Jun 30

Jun 30 Donald Campbell Retreats From Quebec

Updated 6/29/21

Donald Campbell was Deputy Quartermaster General for the Northern Department of the Continental Army during the Invasion of Canada.

During the Battle of Quebec, Campbell was suddenly put in charge of leading the entire Northern Department.

Donald Campbell

Donald Campbell had arrived in America as a boy.

His father brought over dozens of families from Scotland after coming to an agreement with the Royal Governor of New York that he would be given 100,000 acres of land.

After moving all of these families (including his own), the colonial Governor went back on his deal.

This would leave a bad taste in young Donald’s mouth for the rest of his life.

Quartermaster General

Despite these reservations, Donald Campbell served in the British Army during the French and Indian War.

It was during this time that the young man learned much about supplying an army.

When the Revolutionary War began, Campbell remembered how his family had been deceived.

Donald signed up with the Patriots.

Campbell was named Deputy Quartermaster General and given the task of supplying the Northern Army.

Donald was a bit disappointed, as he wished to serve directly under General Washington in the Main Army, but he went with Major General Philip Schuyler to join the Invasion of Canada.

Invasion of Canada

While attacking Quebec, Campbell was instructed to accompany Brigadier General Richard Montgomery.

Almost immediately after entering the city, Montgomery was shot in the head, dying instantly.

Donald Campbell, for a brief moment, took control of the Northern Army.

He quickly ordered a retreat.

Retreat Reconsidered

Campbell would later be criticized by soldiers who were present for retreating. Many of them seem to believe that Quebec could have been taken.

Looking at if from Donald’s perspective, however, is important. Montgomery, who was leading the expedition, had died and Brigadier General Benedict Arnold (essentially #2 and not yet a national villain) was wounded and carried from the field.

Campbell may have believed the best move was to save his fledgling army.

Court Martial

A few months later, Campbell was given a court martial for his behavior.

Brigadier General John Sullivan brought the charges against him. Donald was convicted and cashiered from the army.

For some reason, Major General Horatio Gates contacted Washington to determine if the outcome was acceptable.

Washington was confused, writing to John Hancock, “I am much at a loss to know Why the proceedings were referred to me to approve or disapprove.”

Washington asked Hancock, who was President of the Continental Congress at the time, to make the appropriate call.

It was decided the court martial stood and Campbell left the army. He spent the rest of his days trying to collect the money owed to him from his time as Quartermaster as well as the land owed to his father which had been taken by the British so many years before.

If you enjoyed this article, you might like these others which involve very obscure Founders:

Aedanus Burke Denounces American Nobility

Asa Barns’ Tavern Welcomes America’s Friends

Southy Simpson - The Definitive Biography of a Forgotten Founder

That time the United States invaded Canada is absolutely fascinating.

‘Quebec During the American Invasion’ is an interesting look at this action through the journals of three obscure soldiers.

If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).