In the spring of 1689, war broke out in Europe between France and the League of Augsburg, a coalition of countries led by England. France wanted to launch a full-scale attack on the British colonies in America, particularly New York. For this purpose, the French decided to reinstate the Count of Frontenac as Governor General, despite the fact that he was 67 years old at the time.

In 1690, Frontenac sent his troops to New England, where they attacked and destroyed a number of villages, killing their inhabitants or taking them prisoner. Frightened and horrified by these events, the residents of Boston developed a bitter hatred for their neighbours to the north and called for the destruction of Québec. New Englanders as a whole joined forces against New France. Phips was appointed commander of a squadron and immediately led his troops against Acadia. He arrived at Port Royal on May 22, 1690 and easily captured the post, then returned to Boston on June 9 with an impressive booty. On August 19 of the same year, Phips set sail for Québec with a fleet of about 30 ships, including 4 large vessels and over 2,000 men.

After several delays, Phips finally reached Québec City on October 16. When he ordered Frontenac to surrender, the latter entrusted Phips' messenger with the now famous reply: "I will answer your general through the muzzles of my cannon and muskets." [Translation] Phips attacked Québec on October 18, but was driven back. He had to resign himself to returning to Boston a few days later.

Phips' squadron encountered several storms on the return voyage. Although his own vessel reached its destination in December and others arrived in February, a number of ships were wrecked. Four never returned.

Medal Commemorating the Victory of the French

Frontenac's victory gave rise to lavish celebrations in New France as well as in France, where it was commemorated by a medal. One side of the medal shows Louis XIV in profile and bears the inscription "Ludovicus magnus rex christianus" ["Louis, the great Christian king"]. An allegorical figure trampling the British flag is shown on the other side. To the left of the figure is a beaver, and to the right, another symbolic figure leaning on an urn, representing the St. Lawrence River. The inscription "Francia in novo orbe victorix" ["France, victorious in the New World"] may be read in the space below and, at the bottom, "Kebeca Liberata MDCXC" ["Québec, liberated in 1690"].

This medal was struck again in 1967 and presented to the people of Québec by General Charles de Gaulle, President of the French Republic, during his memorable visit to Expo 67, the Montréal world's fair.