128 COLLISION OF THE RIVAL COLONIES. [1759 



His kind and genial disposition seemed better fitted 

 for the quiet of domestic life than for the stern 

 duties of military command ; but to these gentler 

 traits he joined a high enthusiasm, and an uncon- 

 querable spirit of daring and endurance, which 

 made him the idol of his soldiers, and bore his 

 slender frame through every hardship and exposure. 

 The work before him demanded all his courage. 

 How to invest the city, or even bring the army of 

 Montcalm to action, was a problem which might 

 have perplexed a Hannibal. A French fleet lay in 

 the river above, and the precipices along the north- 

 ern bank were guarded at every accessible point by 

 sentinels and outposts. Wolfe would have crossed 

 the Montmorenci by its upper ford, and attacked 

 the French army on its left and rear ; but the plan 

 was thwarted by the nature of the ground and the 

 vigilance of his adversaries. Thus baffled at every 

 other point, he formed the bold design of storming 

 Montcalm's position in front ; and on the afternoon 

 of the thirty-first of July, a strong body of troops 

 was embarked in boats, and, covered by a furious 

 cannonade from the English ships and batteries, 

 landed on the beach just above the mouth of the 

 Montmorenci. The grenadiers and Royal Ameri- 

 cans were the first on shore, and their ill-timed 



within the reach and compass of my skill and cunning. I am in a very 

 bad condition, both with the gravel and rheumatism; but I had much 

 rather die than decline any kind of service that offers : if I followed my 

 own taste, it would lead me into Germany ; and if my poor talent was 

 consulted, they should place me to the cavalry, because nature has given 

 me good eyes, and a warmth of temper to follow the first impressions. 

 However, it is not our part to choose, but to obey." — Letter — Wolfe to 

 William Rickson, Salisbury, December 1, 1758. 



