Quebec, 1759: The Siege and the BattleThe capture of Quebec by British forces under James Wolfe in 1759 brought about the ultimate British victory in the contest with France for dominance in North America. Ending the threat presented by France opened the door to the independence on the 13 English colonies some 20 years later, and the brief dramatic battle on the Plains of Abraham outside the walls of Quebec set the course for the future Canada. C.P. Stacey's book has long been regarded as the best on the siege and the battle and the events that preceded them. The drama and significance of the battle, and the lionization of Wolfe, have diverted attention from the pertinent and intriguing questions that the historian must ask, and which Stacey was one of the first and most astute to answer. Who made the plans? When were the critical decisions taken? Why did they succeed and how nearly did they fail? What sort of man was General Wolfe? Was Montcalm a good or better soldier? Stacey's text offers important new evidence and discussion of these and other questions in an approach that is even-handed, knowledgeable and wonderful reading. In this handsome new edition, Stacey's text appears in its entirety. Editor Donald E. Graves has, however, added many new picture essays and maps, as well as new appendices and updated references and bibliography, making this the most complete, attractive and authoritative book available on the subject. |
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... detachment and reconnoitred that area , and Sillery and Cap Rouge across the St. Lawrence . Bell recorded , " General chearful . " Historians , unacquainted with Wolfe's let- ters to Monckton , have not described this day's significant ...
... detachment tho they fired constantly upon Us for two or three hours . I impute this to the dread they had of the English Musket . ... " Another account says , “ though fired at all day , the difference of our arms kept the enemy at too ...
... detachment to the westernmost point of the isle of Orleans , from whence our operations were likely to begin . It was absolutely necessary to possess these two points , and fortify them , because , from either one or the other , the ...
Contents
Charles P Stacey and the Siege | 7 |
Dramatis Personae | 21 |
The Fortress | 43 |
Copyright | |
7 other sections not shown