The siege on Québec City began on June 20, 1759. British troops arrived in 150 ships and surrounded the city. This piece shows a failed manoeuvre by the French army to break the siege. At around 10 p.m., on the night of June 28, the French launched fire ships at the British fleet anchored off Île d’Orléans. Confusion reigned. The fire boats were lit too early and the manoeuvre flopped.