The country is extremely strong, and the enemy have added much to its natural strength; and have now, for the defence of the river, floating batteries and boats, which in a great measure frustrate our designs: several parties of Indians are likewise troublesome to us, by hovering round our advanced posts, and we have hitherto found it impossible to elude their vigilance. Every thing is in motion, and a few hours will probably determine the fate of Canada. If the General should attempt to ascend the rock, it is a work of much labour and difficulty, if at all practicable; and should our troops perform this difficult undertaking, I shall for the future think little of Hanibal’s leading an army over the Alps; the rock is almost steep, and the summit seems to me inaccessible to an army; this at least appears to be the Opinion of the French, who place no centinel there, and seem perfectly secure that it will never be attempted.——All difficulties have been surmounted, and such a blow struck as will amaze posterity: our brave General lead on the troops to the hills above-mentioned, and was the first man that began to clime it; the men followed their leader with the utmost alacrity, and at length ascended the summit: as soon as they were formed the enemy advanced, and sent a party to the bottom of the hill to cut off our retreat, but they were themselves cut off by the troops that remained below. Those above being attacked by the enemy, had reserved their fire till the French advanced within forty yards of them, then made a general discharge, which threw the enemy into confusion; our people improved the advantage, and with their bayonets pushed them over the river St. Charles, and into the town: this success was dearly purchased by the loss of our brave General, who was wounded in the beginning of the action, and died soon after, but not before he had the satisfaction of being told the day was ours. I die contented then the hero cry’d, my life was due to my country, happy if I have been the means of adding conquest and glory to it: he died with calmness, and closed a well-spent life by an action which throws a lustre upon the arms of Britain; like the old Theban, he died and conquered: the affliction of the army best speaks his merit; he was the sincere friend, the gentleman, and the soldier: at a time of life when many have but the command of a company, he had raised himself by his merit almost to the top of his profession: it is to be hoped his grateful country will decree those honours to his breathless corps, as living he would undoubtedly have received.