Journal of the Siege from 1st December, 1775

 

Author unknown

 

[Originally published by the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec in Historical Documents, Series 8 (1906)]

 

DECR. 5

Mounted Cape Diamond Guard—about 12 o'Clock at night 2 Men were observed creeping towards the upper Angle next, the River; the Centinel fired turned out the Guard & manned the lines. Eight of the enemy returned the fire, on which a Platoon was fired & they went off Moderate weather.

 

This morning a large body of the Enemy appeared on different parts of the heights of Abraham Two Men went thro the fields towards the River & Cape Diamond I caused fire several small Cannon at them; on their return they sheltered themselves behind the Ruins of Mount pleasent, fired two more Guns, which made them retire Moderate weather in the afternoon Snow a great body of the Enemy lodged in St. Roc

 

Early this morning great Bodys of the Enemy were seen about the General Hospital & Minow's their Guards advanced near to St. Roc in the afternoon took possession of the greatest Part of the Village, & mounted three different Guards there. Keeped a constant fireing on them from the two Barbett Guns near the Barracks in the afternoon two Centrys were posted by them so near as Mr. Grants house only two hundred Yards from the Ramparts about 8 at night they fired on our Centrys in the Angles & at 12 they threw into town from behind Mr. Grants house, 28 Shells from a Bomb battery they had erected there No damage done by the Shells The Garrison employed in mounting Guns, repairing the Works, & raising two blockhouses.

 

Mounted Pallace Gate Guard The morning by day light a work raised by the Enemy appeard on the front of the hill in the road St. Foy near the bark Windmill All this day the Garrison keept a continual fire on this work from two 32 P : & one 12 pr. in the afternoon sett fire to part of St. Johns Suburbs, would have burnt the whole, but was forbid by Genl. Carleton One of our best 32 Pr. still useless by the houses & Chimneys which remain standing At night the Enemy threw in 45 Shells from the same battery when I found this, I Caused fire the Angle gun a 12 pr. almost the whole of the night at that bouse & Battery Moderate weather

 

The Enemys work at the Windmill much advanced A heavy Rain from 4 in the Morning till 10 the Wind came to N: W & froze hard with Snow One of my Guard went to the General hospital with two Ladys he was carried before Mr. Montgomery & examined; his being very young & seemingly ignorant, he was suffered to return; was again taken & carried back to Mr. Montgomery at Minows house, from whence he made his escape & returned to his Guard—he gave a distinct Account of what Mr. Montgomery asked him, & of the guards he passed, particularly that the Rebels had five Guards in St. Roc, one of wh. only 150yds from the Ramparts This night threw into town from tthe same battery about 40 Shells No damage done I Reported the necessity of destroying these houses wh. harboured the Enemy so near our Works no notice taken of it.

 

Hard frost—The Enemys Works much in forwardness, this night they compleated five Ambrosures—at 6 o'Clock the Garrison began to fire on them from two 32 Prs & two 12 Prs—in the Afternoon a man was killed by a musket ball on the Angle next St. Roc which I reported Yesterday would be the case, if John Bells house & the one next to it were not removed or destroyed; As no notice was taken of it, this will probably very often happen. Three Shells were thrown into town this night mounted another 32 pr.

 

A fine moderate day mounted another Howitser—have now 2 Howitsers & two 32 prs. constantly playing on their entrenchments—in the Afternoon killed two of the Rebels in St. Johns Suburbs with grape Shott, & two more at St. Roc with small Arms—The Enemy gott into the Coupula of the Palace & fired on the Barbatt battery at the Barracks, on which we turned a 12 pr. to it, & sent one shott which dispersed them—The covering St. Roc suburbs affoards the rebels will if Not destroyed, surely lose the town had these & the St. Johns Suburbs been burnt as was proposed to the General long ago, the Rebels could have no shelter from the severity of the weather nearer than two Miles, which would have totally prevented at least retarded their operations—a deserter of the Emigrants went off

 

A Moderate day with a little Snow—Played on the trenches all day without intermission— The Enemy seemed to move their Works more towards the heights, so that the Cavalier Battery could bear upon them—A constant fire of small Arms from the Suburbs of St. Roc & St. John—betwixt 8 & 11 o Clock this night, 25 Shells were thrown into town from the same Bomb Battery behind Mr. Grants house ; a shocking instance of suffering the Suburbs of St. Roc to remain undestroyed; had they been burnt no Enemy without the shelter they have affoarded could have withstood the severity of the season—

 

Moderate weather Wind N : E :-This morning at 1/2 past 7 o Clock the Enemy opened a three Gun Battery of 12 Pounders & began to fire on the town—at 9 One of their Guns burst, & the Battery totally silenced—Mounted Cape Diamond Guard—In the afternoon open'd it again, & continued fireing till Evening; they also threw a great many Shells, but did no mischief save wounding three Boys—We keeped a continued fire on them the whole day from the Cavalier Battery & those at St. Johns Gate—In the Evening we threw several Shells.

 

Moderate weather, Wind WN:W:, This morning we threw a number of 13 Inch Shells into their trenches, & keeped an unremitting fire upon them till Evening—In the Afternoon they fired again at the town brisker than before—St. Roc full of the Enemy—We beat down the Cupula of the Palace, as from thence they picked off our Sentrys on the Ramparts—Two Men & a boy wounded this Evening from St. Roc.

 

Very thick Snow, Wind E :—About 4 in the morning some of our Sentrys from Palace Gate fired on the Enemy, as some attempt was expected to be made before the severity of the Season sett in, the Alarm Bell was rung & the Drum beat to Arms on which the whole Garrison repaired to their Alarm Posts & stood under Arms till day light—The Enemy made no attempt so we were dismissed Continued Snow—nothing Extraordinary happened in the day nor night.

 

Still continued to Snow Wind N W : & moderate—every thing quiet afternoon the Rebels threw some shells into town which did no damage—A Soldier of the Emigrants wounded mortally in the head by a Musket ball in the same Angle the former was killed—Nothing particular during the night—continues a small Snow—Threw several 13 pr. Shells into St. Roc—

 

Moderate, Wind S: W: —The Enemys Works totally demolished—the only attempt they now make is to pick off some of our Sentrys, which they have frequently tryed but without the Success expected—Sent some Shott thro' some of the houses they fired from—The Garisson employed in mounting more Guns, & repairing the Ramparts—during the night We threw a great number of Shells into St. Roc.

 

Mounted Palace Gate Guard—Still moderate wt. small Snow; Wind W: N: W: turned extreemly cold, & froze very hard—threw some Carcasses into St. Hoc & sett two houses on fire which burn’d down—A few of the Enemy appeared at St. Johns Gate & fired some small Arms, but did no mischief—in the afternoon a Girl from Lorretto with a letter for Madam D'Auniere & two others, I sent them to the Governor who ordered her to be let in—

 

Extreeme Cold—Wind N: W: —The Girl returned & was by the Govrs. Order let out again— While in the Guard room She told me that most of the Canadians who came from Montreal Volunteers with the Rebels were deserting, & that Mr. Montgomery in all probability would his whole troops in a few days A boy also went out to see his Mother at St. Roc beyond Mr. Grants, & returned without seeing a Man—

 

Unless some small Arms fired from St. Roc, nothing else happened in the course of this day—

Wind N: W : & hard frost—Understood the Rebels had made 700 Ladders—The Girl returned which I let out Yesterday morning—

 

A Deserter & a prisoner made their escape from the Rebels & came to town—They acquainted the Governor with the Enemys intention to scale the Walls as too night; for which purpose they had provided 700 ladders at Point Levy & sent them over to Wolfs cove—in consequence of this intelligence three nine pounders were added to the flanks of each Bastion & loaded with Grape & canister shott—One of Colonel Macleans Men shott on the Angle where the former was shott from St. Roc—half of all the troops in Garrison are ordered for Piquet too night & we sitt up at the Recolletts—Nothing happen'd in the course of the night—Patrols going constantly—

 

Another deserter came in—A black from St. Roc also told Mr Coffin, that the Enemy intended to attack Us this night by the Lower town—A reconetring Party of six of the Rebels passing by the Canoterie to the Sous des Matelot, was fired on from the Blockhouse & had one Man killed—The Block house at Cape Diamond compleated half the Garrison sitt up at the Recolletts as usual, where the General was—No disturbance happened in the night—A few Shells thrown into St. Roc.

 

Mounted Cape Diamond Guard—Wind N W & very cold—The Garrison sitt up as usual at the Recolletts, but no disturbance happened—An unlucky affair happened this afternoon by one of the Men of my Company shotting a Serjeant of the Emigrants—Mounted the Lizards Guns on our flanks—

 

Very Cold & clear, Wind N: W: —Every thing quiet & continued so all the day & night—threw a few Shells into St. Roc—

 

Cloudy & more moderate Wind—W ; N : W : with Snow—in the afternoon clear weather & frost—Threw a few Shells into St. Roc & St. Johns Suburbs—All quiet—

 

Fine moderate weather, Wind W: & clear—All quiet—

 

Fine moderate weather—Wind W: & clear—Mounted Cape Diamond Guard—This night the Enemy threw into town from their Old battery in St. Roc about 40 Shells which did no harm—We sent a few large Shells in return—A deserter came in by the Pickets at the Sally Port—he mention'd Mr. Montgomerys having assembled his Men to storm the town on Wednesday last, but as the night he said was not favourable he would delay the attack till a dark night. that the Men from the Old Country were beginning to fall off & would desert to us if they could be assured of a pardon—

 

Fine Weather— & clear—towards Noon some fogg & frost—Wind E : afternoon drifty & some snow—hard Gale & thick small Snow very dark & drifty—

 

Still thick weather & drifty—Wind E: —Mr. Montgomery as he promised the first dark Night, made an attempt on the Town—About 5 o’clock this Morning the Drum beat to Arms, the Militia assembled at the usual place the Recolletts—by 1/2 after 5 the Enemy had forced the Guard at the Sou de Matlot took the Officer & guard prisoners ; then they proceeded to the next Barrier at the Entrance of the Lower town where our Pickets stoped their Carrier—At the same time they made an attack on the Prêt Ville near Drummonds Wharf on the opposite End of the Lower town, & also shewed themselves at Cape Diamond, Port St. Lewis, Port St. Johns, & Palace Gate—As soon as the Commanding Officer was made acquainted, he detached me with my Company & what Volunteers joined to the Prêt Ville. On my way down I was told the Rebels were in possession of all the Lower town, Yet I proceeded to where I was ordered & on my arrival at the Guard I found they had fired all the Cannon & with their small Arms had killed eight & wounded two of the Rebels; the two wounded crawled to our Guard & were taken in— As soon as I found this part of the town in perfect Security, I sent a Corporal to Col. McLean to let him know there was no further use for me there, & desired his Commands; the Corporal returned & told me I must go to the Sou de Matlot, & support the party there as the Enemy were then in possession of that part of the town, the Guard & Picquet ; I marched as quick as possible & in my way was joined by about Sixty Men Volunters—I took possession of the Entrance of the Street next Mr. Lymbumers, drew up my Men there, & sent a numbr into his house & Mr. Vialars's with orders to keep a constant fireing on the Enemy ; when they found they could not force the Barrier they took to the houses and fired from the Windows where they killed I think about 7 of our Men & wounded severals—in the meantime I ordered the Port hole of the Gun facing the Sou de Matlot to be enlarged & fired it at the house where most seemed to be; soon after some of my people called to them to surrender In the meantime I found that they were like to carry the Barrier & force their way into the Lower Town, on which I sent Mr. Monro to the Govr. to acquaint him & to desire He would annoy them from the upper town or send a party out & we would take them all prisoners; before Mr. Monro readied him a Party went out under Capt. Laws the Engineer, & Major Cox detached Capt. Nairn of the Emigrants with 30 Men to support me & Col. Maclean also sent Capt. Macdougal with 30 more to assist the Officer whose Post was forced—The Governor also sent to acquaint me that a party was gone out at Palace Gate to intercept the Enemys retreat, whenever.they found that those in the rear next Palace Gate laid down their Arms, & those who had forced their way to the Barrier in the Lower Town, finding our Cannon could bear on them, called out also to surrender, were all made prisoners excepted about 20 Men who run over the Ice—I then went out & took possession of the Barrier Gate, & received the Prisoners as sent to me whom I ordered to be conducted to the Main Guard—I think about 360 were taken & about 100 killed & wounded, among them were about 32 Officers—Another Party was sent out at Palace Gate to St. Roc where they took eight Cohorns, & one field Six Pounder mounted on a Slay, & sett fire to the whole of the Suburdbs the Palace not excepted to the great joy of the whole town, as the Enemy now has not shelter nearer than the General Hospital—A glorious day for us, & as compleat a little victory as ever was gained—Nothing extraordinary during the night

 

JAN. 1, 1776

 

Thick weather with Snow, Wind E :, Early this morning the Slain found without the Walls were brought in, & among them was the body of Mr. Montgomery & his Aid de Camp Mr. Macpherson together with his orderly Serjeant & two other attendants who were all killed at the Prêt Ville—Several more deserters came in & among them an Officer— Keept a constant fire all night on the Guard Houses of the Enemy that are in the further houses of St. Boc still standing—All quiet otherways—

 

Moderate & cloudy Weather—Wind W :—Mounted Cape Diamond Guard— We threw a few Shells into St. Roc—every thing else quiet—Small Snow in the night

 

Very moderate and clear Wind W :—Nothing remarkable during the whole of the day

 

Moderate and Cloudy Wind S : W : & thaws—Sent out & brought into town a great quantity of fire wood from the Canotrie—

 

Moderate & Cloudy Wind S: W: & thaws—heard some small Arms at St. Foye which we judged to be the Rebels burying some of their Men who died of their wounds—Gott in more fire-wood—Several of the Rebel Officers were innoculate for the small Pox—Many of the private Men took them in the natural way

 

Moderate & Clear—Wind W: N: W: & frosts—Nothing extraordinary

 

Very fine weather—Wind W:—This day Col: Maclean enlisted 89 of the Prisoners, all from

Britain or Ireland—several Americans offered, but they were refused—three Canadian prisoners taken, going into Mr. Grants Cellar at St. Roc—

 

Cloudy weather & Snow— Wind E :S :E : —Mounted Cape Diamond Guard—Turned clear & had a very good guarded—All quiet—

 

Cloudy & thick Weather—Wind E: great Snow & drift—blows hard—Went out & took some firewood from St. Johns Suburbs—Yesterday Old General Worcester (a half pay Captain in the army) joined the Rebels at St. Foye & took the Command—All quiet—

 

Clear weather & frost—Wind W : N : W:—Employed in clearing the drift Snow from the Ramparts without—& the Guns on the ramparts—All quiet—Several of the Prisoners fell ill of the small Pox

 

Thick Weather & Snow—Wind E : S : E : & drifts hard—fetched in some Wood from St. Roc —All quiet— Sent some Recolletts over to Point Levy with 4 Canadians prisoners who were sett at liberty

 

Clear Weather—Wind W : N : W : blows fresh—Mounted Cape Diamond Guard—Nothing extraordinary—

 

Cloudy & thick Weather with small Snow—Wind N: W: & blows hard wt. drift Snow—A large Party went out & brought in a quantity of firewood from St. Roc—On fireing some of our Cannon to clear the houses, the Rebels flocked in from the Country & formed a great body at the General Hospital, where they threw up an entrenchment in case of our making a Salley—

 

Fine clear Weather wt. hard frost—Wind W: N : W : & moderate—Nothing extraordinary—

 

Cloudy thick weather. Wind E : & blows fresh—drifted very much & was extreemly bleak—

Several of the Rebel Officers & private Men died of their Wounds—All quiet—

 

Fine Clear Weather—Wind W—& moderate—Sent out & fetched into town the Records left in the Vaults of the Intendants Palace—Mounted two 8 Inch Howetsers on the Barbett raised at the Angle next St. Roc—

 

Thick Weather with great fall of Snow—Wind E:—blows fresh & drifts—Mounted Palace Gate Guard—All quiet—

 

Fine Clear Weather—Wind W : & moderate—Sent out to St. Roc & took in a quantity of firewood & hay—fired a Royal Salute for the Queens birth day—The Enemys advanced Guard within 100 Yds. of our advanced Sentinels ; but no Shott fired—

 

Fine clear Weather—Wind W: N: W: & moderate—Cleared the Snow from the Ramparts & Guns—The Rebels burnt the house at St. Roc where the hay was taken out off—

 

Cloudy moderate weather wt. a little Snow—Wind N: W: & cold another party on fatigue to clear the Snow from the Ramparts—The Rebels burnt 9 houses at St. Roc wt. hay & Wood—Three of the Prisoners enlisted wt. Col: Maclane, deserted

 

Fine moderate weather & clear —Wind W: —sent out & gott in fifty Cords of firewood, wh. was divided among the Inhabitants—In the Evening the Rebels burnt four more houses—& a new Schooner the property of Jos. Pappillion

 

Cloudy weather & blows fresh the Wind at E : & drifts hard— Mounted Cape Diamond Guard— Nothing extraordinary—

 

Fine moderate weather, Wind S : W : & warm —sent out a party with one field piece to cover the Slays bringing in wood, — Went within about 100 yds. of the Rebels Guard room— did not exchange a shott—

 

Moderate & Cloudy weather Wind S: W: & Snow— the Enemy burnt about 20 houses at St. Roc— & this day they were observed to go about in Carioles in great Numbers from the General hospital to Beauport & Lorrette— Sent out a party of 50 Men wt. Capt. Laws to lay at St. Roc in expectation the Rebels would sett fire to more of the Vessels—

 

Moderate & clear Weather— Wind W : N : W : — The Enemy .burnt 4 more houses at St. Roc about 10 o'Clock the Gate was opened & we brought in near 40 Cords of Wood— Our party that covered went so near the Rebels guard room that they sent for a reinforcement of 50 Men which was detached from the General Hospital We fired several Guns at both their Guard room, & their party on their march— They burnt Six more houses

 

Cloudy weather & bleak—Wind E but moderate—afternoon blew fresh & drifted All quiet

 

Clear weather & cold—Wind N : W : —Mounted Palace Gate Guard—A Party went out & brought in quantitys of the Wood remaining in the burnt houses with all the Boards, fences &c fitt for firewood they could gett—All quiet—very cold

 

Clear cold weather—Wind W: —very cold—

 

Clear cold weather—Wind W: — it is worth remarking that this morning about 5 o'Clock when the field Officer of the day was going his Rounds, he hailed a Sentry who had not challenged him & was very angry for the Sentrys negligence God bliss Your Honor, replyed the Sentry, I am glad you are come for I am blind— On the Officers examining him he found the Mans Eyes had watered with the severity of the cold & that his eye lids were froze together— his face was tender he durst not rubb them, & the Officer was obliged to carry him to the guard to be thawed—

 

Clear cold weather— Wind W : —& little of it, but very cold—overcast about 12 oClock Wind: E: & blows fresh— The Rebels burnt six large houses at St. Roc—

 

Moderate & cloudy weather —Wind S : S : E wt. a litle Snow— A Party went out to bring in firewood for the Prisoners at the Recolletts— The Rebels burnt most of what remained of St. Roc—

 

FEBY. 1

 

Cloudy weather & Moderate— Wind S: — mounted Cape Diamond Guard— about twelve Yankeys appeared on the heights this forenoon walking on Snow shoes —No shott were fired at them—

 

Clear weather & cold— Wind N : W : — sent out a party at Palace Gate to bring in wood for the Prisoners— All quiet—

 

Clear Cold weather— Wind N: W: — sent out a party at Palace Gate to bring in more wood— exchanged a few Shott with the Rebels, but no accident happened—

 

Clear cold weather— Wind W: — Nothing extraordinary

 

Clear cold weather— Wind N: W: blows hard to drifts— Three more of the prisoners deserted & those prisoners that are recovered from the small Pox returned to the Recolletts—

 

Cloudy clear weather— Wind N: N: W: & blows fresh —Mounted Palace Gate Guard— The Rebels sett fire to two houses in the Suburbs of St. Johns; fired several Canon at them— which prevented them burning more—

 

Cloudy cold weather— Wind N : W : & drifts—nothing extraordinary

 

Fine clear moderate weather— Wind S : W : — a party went out to bring Wood from St. Roc this forenoon severals of the Enemy appeared at their battery. We fired some Shott at them— Two Men attempting to come from the Island of Orleans were intercepted by the Enemy & earryed to Beauport Church— A party of eight Men from ns was sent to assist them, but the distance was too great to reach them in time. Christie born at after 7 oClock. The Rebels appearing 'this forenoon having given the Govr. reason to suspect they had some view of burning St. Johns suburbs a picquet of 60 Men was sent out to prevent them; the Rebels shewed themselves in a great body but did not advance beyond their battery— & the party returned about midnight —

 

Cloudy blustery weather —Wind E & blows hard 1/2 wt. small snow— a great drift all the morning which continued the whole of the day, & all night blew a gale of Wind that the Patrols could not go, & two Men were lost attempting to go—

 

A Very hard gale & drifts severely— Wind E: almost impossible to gett along the streets— both our doors blown up with Snow— nothing happened extraordinary, save being the greatest fall of Snow this season

 

Fine clear weather— Wind W : N : W : Mounted Cape Diamond Guard— this morning an Officer of the Rebels came to the Angle next St. Roc & called to the Sentry that he had letters for the Governor & desired to deliver them— Col: Maclane was made acquainted therewith who immediately came down & told the Person, no letters could be received from him nor any Rebel & desired him to retire— The Officer went off seemingly much disappointed— As the Snow was lavell with the Ramparts at Cape Diamond a party was sent to clear it—

 

Fine clear weather— Wind N : W : & blows fresh—. All the Men in the garrison off duty are ordered on fatigue to clear the Ramparts of Snow— two more of the prisoners who inlisted deserted— A flag of truce was coming in, but a Gun happening to be fired at their Guard house, made the flag return

 

Clear cold weather— Wind N: W: & moderate— a great piece of Ice went away from the mouth St. Charles's River— three more of the prisoners wont away on guard— the Garrison ordered on fatigue to shovel Snow—

 

Fine clear weather & moderate—Wind W— the garrison ordered on fatigue to shovel snow —this evening the Rebels burnt six more houses in the suburbs of St. Johns— fired several Cannon at them— All the garrison dissatisfied that the firewood from these suburbs is not taken into town—

 

Cloudy weather—Wind E: —& blows bleak with some snow the Rebels appeared at their battery— in the Evening they fired one shott into town & sent a party into the suburbs of St. Johns to sett fire to more houses— a large fire seen over at Point Levy, & answered by a Sky racket from the General Hospital— about 10 oClock three of the New inlisted Prisoners knocked down the Sentry behind the barracks, leaped over the Wall & deserted— & in an hour after a parcel of dry fagotts & some combus-tables was fixed under the Stern of the Patro-clus Schooner & fire sett to it; but the Sentinels from the Garrison observing the light, fired some small arms at it & the fellows run off without accomplishing their purpose—

 

Fine clear weather— Wind S: W: & moderate— Mounted Pallace Gate Guard— This day the rest of the Prisoners who had enlisted in our Service, were disarmed & again sent back to prison— they declared they could not complain since several of their companions who had gone off were such as any person would have trusted— they were allowed to keep their Cloaths, are to have all their pay, even while they served the Rebels, & are to be sent to Britain or where they please by the first Vessel in the Spring— This day renewed our Volunteer Picquet, by which two thirds or more are on duty daily & never put off their Cloaths— The Garrison well satisfied & in good Spirits— A few Guns fired & the Rebels Guard house & some Slays passing to & from thence— gott in some large timber for making platforms—

 

Cold clear weather—Wind N : N : W : — & blows fresh—the Volunteer picket mett as ordered —All quiet— No French attended the picket this evening—

 

Fine clear weather —Wind W : & moderate— this evening the Rebels sett fire to the Suburbs of St. Johns, & burnt down the greatest part of them all quiet otherways —No french attended the picket— Cleared the Show from the Ramparts

 

Fine moderate clear weather— Wind W : N : W : — the suburbs of St. Johns still burning— All the flanker Guns in the garrison were scaled too day— Some shott fired at the Rebels when they came out to look at the Garrison while scaling

 

Fine clear weather— Wind S W & moderate— all quiet

 

Cloudy moderate weather— Wind S : S : W : — mounted Cape Diamond Guard— In the morning Port St. Johns was opened & a Picquet of 50 Men & a Captain took post at the furthermost house of the Suburbs, after which all the slays in town were employed to bring the firewood in which was saved from the Ruins— A number of the poor profite the oportunity to gett a supply, & the Governor to secure it sent out a field Officer & 100 Men to remain there for the night— The Rebels fired one Gun in the course of the day, which the garrison soon silenced —The Officers prisoners were rather become troublesome by tampering with the Sentrys & some other indiscreations for which they were given to understand they would be otherways secured if they did not desist— A hole was also cutt in the door of their room & the Sentry ordered to look it every few minutes—

 

22 Clear weather, but bleak— Wind E: S: E: —& blows fresh —The picquet at St. Johns Suburbs were not disturbed in the course of the night— the greatest number & variety of Northern lights perhaps ever seen appear'd about 4 in the morning— Gott in a Great quantity of firewood during the day not a single person was seen at Enemys battery or guard house tho our Sentrys were up within 300yds. of them—

 

Cloudy cold weather— Wind N: W: — but moderate the whole garrison out, — to gett in firewood— An odd medley to see the manner it is brought in— The Enemy have not appeared all the day— severals of our people asked to up & take their battery, but were forbid by the Governors orders—This Evening a deserter came in, One of the reinforcement which came from Montreal— he gave us a good dale of intelligence but the most material was "that the Assault made the 31 of Xer last was known on the Continent & at Montreal ; also that Govr. Tryon had assembled near 3000 Men & had taken post at Jamaica on Long Island, which will probably prevent any reinforcements coming to the Rebels in this Country—

 

Moderate clear weather— Wind W: — nothing extraordinary—

 

Cloudy cool weather— Wind E: S: E : — The Enemy fired five Shott from a Gun behind the heights & out of sight of the Garrison— three of the shott fell short of the Ramparts & two came into the town— the metal seemed to be elevated as they were not point blank— Gott in some wood for the Sailors & Soldiers from St. Johns suburbs— All quiet otherways—

 

Fine moderate weather, Wind S : S : E : & warm —Mounted Palace gate guard— The Rebels appeared in bodies in different parts of the heights, & single persons seemed to reconneiture about Cape Diamond— A Party of 50 of them with their Arms & Nap sales were seen going up the River from Point Levy to cross over— besides the ordinary guard & Picquets, there was a Volunteer picquet of 500 Men to night at the Caseins near Cape Diamond— All the Guns in the flanks were scaled & new load wt. grape & cannister shott—

 

Very fine weather— Wind S: W: & thaws— the Rebels continue to appear in bodies on the heights & near their battery— fired several large Guns at them— All otherways quiet—

 

Moderate weather & heazy—Wind S : W : & thaws— A Canadian came in about 4 oClock this morning from Sorrel— he brought us accounts of General Amhersts arrival at New York with ten thousand troops— that the 100 Slays sent over to Crown Point to bring a reinforcement to the Rebels had returned wt. only 150 Men— That a plott was laid to retake Montreal but that it was discovered & two french Gentlemen principally concerned in it were siezed & sent to Hartford—that the Canadians were beginning to be alarmed, & had thoughts of disarming all the Rebels & bringing them to town prisoners— That the Rebels themselves were in great distress & had hinted their intentions to go off, but that they could not leave their sick behind, & were affraid that the Country people would assemble & destroy them on their march— a very extraordinary reverse of fortune—

 

Cloudy weather— Wind N: W: — blows fresh & freezes— all quiet— The Men off duty employed in clearing the Ramparts of Snow—

 

MARCH 1

 

Clear Weather & cold— Wind W: —all quiet— placed two Sentrys without the Walls over Cape Diamond—

 

Coudy weather with snow— Wind N : W : & cold mounted Cape Diamond Guard— continued the Sentry as. Yesterday without— Observed the Enemy at Beauport in motion & a number of Carioles & Slays to towards the General Hospital— It is suspected they design to make another attack as the Canadians who credited their promises find themselves deceived— which gives us reason to conjecture that they would move off, but are affraid the Country people so misled, would make reprisals—The Volunteer picquet mount now by Orders

 

Fine clear ;weather, Wind W: & moderate three Men from the Emigrants deserted Mounted the Volunteer picquet All quiet otherways

 

Fine clear weather Wind W : & moderate— fired some Guns at some of the Rebels seen lurking among the bushes on the heights— thaws a little— A Shott was fired from the Enemy, but it did not reach the Town— All quiet otherways

 

Cloudy bleak weather—Wind N : E : & freezes a little— This morning the Rebels hoisted a red flag at the ferry Guard house, supposed to be in commemoration of the attempt made by the mob at Boston on the Custom house, when five of the Rioters were killed by the troops— in the Evening hail, & blew very hard

 

Rainy disagreeable weather with Sleet— Wind E : S : E : blows very hard— the streets very slippery— All quiet—

 

Clear cold weather— Wind N: W: — Mounted Palace Gate guard—. The garrison employed in clearing snow from the Ramparts— Got up a look out 30 feet high at Cape Diamond which overlooks all the Country— All quiet—

 

Moderate & cloudy weather— Wind W : S : W : & rather bleak— The Rebels came to Ance de Mer under Cape Diamond & took away some plank, but a party of our Men being sent out, they went off on being fired on— All otherways well— About 9 at night a fireing was heard on the Ice towards the Church of Beauport, & in half an hour two french Inhabitants came to the Sout aux Matelott guard, they were taken in, & immediately carried to the General—

 

Thick snowy weather but moderate— Wind W: N: W: — in the morning the Inhabitants were given to understand that the french Men brought favourable News—Particularly a letter from Govr. Tryon to General Carleton informing of the divided state of the Colonies & that great numbers were declaring for the King— inclosing also duplicates of Genl. Woosters Letters to General Washington with an account of the defeat at Quebec & desiring a reinforcement, together with his answer which was not satisfactory— also that the reinforcement which came over the Lakes finding (themselves disappointed by Quebec not being taken, that they mutinied, & part returned to St. Johns, & others laid down their arms, & difference arising they fired on each other by which severals were wounded & some killed— likewise that they were preparing again to attack this town, for which purpose they were making fasheens, & hauling boards & Plank towards Wolfs cove in order to lay them ready behind the heights— The General in consequence has given orders to have every thing in readiness, & after the 14, every man in the Garrison is to sitt up all night & be together in bodies in different house near the Ramparts— We have also mounted several more Guns in the flanks, & some large Cannon in the Curtains— a party employed in cutting a ditch thro the Ice from Lymburner wharf to Low Water mark—

 

Clear cold weather— Wind N: W & sharp— A party of the Rebels concealed in the ruins of a house under Cape Diamond fired on two Canoes which went for firewood— the fatigueing Party continue cutting the ditch thro' the Ice— about 10 at night one of the Sentry placed without the Ramparts at Cape Diamond observed a party of the Enemy creeping towards him from the Aiu'c de Mor, he immediately called to the other Sentry posted dose to him to see if he could not discover them, which he soon did, on which they retired a little, but before they reached the Sally Port, the Sentry from the Upper Angle called out; On hearing his voice the Enemy separated into small bodies, the town was instantly alarmed by ringing the great bell, & beating to Arms —the Enemy finding us prepared went off without fireing a shott—

 

Fine clear weather —Wind W: S: W: & moderate— all quiet —about 7 in the Evening tryed some of fireworks to light the Ditch—

 

Thick snowy weather— Wind S : E : but moderate— mounted Cape Diamond Guard— All the Garrison employed in shoveling Snow— This Evening a Sailor was catched deserting, & was tryed— several of the Rebels wer seen reconneituring at Cape Diamond, & wer fired on by the Sentrys— All quiet— The British Militia reviewed by the General—

 

Fine clear weather—Wind W : N : W : & frosty All the Garrison employed in shoveling snow—about 10 o'Clock forenoon a party of 12 Sea men were sent out at Cape Diamond to see what the Rebels were doing at the Ance de Mer; On their appearance the Enemy fired on them & then run off ; but some of our Men getting with in reach of ye rear of them, fired & killed three men & wounded one who took shelter behind one of the Shalloops which lay ashore there— the Rebels left behind them their Axes, Adges, some caulking tools, a parcel of their cloathing & some Arms—None of our party were hurt— The Rebel Prisoners were this day moved to the Recolletts Jail—a singular saying of a Sailors to one of them is worth noticing the Prisoner asked the Sailor why they were moved: Why, replyed the Sailor, to make room for more prisoners, as we are going to make another haul in a few days—

 

Thick snowy weather— Wind S : E : & moderate— all quiet —The French Militia reviewed by the General— About 3 o'Clock afternoon a flag of truce came to the Angle next St. Roc, desireing to leave letters for the General; they were asked if they came to implore the Kings Mercy on answering the Negative, they were told they could be treated with on no other footing —On which they retired—

 

Fine clear weather— Wind W: S: W: & thaws— very moderate & warm gott over two Batteaus from Palace Gate to the Cul de Sac— About Noon another flag of truce appeared coming towards the town, even nearer than their advanced Posts; but some person from their Guard was seen to run after & stop them, on which they returned— This Evening two Inhabitants came from the Island of Orleans in a Canoe— The whole Garrison (except such as are for Duty next day) were under Arms all night & are to continue to be together in three different houses to be ready on a minutes warning till further orders— the whole to ly down in their cloaths if they go to rest—

 

Thick cloudy weather— Wind S: E: —with sleet, snow & rain— All the Garrison under Arms from 2 in the morning till day light— Nothing new— The snow goes fast away—

 

Clear weather & moderate— Wind W: Mounted Palace Gate guard —As this was St. Patricks day, it was expected the Rebels would attack the town in hopes that a great number of the Garrison would be drunk; & what confirmed us in our opinion was the junction of a great number of the Enemy at their ordinary rendezvous about a Mile from town— Greatly to the Credite of the Irish, not a man was seen the least in liquor in the garrison— All the Guns in the upper & lower town were scaled & reloaded with Grape & Canister shott— Passed a very quiet Guard—

 

Fine clear weather & warm— Wind S: W: —early this morning the Rebels were seen in bodies retiring to their cantonments again— A Party of our Men went out to examine at some hundred Yards from the Ramparts, & found the tracts of the Enemy on the Snow from Cape Diamond down to Palace Gate —repaired two batteaus ready for launching; one is to carry a six pounder & the other a three pounder brass Guns— The two Inhabitants retturned to the Island of Orleans perfectly satisfied, having their pockets full of New Dollars for the Provisions they sold —All quiet, & passed an agreeable picquet—

 

A heavy Snow— the Wind E :, but moderate— several partys of the Rebels were seen going from Holland house to Wolfs cove, & two of their Sentrys appeared on the heights most of the day— in the afternoon a batteau was seen cross from the Cove to the other side & on it's arrival a Gin was sett up on the Ice but whether to put any thing on board or take any thing on shore we could not distinguish In the Evening the two armed Batteaus were sent up to examine the River side but returned without having seen any thing—

 

Thick cloudy weather with snow— Wind E : but moderate— this morning a few of the Rebels were seen in the suburbs of St. Johns, on which the Picquets turned out, but they did not come near the Ramparts— Nothing extraordinary in the course of the day— & a quiet Picquet all night

 

Clear cold weather— Wind N : N : W : with frost —all quiet—

 

Cloudy weather— Wind W: S: W: & moderate— mounted Cape Diamond Guard— at 10 o'Clock Wind came round to E: S: E: & blew fresh— All this day the Enemy were seen at work on their batteries at Point Levy, a new work raised on the right of that battery formerly made by Genl. Monkton— Our Guns from the Grand & the 9 Gun batterys together with the four 13 Inch Mortars played on them most of the day— In the Evening, Snow & a great drift—

 

Thick weather with a great drift of Snow— Wind E : S : E : & blows fresh —Fired several Shott at the Rebels over the River— they continue to work at their battery— the appearance of the Night gave us reason to expect the Enemy would make an attack, if they had any such design, for which reason all the Garrison were under Arms from three to six o 'Clock in the morning— at which time they were dismissed all being quiet—

 

Cloudy bleak weather— Wind N: N: W & cold— The Rebels were seen at their battery at Point Levy but not working —No alarm either in the day or night—

 

Clear cold weather— Wind N: W: & freezes hard— This morning some Sky rackets were thrown as false signals— & a 13 Inch shell sent over to Point Levy, which seem'd to disconcert the Enemy much, as most of them left their battery & run up into the Village— Fired several more Shells, & some 32 Pounders from the Grand Battery in the afternoon—

 

Clear moderate weather— Wind W: but cold— All the garrison not on duty, employed in shoveling snow —Fired several Shells at the battery over at Point Levy— In the afternoon a body of about 200 of the Enemy were seen parading in the Village—

 

Clear cold weather —Wind N: N: W: & hard frost— mounted Palace gate guard— in the afternoon several bodies of the Rebels were seen going from the General Hospital to Beauport, one of them consisted of 95 Men— They burnt the Seminarys country house there —in the evening three partys of about 25 each were seen to come to their guard house at St. Roc— I sent to acquaint the Governor of this— Passed a quiet guard—

 

Clear cold weather— Wind N: W: & freezes— the Armed Batteaus went up to the Ance de Mer, but returned without seeing any thing—

 

Clear moderate weather— Wind W: & thaws a little— hard frost in the afternoon & the Wind N : — keept a continual fire on the enemys battery from the 9 Gun & grand Batteries of 32 & 42 Pound3rs & the three 13 Inch Mortars till dark —All quiet in the night. —

 

Moderate clear weather— Wind S :E : — & raw— a deserter came into town by Palace Gate, but was so drunk, he could tell nothing ; he was sent to sleep & examine before the Governor next day —St. Johns Gate was open'd to gett in fire wood— several of the Rebel Sentrys came near the Ramparts, & several Guns fired at them but did no mischief—

 

Fine clear weather, Wind N : W : —In the morning the Officer of the Prisoners guard sent to acquaint the Governor that he heard a noise of Axes, hammars., &c in the prisoners appartments— Colonel Maclean went to inquire into the affair, & found they were attempting to breakout, & had actually gott two hinges off one of ye doors, & were possessed of three pickaxes & a number of spare keys ; as the Colonel was reporting this to the General, the Barrack Master went to visite their bedding, firewood, &e, when one of the Prisoners requested to go out & speak with him; he there discovered a plott formed by the prisoners to seize their guard & gett possession of their Arms, then to proceed to St. Johns gate which is near to them, force the guard & gett also possession of them & the Gate, which as soon as they were, the Cannon on that part of the Ramparts were to be turned on the town, fire was to be sett to the houses in the neighborhood & some huzzas given which was to be the signal for the Rebels to advance, & while the garrison was employed in extinguishing the fire, the gate way was to be open'd, & the Enemy let in—To accomplish this, they chose Officers among themselves & had found means to gett one of the prisoners out; who by some means was concealed in town for three nights uneill St. Johns Gate was open'd to get in firewood Yesterday then he escaped among the croud, & this circumstance was made known to those in Prison that very evening; this man was to let Mr. Arnold know their intentions & to be prepared— A few of the prisoners objected to this desperate attempt, but they were compelled to take a part, or be put to death, for which purpose they had gott privately sent to them, four pistoles & some ammunition— This discovery he made to the Governor on being examined —To profite of this opportunity the Governor ordered the whole Garrison under Arms at 2 o'Clock in the morning & to sitt up at their different piequet rooms for the night, & caused erect two Wooden Piles to which fire was to be sett, & to make the remainder of the signals as if the prisoners realy had made the attempt, & this was intended to draw the enemy to assist them, which if they had come to, the matter in dispute must soon have been decided— But the plott did not take, Yet it had a very good effect for they knew not what to make of the Manuvre— The number of Men on the Ramparts surprised me, for I did not know there were so many in the garrison— All were in great spirits, & if the Rebels had come, the greatest part of them must have been cutt— off Two hundred of the prisoners were put in Irons this evening & the remainder will be, so soon as Irons can be made for them— Fired a great many shott at their Battery at Point Levy—

 

APRIL 1

 

Fine clear weather— Wind E : S : E : mounted Cape Diamond Guard— A deserter came in to town who was just arrived, he acquainted the Govenor of Genl. Woosters arrival from Montreal, & that the Rebels had gott a reinforcement of about 300 Men all new recruits, but that the greatest part of them were left sick between this & three Rivers— The Enemy s General came to reconneiture the works this afternoon —keeps a constant fire on the batterys at Point Levy—

 

Fine moderate weather —Wind W : S : W : & thaws a little— several of the Enemy appeared on the heights to reconneiture the works of the town continued to fire on their Works at Point Levy —And gott up a block house without the ramparts at Cape Diamond—All the garrison in great spirits—

 

Cloudy moderate weather— Wind S : E : & thaws —This morning the Rebels open'd their battery & began fireing on the town—We open'd the three new mounted 42 Pounders on the Grand battery & with the five 32 Pounders on the Calabogus battery keept a continual fire on them  since morning— toward Noon it began to rain hard, & continued till night, when it foggy and thick & fireing ceased on both sides—

 

Cloudy weather with small Rain —Wind W: — the Rebels began firing from their Guns & also threw some shells into town, one of which 8 Inches diameter fell in the Lower Town but did not break— A continual fire was keept on them from our two batterys most of the day— For some days past several Sentrys of the Enemy have been seen on the heights behind the town—

 

Clear weather with hard frost— Wind N: N: W: & blows fresh— The Rebels about day light saluted us with some more Shott, & also some Shells, one of which broke in the Air & a small

piece wounded the Hunters Carpenter in the Cheek— but did no other damage we keept up a brisk fire most of the day— The Enemy remained silent till Evening when they fired three Shott more— In the night they burnt all the small Vessels at the Ance de Mer—

 

Cloudy weather —Wind E: S: E: & moderate —mounted Palace Gate guard— Early in the morning Our two batterys began to play on the Rebels at Point Levy— A deserter & a french Man from Montreal came into town —they gave us intelligence of the Enemys intentions of opening two batterys, one on the heights ag'n Cape Diamond and the other at the ferry house of St. Charles river ag'n Palace Gate— Also that two frenchmen from Montreal were discovered & taken at Point Levy with letters from New York to Genl. Carleton, but the letters were destroyed— Further that the parish of South River had rose under their Priest Monsr. Baiee to the number of 50 Men & had marched towards Point Levy in order to take the Rebel party there & bring them to town, but they were discovered & surprised by a large body of the Rebels at Beaumond, five were killed, the Priest dangerously wounded & fourteen of them taken prisoners —the Rebels had six men killed & several wounded; after this affair a Party was sent to apprehend all the Curates of the Lower parishes on both sides of the River— they also mentioned the great sickness which rages amongst them, near one third being down either of the small Pox or fevers ; the general backwardness among the private men to make another attempt on the town, & a total want of Shoes, stokings & almost every other sort of cloathing The Rebels burnt all

 

Cloudy bleak weather with some hail & snow— Wind E: N : E : & very cold —Our batterys fired some shott at the Rebels on their battery at point Levy —in the forenoon they returned a few shott & threw some shells into town but did no damage— All otherways very quiet—

 

Cloudy moderate weather—Wind S : E : & thaws —the Rebels began firing this morning at day light—& most of their shott fell into town without effect—our batterys played some time on them both forenoon & afternoon—but when we ceased firing they sent three shott just in the Evening, one of which came over the Bishops Palace, lighted in the street, & rebounded; after which it went into the end window of Mr. J. Mel-vills house & killed his eldest Son, a child of 7 Years old, warming himself at the stove by his mothers knee—finished the Block house near Cape Diamond—

 

Cloudy weather—Wind S : E : & thaws —the streets running with water & the Snow so soft both within the Walls & without that it is with difficulty we can walk— about Noon a deserter that has the appearance of an officer, came in to town at St. Lewis Grate, he was immediately carried to the General —He confirms what was said by the other deserters, & no more —We fired a good number of Shott at their battery; they only returned a few —which did no damage—

 

Moderate weather & foggy —Wind W: —mounted Palace Guard —This morning about day light a sailor who was taken in one of the "Vessels last fall at Sorrel came down the River in a Canoe & landed at the Prêt Ville guard—he was immediately sent to the Governor— he confirmed what all the former had said, with this addition that the Rebels were fitting out a fire ship to come down & burn the Vessels in the Cul de Sac— In the afternoon we fired several Shott at the ferry house on St. Charles's River, where the Enemy are raising some new Works on the Old Ramparts of the Ridoubt made by the French in 1759—

 

Cloudy weather with some rain —Wind E: & blows fresh —employed in making Platforms for mounting four 24 Pounders near the Hotel Dieu to play on the Enemy works at the ferry house— Nothing extraordinary in the course of the day—

 

Cloudy weather with Snow —Wind S : E : —employed in getting up the block house at Port Lewis— The Rebels fired several Shott in the morning, & also about 2 o'Clock afternoon at the Shipping which damaged some houses but did no other harm We fired a good dale at them— The fire balls at every Angle on the Walls were lighted this night, & we threw several Sky Rackets—

 

Cloudy weather with frost —Wind W: N: W: —The Rebels fired an usual at the Shipping, but we returned none—the Warrant officers & six hands lodge on board the Frigate— the Hunter & the Fell— the Picquet in the lower town ordered to meet at Mr. Harrisons Store, where three 6 Pounders are mounted for the protection of the Shipping— A guard boat is for the future ordered to row round the Wharfs, & a guard is keept on the Kings Wharf— In the afternoon the Enemy fired some more shott at the Vessels on which our officers on the Batterys who were waiting for this keept an unremitting fire on them for three hours, during which time the Rebels fired only ten Shott, one of which hitt the Hunter Sloop but did no other damage —They have been observed working on a new work behind the heights of Abraham all this day —Several of the Prisoners who for their bad behaviour were put in Irons, found means to undo the Rivetts & put in leaden Ones, & as there is great reason to suspect the Enemy have much dependance on the assistance they were to affoard them within the Walls, they are now more strictly watched, & keept closer than formerly —The snow goes fast away, & the River considerably clear of Ice—

 

Fine moderate weather —Wind W : & clear— mounted Palace Gate guard —this morning by day light the Rebels fired a good many shott at the Shipping, but most of them fell short— in the afternoon they fired more & damaged some of the Vessels— We keept them amused from the grand battery, & the Calobagus battery—In the mean time the Enemys battery on the heights opposite St. Lewis's late advances fast —We now & then find some shott at them —As we were given to understand by the Deserters that the New York troops were disgusted with their late bad treatment, & that they intended to leave the Rebel Army too Morrow the 15 to which time they were inlisted by Mr. Montgomery We expected an attack this night, for which purposes every necessary step was taken for their reception; fire balls were hung over the Walls —Sky Rackets were thrown —& the Picquets under Arms as well as the guards all night, but to the great mortification of the whole Garrison not a Man appeared— The Ice on the River goes fast away; As does the Snow in so much that the Ramparts are almost clear —I passed a very quiet Guard—

 

Fine clear weather— Wind W : & very moderate —Early this morning we began firing on the Ferry battery ; As we also did at Point Levy, & the Works on the heights— The Rebels threw many shott into town & damaged the Shipping much —They are hurrying on the Battery on the heights, & we are as much employed in bringing Guns to bear on it, as well as mounting new ones— The Enemys Guard at the General Hospital was heard give three Cheers this morning; the cause is uncertain— Firing as usual from both sides —this afternoon the two Grasehoppers & a short Six pounder were brought to the parade mounted to be ready on an emergency— And one of the Vessels taken last fall by the Rebels broke loose from Carrouge & went past the town, which so much alarmed their party below, that signals often repeated were made from the heights of Abraham & from Point Levy to the party at Orleans —All quiet during the night —

 

Cloudy dull weather —Wind E : N : E : & is very bleak —We began firing first this morning which was returned by the battery at Point Levy— but they only fired one Shott & not another since —In the afternoon several different partys of them were seen marching up the River towards the Mill with the Napsacks on their backs & some Canoes were seen cross the River at Sillery full of Men which makes us conjecture Colonel Clintons Regt. of New Yorkers have not enlisted again—The Evening dark & stormy but no Alarm—The Irons taken off Capt. Morgans Company of Virginians—

 

Cloudy weather but moderate —Wind W:& thaws— the snow which fell last night goes fast away —No Shott from the Rebels battery at Point Levy Nor is that on the heights in any more forwardness— towards evening the Enemy fired some shott from Point Levy but did no damage— Our batterys returned them—

 

Cloudy heazy weather with some snows —Wind W : N : W : & moderate— mounted Palace Gate guard —The Rebels began firing by day light, & both our batteries have keept an unremitting fire on them since At 10 oClock Palace Grate was opened for the Inhabitants to gett firewood & continued till 3 afternoon —About 4 oClock two deserters came in at St. Johns Gate, they were immediately carried to the General— the principal information they gave us was that the New York troops had laid down their Arms, & that those from Pensylvania & the Jerseys with some Canadians had surrounded them & made prisoners of them; on which some lifted their Arms again, called out God Save King George & fired upon the Magazine; this manuvre has obliged the Rebels to confine them in separate houses which has put the whole into great confusion & the reason the Yorkers give for this step, is, that they have been deceived & ill treated, having not received a shilling pay since the 1 Novr. —Last hey also mention the general discontent for want of cloathing & that the Canadians are dissatisfied because they are not paid in money eithor for their work or their supplys of provisions —They also mention their design to burn the Shipping & their intention to open the two now batteries soon passed a very quiet guard, & the Men in great Spirits—

 

Cloudy cold weather— Wind N: W: & freezes hard —he Rebels began firing again at day light— some damage done to the Masts & the rigging of the Ships— Our batteries as usual have keept a good fire on them, which they now & then returned —Sometimes a few shott were fired at the Ferry house of St. Charles's River, wh. retards their intended battery there— In the evening John Buchannan who was taken prisoner— when the Shipping was given up at Sorrel made his escape with a French also a prisoner he informs the General that ye deserter which came in the 9 instant is a Spy— that he was one of Old Woosters principal confidents; that he had accepted of a Captains Commission three days before he came into town ; & that it was rumored in the Eebel Camp that this said person (whose name is Chaucer) engaged to be back in three days & would bring with him a true state of the Garrison both of Men, Guns, Provisions, & Stores, And further that he would see Captain Lamb who had by some means or other contrived to send frequent intelligence to his friends without, & would fix with him on the properest & surest way to attack the town so as to succeed— these two Men are in course well secured— he also assures us that the New York troops are going off in small bodys without their Arms & that he saw first fourteen & then seven pass the house where he was, who told him the rest were allowed to follow in the same way— he also confirmed what the other deserters said that the Enemy were in want of both Money, Provisions & Cloathes & that the Inhabitants were much discontented with them— he further says that the Gaspey is made a fire Ship of, & that twenty thousand Livres had been offered to any person who would bring her down & sett her on fire; that an Accadian had offered to do it for thirty thousand, if paid in Money before— Nothing else material—

 

Cloudy bleak weather —Wind N: W: & blows fresh— Both began firing much about the same time this morning, but the Rebels fired more than usual —We keept a constant fire on the ferry guard house all day, it is now much shattered, & rather dangerous to stay in— it is supposed the Rebels will move their guard —their works on the heights come on slowly —Nothing material the remainder of the day & we passed a very quiet picquet—

 

Fine clear moderate weather— Wind W: & warm— The Rebels fired a few shott first this morning— We returned a great number —We also keept a constant fire on the ferry house & battery all the forenoon— Our new battery behind the Hotell Uieu comes on fast— in the afternoon we fired a great dale —they returned only a few shott— this evenings tide the Armed Vessel Providence was hauled out, & in the night the Ice cutt her Cable & She went adrift near to Sillery, where the Rebels fired at her with great Guns & small Arms, on the turn of the tide She was brought down again & is now at anchor off Drummonds Wharf—

 

Cloudy weather— the Wind E : & blows bleak —mounted Palace Gate guard Early this morning We began firing as usual— the Rebels returned it, & one of their Shott wounded the Bowsprit of the Lizard —They also opened their new battery at the ferry house, & fired a good many shott from it —at Noon the New guards hauled down two thirty two pounders from the Bishops Palace to the Hotell Dieu Battery, & in the Evening we fired them— At Night it snowed fast —The Rebels fired several Shott from their new Battery —About midnight three Canadians came in from Montreal, & brought us news of Arnolds leaving the Rebel Army in disgust; of the Canadians being disposed to take arms & of their discontent by being paid in paper money— that there is 1100 Men on their march under Genl. Thomas to assist the Rebels— All the Garrison under arms too night—

 

Cloudy weather with Snow—Wind S : E : & bleak —Began from the Hotel Dieu & two Gun battery to fire by daylight— We also threw some Shells, & our firing continued till 7 o'Clock— About this time the Rebels sent us five Shott, but three from us stricking their battery they run away & left it about 8 o'Clock— Very little firing in the course of the day —towards evening the armed Schooner moved nearer the Cul de sac— About 10 at night, the Wind at W : N : W : the Rebels threw two Shells from Ryals at Port St. Lewis one of which not bursting made us suspect it was a racket; the Pickets were turned out & all ready in case of an attack; Nothing happened— We passed a quiet night—

 

Cloudy weather & frost— Wind W : N : WT : We began firing by day light this morning both at Point Levy & at the ferry batterys; they returned out, & opened another ambrosure at the ferry —The firing ceased till about 2 o'Clock when the Rebels began from both batterys on which we continued an unremitting fire till evening —Mounted two more 32 prs. behind the Hotel Dieu—

 

Fine pleasant Weather —Wind W: & moderate— The picquet employed as usual in hauling up Guns to the Ramparts— The Rebels began firing from both batterys about 7 o'Clock, on which all our Guns which bore on them were ordered to be fired, this soon silenced them— at Noon Wind, East— This afternoon three of the Prisoners who had inlisted in the Emigrants feigned sick to be sent to the hospital ; they were accordingly sent, & in a few hours after they were overheard proposing a scheme to desert; a party was instantly sent to return them back to Jail, & they were put in Irons— Another of the same who had leave to be out to bake bread, had proposed to his fellow baker to murder the Maid Servant of the house when his Master & Mistress were asleep, then to take what money there was, to stab the Sentry behind the Hotel Dieu, then leap the Wall & desert —but his part ner discovered his views & he was put in Irons —A smart cannonading on each side all the Evening The Ice of the River St. Charles broke up this

 

A heavy rain with fog— Wind E : & very bleak —All silent in the forenoon —The flatts of the River St. Charles quite clear of Ice this tide— In the afternoon a cannonading on each side, the Enemys shott did no damage—

 

Fine clear weather —Wind W : S : W : —mounted Cape Diamond guard —Early this morning "We began firing, which the Rebels answered about 7 o'Clock—Towards Noon We exchanged several more Shott the Snow going fast away —About 2 o'Clock a Captain of the Rebel prisoners, one Thayer a barber at Providence was detected in making his escape; he had cut round the wood work of the look of the door which went up to the garret, & had nearly accomplished it by which the whole of the Officers would have gott to the garret, & as there was plainty of Ropes they would have let one another down out of the reach of our Officers Guard, when he was discovered by one of the Seminary Priests who immediately informed the Governor; An Officer was sent to visite the room & he found the knife in Thayers hand, who made no other excuse than that he wanted to see where the Rebels red flag was hoisted, since it was moved— This was the very thing the Governor wanted to keep from them; Thayer was therefore sent on board the Armed Schooner & ordered to be put in Irons every night —In the Evening one of my Sentrys observed a large fire lighted at Point Levy, I sent directly to acquaint the Governor; he had previously been informed that it was the Enemys fireship coming down & had the great Bell to be rung & the Drum to beat to Arms, but tho it had that appearance to the people in Lower Town, We could observe it distinctly from Cape Diamond, & it turned out only a signal— the Rebels shortly after fired two Guns from Point Levy, this obliged me to have my guard under Arms for two hours, then I turned them in— We passed a quiet night —For the first time the whole (guards of the Garrison paraded on the grand parade & marched past the field Officer of the Day—

 

Fine clear moderate Weather —Wind N: W: & freezes— At day light the Enemy fired four Shott from Point Levy, one wounded the Fell Armed Snows, Trysail Mast, & the other one of the Transports Main Mast —We fired a good dale both from the Grand & Calabogus Batterys; As also from the Hotel Dieu battery at the ferry house —Except some Shott exchanged on each side, nothing material happened in the course of the day, save the sending of Capt. Thayer on board the Armed Vessel—

 

Very fine weather —Wind S: W: & warm— The Enemy fired some Shott from Point Levy; Our batteries immediately opened on them & fired for two hours—One of the Armed Sloops ordered to be fitted out —The partys of fatigue employed in repairing such of the places round the Garrison as are most easy of access— In the Evening the ferry Boat of St. Charles's Eiver came a drift with two Canoes, & were taken up by one of our boats —the Rebels never offered to fire a Shott at our people—All quiet otherways—

 

Cloudy weather & calm— thick fogg with small rain— No firing too day from the Rebels ; & only a few Shott from us— A small party went out at Port St. Lewis so near the Enemys battery on the heights as to hear them speak; We knocked down the few Garden pickets still standing to prevent Our Sentrys at the two blockhouses being surprised from behind them in the night— This forenoon a discovery was made by the Soldiers of the Royal Fuzileers of one of their Men having accepted a bribe from the Rebel Officers to let them escape when he was Sentry— they informed their Officer, who immediately acquainted the Governor— The Man was examined & discovered the whole together with the Officers who gave him the money —Capts. Lockwood and Hanchett were instantly taken to the Main Guard & are since sent on board the Armed Schooner —As the night appeared dark the Governor ordered all the Garrison to the different Picquets—Nothing happened—

 

MAY 1

 

A Snowy morning —Wind N : N : B : & cold —No firing from either side till Noon, when the Rebels fired some shott from the ferry battery which hurted some houses, & we returned them— in the afternoon when the day cleared they fired two Shott from Point Levy, one of them entered the Stern of the Fell Armed Ship & struck a boys leg in the Cabbin short off; also slightly wounded three men by splinters but none of any consequence—They also fired several Shott from the ferry battery —The night being clear & frosty nothing material happened—

 

Cloudy cold morning —Wind N: W: & freezes hard —mounted Palace Gate Guard —The Rebels fired all the morning & most of the forenoon from the ferry battery —Our two batteries also fired on them & several Shells were thrown— In the afternoon a few Shott were exchanged from Point Levy but no material accident happened —As it was a clear night & full Moon, I passed a quiet Guard— A Party went out & fetcht in several of the Enemys ladders from the heights—

 

Clear morning with frost— Wind E : —A Canadian came over from Point Levy— he was by the Generals Orders carried round the Ramparts & in consequence of his repeatedly asking to be keept & not sent back, the General to comply with his desire put him in Irons as he had told many falseties & seemingly with an intention to intimidate the Garrison —Our suspicions proved true, for in the Evening about 1/2 after 8 a brigantine appeared under sail coming directly for the Cul de Sac ; the Garrison (not suspecting any danger from below) apprehend'd She was from Europe & the cry passed thro' the town as such, but the people who had the conducting of this Vessel having chose a wrong time of tide & rather losing that spirit with which so dangerous an attempt should be supported, sett fire to the Vessel before She reached the Shipping about 300 yds. then quitted her; She immediately flew up in the Wind with her head off shore then the tide had the sole command of her & carried her down below the Shipping She instantly broke out in a prodigeous smoak, followed by a great flame, on which all her rigging & sails catched fire & she affoard'd a very pritty prospect while she was floating down the Eiver, every now & then sending up Sky rackets, firing Cannon or bursting of Shells, & so continued till She disappear'd in the Channel— In the mean time when the Garrison was undeceived, the great Bell was rung, the Drums beat too Arms, & in an instant the Ramparts were full of Men & every person at his place of rendezvous as we expected an attack; but as the fireship failed of Success, the Rebels remained quiet, & we passed the night in our usual tranquillity at the Picquets— The Enemy fired some shott from Point Levy during the Exhebition & we fired some at the boats when going off, as well as at the fireship—

 

Cloudy weather & small Rain —Winds S: W: & moderate— little firing on either side —Our people employed in laying platforms at the Windmill by St. Roc from which we can throw small Shells out of the Ryals into the trenches at the ferry— Nothing material passed the remainder of the day—

 

Cloudy cold weather —Wind N : with frosts —The Armed Sloop hawled out of St. Charles river into the Stream— No firing from Point Levy & very few shott from the ferry— In the afternoon we opened the Ryal battery at St. Roc Windmill & threw several Shells into the trenches —New barrier making cross the Passage to Palace gate without, which will greatly strengthen it —Wind W : N : W : & blows fresh—

 

Cloudy cold morning— Wind N : E : & blows a fine gale —About day light a Ship appeared below Point Levy— The Drums immediately beat to Arms & the Alarm bell rung, which in a few minutes brought the whole Garrison to the Grand Parade, save the Gunners who manned the different Batteries, as soon as She came in full view of the town —We fired across her from the grand Battery; She instantly fired three Guns to Leeward & hoisted our Signal, then bore away & anchored before the town it proved to be the Surprise Frigate, Capt. . . Lindsay, & shortly after the Merlin Sloop & Isis, Sr. C: Douglas, arrived— they brought part of the 29 Regt. & a few Marines who were landed directly, & so soon as the Men had eat a little & rested about an hour, all the Garrison were ordered under Arms to go out with the General to the plains of Abraham —the whole instantly gott ready, & four brass field Pieces, Six pounders were sent out with a covering party to take post on the heights, the General followed wt. these few troops, those of the Emigrants, all the British & French Melitia with the Artificers from Halifax making in all about 800 Men, & marched a quick pace till we gained the heights—There we formed, the few of the 29 Regt., the 50 Men of the Royal Fuzileers, & the Emigrants mads the right wing; the British Melitia made the left; the Artificers, French Melitia & all tbe Marines made the Center ; thus disposed we were order'd to advance a quick pace —The Enemy on our appearance abandoned their batteries & their Cannon & made off towards St. Foy & Lorette as fast as they could run, & in great confusion, they did not even make the least stand, only six Sentrys discharged their pieces & run off, & in such a hurry were they, that they threw away their Arms & their Coats, left behind all their stores, Ammonition & provisions & as we hear from the Inhabitants, never rested till they gott to Point aux Tremble 24 Miles from Quebec —In the mean time our little Army (if it can be called such) remained on the Plains till 4 oClock afternoon & sent to town their two Cannon & Howitzer, intended for the Batterie on the height, together with their Gin, all their Shells, Shott & Intrinching tools ; & in the Evening sent a party to Holland house who took what Stores & Ammonition they found there, even Generals Thomas & Wosters dinner which was cooked for them, these two having made off on horse back some hours before, having told the Inhabitants that they received an Express from the Congress ordering them to Montreal to meet a strong reinforcement, then to return to Quebec & take it immediately— their troops were ordered to follow in the best manner they could, but the Generals would not stay to bring them with them —The Surprise Frigate saild up the River Thus ended the remarkable Winters siege of Quebec—

 

Cloudy weather but moderate —Wind N : E : —Mounted Cape Diamond Guard —Two large partys were sent to St. Foy, Sillery and Lorette, also to the Ferry at St. Charles's River— they sent into town 100 bbls. of flour, twenty bbls. of Powder ... 24 Pounders brass Guns, a great quantity of Stores & took a good number of Prisoners, Also most of their scaling ladders, fasheens & every other useful article the Rebels left— in the Afternoon the Surprise took & sent down one of our Armed Schooners which the Rebels took last fall in the River —Our partys also sent to town a great dale of Stores & provisions from Sillery—

 

Cloudy weather— Wind N: E: —A great many prisoners surrendered themselves & came to town —About 8 o'Clock a Ship came in sight & soon after anchored before the town; it proved to be the Niger Frigate from Halifax with the 47 Regt. on board; & in less than an hour the Lord How India Man came up with the 29th Regiment —Barracks are preparing for their reception— No more Extra picquets are mounted & the Regulars took Palace Gate guard —The whole Garrison in great Spirits, & many inhabitants are come too town wth provisions —The accounts received of the Rebel Army are but very indifferent— Rains hard Wind S :W :

 

Cloudy weather & small rain —Wind W : & moderate —As the scene of Action is now removed from this, I close the journal—