use Point. These two promontories almost enclose
the harbour of Louisbourg; and midway between them is Goat Island,
upon which, in the days of warfare of which we are telling, a
strong battery was placed, so that no enemy's ship could enter the
harbour without being subjected to a murderous crossfire, enough to
disable and sink it.

Within the harbour were a number of French ships, which, in spite
of a feeble attempt at blockade earlier in the year by some English
and American vessels, had succeeded in making their way thither
with an ample supply of provisions for the garrison.

To force an entrance into the harbour was manifestly impossible at
the present juncture of affairs. The only hope lay in effecting a
landing in the larger bay outside, where lay the English fleet; and
the shore had been reconnoitred the previous day with a view of
ascertaining the chances of this.

The report had not been encouraging. The French batteries were well
placed, and were well furnished with cannon. It would be difficult
enough to land. It would be yet more difficult to approach the
citadel itself; but the experienced eyes of Wolfe and others saw
that the only hope lay in an attack from the landward side. The
dangerous craggy shore was its best protection. On land there were
ridges of high ground from which it might be stormed, if only guns
could be carried up. That would be a task of no small danger and
difficulty; but courage and resolution might win the day; and
Amherst was a commander of a different stamp from the hesitating
Abercromby, who was at that very time mustering his troops with a
view to the attack upon Ticonderoga.

"It is a fine fortress," said Wolfe to Julian, as they stood
surveying the place from the raised deck of the vessel. "You cannot
see much from here; the distance is too great. But they have
batteries well posted on every height all along the bay; and as for
the fortress and citadel, I have seldom seen such workmanship. Its
bastions, ramparts, and glacis are a marvel of engineering. It may
well be called the Dunkirk of the Western world. It will be a hard
nut to crack; but I never believe there is a fortress which English
valour cannot suffice to take!"

The resolution to land the troops once made, arrangements were
speedily set in order. There were three places along the bay where
it might he possible to effect a landing--White Point, Flat Point,
and Freshwater Cove--all on the west of the town. To th