The passage of the rugged cliffs which continue on the northern bank of the St.
Lawrence for some distance above Quebec, being impracticable at this place, he marched down on the shore to Wolfe's Cove, and ascending with his band of hardy followers the same precipice which had opposed such obstacles to the British hero; he, too, formed his small corps on the heights near the plains of Abraham.
The dangerous and difficult operations of crossing the river in canoes, whilst the passage was vigilantly guarded by ships of war, and of gaining the almost perpendicular heights of the opposite shore, were completed, soon after midnight, by the advance party, consisting of the rifle companies.

While waiting for the residue of the detachment, a council of all the officers was held for the purpose of determining on their future measures.

Although destitute of every implement required for an assault, Arnold proposed to march immediately against Quebec.

He counted on surprising the place, and finding the gates open; but this opinion, which was not earnestly pressed, was overruled.
Though disappointed in the expectation of surprising Quebec, Arnold did not immediately relinquish the hope of obtaining possession of that important place.

Not superior to the garrison in point of numbers, and without a single piece of artillery, he was obviously incapable of acting offensively; but he flattered himself that a defection in the town might yet put it in his hands.