North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1840-03-18
Original.
HISTORY OF CANADA.
(cosTIsUEp.)


BY the death of Gen. Montgomery the
command Of the American army Tell on
Col. Arnold, who, as we have before men
. riooed, had been wounded nt the attack on
Saul an Maieloi. After the great calami.
ties which had unfortunately bcfalen the
army, he saw at once that his force was
insufficient Ia enable him To continue
vigorous siege OF Quebec, much more
to attempt another attack on the city.
He ordered his men to muster on the
Plans ot Abraham, and 10 cut of all
communication between the city and the
surrounding country, so as Ia prevent pro-
visions from reaching those within the
walls. But his numbers were too few
tor such an important object; in spite Of
al his efforts the British did actually
receive fresh supplies.
If we are rightly informed the head
quarters OF the American ARM were at the
extremity Of St. Roch's suburbs, near the
Gen. Hospital. Among the prisoners who
had fallen into the hands of the British,
was Col. Meigs, who, after having given
his parole that he would return immedi-
siely, was allowed TO 90 TO the American
camp accompanied by a Monsieur De
Lanaudiere, French Canadian belonging
TO the noblesse du rays, and consequently
attached to the British cause, which yet
f1iered those remDants o! the old French
arjstocracy. Bu: il appears that when
he gallant French noble came in sight Of
hc Continental army, ne remembered all
his former sins. and felt afraid 10 meet his
c0untrymen who bad taken arms against
the British, and under the childish pretext
Thai his life might be in danger. be refus-
ell to accompany The American Colonel
any further; he had 10 peace of mindful
he found himself shut up again inside Of
tie thick walls o( Quebec. Gully CON
sciences are dlacays afraid Of their sha-
a'~,-so says an old adage. After four
days absence, which were taken up in coll
Getting all the baggage which belonged to
The American prisoners who were in the
'"wer the British, Col. Meigs honour
ao'y, returned 10 his captivity.
The night Of the FIRST Of January, and
the 'wn following days were employed by
the British in keeping ~ an incessant Gre
30 the Americans, but without effect.
The British lost no time in repairing
ne damages the Americans had done to
heir breast-works at Sault su Mateot.
Ninety four Of the prisoners taken from
'@e Americans, petitioned six days after
he'f captivity, to be admitted into Col.
AeLean's corps of Royal Emigrants.
he British were rather suspicious Of the
oyaIly Of these petitioners, and thought
'aer demand 10 be enlisted into the British
'efvi'e, was only to gain favorable OPP
p'f'oni,y for escaping from the garrison
Oa' al last they were allowed to take the
7ah aud were enlisted into the Kings
eT'oe till the first of June following
Inc British were only induced TO rely up
% these men from the fact that they were
ID Europeans. 1t will be seen in the course
. ua' history that they did not allow a
.''0'ahe opportunity OF returning 10 their
''''ef standard TO pass without taking ad-
IMAGE OF il. p 7s ~ ri.
va The Hight OF the 9th, the British
-"'ae seen flashes of light in the direc-
"a o. the American army, made up their
-'1as that a second attack was TO be made
8 ~nea'Aiely. They doubled their guards,
= he entire force were all night under
~'' Dot The sur Of another morning
aud they were still undiautbed.
oaly remarkable thing tina, had taken
< outing the night was one Of the
a' snow storms that ever was wit
WI 10 Canada. Indeed the snow was