Phipps, Sir William

(1651-1695)

   Born in Maine. In 1669, employed as a ship carpenter, and later became captain of a merchantman sailing from Boston. In 1687 succeeded in raising a Spanish treasure-ship which had been sunk near the Bahamas, recovering £300,000, of which his share was £16,000. Knighted the same year, and given the office of provost-marshal of New England. In 1690 commanded an expedition against Acadia, and captured Port Royal. His expedition the same year against Quebec met with failure. In 1692 appointed governor of Massachusetts, with a special commission to take aggressive measures against the French in Canada, but accomplished little. Summoned to England in 1694 to account for his administration, but died before the inquiry was held.

   Index: F Birth and early life, 272; conducts expedition against Acadia, 273; captures Port Royal, but violates terms of surrender, 274; ravages committed by his men, 274; captures other Acadian posts, and establishes government, 275; returns to Boston with prisoners and booty, 176; sails from Nantasket, 279; arrives at Quebec, 282; demands surrender, 285-287; his attack repulsed, 295; decides on retreat, 299; his estimate of his losses, 302; disastrous return voyage, 303; goes to England, 315; returns as governor of Massachusetts, 328; recall and death of, 331. L Commands expedition against Quebec, 11, 229-231; is forced to retreat, 231.

   Bib.: Dict. Nat. Biog.; Cyc. Am. Biog.; Parkman, Frontenac.