Description
The collection consists of over 120 letters, manuscripts and documents related to James F. Mercer and his death at Fort Oswego,
New York, in 1756 and the settling of his estate after his death.
Background
James F. Mercer was Colonel of William Pepperell's 51st Regiment of Royal Americans, commanding Fort Oswego, Oswego, New York.).
On August 11, 1756, French commander Louis-Joseph de Montcalm besieged the fort with 3,000 men, most of whom were Canadian
militiamen and Indigenous people warriors. Mercer was killed on August 14 by a French cannonball, and the garrison quickly
surrendered after his death. When the soldiers left the fort, the French-allied Indigenous peoples attacked them. The defeat
for England became a subject of inquiry conducted by John Campbell, the 4th Earl of Loudoun, who had arrived just three weeks
prior to the battle.
Extent
4.16 Linear Feet
(4 boxes)
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material,
nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and
obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader
Services.