[FORT TICONDEROGA, 1759]. TOWNSHEND, Roger, Colonel, British Army. Autograph letter signed ("R Townshend") to "Charles," Lake George, 20 July 1759. 1 page, 4to, endorsed on verso, evenly browned. FINE. FIVE DAYS BEFORE HIS DEATH IN THE ATTACK ON FORT TICONDEROGA. Townshend, an aide to Major General Jeffery Amherst, writes a poignant last letter to an unidentified friend, just before the impending battle: "Everything is now ready to cross the Lake and tomorrow we sett forward, I am a stranger to a Wood fight [forest warfare] & quite unacquainted with the Merrit or demerit of the provincials [the American units, including Robert Roger's Rangers], therefore will not presume to determine our fate, but this I will venture to affirm that the Regulars, are in Health and have the best Opinion of their General [Amherst]. The most sensible of the Provincial Officers appear not only happy but in the highest Spirits...Such a Confidence in the Officers, with such a numerous army Cooly and Wisely led on must insure success." He settles some financial matters between them, "in case I should be so unfortunate as to fall," before concluding "May success attend our General, if a Virtuous, Brave & good Man Merrits it, he deserves it." Amherst had camped with some 6000 British and provincial troops on the shores of Lake George since late June. He moved on Fort Carrillon and its French garrison the day after this letter. The French withdrew to the Fort and shelled the British lines, but on June 26 destroyed the fortifications and abandoned the Fort, which Amherst renamed Ticonderoga. Townsend was one of the few British casualties.