Unattributed. “A View of Quebec from the Bason”

Unattributed.  “A View of Quebec from the Bason.” 

From The History of North America .  London: William Russell, 1778.  5 ¾ x 8 3/8 (image).  Engraving by Royce.  Very good condition

Quebec had been the strongest fortress in Canada, the lynch pin of French power in North America.  The British knew that if they were able to capture Quebec, the rest of the country would soon fall into their dominion.  Their capture of Quebec near the end of 1759 was the turning point of the French & Indian War, making an eventual British victory all but certain.  This wonderful first hand image shows the city on its prominence, with the Bason filled with shipping.  It is a terrific contemporary document from our past.