Post by TW on Jun 8, 2011 14:58:33 GMT -5
Today I found out that the first member of my Father's family to arrive on North American soil was a 15 year old French soldier who was conscripted to defend Port Royal, Canada.
He arrived early in 1710, and was one of the less than 300 soldiers that held the might of the British Empire at bay for days, despite there being over 2,000 soldiers, 42 ships that set up a barrage, and cannons that were moved on shore, less than 100 yards from the fort itself.
Eventually, the British won the battle of Port Royal, but the brave actions of the French soldiers was so sobering to the British forces that they let the entire company march away with their weapons, flags, and their dignity. As they left the fort, the British soldiers were arranged on both sides of the trail, and saluted them.
Upon arrival at a French fort, my ancestor was awarded the highest award possible for an enlisted soldier for his heroism in the face of the enemy. He served out the rest of his tour, and remained in Canada, marrying a girl who came there two years before they married, and the rest is history.
Added information: I now find out that one of my relatives owned pretty much all the land, businesses, and even the fort, which is now the city of Peoria, IL. He sold it, and moved on. Kind of wealthy for that era back in the 1700s.
He arrived early in 1710, and was one of the less than 300 soldiers that held the might of the British Empire at bay for days, despite there being over 2,000 soldiers, 42 ships that set up a barrage, and cannons that were moved on shore, less than 100 yards from the fort itself.
Eventually, the British won the battle of Port Royal, but the brave actions of the French soldiers was so sobering to the British forces that they let the entire company march away with their weapons, flags, and their dignity. As they left the fort, the British soldiers were arranged on both sides of the trail, and saluted them.
Upon arrival at a French fort, my ancestor was awarded the highest award possible for an enlisted soldier for his heroism in the face of the enemy. He served out the rest of his tour, and remained in Canada, marrying a girl who came there two years before they married, and the rest is history.
Added information: I now find out that one of my relatives owned pretty much all the land, businesses, and even the fort, which is now the city of Peoria, IL. He sold it, and moved on. Kind of wealthy for that era back in the 1700s.
