The Conquest
Quebec Surrenders
Caption: The death of General James Wolfe, as painted by Benjamin West
Caption: View Multimedia - Conquering New France: The British Invasion Plan
This decisive battle lasted only a half hour, but the losses were great on both sides: 658 British dead and wounded, approximately the same number of French. Both generals were mortally wounded. Wolfe was shot in the chest - probably by Canadian militia snipers - while leading his Louisbourg Grenadiers on a charge. He asked those close to him to support him when they took him away so the soldiers would not see him fall. Four men were stretching him out on the ground when one of them cried, "They run, see how they run." "Who runs?" asked Wolfe. "The enemy, Sir." Wolfe added before expiring, "Now, God be praised, I will die in peace .” 16
Montcalm was injured in the lower belly while attempting to organize the retreat. Four soldiers, helping him to maintain his balance on his horse, took him back to Quebec, and the frightened populace learned of the defeat from the routed soldiers who were running in the streets. At the hospital it was determined that nothing could be done for the French general, for his injury was mortal. Vaudreuil, who was at Beauport and wanted to counterattack immediately, wrote to him for advice. Montcalm, feeling this would be too risky, recommended that the army retreat and the city surrender. Vaudreuil gave in and ordered the retreat during the night. Montcalm died at dawn on September 14 and Quebec surrendered three days later. 17
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