[Footnote 837:  Return of the Present State of His Majesty’s Forces in Garrison at Quebec, 21 May, 1760.]

[Footnote 838:  Knox, II. 344, 348.]

This excellent lover of the picturesque was still more delighted as the fleet sailed among the islands of St. Peter.  “I think nothing could equal the beauties of our navigation this morning:  the meandering course of the narrow channel; the awfulness and solemnity of the dark forests with which these islands are covered; the fragrancy of the spontaneous fruits, shrubs, and flowers; the verdure of the water by the reflection of the neighboring woods; the wild chirping notes of the feathered inhabitants; the masts and sails of ships appearing as if among the trees, both ahead and astern:  formed altogether an enchanting diversity.”

The evening recalled him from dreams to realities; for towards seven o’clock they reached the village of Sorel, where they found a large body of troops and militia intrenched along the strand.  Bourlamaque was in command here with two or three thousand men, and Dumas, with another body, was on the northern shore.  Both had orders to keep abreast of the fleet as it advanced; and thus French and English alike drew slowly towards Montreal, where lay the main French force under Levis, ready to unite with Bourlamaque and Dumas, and fall upon Murray at the first opportunity.  Montreal was now but a few leagues distant, and the situation was becoming delicate.  Murray sent five rangers towards Lake Champlain to get news of Haviland, and took measures at the same time to cause the desertion of the Canadians, who formed the largest part of the opposing force.  He sent a proclamation among the parishes, advising the inhabitants to remain peacefully at home, promising that those who did so should be safe in person and property, and threatening to burn every house from which the men of the family were absent.  These were not idle words.  A detachment sent for the purpose destroyed a settlement near Sorel, the owners of which were in arms under Bourlamaque.  “I was under the cruel necessity of burning the greatest part of these poor unhappy people’s houses,” wrote Murray.  “I pray God this example may suffice, for my nature revolts when this becomes a necessary part of my duty."[839] On the other hand, he treated with great kindness all who left the army and returned to their families.  The effect was soon felt.  The Canadians came in by scores and by hundreds to give up their arms and take the oath of neutrality, till, before the end of August, half Bourlamaque’s force had disappeared.  Murray encamped on Isle Ste.-Therese, just below Montreal, and watched and waited for Haviland and Amherst to appear.[840]

[Footnote 839:  Murray to Pitt, 24 Aug. 1760.]

[Footnote 840:  Knox, II. 382, 384.  Mante, 340.]