“We can make a feint of attacking at Beauport, to keep the Marquis upon the alert there, and his troops from being detached to the defence of the heights.  But let our real assault be on that side,” advised Moncton, whose position at Point Levi gave him considerable knowledge of affairs upon the upper river.  “It is true that the heights are watched and guarded, but the force there is not large.  They trust to the nature of the ground, which is inhospitable to the last degree, to hinder any attempt at landing.  And our vessels in the river below are leading poor Bougainville a fine dance up and down the banks.  He has some twenty miles to protect with less than two thousand men—­so far as we can learn—­and Admiral Holmes, who commands the fleet, takes care that he shall have no rest night or day.  The men begin to know the ground; they are full of desire for the attack.  It sounds desperate, we are well aware; but then so do all the plans.  Yet if we are to make one great dash upon Quebec before we give up the hope of taking it this season, we must attempt the apparently impossible!”

Into Wolfe’s eyes had sprung the battle light.  Desperate it might be to scale almost perpendicular cliffs and plant batteries on the top whilst exposed to the fire of a sleepless enemy there, who could send for reinforcements by thousands when once aware of the threatened peril.  And yet now that he knew his strength in the upper river, and the wishes of his officers, he hesitated not one instant.

“It shall be tried,” he said, “and it shall be tried quickly.  The issues of life and death, of battle and victory, are in higher hands than ours.  It is for us to do our utmost to brave all.  We can do no more, but we can do that!”

The meeting broke up.  The Brigadiers went back to their respective stations to announce the decision and to make preparation.  Eager enthusiasm prevailed throughout the ranks of the army, and the question in all mouths was, would the General be fit to lead them in person.

This was Wolfe’s own great anxiety.  His physician shook his head, but received this characteristic admonition: 

“I know perfectly well you cannot cure me; but pray make me up so that I may be free from unbearable pain for a few days, able to do my duty by my brave soldiers, That is all I ask or want.”

As soon as ever he was able, Wolfe visited the Admirals on their ships and discussed his plan with them.  They were all becoming rather anxious at the lateness of the season, and were thinking of moving away.  But they consented to remain till this attempt should be made; Wolfe, on his part, agreeing that if it failed he must abandon the hope of reducing Quebec this season, and not expose his soldiers to the needless hardships of a winter in these inclement latitudes,

As it was, there was a good deal of sickness amongst the men, and the number of able-bodied soldiers was considerably reduced.  Wolfe visited those in hospital, and spoke kind and cheering words to them.  He knew what it was to be laid aside from active service, and how hard inactivity was when there was work to be done.