The batteries of the town bristled with formidable guns; the town itself swarmed with soldiers--regulars, militia, Indians.
From the adjacent country men of all ages had come flocking in, eager to bear arms against the foe.

The Bishop had issued a mandate to his flock, urging them to rally round their leaders, and never surrender the fair domain of Canada to the heretic usurper.
There was plenty of enthusiasm now amongst the Canadians they came flocking into the camp in great numbers.

All were hardy fellows, trained to a certain sort of rough fighting from their very childhood.

They were invaluable in forest warfare, as had been proved again and again.

But they lacked the stamina of the regular soldier.