Battle of La Belle-Famille

Battle of La Belle-Famille
Part of the French and Indian War
Date July 24, 1759 Location Two miles (3 km) south of Fort Niagara Result British-Iroquois victory
Belligerents
France Colony of Canada	Great Britain British America Iroquois
Commanders and leaders
François-Marie Le Marchand de Lignery † Charles Philippe Aubry Michel Maray de La Chauvignerie	Eyre Massey Sayenqueraghta
Strength
800 regulars and militia 500 Native Americans	350 regulars 100 New York militia 450 Iroquois
Casualties and losses
At least 334 killed At least 96 captured	12 dead 40 wounded[1]

The Battle of La Belle-Famille occurred on July 24, 1759, during the French and Indian War along the Niagara River portage trail. François-Marie Le Marchand de Lignery's French relief force for the besieged French garrison at Fort Niagara fell into Eyre Massey's British and Iroquois ambush. This action formed part of the larger Battle of Fort Niagara.

The British knew of the French approach well in advance and constructed a breastwork across the road about two miles south of Fort Niagara. The French were ambushed, their force was routed, with many casualties. Captain Le Marchand de Lignery was mortally wounded in the battle.^[2]