Here, at the Sault-au-Matelot barricade, Canadian militia and British forces under the general command of Governor Carleton repelled the attack of the American "Congressionists" on December 31, 1775. At Près-de-Ville, near the foot of the current Citadel, about thirty Québec militia and a few English sailors also turned back General Montgomery. These displays of force were critical in defending Québec against the invaders who had laid siege to the town since the fall, attempting to draw Canada into their revolutionary movement. The Americans retreated in May 1776, upon the arrival of British reinforcements. *Note: This designation has been identified for review. A review can be triggered for one of the following reasons - outdated language or terminology, absence of a significant layer of history, factual errors, controversial beliefs and behaviour, or significant new knowledge.