Section il., 1S99. [ 3§9 ] Trans. E. S. C. 



lY.—The Probable Site of the Battle of the Plains of Abrahavi.' 

 With plans and illusti'ations. 



^ Sunt lachrymœ reruin, et mentem mortalia tangunt." 



By Arthur G. Doughty. 



(Communicated by Sir .John Bourinot.) 



The memory of the famous battle fought near Quebec on the 13th 

 of September, 1759, the final issue of which gave to England a rich 

 portion of her splendid heritage in North America, has been revived 

 of late in the animated discussions which have taken place as to the 

 exact site of the contest between the French and English. 



A difference of opinion has existed; two parties have been formed, 

 and each has offered proof in support of its pretensions in favour of 

 certain ground. 



The origin of the controversy may be traced to an intimation on 

 the part of the owners of the property known as the "Race Course," 

 that they were about to divide this land into building lots. Tradition 

 has associated this land with the battle-field, and ground which it is 

 believed was once bedewed with the blood of illustrious dead, is natur- 

 ally regarded as sacred. 



The exigencies of commerce and the demands of progress, have 

 already robbed the city of some of that quaint artistic charm which 

 appealed so eloquently to the student and tourist, and it was therefore 

 quite natural that numerous voices should be raised against the dese- 

 cration of such an historic spot. 



Among the many glowing pages of the annals of Quebec there is 

 not one more brilliant than that which gave to the' city her monument 

 to Wolfe and Montcalm — a monument whereon the name of friend and 

 foe are linked together — a monument whereby the conquered shares 

 equal glory with the conqueror. To preserve and set apart any of the 



^ This paper came too late to be read and discussed in the Section, but in view 

 of the interest taken in tlie subject, and the judicial spirit which the author brings 

 to its elucidation, the Editor deems it expedient to present it in full to the public as 

 soon as possible. The illustrations and plans, collected with great care by Mr. 

 Doughty, give to the paper a special value, and must assist the student in coming to 

 a correct conclusion. The notes are printed on page 418 of this paper. 



Sec. II., 1899. 24. 



