d within forty yards of their
line: then they poured in a terrible discharge; and continued the fire
with such deliberation and spirit, as could not fail to produce a very
considerable effect. General Wolfe was stationed on the right, at the
head of Bragg's regiment and the Louisbourg grenadiers, where the attack
was most warm. As he stood conspicuous in the front of the line, he had
been aimed at by the enemy's marksmen, and received a shot in the wrist,
which however did not oblige him to quit the field. Having wrapped a
handkerchief round his hand, he continued giving orders without the
least emotion; and advanced at the head of the grenadiers with their
bayonets fixed; when another ball unfortunately pierced the breast of
this young hero,* who fell in the arms of victory, just as the enemy
gave way.

* When the fatal ball took place, general Wolfe, finding
himself unable to stand, leaned upon the shoulder of a
lieutenant, who sat down for that purpose. This officer
seeing the French give way, exclaimed, "They run! they
run!"--"Who run?" cried the gallant Wolfe, with great
eagerness. When the lieutenant replied, "The French."--
"What!" said he, "do the cowards run already? then I die
happy." So saying, the glorious youth expired.

[Illustration 513.jpg DEATH OF GENERAL WOLFE]

At that very instant, every separate regiment of the British army seemed
to exert itself for the honour of its own peculiar character. While the
right pressed on with their bayonets, brigadier Murray briskly advanced
with the troops under his command, and soon broke the centre of the
enemy: then the High landers, drawing their broad-swords, fell in among
them, with irresistible impetuosity, and drove them with great slaughter
into the town, and the works they had raised at the bridge of the river
St. Charles. On the left and rear of the English, the action was not so
violent. Some of the light infantry had thrown themselves into houses;
where, being attacked, they defended themselves with great courage and
resolution. Colonel Howe having taken post with two companies behind a
small copse, sallied out frequently on the flanks of the enemy during
this attack, and often drove them into heaps; while brigadier Townshend
advanced platoons against their front; so that the right wing of the
French were totally prevented from executing their first intention.
The brigadier himself remained with Amherst's regime