The Battle of Quebec (1759)1
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Primary Source 9.3
THE BATTLE OF QUEBEC (1759)1
The Battle of Quebec, fought on September 13, 1759, was a turning point for the British in the Seven Years War (1756–63), in which the British and French fought over colonial possessions in North America and India. After General James Wolfe (1727–59) led the British forces to victory at Quebec, the British were able to drive France from the continent and establish dominance in North America as they added half a continent to their colonial possessions and French Louisiana was given to Spain. The letters below, sent by Generals James Wolfe and George Townshend (1724–1807) only four days apart before the battle, depict how uncertain the victory was and how it came at the perfect time to turn the tide of the war. Although the British ultimately lost the Thirteen Colonies in the American Revolution a mere twenty years later, they kept their vast Canadian territories. Some scholars argue that forcing the North American and Caribbean colonies to purchase finished British goods was a burden on the colonies and enriched the home country. Others argue that the costs of administration and defense enabled the British to benefit only minimally from colonial possessions. Either way, it was this battle and the Seven Years War as a whole that enabled Britain to build up the world’s biggest empire. For text online, click here.
Letter from Wolfe at Quebec
The admiral and I have examined the town, with a view to a general assault; but, after consulting with the chief engineer, who is well acquainted with the interior parts of it, and, after viewing it with the utmost attention, we found, that though the batteries2 of the lower town might be easily silenced by the men of war, yet the business of an assault would be little advanced by that, since the few passages that lead from the lower to the upper town, are carefully entrenched; and the upper batteries cannot be affected by the ships, which must receive considerable damage from them, and from the mortars. The admiral would readily join in this, or in any other measure for the public service; but I could not propose to him an undertaking of so dangerous a nature, and promising so little success. To the uncommon strength of the country, the enemy have added (for the defence of the river) a great number of floating batteries and boats. By the vigilance of these, and the Indians round our different posts, it has been impossible to execute anything by surprise. We have had almost daily skirmishes with these savages, in which they are generally defeated, but not without loss on our side. By the list of disabled officers (many of whom are of rank) you may perceive, Sir, that the army is much weakened. By the nature of the river, the most formidable
1 Charles W. Colby (ed.), Sources of English History (New York: Longmans, Green, and CO., 1899), 247– 50. 2 Artillery units. 2
part of this armament is deprived of the power of acting, yet we have almost the whole force of Canada to oppose. In this situation, there is such a choice of difficulties, that I own myself at a loss how to determine. The affairs of Great Britain, I know, require the most vigorous measures; but then the courage of a handful of brave men should be exerted only where there is some hope of a favorable event. However, you may be assured, Sir, that the small part of the campaign, which remains, shall be employed (as far as I am able) for the honor of his majesty, and the interest of the nation, in which I am sure of being well seconded by the admiral, and by the generals. Happy if our efforts here can contribute to the success of his majesty's arms in any other parts of America. I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, J. WOLFE.
Letter from George Townshend to His Wife
My Dearest Charlotte, — I hope Mr. Perceval will arrive safe & bring you these two letters from me. The happiness of writing to you is beyond all I know. My concern for your sufferings, my affection for you & your dear little ones, convince me how unfit I am for this sceene, which another month will thank God give a conclusion to. The captive women & children which I see every day brought in here, often tell me what I am and who belong to me, but above all, the melancholly news I received the day before yesterday upon my arrival here from the cursed camp of Montmorenci3 of my poor brother's death has reproved me for not consulting my own nature more, when I ask'd you to [let me] return to the Army. It had then pleaded for you, when you did not plead for yourself & I had not been now in a sceene of ambition, confusion, misery; and you oppress'd as I know you must be, with terrours & affliction. I dare say poor Lady Tounshend too now starts at every knock at the door. Let us look up with hopes my Charlotte to the Disposer of all things & trust he will in his mercy & goodness do all for the best. I have wrote a line to poor Lady Tounshend to comfort her by convincing her of my own health & safety. One month more will put an end to our troubles. I never served so disagreeable a campaign as this. Our unequal force has reduced our operations to a sceene of skirmishing cruelty & devastation. It is war of the worst shape. A sceene I ought not to be in, for the future believe me my dear Charlotte I will seek the reverse of it. Genl.4 Wolf's health is but very bad. His generalship in my poor opinion—is not a bit better, this only between us. He never consulted any of us till the latter end of August, so that we have nothing to answer for I hope as to the success of this campaign, which from the disposition the French have made of their force must chiefly fall to Genl. Amherst & Genl. Johnson. God bless you my most dear wife, my blessing to my children, my good George in particular, and thank him for his letters. I have constantly thanked God for the success in the inoculation, a most comfortable circumstance for you. Mr. Barker
3 A camp to the north of the city of Quebec. 4 General. 3
has been slightly wounded. Mr. Gay quite recover'd & join'd us. Our campaign is just over. I shall come back in Adl. 5 Saunders's ship & in two months shall again belong to those I ought never to have left.—Adieu.—Your most affectionate husband, & faithful friend, GEO. TOWNSHEND.
5 Admiral.