Difficulties, calculated to perplex and discourage the most resolute and intelligent commander, presented themselves; but the English general evinced talent and perseverance. No prospect of final success, by advancing across the river Montmorenci, presenting itself, the troops re-embarked and proceeded to Point Levi; they afterwards sailed a considerable distance up the river; but it was found impossible to annoy the enemy above the town. A desperate resolution was subsequently formed, to retire a little down the river, land in the night within a league of Cape Diamond, ascend the heights of Abraham, and gain possession of the ground at the back of the city. At midnight on the 12th of September, the troops went on board the boats, and at one o'clock the first division moved down the river; an officer who spoke the French language, answering the challenges of the enemy's sentries on the shore. A landing was effected: the officers and men climbed the steep woody precipice, pulling themselves up by roots and branches of trees with admirable courage and activity, dislodged a captain's guard, and gained the heights. The FIFTEENTH and other corps followed. When the French general was informed that the English had gained the heights of Abraham, he instantly collected his forces and advanced to give battle; and Major-General Wolfe, observing the approach of the hostile troops, formed line, the FIFTEENTH being posted in reserve. The enemy manifesting a design against the British left, the FIFTEENTH were removed to that flank by Brigadier-General Townshend, and were formed _en potence_, presenting two fronts to the enemy. About nine o'clock the action commenced, and was particularly severe on the right, at which point the British regiments behaved with extraordinary gallantry, charging with bayonets, and overthrowing all opposition. In the midst of the action, Major-General Wolfe was shot in the breast, and he expired at the moment of victory. Brigadier-General Monckton was also wounded, and the command devolved on Brigadier-General Townshend, who had scarcely formed the troops after the pursuit, when a fresh body of the enemy appeared in his rear: he detached two regiments against them, and the enemy fled to the woods. The French commander, the Marquis of Montcalm, was mortally wounded; and his second in command, Brigadier-General de Senezergue, was wounded and taken prisoner, and he died on board an English ship on the following day.