The Voyage | Arrival in Chaleur Bay | The Battle | Sequel
Conclusion
The French Fleet Arrives and Sets up Camp
After 25 long days, the message was delivered that the ships destined for New France had taken refuge in Chaleur Bay, on the Restigouche River.
Route taken by messenger
In the meantime, the French built camps and unloaded supplies to feed and clothe their Micmac allies and refugee Acadians who were already established in the area. Acadians living in the area were encouraged to join the French as well. Although Govenor Vaudreuil in Montreal did not anticipate an attack by the British, the French troops were still concerned that the British would seek them out so they set up batteries for defence.
The British Response
The British troops occupying Quebec heard rumors from the Micmacs that a French fleet was staying in the Chaleur Bay. Two fleets (one from Quebec City and the other from Louisbourg) were sent to seek and destroy the French ships hiding in the Restigouche River.
Captain Byron and his fleet of three ships of line (the Fame, the Achilles, and the Dorsetshire) and two frigates (the Scharborough and the Repluse) left from Louisbourg at the same time as a fleet from Quebec City. On the 17th of June, 1760, Captain Byron's orders to convoy troops were cancelled and he was reordered to destroy the French force in Chaleur Bay. With two fleets of British ships searching for the French fleet, their discovery was inevitable.
