The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

BATTLES OF QUEBEC

In June, 1759, Wolfe appeared before Quebec with 4000 men and a fleet. The French under Montcalm, numbering 16,000, held all the heights on the north bank of the river. Wolfe seized the heights on the south, thus commanding the basin and getting his artillery trained on the town. The French plan was the defensive. Wolfe got his ships past the city, making the line of defence longer. He also entrenched himself on the French left and made a furious assault at Montmorenci. As the season wore on he was obliged to strike a blow before winter. This he did on September the 13th, and gained a decisive advantage on the Plains of Abraham.

The French were disorganized. Vaudreuil proved incompetent and ordered the garrison to capitulate when provision gave out. This the gallant Ramesay was forced to do just as aid came from Montreal. The citadel capitulated on September the 17th, 1759. The English garrisoned the place. The French made an attempt to regain it the following spring, but were driven back. The fall of the citadel was the death-blow to French power in North America.

At the beginning of the American Revolution, as a part of the scheme for the conquest of Canada, a force was sent against Quebec under Benedict Arnold. After numberless privations, he arrived at Quebec on November the 13th, 1775, and drew up for battle the 700 men who remained of his force. On December the 3rd Montgomery came with 500 men, and on December the 31st a furious attack was made upon the town from opposite sides. The repulse was due mainly to the unfortunate death of General Montgomery. Bennedict Arnold also was severely wounded. The expedition was a blank failure.
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