James Wolfe

James Wolfe (January 2, 1727–September 13, 1759) was a British general, remembered mainly for his role in establishing British rule over Canada. He was killed in the course of leading victorious British troops at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham.

Related Topics:
January 2 - 1727 - September 13 - 1759 - British - General - British - Canada - Battle of the Plains of Abraham

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Wolfe was born in Westerham, Kent, England, himself the son of general, Edward Wolfe. From his earliest years he was destined for a military career, entering his father's regiment at the age of 14. Wolfe later transferred to the infantry where he became a junior officer in 1742 and fought at the Battle of Dettingen in the following year. He participated in the campaign to defeat the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie, taking part in the Battle of Culloden in 1746, and by 1758 Wolfe was a colonel. His success in Cape Breton and the capture of Fortress Louisbourg on June 12, 1758 led to his being given a command in the New World.

Related Topics:
Westerham - Kent - England - Edward Wolfe - Military - 1742 - Battle of Dettingen - Jacobite - Bonnie Prince Charlie - Battle of Culloden - 1746 - 1758 - Cape Breton - Fortress Louisbourg - June 12

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Now a brigadier general, Wolfe was assigned to command a British offensive against French Canadian holdings in Quebec. The British army placed the city under seige for three months. During that time, he issued a written document, known as Wolfe's Manifesto, to the civilians of the Canadien community, as a part of his strategy of psychological intimidation.

Related Topics:
Quebec - Wolfe's Manifesto - Canadien

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Wolfe then led his command in an amphibious landing above Quebec on the St. Lawrence River. Wolfe's army then scaled the cliffs. On September 13, 1759, to the surprise of the French forces under Montcalm, British forces attacked on the Plains of Abraham. Both Montcalm and Wolfe himself died in the subsequent battle, the outcome of which was victory for the British. Legend has it that he lived to hear the cry "They run," and eagerly asked "Who run?" Being told it was the French, he exclaimed, "I thank God, and die contented."

Related Topics:
St. Lawrence River - September 13 - 1759 - Montcalm - Plains of Abraham

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Wolfe's victory at Quebec enabled an assault on French holdings in Montreal the following year. William Johnson and his Mohawk warriors led this successful effort.

Related Topics:
Montreal - William Johnson - Mohawk

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When George II once expressed his admiration of Wolfe, someone observed that the general was mad. "Oh! He is mad, is he?" said the king with great quickness. "Then I wish he would bite some other of my generals."http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/2/5/9/12595/12595-h/12595-h.htm. He is mentioned in Canada's former unofficial national anthem, "The Maple Leaf Forever":

Related Topics:
George II - National anthem - The Maple Leaf Forever

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:In days of yore, from Britain's shore,

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:Wolfe, the dauntless hero came,

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:And planted firm Britannia's flag,

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:On Canada's fair domain.

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:Here may it wave, our boast, our pride,

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:And joined in love together,

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:The thistle, shamrock, rose entwined,

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:The Maple Leaf forever!

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The classic Anglo-American folk ballad "Brave Wolfe"http://www.dpnews.com/midimelodies/Brave%20Wolfe.MID (sometimes known as "Bold Wolfe") gives a romanticized version of Wolfe, Montcalm and the Battle of the Plains of Abraham:

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:Come all ye young men all let this delight you

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:Come all ye young men all let nothing fright you

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:Never let your courage fail when you're brought to trial

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:Nor let your fancy move at the first denial

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:This brave undaunted youth have crossed the ocean

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:To free America was his intention

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:He landed at Quebec with all his party

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:The city to attack being brave and hearty

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:Brave Wolfe drew up his men in a line so pretty

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:On the Plains of Abraham before the city

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:The French came marching down in hopes to meet them

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:With a double number round resolved to beat him

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:Montcalm and this brave youth together walked

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:Between two armies they like brothers talked

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:Till each one to his post then did retire

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:Twas then those numerous hosts commenced their fire

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:The drums did loudly beat and the colours flying

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:The purple dawn did stream and men lay dying

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:And shot from off his horse fell that brave hero

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:We'll long lament his loss in tears of sorrow

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:He lifted up his head when the guns did rattle

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:And to his army said, How goes the battle?

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:Quebec is all our own none can prevent it

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:Oh then, replies bold Wolfe, I die contented

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Wolfe lived in McCartney House in Croom's Hill, Greenwich, London. His body was buried in St Alfege's Church nearby, a statue of the general overlooks Greenwich Park from a site by the Royal Greenwich Observatory, and there is a memorial to him in Westminster Abbey (by Joseph Wilton).

Related Topics:
Greenwich, London - St Alfege's Church - Greenwich Park - Royal Greenwich Observatory - Westminster Abbey - Joseph Wilton

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