History Browser

This 1810 plan of the 1759 siege of Quebec was based on the survey made by order of Admiral Saunders, the Royal Navy commander of the expedition. (Library and Archives Canada, C-014523)

General James Wolfe returns to Canada in the spring of 1759, ready to do battle in Quebec, with a fleet of 200 ships. Wolfe, seasick, and suffering from rheumatism and tuberculosis was not cheered by what awaited him. From the television series "Canada: A People's History." Includes links to educational resources, bibliography, games, puzzles, and video clips.

The British bombing of Quebec lasted nine weeks, and still they could not take the city. The British camp was confused and divided. General James Wolfe could not decide where to attack and he faced growing opposition even within his own ranks. From the television series "Canada: A People's History." Includes links to educational resources, bibliography, games, puzzles, and video clips.

In 1759, both the British and French generals were fatally wounded during the battle of the Plains of Abraham. Wolfe died on the field, and Montcalm the next day. Before dying, Montcalm ordered the French army to surrender the city and retreat to Montreal.

In the late summer of 1759, time pressed on the British besiegers of Quebec - to avoid winter, they would have to raise the siege in October. After the failure at Montmorency, Wolfe's British army began a campaign of pillaging and burning Canadian homes, striking at the Canadian militia.

General Montcalm prepares for battle against the British in Quebec City. He must deal with a medical crisis, as only 400 troops, many sick and dying, come to reinforce the French. An equally forlorn and pessimistic General Wolfe will lead the British assault on Quebec. From the television series "Canada: A People's History." Includes links to educational resources, bibliography, games, puzzles, video clips, and a biography of General Montcalm.

The British siege of Quebec began the night of Thursday, July 12, 1759. In that first day, three hundred British bombs fell on Quebec. Many churches were destroyed. From the television series "Canada: A People's History." Includes links to educational resources, bibliography, games, puzzles, and video clips.

The 58th Regiment of Foot was one of several British units sent to America in 1757 in preparation for the attack on Louisbourg. Although the siege did not begin until 1758, the regiment saw the capture of the fortress and was present at the capture of Quebec the following year. This soldier is shown in marching order, carrying his pack and haversack. His red coat shows the black regimental facings of the 58th Foot on its cuff and lapels. The uniform is unusual for British infantry of the period because the regimental lace is yellow instead of the normal white, and the coat lining (seen on the turned back coat tails) is buff instead of white. Reconstruction by G. A. Embleton. (Parks Canada)

By July 1759, the British had entrenched their cannons across the river from Quebec City, and General Wolfe was preparing for his long bombardment of the urban centre. In the town itself, ordinary residents suffered starvation while Intendant Bigot lived a lavish lifestyle. From the television series "Canada: A People's History." Includes links to educational resources, bibliography, games, puzzles, and video clips.

The portrait shows Major-General James Wolfe in the all red uniform that he frequently wore during the siege of Quebec and probably also during the siege of Louisbourg as well. This type of all red uniform dated from the days of the Duke of Marlborough as an optional field dress for officers. The original source for this 1766 portrait is a sketch made by Captain Hervey Smyth, Wolfe's aide-de-camp during the siege. The black band worn around Wolfe's arm is a mourning band in remembrance of the general's father, who had died in March 1759.