History of the United States, from the Discovery of the Amarican Continent (Volume 3) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1855. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVI. POSSESSION TAKEN OF MICHIGAN AND THE COUNTEY ON THE LAKES--Pitt's Administeation Continued. paign would have reduced Canada. His delay and retreat to Crown Point gave De Levi, Montcalm's successor, a last opportunity of concentrating the remaining forces of France at Jacques Cartier for the recovery of Quebec. In that city Saunders had left abundant stores and heavy artillery, with a garrison of seven thousand men, under the command of the brave but shallow Murray. When De Levi found it impossible to surprise the place in midwinter, he still resolved on undertaking its reduction. George Townshend, now in England, publicly rejected the opinion, "that it was able to hold out a considerable siege;" and Murray, the commander, himself prepared for "the last extremity," by selecting the isle of Orleans for his refuge. As soon as the river opened, De Levi proceeded with an army of less than ten thousand (1) men to besiege Quebec. On the 28th of April, the vainglorious governor, marching out from the city, left the advantageous ground which he first occupied, and incautiously hazarded an attack near Sillery Wood. The advance-guard, under De Bourlamarque, met the shock with firmness, and returned the attack with ardour. In danger of being surrounded, Murray was obliged to fly, leaving "his very fine train of artillery," and losing a thousand men. The French appear to have lost about three hundred, (2) though Murray's report increased it more than eight-fold. During the two next days, De Levi opened trenches against the town; but the frost delayed the works. The English garrison, reduced by death during the winter, sickness, and the unfortunate battle, to twenty-two hundred effective (1) Murray, in his official account, writes 15,000; and in the same le...