Brief guide to manuscripts collections| William L. Clements Library The University of Michigan Jeffery Amherst Papers |
Having served as aide de camp to General Ligonier and the Duke of Cumberland, Jeffery Amherst received a commission as Lieutenant Colonel of the 15th Regiment of Foot in 1756. He was chosen by William Pitt to command the British expedition against the French in North America, 1758. He captured Fort Louisburg on July 26, and in September succeeded James Abercromby as commander in chief in North America. He took Ticonderoga and Crown Point in 1759, while Wolfe captured Quebec. With the fall of Montreal, 1760, Canada capitulated. Amherst continued at his headquarters in New York City as governor general of British North America. His successes during these three years contrast sharply with the remainder of his military career. His inept handling of the western Indians led to Pontiac's uprising in 1763-1764 and to his recall in 1763. During the Revolutionary War Amherst's service was limited to suppressing the Gordon Riots of 1780 and advising the government.
Correspondence and documents of Sir Jeffery Amherst, British commander in chief in North America, 1758-1763.
This collection of Amherst papers was acquired with the Gage Papers in 1931. It consists of papers given to Gage with the transfer of authority in 1763. Also included are letters and petitions addressed to Amherst before 1763 but referred to Gage, Amherst's letters to Gage, and his correspondence addressed to Amherst which arrived after his departure for England.
Purchased, 1937
Amherst's official papers are in the British Public Record Office, W. O. 34 The collection is fully microfilmed.
| Homepage | Manuscripts | Collections | Staff | Hours and policies |
|---|