After Wolfe has been shot for the third time and transported to the back of the troops, one of those supporting him cried: '"They run! They run!"
Wolfe mustering his last strength asks, "Who run?" "The enemy, they give way everywhere,"' was the reply (Casgrain, p. 200).
A similar version reads: '"They run, they run."
"Who run," Wolfe asked.
"Egad, the enemy sir."' (Bonner, p. 92).
And yet another: '"See how they run."
"Who run?" asked Wolfe.
"They enemy, sir. Egad! They give way everywhere."' (Whitton, p. 277).
The versions, though similar, all underline the fact that Wolfe was aware that the battle was turning in favour of the British. Though he was fatally wounded, this knowledge encouraged him: '"They run, they run!"
Wolfe, inspired by these words, asked, "Who - who run?"
"They enemy sir," came the reply, "they give way everywhere."' (Dent,
p. 227).
James Wolfe would not live to see the British flag fly over Quebec City, but he died knowing the outcome of the battle was assured and that his ultimate sacrifice was not in vain.