Extract of a Letter from Lieutenant Van Wagenen

v4:290

We are now before Quebeck, which makes an obstinate defence. A flag was lately sent them to surrender, but it was fired at by Carleton, and obliged to retire. Colonel Arnold, and Macpherson, our General' s Aid-de-camp, were again despatched; they got to the walls, but were ordered to be gone immediately; they asked if the Governour would not receive a letter which they had for him; they were answered, No; and ordered to decamp; upon which they retired. We have thrown above two hundred shells into the town, and this morning opened a six gun battery, which is now playing on the wails. The enemy have killed ten or twelve of our men. A council of war was called last evening, when it was concluded not to storm the town until a reinforcement should arrive, as it was generally thought that they have more men within the walls than we have without.