 Although the Ft. William Henry massacre actually took place,  historical fact differs somewhat from historical fiction. A Col.  Munro was in command at the fort and did indeed surrender to  Montcalm when General Webb could not arrive in time to reinforce  him. The attack by the Hurons after the surrender was directed at  the colonial militia and its Indian allies. Munro and the British  regulars were at the head of the column under the protection of  French soldiers and did not know that the column had been attacked  until they arrived at Ft. Edward. Cooper based his novel on reports  from survivors of the attack. The British used the attack to stir up  the colonials to join in the fight against the French. In all  versions of the movie except this one, Munro survives and is saved  by Hawkeye.