nt, to support this
disposition, and to overawe a body of savages posted opposite to the
light infantry, waiting for an opportunity to fall upon the rear of
the British army. General Wolfe being slain, and at the same time Mr.
Monckton dangerously wounded at the head of Lascelles' regiment, where
he distinguished himself with remarkable gallantry, the command devolved
on brigadier Townshend, who hastened to the centre; and finding the
troops disordered in the pursuit, formed them again with all possible
expedition. This necessary task was scarce performed, when M. de
Bougainville, with a body of two thousand fresh men, appeared in the
rear of the English. He had begun his march from Cape Rouge, as soon as
he received intelligence that the British troops had gained the heights
of Abraham, but did not come up in time to have any share in the battle.
Mr. Townshend immediately ordered two battalions, with two pieces
of artillery, to advance against this officer; who retired, at their
approach, among woods and swamps, where general Townshend very wisely
declined hazarding a precarious attack. He had already obtained a
complete victory, taken a great number of French officers, and was
possessed of a very advantageous situation, which it would have been
imprudent to forego. The French general, M. de Montcalm, was mortally
wounded in the battle, and conveyed into Quebec; from whence, before he
died, he wrote a letter to general Townshend, recommending the prisoners
to that generous humanity by which the British nation is distinguished.
His second in command was left wounded on the field; and next day
expired on board an English ship, to which he had been conveyed. About
one thousand of the enemy were made prisoners, including a great number
of officers; and about five hundred were slain on the field of battle.
The wreck of their army, after they had reinforced the garrison of
Quebec, retired to Point-au-Tremble; from whence they proceeded to
Jacques Quatiers, where they remained intrenched until they were
compelled by the severity of the weather to make the best of their way
to Trois Rivieres and Montreal. This important victory was obtained at
the expense of fifty men killed, including nine officers; and of about
five hundred men wounded: but the death of general Wolfe was a national
loss, universally lamented. He inherited from nature an animating
fervour of sentiment, an intuitive perception, an extensive capacity,
and a pass