quary and the student might
demand a larger attention and notice than I shall devote to them.
I have been too prominent an actor in the drama of the downfall of
New France to write on the subject with that calmness and impartiality
with which I try to view all matters; and I leave it to the gentleman
who has passed his lifetime at his desk, undisturbed by any greater
explosion than that of wifely indignation at his late hours and
waste of otherwise valuable ink and paper, to relate the battles
he has never seen and weigh the interests he cannot understand.

In January we had positive intelligence that the English would make
a descent in force at the earliest possible moment in the spring.
On the first day of June we saw from our ramparts the sails of
their fleet spreading over the horizon, and by the eighth they
attempted their descent by land.

We made such defence as seemed possible at the time, but, like all
unsuccessful efforts, it has been severely criticised since, chiefly
by "the gentleman at his desk."

As we lay in position at our post at La Cormorandiere, hourly
expecting the landing of the enemy, it was reported by our
surgeon-general, M. Guerin, that we were utterly without provision
of lint, brandy, and other necessities for the wounded. A messenger
was instantly despatched with a requisition to the Commissary, but
he returned with a message from Prevost saying, "There are none of
these articles in the King's magazines; if the English force our
intrenchments, it will be their business to take care of the wounded;
if, on the other hand, we are successful, we shall have time enough
to attend to them."

Our colonel, M. de St. Julhien, read this heartless reply aloud,
amid the deepest execrations on the part of our officers, and then
turning to me, said, "Here, Chevalier, I understand there is no
love lost between you and this creature. I commission you to see
that these requirements are fulfilled by the morning." And he sate
down and wrote an order on the Commissary to "deliver to the
Chevalier Maxwell such stores as he may demand for the use of the
Company d'Artois."

Armed with this authority, I set forth at once, and arriving at
the town about eight o'clock, made my way to the Commissary's house
and demanded him with scant ceremony.

He appeared with but little delay, and I caught sight of the bright
face of Madame, alight with curiosity, behind him, though he clapped
the door to sharply enough.