Action of 17 July 1628 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Action of 17 July 1628
Part of Anglo-French War (1627–1629)
Date 17 July 1628 Location St. Lawrence River, near present-day Rimouski, Quebec Result English victory
Belligerents
England	France
Commanders and leaders
David Kirke
Strength
5–6 men-of-war 1 pinnace	4 large merchant vessels 1 barque
Casualties and losses
none reported	4 merchant vessels captured 400 prisoners

The Action of 17 July 1628 was a key event during the Anglo-French War (1627–1629). English forces, led by the Kirke brothers, captured a French supply convoy. This convoy was heading to New France, a French colony in North America. Capturing it greatly weakened the colony's ability to defend itself.

Why the Battle Happened

War Between England and France

War broke out between England and France in 1627. England supported French Protestants, called Huguenots. These Huguenots were under attack in the city of La Rochelle by the forces of King Louis XIII.

England's Goals in North America

King Charles I of England wanted to expand English trade. He also wanted to seize French ships in North America. He gave David Kirke the job of doing this. Kirke was from Dieppe. His mission included expanding English trade in the St. Lawrence valley.

France's Goals in New France

France had set up a permanent base at Quebec in 1608. They wanted to expand their control over this territory. Cardinal Richelieu, a powerful French leader, helped create the Compagnie des Cent-Associés. This company was formed to manage the fur trade. It also aimed to encourage more French people to settle in Canada. This was to make France's hold on the land stronger. Samuel de Champlain, a famous explorer, was working to improve conditions at Quebec. He was getting ready for the first large group of supplies and settlers to arrive.

The Fleets Arrive

Kirke and his fleet reached North America in the spring of 1628. He took over the French post of Tadoussac to use as his base. From there, he began attacking French fishing boats. Meanwhile, the French convoy left Dieppe on April 28. This convoy had four large merchant ships and one smaller ship called a barque. Admiral Claude Roquement de Brison commanded it. The ships carried supplies and about 400 settlers for Quebec. This was the biggest effort yet to populate New France. In June, they reached Anticosti Island. There, they found out that Kirke was already in the area.

Before the Battle

Kirke's Plan to Take Quebec

In July, Kirke sailed up the St. Lawrence River from Tadoussac. His goal was to capture Quebec. Champlain, who was in Quebec, was waiting for much-needed supplies from France. He did not know Kirke was seizing ships in the St. Lawrence. He only found out just before the English arrived near Quebec on July 9.

Champlain's Refusal

Kirke sent a message to Champlain. He demanded that Quebec surrender the next day. Champlain bravely refused. He hoped the English would not realize how desperate his situation was. Kirke did not want to risk attacking such a strong defense. So, he pulled back towards Tadoussac.

The Battle

The Fleets Meet

Admiral Roquement did not know what had happened at Quebec. He decided to try and sneak past the English at Tadoussac. He planned to use the fog as cover. If needed, he was ready to fight his way through. However, Kirke's force was larger and had better equipment. Kirke also had the advantage of being upstream from Roquement.

The Fight Begins

On July 17, the two groups of ships saw each other. They began to move into position for battle. Roquement had the river current and the wind against him. He could not make a move to pass Kirke. He realized he had to fight. Kirke used his advantages well. He anchored his ships far away. From this distance, he could fire his cannons and force the French to surrender.

French Surrender

Roquement tried to do the same. But his ships had fewer cannons and could not shoot as far. Kirke bombarded the French ships for about 14 or 15 hours. Roquement's cannonballs did not reach the English ships. When the French ran out of gunpowder, Roquement surrendered.

After the Battle

English Victory and Quebec's Hardship

The surrender of the French fleet gave Kirke a lot of valuable goods. This alone made his trip a huge success. Even though he failed to capture Quebec at first, King Charles asked him to return the next year. His new goal was to finally take Quebec.

Champlain and the people of Quebec faced a very hard winter. They were without the supplies and extra people they desperately needed. When Kirke returned in the spring of 1629, Quebec had no choice but to surrender. All the French residents of New France were sent back to France. Quebec then became an English post.

New France Returns to France

When Champlain returned to France, he learned something important. The war had actually ended before Kirke took Quebec. This meant the English capture of Quebec was against the law. Champlain worked hard to get New France back. He finally succeeded with the signing of the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye in 1632.

Champlain returned to New France the next year. He oversaw the start of many new French settlements in Canada before he died in 1635. Kirke later became the Governor of Newfoundland.

Images for kids

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  Champlain surrendering Quebec to Admiral Kirke, July 20 1628