force, even after this junction, was still inferior to the enemy's garrison, and in this inclement region, where the frost sets in early and with intense severity, the troops were but badly clad and scarcely supplied with provisions; and the hardships and consequent discontent of his raw and inexperienced troops, would encrease rather than diminish by time. In this emergence Montgomery embraced an expedient suited alike to the nature of the crisis, and the elevation of his genius. The works of Quebec, although strong by nature, and rendered difficult of access, at all its weak points by numerous artificial defences, were too extensive for its present garrison; and success at any of the points of attack would distract the attention and embarrass the operations of the enemy, who conscious of their own weakness, and impressed with a belief of the superior numbers of the assailants, would abandon a defence, which might be justly regarded as desperate. The condition of the garrison too, composed principally of Canadians and sailors, and containing only a small proportion of regular troops, promised to oppose no adequate and effectual resistance: But above all other motives, the circumstances of his own army engaged his attention, and decided his judgment. The time of service of a considerable portion of his troops would almost immediately expire, and he was in possession of no inducement strong enough to detain them a second time, on a theatre, where they would have to encounter winter in his wildest and most terrific form; privations, of every description, added to war attended with every circumstance of peril, and with scarcely any prospect of success. Under these circumstances it was determined to attempt an assault, and every thing being at length prepared CHAP. V. 1775. 1775. CHAP. between four and five o'clock in the morning. V. On a signal given, the several divisions moved to the assault in the midst of a violent storm of snow, whilst to distract the enemy's attention, from the side of the river St. Laurence, along the fortified Quebec at- front round the bason, every part seemed equally tempted by threatened. The division of Arnold moved in files assault. along the street St. Roches, towards the St. Matelots. Here was the first barrier of the enemy, and a battery of two twelve pounders, which it was necessary to force. In approaching this battery, Arnold had his leg shattered by a musquet ball, and was carried off the field to the hospital: but his place being instantly supplied by Morgan, who commanded a company of Virginia Riflemen, the battery was instantly mounted by the help of ladders, having been previously abandoned by the enemy. But the main body did not as was expected advance to his support; in addition to his own company, he was followed but by a few bold individuals: It was yet dark, he had no guides, and not the slightest knowledge of his route, and in spite of his own impatience, and that of his brave followers, it became necessary to halt, whilst he repaired in person to the barrier, which had been passed for the purpose of bringing up the remainder of the troops. Here he was joined by lieutenant colonel Green, and majors Bigelow and Meigs, with parts of companies, composing a total of about 200 men: and this little band of heroes with Morgan's company in front, was led at their own pressing solicitation, to the assault of the second barrier. But for this their force was utterly incompetent: they were exposed in a narrow street to a most destructive fire; and opposed in front by superior numbers, covered and out of the reach of danger; the day too was every moment becoming clearer, the enemy became V. acquainted with their weakness, and having made CHAP. a sortie with two hundred men, they took captain Dearborn, with the rear guard prisoners. In this desperate situation Morgan proposed to a council of the officers present to fight their way to their company, which was delayed only by the suggestion that Montgomery might be successful, and that their co-operation would be essential: But the numbers of the enemy every moment encreasing and the prospect of relief appearing des perate, they were compelled to surrender at 10 o'clock prisoners of war. THE fate of the division commanded by Montgomery, was equally disastrous. That gallant spirit advancing along the St. Laurence, by the way of Aunce de Mere, under captain Diamond, took possession of a block house about 200 yards in front of the first barrier, the Canadians abandoning it after an ineffectual fire at his approach. In their flight they communicated their terrors to the troops defending the barrier and redoubt, and these two were abandoned with precipation. At this interesting crisis Quebec was saved by one of those extraordinary circumstances, which often defeat the wisest and best concerted measures. Whilst moving at the head of his followers in the narrow path round captain Diamond, and assisting with his own hands to pull up the pickets to make way for the troops; he was obliged to halt a few minutes until a sufficient force could make their way to him. At the head of two hundred he at length proceeded to the attack of the barrier but the fatal interval of delay had given time to one or two of the enemy to return to the battery, who having taken a slow match laying by one of the guns, discharged a single cannon at the American van, now within forty paces of it. This single and accidental fire decided the |