THE BATTLE OF STE. FOYE 113

old gates was life wanting in excitement that memorable winter.

In addition to continual vigilance in the town and Citadel, armed outposts were stationed at Ste. Foye and Lorette, and Point Levi on the south shore, where, towards spring, almost constant and very spirited skirmishing was kept up, in which the combatants drove each other out of their positions turn about, with considerable loss of life. No definite move, how-ever, was reported until about the middle of April, when it appeared that the breaking up of the ice would be the signal for the attempt.

Upon this the French received orders to leave Quebec within three days. The order had a good effect upon the troops. The certainty that their foothold was not irrevocably won roused their spirit to a higher level than ever. Now, if not before, they felt themselves on their mettle, but it cannot be doubted that every man had reason for anxiety. Of the seven thousand troops alluded to by Walpole some months before, not above three thousand were now fit for duty.

At headquarters, in Montreal, Vaudreuil and de Levis were working with tremendous energy and courage big with hope. They had spies

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