Elsie's Journey on Inland Waters Page 12

  CHAPTER XII.

  The sun had already set when our friends returned to the _Dolphin_.They had greatly enjoyed their drive and the views of the places ofinterest visited, but were weary enough to be glad to find themselvesagain seated upon the deck of their floating home. The little ones weregiven a simple meal and sent to their berths, then the elder people satdown to a more substantial one, over which they chatted and laughed,discussing with much enjoyment the sights of the day and the historicalevents with which they were connected.

  Then they talked of Quebec and upon what parts of it they should bestowmost attention, as they could tarry there for but a short time.

  "Of course we must visit the Heights of Abraham, whatever else weneglect," remarked Rosie.

  "Yes," said Walter, "and Palace Gate, Cape Diamond, and the citadelthat crowns it. I should like to see it, not only for the historicalassociations, but also because it is said to be the most impregnablefortress on the continent of America."

  "And I, for the beautiful view it commands of what is called the mostmagnificent scenery on this continent, if not in the world," addedViolet.

  "It must be very large," remarked Lucilla, "for I remember readingthat, with its ravelins, it covers about forty acres. We will go to seeit, papa, will we not?"

  "I think so; it would hardly do to visit Quebec and neglect soimportant a place."

  "It was under Cape Diamond that Montgomery fell, if I remember right,"remarked Evelyn Leland.

  "Yes," replied the captain; "on the 31st of December, 1775. At twoo'clock on that morning his troops paraded in three divisions; apart at Holland House under the direct command of Montgomery. Thatdivision, with Montgomery at the head, passed down from the Plainsof Abraham to Wolf's Cove, then along the margin of the river underCape Diamond. It was a dark, stormy morning, the snow falling fastand a fierce wind piling it in heaps--frightful drifts. Through thatdarkness and storm Montgomery led his men to the narrowest point underthe cape, where, on the top of the precipice, the enemy had planted abattery of three-pounders. The post was in charge of a Canadian withthirty-eight militiamen, besides nine British seamen under the masterof a transport, to work the guns. These men were awake and on thewatch, perfectly silent; each artilleryman with a lighted match in hishand. Probably from their silence Montgomery thought they were asleep.But they were waiting and listening.

  "Barnsfare could see faintly through the dim light and drifting snow,the movements of the Americans, and when they drew near, and Montgomerycalled out to his troops, 'Men of New York, you will not fear to followwhere your general leads: March on!' rushing, as he spoke, over heapsof snow and ice to charge the battery. Barnsfare heard, gave his menthe word, and they sent a discharge of grape-shot, sweeping down theAmerican ranks with terrible effect.

  "Montgomery, his aid, Major M'Phunn, Captain Cheesman, and severalprivates were killed, and the rest, appalled at the disaster and thedeath of their brave commander, fled back to Wolf's Cove."

  "How dreadful!" sighed Grace. "Montgomery's death alone was a greatloss to our country, was it not, papa?"

  "It was indeed! throughout the whole country his death was felt to bea great calamity, and even in England, upon the floor of Parliament,his praises were sounded by Burke, Chatham, and Barre."

  "Was he buried there--in Canada?" she asked.

  "Yes; within the wall that surrounded a powder magazine, near theramparts on St. Louis Street. There his body remained for forty-twoyears, when it was removed to New York and reinterred near the monumenterected to his memory by the United States.

  "While all this was going on at Cape Diamond, Arnold and his divisionwere passing along the St. Charles. The snow was worse drifted therethan on the St. Lawrence; but he and his men pressed on till theyreached a narrow street, where, under a high jutting rock, the enemyhad a two-gun picketed battery well manned. Like Montgomery he headedhis men, leading Lamb's artillery to the attack, and while doing soreceived a very bad wound in the knee. He had to be carried to thegeneral hospital, and there heard the sad news of Montgomery's death.

  "Morgan now took command of Arnold's division, and for more than anhour the Americans withstood the storm of musket balls and grape-shotat the first barrier, and finally carried it, the deadly aim of theriflemen causing great consternation among the ranks of the Britishand Canadians. Then they rushed on to the second, where they foughtfiercely for three hours, many being killed on both sides.

  "Our men finally captured the barrier, and were preparing to rush intothe town, when Carleton sent a large detachment from his garrison,through Palace Gate, to attack them in the rear. He and his men hadheard of the death of Montgomery and the retreat of his detachment,which inspired them with renewed courage. The Palace Gate was thrownopen suddenly and the troops rushed out, surprising Captain Dearbornand some provincials stationed there, and they were taken prisoners.

  "Morgan heard of that disaster and of the death of Montgomery whilehe and his men were pressing on vigorously into the town; also thatthe enemy was advancing on his rear. He saw that further efforts wereuseless, as he was surrounded by the foe on all sides, and he and hismen surrendered themselves prisoners of war."

  "The whole American army was not taken, if I remember right, papa?"said Grace interrogatively.

  "No," replied her father, "the rest of the division retreated to theircamp, leaving behind a field-piece and some mortars. Colonel Arnoldtook command of what was left of the patriot army and was promoted tothe rank of brigadier-general. He did not feel safe so near the city,so retired about three miles from it and intrenched himself as well ascircumstances would permit. He remained there until the 1st of April,but accomplished nothing of any consequence. General Thomas, who wasappointed to succeed Montgomery, arrived early in May; but the Britishreceived large reinforcements and our men were driven out of Canada."

  "Perhaps it was just as well," remarked Lucilla, in a tone ofindifference, "our country is large enough, and I, for one, don't covetCanada."

  "I think there are very few Americans, if any, who do," returned herfather with a slightly amused smile. "Our country is large enough, andwhile we like the Canadians as friends and neighbors, we have no wishto change their political relations, or to rob England of her colonies."

  "I think you are quite correct about that matter, captain," said Mr.Dinsmore. "I have yet to hear from any one of our people an expressionof a desire to see Canada, or any part of British America, incorporatedinto our Union. We have a great country and are fully satisfied withits size."

  "'Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,'" quoted Walter, "and weneed to be careful to exercise that, don't we, grandpa?"

  "Certainly we do," was the reply, "toward foes within and foes without;and that especially by diffusing knowledge and teaching Gospel truth."

  With that they withdrew from the table and gathered upon the deck. Theyacht was moving down the river, but through the gathering gloom littlecould be seen of it or its shores, and wearied with the day's jaunt,all presently retired to their staterooms.