James Wolfe was given command of the Quebec Expedition

James Wolfe was given the position of colonel by William Pitt the Elder after making an impression with his performances in various battles. A year after being appointed, his first responsibility would be to command the British forces into the city of Quebec. One of James Wolfe's most significant career decisions would be this promotion, and his performance in that battle would ultimately determine his legacy.

The most renowned military hero of the 18th century in Britain was Major-General James Wolfe, an army reformer who rose to high status at a young age. Following his defeat of the French at Quebec in 1759, Canada and the American colonies were united under the British throne. But because he passed away just after winning, he gained a martyrdom reputation among British patriots that was unparalleled until Nelson.

Amherst was supposed to travel north to seize Ticonderoga and Montreal as part of Pitt's plan to conquer Canada. Major-general Wolfe was granted a free-standing order to capture Quebec. With a total of 8,500 soldiers, the expedition set ship from Louisbourg on June 4, 1759, and by June 27, the army had disembarked and set up camp on Île d'Orléans across from Quebec. The French commander, the Marquis de Montcalm, was unable to be enticed out of the city despite a bombardment of Quebec by cannons on Pointe de Levis and raiding expeditions through the countryside. A British assault on Beauport on July 31 was repulsed due to robust French defenses and an unexpected storm.