Prideaux, John

(1718-1759). Born in Devons hire, England. Entered the army in 1739 as an ensign. In 1743 took part in the battle of Dettingen; in 1745 promoted captain; in 1748 became lieutenant-colonel; in 1758 colonel; and in 1759 brigadier-general. In 1759 appointed by Pitt, commander of a division of the army in Canada, under the supreme command of General Amherst. Ordered by Amherst to attack Fort Niagara, then one of the strongest of the French forts. On July 7, 1759, made the first a ault on the fort, and on July 11 repulsed an attack by the French. On the same day, while directing the artillery fire, killed by the bursting of one of his own guns. Succeeded by Sir William Johnson, who carried out his plan of operations, the fort capitulating on July 24, 1759. Index : Hd Marches against Fort Niagara, 25; death of, 26. Bib. : Dict. Nat. Biog. ; Bradley, The Fight with France ; Parkman, Montcalm and Wolfe .