After this had been accomplished, he sailed for England.
When Amherst had sailed with his expedition to the attack of Louisbourg, he had not left the colonists in so unprotected a state as they had been in the preceding year.

They, on their part, responded nobly to the call, from England, that a large force should be put in the field.

The home government had promised to supply arms, ammunition, tents, and provisions, and to make a grant towards the pay and clothing of the soldiers.
Massachusetts, as usual, responded most freely and loyally to the demand.

She had already incurred a very heavy debt by her efforts in the war, and had supplied 2500 men--a portion of whom had gone with Amherst--but she now raised 7000 more, whom she paid, maintained, and clothed out of her own resources, thus placing in the field one-fourth of her able-bodied men.

Connecticut made equal sacrifices, although less exposed to danger of invasion; while New Hampshire sent out one-third of her able-bodied men.
In June the combined British and provincial force, under Abercromby, gathered on the site of Fort William Henry.