406 lïOYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



heights soon after, and decided to attack the enemy on the plain. After 

 the line was formed at a short distance from the walls of the city, the 

 army moved towards the ridge. A march was made towards the enemy 

 in good order. When at about 100 paces from the ridge, the Canadians 

 fired in an invgular manner, and then threw themselves fiat npon the 

 ground to reload. This unexpected movement aisorganized the regular 

 battalions, and most of the soldiers of the first line were killed. They 

 met the British charge and then retreated. 



The reserve of the British army does not appear to have taken any 

 part in this engagement, unless they may have joined in the pursuit of 

 the French. Mr. Parkman states that they took no part in the action. 



Xot a word is mentioned in the passages we have quoted that would 

 lead one to suppose the French ever reached the ground known as the 

 race course. On the contrary the) whole evidence seems to indicate 

 that until within a few moments before the decisive firing, the main 

 body of the French army was upon the high ground, Claire Fontaine, 

 and the only advance made from this position, Avas a distance of about 

 100 paces. 



We have now to endeavour to ascertain, chiefly from the writings of 

 those who were present, the time and the place of the death of Wolfe. ^^ 



By Townshend's account, the General fell at the head of Braggs, 

 just as the enemy was giving way everywhere. 



From Knox we learn that after Wolfe had been carried wounded 

 to the rear of the front line, an officer exclaimed, ^' They run, see how 

 "they run. ^^^lo runs? demanded our hero, with great earnestness, 

 "like a person roused from sleep. The officer answered, the enemy, 

 "sir, egad, they give way everywhere.'' 



Fraser simply states that the General was " killed in the beginning 

 •' of the general action." 



In the Gentleman's Magazine for December, 1759, this account of 

 the death of Wolfe is given: " For our men so well levelled their pieces, 

 "that tiiere were few of the first and second ranks of the army (for they 

 " were all regulars) that remained alive. In about seven minutes Las- 

 " celle's and Highlanders rushed upon them with bayonets fixed and 

 "sword in hand. . . .lie went reeling aside, but was soon supported by 

 " an officer of whom he inquired if the enemy were put to flight, and 

 " being assured that they were and that our troops were in pursuit, he 

 "smiled and said that he died with pleasure." 



In the Annual Kegister for 1759, another account is given. " But 

 " just as the fortune of the field began to declare itself. General Wolfe, 

 "in whose life everything seemed included, fell. . . .As he lay struggling 

 "with anguish and weakness of three grievous wounds.... ho desired 



