England was growing enraged
against a minister under whose rule so many grievous blunders had
been committed. Newcastle still retained his position of foremost
of the King's advisers, but Pitt now stood at his side; and it was
understood that the younger statesman was to take the real command
of the ship of state, whilst his elder associate confined himself
to those matters in which he could not well do harm.
"If only it had come three years earlier," breathed Wolfe--"before
we had suffered such loss and disgrace!"
The young soldier knew that an expedition had been fitted out a few
months ago for Louisbourg in Acadia--that French fortress of Cape
Breton which alone had been able to resist the English arms. The
capture of Louisbourg had been the one thing determined upon by the
tardy government for the relief of their colonies in the Western
world. It had been surmised that this action on their part would
draw away the French troops from the frontier, and thus relieve the
colonists from any pressing anxiety; but although there had been
little definite news from the fleet so far, it began to be reared
that the Admirals had mismanaged matters, and that no blow would be
struck this season.
September had come--a hot, sunny, summer-like month in England. But
Wolfe had heard something of the rock-bound coasts of Cape Breton,
and he was well aware that if the furious equinoctial gales should
once threaten the English fleet, no Admiral would be able to
attempt an action by sea, or even the landing of the troops.
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