. American Objectives:

   • The American forces, now under the command of Brigadier General John Sullivan, sought to regroup and hold positions in Quebec to prevent a British counter-offensive.
   • Sullivan aimed to link up with other American forces and possibly mount another attempt to control the region.

The Battle:

1. American Forces:

   • The American force at Trois-Rivières consisted of around 1,000 to 1,200 troops, including remnants of the Continental Army and local militia. These forces were part of the retreating army from Quebec City.
   • The Americans were led by Brigadier General William Thompson and included notable officers such as Colonel Arthur St. Clair and Colonel Anthony Wayne.

2. British Forces:

   • The British force, commanded by General Guy Carleton, aimed to expel the American invaders from Quebec. Carleton had received reinforcements from Britain, swelling his ranks to around 4,000 troops.
   • The British force at Trois-Rivières included regulars, Loyalist units, and Hessian mercenaries. The local commander at Trois-Rivières was Brigadier General Simon Fraser.

3. Initial Engagement:

   • On June 8, 1776, the American forces, unaware of the full strength of the British reinforcements, launched an attack on the British encampment at Trois-Rivières.
   • The Americans attempted to surprise the British by advancing through the night and launching a dawn attack. However, they faced numerous challenges, including navigating difficult terrain and marshes.

4. Battle Unfolds:

   • The American forces encountered stiff resistance from well-prepared British troops. The British had fortified positions and were supported by artillery.
   • As the Americans advanced, they were subjected to heavy musket and cannon fire, which disrupted their formations and caused significant casualties.

5. American Retreat:

   • Realizing the strength and preparedness of the British forces, the American commanders ordered a retreat. The retreat quickly turned into a rout, with many American soldiers captured or killed.
   • General Thompson and several other American officers were captured, further demoralizing the American troops.

Aftermath and Impact:

1. Casualties:

   • American casualties were significant, with estimates of around 50-100 killed or wounded and approximately 200-300 captured, including General Thompson.
   • British casualties were relatively light, with around 8-15 killed and 50-60 wounded, reflecting the effectiveness of their defensive positions.

2. Strategic Consequences:

   • The decisive British victory at Trois-Rivières marked the end of the American invasion of Quebec. The remaining American forces retreated towards Montreal and then further south towards Fort Ticonderoga.
   • The defeat forced the Americans to abandon their hopes of bringing Quebec into the revolutionary cause and securing the northern frontier.

3. Impact on American Forces:

   • The loss at Trois-Rivières was a severe blow to American morale and leadership. The capture of key officers and the failure of the campaign underscored the challenges of conducting military operations in unfamiliar and hostile territory.
   • The American forces regrouped and refocused their efforts on defending positions in the northern colonies and preparing for further British offensives.

Significance:

• End of the Quebec Campaign: The Battle of Trois-Rivières effectively ended the American campaign in Quebec, forcing the Continental Army to retreat and abandon its goals in the region.
• British Consolidation: The victory allowed the British to consolidate their control over Quebec and use it as a base for future operations against the American colonies.
• Lessons Learned: The battle highlighted the importance of intelligence, preparation, and logistics in military campaigns. The American failure underscored the difficulties of maintaining a prolonged invasion without adequate support and reinforcements.

The Battle of Trois-Rivières remains a significant event in the American Revolutionary War, illustrating the complexities and challenges of early American military operations and the pivotal role of leadership and strategy in determining the outcomes of engagements.

Canadian Campaign

• Invasion of Canada (1775)
• Capture of Fort Ticonderoga
• Siege of Fort Saint Jean
• Battle of Longue-Pointe
• Arnold's Expedition
• Battle of Quebec
• Battle of Saint-Pierre
• Battle of the Cedars
• Battle of Trois-Rivieres
• Battle of Valcour Island

Sources

Primary Sources

Secondary Sources