Unaware of Arnold's proximity, Cramahe was trying to keep control of the city. Militia patrolled the streets, the gates were shut at 6.00pm, and non-residents had to report to the guard commander. Like Carleton, he had no illusions about many habitants joining the garrison, though one British officer believed that this was more from opposition to the Quebec Act than support for the Americans. Nevertheless, known sympathizers such as McCord, Antill, Macaulay, and Mercier were all under surveillance, and many other merchants openly discussed surrender.
Reports of armed men at Point Levis forced Cramahe to act. He warned off Macaulay, had Mercier confined on one of the warships, and arranged for all canoes and boats to be removed from the south bank of the river and Ile d'Orleans. On 3 November, the frigate Lizard arrived with money, militia uniforms, and 100 volunteers from Newfoundland. This raised spirits briefly, but five days later a landing party from the sloop Hunter was fired on by riflemen. On 12 November, MacLean returned from Sorel, having completed the journey by road after gales had forced him ashore. At last Cramahe, a lifelong civilian who was widely criticized but who had done much of value, had an officer he could entrust with the defense of the city. The garrison now comprised 1,126 men. More importantly they were led by officers such as captains John Nairne, Malcolm Frazer, and George Laws of MacLean's own regiment, militia colonels Henry Caldwell and Noël Voyer, and Captain John Hamilton of the Royal Navy - men who could be depended on in a crisis.
By 13 November, Arnold had acquired 40 canoes and at 9.00pm the first wave set off. Passing between Lizard and Hunter and eluding the patrolling guard boats, they landed a mile (1.6km) above Wolfe's Cove. As the canoes returned for a second trip, the first group occupied a house and lit a fire. They were spotted immediately and shots were exchanged. Despite the loss of surprise, by 4.00am three waves with over 500 men had crossed safely. The remainder followed over the next few days, leaving Hanchet and 50 men to guard Point Levis. Arnold followed Wolfe's path onto the Plains of Abraham and called a council of war to discuss whether to storm the city that night. Morgan was in favor but, with over 100 men and most of the scaling ladders still on the south bank, he was outvoted.
Morgan then occupied the suburb of St Foy, seizing large quantities of cattle and potatoes and looting houses. While the men were eating, one of Morgan's sentries was captured by a British patrol. This suggested a level of boldness on the part of the enemy that Arnold believed he could use to his advantage. Intending to provoke an attack, Arnold formed up his men in front of the city walls (now swarming with troops) and gave three cheers. Some shots were exchanged and a few of Morgan's riflemen moved out in front of the line to snipe at the spectators, but to no avail.
Febiger even walked to within 100yds (90m) of the wall, but returned without a scratch. MacLean promptly ordered the buildings near the Porte St Jean to be burned, to deny cover to the riflemen.
