d the dead, even in the sight of their
indignant companions. This unhappy accident occasioned a new delay, and
the day was already far advanced. The wind began to blow with uncommon
violence, and the tide to make; so that in case of a second repulse, the
retreat of brigadier Townshend might have been rendered hazardous and
uncertain; Mr. Wolfe, therefore, thought proper to desist, and returned
without further molestation to the other side of the river Montmorenci.
The admiral ordered the two vessels which were aground to be set
on fire, that they might not fall into the hands of the enemy. The
advantages that favoured an attack in this part, consisted of the
following particulars:--All the artillery could be used with good
effect; all the troops could act at once; and in case of a miscarriage,
the retreat was secure and open, at least for a certain time of
the tide. These, however, seemed to be over-balanced by other
considerations. The enemy were posted on a commanding eminence; the
beach was covered with deep mud, slippery, and broken into holes and
gullies; the hill was steep, and in some places impracticable; the
enemy were numerous, and poured in a very severe fire from their
intrenchments. Had the attack succeeded, the loss of the English must
have been very heavy, and that of the French inconsiderable, because the
neighbouring woods afforded them immediate shelter. Finally, the
river St. Charles still remained to be passed before the town could be
invested.

{GEORGE II. 1727-1760}

BRIGADIER MURRAY DETACHED UP THE RIVER.

Immediately after this mortifying check, in which above five hundred
men, and many brave officers, were lost, the general detached brigadier
Murray, with twelve hundred men, in transports, above the town, to
co-operate with rear-admiral Holmes, whom the admiral had sent up with
some force against the French shipping, which he hoped to destroy. The
brigadier was likewise instructed to seize every opportunity of fighting
the enemy's detachments, and even of provoking them to battle. In
pursuance of these directions, he twice attempted to land on the north
shore; but these attempts were unsuccessful. The third effort was
more fortunate. He made a sudden descent at Chambaud, and burned a
considerable magazine, filled with arms, clothing, provisions, and
ammunition. The enemy's ships being secured in such a manner as not to
be approached, and nothing else occurring that required the brigadie