cent of the forces. The manifest confusion
produced among the French by these previous measures, and by the fire
of the Centurion, which was well-directed and sustained, determined
Mr. Wolfe to storm this intrenchment without further delay. Orders were
issued that the three brigadiers should put their troops in motion at a
certain signal, which was accordingly made at a proper time of the tide.
Many of the boats from Point Levi ran aground upon a ledge that runs off
a considerable distance from the shore; and this accident occasioned a
disorderly which so much time was lost, that the general was obliged to
stop the march of brigadier Townshend's corps, which he perceived to be
in motion. In the meantime, the boats were floated, and ranged in proper
order, though exposed to a severe fire of shot and shells; and the
general in person sounding the shore, pointed out the place where the
troops might disembark with the least difficulty. Thirteen companies of
Grenadiers, and two hundred men of the second American battalion, were
the first who landed. They had received orders to form in four distinct
bodies, and begin the attack, supported by the corps of brigadier
Monckton, as soon as the other troops should have passed the ford, and
be near enough to contribute to their assistance. These instructions,
however, were entirely neglected. Before Mr. Monckton had landed, and
while brigadier Townshend was on his march at a considerable distance,
the grenadiers, without waiting to be drawn up in a regular form,
impetuously rushed towards the enemy's intrenchments in the utmost
disorder. Their courage served only to increase their misfortune. The
first fire they received did such execution among them, that they were
obliged to shelter themselves under the redoubt which the French had
abandoned at their approach. In this uncomfortable situation they
remained some time, unable to form under so hot a fire, notwithstanding
the utmost efforts of many gallant officers, who lavishly exposed, and
even lost their lives in the honourable discharge of their duty. [511]
_[See note 3 Y, at the end of this Vol.]_ The general, seeing all their
efforts abortive, ordered them to retreat, and form behind Monckton's
brigade, which was by this time landed, and drawn up on the beach in
order. They accordingly retired in confusion, leaving a considerable
number lying on the field, to the barbarity of the Indian savages, who
massacred the living, and scalpe