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
He landed at Beaumont, and marched up to the point with little
opposition, where he erected batteries, from which the shots dealt
destruction upon the lower town lying upon the St. Charles, but had no
effect upon the walls of the city. Finding efforts from that point
unavailing, Wolfe, with his division on Orleans, crossed the north
channel of the St. Lawrence, and encamped near the left bank of the
Montmorenci, within cannon-shot of the left wing of the enemy on the
other side of the river. He met with fierce opposition, but succeeded in
maintaining his ground and erecting two batteries there. Still, Quebec
was too distant to be affected by any of his works, and he resolved upon
the bold measure of storming the strong camp of the enemy. On the last
day of July the troops at Point Levi, and a large number of grenadiers
under General Monkton, crossed the St. Lawrence in the boats of the
fleet, and landed a little above the Montmorenci. At the same time those
below Montmorenci, under Generals Townshend and Murray, crossed that
stream by fording it near its mouth, at low water, and joined the other
division upon the beach. The enemy at once made arrangements to receive
them. The right of the French was *
* This sketch is taken from Durham Terrace, near the north wall of the
Castle Garden. In the foreground are the tops of the houses below in
Champlain, Notre Dame, and St. Peter's Streets, and in the distance,
across the St. Lawrence, is seen Point Levi, with its pretty little
village, its church and wharves. On the extreme left, in the distance,
is the upper end of the Island of Orleans, which divides the channel.
The point seen is the place whore Wolfe erected batteries.
Junction of the English Division.--Severe Battle.--Wolfe disheartened.--
Camp broken up.--Wolfe's Cove
186under Baron de St. Ours, the center under De Senezergues, and the
left under M. Herbin The garrison in the city was commanded by M. de
Ramezay.
It was nearly night when the English divisions joined, and heavy
thunder-clouds were rolling up from the west. The grenadiers, impatient
of restraint, rushed madly upon the enemy's works, before the other
troops that were to sustain them had time to form. Consequently they
were driven back to the beach with a severe loss, and sought shelter
behind a redoubt which had been abandoned by the enemy. The French kept
up a galling fire, till the gathering tempest burst with great fury upon
the belligerents. Night closed in while the storm was yet raging. The
tide came roaring up against the current of the St. Lawrence with
uncommon strength, and the British were obliged to retreat to their camp
across the Montmorenci, to avoid submersion on the beach by the foaming
waters. The loss of the English in that unfortunate attempt was one
hundred and eighty killed and six hundred and fifty wounded.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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