Gentlemen, I would rather have written those lines than take Quebec tomorrow.

I congratulate you, my brave countrymen and fellow soldiers, on the spirit and success with which you have executed this important part of our enterprise.

You know too well the forces which compose their army to dread their superior numbers.

Possessed with a full confidence of the certain success which British valor must gain over such enemies, I have led you up these steep and dangerous rocks, only solicitous to show you the foe within your reach.

A few regular troops from old France, weakened by hunger and sickness, who, when fresh, were unable to withstand the British soldiers, are their general's chief dependence.

Now God be praised, I will die in peace.

There is such a choice of difficulties that I am myself at a loss how to determine.

The impossibility of a retreat makes no difference in the situation of men resolved to conquer or die and, believe me, my friends, if your conquest could be bought with the blood of your general, he would most cheerfully resign a life which he has long devoted to his country.