rgeant's guard which defended a small intrenched narrow path, by which
alone the rest of the forces could reach the summit. Then they mounted
without further molestation from the enemy, and the general drew them up
in order as they arrived. Monsieur de Montcalm no sooner understood
that the English had gained the heights of Abraham, which in a manner
commanded the town on its weakest part, than he resolved to hazard a
battle; and began his march without delay, after having collected his
whole force from the side of Beauport.

BATTLE OF QUEBEC.

General Wolfe, perceiving the enemy crossing the river St. Charles,
began to form his own line, which consisted of six battalions and the
Louisbourg grenadiers; the right commanded by brigadier Monckton, and
the left by brigadier Murray: to the rear of the left, colonel Howe was
posted with his light infantry, just returned from a four-gun battery,
which they had taken without opposition. M. de Montcalm advancing in
such a manner as to show his intention was to flank the left of the
English, brigadier Townshend was sent thither with the regiment of
Amherst, which he formed _en potence_, presenting a double front to the
enemy: he was afterwards reinforced by two battalions; and the reserve
consisted of one regiment drawn up in eight sub-divisions, with large
intervals. The right of the enemy was composed of half the colony
troops, two battalions, and a body of Canadians and savages; their
centre consisted of a column formed by two other regular battalions; and
on the left one battalion, with the remainder of the colony troops,
was posted; the bushes and corn-fields in their front were lined with
fifteen hundred of their best marksmen, who kept up an irregular galling
fire, which proved fatal to many brave officers, thus singled out for
destruction. This fire, indeed, was in some measure checked by the
advanced posts of the British line, who piqueered with the enemy for
some hours before the battle began. Both armies were destitute of
artillery, except two small pieces on the side of the French, and a
single gun which the English seamen made shift to draw up from the
landing place. This was very well served, and galled their column
severely. At length, about nine in the morning, the enemy advanced
to the charge with great order and vivacity, though their fire was
irregular and ineffectual. On the contrary, the British forces reserved
their shot until the French had approache