The last battle to keep Canada
September 14th 1759. Quebec City. The cannon continues to thunder in the distance on the Plains of Abraham. In his headquarters, the Marquis de Montcalm is in agony. For three years, he has commanded the French armies in America. Very small armies. Versailles hardly defends its American possessions. France fights in Europe. We neglect these "few acres of snow" as Voltaire said.
The man of 11 battles
Montcalm was worth a regiment. 31 years of service, 11 battles and 5 wounds, he was initially victorious. At Fort Oswego on Lake Ontario in 1756, Fort William Henry in 1757, Fort Carillon in 1758. Then victory changed sides. Montcalm, with very few soldiers had to face the numerous English soldiers and their leader James Wolf, his sworn enemy. The battle took place before Quebec. Wolf was victorious, but, wounded, he died a few hours later. Montcalm is defeated and will die.
"So much the better, I will not see the English in Quebec".
Turning to the doctor, he asks "how long do I have to live?" The doctor replies, "Not long". The hero's answer was "so much the better, I won't see the English in Quebec City". For the French, it's over. Quebec City will fall. Montreal would follow a year later. In 1763, France lost Canada. Since then, Quebec continues its own history.
