bove Quebec itself, right away
to Cap Rouge, where the French had their headquarters, and were
always ready for an assault. This action on the part of the ships
was a very politic one, for it kept the French troops ceaselessly
upon the march and the watch, wearing them out with fatigue; whilst
the English soldiers on board their vessels were at their ease,
save that they were rather uncomfortably crowded.

The long delay was over at last. The weather had improved; Wolfe
had made up his mind as to every detail of the attack; the troops
at Point Levi and on the Isle of Orleans had been instructed as to
the parts they were to play in drawing off the enemy's attention
from the real point of attack.

"I should like to address the men once more," said Wolfe to Julian,
upon a still September morning. "I should like them to take one
last charge from my own lips; perhaps it may be the last I shall
ever give them!"

For Wolfe seemed to have upon his spirit the presentiment of coming
doom. He looked round upon the eager, expectant faces, and his own
kindled with a loving enthusiasm. He had loved these men, and they
loved him. The sight of his tall, gaunt form and thin, white face
evoked cheer after cheer from soldiers and sailors alike. He had to
wait till the tumult subsided before he could speak, and then his
voice rang out clear and trumpet-like as he briefly described to
the listening host the position of affairs and what was expected of
them.

"The enemy's force is now divided, great scarcity prevails in their
camp, and universal discontent among the Canadians. Our troops
below are in readiness to join us, all the light artillery and
tools are embarked at Point Levi, and the troops will land where
the French seem least to expect it. The first body that gets on
shore is to march directly to the enemy and drive them from any
little post they may occupy; the officers must be careful that the
succeeding bodies do not by any mistake fire on those who go before
them. The battalions must form on the upper ground with expedition,
and be ready to charge whatever presents itself. When the artillery
and troops are landed, a corps will be left to secure the landing
place while the rest march on and endeavour to bring the Canadians
and French to a battle. The officers and men will remember what
their country expects of them, and what a determined body of
soldiers, inured to war, is capable of doing against five weak
French battalio