for the French fortress at Ticonderaga (called Carillon by the
French), and arrived next day at a cove and landing-place, from whence a
way led to the advance guard of the enemy. Seven thousand men, in four
columns, then began a march through a thick wood. The columns were
necessarily broken; their guides were unskilful; the men were bewildered
and lost; and parties fell in one upon another. Lord Howe, the life of
the army, at the head of a column, which was supported by light
infantry, being advanced, fell in with a party of the enemy, consisting
of about four hundred regulars and some Indians. Many of them were
killed, and one hundred and forty-eight taken prisoners. This, however,
was a dearly purchased victory, for Lord Howe was the first who fell on
the English side. The report of his death caused consternation as well
as grief through the army, which had placed much confidence in him.

"About five hundred regulars were killed upon the spot, and about one
thousand two hundred wounded. Of the provincials, one hundred were
killed, and two hundred and fifty wounded.

"The army still consisted of thirteen or fourteen thousand. The enemy
was much inferior in number. The retreat, nevertheless, was precipitate.
Early in the morning of the 9th the whole army embarked in their boats,
and arrived at the other end of the lake in the evening (no enemy
pursuing). Provisions, entrenching tools, and many stores of various
kinds, fell into the hands of the enemy. The English arms have rarely
suffered greater disgrace.

"The ill success of General Abercrombie at Ticonderaga caused his
recall. He seemed to expect and desire it. He was succeeded by General
Amherst." (Hutchinson's History of Massachusetts Bay, Vol. III., pp.
70-75.)]

[Footnote 241: "The successes of the French the last year (1757) left
the colonies in a gloomy state. By the acquisition of Fort William
Henry, they obtained full possession of the Lakes Champlain and George;
and by the destruction of Oswego, they had acquired the dominion of
those other lakes which connect the St. Lawrence with the Mississippi.
The first afforded the easiest admission from the northern colonies into
Canada, or from Canada into those colonies; the last united Canada to
Louisiana. By the continual possession of Fort du Quesne, they preserved
their ascendency over the Indians, and held undisturbed possession of
all the country west of the Allegany mountains.

"In this adverse state o