"It was, however, long before Eärnil felt himself sufficiently secure to do as he promised. King Araphant continued with dwindling strength to hold off the assaults of Angmar, and Arvedui when he succeeded him did likewise; but at last in the autumn of 1973 messages came to Gondor that Arthedain was in great straits and the Witch-king was preparing a last stroke against it. Then Eärnil sent his son Eärnur north with a fleet, as swiftly as he could, and with as great strength as he could spare. Too late. Before Eärnur reached the havens of Lindon, the Witch-king had conquered Arthedain and Arvedui had perished."
--The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, ii
In looking for something suitably unnumbered tears-esque (now that I think of it, I really should have started there...), I came across this passage. The autumn of 1973 was indeed a fell time.