Wolfe's army was already lined up and waiting when Montcalm's men arrived. This was the method of combat used and Montcalm's army was unfamiliar with the "European" style of fighting in a line. Battles during this period were fought by men in striking uniforms. The French were in white, the English wore red. The Scottish Highlanders wore their kilts and played their bagpipes. Both Montcalm and Wolfe were in their full uniform and fought in line with their men.
Such was the scene on the Plains of Abraham on that early morning in September - both armies lined up waiting for the first volley of fire.