Montcalm, still convinced that Wolfe would attack on the east or centre
of the city was surprised to learn that there were 4,500 of the British
on the Plains of Abraham. He decided to prepare to attack without waiting
for Bougainville and 3,000 men who were marching east and only a few hours
away. Montcalm assembled 4,500 men on the Plains to fight - this was only
about half of the force he had available to him.
The French fired first while the English dropped to the ground and waited
for the enemy to get closer. When the French army was about 40 yards from
them, Wolfe commanded the troops to advance. They did and scores of the
French fell. Many of the Canadian militia fled in terror. Fifteen minutes
into the battle it was virtually decided in favour of Wolfe and his army.
Works Cited