The long inaction of the winter and spring had been wearisome and disheartening.

It was impossible for the soldiers to doubt that they would receive help from without now that it was known that the enemy was actually upon them.

Moreover, they all knew, and some remembered, how the assault of a few months back had been repulsed; and not realizing the different scale upon which this one was to be conducted, were full of hopeful confidence and emulation.
Before hostilities actually commenced, Colonel Monro summoned his officers about him.

Great excitement prevailed in the fort, for it was known that a messenger had been admitted under a flag of truce, and that he brought a letter from the Marquis de Montcalm.

It was to the reading of this letter that Monro invited his officers.
"We have to deal with an honourable foe, gentlemen," said the veteran, looking at those about him, "as you will know when I read to you his words.