Major-General James Wolfe died on 13 September 1759 after being mortally wounded during the Battle of Quebec.

Wolfe commanded the British force sent to capture the French-held city during the Seven Years’ War. During the night of 12–13 September, his troops landed west of Quebec and climbed a steep path to reach the Heights of Abraham.

The French commander, the Marquis de Montcalm, brought his forces out to meet them. Wolfe’s regular troops used disciplined musket fire against the French advance. The fighting was brief. The French were driven back towards Quebec, but Wolfe was wounded during the battle.

Lieutenant Henry Browne was among the men who attended him. Browne later wrote that Wolfe asked whether the enemy had been defeated. After being told that the French were retreating and prisoners had been taken, Wolfe died shortly afterwards.

Montcalm was also mortally wounded. The French withdrew into Quebec and the city surrendered to the British on 18 September.

When news of Wolfe’s death reached Britain the following month, his victory and death became closely linked. Paintings, prints and other commemorations presented him as the commander who had died at the moment of victory.