Journal of the Most Remarkable Occurrences in Quebec Since Arnold Appear'd Before the Town on the 14th November 1775

 

Author Unknown

 

[Originally published by the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec in Historical Documents, Series 7 (1905)]

 

In the beginning of November, the enemys of Government made themselves busy in spreading intimidating reports of the valour and astonishing success of the Congress troops, they multiplied the numbers that were on their march to this place under General Montgomery, and they trebled the number that accompany'd Arnold from Cambridge thro' the woods to Point Levy; they industriously gave advice to the wavering English and French in Town, and they preach'd to the Peasants who came in their way; Their harangues were intended to shew the folly of resistance, “Our force is nothing said they, theirs is great and daily encreasing, if we resist, our property will be destroy'd for we cannot long hold out, they'll starve us into compliance, or batter our Town to the ground—common prudence dictates to Capitulate to save our lives and effects.” The Boston mode of Town meetings was adopted; in these disorderly assemblys, the sentiments of the people were discover'd, we found that we had but too many among us, in the rebel interest—nay if report speaks truth some people had actually drawn up a sketch of the articles of Capitulation.

 

On the 13th in the night the rebels cross'd the river St. Lawrence and landed at Wolfs Cove, on the 14th. they appear'd within 800 yards of the walls gave three huzza's, and retir'd.

 

On that day our garrison consisted of Eleven hundred and twenty six men, vizt.

 

British Militia………………………….300

Canadian do……………………………480

Arriv'd on the 12th. Col Maclean with ..200

Seamen on shore wth. Capt. McKinzie…24

Recruits from Newfoundland, Emigrants.90

Artificers from Newfoundland………….32

Total…………………………………..1126

 

On the 22nd. General Carleton published a proclamation ordering every person who was not determined to defend the Town to the last, to depart in four days; From that hour the Kings friends look on themselves as free from treachery within and good was augur'd by the remaining Citizens.

 

On the first of December the return of the Garrison stood as follows.

70 Royal fusileers

230 Royal Emigrants

35 Marines

330 British Militia

50 Masters & mates of vessels

400 Seamen

120 Artificers

22 Artillery fireworkers &c

543 Canadian Militia

1800 men in all

 

Great plenty of Ammunition and every kind of Artillery stores. Computed about five thousand souls in Town, for which number there's provisions for eight months.

 

Firewood, hay and oats, short.

 

DECEMBER 1ST.

 

There's a foot of snow on the ground—wind at S W raw weather, snowing—The Hunter sloop of war, the Fell armed Brigantine came down from Richelieu and were laid up in the Cul-de-Sac.

 

Reported that 50 of the rebels were lodged in Menuts house, (a Tavern within a mile of the walls) fir'd some shots and dislodg'd them.

 

Clear weather in the west.

 

2d Cloudy, the wind S W, much floating ice in the river, yesterday a man of Lorette was drum'd out of Town for having industriously made many disheartning speeches concerning the strength of the rebels, and for advancing ridiculous untruths, to instill fear into the minds of the lower class.

 

Arnolds party came thro' the woods in canvas frocks, those who saw them first, reported them to be vêtu en toile this report went from mouth to mouth, the word toile, was at length chang'd into tolle, and the country people absolutely believ'd that Arnolds party were cas'd in sheet iron—The rebels are canton'd from La pointe aux trembles to Old Lorette, and small partys of them make excursions towards the Town patroling in all the roads leading to the City to prevent, provisions from getting in—The Peasants, or as we call them the Habitants behave in a dastardly manner—it is not quite clear whether ingratitude, or fear of the resentment of the rebels works most with them in keeping them from Town, be that as it will we suffer by their conduct. The people of la pointe a l'ecaille have prevented Mr. Dambourges from sending up his vessel which he had loaded with live stock for the garson—It is said that the rebels have threatened to punish any parish that shou'd dare to send any supplies to Quebec—Shou'd a few starved straglers intimidate thousands of well fed peasants who adore money and on other occasions have gone great lengths to procure it!—They wish to remain neuter, they have been taught that the quarrel is between Englishman and Englishman, and that they are no further concerned in the dispute between the mother country and the Colonys than that if the latter bring Britain to their terms, the Canadians will live free from taxes : from hence it is plain that if they take any side, it will be the rebels.

 

3d Rainy sleeting morning, wind N E. afternoon clear and cold with S W wind, many people heard great guns at a distance to day. A Canadian reported that there was a fleet in the river with 7000 Russians on board, he is sent to prison until they arrive. Some peasants say that the rebel army at Pointe au tremble is 4500 strong, with many cannon, and that Mr. Montgomery heads them.

 

4th. It froze hard in the night—the wind is at W to day, the air clear and cold.

 

The habitants inform us that the rebels are lodged in St. Foix Parish & in the parish of little River, none of them are much above two miles from our walls. One Jeremiah Duggan, formerly a hair dresser here, is now stil'd Major and heads 500 Canadians.

 

5th. Last night Jere Duggan with a party enter'd the suburbs of St. Roc, the inhabitants tho' of the french Militia did not oppose him, but many suffer'd themselves to be disarm'd.

 

A soldier of the British Militia tried by a court martial for refusing to do duty: acquited.

 

Firing on a house within less than a mile of the walls, behind which (it was said) the enemy are raising a battery.

 

Our strength will not admit of sending out reconnoitring partys, we must be content with such information as chance may send us.

 

6th. Wind WSW cold and cloudy. A woman of St. Roc inform'd the officer of the guard at Palace gate that some rebel soldiers were willing to get into Town, and that many of them were drunk in different houses. She was told to tell the men, that such as chose to come wou'd be received and well treated—four came in consequence of this message—Many small party s lurking behind houses in St. Rocs & in hollows near the walls kept popping from their rifles-—we return'd their fire, but no hurt was done on either side.

 

7th. Cloudy weather with easterly wind—The deserters say that Mr. Montgomerys army is 2000 strong including 500 Canadians, head quarters at Holland house two miles from St. Johns gate— guards are placed all round the country to prevent the habitants from getting to Town. Their plan of operation, is to canonade and bombard the Town, and after having harrassed us in this way for some days they are to make a vigorous assault and take us. One of these men was formerly a soldier in the Royal Americans; he had often said that he well knew the strength of the walls, and that it would be no easy matter to get over them—An officer, after a volley of injurious words ask'd him if it was his intention to intimidate the men, & he added ill usage to bad language: this determin'd him to hasten his departure from the rebels which he had long plan'd; “he says he's no Yankey, but a loyal native of good old Ireland.”

 

8th. There fell above six inches of snow last night, to day the wind is S W with fine clear frosty weather ; they are firing as usual on our sentrys —A horse standing at Menuts door was kill'd by a cannon ball, a few minutes after Mr. Montgomery got out of the cariole.

 

9th Pleasant soft sunshine, wind at West, Various are the reports of the number of the enemy.— from what the deserters have said join'd to the accounts of the habitants, there cannot be above 1500, Canadians not included—many of the rebels are sick. It is also said that the small pox is among them; to an American constitution it is a dreadful distemper—We have long had it in Town.

 

10th Wind N E cloudy and very cold—At two this morning the enemy threw shells into Town from St. Rocs, one went thro' the roof of a house, and that was all the mischief that was done—they are not above 5½ inches—At day light we discovered a fascine battery, 800 yds west of St. Johns Gate —we fir'd many shots through it. As the tops of the houses in St. Johns suburbs cover'd the battery of the enemy we set fire to them to procure a full view—The people had strange fears when they were told that the rebels would throw bombs into Town, at present they have very little dread of a shell.

 

11th. A rainy bleak day, the wind strong at S W—in the night 43 shells were thrown into Town without doing any damage ; by the appearance of the battery this morning they have not been idle these last twelve hours, about midday the wind came to N W it blew a mere hurricane and froze so hard that in half an hour the streets and ramparts that run with water were but one sheet of ice.

 

12 Wind at W freezing hard—40 bombs were thrown into Town in the night. The enemy skulk'd behind walls and under fences in St. Johns & St. Rocs suburbs, firing all day on our sentrys and on any other who appear'd at the embrasures— we had one man shot thro' the heart; we answr'd their fire briskly whenever any of them shew'd their heads.

 

13th. Wind at W with soft fine weather—Three shells that were thrown into Town last night pierced the roofs of two houses but hurt no body. It is reported that the rebels intend to erect a battery at Point Levy to play on the Town from that quarter and that a body of men are now lodged at Magnans ferry house on the other side the River—Fir'd a nine pounder from the King's wharf, the shot went through the house, a number of men ran out of it and made the best of their way up the hill where they stood and discharge their muskets, the distce. is above 1000 yards.

 

Skulking partys are abroad in St. Rocs firing on whoever appears on the walls—Some rebels got into the Cupola of the intendants & fir'd from thence, a shot from a nine pounder soon dislodged them—We killed four to day, we saw the enemy carry off the dead and wounded in sleighs—

 

We plainly saw them at work in their battery, our shells and thirty two pound shot annoy'd them very much.

 

14. No shells thrown into Town last night; some snow fell before morning; the wind is West, the weather mild and lowring ; we kept up a constant fire on their battery—we sent many shot thro' it. At midday they open'd it with five Guns—six, nine, and twelve pounders, their shot made no manner of impression on our walls, and no damage at all was done in Town.

 

15^th Mild with an easterly wind: no kind of disturbance last night—they are poping from their battery this morning—

 

About 9 o'clock, two men in blanket coats (with a drummer), carrying a bit of white rag at the end of a stick approach'd the walls, one of them told our sentry that he desir'd to be admitted to speak with the General—A message was despatch'd to his Excellency who return'd for answer that he wou'd not admit him, neither wou'd he receive any letter from him, nor hear what he had to say—that he wou'd have no manner of communication with rebels, these men said —Then let him be answerable for all consequences, and went off.

 

Towards evening they began again to fire from their battery—we have quite torn up their works by our shot, our fire has been exceeding hot to day.

 

16. Fine mild weather wind S W—no firing from their battery this morning; we imagine that we have disabled some of their guns.

 

This afternoon they fire from three guns— they throw some shells into Town—The riflers wounded three men on our walls to day, they fire from garrat windows in St. Rocs—we threw shells into St. Rocs.

 

17. At 4 o'clock this morning a sentry behind the Artillery barracks alarm'd the guard at Palace gate, he aver'd that he had seen above 600 men in the streets in St. Roc—on this report the drums beat to arms, every man ran to his alarm post and there remain'd until daylight, but nobody appear'd to attack us in any quarter—they must be very alert if they take us by surprise— the voluntary pickets in the upper and lower Towns are very strong— it blew very hard last night and snow'd a great deal—the wind to day is easterly, stormy dark & cold, no firing from the enemys battery.

 

18. Wind at S with snow, the air mild, shells were thrown into Town to day, we threw some into St. Roc—very few of the enemy seen any where —we cannot see their guns, they have drawn them in, or have carried them away, their fascines are cut to atoms.

 

A soldier was shot thro the forehead to day as he stood on the two gun battery the ball came from a garret in St. Roc, wou'd that suburbs were burnt to the ground!

 

19. Last night we threw some shells and burnt four houses in St. Roc—this morning the wind is S mild with snow—The rebels skulking in St. Johns suburbs in the night and firing wherever any noise directs them, this is a constant practice; it renders our sentrys vigilant—we generally silence them by grape shot fir'd at random among the houses—The days report is that Mr. Montgomery is at old Lorette. Wind S W afternoon, and very cold.

 

20. Wind west and very cold—nothing remarkable happened to day. It is impossible that men in such weather can accomplish anything where activity is required—the cold chills ones blood, and benumbs every sense. The people put a threat into Montgomerys mouth—they say that he told his soldiers, “that he will dine in Quebec on Christmas day or in Hell”—we are determined that he shall not dine with us—One of our townsmen who is detained prisoner among the rebels found means to send a letter to Town, he writes that “their Canadian aids leave them very fast and that their own people are tir'd of the expedition.”

 

On our side there's a conspicuous martial spirit, and a good opinion of our own strength —it may be expected that we'll make a brave defence if the rebels attack us.

 

The great quantity of ice and snow lying in the ways leading to the passes we lately reckon'd to be the weakest renders these places at present very strong.

 

21. Wind W N W exceedingly cold, nothing remarkable.

 

22. Wind W S W excessively cold—Colonel Caldwells clerk who has been a prisoner with the rebels for some days escap'd from them, and brought one of them along with him, they came in at Pres de Ville at 10 at night.

 

23. Cold in the morning—at noon mild wind S W— Col: Caldwells clerk reports that Mr. Montgomery has plan'd to storm the Town this night. “He has hitherto found it very difficult to persuade his men to undertake an attempt so very dangerous; plunder has been held up as an object to induce them to get over the walls. The Europeans (he has a great many in his army) say the Americans shou'd mount first, the Americans wou'd willingly cede that honor to their friends from the mother country; they have 500 scaling ladders made in a very clumsy manner.”

 

How can they hope to pass the ditch loaded with ladders in the face of our fire !

 

The enemy are about 2000 in number, they, are sickly—the small pox makes havock among them.

 

A soldier was shot on the two gun battery to day, from St. Roc.

 

24th. Wind N E cloudy, nothing happened last night, above 1000 men were under arms expecting an attack, the rest of the garrison slept in their cloaths with their musket lying by them ready on the first alarm.

 

A deserter (formerly of the 28th) came to St. Johns gate, fir'd his musket in the air, club'd it, calling to be let into Town—the gate being block'd up ropes were let down into the ditch and he was drawn up—He reports that “the intended attack was put off on accot. of Col: Caldwells clerk's escape, but that they'll certainly attempt to storm us to night, if his escape does not prevent them.”

 

25th Mild S W wind—Last night was remarkably quiet—Many signals by fire were perceiv'd all around us. Two thirds of the garrison under arms expecting, and ardently wishing for the long threaten'd attack, but daylight came to shew us that they were not near our walls.

 

It is said that the rebels offer the congress bills to the peasants, who refuse to take it before the Town is taken.

 

General Carleton, and most of the upper Town Gentlemen off duty sleep in their cloaths at the Eecollets, and the Gentlemen of the lower Town have a strong voluntary picquet there.

 

26. The last night was clear, and most excessively cold—the wind is N W to day accompany'd with intense cold there's no handling of arms in such weather.

 

27 Hazy cloudy night—wind W N W this morning with snow, no alarm in the night.

 

28 The weather was clear and mild last night—this day is soft with sunshine.

 

29 Clear weather last night—no alarms, fine weather this morning—we got no intelligence from the country—we perceive the rebels crossing the street in St. Rocs suburbs threes & fours at a time, many of them have the uniforms of the VIII and XXVI Regts.

 

30 Wind easterly very mild—In the night a deserter from the rebels came in at Palace Grate-—he reports, “that if the Canadians are included the army under Mr. Montgomery may amount to between two and three thousand, that they have been new cloath'd lately, and that they are most plentifully supply'd by the country people who are paid in hard money—they have got shells "lately from Montreal—the small pox rages among them.

 

“The General order'd the Army to be assembled at head quarters, it was given out that they were to attack the Town that night—Mr. Montgomery harangued them, praising their spirit, and zeal in the glorious cause he inform'd that some unexpected events, made it prudent to put off the attack for that night, but that he wou'd soon lead them to an easy conquest— The Americans pretended to be anxious to proceed immediately but it was the deserters opinion that they'll be backward whenever they come within reach of our guns.” He says all the people from the Old country wish to be at "home they are not fond of attacking the Town”—thirty shells were thrown into Town, a third part did not burst This man says we'll be attack'd on the first snowy or stormy night.

 

31st Wind N E snowy and cloudy, we may expect to be attack'd if what the deserter says is true. Capt. Malcolm Fraser of the Royal Emigrants in going his rounds between 4 and 5 o'clock this morning perceived signals from the enemy he immediately alarm'd the guards and picquets, who stood to their arms—all our sentrys saw flashes like lightning all round, those between St. John's Gate and Cape Diamond saw an avenue of lanterns set up on poles at regular distances. Rockets were thrown up, and immediately a hot fire of musketry was kept up from behind some ridges of snow within 80 yards of the walls at Cape Diamond—The drums beat to arms, the bells rang the alarm, and in less than ten minutes, every person able to bear arms was in motion— even old men upwards of 70 were forward in appearing arm'd for the defence of the Town. A party of the British Militia under Col Caldwell was immediately detach'd by Col. McLean to reinforce Cape Diamond, as it was said an attack wou'd be made there. There he posted the party & return'd to the Parade. Mr. Montgomery attack'd at the same time at 1Près de Ville with 900 pick'd men, and Arnold attack'd at 2Sault au Matelot, with 700 chosen fellows, while the fire was kept up at Cape Diamond—a strong party, ('tis said Canadians) appear'd in the suburbs of St. Johns—their bomb battery play'd on us from St. Roc.

 

The guard at Pres de Ville had perceiv'd the flashes for some time, and every man was ready at his Post, the gunners with lighted matches stood ready to give the rebels a warm reception; tho' the night was very dark with thick snow, yet they were seen approaching; a body of about 150, came within 50 yards of our guns, they made a stand at a narrow pass as if in consultation—Capt. Barnsfare who commanded the guns watch'd the time and fir'd the instant they began to move forward, shrieks and groans were heard but nobody was seen after this cool discharge, he continued his fire nevertheless for some time.

 

At the other end of the Town the rebels had better success, they forced our guard at Sault au Matelot, and penetrated to the end of the street where our people made a stand behind a barrier—a very hot fire began on both sides, the rebels fir'd under cover as much as possible.

At this time General Carleton saw their error and improv'd the opportunity: he sent Capt. Laws with a party out at Palace gate to attack the enemy in rear, & Colonel McLean sent Capt. Macdougal to support him and take possession of the Post which our guard had abandon'd. Major Nairne also of the R Emigrants or Col. MacLeans Regiment, was detached to the Lower Town with a strong party, & Col. Caldwell with a detachment of the British Militia was sent there also.

 

Major Nairne and Lieut. Dambourges of the same corps, attracted the notice of every body, and gain'd much honor by their gallant behavior. They enter'd a house by the windows, where the rebels had lodged themselves, and with charged bayonets forced them to desert it, and thus secur'd a post which had the enemy kept, must have been attended with the worst consequences for us, for it commanded a principal street, and overlook'd a strong battery on Lymburners wharf.

 

The General from his perfect knowledge of Military affairs forsaw that the Sortie wou'd be crown'd with success—The dift. corps confiding in his abilitys, march'd with alacrity wherever they were led, and advanced secure of Victory.

 

Colonel Maclean the second in command, with all the presence of mind which distinguishes the brave soldier, made his dispositions in most excellent order, to counteract the plans of the attackers: in short his indefatigability ever since the Town was invested gave us a favorable presage of our success.

 

Colonel Caldwell by his example made his corps of militia emolous to appear where danger made their assistance necessary.

 

The rebels perceiving themselves vigorously attack'd in front & in rear called for Quarter, which was granted. In this affair we made the flower of Mr. Montgomerys army prisoners, & we have reason to think that many have been killed and many wounded: Arnold was carried off at the first onset, he was shot in the leg, while he passed the pickets behind the Hotel Dieu, from whence an inconceivable fusilade was pour'd on the rebels as they march'd to the Sault au Matelot.

 

The prisoners say that if Mr. Montgomery's party had attack'd at Pres de Ville with equal bravery, to that which was exerted at Sault au Matelot, they wou'd have carried the Lower Town.

 

After the Lower Town is taken it is entirely commanded by the Upper Town.

 

The rebels had slips of paper pin'd to their caps, with Liberty or Death wrote on them.

 

We lost this morning

1 Capt. Anderson, Lt. in the Navy.

5 Privates killed

1 Private wounded

 

We took, two Royals three Howitzers, two brass, three pounders with a quantity of small shells—

 

We made prisoners

1 Lieut Colonel

2 Majors

8 Captains

15 Lieuts.

1 Adjutant

1 Quarter Master

4 Volunteers

350 Privates

(not wounded)

 

44 Officers and soldiers—wounded

 

426 In all taken

 

 

JANUARY 1ST. 1776.

 

A very great snow fell last night. The whole garrison lay on their arms, but every thing remain'd quiet—the bodys that lay outside of Pres de Ville were brought in, 13 in number.

 

Two deserters came in to day, who report that Mr. Montgomery is missing—The dead bodys have been view'd and their Generals is found among them, with Mr. McPherson's his aid de camp, and Mr. Cheesemans.

 

Mr. Lanaudiere attended Mr. Meigs (one of the prisoners stiled Major) out at Palace gate with an intention to accompany him to head quarters to demand the prisoners baggage—but Mr. Lanaudiere perceiv'd by some Canadian rebels that it wou'd be more advisable for him to return to Town—Many Habitants were collected in St. Rocs in hopes of entering the Town that day to share the plunder.

 

A genteel coffin is order'd by the Lieut. Governor, for the body of Mr. Montgomery—formerly that misled man was known for an agreable companion, and had the general esteem of his acquaintances here.

 

2d. All the last night an incessant fire was kept up on the houses at the South end of St. Roc, knowing that a body of the rebels were there assembled. A volunteer in the rebel army came over the ice from Beauport to Sault au Matelot, it was a long while before he cou'd be brought to believe that he was a prisoner: he firmly believed that the lower Town was in possession of Mr. Montgomery. Mr. Meigs went out on his parole to fetch the officers baggage.

 

3d. A very soft cloudy day; still firing on St. Rocs. Many of the prisoners, officers and men, have been inoculated to day at their own desire.

 

4th. Nothing remarkable happen'd in the night, wind at S W with soft hazy drizzling weather—Capt. Anderson was bury'd to day with all the honors of War. Mr. Montgomery was bury'd privately at night.

 

5th. wind S W with thaw—it sleeted all last night— making additions to the works at Sault au Mate-lot—Firing was heard towards St. Foix—Mr. Meigs return'd with part of the baggage.

 

6th. Wind N W—at 4 this morning it began to freeze, the cold encreas'd with the day.

 

7th. Wind at West, very cold. Some of the proprietors in St. Rocs were found there to day and brought into Town—they are suspected of having been aiding to the rebels, and are therefore put in confinement.

 

It is said that the rebels told the country people, the day after the attack, that we were beat out of the lower Town, 600 of us were killed, and that they lost but 15 men—That Mr. Montgomery was gone thro' the woods to Boston for a reinforcement. Ninety four of the Prisoners all Europeans petition'd to be enlisted for a time in Col. MacLeans corps.

 

8th. Wind N E blowing raw weather. The 94 petitioners took the oaths to serve His Majesty faithfully until the first of June. Before they were permitted to swear they were told that if they repented of their intention, they were at liberty to retract, that nevertheless they should be well treated if they rather chose to remain as prisoners.

 

9th. Wind N E soft snowy weather, a great quantity fell in the night.

 

10 Wind W N W very cold—Last night many flashes of fire were seen, the guards were on that account doubly watchful as an attack was apprehended— they chose similar weather for their last attack.

 

This morning people were obliged to dig their way out of their houses, the wind had so drifted the great quantity of snow that fell in the night.

 

11 Wind W b N very clear, and very cold, it drifted in the afternoon to fill up the streets—In the night rockets were thrown from the General Hospital, St. Foix, Beauport and St. Roc.

 

Some riflemen in St. Roc firing on our sentrys.

 

Two recollets carried over some Canadians to point Levy, they had come in after the 31st.

 

They were set free to tell their own story—for all they saw in Town must have convinced them of the good condition of the garrison.

 

12 Wind S W fine morning, nothing remarkable happen'd last night—afternoon drifty.

 

13 Bad weather last night. Palace gate was open'd with permission to the people to fetch in wood from thence for themselves—a party arm'd was sent to cover the wooding party. About 9 o'clock at night some short lived blazes were seen at the S end of St. Rocs.

 

14 Nothing extraordinary happen'd in the night;— the weather is excessively cold to day with the wind at W. We perceive something like a pile of fascines at the end of the General Hospital.

 

15 It froze very hard last night, this a cold blowy drifty day with S W wind. A report (which cannot be traced) prevails in Town—“The people of Montreal refus'd to comply with an order of their new masters—and that the Canadians refused to attend Old Mr. Wooster to Quebec, after they learnt that Mr. Montgomery and "many of his officers had been killed in attacking us.”

 

16th. It froze hard in the night; men at work with hatchets in St. Rocs—a fine mild day—The archives were this day brought in from the vaults of the Intendants Palace.

 

17 Wind N B mild tho' snowing. A French girl of the Town escap'd to day from the rebels, she had been confin'd on suspicion that she gave us intelligence. She says that 200 of them deserted since their defeat, and that they talk of making a second attack with 4000 men.

 

We imagine that they cannot have above 800 remaining, considering how many have been taken, the number killed, and the amount of those who left them lately. If they depend on the Canadian habitants, they'll trust to a rotten supports— we within the walls count the Canadians without as nought. We wou'd laugh at an army of ten thousand.

 

She saw some of the Canadians whom the recollets landed at Point Levy on the 11th.

 

18 Wind S W & cold—The great Guns were fir'd in Town in honor of Her Majesty—Palace gate was open'd, and a great deal of wood and hay was got in . A horse mill was set going to day— it makes excellent flour.

 

19 Cold clear westerly wind. Capt. Motte as he call'd himself escorted five baggage sleighs to Palace gate—he held in his hand what they call a flag of truce—He brought a little money for the prisoners.

 

About 9 at night a fire broke out in St. Roc which burnt furiously, whether it took by accident, or was set on fire by the rebels, we know not.

 

20 Wind S W with soft snow showers. Firing shot and shells at their guard house S end of St. Rocs, many of them took place. About 10 at night six houses were seen on fire in St. Roc; there's no doubt but that the rebels burn them.

 

21 Wind S W, mild with snow. Three of the late engaged men deserted last night. They'll no doubt report a true state of the garrison ; it will not encourage the rebels to make a second attempt.

 

22 In the night about 10 o'clock, a small sloop within 400 yards of Palace gate was seen in a blaze—many small craft lay near her, but no further damage was done. A great quantity of wood was got in from St. Roc to day.

 

22 Wind N E drifty, cloudy and mild, About two this morning more houses were set on fire in St. Roc.

 

Part of a great quantity of rum, which lies at Mr. Drummond's distillery was brought in at Palace gate to day.

 

23 S W wind and mild weather—much wood got in to day—the party was covered wh. a brass field piece.

 

About 9 in the evening we perceiv'd St. Rocs on fire again, 14 houses were consumed—the blaze have light in every street and alley in Town —the reflection of the flame gave the snow an orange colour—The night was still, the scene new and awful, yet pleasingly grand.

 

By their conduct in burning the suburbs we judge that they now despair of being able to take the Town—If the General out of his wonted sympathy for the sufferings of the poor people, had not preserv'd it hitherto, their skulking and firing from the houses, would at last have oblig'd us to fire it—they have sav'd us the trouble.

 

24th Mild fine weather wind S W—we fir'd some shot at the enemys guard house. More of Mr. Drummonds rum & melasses got in—A guard of 18 men was posted near Palace gate, outside, under command of an officer, to be continued every night, to prevent the rebels from setting fire to the houses, East of the gate—some were burnt towards the W. end.

 

25 Wind at S W mild with sunshine. Palace gate was open'd for the Towns people to get in wood —a strong covering party protected those at work—we had a brass six pounder out, on wheels. General Carleton and Col. Maclean advanced within musket shot of their guard house—we know not his intention but had the road admitted that the field piece could advance, we think a good account wou'd have been given of that guard —the wheels sunk in the snow. The enemy kept close—after we got into Town we saw two or three small partys marching from the General Hospital & Menuts towards their guard house. A great many sleighs cross'd from the ferry house towards the General Hospital, we have seen a great many lately coming from Orleans— we imagine they carry provisions—some think they carry rum, the cargo of a vessel put on shore there in November last.

 

26 Easterly wind, mild air, heavy sky with a little snow.

 

A report prevails to day, that a shopkeeper nam'd Dumont who left the Town (thinking to be safe in the country) was plundered at Charlebourg, whether by Canadians or New England rebels is not said—and it is added that one Larche, who forsook his house in St. Roc was killed defending his property from the like attempt at Beauport.

 

27th Wind S W very cold with sunshine, nothing extraordinary to day

out wooding.

 

28th Wind S W excessively cold, nothing worth remarking.

 

29 Wind W clear and intensely cold; if this weather continues but for a few days the River will certainly freeze up, an event that wou'd double the duty of the garrison—the Lower Town wou'd be much exposed.

 

30 Easterly wind and cold this morning. Evening milder with high wind & snow, at 10 this night the rebels set fire to some houses in St. Rocs— these burning partys do not come near our out picquet.

 

31 Wind East, dark soft weather, with showers of fine rain—Wood party out, they were fir'd on by four men at a great distance, the covering party took no notice of them—A gun from the walls made them tumble down in the snow the moment they perceived the flash.

 

About 9 o'clock as usual, fire was put to some of the remaining houses at the end of St. Rocs— the flame lighted every corner of the city.

 

 

FEBRUARY 1ST

 

Wind S E mild morning air, at midday S W wind, cold with drift.

 

The rebels fir'd on a working party of ours, we return'd their fire, but as they were at a great distance no damage was done on either side.

 

An English woman obtain'd the Governors permission to join her husband in the country— The rebels at St. Rocs guard house wou'd not let her pass ; she says all the people she saw spoke french.

 

Wind at West, clear and cold—wood got into Town to day. In the night a house quite at the N W end of St. Roc was burnt.

 

Wind at West, clear sunshine excessively cold— A coyer'd party out for wood,—our workers were fir'd on by a few people conceal'd among the ruins of St. Roc, a shell from Town directed towards their lurking hole made them retire precipitately.

 

In the night a small party of the enemy was discovered stealing cautiously forward towards the East end of St, Roc; the eagerness of our out picquet guard to take them, made them uncautious in their advancing, they saw them and retir'd. We imagine they intended to set fire to the houses in that quarter.

 

Wind West, still clear and exceeding cold, If it continues in this degree and shall be calm, the river will inevitable freeze next low tides.

 

5 Wind West, cloudy—milder than yesterday; it blows, a circumstance against the freezing of the River.

 

6 West wind, a blowing drifting day, & cold. In the night three of the new recruits to the emigrants deserted: they let themselves drop from the wall behind the artillery barracks, among deep snow; if the sentry who was posted at about 30 yards from the spot had done his duty, they could not have escaped—Three of the same set are confm'd for having declar'd their intention to follow them.

 

7th. Wind S W clear and cold—Last night we discover'd the houses in the S, of St. Johns suburbs on fire—three houses were consum'd. There's both hay and firewood there; no doubt we will endeavor to get both in, before the rebels destroy them— they steal in at dusk kindle a fire on the floor & walk off, they are out of reach of our guns before the fire breaks out.

 

Some say they have seen armed men in the street, and that they have seen five men at their old battery to day.

 

8th. The night was quiet, the morning is soft and clear—The Towns people now find wood very scarce in St. Roc, the picquets are buried in snow.

 

Three men were seen on the ice, bending their course towards the Town—A party of 16 or 18 was seen to march after them from Beauport, and carry them back.

 

Major Nairn of the R. Emigrants with 30 men guarded St. Johns suburbs last night.

 

9th A heavy wind at N E with thick snow, the storm encreas'd until evening when it blew a mere hurricane—it was impossible to face it.

 

A sailor is missing—he may be found buried under the snow in the streets—in some places it is driven by the wind to twenty foot deep—If he got over the walls attempting to desert he must inevitably have perished.

 

10 Wind still at N E and but very little abated, it is impossible to walk in many parts of the Town without snow shoes: the first storys of many houses are under the snow, the windows of the second level with it, and serve as doors.

 

About 8 at night the wind abated suddenly, and it ceased snowing.

 

11 Cold westerly wind. A man (the new recruits called him Capt. Felton) carrying a white handkerchief on a short stick, was seen approaching the walls on snow shoes, the sentry permitted him to advance within call. He said he had letters for Governor Carleton from Mr. Abbot and Mr. Schaulk of the B. Artillery—He was told to remain until a message could be sent to the Governor—Col. Maclean return'd with the Generals order, that he shou'd go back from whence he came for that no letter, no message could be received thro' the channel of the rebels, and desir'd him never to attempt any thing of that kind.

 

12 Wind S W a fine moderate day ; numerous partys employ'd in clearing the ditch & ramparts from snow—many people walk from the embrasures into the ditch on snow shoes—In some places the snow was two or three feet over the guns altho from their muzzles to the bottom of the ditch is not less than 30 foot.

 

13 A fine moderate day. All the officers & men off duty employed in clearing away snow—above a hundred of the prisoners have been sent sick to the Hospital, within a few days.

 

14 Wind at S W with fine weather. Above 80 loaded sleighs have arrived at Menuts from all quarters—we see two field pieces at his door and a great many people going in & out, and much passing and repassing to & from the General Hospital—we fired a good many shot at Menuts, some of the balls went thro' the house—After keeping up a pretty smart fire from the ramparts, we perceived a person in a cariole coming towards the Town, he wav'd something tied to a stick—he pass'd the guard house at the end of St. Rocs and made a stand two or three minutes waving his handkerchief—we took no notice of him, but continued to fire at Menuts—he turn'd about, and we saw no more of him. These people were told on a former occasion that the Governor would not receive any letter or message from rebels, or by their hands—Some people imagine that they were endeavoring to stop our fire for a little, until somebody or something in the house cou'd be removed, for most undoubtedly they must have found Menuts house too hot for them. Three of the Emigrants are missing to day. Above a hundred men were seen at their guard house half a mile W of St. Johns suburbs, & some were seen in their old battery to day, it is probable they intend to set fire to the suburbs also. There has been a great stir among them within these four & twenty hours. Three huzzas were plainly heard from about the General Hospital last night—Perhaps they have been reinforc'd from Montreal, may be they have received assurance of reinforcements by way of the Lakes, or their leader may have been spiriting them on to a second attack, the three chears may have been in approbation of that proposal. If they wait for reinforcement by the Lakes their courage will cool ere it arrives ; if they make a second attempt they will repent of their rashness—but we'll see.

 

15 A dark heavy sky with a cold N E wind. About 11 last night the sentrys at St. Johns gate saw light in two houses in the suburbs, a little while after the flames burst out at the windows. Six in all were consum'd. We fired some grape & canister among the houses—not a soul was to be seen.

 

16 Wind westerly, a fine mild day—a strong party clearing away snow from the walls outside—even after this days work, ladders of 14 feet will reach from the top of the bank of snow, to the embrasures in one or two places at Cape Diamond. About 10 last night, the rebels set fire to the vessels at the wharf at St. Rocs, and to a house in St. Johns suburbs but neither of them burnt. In the evening a gun was fir'd by the rebels, the 12 lb ball fell in St. Louis street, some say it came from their old battery, others that it came from their guard house W of St. Johns gate.

 

Six of the late prisoners who enlisted with Col. McLean deserted last night, two of them knock'd down a French sentry & disarm'd him. This morning the remaining 84 were put under close confinement, as it wou'd appear that they enlisted to procure an opportunity to run away—We took them rebels, and it seems the greatest part of 'em still wish to join their rebel friends without,—Self preservation dictates to keep them close, 'tis hard on those indeed who are really loyal, but how distinguish!

 

People were seen in their old battery to day— a man in green (supposed to be a deserter from us) was very busy pointing to different parts of the walls, particularly towards Cape Diamond —Many sleighs going from all parts towards the rebel head quarters. It is recommended in orders as a step conducive to our safety for all officers and men of the Militia off duty to meet at night in the Recollets there to form a voluntary picquet.

 

17 Westerly wind, clear & cold.

 

Some well directed shot sent thro' Menuts. Extra picquet to be at Mr. Drummond's and Mr. Collins's in St. Louis street, being much nearer the ramparts than is the Recollets.

 

There has no smoak been seen at Woodfield (a mile & half S W of C. Diamond) since Decr. last, there's fire in the house to day—Our 32 lb shot went over all.

 

At 10 at night some houses in St. Johns suburbs were fired—the sentrys were fir'd on by some skulkers behind walls &c—A gun loaded with grape fir'd among the houses sends them skulkers off.

 

18 Wind westerly exceeding cold, and clear. Nothing worth remark happen'd last night, a few shot were fir'd at random now & then among the houses in St. Johns suburbs. This night at 10 fire was set to some houses there, and seven were consumed. A white flag flying at Menuts to day. There's crowds of people ever at the door and numbers of carioles passing between it and the General Hospital.

 

19 Moderate weather S W wind—We have 112 pieces of cannon mounted, besides mortars, Royals & Howitzers—all the guns were scal'd to day, disagreable work to the rebels.

 

20 Wind westerly, clear cold weather,—at 10 at night the house nearest to St. Johns gate, one excepted, was set on fire by the rebels, no body was seen tho' the distance is not 50 paces from our sentrys—The whole is now nearly consum'd.

 

21 A cloudy heavy morning with westerly wind. About 7 this morning, Major Nairne with a party of 100 men march'd out to the S. end of St. Johns suburbs to prevent the rebels from burning the remaining houses. Twelve shot were fir'd in the forenoon from the enemys guard house, there's a rising ground between it and the walls, they must elevate their guns very much to throw shot into Town from thence.

 

We saw men in their old battery; if they had guns there they wou'd most undoubtedly have fir'd on us, as the suburbs is quite expos'd to it.

 

Two men stood on the ice about half a mile from the walls towards Palace Gate, they seem'd willing to advance, an officer was sent to conduct them in, but our sentrys by some mistake fired on the officer, and the two men went off.

 

We continued a hot fire on their guard house until evening that Major Caldwell with 110 men relieved the party that went out in the morning.

 

22 The weather was mild last night and clear, the northern lights were equal to a moon. This morning the wind breez'd up at N E very cold—much firewood got in from St. Johns suburbs—There was no guard outside in the night.

 

23 West wind, heavy sky, cold. About four this morning we heard the rebels drums from Menuts & St, Foix—Rockets were seen at the General Hospital, answer'd from Beauport. The picquet guard march'd out at St. Johns gate before six to cover a wooding party. About dusk a number of people were seen at the enemys guard house at St. Roc, we fir'd a few shot at them.

 

24 Wind S W moderate weather.

 

Last night a deserter came to Port Louis, he was drawn up by ropes—He reports that “General Clinton commands, and that he has had reinforcement of 400 from Montreal and that but few were left there—

 

“A reinforcement of 3000 under General Lee had been ordered, but he was afterwards sent to Long Island to attack Governor Tryon who was entrenching himself there with a body of 3000, including negroes.

 

“Next, General Schuyler received orders to march to this Country, but he was also countermanded, and order'd to attack Sir John Johnston who headed five hundred friends of Government with some mohawk Indians at Johns Town; that nevertheless some small bodys of 20, 30, and fortys had arriv'd in the country and that the Lakes had been sooner passable this winter than at any time for 30 years back. He has also said, that it is rumour'd among the rebel soldiery, that the Congress has sent positive orders to casheer the first officer who shall propose to storm Quebec; notwithstanding, 800 ladders are order'd to be made forthwith to be ready before the reinforcement arrives. A great many women and children (soldiers wives) perish'd in the snow, on their way over the Lakes. All the Gentlemen who took arms under General Carleton are order'd to deliver up their commissions; on refusal they are to be sent prisoners to Hartford.”

 

“The friends of Government back of Pensylvania have been worsted by the rebels.”

 

“Governor Dunmores Hell hounds, as his adherents are call'd, have been let loose, and they have burnt Norfolk and Williamsburg. Two thousand of the friends of Government are in arms in S. Carolina.”

 

“The rebels have got down 16 pieces of cannon, the heaviest, 12 pounders. Duggan the Quebec barber, a rebel Major thinking his services not sufficiently rewarded has set out to apply to the Congress for promotion equal to his merit.”

 

25 Wind at N E—warm and pleasant. The rebels threw some 12 pound shot into Town from their guard house W of St. Johns gate. Got much firewood into Town to day.

49 men with muskets havresacks and snowshoes were seen marching up from Point Levy followed by many sleighs, every thing round us seems in motion.

 

26 Wind N E dark, sleety, moderate as to cold. The garrison lay on their arms last night, the weather being favorable for an attack, however every thing remain'd very quiet. A man was sent over to Orleans about 7 in the evening, he is to return in a day or two—From the continued barking of the dogs in the country this evening there's certainly some movement among the rebels.

 

27 Small breeze at S E sultry close weather. About 5 o'clock this morning signals by fire were made in different places in the country all around us. Two men advanced so close to the walls at Cape Diamond as to be heard distinctly to call “good morning Gentlemen.” Drums were heard at St. Foix and a regular platoon firing for a short while. People singing out as seamen when hoisting a great weight, were heard from behind the rebels battery.

 

28 S E wind with soft snow—sometimes it rains— there's a thorough thaw—every thing remain'd very quiet in the night. A Canadian came in at Sault au Matelot. He says he is but 13 days from Chambly, Col. Maclean knew him there, and rewarded him for some services when he was up the country last fall. He wishes well to Government, and from a desire to give intelligence to General Carleton, he ventur'd down to inform His Excellency, That, “he had learnt that General Amherst was at New York with ten thousand men from England. A person had been sent by the Congress after Mr. Montgomery's death to take the command of the rebel army in Canada, he arriv'd at Montreal & staid there but two days, and declin'd the command given him—it seems he was disgusted at some arbitrary proceedings at Montreal.”

 

“The affair of the 31st. Decr, lessen'd the rebel army 750—The Canadians who have taken arms against their King, threaten to cut the remainder off, if they do not make a second attempt on the Town.

 

“It was industriously reported after the attack, that we were savagely cruel, that we had taken 60 Canadians prisoners and hang'd them up, without giving them time to implore the mercy of Heaven, & then we threw them over the ramparts.”

 

“Say the rebels, fight for your lives, attack the Town with manly vigour, overcome; for you see what the Canadians have to expect if the Royalists keep the country. All will not do, Canadian Habitants w not attempt our walls.

 

“The Canadians keep a very constant patrol to block up every passage to Town.

 

Orders are issued by the rebel Commander to the Peasants round the Town to provide quarters for 7000 men.”

 

29 High wind at S W with hard frost, every thing remain'd quiet in the night. A good many men were seen walking from Beauport, towards the General Hospital with knapsacks and muskets.

 

 

MARCH 1ST.

 

N W wind, very cold. The voluntary picquet was very strong last night. Afternoon some people were seen on the other side of the little river opposite to Mr. Drummonds distillery—A 24 pounder dispers'd them. About seven in the evening a house under the gun behind the Hotel Dieu, was perceiv'd to be on fire, it burnt to the ground; we imagine the wadding of the gun fell on the roof, and that the wind blew it to a flame —some people think the rebels may have set it on fire in hopes to burn the Town, the wind was favorable for that attempt. The house was near the distillery, and the still house just under the picquets, which are near the sailors barracks, had that catch'd the conflagration wou'd in all probability have become general.

 

2d. In the evening six or seven muskets were fir'd on the sentrys of our out picket in St. Rocs. The Canadian who went for Orleans the 26th is not come back—The Canadian patrole may have taken him.

 

3d. Wind West clear and cold—Extra picquet reduced while the moon continues to light us all the night.

 

Three of the R. Emigrants deserted in the evening—a party tract them, but they got off. At ten in the evening we made signals by rockets at Cape Diamond.

 

4th The air soft inclining to easterly—a thorough thaw—At three this morning a rocket thrown at P. Levy was answer'd by a gun at St. Foix.

 

A party cut two deep trenches in the ditch facing the curtain at Cape Diamond.

 

In the evening we threw fire balls from a mortar, they gave great light. A composition was hung over the angle at Cape Diamond it threw much light around it finished with petards and hand grenades which scattered balls & fragments of iron in all directions.

 

5th. Wind strong at N E, with a heavy sky and cold rain.

 

At day light we discovered a red flag flying near Mr. Grants wind mill by the side of the little (or St. Charles's) river about 800 yards from the Palace gate; we suppose that it is in commemoration of the day on which a mob at Boston, by their outrages forced the civil magistrate to call the assistance of the military to disperse the rioters; some people (part innocent) were unfortunately killed in the streets—That transaction is called the Bloody Massacre.

 

As the year comes round, inflamatory discourses, are deliver'd in the meeting houses, in the true spirit of virulent invective.

 

Children are brought to look on the King as a Tyrant, and to abhor all His Majestys Ministers and servants.

 

It is proposed to raise a company of invalids in Town—some people do no duty because their ailments incapacitate them from mounting guards, others well able to serve sham themselves sick, & under various pretences dictated by laziness & cowardice, sleep soundly at home; such as are able to bear arms, and whose laziness, or from whatever cause more reprehensible, are averse to do duty, will be drawn out to publick view, and rank'd with the invalids—they'd serve as guards at posts of little consequence, to ease the good soldier, since no manly feelings stimulate them to take an equal share of fatigue with their fellow citizens.

 

At night it hail'd and rain'd. One of the rebel prisoners in the recollets was put in close confinement for abusing a sentry, and uttering many imprudent threats—“In a few days” said he “it will be my turn to stand sentry over you, then I'll know how to use you.”

 

6th. It rain'd in the night, the wind is S W to day, and it rains still, there's no walking in the streets for every ridge is ice, and every hollow a pond.

 

7 Wind S W variable weather sometimes snowing sometimes shining—no thaw. Partys cutting trenches in the snow, in the ditch.

 

A party of 20 men went towards Wolfs cove to reconnoitre—people have been seen carrying off boards planks and square timber from thence —Our party fir'd on some they saw at work, they ran off without any hurt.

 

They say a man was killed on the heights to day by a wall piece—The rebels straggle towards our walls by three's fours and fives, whether to reconnoitre or in the course of a walk they approach within 5 or 600 yards, we cannot say: a discharge of grape generally sends them scampering away.

 

A sentry box placed on the top of a mast 30 feet high, was set on the highest part of Cape Diamond, the most elevated spot in the garrison, from thence we can see every thing that passes on the road to St. Foix.

 

Their red flag appears again to day—it appears like a strou'd blanket bordered with black—we imagine it may be hung out a   s a signal to the prisoners in the Seminary & Hotel Dieu, the timid say “Mon Dieu c'es la pavilion sanglante!

 

8th S W wind and mild; snow'd in the evening.

 

A foolish fellow, one Robitaille came in from Lorette. He knows nothing.

 

In the night two men Lamotte and Papinot Canadians, cross'd from Orleans on the ice, it was with much difficulty they were able to pass the Canadian patroles.

 

Lamotte is 30 days from N. York and 11 from Montreal, he has been in New England—The news he brings chears the Kings faithful subjects here coop'd up. He reports “that the rebels had made an attempt on Boston, in which they lost upwards of 4000 men killed and drowned for the ice let two thirds of them in, that the colonys began to be disheartened, with difficulty cou'd they raise men to replace those lately lost in attempting to storm our friends at Boston; he saw many of them on their way to the camp sick and ill clad. The want of woolens is severely felt all over the Continent— The reinforcement for Canada assembled very slowly—between 4 and 500 have arriv'd at Montreal; few or rather no more are expected there.

 

“A hundred men better cloath'd than the rest march'd from their homes to garrison Quebec; when they arriv'd at Montreal and found it yet to take, 60 of them went off, and 40 laid down their arms.”

 

“There was a quarrel among the rebels at Montreal lately, they fought in the streets, five were killed, and seven or 8 sent wounded to the Hospital”

 

“The rebels intend to storm the Town on the 15th of this month—The Canadians like not their paper money.”

 

“Moses Hazen a New England man, formerly a captain of rangers on whom General Wolfe had great dependance in scouting, is appointed a Colonel of rebels—he has rais'd 150 Canadians. Edward Antill, of the Jerseys, who practiced as a lawyer for some years in this Province is his Lieut. Colonel. John Wells a merchant of Quebec, is Deputy Commissary General, and acts for Price, who, with Walker the noted Justice is gone down to Philadelphia to give evidence before the congress against Brigadier General Prescot, who is accused by Walker for burning his house, and confining him in irons, as being guilty of traitrous conspiracys against the Kings Country.

 

“Such Gentleman as have refus'd to give up their commissions to these arbitrary invaders have been sent to Chambly, St. Johns &c, among whom are Messieurs Dufy and St. George, and Mr. Gray.”

 

He says nothing of the troops, which were said to be landed at N. York.

 

Our sentrys at Cape Diamond hear working partys in the night above Wolfs cove or nearer— they have been seen to carry away planks boards & square timber from thence, perhaps intending to build batteaux and floating batterys for the attack of Pres de Ville, or perhaps to pass that post and fire the ships in Cul de Sac—Or may be they are building batterys and laying platforms for the 16 guns they got from above.

 

We have for some time perceived small partys marching and countermarching between Beau-port and the General Hospital.

 

The men who would willingly pass for Valetudinarians were paraded to day, they are 180— a hundred of whom were found very fit for some necessary services in case of an attack—they were embodied arm'd, and appointed to serve under Capt. Joseph Francis Cugnet, Esq.

 

We saw the flashes and heard the reports of many muskets which were fired on the ice half way between Beauport and the Town, as near as we could judge; we imagine the rebels have pursued and taken some people who have been doing their endeavour to escape to us.

 

9 Wind to the Northward of West, cold & clear, there fell a little snow last night ; the river is not very full of floating ice—the outermost vessels in the cul de sac, have their sterns free—Men seen in the rebels old battery to day. A working party throwing up an ice bank to obstruct the enemys approach to Lymburners battery in the lower Town.

 

There's 114 pieces of cannon on the walls, none under six pounders are reckoned, There's a great number of small guns.

 

10 Wind westerly, clear and cold. Picquet's are order'd to assemble at retreat beating.

 

At about ten at night the drums beat to arms, the bells rang the alarm, the Picquets were ordered to reinforce Cape Diamond—The English and French Militia off duty assembled in a few minutes on the parade under arms and there impatiently waited for orders to march, but in less than a quarter of an hour they were order'd home. The alarm was given by our out sentrys at Cape Diamond; they saw in the hollow at l'ance de mer a number of men, 200 as near as they cou'd guess, they were advancing, they heard voices on the ramparts, they halted a minute, faced about, and fil'd off.

 

Some people suspected that the prisoners would be very troublesome on an alarm but both officers and men behav'd with great propriety. They put out their lights and went to bed.

 

11 Wind at West—cold and clear.

 

The British Militia were reviewed on the Parade ; they made a very good appearance and had their arms in excellent order. A deep and With a N E wind there fell a foot of snow last wharf, and a ditch at the curtain near Port Louis. Fire balls were hung out over all the salient angles; two were lighted, they made a great blaze, showing the faces of the bastions very clearly.

 

A sailor attempted to desert from the Sault au Matelot guard at night; the sentrys outside of Palace gate stopt him, and sent him back prisoner.

 

12 With a N E wind there fell a foot of snow last night—it clear'd up in the afternoon with a hard N wester. Some stragling rebels fir'd at a great distance on our fatigue party without the walls but did no hurt.

 

13 Wind N W sharp clear air.

 

It is rumour'd to day that the Indians in the upper Countrys have proposed among themselves to come down to the relief of this place—This report may have sprung from good intelligence tho' it cannot be traced. Col. MacLean sent 17 seamen commanded by Capt. LittleJohn to reconnoitre at l'ance de mer—the party got near an advanced sentry, on the hill above L'ance, he fir'd his musket, dropt it, and rol'd down hill among the snow—Our people march'd on and discover'd as near as they cou'd guess about 100 men, they fir'd on them, on which the greatest part of them ran away, leaving their jackets and tools behind them: some of the enemy return'd the fire, but hurt none of the party. We talk of fitting out two batteaux with six pounders in their bows, to row along shore to discover what the rebels are about above.

 

The prisoners are remov'd from the Recollets to a stronger prison in the Dauphin barracks— the men who engaged with Col. MacLean are remov'd to the Artillery barracks.

 

14 Wind Easterly, heavy snow.

 

In the evening an officer in blue with buff facings carrying something white tied to a stick, came from the rebels guard house preceded by a drum; we allow'd him to advance under the angle at the two gun battery. He demanded admittance having letters for the Governor—The General was inform'd of this, he sent his Major of Brigade to tell him, he cou'd not be admitted, nor wou'd he be allow'd to speak, but in imploring the King's mercy. Then says the man I will obey any commands you give me; the command was, return from whence you came: he wheel'd about & went off.

 

15 A great thaw. Two batteaux order'd to be fitted out with six pounders for reconnoitring—in the meantime a canoe was sent on the look out—it kept near the other shore, two Canadians on the P. Levy side hail'd they inquir'd if they cou'd go over to Town with safety, being answer'd, yes, they said they'd be over the next day.

 

Two Canadians arriv'd in the night from Beaumont in a canoe. They reported “the Canadians below point Levy as ready to take arms to drive the Bostonois out of the country—they say that the rebels have no money and seem to hang their heads : they have long beat up for recruits they have got together about 100, the outcasts of Canada. They are at work on a battery at P. Levy opposite to cul de sac, where they have a howitzer and one gun mounted. Provisions for a thousand men have been sent to meet that number expected from Montreal.”

 

16 Wind N E—There fell about two inches of snow last night—heavy rain.

 

17 It rain'd all last night, and tho' the wind is about to S W it rains still. The men from Beaumont say, that the rebels inform'd the peasants, that we die daily in great numbers of a Pestilential distemper. The Voluntary Picquet in the upper Town is very strong every night, every body not on duty sleeps in his cloaths with his musket by his side. Capt Harrisons & Capt. Lesters two company s of B. Militia do extra picquet duty in the Lower Town—There is not a man within these walls who do not most ardently wish the approach of the enemy, absolutely assur'd in his own mind that they'll be better received than they were on the 31st Decr.

 

Fatigue partys continued working in the ditch —Some of the Canadians, Royalists, (I fear they are very few) at P. Levy, told the rebels in answer to questions concerning the look out at Cape Diamond—“It is a wooden horse with a bundle of hay before him, Genl. Carleton has said that he will not give up the Town, until that horse have ate all the hay.”

 

Six Canadian Militia men refus'd to do duty on Mr. Drummonds wharf; some were afraid of the enemy some of ghosts—they were sent prisoners to the main guard—next day they were shewn on the Parade to their corps, and reprimanded for unmanly behaviour. The Beaumont Canadians return'd in the night with some late printed Gazettes ; they will endeavour to be back again soon. We saw about 500 men drawn up before Holland house and about 200 at Menuts.

 

18 Wind S W, thawing weather all day; in the evening the wind changed to N E dark & raw. The batteaux ready for launching, but there's too much ice in the River this evening—From the look out we have seen many men about Holland house, and all along the St. Foix road.

 

19 Wind N E with snow and rain—in the evening it clear'd up at west. Two batteaux and two cutters were sent up as far as Sillery to reconnoitre—Major Nairne, with Capt. Owen of VII went out at Cape Diamond with a party as far as the hill above l'ance de mer, they saw nobody. A batteau was seen to cross over from Sillerie to the opposite side, then a gin was erected, probably to hoist out a gun to carry to P. Levy battery—A body of men seen near the old battery to day—there's a line of sentrys close posted from the brow of the hill at St. Rocs above their guard house, all the way across the heights to the River St. Lawrence, to prevent desertion.

 

20 A little easterly wind, a little cloudy; About 4 this morning a number of men were discover'd by the outside sentrys near the W end of St. Johns suburbs. The Picquets were ordered under arms—To day 12 horses were seen drawing something seemingly weighty on the P. Levy side we think it may have been a cannon.

 

We heard a gun fired about St. Foix—Three canoes seen crossing over to Sillerie—there's a market kept there. The spot where we suppose they are erecting their battery on the P. Levy side, is removed 600 yards from high water mark, and from thence to the Town has been measured 1100 yards.

 

21 It freezes hard with N W wind—seven canoes with 9 men in each seen crossing over to Sillerie.

 

22 Wind easterly cold and cloudy—we plainly see people at work on the other side—we are busy laying platforms for some large guns to be mounted on the grand battery—we have clear'd away the snow from some large mortars—we disturbed the people at work by firing some shot & throwing shells among them, From the situation they have chosen, we judge their intention is to hurt the sipping and batter Pres de Ville and Sault au Matelot, if they have heavy metal, which we doubt—Our fire at any rate will be infinitely superior to theirs.

 

23 It was very dark last night—we apprehended an attack—it snow'd to day. The wood in the barrack yard will not serve the guards two days.

 

24 Last night was dark and cold—nothing remarkable to day.

 

25 Wind N W excessively cold—clearing up. Chabot the first man who came in gave us room to apprehend an attack between the 15th. & 25th.— we have been at all times in readiness to receive them. We make a signal by fire on the top of the look out at Cape Diamond at two in the morning; at three, rockets were fired at the Artillery barracks.

 

26 The cold was excessive last night—The rebels lighted a fire ball at Primonts about two this morning and fired a musket. We threw some shells and fired some heavy shot at the rebels at P. Levy—We see a good many fascines.

 

Two men from the point of Orleans seem'd to bend their course Townwards—A party from Beauport intercepted them, and carryed them along with them. Preparing to lay platforms near the citadel for some 32 pounders to batter the enemys works in flank.

 

Many men seen at St. Foix—heard three chears.

 

27 Wind S W mild—all was quiet last night. Signals by rockets from Cape Diamond, answered at the Artillery barracks. The large house belonging to the priests of the Seminary, which served the rebels as a guard house at the Canardiere, was this morning burnt to the ground, no doubt by accident as it was a convenient post for the enemy. Many armed men seen on the P. Levy side to day, Canoes and boats frequently crossing the river to day, two or three miles above Town.

 

Counted 96 armed men in Indian file walking towards Beauport.

 

An arm'd batteau sent up along shore to reconnoitre—Saw nothing.

 

28 and 29 Nothing extraordinary.

 

30 Wind N cold and clear—A gin was set up at the battery at P. Levy, We disturb'd them with our shot and shells.

 

Seven men appear'd at their guard house end of St. Rocs. fir'd cannon at them, one man fell— Five appear'd between Port Louis & Cape Diamond. Our grape shot made them scamper— one of them was in blue faced with white. Much wood got in at St. Johns gate. Men lurking behind their old battery fir'd on our working party, but they were at too great distance to do hurt. A 36 pounder from us, stopt their fire. We saw three small partys 30 or 40 each, marching up from Beauport on the ice. Our sentrys perceiv'd a man dodging backwards and forwards among the ruins in St. Roc, we sent out and brought him in—he was very drunk; he said he had lost his way, that he had only arriv'd from P. au tremble in the morning one of five companys of the 1st Batalion of Philadelphians, he says three other companys are expected, and the second Batalion is soon to follow, each company consists of 65 men. He knows nothing of their Generals plan, but he knows they are soon to take the Town. Colonel Hazen he says gets no recruits.

 

31 Wind S W with snow, the gutters running. About two this morning, our sentrys at Cape Diamond saw flashes and heard reports of muskets about Pres de Ville, the picquets stood to their arms on this alarm, and messengers were dispatched to enquire what the matter was—At Pres de Ville they saw the flashes at Point Levy, and heard the reports plainly from that way. The prisoner taken yesterday is sober to day, he adds nothing to his first story. The cellar door in the Dauphin barracks, where the private men of the rebel prisoners are confined, was discovered to have been forced—two of the hinges were broken, it hung by a third which they did not perceive having wrought in the dark—the prisoners were immediately suspected and examin'd —the only Englishman among them discovered the plot. A few days before, one of them got out of prison, and found means to get out of Town, to inform their friends how far they had proceeded towards effecting an escape—It was concerted, that on the first dark or rainy night, they were to break forth, headed by officers whom they had chosen—they first to disarm the twenty men who guard them, proceed about 150 yds to St. Johns gate, disarm the guard there, then turn some cannon on the Town to guard the gate while they open'd it for the admission of the rebels who were to be ready to rush in an instant—they were to set fire to different parts of the Town as well to divert our attention, as to serve for a signal that the work was begun—If they cou'd not open the gate, they were to secure their own retreat by ladders which they were to take from the roofs of the prison and the adjacent houses— they were to throw all the rammers spunges and powder over the walls—The officers, prisoners in the Seminary knew nothing of this affair—This Englishman and two of their own country men, wash'd their hands of any concern in this plot, the two plead ignorance of the matter and will not speak. A great part of the prisoners have been put in irons since—The General in hopes of drawing the rebels to an attack has order'd that the signals shall be given in the night, and that every thing shall be carried on, as if these men had really made their escape & were proceeding on their plan of operation. The garrison is order'd to be under arms on the ramparts at two in the morning—Bonfires are prepar'd. The Governor thinks it will be best to lose no time, for fear some deserter may inform the rebels that the plot is discovered.

 

At 4 o 'clock in the evening a deserter from the 1st. B. Phila. troops came in—He says they desert dayly, he adds nothing to the last report.

 

 

APRIL 1ST.

 

Hot sunshine, S W wind—In consequence of the Generals commands, every man not on guard was under arms at his alarm post at two o'clock —Unluckily the weather was uncommonly serene and the moon shone bright. The bonfires were lighted, a hot fire of musketry was kept up for ten minutes, a confus'd mixture of cries was heard, then three chears was followed by fire from two six pounders well served and turned towards the Town—the musketry still firing, now and then huzzas—tho' this was carry'd on for a considerable time, not a living creature appear'd —we neither saw signals, nor heard drums—We were all ordered home at daylight. This feint will have a happy effect, it will shew the rebels that we wish heartily to see them, it will give them a dread to approach. The General was dubious of the success of the plan before it was put in execution.

 

We see four embrasures in their Point Levy battery, we can also see a large bank of snow at one end, perhaps that bank masks more.

 

The deserter who came in yesterday says, that in crossing Lake Champlain, “he met many small partys of threes, fives, sevens leaving Canada; that a Lieut, had deserted, they brought him back, but he got away at last; he says he can encircle the largest gun they have with his arms.

 

“Sometime ago two of our shells fell without bursting, those who found them took out the powder and sold it to the commanding officer at a dollar the pound; he says they have now but 13 rounds.” This afternoon another deserter came in ; he says “they have but 15 men on guard at the end of St. Rocs. This mornings feint alarm'd the rebels, they beat to arms, and stood expecting us until seven in the morning—he says many of them want to come over to us. Mr. David Wooster arrived from Montreal with an escort of 40 men. Great numbers of the rebels are sick in Hospitals.”

 

Firing shot and shells at their battery to day. Voluntary picquet ceases to be general, until the dark moon.

 

2d. Wind S W, warm clear sunshine—three men were seen to day within 400 yards of the gate at P. Louis—one wore a large grey wig suppos'd to be David Wooster, another was dressed in scarlet, said to be Arnold, the third they say, was Colonel Edward Antill, we imagine they were showing the walls to the General.

 

A large party were under arms drawn up near the General Hospital. A single shot dispers'd them. Some men have been seen working near their old battery—several small partys seen marching to the different guard houses, some people have seen from the look out, or thought they saw ladders heapd up in different places not far from the walls—A cutter was sent in the evening to look into Wolfs cove—She got enclosed in the ice opposite to it & floated up with the tide, she was fir'd on from six pounders— an armed batteau was sent out after her, the men in the cutter broke their way thro the ice with the butt end of their muskets & got clear.

 

3d. Cloudy soft morning with Easterly wind.

 

The rebels opened their battery at Point Levy with 5 guns, 9,12 and 24 pounders ; some of their shots fell into the River, and some fell spent in Palace Street in the upper Town.—Their object seems to be the shipping—they have damaged the foremast of the Lizzard Frigate.

 

We heard the report of five guns as if at two or three leagues down the River—the air is heavy small guns may seem large in such weather, it is by far too early to look for any thing from England.

 

One Chabot who commanded a small arm'd Schooner last fall, left vessel guns and all on the Island Orleans—they have no doubt got her afloat, and have been scaling her three pounders. The enemy threw three 8 inch shells from P. Levy, they did no damage.

 

The enemy s fire soon slackned after the flankers at the citadel began to play; we made many excellent shots from thence, and from the Grand Battery. Very heavy rain afternoon.

 

4th. It rained all night—the wind is about to the S W, —we keep up a hot fire on the enemys battery— now and then they venture to fire a shot, many of their balls fall short—they have as yet done no damage—we see but few men. Ten rockets were fir'd at the ferry house on the Little River at midnight, they were answer'd by a cannon from Point Levy battery.

 

5 Wind this morning to the Northwards of West with a cold thaw—An eight inch shell burst above the shipping in cul de sac, a piece of it cut a sailor in the head—They fir'd 5 guns and threw two shells early, drew in their cannon and ran from the battery—"We threw many shot and some shells into their works. They burnt a shallop and some boards at l'ance de mer—clearing the ramparts of snow to day—101 men marched up in Indian file from Beauport towards the ferry house—carried out the timber of a block house to be erected without side between Cape Diamond & Port Louis. One Loiseau an honest Canadian came in at Saut au Matelot at ten this night.

 

6th. Wind Easterly, sky heavy, it thaws much; a deserter came in this morning; He reports that “General Lee is on his way to this place with 4000 men, he was taken with a fit of the gout which obliged him to halt; many of his men have deserted.”

 

“At South River 50 or 60 miles below P. Levy, sixty Canadians took arms in order to surprise the rebels guard at P. Levy, and join the Kings friends in Town, some traitor among themselves inform'd the Rebels of their plan, a strong party was sent from Point Levy to take them, an engagement ensued in which five Canadians were killed, and Monsieur Baillie their priest who headed them was dangerously wounded—Six of the rebels fell—These friends to Liberty carried off 34 Canadians and sent them prisoners to head quarters.

 

“This man further says that “they have order'd those priests who refuse to give absolution to the rebellious Canadians, to be sent to the camp. They have appointed one Lotbiniere formerly a priest, to absolve the people under a salary of 1500 livres, and the promise of a Bishoprick. They have promised to reward the habitants who follow them, with houses in Quebec, they already transfer them as their own property, many a good house has been lost and won a hundred times this winter, at a game at Mariage or Brelan. When the rebels tell the Canadians that they are to batter us from all quarters and crush us with shells, they think the Town must fall into their hands, yet they sometimes tremble lest we may keep the City.”

 

“There's great sickness among the Rebels, many of them under inoculation. The New Yorkers, whose engagement with the Congress will finish on the 15th of this month, have declared their intention to serve no longer, but to return home.”

 

“Two gentlemen from N. York with letters for General Carleton were taken by the rebels, but they found means to destroy their despatches. We killed three, wounded two men, and dismounted two guns on their battery ; they do not now fire more than two guns at a time, and that but seldom, without doing us the least hurt, altho they make their balls red hot.”

 

“Our feint of the 1st. in the morning alarm'd the rebels, and kept them under arms until seven, when they were dismissed quite dissatisfied, hinting that they had been made April fools.”

 

7 Every thing remain'd very quiet last night, Rain, hail sleet with easterly wind. The rebels did no hurt with their shot and shells to day.

 

8th. Soft weather with southerly wind. As the day dawns the rebels fire 4 guns and a howitzer, then draw them behind the merlings and make off—in the course of the day they give us a shot or two now and then—they cannot stand our fire.

 

In the evening a ricochet shot enter'd a window of a house in the Upper Town where the family sat round the tea table—The eldest boy of ton years had the back part of his skull carried away, before the eyes of his Father and mother.

 

9th. Easterly wind with soft drizzly weather, much firing from our batterys, very little from theirs. Before dinner, a decent looking man who calls himself Chaucer came in from the enemy. He says “General Lee who was on his march hither was ordered back, and to proceed to New York —The rebels without are about 1800, above a third of their number in Hospitals—They propose to storm the Town between this and the 15th. they are to attack at Pres de Ville, Saut au Matelot, and Cape Diamond, The people from N. York and the southward are dissatisfi'd with the conduct and behaviour of the YANKEYS as they call them, meaning the N. England people, they affect a disgusting superiority taking the lead in every thing, looking on themselves as the promoters, and the very soul of the glorious struggle for liberty”— “They are to open a battery before St. Louis gate, not more than 500 yards distant—they have five howitzers which are to play on the Town from behind the ferry house at St. Charles's (or little) River. They have two gondolas out in the river, they are preparing a fire ship, to burn all the vessels in the cul de sac.—The Canadians are very much discontented, as they can get nothing but congress paper money, of which they'd willingly give a handful for a dollar. They have condem'd a Canadian in an arbitrary manner, and have whipt him, for speaking in favor of the Royalists, and they have maltreated a gentlemen of Montreal, for—beating an insolent fellow, who was giving himself too many libertys in speaking of the Kings friends.”

 

“Arnold is to leave the camp tomorrow and hasten to Montreal to send down all possible reinforcements.”

 

The roads are so bad he will require three or four days to get up, a body of men cannot get down less than eight or ten days; from hence we conclude that they will not attack us on the 15th. but come when they will we are prepar'd to receive them.

 

Boats row guard every night,—we have guns on all our wharfs and quays, in the outermost vessels in cul de sac, & we have strong guards, and well fill'd picquets in different parts of the lower Town. Every man in the garrison not on duty repairs in the evening arm'd to his picquet, there to pass the night.—Thus the whole garrison is ready to give the rebels a warm reception at whatever place or places they may think fit to attack us.

 

Mr Chaucer has said a great deal; we suspect that he comes in with no good intention— he will be taken care of.

 

10th. Wind Westerly, a soft fine day, but the streets are almost impassible from the deep runs of water—the snow that remains is porous, nay rotten; step but to one side of the beaten track, and you sink to the knees—It will be impossible for these people to get near the walls without giving us a fair opportunity to mow them down. A young man (Pepper) came in this morning from Cap Rouge, who confirms what Chaucer has said concerning the disgust of the New Yorkers, and the discontent of the Canadian peasants, for the rebels dispairing of success have thrown off the mask and show the MASTER by enforcing unreasonable oppressive commands.

 

He says they are to run the fire ship full sail into cul de sac.

 

11 Wind N E blowing hard with heavy rain, their battery is silent to day—it is thought that it is full of water being situated on swampy ground —we aim'd well to day. At midnight we made signals by rockets at Cape Diamond, St. Johns gate and Palace gate. Three were thrown by the rebels about ten at night at the ferry, Menuts & Holland House.

 

12th. Wind easterly with sleet, from one until three this morning fire balls burnt in grates hung over the angles, to light the ditch and faces of the bastions. The rebels did no damage to our shipping tho' they fir'd a good deal at cul de sac.

 

13 West wind, gloomy freezing weather, fire balls were lighted at one, and signals given by rockets at Cape Diamond, St. Johns, and the two gun battery.

           

A shot from Point Levy went thro' the Hunter sloop of war's cabbin. To day it was discover'd that the prisoners in the Dauphin barracks had procured files, and some of them had filed off the rivets from their hand-cuffs, and replaced them with leaden ones; If the armourer had not examin'd them very narrowly they might have gone on until they had all been free from their fetters to put in execution whatever plot they had concerted.

 

People discovered at work on the heights, the situation is well chosen if it is the place where they intend to erect the battery which Chaucer mention'd—we fir'd on them, they still continued to work; it froze hard in the night.

 

14 Every thing quiet last night, the weather clear and warm, wind westerly—fire balls lighted and rockets thrown as usual. The shot from Point Levy hit the Lizards stern, and hurt the main mast of a transport—There was a general Picquet this night, above 1800 men were under arms waiting the expected attack. The block house about 100 yards outside Port Louis was finish'd to day and a guard of twenty men posted there in the evening—Every body in the country round seem'd in motion to day.

 

15th. Frosty clear weather last night—every thing remain'd quiet—as usual fire balls were lighted and rockets thrown.

 

This afternoon we heard a distant noise of men as if moving some heavy body, in the evening a great number of men were assembled near Menuts, we heard three chears from that quarter distinctly. It is supposed by many that the N. Yorkers may have reenter'd into the rebel service ; some think that the commanding officer may have found it necessary to harangue his men to keep them in spirits, promising them speedy and strong reinforcements, and that much glory and great profit will be their portion when they enter Quebec; fir'd with this prospect, they gave three chears in approbation of the speech—It is confidently said, that Mr. Montgomery had made an estimation of the value of the effects of the Royalists in Town, and that he found that it wou'd amount to Two hundred Pounds a man for his army, and that he actually promised his followers the plunder of Quebec—But those who knew him possess'd of honor sometime since will not allow it to be possible that he wou'd suffer any person to be rob'd, and that this story has been rais'd to throw an additional odium on the Congress, their General and army. The Congress sent these honest Gentlemen to protect Quebec, not to plunder its Inhabitants, say your waverers.

 

A drifting Shallop, gave the alarm at the Point of Orleans, signals were made, and much firing ensued.

 

Last night was mild and clear, the fire balls were not necessary—Rockets were thrown as signals, at the usual places at one in the morning—Out pickets at the Cape Diamond and Port Louis Block-houses, to be continued—We fir'd at both batterys—the rebels did not fire a shot—The measur'd distances from their battery on the heights is 716 yds 2 feet—a rainy evening.

 

Wind at N E—there fell two inches of snow in the night. Fire balls were lighted at one this morning, and rockets as usual. Canoes & batteaux passing and repassing opposite to Sillerie full of men—The rebels fir'd none to day.

 

Capt. Laforce went in a canoe to reconnoitre, he was hail'd from the Point Levy side, he ask'd the Canadians why they do not come to Town, they answer'd that they have no canoes, and are closely guarded—They press'd Laforce to come on shore, but knowing the Pointlevians too well to trust himself among them, he bid them adieu & paddled on his way.

 

Wind S W, showers of snow. Fire balls lighted and rockets thrown at the usual hour—The rebels fir'd from P. Levy early in the morning. Canoes crossing over to the other side full of men—Wood got in from St. Rocs—In the afternoon we had two deserters from the rebels—They report “That the N. Yorkers, to the number of 300 were call'd together on the 15th., every argument was us'd to perswade them to renew their engagement which ended that day, but before they were assembled they had determin'd among themselves to withstand the most pressing solicitations of their former commanders— they represented that the congress had deceiv'd them, that their wages were still due, that they had been in a manner forced to make a second engagement after their first was ended—in short they were now determin'd to serve the congress no longer, for they saw their folly, & won'd not return to their duty, they had firmly resolv'd never to fire a musket against the Kings friends—Their speaker ended with a huzza and the three hundred heartily join'd him. Immediately their drums beat to arms,— these men were surrounded ; they were ill us'd, and confin'd, a set of rapscallions of Canadians were the most forward in this service.”

 

“These men further report, that, “the rebels are 1800 strong, if 600 they have in Hospitals may be counted—they do not include the Canadians whom they look on as nought among them. The rebels amuse the Canadians still with hopes of strong and speedy reinforcement and promise them much plunder.”

 

There is not at this day, a man within the walls who does not most sincerely wish that the rebels may attack us—we have prepar'd a proper reception for them; we know that their leaders dread it, notwithstanding their feign'd bravery, but their men, nor our Canadian rebels have not yet forgot the 31st of Decr. If any thing can tempt them forward it will be the hope of plunder.

 

The ice of Lake St. Peter passed the Town to day; now the navigation to Montreal is open.

 

19 No disturbance last night, it froze hard and was clear—fire balls and rockets as customary. Wood got in from St. Rocs—A few shot from the rebels pointed at the shipping.

 

20 All was quiet in the night—Rockets and fire balls à l'ordinaire—wind S W cloudy and cold to day —wood got in—A few shot on the shipping, from the battery at P. Levy.—Two men who left Quebec last fall came down from Cap rouge in a canoe—they say that “The rebels have made a fire vessel of the Gaspey arm'd Brigantine and have offer'd 20,000 livres to any person who will steer her into cul de sac & fire the train— no Yanky, no Yorker, nor ere a Canadian has yet been found to offer his service—An Acadian has said that he will undertake it for 30,000 en bon argent sonnant comptant, they know not if his offer was accepted.

 

“Colonel Caldwell with the VIII Regt. is on his way down from Niagara wh. a number of Indians, and that little Arnold posted away to Montreal the moment this news arriv'd at the rebels camp.”

 

We have almost finish'd the embrasures and platforms of a battery for five 24 pounders behind the Hotel Dieu, from whence with two guns we have already batter'd the ferry house.

 

These people and others who have come in say “that some of those who left the Town last fall have done every thing in their power to engage the Canadians to assist the rebels in every shape, representing that if they are driven from Quebec, the Peasants in this country will remain a parcel of miserable slaves forever. They say that Chaucer is a spy—that he was made an offer a few days before he came in: he promis'd to return in three days if alive. They also add that one of the rebel Prisoners found means to send letters into the country—agreed on signals by which he shou'd know the numbers of the reinforcements, and the time of the intended attack, that they within, might cooperate with those without.

 

21 Every thing remain'd quiet in the night, it was clear and serene—Fire balls were lighted, no rockets thrown. The rebels beat to arms at three in the morning. Their battery on the heights does not advance that we can perceive—They fir'd on the Town from P. Levy at the hour of going to Mass, 'tis a diabolical spirit—what service can the sacrifice of a few people do unto them! They may plainly see that they cannot hurt the Town—hitherto they have only killed a boy, a cow, wounded a sailor and a turkey, and frightened an old woman into fits.

 

Fine weather with S W wind, swallows seen to day—we batter the ferry house from behind the Hotel Dieu, from the two gun battery at the end of the Artillery barracks, and from a battery between that barrack and St. Johns gate; they cannot show their heads.

At dusk Laforces armed schooner with 30 fine fellows, was haul'd out into the stream, the rebels fir'd at her from Point Levy and beat to arms. The ice drove the schooner up to Pres de Ville and from thence near to Wolfs cove; the Lizzzard sent a boat to her assistance with a cable and anchor, and got her off, they were very near the shore—the rebel guard fir'd on them, and directed by the flashes they fir'd on the rebels in return.

 

22 Last night was soft and serene. Fire balls were lighted at one, they burnt until day—the wind N E with snow. This morning the rebels open'd their battery at the ferry, with two guns—it is behind a very thick breast work which the French threw up in 1759, the embrasures are cut throu it, 'tis faced with fascines—they fir'd between 30 and 40 shot at us; as they are oblig'd to elevate their guns they did no further damage than piercing a few roofs, and deranging some chimneys—we return'd them five guns for one. The red flag which has hung out since the 5th March was taken down last night—some people pretend to say that the prisoners know what that means,

 

23 There has fallen above three inches of soft sloppy snow since yesterday morning; it was dark and gloomy all the night, seemingly favorable to the rebels if they shou'd choose to attack us—The garrison was not asleep—A canoe with six people from Montreal went on board Laforce.

 

Rockets and fire balls at one were lighted, the weather dark and heavy this morning. The people who came from Montreal were examin'd this morning: Mr Rousseau says “He left N.

York the 27th. march, there prevail'd a report at that place that seven and twenty sail of large ships had been seen off R. Island—that the troops had evacuated Boston—That he passed Mr. Thomas (lately an apothecary or Surgeon) a rebel stil'd General, with 1200 men as reinforcement to the rebels in Canada, on the 3d. april he passed their advanced party at Still water, 27 miles this side of Albany—There was 80 bateaux waiting them at Ticonderoga—Lake George was not passible. They bring six iron 24 pounders with them, which detain them very much. It has been reported at Albany with fear, and talk'd of confidently at Montreal that Col. Caldwell with the VIII Regt. and a number of Indians are on their way down from the upper Countrys, He says that if a number of batteaux cou'd have been collected, between six and seven hundred Canadians would have come down along with them. General Lee is gone to Virginia.”

 

The rebels fir'd from P .Levy and from the ferry house, they have damaged a few chimneys. We made a great number of good shots to day at both batterys—about 10 at night they threw six small shells from their new battery on the heights, directed for the blockhouses but they fell short—we gave them six 13 & 10 inchers in return—Signal Rockets thrown as usual.

 

24 It was clear and cold last night ; the wind shifted to N W where it continues with delightful sunshine. The rebels fir'd red hot balls into Town to day; they hurt some chimneys—their fire slackens, ours encreases—they fire on the shipping from P. Levy.

 

25 It did not freeze last night—Rockets were fir'd at one this morning at the customary places— The Little River is clear of ice, the rebels must now cross higher up than the ferry, or cross in reach of our guns—Mounted a 24 pounder against their battery which faces Port Louis—They cannot sweep our streets from either of their batterys, the balls that do not fall short may hurt more chimneys and roofs of houses—wind shifted suddenly to N E it blew and rained excessively hard—Very little firing to day on either side— Twelve or fourteen guns were heard from below some people please themselves in the hope that they were fir'd on board one of His Majestys ships.

 

26 The last was the worst night we have had for many months—a most violent storm at N E, the rain was remarkably heavy—It clear'd up this afternoon, firing began on both sides.

Capt. Laforce chased a parcel of canoes, the people got on shore at P. Levy—he upbraided them for not coming to Town—they answer'd that they had inclination enough to go, but dar'd not, because the moment they shou'd be reported absent, their houses wou'd be set on fire and their cattle seized—He told that now a fair opportunity offer'd for them to retrieve their character, a few days wd deprive them of it—they made no answer, and he row'd off.

 

27 The last night was very foggy, it was impossible to see across the ditch from the ramparts ; therefore we were much on our guard—This morning is clear with sunshine.

 

At one in the morning just after we had fir'd our signal rockets five shot were thrown into Town from the ferry battery.

 

At one in the morning just after we had fir'd remov'd from the Seminary for attempting to escape from thence.

 

Between ten & eleven at night the Cathedral bell rang the alarm, the drums beat to arms—

the whole garrison was posted in a very few minutes, the different corps stood ready to repulse the enemy—It was a false alarm, a house on the beach on P. Levy side or a great parcel of brush purposely collected at the waters edge appear'd in a blaze in an instant—The sentrys call'd out “the fire ship, the fire ship”—the call of fire ship spread like lightning.—As soon as the matter was known, the different corps were order'd to their barracks & homes.

The rebels fir'd, but hurt nothing, we were not idle, our shot and shells flew thick.—

 

28 It froze last night—fine weather this morning, wind westerly. There has not been much firing on either side to day.

 

29th. Wind S W, serene mild weather, four muskets were fir'd on the heights in the night.

 

The rebels fir'd red hot balls into Town to day.

 

30 A small breeze at East with soft rain in the morning—afternoon foggy wth. heavy rain.

Two soldiers of the R. Fusileers having a great deal of money were very strictly examin'd how they came by it. “They confess'd that they had been bribed by some of the Rebel officers to favour their escape the first time they shou'd be placed as sentrys over them—it was concerted to kill every other sentry in the way to prevent their giving the alarm—They were to have got over the wall of the Seminary garden on the Grand Battery, to walk down to the Sally Port facing the Canotrie, there leap the wall, and pass by St. Roc to the nearest guard house of the enemy.”—On this charge two of the prisoners were removed from the Seminary on board Capt. Laforces arm'd schooner.

 

The foggyness of the evening made a general picquet necessary, and every man slept in his cloaths with his musket by his side; Guards & patroles were very Vigilant.

 

 

MAY THE FIRST

 

There is not many within the walls, who in November last wou'd. not have been very happy to have been assured, that every thing in the garrison would be as we find it on this welcome day. Our apprehensions before the 31st. of Dec., were neither few nor ill founded, as many imagin'd.

 

General Carleton indeed, Col. Maclean, and Col. Caldwell, with many other experienced officers, seem'd quite easy. From the Governors looks the Towns peoples fears decreas'd dayly, yet still there remain'd a few anxiety s ; He was determin'd not to grace their triumph, he wou'd have found many led on by his example forward to exert their every ability to follow him in danger.

 

The Garrison had occasion but to see him as the primum nobile well ; and Col. McLean in his wonted health; with Col. Caldwell to regulate the Militia.

Colonel McLean by his indefatigability gave us a certainty that we should be never surprised, for he was here there and every where at all hours of the day and night.

 

Much is due to Col. Caldwell for his care of the Militia, and the great fatigues he underwent in the course of the long and severe winter ; The satisfaction that every man in Town must now enjoy more than repays him, for all his troubles.

 

At 4 this morning it began to snow and before 8 o'clock it lay three inches thick on the ground —at noon it clear'd up. The rebels are firing red hot balls from the ferry into Town, and from Point Levy on the shipping—A shot enter'd the cabbin window of the Fell arm'd ship, shatter'd a boys leg, wounded a man dangerously in the back, & slightly wounded two more.

 

A Canadian fellow came over from Point Levy to day as he says in consequence of what Capt. Laforce told the canoe people on the 26th. He report the rebels to be 11,000 strong, he pretends to be an ignorant fellow but he is known in Town to be more knave than fool, he is therefor sent to prison—A large batteau floated down St. Charles River, we took her up.

 

2nd. The night past was very clear and very cold it froze standing water above the third of an inch, it freezes still with wind at W N W. The rebels fir'd many red hot shot into Town from the ferry battery passing thro roofs, and spoiling some chimneys. There was a sortie out at P. Louis for wood—behind fences 3 or 400 yards from the walls we found piles of scaling ladders rather better made than those they us'd the 31st. Decr., but yet clumsy heavy and by far too short; we have not touch'd them in hopes that they may attempt to set them up against our walls.

 

At midnight, rockets and a fire wheel were fir'd on the grand battery and answer'd by rockets from the Hotel Dieu battery.

 

3 Last night was delightfully clear & serene; this morning the air is easterly with hot sunshine— A fatigue party making a frize of thorn on the glacee.

 

About 200 men in three distinct divisions were seen marching on the beach below Wolfs cove, the first had red colours, the second blue, the third white ; a number of batteaux attended them rowing along shore, they mounted the hill and marched over the plains—we imagine it is part of General Thomas's reinforcement, which Mr. Rousseau pass'd at Still Water.

 

Rebels firing red hot balls from the ferry battery—some small shells were thrown out of cohorns & royals at the end of St. Roc at their works there—Between nine and ten o'clock at night on the top of the tide, a vessel was seen coming up before the wind, we flatter'd ourselves it was the first of the fleet from England. The General order'd the artillery to stand by the guns—She prov'd a brigantine, she was hail'd three times, no answer was made, the fourth hail was accompany'd with a threat to sink her in case she did not answer, she immediately gave a sheer in shore, then the batterys began to play on her, and in a moment she appear'd all in a blaze, about 200 yards from the cul de sac—she was very near the shore—Shells, grenades, pots à feu, petards &c, &c. were continually bursting— the vessel seem'd well prepar'd and might have done mischief had she been steer'd into Cul de Sac—A boat was seen to row very quickly from her—It is supposed that she was a Brig: of Arnolds which lay below—some say 'twas the Gaspey which had passed the Town in the night, but most people think that cannot be.

 

The whole Town was under arms in an instant after the drums beat and bells rang—every man hasten'd to his alarm post, no confusion appear'd, every body was cool and wishing the rebels wou'd attack—The night was remarkably fine and clear—we are surpris'd that they chose a night so very light; They must certainly have heard, or are suspicious that the Kings ships are near—Her hull in flames floated back with the tide—'Twas a noble sight—Every man was order'd to his picquet guard to be ready.

 

4th. Wind still Easterly, the sky heavy, it rain'd at 4 this morning, clear'd up at midday with a N W, wind. The enemy fir'd a few shot from P. Levy.

 

5th. Wind continues at N W, it froze very hard last night—all was quiet.

 

6th. It froze last night—there's a gentle breeze at N E—At 4 this morning guns were heard at a distance, the report was heard every two or three minutes approaching.

 

A woman came early to Palace gate and inform'd the sentry that Mr. Thomas with his reinforcement is arrived, and that Mr. Wooster is gone off, that the rebels appear in great confusion, & that they are loading carts with baggage arms &c.

 

About six a large ship appeared coming round Point Levy to the inconceivable joy of all those who saw her or heard of her—The grand battery was crowded with spectators in a few minutes, such shaking of hands & so many congratulatory compliments have not pass'd since Capt. Deanes appearance in spring 1760.—On our firing a gun she hove up in the wind and fir'd three guns to leeward, She proved to be the Surprise frigate commanded by Capt. Lindsay. Part of the 29th Regiment were on board; they with the Marines were immediately landed. The drums beat to arms and all the different corps appear'd on the Parade ; it was then propos'd that all volunteers in the English and French Militia shou'd join the regular troops and the sailors, and sally out to engage the rebels on the plains—To the praise of both corps be it said, almost every man in each was forward to be led on.

 

General Carleton heading about 800 men, Col. MacLean second in command, and Col. Caldwell at the head of his British Militia march'd out at midday—the little army extended itself quite across the plains making a noble appearance : The rebels saw us very formidable: a few of them hid in the bush on the heights and fir'd some random shot which whistled o'er our heads without hurting a man. As soon as our field pieces began to play on their guard houses, there was a general flight; they left cannon, firelocks, ammunition and even their cloaths behind them; as we advanced we found the road strew'd with muskets, cloaths, bread, pork &c—we took some cannon, howitzers, and some cannon ball within a mile of the Town—So great was their panic that they left behind them many letters and papers, of consequence to those who wrote them, and to whom they were written; they even left their orderly books—which way soever one turn'd his head, he saw men flying and loaded carts driven in the greatest hurry.

 

We took possession of the General Hospital, of a guard house two miles farther of Holland House the Head Quarters, of Mr. Duprés &c. where we found flower, ammunition and artillery stores—At Sillerie we found guns, flower, &c &c.

 

In the afternoon two frigates were sent up the River to destroy all their craft along shore.

 

The rebels stole upon us, and thus they left us.