Shirley, William, 1694-1771 Secret Instructions to Lieut. Col. Bradstreet
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00371 Author/Creator: Shirley, William, 1694-1771 Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Manuscript document signed Date: 17 March 1756 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; Height: 32 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy
During the French and Indian War, Lord Stirling (William Alexander) orders Bradstreet to travel to Oswego with supplies, regroup there, then proceed to Fort Frontenac to "bring off, set fire to, or in any manner destroy whatever Vessels and Boats the French have there either built or building" and, if possible, use a surprise attack to capture and destroy the fort. If successful, he is to return with prisoners to Oswego then continue on the Albany to await further instructions. Bradstreet is to abort the attack if he loses the element of surprise of fears losing too many men. Signed by Massachusetts Governor William Shirley. Bradstreet failed to take Fort Frontenac in 1756 but succeeded in 1758.
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