The messenger was killed by the Indians in the forest, and the note taken to Montcalm, who, learning that Webb did not intend to advance, was able to devote his whole attention to the fort.
Montcalm kept the letter for several days, till the English rampart was half battered down, and then sent it in by an officer to Monro, hoping that it would induce the latter to surrender.

The old soldier, however, remained firm in his determination to hold out, even though his position was now absolutely hopeless.

The trenches had been pushed forward until within 250 yards of the fort, and the Indians crept up almost to the wall on this side.
Two sorties were made--one from the fort, the other from the intrenched camp; but both were repulsed with loss.

More than 300 of the defenders had been killed and wounded.

Smallpox was raging, and the casemates were crowded with sick.