They were invariably unsteady when exposed to fire in the open, and they were impatient of discipline and control.

Vaudreuil was always loud in their praise, trying to give them the credit of every successful engagement.

But Montcalm reposed much more confidence in his regular soldiers; although he gave these others their due when they had proved of service to him.
It was a wonderful sight to see the lines of defence stretching right away from the river St.Charles, close to the promontory on which Quebec was built, to that other invisible gorge where the wonderful cataract of the Montmorency flung its waters into the greater St.Lawrence below.

Opposite was the height of Point Levi, with its smaller batteries; and away on the left, in the middle of the vast, sea-like river, could be distinguished the western end of the Isle of Orleans.
Earthworks, batteries, redoubts seemed to bristle every where.
Squadrons of men, like brilliant-hued ants, moved to and fro upon the plains below.

The tents of the camp stretched out in endless white spots; and the river was dotted with small craft of all sorts conveying provisions to the camp, and doing transport duty of all kinds.
"He will be a bold man who faces the fire from our batteries, I think," said Montcalm, looking with a calm complacency upon the animated scene; and then he turned and pointed backwards behind him to Cape Diamond, fringed with its palisades and capped by parapet and redoubt.
A bold foe indeed to face the perils frowning from every height upon which the eye could rest.