empt so daring an enterprize; especially
those of us who belonged to Arnold's corps. We had taken some disgust to
our general, as he was for maintaining more rigid discipline than we
were willing to submit to. But when he stated the great object that
would be gained by getting possession of Quebec, and that it would
probably lead to peace and the acknowledgement of independence, the fire
of patriotism kindled in our breasts, and we resolved to follow wherever
he should lead.

The attempt to storm a place so strongly fortified, I thought was rash
and imprudent, but did not think proper to make any objections, lest I
should be considered wanting in courage. The back side of the town, next
the country, was guarded by a wall from 25 to 40 feet in height and 20
feet thick; this is called the lower town. The upper town is situated
on a rock one hundred feet above this. The ascent from the lower to the
upper town is very steep and strongly fortified with pickets and gates.
The front of the town bordering on the river is almost inaccessable, and
strongly fortified by nature and art. But our heroic General seemed
resolved on victory or death, and no difficulties were too great for him
to encounter. While he was making the necessary preparations for the
assault, the garrison received intelligence of his intention from a
deserter. This circumstance induced him to change the plan of his
attack, which had been, originally, to attack both the upper and lower
towns at the same time. The plan now resolved on was, to divide the army
into four parts, and while two of them, consisting of Canadians under
Major Livingston, and a small party under Major Brown, were to distract
the attention of the garrison by making two feints against the upper
town, at St. Johns and Cape Diamond; the other two, led, the one by
Montgomery in person, and the other by Arnold, were to make real attacks
on opposite sides of the lower town. After gaining possession of the
lower town, it would yet have been extremely difficult to conquer the
obstacles to be surmounted in forcing their way to the upper town; but
as all the wealth of the city would then have been in their power, it
was confidently expected that the inhabitants, to secure their property,
would compel the governor to capitulate.

Between four and five in the morning, the signal was given; and the
several divisions moved to the assault, under a violent storm of snow.
The plan was so well concerted tha