ark of
distinction.

GEN. WASHINGTON. What day did the affair happen on?

MESSENGER. On the last day of the year.

GEN. WASHINGTON. A remarkable day! When was the General interred?

MESSENGER. The second of January.

GEN. LEE. What number of men in the whole attack was killed? did you
learn?

MESSENGER. About sixty killed and wounded.

GEN. WASHINGTON. Have you any thing further to communicate?

MESSENGER. Nothing, sir, but to inform you they are all in good spirits,
and desire reinforcements, and heavy artillery may be sent them as soon
as possible.

GEN. WASHINGTON. That be our business--with all despatch. You may for
the present withdraw. Serjeant!

_Enter SERJEANT._

SERJEANT. I wait your order, sir.

GEN. WASHINGTON. See that the Messenger and his horse want for nothing.

SERJEANT. I shall, sir.

[_Exeunt SERJEANT and MESSENGER._

SCENE IV.

GEN. WASHINGTON. I'll despatch an Express to the Congress. This repulse,
if I mistake not (or victory, as Carleton may call it), will stand 'em
but in little stead--'t will be only a temporary reprieve--we'll
reinforce our friends, let the consequence be what it may--Quebec must
fall, and the lofty strong walls and brazen gates (the shield of
cowards) must tumble by an artificial earthquake; should they continue
in their obstinacy, we'll arm our friends with missive thunders in their
hands, and stream death on them swifter than the winds.

GEN. LEE. I lament the loss of the valiant Montgomery and his brave
officers and soldiers (at this time more especially) 'tis the fortune of
war, 'tis unavoidable; yet, I doubt not, out of their ashes will arise
new heroes.

GEN. PUTNAM. Who can die a more glorious, a more honourable death than
in their country's cause?--let it redouble our ardour, and kindle a
noble emulation in our breasts--let each American be determined to
conquer or die in a righteous cause.

GEN. WASHINGTON. I have drawn my sword, and never will I sheathe it,
till America is free, or I'm no more.

GEN. LEE. Peace is despaired of, and who can think of submission? The
last petition from the Congress, like the former, has been disregarded;
they prayed but for liberty, peace and safety, and their omnipotent
authoritative supreme-ships will grant them neither: War, then, war open
and understood, must be resolved on; this, this will humble their pride,
will bring their tyrant noses to the ground, teach 'em humi