“If he can make good his position upon the lakes and in the west.  I have information that things are going well for us there; but so far no definite news of the capture of Ticonderoga has reached us.  It is rumoured that Niagara is attacked, and is likely to pass into our hands.  There is no doubt that the French all along the western boundary are in extremity.  If Quebec goes, all will go; they will have no heart to hold out.  But, on the other hand, if we are beaten here, and are forced to retreat unsuccessfully, it will have a great moral effect throughout Canada.”

“Canada is becoming very half-hearted towards its French masters,” said Moncton.  “We hear a good deal from prisoners brought to the camp by our scouts.  We had one brought in the other day—­a cunning old rascal, but by no means reticent when we had plied him with port wine.  He said that they were sick to death of the struggle, and only wished it over one way or the other.  They would be glad enough to stand neutral, and serve either French or English according as the victory went; but their priests threaten them with spiritual terrors if they do not fight for the cause of Holy Church, as they term it, whilst the military authorities threaten them with the Indians, and we, on the other side, with the destruction of their farms and houses if they interfere in any way with us.  Their case is certainly a hard one.”

“It is,” answered Wolfe; “but, all the same, I am not going to permit any infringement of the orders I have laid down.  If the people will stand neutral or help us, they shall have protection and all reasonable help if the Indians attack them; but if they prefer to obey their French masters or their priestly tyrants, and harry and worry us, I keep my word, and I send out harrying parties to drive off their cattle and bring themselves prisoners to our camps.  No violence shall be done them; no church shall be violated; not a finger shall be laid upon any woman or child.  If outrages are committed by my soldiers, the men shall instantly be hanged or shot.  But I will have no infringement of my commands.  What I say I mean.  I have posted up my intentions.  The people know what they have to expect.  The free choice is theirs.  If they will not take the offered protection, they must abide by the consequences.”

Inflexible firmness was written upon the thin face of the young General.  Cruelty was abhorrent to him whatever form it took; but he could be stern and rigorous in the prosecution of any plan which had been adopted after careful consideration.  He knew that the greatest blessing to the Canadians would be the termination of this long and wearing war.  From his heart he believed that transference from French to English rule would be the happiest possible change of fortune for them.  Therefore he did not shrink from any measures which should tend to bring about this consummation; and whilst giving them every opportunity to save themselves and their property by aiding or at least not interfering with or opposing his measures, he made it abundantly plain that, if they persisted in inimical courses, they would be treated as enemies.