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The Journal of Louis Joseph Marquis de Montcalm
by Jessica T.
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When I first arrived Wolfe, the British General, had been studying the beaches of New France. The British have everywhere surrounded. They have the whole coast surrounded. Our men can make a base to rest and set our camp in any area in New France. When I stepped onto the sandy beaches of New France, I had a strong feeling. I do not know what the feeling was. It felt like a mixture of fear, defeat, victory, and courage. The scent of war is blood, and the sound is crying soldiers pleading for help. I envision flashes going through my mind, seeing my troops firing ammo towards the enemy. Now I sit here thinking about what my first move will be in this war. We had a great feast for my arrival. There was grog, bread, and a hog. By sunset I was very full. Well, l must leave now, I have to remind my troops that soon it will be time for war.
June 21, 1756
We have taken charge of the French forces in North America and have captured the British’s Fort Oswego, which was found to be located on the banks of the Great Lakes. I am very tired now from having to ride on my horse to travel and from leading my troops. It was just another day of war. I must fight for my country even if I am disturbed by hunger or wounded. I have been here for months now and so far the French are doing great. As to the future, I have a strong feeling that we will capture many more forts and defeat the British. I must go now, I am running low on ink, and my candle is slowly running out of lighting materials.
September 8, 1757
Today the French and the Indian allies destroyed Fort William Henry. We now seem much stronger in many ways. We have defeated the British in many battles and have taken half of New France’s forts but, we have not yet won the war. We will defeat the British and the Indians and win our land. We will have a great source of fish and fur and many more areas for our people to live. It will enlarge our population and make France a stronger force.
July 8, 1758
The French troops have captured Fort Ticonderoga from the British. Now once more they are short of a fort, and we shall keep fighting until we get our land, peace and have freedom in many different places around the world. It will be the end of seeing so many soldiers dying because of this mess we are in right now. I am so sick of watching men losing their lives just for land, and leaving behind their families and their livlihoods back at home. It just shows me the passion these men have for their homeland. It reminds me of myself of when I was younger, and the choices I have made in the past. Today for me is just another day to remember the ones I love back at home and I keep thinking of them with loving thoughts.
August 27 ,1758
I have not been able to write in my journal in a long time. We have been fighting for this land forever, it seems. But I have only been here for two years. On July 26, we have captured Louisbourga without any difficulties. Today we have captured Fort Frotenac. I am growing tired of seeing my troops trying to give it their all, but the French and Indians will stand to fight and not give up the land of New France. Well I must leave now. I have no time to write all my thoughts and tell my feelings. I must return to the fire to check up on my troops and make a new plan to capture another fort.
September 11, 1759
I am here once again. Thewar has been raging. The French army has became much stronger than before. There are many men that are being killed. This is very bloody war. All of our supplies here are low. We are in need of food, guns and ammo. Our troops might be starved by the time this war ends. This war has been going on for long time now. Years of fighting over New France is quite wearing, but I know I must do my duty as a French General in order to see my family once again. I will try my best to win the land for my homeland, France. And it is also my duty to serve my country well because they call me one of France’s greatest generals.
September 12, 1759
I’ve been here for three years now. Time has passed by quickly. Back at home my children, who I adore, are getting older. It lifts my heart when their mother writes letters explaining how me they have grown. My dearest has to cope with me being at war. I love everyone in our family dearly. Earlier today I got a letter from her. It made me think. Missing my family is so hard I just want to be home. I want to be able to teach them everything they should know about life. It pains me to know that my wife has to worry about me everyday . My Angélique Louise Talon de Boulay takes care of our children and raise them to be good. I am scared I may never see her again or my children . I would greatly love to hear their laughter just once more. This fear of never seeing my family once again haunts me. I would like to have my family read this journal if I lose my life to war, so they could be able to understand my life. I truly love them. But if I lose my life in battle or war I will still be proud of the help I gave to my country. Serve them. Serve them I must. Serve them well, I will.
Epilgue
A few days later, General Montcalm died in battle. He was shot but was able to stay on his horse, and make it back to the base. He died the day after. Shortly before he was shot General Wolfe also died. It was declared the Bristh had won the war, but the French did not believe. The British provided the French troops food so they were able to make it back home to France. The French gave up the war one year after.