David Wooster, American General

by Science Source

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David Wooster, American General

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Science Source

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David Wooster (March 13, 1711 - May 2, 1777) was an American general. He has been called "a largely forgotten hero of the Revolution." In 1739, during the war between Britain and Spain, he joined the colonial militia as a lieutenant, but saw no action. During the French and Indian War he was promoted to colonel and given command of the 3rd Connecticut regiment. His regiment was at the disastrous Battle of Carillon before Fort Ticonderoga, and in 1759 at the successful capture of Ticonderoga. When the American Revolutionary War broke out he was commissioned a brigadier general, and his troops were sent to be part of General Schuyler and General Montgomery's 1775 invasion of Quebec. He assumed command of all the forces in Quebec following the death of Montgomery at the end of December 1775. He was eventually charged with incompetence over his tenure at Montreal; the court martial cleared him. Wooster was mortally wounded during the Battle of Ridgefield when the Redcoats unlimbered six artillery pieces and opened fire. His finals words were, "I am dying, but with a strong hope and persuasion that my country will gain her independence." He was 66 years old.

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August 9th, 2024

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