Battle Of Quebec | North America [1759] | Britannica

The British landing and Montcalm’s attack

Wolfe decided on an amphibious landing at L’Anse-au-Foulon, about 2 miles (3 km) upstream from Quebec, at the base of a cliff some 170 feet (50 metres) high. While historians have debated the logic and merits of this decision, the British were fortunate, as the area was only lightly defended. Operating in darkness and silence, the British boats fought the strong currents of the Saint Lawrence and landed an advance force at just after 4:00 am on September 13, 1759. Three companies of light infantrymen led by Col. William Howe (who would later command British forces during the American Revolution) scrambled up the cliff and subdued a French outpost. By the time the sun rose, Wolfe and the first division were on the plateau, and by 8:00 am the entire force of 4,500 men had assembled. The British stretched across the Plains of Abraham in a shallow horseshoe formation about half a mile (1 km) long and two ranks deep.

When Montcalm heard about the British landing and ascent, he decided to attack quickly before the British had the chance to establish themselves. Historians have criticized his response, suggesting that he should have waited for reinforcements to arrive from French detachments in the area. The French force consisted of about 4,500 men from the army at Beauport, many of whom were militia. Wolfe’s army was very close in size, but was composed almost entirely of regular soldiers, highly disciplined and trained for the field battle to come.

Access for the whole family! Bundle Britannica Premium and Kids for the ultimate resource destination. Subscribe

Montcalm’s men advanced and began firing at the outermost limit of their muskets’ effective range. However, Wolfe’s soldiers stood firm until the French were less than 130 feet (40 metres) away, when they opened fire to devastating effect. Coordinated volleys of British musketry quickly halted and then reversed the French advance. Wolfe was shot three times, with the third wound proving to be fatal. After hearing that the French force was retreating, Wolfe reportedly stated, “Now, God be praised, I will die in peace.” Several other high-ranking British officers were killed as well, and the British charge lost some of its direction.

Brig. Gen. George Townshend assumed command and organized two battalions to counter a French relief force under Col. Louis-Antoine de Bougainville. Bougainville decided to pull back, and the British consolidated their position on the heights. While this allowed Montcalm’s army to escape, Montcalm himself was wounded during the retreat and died the next morning in Quebec. Townshend’s decision to entrench the British position instead of aggressively pursuing the French army had significant consequences; the French marched that night and bypassed their enemy on the way to Pointe-aux-Trembles, leaving only a small force in the town. The British laid siege to Quebec, and on September 18, the French commander surrendered the city to the British.