This engraving of the city of Quebec provides a view of the eastern side of the city as seen across the St. Lawrence River. The British were able to hold this bank of the river (Point Levis) to the east of the city and to dominate the river itself, but until September 1759 the high bluff, with the public buildings and citadel atop it, protected the French from attack. Before dawn on September 13, however, English troops climbed the cliff and forced the French forces out onto the plain behind the city.