m the last year, and
giving the same assurance of compensation. At the beginning of the year
the English interest in Canada was in a precarious state. Quebec had
been besieged in the spring, after a battle in which General Murray had
lost a considerable part of his garrison. Fortunately, Lord Colville
(with the English fleet) arrived at a critical time and caused the siege
to be raised.

"The danger being over, and there being no probability of any French
force from Europe, it seemed agreed that all Canada must fall in the
course of the summer. The Massachusetts enlistments went on but slowly.
Only 3,300 of the proposed 5,000 men enlisted, and 700 only remained in
garrison at Louisburg and Nova Scotia." (Hutchinson's History of
Massachusetts Bay, Vol. III., pp. 79, 80.)]

[Footnote 250: Holmes' Annals, Vol. II., pp. 99, 100. Russell's Europe,
Vol. V., Letter 34.

General Amherst, in his orders to the army, dated "Camp before Montreal,
8th September, 1760," announces this great event in the following words:

"The general sees with infinite pleasure the successes which have
crowned the indefatigable efforts of his Majesty's troops and faithful
subjects in North America. The Marquis Vandreuil has capitulated the
troops of France in Canada; they have laid down their arms, and are to
serve no more during the war. The whole country submits to the dominion
of Great Britain. The three armies are entitled to the general's thanks
on this occasion, and he assures them that he will take the first
opportunity of acquainting his Majesty with the zeal and bravery which
have always been exerted by the officers and soldiers of the regular and
provincial troops, and also by his faithful Indian allies. The general
is confident that when the troops are informed that the country is the
King's, they will not disgrace themselves by the least appearance of
inhumanity or unsoldierlike behaviour by taking any plunder; but that
the Canadians, now become British subjects, may feel the good effects of
his Majesty's protection."]

[Footnote 251: Holmes' Annals, Vol. II., p. 113.

There were still troubles on the borders of some of the provinces with
tribes of Indians, but none to excite serious alarm, and hostile Indians
were soon brought to submission. The majority of the high-spirited and
powerful Cherokee nation spurned every offer of peace; but
Lieutenant-Colonel James Grant, in command of the Highlanders and a
provincial regiment raised