The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution, Vol. 1 (of 2): or, Illustrations, by Pen And Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for IndependenceLossing, Benson John
History
The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution, Vol. 1 (of 2): or, Illustrations, by Pen And Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for Independence
Lossing, Benson John
United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783
interest in keeping its finger upon the locality, and not a man was
living who had personal knowledge of the event. It is probable that the
northern suburbs of the city now cover the locality, and that the place
is not far from the present Longueuil ferry-landing.
Having accomplished my errand at Montreal, we departed for Quebec toward
evening, in the fine steamer _John Munn_, accompanied by our Burlington
friends of the morning. The magnificent stone quays were crowded with
people, and our boat had a full complement of passengers. At the lower
end of St. Helen's we entered the St. Mary's Rapids, and, darting past
Longueuil, were soon out of sight of the spires of Montreal. The banks
of the river are low, and on either side villages and cultivated fields
exhibited an ever-changing and pleasing panorama. Beloeil Mountain
loomed up eastward of us, and the white chapel, the pedestal of the
bishop's huge eross upon the loftiest summit, sparkled like a star in
the beams of the setting sun. It was twilight when we arrived at William
Henry, or Sorel, an old town, forty-five miles below Montreal, at the
mouth of the Richelieu or Sorel River. A
* Several hundred of the militia, regardless of order, took the nearest
route to their respective homes in New England and New York. About three
hundred arrived in a body at Ticonderoga, and, flinging their heavy
packs over their shoulders, crossed the lake on the ice, and traversed
the wilderness through the deep snow to their homes in New Hampshire,
Massachusetts, and Connecticut. It was an undertaking quite as perilous
as the siege of Quebec. The endearments of home were the goal of the
one, military glory was that of the other. The choice, though not
creditable to them as patriots, deserves our respectful homage.
Arrival at-Sorel.--Voyage down the St. Lawrence.--Morning View of
Quebec.--The Walla ol Quebeo.
183French engineer named Sorel built a fort there as early as 1665, and
the present town occupies its site. Our boat tarried there an hour for
passengers and freight, but it grew too dark to see much of the town. A
motley group crowded the narrow wharf, and when we left, the forward
deck was covered with cabbages, leeks, and onions for the Quebec market,
which afforded perfume gratuitously for the whole boat.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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