born Jan. 2, 1727, Westerham, Kent, Eng.
died Sept. 13, 1759, Quebec
British army commander.
After a distinguished military career in Europe, in 1758 he helped lead Gen. Jeffery Amherst 's successful expedition against the French on Cape Breton Island. In 1759 he was appointed commander of the British army on its mission to capture Quebec from the French. In the ensuing Battle of Quebec , he defeated the French in a battle lasting less than an hour. Wounded twice early in the battle, he died of a third wound, but not before he knew Quebec had fallen to his troops.
James Wolfe, painting attributed to J.S.C. Schaak; in the National Portrait Gallery, London
By courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery, London