Quebec

In June, 1759, Wolfe appeared before Quebec with 4,000 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 defense longer. He also entrenched himself on the French left and made a furious a ault at Montmorenci (q. v.) As the season wore on he was obliged to strike a blow before winter. This he did on September 13, and gained a decisive advantage on the Plains of Abraham (q. v.) The French were disorganized. Vaudreuil proved incompetent and ordered the garrison to capital ate when provision gave out. This the gallant Ramesay was forced to do just as aid came from Montreal. The citadel capitulated September 17, 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 Revolution, asa part of the scheme for the conquest of Canada, a force was sent against Quebec under Benedict Arnold, After numberle privations, he arrived at Quebec ou November 13, 1775, and drew up for battle the 7oo men who remained of his force. December 3 Montgomery came with 500 men, and on December 31 a furious attack was made upon the town from opposite sides. The repulse was due mainly to the unfortunate death of General Montgomery. Arnold also was severely wounded. The expedition was a blank failure. 145