Prisoners unable to bear arms he returned to the city while the others were detained on board the transports. De Ramsay on one occasion went to the British camp to complain because the British seized women, old men and helpless children. He sneeringly intimated that these were returned simply because they were a source of embarrassment to their captors. He was promptly told to inform his superiors that since they did not appreciate the English commander's leniency and generosity prisoners would not be restored in the future, but as there were provisions in abundance they would all be accommodated in the transports.

29th. But Wolfe had his own grievances which he again laid before Vaudreuil. While returning some women he sent a letter complaining of the cruelties which were practiced by the Indians and Canadians.

Vaudreuil replied that he was sure that no Canadians had been guilty of taking scalps.

That the Indians had done so was not surprising since it was a well known custom amongst them. When the truce which these exchanges of message had occasioned came to an end the British opened fire more furiously than ever from their batteries.

A deserter came over from the French and gave information concerning fords across the Montmorency, which he had passed. He claimed to have been taken prisoner by the French, and to have been compelled to carry arms against his own people. He reported too that the Canadians were becoming uneasy and very anxious to return to their farms to harvest their hay.

The information seemed to please the English general. An attack was contemplated for the following day, the 30th, and orders were issued from the camp at Montmorency for the regiments to be under arms at five o'clock in the afternoon at the head of their encampment and to remain there until ordered to proceed to their respective alarm posts. The Light Infantry on the Island of Orleans was ordered to cross over to the Montmorency camp, while the batteries at Levis maintained a brisk fire against the town. Although the soldiers did not know the nature of the plans they were excited at the prospect of an engagement.

The French observed the activity of the enemy, and expected an attack upon Sillery, as there was a number of barges in the river Etchemin, and the ships at Cap Rouge had moved nearer the city. (1)

30th. In the morning Colonel James, the commanding officer at Pointe Levis, received orders to hold all the troops in readiness to march at a moment's notice.

A sergeant of the Royal Americans who was on an advanced picket at Pointe Levis found it a good time to desert. He informed the French that several frigates were to pass by the city, and that an attempt was to be made at Sillery. He said further that there were sixty barges at the Pointe ready to embark the troops who were to pass along the south shore and join the vessels before Sillery. This information, if seriously regarded by the French, served the purpose of the British who were naturally

(1) On this day General Wolfe added a codicil to his will, disposing of the remainder of his property.

desirous of deceiving the enemy. It is no wonder, however, that the writer of Montcalm's Journal a few days before had said with a terseness worthy of Tacitus "déserteurs, verbiage, aucune lumière."

As every thing was not in readiness on the 30th, the attempt was postponed till the following day, but the bombardment of the town was continued.

The Marquis de Vaudreuil organized at this time a staff of twelve special officers for the better protection of the city.

The officers were chosen from amongst the most notable inhabitants of Quebec, and their commissions conferred upon them powers equal to those of regular officers of the army. It was their duty to preserve order within the town, to prevent robbery and pillage, which were more prevalent than usual owing to the greater temptations in these times of necessity, and to make the rounds of the ramparts each night. The severity of the discipline within the city may be judged by the fact that a man was executed for stealing brandy at St. Rochs.

(1) See letter No. 6, Galway Papers, page 66, Vol. VI.

CHAPTER VI

TH

MONTMORENCY

HE month of July was drawing to a close, nearly half the summer was gone, and the eager, restless, British commander found himself no nearer victory than when he landed on the beautiful Island of Orleans some five weeks before. His wary antagonist, generally ready to fight, refused to be tempted to a decisive action. Knowing how much depended upon a prolonged defence of his position he calmly pursued his own policy despite the suggestions of his friends, the taunts of his enemy, or the favourable chances of battle which were offered. Wolfe's favourite plan was to ford the river Montmorency above the Falls and to pierce the French lines from the rear.

This he found impracticable owing to the nature of the country and to the readiness of his enemy to dispute his passage of the river. (1)

His intention to land above Quebec, preferably near St. Michael's, to which he refers in a letter which soon follows, was changed because of the hazards he foresaw. He was

(1) The authors have a plan which shows the ford and Repentigny's post above the Falls.