The last stand to keep Canada
September 14, 1759. Québec. The cannon continues to thunder in the distance over the Plains of Abraham. In his headquarters the Marquis de Montcalm is in agony. For 3 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 says.
The man of 11 battles
Montcalm was worth a regiment. 31 years of service, 11 battles and 5 wounds, he is first victorious. A Fort-Oswego on Lake Ontario in 1756, Fort William Henry in 1757, Fort Carillon in 1758. And then the victory changed sides. Montcalm, with very few soldiers had to do to the many English soldiers and their leader James Wolf, his sworn enemy. The battle takes place before Quebec. Wolf is victorious, but, wounded, dies a few hours later. Montcalm is defeated and will die.
"I'm glad I won't be seeing the English in Quebec City".
Turning to the doctor, he asks"how long do I have left to live? " "Not much time " replies the doctor. Hero's reply "so much the better I won't see the English in Quebec". For the French, it's all over. Quebec will fall. Montreal will follow a year later. In 1763, France loses Canada. Since then, Quebec continues its own history.
Le marquis de Montcalm / Par Théophile Hamel — From the Canadian House of Commons Heritage CollectionURL:http://www.parl.gc.ca/Sites/Collections//fine_arts/historical/2022-e.htmCatalogue number: 0-2022, Domaine public, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1148297
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FAQ
Who was the Marquis de Montcalm?
Louis-Joseph de Montcalm was a French officer of the XVIIIᵉ century, appointed commander-in-chief of troops in New France during the Seven Years' War.
What role did Montcalm play in Québec City?
Montcalm organized the defense of Quebec in 1759 against Wolfe's British troops, at the decisive Battle of the Plains of Abraham.
When and how did Montcalm die?
Montcalm was mortally wounded on September 13, 1759 during the Battle of Québec. He succumbed to his wounds in the city the following day.
What sentence would Montcalm have uttered at his death?
According to tradition, he was quoted as saying "So much the better, I won't see the English in Quebec", summing up his attachment to the French colony.
What impact did Montcalm's death have on New France?
His death, followed by the fall of Québec, marked the beginning of the end of the French presence in Canada, which was concluded in 1760 with the surrender of Montréal.
