LETTER FIFTH.

LETTER SIXTH.

Frederick, was dead,) or any other of her children { Indorsed—“Answered 6th November, 1751, by the who shall be heirs to the crown, and also sole Torrington.") regent of the kingdom, in case of the king's demise (old George Second) before any of them arrive at the age of 18 (then follows the analysis

An interval of three years. His friend was now of the statute. I believe you 'll think, as most stationed at Fort Augustus, Inverness-shire. people seem to do, that the act is judicious and well-timed, and the supreme power properly lim

Dear Rickson,-1 was obliged to Governor Traited.

paud for intelligence of my little friend; and, though Three large ships of war (guard ships) are

I cannot rejoice much in your present situation, yet sailed with the Scotch Fusileers and Conway's I think you will make yourself and your acquaintregiments to relieve the king's and Skelton's, and ance easy and happy wherever you are. The govthey, as we hear, are to march directly into Scot- ernor said you intended to write ; let me desire land, which, by-the-by, is a little out of the way, you to put so good a resolve into quick execution. to carry them from the hottest immediately to the and tell me how it fares with you in that remote coldest part of the king's dominions; if they come, this one thing, (amongst thousands that are worthy

quarter. I admire the goodness of Providence in our regiment goes to Inverness, where I shall remain all the winter ; if one only comes, or neither, of admiration,) that, in whatever situation a man I go to Aberdeen. L- and D are both happens to be placed, the mind is so framed that it in England, the former had been dangerously ill, works itself out some occupation, and finds someis a little recovered. D- -, too, has been out thing or other to make a pleasure of; supposing of order, and is gone to Bristol for health.

that no distant object has taken violently hold of I am not sure whether I mentioned it or not in one's affections, or that we are unreasonably bent my last letter, but as it is great grief to me, I will upon some absent imagined satisfaction. Trapaud hazard the repetition to tell it

thinks he is very happy in having you with him, I got poweryou.

Pray, how do you think upon ful people to ask the duke [Cumberland) no less and I think so too. than three times, for leave to go abroad, and he the matter? and what sort of life do you lead ?

I shall be here a month or six weeks longer, absolutely refused me that necessary indulgence ; this I consider as a very unlucky incident, and within which time I hope to learn good tidings of

1 very discouraging; moreover, he accompanied his you from yourself. I heartily wish you well. denial with a speech that leaves no hopes—that a

am, my dear friend, lieutenant-colonel was an officer of too high a rank

Your affectionate and faithful servant,

JAMES WOLFE. to be allowed to leave his regiment for any considerable time—this is a dreadful mistake, and if

Exeter, 9th December, 1754. obstinately pursued, will disgust a number of good intentions, and preserve that prevailing ignorance

His friend was still at Fort Augustus. of military affairs that has been so fatal to us in all our undertakings, and will be forever so, unless My dear FRIEND,—Just as I received your letter, other measures are pursued. We fall every day the drum beat to arms, and we have been in a bustle lower and lower from our real characters, and are ever since. Now that it is become a little calm so totally engaged in everything that is minute and again, I will gather my wits together, and collect trifling, that one would almost imagine the idea of my friendly sentiments (a little dispersed with the war was extinguished amongst us; they will hardly sound of war) to answer it. Be so good, for the allow us to recollect the little service we have seen; time to come, to presume with yourself that you that is to say, the merit of things seem to return have a right to correspond with me whenever you into their old channel, and he is the brightest in please, and as often; and be persuaded that you his profession that is the most impertinent, talks cannot do me a greater pleasure than by writing to loudest, and knows least. I repeat it again to you me. I want to persuade you that neither time, nor that poor P- - left this regiment with the ap- distance, nor different fortunes, either has, or ever probation of all his brethren, and with the reputa- will, make the least alteration in my affection tion of honesty and upright behavior—it will be a towards your little person; and that, in all probacharitable thing to do him any good office. bility, I shall die as much your friend as I have

I went to London in November, and came back lived, whether at the end of one or twenty years ; by the middle of April.

of which disposition in me, if I had opportunity to My father has offered money for the prettiest convince you, you should have sufficient proof. situated house in England, and I believe he will Though I know how reasonable and philosophic a have it for about £3,000. t is a great sum to be man you are, yet I shall not allow you quite as so employed; but as it procures him the pleasure much merit as I should to another in your situahe likes, and a fine air, it is well laid out; it looks tion. The remembrance of Nova Scotia makes as if he intended to sell or let his house [A few Fort Augustus a paradise ; your sufferings there words crumbled away) since the other is upon will be no small aid to your contentment, for nothBlack Heath, the new bridge

his way ing can well happen of greater trial than what you easily to St. James', which it will be.

have already overcome. I will write to L- to send you some porter Since I began my letter to you yesterday, there is and the books.

hear you making ex- a fresh and a loud report of war. More ships are cuses for imaginary trouble. I will * * hogs- ordered to be fitted out; and we must expect furhead of claret from Ireland to Gibraltar (though I ther preparations, suited to the greatness of the was mys

You cannot do me a greater occasion. You in the north will be now and then pleasure by pointing

me a way to alarmed. Such a succession of errors, such a relieve you, though ever so inconsiderable. Write strain of ill behavior as the last Scotch war (the to me by the first opportunity, and believe me, dear rebellion of 1745) did produce, can hardly, 1 beRickson, ever your affectionate friend,

lieve, be matched in history. Our future annals J. W. will, I hope, be filled with more stirring crents.

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What if the garrisons of the forts had been under should succeed,) and was attacked by the clan, the orders of a prudent, resolute man, (yourself for with a view to rescue their chief to instance,) would not they have found means to which I concluded would draw on the * stifle the rebellion in its birth? and might not they and furnish me with a sufficient pretext, (without have acted more like soldiers and good subjects waiting for any instructions,) to march into their than it appears they did ? What would have been country

; it was my real intention, the effects of a sudden march into the middle of and I hope such execution will be done upon the that clan who were the first to move? What might first that revolt, to teach them their duty, and keep have been done by means of hostages of wives and the Highlands in awe. They are a people better children, or the chiefs themselves? How easy a governed by fear than favor. small body, united, prevents the junction of distant My little governor talked to me, soine time ago, corps ; and how favorable the country where you are of a parcel of musket-balls that belonged to us for such a manæuvre; if, notwithstanding all pre- which he offered to send us. We fire bullets concautions, they get together, a body of troops may tinually, and have great need of them ; but, as I inake a diversion, by laying waste a country that foresee much difficulty and expense in the removal, the male inhabitants have left, to prosecute rebel- I wish he would bestow them, or a part, upon you ; lious schemes. How soon must they return to the and let me recommend the practice ; you 'll soon defence of their property—such as it is--their find the advantage of it. Marksmen are nowhere wives, their children, their houses, and their cattle! so necessary as in a mountainous country ; besides,

But above all, the secret, sudden night-march firing balls at objects teaches the soldiers to level into the midst of them; great patrols of 50, 60, or incomparably, makes the recruits steady, and 100 men each, to terrify them; letters to the chiefs, removes the foolish apprehension that seizes young threatening fire and sword, and certain destruction soldiers when they first load their arms with bullets. if they dare to stir; movements, that seem mysteri- We fire, first singly, then by files, 1, 2, 3, or more, ous, to keep the enemy's attention upon you, and then by ranks, and lastly by platoons; and the their fears awake; these and the like, which your soldiers see the effects of their shot, especially at a experience, reading, and good sense would point mark, or upon water. We shoot obliquely, and in out, are means to prevent mischief.

different situations of ground, from heights downIf one was to ask what preparations were made wards, and contrarywise. I use the freedom to for the defence of the forts? I believe they would mention this to you, not as one prescribing to be found very insufficient. There are some things another, but to a friend who may accept or reject ; that are absolutely necessary for an obstinate re- and hecause, possibly, it may not have been thought sistance-and such there always should be against of by your commander, and I have experience of iis rebels—as tools, fascines, turf or sods, arms for the great utility. breach, (long spontoons or halberds,) palisades I have not been in London all this winter. If innumerable; whole trees, converted into that use, the state of our affairs had permitted it, I should stuck in the ditch, to hinder an assault. No one certainly have waited upon your sister. You of these articles was thought of, either at Fort could not propose a thing more agreeable to me; Augustus or Fort George; and, in short, nothing for I think I must necessarily love all your kindred, was thought of hut how to escape from an enemy at least all that love you. I hope she has recovered most worthy of contempt. One vigorous sortie the hurt occasioned by that unlucky accident. would have raised the siege of Fort Augustus ; Pray ask Trap. if he knows anything of Lady 100 men would have nailed up the battery, or car-Culloden, how she is as to health? for I have a ried the artillery into the castle.

particular esteem for her, am obliged to her for I wish you may be besieged in the same man- civilities shown me, and interest myself in her ner; you will put a speedy end to the rebellion, welfare. She seemed, poor lady, to be in a very and foil their arms in the first attempt ; les Mcs- ill state of health when I was in that country. sieurs de Guise se sont tres mal comporte! If there's I could pass my time very pleasantly at Fort war, I hope the general in the north will not dis- Augustus, upon your plan and with your assistance. perse the troops by small parties, as has been prac- There is no solitude with a friend. tised hitherto ; but rather make choice of certain I hope to hear from you now and then, as your good stations for bodies that can defend themselves, inclination prompts or your leisure allows; the or force their way home (to the forts) if occasion oftener the better. I wish you all manner of good, require it. At laggan Achadrem, for example, and am truly, my dear friend, they should build a strong redoubt, surrounded with

Your faithful and affectionate servant, rows of palisades, and trees, capable to contain 200

J. W. men at least. This is a post of great importance,

Exeter, 7th March, 1755. and should be maintained in a most determined My compliments to Mrs. Trapaud and the govmanner, and the MacDonalds might knock their ernor. heads against it to very little purpose.

I was interrupted in the beginning of the letter, Old doting Humphrey, who is newly married, I and the post came in from London before I began find, will be a good deal occupied at home, and afresh. sondly no doubt ; so you must not expect much aid from that quarter; there 's our weak side.

Addressed to Captain Rickson, aide-de-camp 10 Mr. M'Pherson should have a couple of hundred men in his neighborhood, with orders to

Major-General Lord George Beauclerk, at Inverif they show the least symptom of rebellion. They ness, Scotland. A portion of Wolfe's seal is still are a warlike tribe, and he is a cunning, resolute adhering to this letter. fellow himself. They should be narrowly watched ; MY DEAR FRIEND,-If I had not been well conand the party there should be well commanded. vinced by your letter that you needed not my council

Trapaud will have told you that I tried to take to guide you, and that the steps you wore taking were hold of that famous man with a very small detach- prudent and sensible beyond what I could advise, ment. I gave the sergeant orders, (in case hel you should have heard from me something sooner ;

LETTER SEVENTH.

LETTER EIGHTH.

for the public service and your honor and well-| has been in a very dangerous way. She is the
doing, are matters of high concern to me. I am only woman that I have any great concern about
sorry that I cannot take to myself the merit of at this time.
having served you upon this occasion. I would I lodged with a Mrs. Grant, (this was while
have done it if it had been in my power; but I Wolfe was at Inverness,) who, perhaps, you know.
knew nothing of your new employment till Calcraft She was very careful of me, and very obliging:
mentioned it to me. You are, I believe, so well If you see her, it will be doing me a pleasure if
in the duke's opinion, that Mr. Fox (father of the you will say that I remember it.
celebrated Charles James) had no difficulty to place Do

you
know Mrs. Forbes, of Culloden?

I have you where you now are, and where, I am fully a particular respect and esteem for that lady. She persuaded, you will acquit yourself handsomely. showed me a good deal of civility while I lay in To study the character of your general, to conform the North. If you are acquainted, pray make my to it, and by that means to gain his esteem and con- best compliments to her, and let me know how she fidence, are such judicious measures that they is as to her health. cannot fail of good effects. If I am not mistaken, Au rest, you must be so kind to write dow and Lord George is a very even-tempered man, and one then, and I will be punctual to answer, and give that will hearken to a reasonable proposal. If the any intelligence of what is doing where I happen French resent the affront put upon them by Mr. to be. Boscawen, the war will come on hot and sudden ; A leiter directed for me at General Wolfe's, and they will certainly have an eye to the High- at Black Heath, Kent, will be forwarded to the lands. Their friends and allies in that country remotest regions. I am, my dear friend, were of great use to them in the last war. That Your affectionate and faithful servant, famous diversion cost us great sums of money and

JAMES WOLFE. many lives, and left pais bas to Saxe's mercy. I Lymington, 19th July, 1755. am much of your opinion, that, without a considerable aid of foreign troops, the Highlanders will never stir. I believe their resentments are strong, and the spirit of revenge prevalent amongst them ; but

A gap of two years. By this time his friend the risk is too great without help ; however, we

was acting deputy-quarter-master-general of Scotought to be cautious and vigilant. We ought to land, at Edinburgh. have good store of meal in the forts to feed the My Dear RicksON,—Though I have matter troops in the winter, in case they be wanted; enough, and pleasure in writing a long letter, yet I plenty of intrenching tools and hatchets, for making must now be short. Your joy upon the occasion redoubts, and cutting palisades, &c.; and we of my new employment I am sure is very sincere, should be cautious not to expose the troops in small as is that which I feel when any good thing falls to parties, dispersed through the Highlands, when your share ; but this new office does neither please There is the least apprehension of a commotion ; a nor flatter me, as you may believe when I tell you few well-chosen posts in the middle of those clans that it was offered with the rank of colonel, which that are the likeliest to rebel, with a force sufficient the king, guided by the duke, (Cumberland,] afterto intrench and defend themselves, and with posi- wards refused. His royal highness' reasons tive orders never to surrender to the Highlanders, were plausible ; he told the Duke of Bedford (who (though ever so numerous,) but either to resist in applied with warmth] that I was so young a lieutheir posts till relieved, or force their way through tenant-colonel, that it could not be done immedito the forts, would, I think, have lively effects. Aately—but I should have known it in time, that I hundred soldiers, in my mind, are an overmatch might have excused myself from a very troublefor five hundred of your Highland milice; and some business which is quite out of my way. when they are told so, in a proper way, they [What does this relate to?} I am glad you sucbelieve it themselves.

ceeded so happily, and got so soon rid of unpleasIt will be your business to know the exact ant guests, and ill to serve ; it is ever the case strength of the rebel clans, and to inquire into the that an unruly collection of raw men are ten times abilities of their leaders, especially of those that are more troublesome than twice as many who know abroad. There are people that can inform you. obedience. We are about to undertake something There ought to be an engineer at the forts to or other at a distance, and I am one of the party. inform the general of what will be wanted for their [This relates to the subsequent unlucky descent on defence, and to give directions for the construction Rochefort.] I can't flatter you with a lively picof small redoubts where the general pleases to ture of my hopes as to the success of it; the reaorder them.

sons are so strong against us (the English) in Nobody can say what is to become of us yet. whatever we take in hand, that I never expect any If troops are sent into Holland, we expect to be great matter; the chiefs, the engineers, and our amongst the first. We are quartered at Win-wretched discipline, are the great and insurmountchester and Southampton ; but turned out for the able obstructions. I doubt yet if there be any

fixed assizes. The fleet at Spithead expects orders to plan : we wait for American intelligence, from sail every hour. They are commanded by Sir E. whence the best is not expected, and shall probably Hawke, who has the admirals Bing and West to be put into motion by that intelligence. I myself assist him. There are about 30 great ships, and take the chance of a profession little understood, some frigates, the finest fleet, I believe, that this and less liked in this country. I may come off as nation ever put to sea, and excellently well manned. we have done before ; but I never expect to see The marines embarked yesterday, to the number, either the poor woman my mother, or the old genI suppose, of about 1000 men ; others will be taken eral, again ; she is at present dangerously ill; she up at Plymouth if they are wanted. Bockland's are is infirm with age. Whether my going may hurry to disembark. I imagine they are aboard by this their departure, you are as good a judge as I am. time.

Besides their loss, I have not a soul to take charge I am distressed about my poor old mother, who of my little affairs, and expect to find everything in

LETTER NINTH.

the utmost confusion, robbed and plundered by all people collected together so unfit for the business that can catch hold of them.

they were sent upon-dilatory, ignorant, irresolute, I heartily wish you were fixed in the employ- and some grains of a very unmanly quality, and ment you now exercise ; but, if D- W is very unsoldier-like or unsailorly-like. I have not misrepresented to me, you have everything to already been too imprudent: I have said too much, tear from his artifices and double-dealing. I wish and people make me say ten times more than I ever I was strong enough to carry you through, I'd take uttered; therefore, repeat nothing out of my letter, you upon my back ; but my people are away. nor name my name as the author of any one thing. Calcraft could serve you—no man better. He is The whole affair turned upon the impracticability the second or third potentate in this realm. of escalading Rochefort ; and the two evidences

I may have an opportunity of speaking to Napier, brought to prove that the ditch was wet, (in oppobut there W- governs almost alone; and we sition to the assertions of the chief engineer, who are not sharp enough to dive into the hearts of men. had been in the place,) are persons to whom, in The nephew goes with us. I must have succumbed my mind, very little credit should be given ; withunder the weight of some characters of this sort out these evidences we must have landed, and must if I had not stood out in open defiance of their have marched to Rochefort ; and it is my opinion wicked powers. A man will not be ill used that that the place would have surrendered, or have will not bear it. Farewell, my honest little friend. been taken in forty-eight hours. It is certain that I am ever your

there was nothing in all that country to oppose Faithful and affectionate servant,

9,000 good foot-a million of Protestants, upon

James Wolfe. whom it is necessary to keep a strict eye, so that London, 21st July, 1757.

the garrisons could not venture to assemble against (Marked—“Answered, 2d Aug., 1757.”)

us, and no troops except the militia within any moderate distance of these parts.

Little practice in war, ease and convenience at

home, great incomes and no wants, with no ambiThis letter was written immediately after tion to stir to action, are not the instruments to Wolfe's return from the unlucky descent on Roche- work a successful war withal ; I see no prospect fort, in which he was one of no less than seven of better deeds; I know not where to look for naval and military officers, among whom the com- them, or from whom we may expect them. mand was frittered away.

Many handsome things would have been done by

the troops had they been permitted to act; as it is, [Addressed—“Captain Rickson, Deputy Quarter- Capt. Howe carried off all the honor of this enterMaster-General of Scotland, at Edinburgh.''] prise

it, notwithstanding what that Dear Rickson, I thank you very heartily for scribbling.

been pleased to lie about your welcome back. I am not sorry that I went, that fort and the attack of it. notwithstanding what has happened; one may al

This disaster in North America, * unless the ways pick up something useful from amongst the French have driven from their anchors in the larmost fatal errors. I have found out that an admiral bor of Louisbourg, is of the most fatal kind; whatshould endeavor to run into an enemy's port.imme- ever diminishes our naval forcetends to our ruin and diately after he appears before it ; that he should destruction. God forbid that any accident should anchor the transport ships and frigates as close as befall our fleet in the bay. The duke's resignacan be to the land ; that he should reconnoitre and tion may be reckoned an addition to our misforobserve it as quick as possible, and lose no time in tunes; he acted a right part, but the country will getting the troops on shore; that previous direc- suffer by it.-Yours, my dear Rickson, tions should be given in respect to landing the

Very affectionately, troops, and a proper disposition made for the boats

J. W. of all sorts, appointing leaders and fit persons for

Black Heath, 5th Nov., 1757. conducting the different divisions. On the other

The general and my mother are both gone to hand, experience shows me that, in

an affair the Baths. depending upon vigor and despatch, the generals

The king has given me the rank of colonel. should settle their plan of operations, so that no time may be lost in idle debate and consultations, when the sword should be drawn ; that pushing on smartly is the road to success, and more particularly His friend was still deputy-quarter-master-genso in an affair of this nature-(a surprise)—that eral of Scotland, at Edinburgh. nothing is to be reckoned an obstacle to your undertaking, which is not found really so upon tryal ;

Dear Rickson, -Calcraft told me he had prethat in war something must be allowed to chance pared a memorial for you, and was to give it in to and fortune, seeing it is in its nature hazardous, Sir John Ligonier. I had apprized Col. Hotham, an object should come under consideration, opposed that he has not seen the memorial, and wonders it and an option of difficulties; that the greatness of the deputy-adjutant-general, and had bespoke his

assistance. Hotham assured me, two days ago, to the impediments that lie in the way; that the honor of one's country is to have some weight, and was not presented. Calcraft must have some reathat, in particular circumstances and times, the loss of 1,000 men is rather an advantage to a nation William Henry, on the south side of Lake George, with

* This relates to the capture, by the French, of Fort than otherwise, seeing that gallant attempts raise all the artillery, vessels, and boats, on 9th Aug., 1757, its reputation, and make it respectable ; whereas about three months prior to Wolfe's letter. The gove the contrary appearances sink the credit of a coun- ernor, Monro, had a garrison of 3,000 men, and there was try, ruin the troops, and create infinite uneasiness a covering army of 4,000 besides, under General Webb, and discontent at home. I know not what to say, but the latter, hy the most un pardonable neglect and

obstinacy, would not advance to Monro's assistance, who my dear R-, or how to account for our pro- had accordingly to capitulate. Well might Wolle speak ceedings, unless I own to you that there never was of it as a great disaster."

LETTER TENTH.

I wish your success most heartily; it would be a lasting satisfaction to me if I had power to forward it; you must give me leave to tell you, which indeed I should not do, that I have pressed it warmly to Lord G. Sackville, who has at present the power in his hands; I tried the field marshal, [Lord Ligonier, who had succeeded the Duke of Cumberland, as commander-in-chief,] but I have little weight there, and for your sake, I wish I had more with Lord George. Write me, now and then, a letter; with all the Scotch news, and your own sentiments upon things as they fall out. Calcraft will forward your letters, and they will be received as so many marks of your affection and remembrance. We embark in three or four days. Barré and I have the great apartment of a three-decked ship to revel in; but with all this space and this fresh air, I am sick to death. Time, I suppose, will deliver me from these sufferings; though, in former trials, I never could overcome it. I thank you for your kind wishes, and return them most sincerely.-I am, ever, my dear friend,

sons for the delay, which I will inquire into to- | saw his face till very lately, nor never spoke ten morrow; and if he has any difficulties about it, words to him before I ventured to propose him as a I will carry it myself. My services in this matter, major of brigade. You may be sure that my inforand my credit with the reigning powers, are not mation came from the best hands. worth your acceptance; but such as they allow it to be, you are as welcome to as any living man. I can assure you that D- is double, and would shove you aside to make way for a tenth cousin ; it becomes my Lord G. Beauclerk (then commander-in-chief in Scotland) to confirm you in your office, by asking and procuring a commission. If he is satisfied with your management, it is his duty to do it; these mealy chiefs give up their just rights, and with them their necessary authority. The commander in Scotland is the fittest person to recommend, and the best judge of the merits of those that serve under him. Though to all appearance I am in the very centre of business, yet nobody (from the indolent inattention of my temper) knows less of what is going on where I myself am not concerned. The proceedings in Parliament, intrigues of the parties, and the management of public affairs, are as much unknown to me as the business of a divan or seraglio. I live amongst men without desiring to be acquainted with their concerns; things have their ordinary course, and I pass on with the current unheeding. Being of the profession of arms, I would seek all occasions to serve; and therefore have thrown myself in the way of the American war, though I know that the very passage threatens my life, [alluding to his indifferent health,] and that my constitution must be utterly ruined and undone, and this from no motive either of avarice or ambition. I expect to embark in about a fortnight. I wish you success in your affairs, health and peace. I am, dear Rickson, your affectionate and faithful servant, JAMES WOLFE.

Black Heath, 12th January, 1758. [Wolfe's seal is still adhering to this letter-it is the figure of a human head, with a fillet of laurel, gathered into a knot behind.]

LETTER ELEVENTH.

Written on the eve of sailing from Portsmouth, on the expedition against Louisbourg.

Your faithful and affectionate servant,
JAMES WOLFE.

Portsmouth, 7 Feb., 1758.

LETTER TWELFTH AND LAST.

Written after Wolfe's return to England, from the capture of Louisbourg.

MY DEAR FRIEND,-Your letter dated in September, as well as the last you did me the favor to write, are both received, and with the greatest satisfaction. I do not reckon that we have been fortunate this year in America. Our force was so superior to the enemy's, that we might hope for greater success; but it pleased the Disposer of all things to check our presumption, by permitting Mr. Abercrombie to hurry on that precipitate attack of Ticonderoga, in which he failed with loss. By the situation of that fort, by the superiority of our naval force there, and by the strength of our army, which could bear to be weakened by detachments, it seems to me to have been no very difficult matter to have obliged the Marquis de Montcalm to have laid DEAR RICKSON,-The title of Brigadier, [Pitt had down his arms, and consequently to have given up conferred it on him,] which extends to America only, all Canada. In another circumstance, too, we may has no other advantage than throwing me into ser- be reckoned unlucky. The squadron of men-of-war vice in an easy manner for myself, and such as my under De Chafferult failed in their attempt to get constitution really requires; our success alone will into the harbor of Louisbourg, where inevitably determine the more solid favors, for it is possible to they would have shared the fate of those that did, deserve very well, and to be extremely ill received. which must have given an irretrievable blow to the The state of public affairs is such that some meas-marine of France, and delivered Quebec into our ures must be pursued which prudence or military knowledge perhaps might not dictate. We shall nave (if accident don't prevent it) a great force this year in America, and the country has a right to expect some powerful efforts proportioned to the armaments. Success is in the hands of Providence, but it is in every man's own power to do his part handsomely. I did not know that Barré was your friend, nor even your acquaintance [this is one of the supposed authors of the celebrated letters of Junius.] Now that I do know it, I shall value him the more upon that account; by accident I heard of his worth and good sense, and shall have, I trust, good reason to thank the man that mentioned him. Nay, I am already overpaid by the little I did, by drawing out of his obscurity so worthy a gentleman; I never

hands, if we chose to go up and demand it. Amongst ourselves be it said that our attempt to land where we did [alluding to the Louisbourg affair] was rash and injudicious, our success unexpected (by me) and undeserved. There was no prodigious exertion of courage in the affair; an officer and 30 men would have made it impossible to get ashore where we did. Our proceedings in other respects were as slow and tedious as this undertaking was illadvised and desperate; but this for your private information only. We lost time at the siege, still more after the siege, and blundered from the beginning to the end of the campaign. My Lord Howe's death (who was truly a great man) [he was killed in a skirmish in the woods, connected with the repulse of the British in their attack on Ticonderoga]