Carleton, commanding at Quebec, sat tight and would hold no communication with despised "rebels." "They all pretend to be gentlemen," said an astonished British officer in Quebec, when he heard that among the American officers now captured by the British there were a former blacksmith, a butcher, a shoemaker, and an innkeeper.

Montgomery was stung to violent threats by Carleton's contempt, but never could he draw from Carleton a reply.

At last Montgomery tried, in the dark of early morning of New Year's Day, 1776, to carry Quebec by storm.

He was to lead an attack on the Lower Town from the west side, while Arnold was to enter from the opposite side.

When they met in the center they were to storm the citadel on the heights above.