Until the sun gained strength enough to melt the thick white covering of the earth, James practised his men in the use of snowshoes, and, as soon as spring had fairly commenced, resumed the work of scouting.

This was done only as an exercise, for there was no fear that, after such a humiliating failure, the French would, for some time to come, attempt another expedition against the fort.
In the autumn of 1756, General Montcalm had come out from France to take the command of the French troops.

Few of the superior officers of the French army cared to take the command, in a country where the work was hard and rough, and little glory was to be obtained.

Therefore the minister of war was able, for once, to choose an officer fitted for the post, instead of being obliged, as usual, to fill up the appointment by a court favourite.
The Marquis of Montcalm was born at the chateau of Candiac, near Nimes, on the 29th of February, 1712.

At the age of fifteen, up to which time he had studied hard, he entered the army.