AT THE COST OF BOTH LEADERS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 14, 19 February 1915, Page 2 (Supplement)

AT THE COST OF BOTH LEADERS.

Of the many brilliant achievements by British officers recorded in military annals, that of General Wolfo and hi 9 gallant soldiers at the battle of Quebec in 1759 must ever stir the heart's blood. The army which Wolfe was appointed to command disembarked on the island of Orleans on June 27, and though the natural position of Quebec, in being defend, d by two rivers, rendered the task of taking it extremely difficult, Wolfe remained undaunted.

Entrenched outside was an opposing force of 10,000 men. and since tho French commander Montcalm, could not be drawn from his position, Wolfo determined to scale th e Heights Abraham which lay outside the city. Embarking on boats at one o'clock on a September morning, the general's army of o.O(X) men, with a naval force under Admiral Saunders, dropped down the St. Lawrence river, and landing at a spot since known as " Wolfe's Cove", immediately scaled the heights and drove the French pickets in confusion bofoie them. When tho" French commander saw his opponents in possession of the eminence lie could scarcely believe his eyes, and -forthwith proceeded to advance with h's forces.

An exchange of arms followed, and in tho charge which succeeded both the English and French commanders were mortally wounded. Just as Wolfe's end was approaching one of his officers called out. "They run! they run!" "Who runi'" asked the dying leader, and upon being told it was the enemy, lie exclaimed, "Then I die happy," and expired shortly afterwards. General Mont, calm, vainly tried to rally his force, and it was while he was being homo back Ivr tho rush that lie received the wound which proved fatal the following morning.

Five days later (September 18, 175P) Quolmsc capitulated.