Wolfe's Manifesto

Wolfe's Manifesto

The British advances in 1758 into the colony of New France instilled fear into the Canadiens' hearts. The inhabitants of the French colony were "terror-stricken". Taking advantage of the situation, British General James Wolfe adopted a strategy of psychological intimidation. Wolfe's Manifesto was issued on June 28 1759.

To the Citizens of Quebec

The formidable sea and land armament, which the people of Canada now behold in the heart of their country, is intended by the king, my master, to check the insolence of France, to revenge the insults offered to the British colonies, and totally to deprive the French of their most valuable settlement in North America. For these purposes is the formidable army under my command intended. The King of Great Britain wages no war with the industrious peasant, the sacred orders of religion, or the defenceless women and children: to these, in their distressful circumstances, his royal clemency offers protection. The people may remain unmolested on their lands, inhabit their houses and enjoy their religion in security; for these inestimable blessings, I expect the Canadians will take no part in the great contest between the two crowns. But, if by a vain obstinacy and misguided valour, they presume to appear in arms, they must expect the most fatal consequences; their habitations destroyed, their sacred temples exposed to an exasperated soldiery, their harvest utterly ruined and the only passage for relief stopped up by a most formidable fleet. In this unhappy situation, and closely attacked by another great army, what can the wretched natives expect from opposition? The unparalleled barbarities exerted by the French against our settlements in America might justify the bitterest revenge in the army under my command. But Britons breathe higher sentiments of humanity, and listen to the merciful dictates of the Christian religion….In this great dilemma, let the wisdom of the people of Canada shew itself; Britain stretches out a powerful yet merciful hand, faithful to her engagements, and ready to secure her in her most valuable rights and possessions: France, unable to support Canada, deserts her cause at this important crisis, and, during the whole war, has assisted her with troops who have been maintained only by making the natives feel all the weight of grievous and lawless oppression.

J.A. WOLFE.

ource

Brian Connell, ed., "The Siege of Quebec and the Campaigns in North America, 1757-1760 by Captain John Knox" (Missisauga: Pendragon House, 1980),pp. 135-6.


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