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
** This is a view of the spot where Montgomery was killed. The cliff is
Cape Diamond, crowned with the citadel. The street at the foot of it is
called Champlain, and is inhabited chiefly by a mixed population of
French, Canadians, and Irish. It extends from Mountain Street south
almost to Wolfe's Cove. This view is from Champlain Street, a few rods
south of _Près de Ville_, looking north. High upon the rocks Alfred
Hawkins, Esq., of Quebec, has placed a board with this inscription:
"Here Major-general Montgomery fell, December 31st, 1775."
Arnold's Operations.--Wounded.--Assailants led by Morgan.--Severe Fight-
-Capture of Dearborn.
199While this dreadful scene was in progress at Cape Diamond, Arnold, at
the head of the second division, was pressing onward along the St.
Charles, where the snow was worse drifted than on the St. Lawrence. He
led his men in files until he reached the narrow street called _Sault au
Matelot,_ where, under a high, jutting rock, the enemy had a two-gun
picketed battery, well manned.
Like Montgomery, he headed his men, and, while leading Lamb's artillery
to the attack upon the barrier, was completely disabled by a musket-
wound in the knee, and was carried back to the general hospital, where
he heard of the death of Montgomery. The command of his division now
devolved upon Morgan, and for more than an hour the Americans withstood
the storm of grape-shot and musket-balls at the first barrier, and
finally carried it, for the deadly aim of the riflemen caused great
consternation in the ranks of the enemy. Passing the first barrier, the
patriots rushed on to the second, which commanded both _Sault au
Matelot_ and St. Peter's Streets. The defenses here extended from the
cliff to the river; and the present custom-house, then a private
dwelling, had cannons projecting from the windows of the gable. Here a
fierce contest of three hours ensued, and many were killed on both
sides. At length the Americans took shelter from the fire of the
battery, in the houses on both sides of the street, and in the narrow
pass that leads up to Hope Gate. The English and Canadians already
occupied houses near, and the patriots were terribly galled on all
sides, and from the walls of the city above them.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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