Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1811-08-26

CHAMBERS. After enduring Incredible hard
ships he penetrated the wilderness, and ap-
peared on the banks Of the St. Lawre nee, op-
pos,te Quebec, on the 9th of November. His
ARRIVAL was so prompt and unexpected, that
he seized the FIVE fishing boats ON that side of
the river, and although the English had two
frlSates and some smaller vessels in the river
yet ne contrived to ferry his men over during
a dark night.
AT the same time that Arnold arrived be-
fore Quebec, Gen. Carleton joined the qarri-
sen from Montreal.
Ihe garrison consisted Of about go regulars
and 500 seamen and marines, collected iron,
all the vessels In the river. To these were
added about as many provincials and English
inhabitants. The whole force was insSIfiici-
ent to man half the works.
The winterhad now set in. MONTGOMERY.
however, marched from Montreal and ioin-
ed Arnold before Quebec on the fifth of De-
cembcr.
The town was first summoned, but Garlic
ton would not suffer the flag of truce to sp-
proach the walls. The Americans then O.
pened SLY gun battery against the works,
whilst they threw shells into the town from
Point Levi-But this proving mere children's
play against such a fortress, and the weather
becoming unexpectedly severe, it was resolv-
ed to attempt the town by escaladc.
lhe assault took place the last morning of
the year l775, during very heavy fall of
snow.
1t must be observed, that both the lower
and upper towns, on the side next the water,
were at that time open, and only protected
by occasional temporary defences.
Montgomery formed four divisions of his
little army. Two of these were to make de-
monstrations of an assault from the plains of
Abraham, in order to draw the strength of
the garrison to that quarter, whilst the other
two divisions, headed by Montgomery and
Arnold, made the real attack. The first led
on his round the base of the rock, with view
OF gaininng the upper town by Prescott Gate
which was then only barrier of palisades.
The other attacked by the suburbs of ST.
Rocquet.
ne path Montgomery took was not more
than z or feet broad, with the perpendicu-
lar rock on one side, and the water on the O.
Their Across this path, about halt way round
| the base of the rock, breast work was
| thrown up, mounted with two nine Founders.
1t was commanded by the capt. of an armed
vessel and party of seamen.
The morning just began to dawn: the snow
tell so thick and so constant, that the steps of
the assailants In the new fallen snow, made
no noise. AS they approached within few
yards OF the works, doubtful and indistinct
sound was heard, and the defenders chalIeng-
ed. No answer was returned 4 short and
awful pause ensued-whilst it is probable
Montgomery was preparing for the assault.
Then, without seeing single person, the two
guns loaded with grape, were fired.
AS the attacking party could scarcely form
| tour abreast, and were in close order, the CT
| fects OF the discharge were terribly 'destruc-
| tive. Groans and confusion now exposed the
| attack, which a few more discharges entire
\ ly dispersed. Yet, for two hours after. the
| defenders did not venture out from behind
their breast work, nor did they imagine the
destruction they had made. Montgomery and
his principal officers fell.
| Meanwhile Arnold stormed and took a bat
terry OF four guns, though obstinately defend
ed; but he had his leg shattered in the attack,
and was obliged to be carried off The gar
rison now recovered from its alarm a party
sailed out, and attacked Arnold's division i'm
the rear, who after bravely defending them-
| selves for three hours, we're at last compel
| led to surrender themselves prisoners OF
| war.
Montgomery's fate was not yet known
The snow had covered the bodies of the killed
and wounded, and they we're at length disco
vered by an arm & leg here and there pro-
JectnS above its surface. Although Carleton
held the revolutonists in the utmost contempt
and hatred, yet his esteem for their general
was such, that he granted military honors to
his remains, which are Inferred near port St
Louis Thus fell in the prime of life Richard
Montgomery. In him the qualities of the
| gentleman, the scholar and the soldier, were
| united
In consequence of the partially of the Ca
madam inhabitants, the Americans were en-
abled to keep possession of part of the coun-
| try unti1 the ensuing spring Arnold having
received reinforcements, and being acquaint-
cd with the extreme weakness of the garri-
son, renewed the blockade OF Quebec.-At
| length the Iris man of war and two frigates
having forced their passage through the ice
arrived in the basin with reinforcements, In
the beginning of May. Immediately, on the
9th oftheeame month, Gen. Carleton sailed
out at the head of the garrison to attack the
enemys camp; upon which the republican,
scampercd offin the greatest confusion. leav-
ing every thing behind them, and in two
| months after Canada was entirely cleared o.
| the Americans.
| From our late disputes with the u. States
| Quebec was likely to expect another hostile
| visit. But with such additional strength a.
its works have lately received, and with sucl
an ally as Canadian winter, il NAV "laugt
a siege TO scorn." Whilst the British aae
waves triumphant on the ocean, Quebec car
A M rNsk 10 sci.