IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 7 e *- ^ 1.0 1.1 itt 122 12.2 1^ |i° 12.0 41 ' 6" ^ X V % // !_• Sdehces CcfrparatiQii 33 wnT MAM STRUT WIMTIR.N.Y. USM (ri*)t73-4M3 ^^ ^*^ ^V^ 4p> 4^^ w CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Inttituta for Historical IMicroraproductions / inttitut Canadian da microraproductions hittoriquas e Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques The Institute hes attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibiiographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. L'Institut a microfilm* ie meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a 6t* possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-Atre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la mAthode normale de fiimage sont indiquAs cl-dessous. • Coloured covers/ Couverture de couleur Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur 1 Covers damaged/ Couverture endommagAe Pages damaged/ Pages endammagAes 1 Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaurte et/ou pelliculAe Pages restored and/or laminated/ Pages restaurtes et/ou pelliculAes Cover title missing/ Le titre de couverture manque • ^1 Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ Pages dAcolortes, tacheties ou piquAes L.— Coloured maps/ Cartes gAographiques en couleur Pages detached/ Pages ditachtes L_ Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) 7 Showthrough/ Transparence 1 Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur ^^ Quality of print varies/ Qualit* InAgale de I'impression v/ Bound with other material/ ReilA avec d'autres documents ^^ includes supplementary material/ Comprend du matAriel supplimentaire Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along Interior margin/ — Only edition available/ Seule MMon disponible Ths tot Ths pos oft filnr Orii befl the sioi oth firs sioi ori Thi she TIN whi Mai diff enti beg rigr req( met D D La re liure serrAe peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distortion le long de la marge intirieure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ li se peut que certaines pages blanches aJoutAes lors d'une restauration apparaisaent dans le texte, male, iorsque cela Atait possible, ces pages n'ont pas 6t« filmies. Additional comments:/ Commentaires suppl4mentaires: D Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been ref limed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totaiement ou partiellement obscuroies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure. etc., ont 4t4 fllmAes i nouveau de fa^on i obtenlr la meilleure image possible. This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce dooument est filmA au taux de rAduction indlqu4 oi-deaaoua 10X 14X 18X SX 28X 30X A 12X 1SX 20X a4x 2BX 32X "^'iiami^^p' The copy filmed hero has boon reproduced thanks to the generosity of: La Bibliothdque de la Ville da Montreal L'exemplaire film* f ut reproduit grflce A la g6nArositt de: La Bibliothdque de la ViMe de Montreal The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in Iceeping with the filming contract specifications. Les Images suivantes ont tt^ reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et de la nettett de I'exempiaire filmA, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated Impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or Illustrated Impression. Les exemplaires orlginaux dont la couverture en papier est imprimte sont filmte en commenpant par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la dernlAre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second plat, salon le cas. Tous las autres exemplaires orlginaux sont fllmte en commengant par la premiere page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernlAre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol — ^> (meaning "CON- TINUED "). or the jymbol y (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Un des symboles suivants apparattra sur la dernlAre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbols — ► signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbols ▼ signifie "FIN". IMaps, plates, cherts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre filmte A des taux de rMuction diff Arents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul clich*. 11 est film* i partir de Tangle sup^rieur gauche, de gauche i droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 m %. }■ ' ■ r ' >' t u ^t ■- 1 ,,;i i 1 u I 1 ■ 11 l| £'^■1 1 SIEGE OF QUEBEC, IN It 5 9. Translated from the French, NARRATIVE of the doings during the Siege op Quebec, and the conquest of Canada ; by a Nun of the General Hospital of Quebec, trans- mitted to a religious Community of the same order, in France. My very reverend Mothers, As our constitution requires us to consult the other establishments of our Congregation, in any difficul- ties that may occur, tending to impede the progress of our holy Institution, it must also give you the same power, 1 imagine, when necessary to promote our edification. The simple narration, which I am about to give you, of what passed since the year 1755, when the English determined to use every effort to acquire this colony ; i '.I U I readily agreed so to do ; being desirous of rendering service, and zealously fulfilling the duties of our calling, the Sisters lost no time in entering upon the sacred work. His Majesty, attentive to the wants of his subjects, and being informed of the preparations making by the English, did not fail to forward suc- cour to the country, consisting in numerous vessels, laden with munitions of war and provisions, of which we were entirely destitute ; and several regiments, who landed in a deplorable state, unfit for service, a great many men having died soon after. They were suffering from malignant fever. All the sick, officers and privates, were conveyed to our hospital, which was insufficient to contain them ; we were therefore compelled to fill most parts of the building, even to the church, having obtained the permission of the late bishop Pontbriand, our illustrious prelate. His great zeal and charity, all must readily acknowledge, being desirous of partaking in the labours of the Al- moners, passing days and nights in ministering to the sick and dying ; exposing his life in the midst of infection, which contributed materially to aff*ect his health and to abridge his days. He had the misfor- tune to lose four of his Almoners, who perished in a few days from the pestilential infection they inhaled in their attendance upon the sick. He ministered to them himself, and his charitable attentions were readily bestowed upon his flock generally. The heavy duties with which we were charged, seemed to touch his noble heart ; the loss of ten of our youngest Nuns affected him most sensibly. In their last moments they were not without consolation, con- scious of having done their duty. They prayed that God would be pleased to receive them as acceptable victims in appeasing his wroth ; but this was only a small portion of the bitter cup of affliction prepared 3 b I for us. The loss deprived us of the power to attend to all the calls upon us, arising from our numerous patients. The bishop caused ten Nuns to come to our assistance from the Hotel Dieu of Quebec ; who, full of a sense of their duly, really edified us by their exertions, and indefatigable zeal, in attending day and night upon the sick. Our gratitude towards their com- munity increased from day to day. The poverty of our establishment did not admit of our assisting them in their distress as we desired, their house having been destroyed by fire. Let us now, dear Mothers, endeavor to give you some details of a war and captivity, which oar sins have drawn upon us. Heaven, so far favor- able to our supplications, preserved us on several occasions. The most holy Virgin, patroness of this country, having baffled the efforts of the enemy enabled our vessels to escape their vigilance, and the tempests and storms of the ocean. But alas ! want of sufficient gratitude, deprived us of a continuation of her protection. Still, during the first attacks of our enemy, we continued to enjoy it ; every where they appeared, they were beaten and repulsed with considerable loss. The taking of t o^ Fort St, George and several others, of which they were deprived, are proofs. The victories we obtained at Belle Rividre and at Carillon, were most glorious ; our warriors returned crowned with laurel?. They probably, did not return thanks to the God of armies, to whom they were indebted for success, as it was miraculous ; their small numbers, without heavenly aid, could not so completely have accomplished it. Thereupon, the enemy, despairing of vanquishing us, ij-li^if f \ Fort Cliouagen probably. . ) i 'I' A ^\ .1 iff ^J: I'M t ashamed to retreat, determined to fit out a formi- dable fleet, armed with all the artillery that the infernal regions could supply for the destruction of humciu kind. They displayed the British flag in the harbour of Quebec on the 26th June, 1759. On the receipt of intelligence of their arrival, our troops and militia came down from above. Our Generals left garrisons in the advanced posts, of which there is a great number above Montreal, in order to prevent the junction of their land forces, which it was understood were on the march, Our Generals did not fail to occupy most points where the enemy might land ; but they could not guard them all. The sickness suff'ered by our troops, lately from France, and the losses they sustained in two or three recent actions with the enemy, though victorious, weakened us considerably ; and it became necessary to abandon Point Levi, directly opposite to and commanding Quebec. The enemy soon occupied it and constructed their bat- teries ; which commenced firing on the 24th July, in a manner to excite the greatest alarm in our unfor- tunate Communities of religious ladies. The reverend Mother Saint Helen, Superior of the Hospital, wrote to us the same day, supplicating admission into our House, for herself and her Sisters. Although we could not doubt that our building would be speedily filled with with wounded from the siege, we received our dear Sisters with open arms. The tears which we shed and the tenderness exhi- bited towards them made it evident that we were happy to share with them the little comfort that re- mained to us. We surrendered the rooms to them, and confined ourselves to our dormitories. We were not long before another dislodgement took place. Next day at six o'clock in the evening, we beheld 11 in our meadows the reverend ladies of the Ursulinc Convent, who seized with fright, occasioned by the shot and shells, which had penetrated the walls of their dwelling, were hurrying towards our asylum. It became necessary to find place for upwards of thirty Sisters, who were received with no less tenderness and affection than was exhibited to the ladies of the Hospital. It now became necessary to ascertain how we should accommodate ourselves. On the arrival of the English fleet, all the families of distinction, merchants, &.C. c ' pable of maintaining themselves, were removed to Three Rivers and Montreal, thereby relieving the garrison during the seige. Several members of our families and others whom we could not refuse, sought shelter with us, being at hand to succour their husbands and sons who were wounded. As our house was beyond the range of the enemy's artillery, the poor people of the city did not fail to seek refuge there. All the out-houses, stables, barns, garrets &c. were well filled. The only consolation we enjoyed was that of daily seeing our Bishop, tho' in a dying state, exhorting and encouraging us not to relax in our good works. He was induced to retire from his capital, his palace and cathedral being reduced to ashes. He would not quit his flock while any hope remained of saving tbem ; he lived with the curate of Charlesbourghj three miles from Quebec. He permitted the several Almoners to celebrate Mass in our Choir, the Church being occupied by the wounded. Most people of the neighbourhood assisted at Mass, so that we were extremely crowded. It was consolatory to us, that we were enabled to have divine service during the ^i^ 6 if ''A - . li u ^dh sicj^o, without interfering with the attentions to the sick and wounded. The only rest we partook of, was during prayers, and still it was not without inter- ruption from the noise of shells and shot, dreading every moment that they would be directed towards us. The red-hot shot and carcasses terrified those who attended the sick during the night. They had the affliction of witnessing the destruction of the houses of the citizens, many of our connexions being immediately interested therein. During one night, upwards of fifty of the best houses in the Lower Town were destroyed. The vaults contain- ing merchandise and many precious articles, did not escape the effects of the artillery. During this dread- ful conflagration, we could offer nothing but our tears and prayers at the foot of the altar at such moments as could be snatched from the necessary attention to the wounded. k;^ ! Hi.' ''i.'S-!i \i! iif In addition to these misfortunes, we had to contend with more than one enemy ; famine, at all times inse- parable from war, threatened to reduce us to the last extremity ; upwards of six hundred persons in our building and vicinity, partaking of our small means of subsistence, supplied from the government stores, which were likely soon to be short of what was re- quired for the troops. In the midst of this desolation, the Almighty, disposed to humble us, and to deprive us of our substance, which we had probably amassed contrary to his will, and with too great avidity, still mercifully preserved our lives, which were daily pe- riled, from the present state of the country. Our enemy, informed of our destitute condition, was satisfied with battering our walls, despairing of vanquishing us, except by starvation. The river , !'i Wa. } was the only obstruction we could oppose to the enemy ; it likewise interfered to prevent our attack- ing them. They remaind long under our eyes, medi- tating a descent; finally they determined upon landing at Beauport. Our army, always on the alert, being apprised by the advanced guard, immediately rushed to the spot, with that ardour natural to the French nation, without calculating upon the many causes likely to wrest the victory from their grasp. The enemy, more cautious in their proceedings, on observing our aimy, hesitated in landing all their forces. We drove them from our redoubts, of which they had obtained possession. They became over- whelmed, and left the field strewed with killed and wounded. This action alone, had it been properly managed, would have finally relieved us from their invasion. We must not, however, attribute the mis- management solely to our Generals ; the Indian tribes, often essential to our support, became preju- dicial to us on this occasion. Their hideous yells of defiance tended to intimidate our foes, who instead of meeting the onset,to which thay had exposed themselves, precipitately retreated to their boats, and left us masters of the field. We charitably conveyed their wounded to our hospital, notwithstanding the fury and rage of the Indians, who, according their cruel custom, sought to scalp them. Our army continued constantly ready to oppose the enemy. They dared not attempt a second landing ; but ashamed of inaction, they took to burning the country places. Under shelter of darkness, they moved their vessels about seven or eight leagues above Quebec. There they captured a great number of prisoners, including women and children, who had taken refuge in that f|uarter. There again they experienced the valour ■r "lis i 1 'r'l w ■: I'l •1 III !] I 'I PI?' ' 'r » • ,31 • 1 I It 8 of a small garrison of invalides, commanded by an officer, having one arm only, placed there in charge of military stores. The enemy, after a severe strug- gle, succeeded in capturing them. After remaining in vain nearly three months at anchor in the Port, they appeared disposed to retire, despairing of success ; but the Almighty, whose in- tentions are beyond our penetration, and always just, having resolved to subdue us, inpired the English Commander with the idea of making another attempt before his departure, which was done by surprise during the night. It was the intention, that night, to send supplies to a body of troops forming an outpost on the heights near Quebec. A miserable deserter gave the information to the enemy, and persuaded them that it would be easy to surprise us, and pass their boats by using our countersign. They profited by the information, and the treasonable scheme suc- ceeded. They landed on giving the password ; the officer detected the deceit, but too late. He de- fended his post bravely with his small band, and was wounded. By this plan the enemy found themselves on the heights near the city. General De Montcalm, without loss of time, marched at the head of his army ; but having to proceed about half a league, the enemy, had time to bring up their artillery, and to form for the reception of the French. Our leading batallions did not wait the arrival and formation of the other forces to support them, they rushed with their usual impetuosity on their enemies and killed a great num- ber ; but they were soon overcome by the artillery. They lost their General and a great number of officers. Our loss was not equal to that of the enemy ; but it was not the less serious. General § It is the momorable battle of the 13th September, 1759, which took place on the Plains of Abraham, that is alluded to. The Official account of the English loss on this occasion, is as follows : Officers, Serjeants and privates killed .• • 61 Officers, Serjeants, Drummers and privates wounded. 598 Soldiers missing ••• • • ^ Total 664 After the battle, several French officers admitted their loss amounted to nearly 1 .100 men, killed, woii.ided and prisoners. B De Montcalm and his principal officers fell on the occasion. § Several officers of the Canadian Militia, fathers of families, shared the same fate. We witnessed the carnage from our windows. It was in such a scene that charity triumphed, and caused us to forget self- preservation and the danger we were exposed to, in the immediate presence of the enemy. We were in the midst of tKe dead and the dying, who were brought in to us by hundreds, many of them our close connexions ; it was necessary to smother our griefs and exert ourselves to relieve them. Loaded with the inmates of three convents, and all the inhabitants of the neighbouring suburbs, which the approach of the enemy caused to fly in this direction, you may judge of our terror and confusion. The enemy masters of the field, and within a few paces of our house. Exposed to the fury of the soldiers, we had reason to dread the worst. It was then that we experienced the truth of the words of holy writ : " he who places his trust in the Lord has nothing to fear." But tho' not wanting in faith or hope, the approach of night greatly added to our fears. The three sisterhoods, with the exception of those who were dispersed over the house, prostrated themselves at '4A' ^1,.. 10 •I ..I u i B the foot of the altar, to implore Divine mercy. The silence and consternation which prevailed, was sud- denly interrupted by loud and repeated knocks at our doors. Two young Nuns, who were carrying broth to the sick, unavoidably happened to be near when the door was opened. The palor and fright which overcame them, touched the officer, and he prevented the guard from entering ; he demanded the appearance of the Superiors, and desired them to assure us of protection ; he said that part of the English force would entour and take possession of the house, apprehending that our army, which was not distant, might return and attack them, in their intrenchments ; — which would certainly have taken place had our troops been enabled to reassemble before the capitulation. Soon after we saw their army drawn up under our windows. The loss we had sustained the day before led us to fear, with reason, that our fate was decided, our people being unable to rally. General De L6vi, second in com- mand, who became chief on the death of De Mont- calm, had set out, some days previous, with about 3000 men, to re-inforce the upper posts, which were daily harassed by the enemy. The loss wo had just sustained, and the departure of that force, determined the Marquis De Vaudreuil, Governor General of the Colony, to abandon Que- bec, being no longer able to retain it. The enemy having formed their entrenchments and their Camp, near the principal gate ; their fleet commanding the Port, it was impossible to convey succour to the gar- rison. Mr. De Ramsay, who commanded, with a feeble garrison, without provisions or munitions, held out to the last extremity. II The principal inhabitants represented to him that they had readily sacrificed their property, but with regard to their wives and children, they could not make up their minds to witness their massacre, in the event of the place being stormed ; it was therefore necessary to determine on capitulation. The English readily accorded the articles de- manded, religious toleration and civil advantages for the inhabitants. Happy in having acquired possession of a country, in which they had on several previous occasions failed, they were the most moderate of conquerors. We could not, without injustice, com- plain of the manner in which they treated us. How- ever, their good treatment has not yet dried our tears. We do not shed them as did the good Hebrews near the waters of Babylon, we are still in the land of pro- mise ; but our canticles will not again be heard until we can shake off this medley of nations, and until our temples are re-established ; then we will celebrate, with the utmost gratitude, the merciful bounty of the Lord. After the capitulation of Quebec, all that remained of the families of distinction followed the French army to Montreal. His lordship the Bishop, having no place to dwell in, was compelled to follow their example. Before his departure, he made all neces- sary arrangements in his Diocese ; he appointed Mr. Briand Vicar General, who is justly considered a godly man, and of such established merit, that our enemies could not withhold their approbation, and, I may say, their veneration of him. He maintained his rights and those of his curates, in such a manner as to meet with no obstacles from the En- glish. The Vicar selected our house for his resi- mm i^^ n , '♦^ ^^ W^^ P*;; 12 dence ; beholding us charged with an infinite number of people, without resources, exposed to many evils, — he did not consider Us safe but under his own eyes. He was not mistaken ; and, in the end, we were much indebted to him. The reduction of Quebec, on the 18th September, 1759, produced no tranquillity for us, but rather increased our labours. The English Generals came to our Hospital and assured us of their protection, and at the same time, required us to take charge of their wounded and sick. Although we were near the seat of war, our esta- blishment had nothing to fear, as the well understood rights of nations protected Hospitals so situated, still ihey obliged us to lodge a guard of thirty men, and it was necessary to prepare food and bedding for them. On being relieved they carried off many of the blan- kets, &c. the officer taking no measures to prevent them. Our greatest misfortune was to hear their talking during divine service. The Sisters from the other Convents determined to return to their former dwellings. It was very painful for us to part with them. Their long resi- dence with us, and the esteem and affection created thereby caused our separation to be most sensibly felt. The Revd. Mother St. Helen, Superior, ob- serving us overwhelmed with work, which was daily augmenting, left us twelve of her dear Sisters, who were a great relief to us. Two of the Ursuline Sisters were too weak to be removed, and tkey termi- nated their days with us. The fatigues and sickness they endured, with much patience and resignation, merited I trust, an eternal reward. The departure of : I' 13 the dear Sisters, gave us no additional space, as it became necessary to place the sick of the English army in the same apartments. Let us now return to the French. Our Generals not finding their force sufficient to undertake the reco- very of their losses, proceeded to the construction of a Fort, about five leagues above Quebec, and left a garrison therein, capable of checking the enemy from penetrating into the country. They did not remain inactive, but were constantly on the alert, harassing the enemy. The English were not safe beyond the gates of Quebec. General Murray the commander of the place, on several occasions was near being made a prisoner ; and would not have escaped if our peo- ple had been faithful. Prisoners were frequently made, which so irritated the Commander, that he sent out detachments to pillage and burn the habita- tions of the country people. The desire to recover the country and to acquire glory, was attended with great loss to our citizens. We heard of nothing but combats throughout the winter ; the severity of the season had not the effect of making them lay down their arms. Wherever the enemy was observed, they were pursued without relaxation ; which caused them to remark, " that they had never known a people more attached and faithful to their sovereign than the Canadians." The English did not fail to require the oath of allegiance to their King ; but, notwithstanding this forced obligation, which our people did not consider themselves bound to observe, they joined the flying camps of the French, whenever an opportunity offered. i I m^ .Ml/ ■! !■ -' m H The French forces did not spare the inhabitants of the country ; they lived freely at the expense of those unfortunate people. We suffered considerable loss in a Seigneurie which we possessed below Que- bec. The officer commanding seized on all our cattle, which were numerous, and wheat to subsist his troops. The purveyor rendered us no account of such seizures. Notwithstanding this loss, we were compelled to maintain upwards of three hundred wounded, sent to us after the battle of the 13ih September. The stores of the French government, now in the possession of the English, being exhausted, we were therefore obliged to have recourse to the enemy. They gave us flour and clothing. But how little suited was it for Qur unfortunate wounded ! We had no wine nor other comforts to afford them, Drained long since by the great numbers, nothing remained but good will. This however did not satisfy them. Our officers represented to the English commander that they were not accustomed to be treated in that manner by the King of France, The Commander, piqued by this reproach, attached the blame to us, and required us to make a statement of what was necessary for the relief of ♦here gentlemen, and then caused us to pay for it. We flattered ourselves that the French government, more just, would be proud to reimburse all our extra expenses, which were unavoidable at this time. The desire to obtain our rights and recover the country, induced us to do our utmost in support of the cause. : As we had in our Hospital many French soldiers of the garrison of Quebec, and of the sufferers in the action of the 13th, they implored us, when their j.'i 15 we were strength was re-established, to allow them to fly and join the army ; we readily agreed to it, and furnished them with clothing and provisions, to enable them to accomplish their object, which drew upon us the most severe reproaches and menaces from the enemy. They threatened to allow us to die from starvation. As our house was still full of sick, the Grand Vicar, who attended closely to our welfare, removed several of the Almoners, who contributed to embarrass us, from the scarcity of provisions. He and the reverend Mr. De Rigauville, our Chaplain, administered to the sick, and attended them in their last moments, night and day. We have at this time upwards of two hundred English, who occupy our dining rooms and dormito- ries ; and as many French, in our infirmaries, leaving us merely one small room to retire into. There as- sembled, and left to our reflections, we anticipated the worst. All communication with our friends being interrupted, we knew not what was passing in the up- per parts. Our enemies, better informed, announced the approach of our army ; the measures they adopted, and the additional fortifications they con- structed in Quebec, supported by a strong garrison, caused us to dread the result of the struggle. On our side we had false prophets ; women painting in their imaginations seiges, without mortars or cannon ; the town taken by assault. Nothing more was required to stir and animate those who were eager for the fray. As soon as the season appeared suitable for cam- paigning, our army followed the ice, scantily provided with provisions, and still less with artillery suited for ' K, •!• . ,(■ 16 a siege \k 1 Our Generals did not doubt the valour of the troops ; but they only flattered themselves with the prospect of success, in the event of the arrival of succour from France. In the expectation of their arrival, our army commenced their march ; they arrived near Quebec on the 26th April. The 27th was employed in landing the few guns brought from Montreal. An artilleryman in landing, fell on a loose piece of ice, which floated him directly opposite to the city. The extraordinary conveyance attracted the attention of the sentinels ; they notified the Commander, who immediately sent relief to the artilleryman. He was brought before the Comman- der, and questioned. The poor man, seized with fright, after his dangerous escape, was quite unpre- pared for evasion ; he candidly acknowledged that he was one of the French army, who were within two leagues of Quebec. He related how he had been transported down the river against his will. So far the march of the army had been secret. The secret being now developed, it appeared to us a bad omen ; an event governed by a power beyond our reach or opposition. The English Commander, General Murray, informed by this means, lost not a moment. He immediately withdrew a strong ad- vanced post, stationed about a league from Quebec, with their cannon, and blew up the Church of St. Foy, which had served as a shelter for the troops ; after which he summoned a council of war, and appeared to be alone of opinion that it was expedient to march out with a considerable portion of the garrison, and take up a strong position, establish his batteries, and there meet the enemy. This proposal did not meet with the sanction of the majority ; but, .^ notwithstanding, he carried it into execution. m 17 i'.-i Our army, ignorant of the information accidentally obtained by the garrison, continued their march. During the night of the 27th and 28th it rained inces- santly. The heavens appeared to contend against us. The thunder and lightning, very rare at this season, seemed to be the forerunner of the shock to which our forces were about to be exposed. The rain falling in torrents, and the roads rendered im- practicable by the melting of the snow, prevented their marching in good order. General De Bourg- lamarque, second in command, at the head of the leading battalions, came in sight of the enemy before forming his men. The enemy's artillery lost no time in opening a destructive fire upon them, which placed many hors de combat. The General was wounded and forced to retire. The main body of our troops, marines and militia, better acquainted with the roads, arrived in time to support a regiment, which was near being cut to pieces, rather than retreat. The action then became most furious and general. The En- glish having had the choice of position, possessed considerable advantage. Our army did not expect to find their foes drawn up in order of battle ; they were consequently compelled to halt, and not finding the ground suitable for extending their line?, the first divisions had to bear the brunt of the fire. The main struggle took place near Quebec, on a height opposite our house. Not a shot was fired which did not resound in our ears. Judge, if possible, what must have been our situation ; the interest of our country, and oar close connections were amongst the comba- tants, producing a state of anguish it is impossible to paint. The Grand Vicar, at present our Bishop, who suffered equally with us, exhorted us to bear the shock with resignation and sul)mission to the decrees of the Almighty ; after which he retired to the church, ' it; 'I..:! •'.f. tivl 18 i^ penetrated with the deepest affliction, and threw him- self at the foot of the altar, where he poured forth his prayers, imploring with confidence that the divine ruler of events would be pleased to stay the deadly conflict, and spare the flock confided to his care. He then arose full of hope, in order to proceed to the field of battle, notwithstanding our remonstrances, which were not urged without reason, as he must be exposed to great danger. He was induced 'to proceed to the field, because he apprehended that there were not a sufficient number of clergy on the spot to minis- ter to the dying, who he believed were very numerous. I I. t ■i : ..* Mr. De Rigauville, our Chaplain, full of zeal, was desirous of following the Grand Vicar. He was not without anxiety, his only brother, and several of his nearest connections being in the army. He had the satisfaction of seeing the enemy turn their backs and fly. The engagement lasted two hours. The intre- pidity and valour of the French and Canadians drove the enemy from their strong position, and followed them up under the guns of the city. We remained masters of the field, and of their cannon, and made many prisoners. The enemy retired within the walls, and dared not again venture out. The victory, how- ever, was dearly bought, and caused many tears to flow. M. De L6vi, on approaching Quebec, assembled a council ; it was proposed to blow up our house, fear- ing that it might be a rallying point for the enemy. But God was pleased to spare us and them ; he opened their eyes, and convinced them that it was most essential to their purposes. The French com- mander directed us to dismiss all persons who had isyi were very . 19 taken refuge in our establishment, as he looked to us as the only persons capable of taking charge of the wounded during the siege, about to be commenced. We did not fail to answer, that we would proceed to empty our house, with the exception of two hundred English sick, which it was not in our power to re- move ; but in other respects we were always ready to second his intentions, and to render all the service in our power. After the battle he sent us an officer with a French guard, which however, did not free us from the English guard. It became necessary to find room for them. But this was but the prelude to what was yet to happen. It would require another pen than mine to depict the horrors which we were compelled to witness, during twenty-four hours, which were occu- pied in the reception of the wounded ; their cries and the lamentations of their friends were truly heart- rending. It required supernatural strength to bear such scenes. After having prepared upwards of five hundred beds, which were procured from the public stores, as many more were required. — Our stables and barns, were filled with these unfortunate men. It was very difficult to find *ime to attend to all. We had in our Infirmaries seventy-two officers, thirty-three of whom died. We saw nothing but amputation of legs and arms. To crown our distress there was a deficiency of linen ; we were under the necessity of giving our sheets and our body-linen. The French army did not fail to provide that article, but unfortunately, the vessel conveying their stores from Montreal was captured by the English. If-;: 'i= M 1 H. i i f ■| ir i^ ' Al' w W' <» i ^' .yf em m .1 m m :i 1 1 1 i 1 m i ■m ■ 20 In this instance we were differently situated from what we were after the battle of the 13th September ; we could not expect assistance from the religious ladies of the city ; the English had taken possession of their establishments for the reception of their wounded, who were more numerous than the French. About twenty officers of the English army, who were left wounded on the field, were also brought to us. Reverend Mothers, — as I give you this account, merely from memory, of what passed under our eyes, and with a view to afford you the satisfaction of know- ing that we sustained with fortitude and in an edify- ing manner the painful duties, imposed upon us by our vocation ; I will not undertake to relate to you all the particulars of the surrender of the country. I could do it but imperfectly, and from hearsay. I will merely say that the majority of the Canadians were disposed to perish rather than surrender ; and that the small number of troops remaining were deficient of ammunition and provisions, and only surrendered in order to save the lives of the women and children, who are likely to be exposed to the greatest peril where towns are carried by assault. Alas ! Dear Mothers, it was a great misfortune for us that France could not send, in the spring, some vessels with provisions and munitions ; we should still be under her dominion. She has lost a vast country and a faithful people, sincerely attached to their sovereign ; a loss we must greatly deplore, on account of our religion, and the difference of the laws to which we must submit. We vainly flatter ourselves that peace may restore us to our rights ; and that the Almighty will treat us in a fatherly manner, and soon cease to humble us ; we still continue to 21 experience his wrath. Our sins, doubtless, are very great, which leads us to apprehend that we are doomed to suffer long ; the spirit of repentance is not general with the people, and God is still offended. We, however, yet entertain the hope of again coming under the dominion of our former masters. You must, no doubt, have learnt that the English, moved by our importunities, have granted us a Bishop for this unfortunate colony. The choice of both governments has fallen upon the reverend Jean Olivier Briand. It is unnecessary that I should dwell upon his merits ; they are well known. Without his protection and intercession our convent and property would have been sold to satisfy the debts, contracted to support the French troops ; our creditors were compelled by order of the English Governor, to desist from their prosecutions. To him our establish- ment is indebted for its present existence. The French government is indebted to us in the sum of one hundred and twenty thousand hvers, for expenses incurred in the maintenance of French troops. We look for no compensation for our services. He to whom we devote ourselves will recompence us amply. It is said that we will have to depend upon the public for support : we cannot believe it, as the English government, having witnessed the expenses we have incurred, will plead our cause with France, and not allow us to suffer such serious loss. I . •■ is \\k-