In 1745, the celebrated expedition against Louis-
burg was undertaken. Colonel William Pepperrell
was selected as commander-in-chief over the land
forces, and Waldo as third in rank, with the title
of Brigadier General. " The two," says Eaton,
" were chosen for their popular manners, ener-
getic character, and great moral worth, rather
than any skill in military affairs, in which neither
had any experience beyond that of Indian skir-
mishes," But the event proved that indomitable
resolution and enthusiastic confidence can some-
times effect what the most consummate skill would
shrink from in despair. Under the auspices of
these determined men, enlistments were made
with vigor, and a sufficient force was soon raised
for the expedition. Many of the settlers on the
patent entered the service. By a succession of
events favorable to the English, and equally ad-
verse to their foes, Louisburg, the Gibraltar of
America, surrendered, as is well known, after a
brief siege, to the great joy of the colonists, and
the astonishment of Europe. The conspicuous
part which General Waldo took in the operations
win always be remembered with appreciation and
praise. After the capture General Waldo returned
to his ordinary vocations. But he did not pur-
sue them without interruption. In the winter
of 1746-47 Massachusetts raised fifteen hundred
men to march in midwinter against Crown Point



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GENERAL SAMUEL WALDO. 83

The command was given to him, but the troops
were attacked by small-pox, which frustrated the
enterprise. In 1749, Waldo embarked for Eng-
land with his two sons, Frank and Ealph, the for-
mer to be educated in Paris, and the latter to
remain in London, where the general expected to
be detained some time in settling private claims,
and probably in soliciting royal favor. His old
companion in arms, Pepperrell, now Sir William
Pepperrell, had preceded him. Both were soon
presented at Court, where King George II. gave
them a cordial reception and bestowed high enco-
miums on their military services, A close intimacy
had existed for years between the two generals.
