James Abercromby | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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James Abercromby

James Abercromby, army officer (b at Banffshire, Scot 1706; d at Glassaugh, Scot 23 Apr 1781). A career soldier, he came to North America in 1756 and was appointed commander in chief of British forces.

Abercromby, James

James Abercromby, army officer (b at Banffshire, Scot 1706; d at Glassaugh, Scot 23 Apr 1781). A career soldier, he came to North America in 1756 and was appointed commander in chief of British forces. He led an army of about 15 000 men up Lake Champlain, and by early July 1758 approached Fort Carillon, where French commander MONTCALM was hastily entrenching with a much smaller army. After a series of futile assaults on July 8 and the loss of nearly 2000 men, Abercromby retreated hastily. Recalled immediately, he was succeeded by Jeffery AMHERST.