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19

The third example of historical contemplation I want to cover, also concerns James Wolfe.  In 1934 in the lobby of the Chateau Frontenac there was a bronze statue of Wolfe.  It impressed me so strongly that I wrote a short story based on it, a story that I still think is one of my best although I was never able to sell it, perhaps because it was a bit too "way out."  If I have the inclination later, I'll put it in here as part of this account.  At any rate, this statue moved me deeply.  The tall, spare figure is enveloped in the folds of a long army cape, one hand resting on the hip, the other, slender and delicate, holding a telescope across the body.  The face is not that of a soldier, the features aesthetic and sensitive, coming to a point at the tip of the nose and receding toward brow and chin.  The glance is directed slightly upward as though toward a distinct goal.  And then one suddenly becomes aware of the remarkable eyes in which was revealed the indomitable will that nothing could conquer.  At the time of his death, Wolfe was thirty-three, mortally ill, harried by failure, tortured and racked in body.  And yet he conceived and executed one of the outstanding military strategies of all time.  Incurably ill, he had scaled the Heights of Abraham unaided and the next day led his men to the great victory.  In the eyes is evident the will that controlled the shattered body, carrying him on even after suffering his mortal wounds, to die finally in the arms of his devoted men.  This is a remarkable statue and I stood before it, rivetted to the spot and several times murmured to myself, "Wolfe," and listened intently to my voice to get the indescribable reaction that single word gave me.

That afternoon we hired a carriage and saw the town therefrom and Charlie took pictures, some of which are included in the following pages.  That day we also located a delightful eating place named "Madame Hoeckx" although we had some difficulty determining how to pronounce it--Hoax, Hocks, Herks--the last finally winning out.  It was very French and very rewarding and we were extremely happy about it.  We lunched there Monday and returned more than once although Monday evening we shot the works and dined at the Chateau Frontenac.  I'd give a lot to be able to describe the meals at Hoeckx and the Chateau but I kept no record--a very great shame! Sometimes I damn the minimal diary but then I realize that had I not kept that kind on this trip, the chances are pretty good I'd have no record at all and most of all this would have been lost completely.

There was a magnificent aurora borealis that evening which Charlie and I admired from the ramparts while the ladies did some window-shopping.  Along with it, there was a full moon which cast a bright path across the St. Lawrence.  It was a night to remember.  In fact, Charlie and I were so impressed 

Transcription Notes:
Paragraph 2; Line 5. Corrected Typo: "describe" (S overlaying C).