After the fight at Ticonderoga, in which upwards of half of his force had fallen, the little corps had been broken up, and the men had returned to duty with their regiments.

Owing to the number of officers who had fallen, James now stood high on the list of lieutenants.

He had had enough of scouting, and was glad to return to the regiment, his principal regret being that he had to part from his two trusty scouts.
There was great joy, in the regiment, when the news was received that they were to go with the expedition against Quebec.

They had formed part of Wolf''s division at Louisbourg, and, like all who had served with him, regarded with enthusiasm and confidence the leader whose frail body seemed wholly incapable of sustaining fatigue or hardship, but whose indomitable spirit and courage placed him ever in the front, and set an example which the bravest of his followers were proud to imitate.
From time to time, James had received letters from home.

Communication was irregular; but his mother and Mr.Wilks wrote frequently, and sometimes he received half a dozen letters at once.