They will lose ten men to our one in every encounter.

And if we can play this waiting game long enough, the storms of winter will come down upon us, and the Admirals will have to withdraw their fleet to some safe harbourage, and we shall have saved Quebec!" "Yes," said the Abbe--"that sounds a wise and wary policy; but will the Canadian militia be patient and obedient during the long period of inaction?
They are accustomed to a sort of fierce, short forest warfare, quick marches, hand-to-hand fights, and the freedom to return to their homes.

How will they like the long imprisonment in the camp, without being brought face to face with the foe?
The Canadian soldiers have always given trouble; I fear they will do so again." "If they become troublesome," said Montcalm, with a tightening of the lips, "they will be told that the Indians shall be loosed upon their lands and farms to harry and destroy! Mutineers are accorded scant mercy.

Monsieur de Vaudreuil has made up his mind how to deal with them in such case." The Abbe stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"If we alienate the Canadians, and have only the regulars to fall back upon, we shall be very short handed." "True; but I do not anticipate such a contingency.

The Canadians are no more desirous of seeing England's flag waving over their lands than we are ourselves.