Wolfe

wulf, James (1727-1759), an English general. He was a native of Kent. He was educated at Greenwich. At the age of twenty-five he entered the English army as an ensign in a regiment of infantry. Two years later he was the captain. He took part in the battles of Falkirk and Culloden, and was engaged subsequently in garrison duty on the Scottish border. Pitt recognized the young soldier's ability and sent him to America under Amherst with the rank of brigadier-general. Wolfe was instrumental in the capture of the fortress of Louisburg in 1758. He became known at home as the hero of Louisburg. In the following campaign Pitt again advanced Wolfe above his seniors, made him a major-general, and intrusted him with the general conduct of operations against Quebec. The story of scaling the heights in the darkness, of occupying the Plains of Abraham, the battle with Montcalm on the following morning, and Wolfe's expiration in the arms of victory is a familiar one. A tall granite obelisk has been erected to the memory of the two generals. It stands on the field of battle. Wolfe had the honor of winning Canada for his country. His remains were carried home to England and buried at Greenwich. A memorial was erected in his memory in Westminster Abbey. See Quebec; St. Lawrence; Gray; West