Journal of the Siege and Blockade of Quebec by American Rebels in Autumn 1775 and Winter 1776
by Hugh Finlay
[Originally published by the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec in Historical Documents, Series 4, Volume 4 (1875)]
"This Journal is partly in the handwriting of Capt. Patrick Daly, then Lieutenant in the Emigrants (McLean's); and from him I had it,—and seems very correct and just.
Who it was kept by, I don't know, but suppose Mr. Hugh Finlay may be the gentleman who made it for his amusement."
[The above Preface is in the handwriting of Malcolm Fraser, Esquire, formerly Lieutenant in the 78th Regiment (or Fraser's Highlanders.)
The Manuscript is in the possession of the Honble. J. M. Fraser, who kindly allowed a copy to be made for the use of the Literary and Historical Society.]
G. B. F.*
*The initials G. B. F. are those, and in the handwriting, of the late George B. Faribault, Esquire, for some time President of the Literary' and Historical Society.
1775
Nov. 14th.—Arnold, with about 500 men, appeared on the heights before Quebec, and were fired upon from the Ramparts.
The garrison consisted of
British Militia: 800
Canadian do.: 480
Col. McLean had arrived from above on the 12th, with Royal Fusileers and Emigrants: 200
Seamen on shore with Capt. Mackenzie: 24
Artificers from Newfoundland: 32
Col. McLean's Recruits from Newfoundland and St. John's Island, by Captains Campbell and Fraser: 90
Total: 1126
Nov. 22nd.—Genl. Carleton published a proclamation ordering all those who were not willing to defend the town to depart from hence in four days.
30th.—State of the Garrison:
7th or Royal Fusileers: 70
Artificers: 120
Royal Emigrants (Col. McLean's): 230
Masters and Mates of Vessels: 50
Marines: 330
British Militia: 330
Seamen: 400
French Militia: 543
Artillery: 22
1600 Women and Children: 3200
Total: 5000
Good store of ammunition and provisions—firewood, hay and oats short.
Dec. lst. —The Hunter Sloop of War and Felt, armed ships, came down from Richelieu and were laid up. A foot of snow on the ground. Fired some shots at a party of the Rebels.
2nd.—Much floating ices in the river. Arnold's party retired to Pointe-aux-Trembles, and sent parties to intercept provisions from coming to town. The inhabitants in general behave in the most ungrateful manner, neither bringing provisions nor allowing them to be brought by others.
3rd.—Reported that Montgomery was arrived at Pointer aux-Trembles with 4500 men, including Arnold's party.
4th.—Montgomery and the Rebel army lodged at Ste. Foy and Petite Rivière. Jerry Duggan, late Hair-dresser in Quebec, is stiled Major amongst them, and it is said commands 500 Canadians.
5th.—Duggan (Jeremiah) disarmed the inhabitants of the suburbs of St. Roc without opposition. Some cannon shot fired from the Garrison.
6th.—Two men came into the Garrison from the Rebel
army.
N.B.—They joined Col. McLean's Regiment and behaved very well during the siege. The riflemen of the Rebel army annoy our sentries from the suburbs of St. Roc.
Dec. 7th.—The Rebel army said to be about 2000 only. The town is totally blocked up. The plan of the Rebels supposed to be to open batteries, cannonade and bombard the town for some time; and after harrassing us in this way, to make a general assault.
8th.—Last night a good deal of snow fell.
9th.—The Rebels said to be only 1500 in all,—many of them sick, and the small pox amongst them.
10th.—About two in the morning the Rebels opened a Bomb Battery in St. Roc's suburbs,—threw 28 shells into the town—no hurt done. The shells are 5½ inches. At day light a fascine battery appeared in the bushes about 500 yards from St. John's Gale. We fired many shots through it. A few houses burnt by us near St. John's Gate to open a view to the enemy's batteries. The inhabitants of the town seemed very little alarmed by the shells.
llth.—43 shells thrown into town—no damage done. The Rebels seem to have been hard at work at their battery at St. John's last night, and kept their riflemen firing at our sentries from St. Roc's to annoy us. Hard frost—the streets and ramparts one sheet of ice.
12th.—40 shells thrown into the town last night. A man of Col. McLean's Regiment treacherously killed by a fellow (one of the Rebels), who pretended he was about to desert to us.
13th.—A few shells thrown in last night. Reported that the enemy intended to make a battery at Point Levy. The Rebels with rifle fuzees fire from the cupola of the Intendant's Palace and the other houses adjoining; they were, however, dislodged from the cupola by our cannon. It is thought we killed and wounded some of the enemy this day. We threw shells and 32-pounders at their battery.
14th.—We continue firing at their battery. They opened their battery with five guns—six, nine and twelve-pounders, at mid-day. They did us no damage.
15th.—The Rebels fire now and then from their battery. A thing they call a Flag of Truce with two men and a drum approached our walls. General Carleton being made acquainted of it, sent notice that he would not admit them into town, neither would he hear them, nor receive any letter from them, though they said they had some; in short, that he would have no communication with the Rebels. These men went off, saying: « Then let him be answerable for all the consequences."
They fired towards evening, as did we. Their battery seems very much hurt.
16th.— The enemy fired some shot and shells into town; three men wounded this day, of Col. Maclean's Regiment by rifles. An alarm about 4 o'clock in the morning. Almost every man of the garrison lies in his clothes; and the most severe and exact duty is done without murmuring.
17th.—Cold weather.
18th.—Some shells thrown on both sides. The guns on the Rebel battery did not appear; one of our men wounded by a rifle.
19th.—The Rebels come in skulking parties to St. John's (suburbs) and about the Intendant's Palace to fire at our sentries.
20th—The weather very cold, and from the severity of it hardly possible to make any attack upon the garrison. It was reported that Montgomery told his men he would dine in Quebec or in Hell on Christmas day. He may, perhaps, in the latter place, if he attempts to become our guest. By a letter which come into town, we learn that the Canadian auxiliaries begin to quit the Rebel army, and that consequently they have become discontented. Our garrison is in the best spirits.
21st.—Nothing remarkable.
22nd.—Col, Caldwell's clerk who was made prisoner by the Rebels, made his escape from them, and brought a man along with him about ten at night. Joshua Wolf (Col. Caldwell's clerk) reports, that Mr. Montgomery intends to storm the town this night. He has hitherto found it difficult to persuade his men to it. He has promised them plunder to the amount of £200 each man, upon entering Quebec. The Europeans, many of whom were with the Rebels, insist that the Americans should mount the walls first, and the latter are willing to allow that honor to the Mother Country. They have 500 clumsy ladders. The enemy reported 2000; the small pox amongst them.
23rd.—A man of Col. Maclean's Regiment, of Capt, Malcolm Fraser's Company, killed on the 2 guns battery by a murdering rifleman.
24th.—An attack expected. A deserter came in at St. John's (gate) by the assistance of a rope—says—that the attack was deferred by reason of Wolf's escape into the garrison, but that they intend it this night if his deserting does not prevent it.
25th.—Many signals without, and an attack expected. Our General with Col. Maclean, and every man, Militia of the Upper Town, with those not on duty, sleep in their clothes at the Recollet Convent,—and those of the Lower Town are there assembled in the same manner. The officers and soldiers of the troops lie also in their clothes in the barracks, as do the sailors. This has continued for some time, and will, it is thought, till affairs alter.
26th.—Excessive cold. A sergeant of the Emigrant's killed by accident.
27th.—Nothing new.
28th and 29th.—Nothing remarkable.
30th.—A deserter from the Rebels, says they are between 2 and 3000. That they are well supplyed, and pay the Canadians in specie. That their army was assembled some nights ago. That Montgomery harangued, and afterwards dismissed them till another opportunity. Thirty shells thrown in last night—no damage done by them, The deserter says that the garrison is to be attacked the first dark and stormy night.
31st December.—Wind N.E., very snowy and dark. As Capt. Malcolm Fraser, of the Emigrants, who that night commanded the main-guard, was going his rounds, and had passed the guard at Port Louis, between 4 and 5 o'clock in the morning, he perceived a signal thrown on the heights, without the works, at Cape Diamond; he immediately saw it was for an attack, and sent notice to all the guards around, and running down St. Louis street, called " Turn Out" as loud and as often as he could, which was heard by the General and the Picquet at the Recollets, who instantly turned out. Capt. Fraser also ordered the Alarm bell to be rung, and the drums of his guard to beat to arms, and in about two minutes every man was at his alarm post. The General ordered the main-guard to march to Post Saint John's. The morning was so boisterous and snowy that at some of our Posts neither bell nor drums were heard, but they were sufficiently alarmed by the flashes as the enemy began firing, both at St. John's and Cape Diamond long before their attack begun in the Lower Town. They at the same time plyed us with shells.
About 5 o'clock Montgomery attacked a house belonging to Mr. Simon Fraser, at Près de Ville, called the Pot Ash, which was well fortified with cannon and a guard of about 30 in it. He had, it is said, 800 men with him. Much about the same time Arnold, with a party consisting of 650, or 700 men (attacked) a Post at Sault au Matelot. Montgomery's party was repulsed, leaving ten or a dozen men killed and wounded, Arnold's party forced the Sault au Malelot, and got into the narrow street, but before they could get to the end of it, our people had found means to secure the inner barrier, and having lodged themselves in a house opposite it, kept a fire upon the Rebels in the narrow street till the arrival of Col. Caldwell with, a party of the British Militia; and Major Nairn, with a party of the emigrants, having by some means got a ladder, he with Ensign Dambourges instantly mounted the same, and got into a window of a house on the Rebel side of the barrier, where being followed instantly by Capt. Campbell and Ensign Cairns of the Emigrants and Lieut. Layard of the Fusileers, they dislodged a strong party of the Rebels with their bayonets, and thus got the command of the narrow street.
Whilst Col. Caldwell, Major Nairn and the officers and men were thus distinguishing themselves, Genl. Carleton had detached a party out at Palace Gate under Capt. Law, acting Engineer, who was supported by a party under Capt. Macdougal of the Emigrants, and he, by Capt. Alexander Fraser with a third party, and all, followed by a party of sailors commanded by Capt. Hamilton of the Lizard; these parties coming behind the Rebels, who seeing themselves surrounded, threw down their arms and surrendered prisoners.
We took in all :
Lieut.-Colonel. 1
Majors 2
Captains 8
Lieutenants 15
Adjudant 1
Quarter Master 1
Volunteers 4
Privates 350
Wounded 44
___
426
Besides, it is thought, above 100 were either killed or got off wounded. The prisoners are really fine looking fellows. They had, most of them, papers on the front of their caps, on which were wrote the words, " Liberty or Death."
We lost Capt. Anderson of the seamen with 5 men killed and one wounded. One of these killed was of the French Militia, the rest seamen and of the British Militia; among the latter, one Mr. Fraser, a master ship-builder—both he and Capt. Anderson are much regretted. We took a brass six-pounder that the Rebels had brought along with them.
A party was sent out under the command of Capt. Campbell to burn St. Roc's, where they found 5 mortars and royals, which were brought in.
The garrison in general, both British and French, behaved gallantly, and the greatest harmony subsisted between us, and the General's orders obeyed with the greatest alacrity. He was greatly eased by the activity and indefatigableness of Col. Maclean, whose providential coming into the province has contributed in a most conspicuous manner to the fortifying and preserving the garrison.
Colonel Caldwell who commands the British Militia, by his example and presence wherever there was danger, or occasion required, has gained a reputation both for himself and his corps never to be forgotten; for notwithstanding the unfavourable light in which the King's old subjects, here in general, were looked upon, I can with truth assert that the preservation of Quebec is chiefly, if not entirely, owing to these men.
They began last summer by signing a letter addressed to General Carleton, then at Montreal, requesting that he would embody and arm them. The French inhabitants of the town immediately followed the example, which they certainly would no more do than the rest ot their countrymen had not they seen this laudable instance of the British Militia's attachment to the interest of their King and Country; for, without doubt, had it not been for their assistance, the few troops and sailors would never be able to do any thing to the purpose.
The action lasted till about 8 in the morning, when all was quiet.
1776.
Jany. 2nd—The dead bodies which lay outside the Pot Ash brought in, 13 in number,—amongst which Montgomery's, McPherson's, his Aid-du-Camp, and Capt. Cheesman's.
Major Meigs, one of'the Rebel prisoners, was permitted to go out for their clothes. It would seem they believed their people were masters of the Lower Town. There were some Canadians killed who had joined the Rebels, and there were five or six taken prisoners, with 2 or 3 savages—all of whom the General set at liberty. Many of the ungrateful Canadians have joined the enemy.
Montgomery's body was decently interred by order and at the expense of the Lieut.-Gov. Cramabé.
A brisk fire from cannon and mortars kept by us on the nearest posts of the Rebels. One Duncan, a Rebel volunteer, Carne into Sault-au-Matelot, believing, as he said, that the Rebels were in possession of it.
3rd.—A few shots from us at the enemy.
4th.—Capt. Anderson, Mr. Fraser, and the other brave men who were killed, buried with the honours of war.
5th.—Meig's returned with the prisoner's baggage.
6th.—Very severe weather.
7th.—By some people taken at St. Roc's, we learn that the Rebels gave out, that they had carried the Lower Town with the loss of 15 men on their side, and 600 on ours. They endeavoured to make the ignorant Canadians believe that General Montgomery is gone across the woods for a reinforcement. 94 of the prisoners enlisted into Colonel Maclean's Regiment, at their own earnest request.
Jany. 10th.—A great quantity of snow fell. An attack apprehended.
11th.—Two Recollets, with the Canadians taken in arms, sent over to Point Levy.
12th. — Nothing.
13th.—A party went out to cover people who are permitted to carry in the ruins of the wooden houses at St. Roc's.
14th and 15th.—Nothing.
16th.—The archives brought in from the Intendant's Palace, quite safe, being deposited in a vault there.
17th.—A report that 200 of the Rebels have deserted. The Rebels talk of attacking with 4000 men.
18th.—Nothing very remarkable from this date to the 25th. Provisions begin to grow dear: 7½d. per pound for beef.
25th.—Nothing remarkable to the 5th February, on which day three of the Rebel Provincials inlisted into Colonel Maclean's corps, posted as sentries on the rampart, deserted at night, taking their arms with them.
Feby. 7th.—Provisions growing very dear. Beef sold at 9d. per pound, and thirteen shillings for a small quarter of mutton, 1s. 3d. for fresh pork. A poor hearing for the garrison.
8th.—A remarkable mild day.
9th.—As remarkable for the reverse—blowing very hard. Occasioned a great drift of the snow—making it 9 or ten feet in some places on the ramparts, and in different parts of the town. From the excessive cold, the sentries obliged to be relieved every half hour.
10th, llth and 12th.—Nothing remarkable,—but the soldiers of the garrison are employed in different parties, under officers, in clearing away the snow on the ramparts from the guns which were entirely buried under it, and cutting a road through it for the rounds and patroles at night.
Feby.12th. —A Flag of Truce came to the walls from the enemy. Col. Maclean, by the General's order, desired it to return immediately, as no communication would be had with the rebels.
13th.—The garrison still at work clearing away the snow. At night three of the Emigrants deserted—an alarming circumstance to the garrison.
14th.—A party of the Rebels at 11 o'clock at night entered, St. John's Suburbs, set some of the houses on fire. Our cannon then played, whereupon they dispersed.
15th.—The garrison alarmed by the sentry at Palace Gate firing on a small party of the Rebels who had the assurance to advance within shot of the walls with fire, to set fire to some ships there; after a few shots fired upon them, they retired without effecting their purpose. This night five of the Rebel Provincials in Col. Maclean's corps deserted, with one of the Emigrants.
16th.—On this day all the Rebel Provincials in Coly Maclean's corps were ordered into confinement, and their arms and clothes given them, taken from them by order of General Carleton.
17th and 18th.—The weather excessive cold. One of the guard at the Block House had one of his feet frost-bitten, notwithstanding a warm stove in the room.
20th.—A house about 50 yards from the ramparts set on fire; the sentry saw nobody, A party of 100 men sent out to St. Johns under Capt. Nairn to remain all night, (12 shots fired into town, 12-pounders), but they were relieved by Col. Caldwell with 100 men.
22nd.—Nothing, but some wood got in from St, Johns.
23rd.—Nothing.
24th.—A deserter reports that the Rebels have had 400 men of reinforcement; another of 3000 was coming under General Lee, but countermanded to New York; and then General Schuyler was then ordered to Canada, but afterwards ordered against Sir John Johnson, who got some Indians and others to the number of 500; that small parties had arrived at Montreal, and that the ice on the lake was very good. That 800 ladders are to be made; that they had got 16 pieces of cannon from St. John's—twelve-pounders the heaviest.
26th.—Some shot fired into the town. Parties of the Rebels seen in motion—it is believed they have lately received some reinforcement.
26th.—The whole garrison lay on their arms last night. A man sent to Orleans for intelligence, of which we are, and have been very destitute all winter.
27th.—Many signals seen this morning.
28th.—A Canadian came in at Saulf au Matelot, reports that Genl. Amherst is at New York with 1000 men. The affair of the 31st December cost the Rebels 750 men. They are afraid to retreat as the Canadians have threatened to murder them if they do not make another attempt on the town. The Canadians keep patroles in all the avenues to prevent any persons from coming in. That General Amherst had summoned Congress to surrender. That the Rebels have ordered quarters to be provided for 7000 men.
March 1st.—Nothing.
3rd.—The Volunteer picquets exercised while the moon gives light. Three more deserters from the Emigrants.
4th.—Nothing but fatigue parties.
March 5th.—A red flag seen flying near the Ferry at St. Charles' River, supposed in commemoration of the 5th March, 1770, called by the Yankees " the Bloody Massacre at. Boston." Col. Maclean has picked up above 100 men, and formed them into an Invalid company to guard the prisoners. Those who during the winter are put into this company are some picqued who did not formerly perceive the meaness of their behaviour. One of the prisoners was more closely confined for seditious behaviour.
7th.—Fatigue parties making a trench in the snow, without the walls. A party sent towards Wolf's cove to reconnoitre, fired on a party of. the enemy.
A kind of sentry box fixed by us on the top of a pole, 30 feet high, at Cape Diamond. We see St. Foy Church and the road this side, but don't the Plains, beyond the Gallows Hill, where they may assemble a great number of men without our knowledge in day light. The red flag still flies. Some say its the bloody flag, by way of threat, and others think it is a signal to the prisoners in town.
8th. —This night two men, LaMotte and (Papineau) came in from Orleans, having come lately from New York and Montreal. They say the Bostonian Canadians keep patroles on the ice all night, which makes it difficult to approach. LaMotte, they say, has brought letters from Governor Tryon, of New York, to Genl. Carleton; brings many other encouraging accounts, perhaps made on purpose—such as mutiny among the rebels at Montreal, and many other things not worth marking.
Moses Hazen, an officer on half pay, has basely joined the Rebels and is stiled Colonel; he was formerly taken notice of by the great Wolfe—but alas! how altered! Several gentlemen at Montreal, who refused to surrender the commissions given them by General Carleton, are ordered to leave Montreal. Nothing of the troops formerly reported to be landed at New York under Genl. Amherst. Working parties of the enemy heard at l'Ance des Mères. The Invalids, 180 in number, paraded to-day—above 100 found fit for duty, that is to say, to turn out on an alarm; they were enrolled, and put under the command of Cugnet—very little confidence can be put on the Captain or his company.
9th.—114 guns mounted; none under 6-pounders, besides swivels, mortars, wall pieces, howitzers, &c.
10th.—An alarm—all turned out with great alacrity. The prisoners behaved very quietly on hearing it.
llth.—The British Militia reviewed—looked and will certainly behave well on every occasion. Their arms in excellent order. Fire balls hung over the walls to shew the approach of an enemy, at all the angles of the bastions; they answer very well. A sailor attempted to desert, but was stopped.
12th.—Stragling parties of the Rebels seen on the heights; they fired at our fatigue party.
13th.—Reports that the Indians and Canadians above, begin to threaten the Rebels—I don't believe it; they have no such generous principles.
A party under command of Captain Liltlejohn, went to reconnoitre l'Ance des Mères. Saw 100 men, fired on them, when they fled; t'is said, some of the enemy were seen to fall. The river begins to get more clear of ice. The prisoners removed to Dauphin and Palace Gate prisons.
14th.—Another Flag of Truce came under the Barrack Bastion, desiring admittance, with letters to the Govenor. The General desired to acquaint him, that he could not be heard nor admitted till he implored the King's mercy. On being told this, he was ordered off and accordingly sent away.
15th.—A canoe sent to reconnoitre. Spoke two Canadians who promised to come to town to-morrow, but they wont. Two Canadians sent to town in a canoe by Hugh Fraser, at Beaumont, came to town and brought letters from Fraser and others to the General. They bring favorable accounts of the people below. The Rebels expect a thousand men and have sent provisions to meet them.
16th.—Very heavy rain.
17th.—The men from Beaumont inform that the Rebels have spread a report that the Plague is in town, and that we die in great numbers. The voluntary picquets mount regularly and cheerfully. Two companies of the British Militia, ordered to do that duty in the Lower Town with three French companies. Fatigue parties every day, and all well. Six Canadians who refuse going sentry without the Post at Pot Ash, with white shirts as usual, sent to the main guard; they are to be reprimanded before the French Militia. The two men from Beaumont returned with letters, gazettes and, instructions to some of our friends below. 700, or thereabouts of the Rebels seen in two bodies. Our men cautioned not to get in liquor—this being St, Patrick's day.
18th and 19th.—The cutter and two batteaux sent.up the river. Major Nairn and Capt. Owen sent out with the Corps de Réserve (60 men of Col. Maclean's Regiment) beyond Cape Diamond. Saw Nothing,
A battery begun by the enemy at Point Levy; The Rebels have a line of sentries across the heights to prevent desertion from them. Our men quite sober last night.
20th.—Some men seen at St. Johns. 12 horses seen drawing a cannon at Point Levy; their battery at Point Levy is two or three hundred yards to the eastward of where General Wolfe's where.
21st.—Hard frost last night. Several canoes seen crossing and recrossing from Sillery to South Shore.
22nd.—They work at Point Levy battery. We are getting guns ready to play on them. Fired some shot and shells to Point Levy. Their battery intended against our shipping laid up at the Cul de Sac.
23rd.—Last night very dark. An attack expected. Our wood all expended—we must forage.
24th.—Very dark night.
26th.—T'was expected an attack would be made between the 15th and 25th. We are always prepared. We throw rockets and make blazes frequently to confound the enemy's signals.
26th.—Fired at Point Levy battery. Two men intercepted at Orleans by a party from Beauport. A body of Rebels seen assembled at St. Foix.
27th.—All quiet last night. A large house at la Canardière, where the enemy had a guard, was burnt this morning, believed by accident. Many armed men seen at Point Levy, and boats frequently crossing 2 or 3 miles above the town, About 100 men seen on the road to Beauport, coming to the ferry.
28th and 29th.—Nothing extraordinary.
30th.—Very quiet last night. Fired shot and shells at the Rebel battery. Some wood got in at St, John's Gate. The enemy fired a lew musket shot from their old battery. A deserter came in, he is one of the 1st Batt'n of Philadelphia lately arrived at the Rebel quarters. The 2nd Batt'n is soon expected.
April 1st.—The Point Levi battery appears plainly. Another deserter came in. Great sickness in the Rebel army. We fire shot and shells at the battery on the South Shore.
April 2nd.—Different movements observed without. A batteau sent to reconnoitre.
3rd.—The Rebels opened their battery of 5 guns at Point Levy about 8 this morning. They have 24,12 and 9-pounder cannons, whereof three-twelves. They fire sometimes at the shipping, and sometimes into the high town, but do no material hurt. The enemy threw some shells from Point Levy. Heavy rain.
4th.—Rained all night. They fire on us from Point Levy now and then. No damage hitherto.
5th.—A sailor wounded by a shell bursting above the shipping. A general fatigue to clear the snow. One Loiseau came in at Sault au Matelot.
6th.—A deserter came in,—says—that Genl. Lee is on his way to this place with 4000. About 100 Canadians were got together by one William Ross, who formerly served in the 78th Regiment (Col. Fraser's), and one Mr. Beaujeu and Mr, Gaspé, to whom our Governor had sent orders by the two Beaumont men, and with these they intended to seize the Rebel battery at Point Levy, and open a communication with the town; but the other Canadians betrayed them, and a great body of them having joined 100 Bostonians, they all marched and attacked the small party of Royalists whom they routed, after killing four or five; among the rest, one Mr. Baillie, a priest, who was a zealous Royalist, was much wounded. Though the Canadians, in general, are treacherous yet there are a few honest among them.
It is said the New Yorkers whose times are out the 15th., will then leave the Rebels. They have thrown some red hot bullets into town, but done no hurt.
April 1th.—Nothing new. Some cannon shot.
8th.—In the evening a cannon ball from Point Levy unluckily killed a boy of ten year old, son to Mr. Melvin, Merchant.
9th.— One Chaucer, a decent looking man, came in from the enemy. He reports that General Lee was countermanded after having set out for Canada. He says the Rebels are about 1800 in all, but many of them sick. They threaten to storm at the Pot Ash, Sault au Matelot and Cape Diamond, between this and the 15th, when many of their men's times will be out. He says the New Yorkers are dissatisfied with the Yankees who pretend to take the lead. They are to open a battery at 500 yards opposite Port Louis, mounting 5 guns—9 and 12-pounders. They are preparing a fire vessel to burn the shipping in the Cul de Sac: The Canadians are discontented at being paid in paper. Arnold goes for Montreal to-morrow. Every-man lies in clothes at some of the places of rendevous, ready to turn out. This Chaucer is suspected of being a spy.
April 10th.—The streets almost impassable, and the snow without renders approaches to the walls almost impracticable.
A young man who came by water confirms what Chaucer said in regard to the fire ship.
11th.—Nothing new.
12th—Fire balls lighted on the angles, which burn till three in the morning.
13th.—Fire balls lighted at one, and burnt till three in the morning,
The enemy have hit and hurt some of the ships. The Rebel prisoners found means to file off the rivets of their fetters. The Rebels are at work on the battery opposite Port Louis.
14th.—Fire balls as usual. Above 1800 men under arms in the garrison this night, expecting an attack. The first: guard mounted in a new block-house ereeted without Port Louis. The enemy observed moving.
15th.—All quiet last night. A body of the enemy seen assembled who gave three cheers.
16th.—All quiet last night. Picquets on the two new block houses outside Port Louis.
11th.—Nothing uncommon.
18th.—Two deserters from the Rebels—say the New Yorkers would not re-inlist; on the contrary, a body of 300 called out " God save the King," on whieh they were disarmed and made prisoners by the Rebels, in which service the Canadians were most forward. That they are 1800, exclusive of Canadians, who they amuse with promises of plunder. The garrison is in high spirits and wish for an assault.
April 18th.—The lake ice has passed the town to-day.
19th.—All quiet. It is said the Canadians desire the town may not be burnt for fear of depriving them of the plunder.
20th.—One Buchanan, formerly of the 78th Regiment, with a Frenchman, came into town. The Gaspé, armed schooner, taken last fall, they have prepared as a fire ship, and offer 20,000 livres to a person who will carry into Cul de Sac and set her at fire. Reported that Col. Caldwell of the 8th Regiment, is on his way from Niagara with a number of Indians. It is not very probable. We fire a good deal on their works at St. Charles River. Reported that Chaucer is a spy, and that a Capt. Lamb, a prisoner here, has fixed off signals to let him know when an attack is intended, that the prisoners may co-operate.
21st.—Every thing quiet last night. They fire into the middle of the town, by which some persons may be hurt, though they'll never take the town by that means. An armed schooner, with 30 men on board, hauled out of Cul de Sac, which seems to alarm our neighbours.
22nd.—The Rebels opened their battery at the ferry this morning, between 9 and 10, with two guns. It is behind a thick redoubt, thrown up at the passages by the French in 1759. We batter them briskly on all sides. The red flag taken down by them last night, supposed as a signal to the prisoners within.
23rd.—A good deal of snow fell last night. An attack expected, and all the garrison under arms. A canoe with 6 men came in along side the armed schooner. Report that the King's army had evacuated Boston. That a General Thomas, (lately an Apothecary), was on his way with 1200 men to join the Rebels in Canada, where they may arrive the beginning of May. They bring 6 twenty-four-pounders. A report still prevails of the 8th Regiment with Indians coming down from the Upper Country. Genl. Lee is gone to Virginia to oppose Lord Dunmore.
The Rebels kept a more than usual firing from both their batteries. They threw 6 small shells from their new battery towards the block-house, outside Port Louis, which fell short.
24th.—The Rebels threw red hot balls into town; they fire from Point Levy.
April 25th.—Very little firing on either side.
26th.—A very stormy night last. Firing on both sides.
27th.—Last night very foggy. They fired from the ferry battery. Begin to look for ships from England. An alarm, which proved a false one:—It was believed the fire ship was approaching, and t'was thought they would at same time attack the walls; all the garrison very alert. A good deal of firing from the ferry and Point Levy, but no hurt done. We gave them twenty to one.
28th.—Very little firing on either side this day.
29th.—Red hot balls fired into town.
30th.—It was discovered that the Rebel officers, prisoners, had bribed two of the 7th Regiment to connive at their escape. On this, two of the prisoners were sent on board the armed schooner, and put in irons. A general picquet this night.
May 1st.—All well and happy to find ourselves so nigh relief. However, we never despaired as we knew the General to be steady and never would capitulate; and Col. McLean put every thing in motion, and kept all alive without giving any unnecessary trouble to the garrison. We were entirely satisfied with the duty, though the hardest that men could endure in this severe climate.
The Rebels shot off a boy's leg, and wounded some men on board one of the ships.
A Canadian came in from Point Levy. He says the enemy are 11,000; he is confined.
May 2nd.—A sortie for firewood at Port Louis. Saw a great many scaling ladders, too heavy and too short. Our people left them in hopes they'l be fools enough to use them.
May 3rd.—A fatigue party planting thorn bushes on the Glacis. About 300 men marching along the Beach to Wolfe's Cove—thought to be General Thomas' reinforcement.
A little before 9 o'clock at night, a vessel was seen turning Point Levy, which was believed to be a friend, as we expected no attack from that quarter: the fire ships having been from above. There was great joy, as tho' but a small vessel we expected news of a relief being at hand. The vessel was allowed to come very near without molestation,—but being hailed several times and she making no answer, several great guns were fired at her; (the first by Mr. Chandler from the grand battery) this,—disconcerted the people on board, and they put fire to her which spread in an instant; and had they delayed a very few minutes she would be into the Cul de Sac, and the shipping and great part of the Lower Town must have been consumed. However, the tide having then ebbed about an hour the current carryed her back, notwithstanding the wind was N.E. There were a great many grenades and other shells with various combustibles on board her. The vessel, which was the property of Mr. Simon Fraser, they found at Orleans and made this use of her,—perhaps in revenge for the zeal he shewed in defence of the garrison.
The garrison were under arms in the greatest order, in a very short time, as if they had seen the ships and Towns on fire. They certainly intended to attack during the confusion.
May 4th.—Nothing uncommon.
May 5th.—The same.
May 6th.—A bustling observed among the Rebels—about 6 o'clock in the morning, a frigate, which proved to be the " Surprise" appeared, turning Point Levy. This was a joyful sight to the garrison; she seem'd at first in doubt whether to approach or not. However, a boat being sent on board, she came as nigh as she could to be out of the range of the Point Levy battery. Two companies of the 29th Regt. wilh some marines, in all about 200, were immediately landed.
About 12 o'clock, 800 men, including the 200 newly arrived, marched out to the heights, drew up in different divisions and moved slowly forward without any interruption, except a few shots from some skulking fellows till we came to the ground where thé British army fought the 28th April, 1760, expecting all the way that the rebels would advance and give us battle as we saw them assembling at their head-quarters from all sides; but, it seems they had no stomach to it, for after we had remained above an hour, there was none of them to be seen. We then sent advanced parties who found they had retreated in the utmost hurry and confusion, leaving all their provisions, artillery and ammunition and baggage behind, in much the same way as the French had raised the siege sixteen years before; and thus we got a complete victory without bloodshed.
Our little army consisted of the fusileers and emigrants on the right; British militia and sailors on the left, with the new comers in the center, and Major Nairne with the corps de reserve sent off about an hour before the rest. The French were formed as a corps de réserve in the rear, and all, without exception, behaved in the coolest manner. In the afternoon the two frigates (another having arrived) are gone up to scour the river.
May 1th.—The frigates took an armed vessel, and destroyed some bateaux up the river, obliging a strong party of the enemy to quit them with some loss.
A number of people coming into town; some of them seem ashamed of their late behaviour, and are as mean by submission as they would be overbearing had we been worsted.
C 2008 Literary and Historical Society of Quebec All rights reserved
Web Site by: Pakobrats