REPORT 2001-20

This structural report on the convent of the Congregation of Notre Dame includes a construction history and a physical description of the building as well as of its associated property. The period under study is 1713-1768, and includes the New England and English occupational periods following the sieges of 1745 and 1758. All appropriate references are cited.

Block and lot designations relate to Map 1734-5. Please note that other maps - like 1723-1, may exhibit alternate labels.

By 1719, the gable end of a building which stood skewed out of alignment on future Block 14, Lot G, was encroaching (1719-c.1720/1722) upon the Rue d'Orléans front of future Block 20, Lot E. Otherwise, the Lot E property remained, as it had since 1713, undeveloped, and undefined as a distinct property lot. Likewise, the property was unconceded and would be so until 1723 (re-conceded in 1726) even though as early as 1722, Beaucours was identified as the owner of a lot E that extended at least 70 pieds along Block 20, Lot G which existed to the east:

DUBOIS BERTHELOT DE BEAUCOURS, JOSUÉ (Jean-Maurice-Josué), naval officer and officer         in the         colonial regular troops, chief engineer of Canada, governor of Trois-Rivières and Montreal: b.c. 1662, probably in France, son of Jacques-Hyacinthe Dubois Berthelot and Péronelle de Magnan ...

He died in Montreal on 9 May 1750, and was buried two days later in the church of Notre-Dame. He was survived by his wife, François, daughter of Charles Aubert* de La Chesnaye and Marie-Angélique Denys de La Ronde, and widow of Paul Le Moyne* de Maricourt. They had married in Quebec on 15 Nov. 1713 and had only one child, Georges-François ...

On 10 March 1715 Beaucours was appointed engineer to the new French colony on Île Royale (Cape Breton Island), with the title of second King's lieutenant .... The following year Jean-François de Verville* was named director of Ile Royale fortifications, and Beaucours was transferred from Port-Dauphin (Englishtown, N.S.), where he had originally been sent, to Port-Toulouse (St Peters) with instructions to build adequate defences and to encourage the Acadians to settle there. On 13 June 1716 he received orders to command Ile Royale in the absence of the governor; in February 1717 he was moved back to Port-Dauphin. Eight months later he was named king's lieutenant of Île Royale. On 3 Feb. 1722 Beaucours was appointed to succeed Robert-David Gotteville* de Belile as commandant of Ile Saint-Jean (Prince Edward Island) for a two-year period. He was expected to use his engineering talents to put the colony's three settlements in a state of defensive readiness, and to encourage Acadians to settle there with the island's 300 residents. However, the next year Beaucours was returned to his previous post on Île Royale.

In 1724 it was decided that a resident chief engineer should be appointed for Ile Royale, but although governor Saint-Ovide [MONBETON] recommended Beaucours, the position was awarded to Étienne VERRIER of the engineers' corps. The next year Beaucours learned that he had been refused the governorship of Montreal, and the following year the governorship of Trois-Rivières. But on 16 Jan. 1730, after a 15-year absence from Canada, he was at last appointed governor of Trois-Rivières ...⁽¹⁾

By or in 1723, Beaucours (presumedly) had constructed a small Rue d'Orléans fronting building near the eastern lot line of a now defined, conceded lot E. Property existing to the east of the structure (against Lot G), to the west (against Lots A, B, C, D), and to the south (fronting Rue de France). In the building resided a carpenter also tavern keeper. How the property was further developed (gardens, etc) was not indicated.

In 1725, the new building stood illustrated with its eastern gabled portion of the roof finished with roofing boards running north and south. Its western portion, though unseen, was presumable also gabled and likewise finished. The lot's Rue d'Orléans perimeter fence, its eastern interior yard fence - and no doubt those in the section not portrayed here - were of piquet construction.

In 1725, Beaucours built and, that fall, occupied a new house which by 1730, consisted of three buildings set back somewhat from Rue d'Orléans in the interior of the property. The 1723 house - now illustrated in 1730 with a pyramid roof - remained where it originally stood, with a yard encircling it to the east, to the south, and to the west of it, and where, to the west, in 1727, the property measured 76 pieds along lot A. In the three-building complex, the central one was by far the largest and its east and west roof ends were shown as gabled. Flanking it on either side - to the east and to the west and positioned to the north of it - were two small buildings (with shed or flat roofs) attached at the respective corners of the main building. Together, the three occupied the entire east-west width of the lot.

Also appearing on the property was a small building centred on Rue de France with its east and west ends hipped. A garden lay to the east and to the west of the structure and it extended towards the north meeting up with the three-building complex.

On June 23, 1730, the 1723 and the two c. 1725-1730 buildings, together with their attendant yard and garden, sold for 15,000 livres. The buyer was sister "Marguerite, Le Roy de la conception soeur de la congregation" in search of a building to serve as a convent:

First on Cape Breton Island, then in exile in France, the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre-Dame served the people of Louisbourg for many decades. Their aim was always to educate young girls, and in that they were an unqualified success. The Sisters' achievement was all the more remarkable in light of the many difficulties and hardships they had to overcome ...

Bishop Saint-Vallier ... despatched a teaching sister to Louisbourg in 1727. The individual he sent was 53-year-old Marguerite Roy (Soeur de la Conception) ...⁽²⁾

ROY, MARGUERITE, dite de la Conception (incorrectly called Le Roy), nun of the Congregation of Notre-Dame of Montreal; b. 4 July 1674 at Prairie-de-la Madeleine (Laprairie, Qué.), daughter of Pierre Roy and Catherine Ducharme; d. 13 Dec. 1749 in Montreal ...

In addition, the Louisbourg mission was in a difficult financial situation: [Marguerite Roy] the founder, who had no aptitude for temporal matters and was much inclined to extravagance, had bought for the mission, under very onerous conditions of payment (1,000 livres a year), a piece of land and a house that were not worth the 15,000 livres that Josué DUBOIS Berthelot de Beaucours had demanded for them. The officials of the community were therefore hesitant to send nuns to heal the rift at Louisbourg. They decided to do so in the summer of 1732, but Bishop Dosquet did not give his permission for the departure of Sister Saint-Joseph and her two companions until the autumn of 1733, when he was sure that the founder would return immediately to Montreal, as he had ordered.

Back in Montreal, Sister de la Conception followed from afar what was called "the re-establishment of the Louisbourg mission" ... ⁽³⁾

Between the 1730 sale, when the sisters took occupation of their convent, and 1733, when the sale was registered, several descriptions arose to provide a somewhat consistent snapshot of a property - with a final reduced sale price of 10,000 livres - consisting of a charpente house, storehouse, yard, garden and outbuildings:

(I) LOT E

(1)     Along Rue d'Orléans: 100 pieds

(2)     Along Rue de France: 100 pieds

(3)     Along Lots F and G: 170 pieds

(4)     Along Lots A, B, C, and D: 170 pieds
 

(II) RUE D'ORLÉANS EAST BUILDING

(1)     A small [charpente] house near the eastern lot line

(a) Pyramid roof
 

(III) INTERIOR THREE-BUILDING COMPLEX

(1)     A large central charpente house set back somewhat from Rue d'Orléans in the interior of  the property, occupying the entire east-west width of the lot

(a)    1 1/2 storeys tall, with a usable space above the half-storey, topped by  a  central  bell  tower with its bell

(b)     Its roof was gabled, with two ridge-line chimneys - one near the east  gable wall and one  near the west gable wall - with two finials- one at each gable  end -and with [flared] eaves

(c)     On its north long wall facade, the three first-storey windows/doors are illustrated

(d)     On its east gable wall facade, one central ground floor window/door, two half-storey  windows, and one small window above, are illustrated

(e)     On its north roof facade, two rows of dormers - three in the lower row and two  in the  upper row - are illustrated

(2)     Two small flanking buildings were attached at the east and west corners and positioned to the north of the large central structure

(a) Shed or flat roofs (without a ridge) or pyramid

(IV) RUE DE FRANCE CENTRAL BUILDING

(1)     A small [charpente storehouse] centred on Rue de France

(2)     Hipped roof: East and west
 

(V) LANDSCAPE

(1)     A yard to the east, west, and south of the Rue d'Orléans east building extending to the  interior three-building complex

(a)     Yard gateways in the Rue d'Orléans perimeter fence, one next to the building on either side

(2)     A garden or yard to the east and west of the Rue de France building

(3)     A garden to the south of the interior three-building complex or a yard immediately to the  south of the complex with an interior east-west yard fence and a garden to the south of the interior yard fence extending to the Rue de France Building

(4)     An interior piquet perimeter yard fence along the western property line
 

(VI) PERIMETER FENCE

(1)     A piquet perimeter Rue d'Orléans street yard fence to the west of the west Rue d'Orléans  east building's yard gateway

In 1734, Vallée's final and binding survey of the town differed slightly from the measurements described in the sale agreement. It also finalized the measurements of Lot E's neighbours along its east and west boundaries:

(I) LOT E

(1)     Along Rue d'Orléans:       101 pieds

(2)     Along Rue de France:      101 pieds

(3)     Along Lot A:                      78 pieds

(4)     Along Lot B:                      34 pieds

(5)     Along Lot C:                      28 pieds

(6)     Along Lot D:                      28 pieds

(7)     Along Lot F:                       84 pieds

(8)     Along Lot G:                      84 pieds

(9)     Total Square Pieds:     16,968 pieds
 

Plans of 1737-1742 both confirmed and differed with those of the 1730-1733 period. Not surprisingly, while those of the earlier period did not match details in all aspects, those of 1737-1742 also disagreed at times, illustrating, for example, alternate roof designs (hipped or gabled roofs on the interior three-building complex), alternate property configurations (just a single three-building complex on the lot, or, in addition to it, a Rue d'Orléans east building, but not a Rue de France structure), or a central Rue d'Orléans gateway. While artistic license in the production of plans might explain the varied roof designs, less appropriate is this paradigm for discerning why the disparate numbers of buildings on the property. Perhaps more proper would be to count the number of pre and post 1737-1742 configurations and accept the most popular arrangement.

French views of the town for 1745 consistently revealed the central bell tower of the Nunnery, one possibly topped by a cross. They indicate one chimney to the east and one to the west of the tower. Other details are problematic, but the main building may have had a gabled roof, with four windows in the north facade and two windows in the east facade.

Generally, the most reliable of the 1745-1749 English occupational plans (produced following the 1745 siege and loss of Louisbourg) illustrated or suggested a property with a small Rue d'Orléans east building near the eastern lot line, with property to the east and to the west; with a three-building complex, consisting of a large central building with small, east and west flanking structures - attached at and positioned to the north of the respective corners of its north face - set back somewhat from Rue d'Orléans in the interior of the property, occupying the entire east-west width of the lot; but without a Rue de France structure. According to a 1745 English source the "nunnery" formerly consisted of six rooms, and if properly repaired and fitted as a barracks, could serve 120 men.

Contrary to a French eyewitness claim of 1749, the convent was not destroyed during the siege, although it probably required extensive repairs to make it once again habitable. At any rate, the Sisters rented an alternate location as they made plans to "rebuild" their former home. Their preference being for a new charpente structure on the same location they continued to rent elsewhere during the early 1750s as they began to amass the required materials and, indeed, to actually assemble the timber frame in 1753. Unfortunately, on October 7, strong winds took down this effort, so violently as to damage the work beyond a simple re-raising. Further reconstruction efforts were thus delayed for several more years.

The building in 1758 was variously illustrated. No doubt, it had a central bell tower, topped by a cross, resting upon a roof which was gabled to the east and west. The convent may have stood 2 1/2 stories tall, with one ridge-line chimney and two south-facing dormers on the roof at either gable end. In its south wall facade, on the ground floor, there was illustrated five east and five west windows flanking perhaps a central doorway; and on the first storey, five east and five west windows flanking perhaps a central lift opening. In its east wall facade, there stood out one window at attic level, and two windows on the first storey.

After the second siege and fall of Louisbourg in 1758, Gibson Clough produced a series of 1759 drawings that included an illustration of the new "Louisbourg Nunreay [Nunnery]." Given that it erroneously depicted what appears to be a masonry structure, inaccurate too may be its other details, in part or in whole. At any rate, Clough was quite clear that on the property there existed two identical buildings fronting [Rue d'Orléans], one at each extremity; one large building in the interior of the lot set back from [Rue d'Orléans]; a perimeter fence - with a central gateway - extending around the entire property excepting on [Rue d'Orléans] where it passed beside and behind the buildings at each extremity; two small enclosed areas in the yard to the [south] of the large building; and a large pond which extended to [Rue de France]:

(I) RUE D'ORLEANS EAST BUILDING

(1)     The [masonry] building was 2 1/2 storeys tall, with a hipped roof to the east and west

(2)     Ground floor: Central entrance way facing Rue d'Orléans, flanked by two windows to the  east and to the west

(3)     First storey: Five windows

(4)     Two chimneys: One near the east hip and one near the west hip
 

(II) RUE D'ORLEANS WEST BUILDING

(1)     The [masonry] building was 2 1/2 storeys tall, with a hipped roof to the east and west

(2)     Ground floor: Central entrance way facing Rue d'Orléans, flanked by two windows to the east and to the west

(3)     First storey: Five windows

(4)     Two chimneys: One near the east hip and one near the west hip

(III) INTERIOR BUILDING

(1)     Set back from Rue d'Orléans in the interior of the property

(2)     The masonry building stood 2 1/2 storeys tall, topped by a central bell tower and weather  vane

(3)     The roof was gabled, with four chimneys - two to the east between the east gable wall and   bell tower, and two to the west between the west gable wall and bell tower -with two finials -one at each gable end

(4)     On the north long wall facade, one ground floor central portico-style entrance way flanked   by three windows to the east and three windows to the west

(5)     On the north long wall facade, first storey central diagonal window flanked by three 
 windows to  the east and three windows to the west

(6)     On the north roof facade, dormers are not illustrated
 

(IV) LANDSCAPE

(1)     A large pond in the southern portion of the property, behind the interior building, extending  to Rue de France

(2)     Two small fenced-off areas in the southern portion of the property behind the interior building- one against the east perimeter fence, and one against the west perimeter fence
 

(V) PERIMETER FENCE

(1)     Rue d'Orléans masonry wall: Central gateway - topped by a cross - set in a masonry wall that passed beside and behind two flanking buildings at the eastern and western corners of the property

(2) East masonry wall

(3) South masonry wall

(4) West masonry wall

In 1766, the convent's bell tower still appeared high upon the landscape. In the following year, 1767, the convent was described as now rapidly decaying. A plan of the same year illustrated a single small Rue d'Orléans east building in ruins, positioned near the eastern lot line - with a yard or garden to the east and west of it - clearly contradicting Clough's depiction of two Rue d'Orléans east and west flanking buildings. A single large building in ruins was positioned in the interior, set back from Rue d'Orléans, perhaps occupying the entire east-west width of the lot, and thus closely confirming the Clough assertion. Also illustrated, to the north of this former interior building, were two gardens separated by a northeast-southwest fence that ran from this building to the ruined Rue d'Orléans structure; a garden immediately to the south of the former large building with its interior east-west fence; and a garden, to the south of the interior east-west fence, that extending to Rue de France. Unlike the Clough plan, there was no large pond on a plan which surely would have illustrated such a distinct detail.

Also contradicting Clough was a 1768 description that accurately identified the Rue d'Orléans east building and the large interior building as of wood construction and not of masonry. Of interest, this plan also depicted two standing buildings on Lot E, whereas in 1767 they were shown in ruins. Customarily, ruined buildings of 1767 did not appear on the 1768 plan.

At any rate, while the "Nunnery" stood in ruins in 1768, meaning that the structure was "totally irrepairable but yet the Materials will be of use to the Settlers who may have them" the Rue d'Orléans east building was described as a private structure, in bad condition, meaning that "for the most part the Floors partitions and windows [had been] taken away for fuel." In 1772, the remaining portion of the nunnery was still standing - and now owned by Lawrence Kavanagh - and was described as of a [wooden] frame construction. Unfortunately, by 1849 only the building's foundations remained, and they too would shortly disappear, to become one of the many distinguishable knolls dotting the Louisbourg landscape.

See Map 1720 - 04

MAP 1720 - 02

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A non-defined, undeveloped property

(2) The gable end of a Block 14, Lot G building, partially out of alignment, encroached upon Lot E's future Rue d'Orléans front

MAP 1720 - 04

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A non-defined, undeveloped property

(2) The gable end of a Block 14, Lot G building, built in 1719, partially out of alignment, encroached upon Lot E's future Rue d'Orléans front

MAP 1722 - 01

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A non-defined property without buildings

1722 - OCTOBER 09

... un [Block 20, Lot G] terrain pour le S^r. Lartigue, chirurgien ... sur la Rüe d'Orleans Borné sur cette Rüe par Un [Block 20, Lot E] terrain appartenant a M^r. de Beaucours ... sur Soixante dix pieds de profondeur ... fait a louisbourg ce 9 octobre 1722 ....⁽⁴⁾

MAP 1723 - 01

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) E The defined lot had a small building near the eastern lot line - with property to the east and west of the building - fronting Rue d'Orléans

(2) The interior of the defined property extended to Rue de France and was without buildings

MAP 1723 - 02

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) E The lot had a small building near the eastern lot line - with property to the east and west of the building - fronting Rue d'Orléans

(2) The interior of the property extended to Rue de France and was without buildings

MAP 1723 - 03

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A conceded lot, fronting Rue d'Orléans, Rue de France, and possibly Rue Dauphine as well, was without buildings

MAP 1723 - 04

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) An defined lot, fronting Rue d'Orléans, Rue de France, and possibly Rue Dauphine, as well, was without buildings

1723

Estat des Emplacements concédés a Louisbourg dans l'Enceinte de la Place relatif au plan de 1723

N^o. 20 ...

E M^r. de Beaucours, dans lequel Loge un charpentier Cabartier ⁽⁵⁾

MAP 1724 - 02

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A non-defined, undeveloped property

MAP 1725 - 08 and
MAP 1725 - 08A

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN (a partial plan of the lot)

(1) A small building near the eastern lot line - with property to the east and south of the building [the western portion of the property is not illustrated] - fronting Rue d'Orléans

(a) Roof: Boards, running north/south

(b) Roof: Gabled to the east [the western portion of the building is not illustrated]

(2) A piquet perimeter Rue d'Orléans and eastern interior yard fence

1725 - DECEMBER 03

... M. de Beaucours lieutenant de Roy a passé dans la maison qu'il a fait batir dans la ville depuis deux mois ainsy cet obstacle Est levé... ⁽⁶⁾

1725 - DECEMBER 16

M^r. de Beaucours est delogé de sa [Block 1] maison depuis deux mois ... ⁽⁷⁾

1725 - DECEMBER 17

BLOCK TWENTY, LOT E

On n'a point travaillé aux magasins n'ayant point d'amas de materiaux, et de Beaucours n'est plus en obstacle pour la continuer de ces ouvrages, estant dans sa nouvelle maison depuis trois mois ...⁽⁸⁾

1726 - OCTOBER 15

... mr de beaucours à qui il avoit été concédé par concession de messrs de St ovide, et de messie du 15e 8bre 1726 ... ⁽⁹⁾

1727 - OCTOBER 24

... a Scavoir ... led [Block 20, Lot a] terrain Scitué en cette ville joignant a lest au [Block 20, Lot E] terrain de Mr debeaccours alouest ala Rue de lestang ... surlaqlle led terrain ... de profondeur Sur Celle de L'etang Soixante et Seize pieds.. ⁽¹⁰⁾

MAP 1730 - 02

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A small building near the eastern lot line - with a yard to the east, west, and south - fronting Rue d'Orléans

(a) Pyramid roof

(2) A three-building complex - a large central building with small, east and west flanking structures attached to the corners of its north face - set back somewhat from Rue d'Orléans in the interior of the property, occupying the entire east-west width of the lot

(a) Large building: Gabled roof - east and west ends

(b) Flanking buildings: Shed or flat roofs (without a ridge)

(3) A small building centred on Rue de France, with a garden to the east and west

(a) Hipped roof: East and west

(4) A garden to the south of the three-building complex

1730 - JUNE 23

Je, Boisberthelot de Beaucours, vend ma maison a soeur Marguerite, Le Roy de la conception soeur de la congregation, venüe a Louisbourg pour travailler a l'education des jeunes filles, le tout pour la somme de quinze mille Livres comptants Si Le Roy approuvant cette establissement fait un fond de pareille somme, que S'il l'a fait; de moindre somme, nous convenons de livrer laditte maison, a la ditte soeur, en touchant seulement la somme que Le Roy Luy assignerat pour son establissement, moyennant toutefois qu'elle s'oblige anous faire l'avance de ce qu'il resterat a payer En surplus des quinze mille Livres jusqu'a parfait payement, en foy de quoy j'ay signé Et consent qu'elle prenne possession de la maison cy tost apres le premier payment fait, comme il est specifié, cy dessus fait a double Louisbourg ce vingt trois juin mil Sept cent trente .... [signed:] Boisberthelot de Beaucours ... Marguerite Leroy Sr de la Conception ....⁽¹¹⁾

MAP 1731 - 01

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ELEVATION

(1) The interior building stood 1 1/2 storeys tall, with a usable space above the half-storey, topped by a central bell tower with its bell

(2) Its roof was gabled, with two ridge-line chimneys - one near the east gable wall and one near the west gable wall - with two finials - one at each gable end - and with [flared] eaves

(3) On its north long wall facade, the three-first storey windows/doors are illustrated

(4) On its east gable wall facade, one central ground floor window/door, two half-storey windows, and one small window above, are illustrated

(5) On its north roof facade, two rows of dormers - three in the lower row and two in the upper row - are illustrated

MAP 1731 - 03

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN (a partial plan of the lot)

(1) A small Rue d'Orléans building near the eastern lot line, with a yard to the east, west, and south

(2) Yard gateways, one next to the Rue d'Orléans building on either side

(3) A piquet perimeter Rue d'Orléans street yard fence to the west of the west yard gateway

(4) An interior piquet perimeter yard fence along the western property line

MAP ND - 24 [1732 - 1737]

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) An interior three-building complex - a large central building with small, east and west flanking structures attached to the corners of its north face - in the interior of the property, occupying the entire east-west width of the lot

(a) Large building: Gabled roof

(b) Flanking buildings: Pyramid roofs

(2) A small building centred on Rue de France, with a yard to the east and west

(a) Hipped roof: East and west

(3) A yard to the north of the interior three-building complex

(4) A yard immediately to the south of the interior three-building complex with its interior east-west yard fence

(5) A garden to the south of the interior yard fence

MAP ND - 76 [1732 - 1737]

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ELEVATION

(1) A convent is not apparent

1732 - OCTOBER 18

... furent presentes M.^re Maurice Josué Boisberthelot de Beaucours ... au Sujet de la vente qu'ils ont faitts de leur maison terrein en dependant circonstances et dependances Seise et Scitué a Louisbourg Isle Royale aux Soeurs de la congregation Etablies au dit Lieu ... Le dix huit.^e Jour du mois D'Octobre mil sept cent trente Deux ... ⁽¹²⁾

1733 - AUGUST 08

Contract de vente de la Maison de M^r de beaucours aux Soeurs de la congregation etably a Louisbourg ... la maison, magazin, Cour, Jardin Et dependance ... pour La Somme de quinse Mils Livres ... a Scavoir Le terrain, cour Et jardin, maison et magazin que Mon dit Sieur de Beaucour a fait Battir En Charpente Sur Lemplacement qui Luy a Eté Concedé, En cette ville de Louisbourg, Sur Les Rues dorleans et de France, Contenant Cent pieds de face Sur chaques Reüx, Et cens Soixante dix pieds de profondeur, en traversant L'isle dune Rieu au Lautre Et ce de fond en Comble ...

Le quel emplacement est Borné au nord par La Rüe dorleans, au sud, par celle de france, a l'Est par Les emplacements des Sieurs Lartigue [Block 20, Lot G ] Et Labé [Block 20, Lot F] habitans de Cette ville, Et a L'Oüest par ceux des Sieurs de latours [Block 20, Lot a], langot [Block 20, Lot B], Belair [Block 20, Lot C], Et La fleur [Block 20, Lot D], aussy habitans de cette ville ...⁽¹³⁾

1733 - AUGUST 08

Procuration et contract de vente faitte en conseq.^ce de la maison de Mr debeaucours aux Soeurs de la congregation a louisbourg le 8.^e aout 1733 ...

... furent presents françois Eurry ecurez S^r de la perelle, Capitaine de compagnie ... porteur de procuration de M^re Maurice Josué Boisberthelot de beaucours, ch^ev. de l'ordre militaire S^t Louis Gouverneur de Montreal en canada, et dame Gabrielle françoise Aubert de la chesnaye Son Epouse passé pardevant Notaire a Quebec le dix huit octobre de l'anneé dernier [1732] ... et Dame Marguerite Le Roy de la conception, Soeür de la congregation venue de Canada en cette ville par ordre de Monseigneur l'Eveque, en qualité de Superieure, pour y former une communauté et etablissement dun couvent de l'ordre desd. Soeurs de la congregation, pour l'education des filles, Suivant l'Intention du Roy d'autre part ...

La Soeur de la conception aditque voyant qu'il luy etoit impossible de faire Sa Mission; Si elle n'avoit une maison convenable tant pour Se loger avec des filles pensionnaires qui Se presentoient, que pour tenir les ecoles publiques: Elle crut ne pouvoir mieux faire que d'achepte la maison, magasin, cour jardin et depandances, appartenante a Mons^r Debeaucours Scitueé en cette ville: ensorte que le vingt trois Juin Mil Sept Cens trente elle en pret possession en fit l'acquisition Sous Seings privés pour la Somme de quinse Mils livres ...

Par le S^r. de la perelle a été dit que Monsieur et Madame de beaucours, pour qui Ilagit, luy ont Marqués, que voulant de leur coté contribuer a létablissem^t de cette Nouvelle communauté ils luy font Volontairement Don et Remise pure et simple de la somme de Cinq-mils livres, sans en prétendre autre retribution que 1a participation aux prieres que les communautés font ordinaorement pour leurs bienfaiteurs ...

En consequence de ce que dessus led. Sr. De 1a perelle en qualité de porteur de la procuration et d'ordres particuliers de M^r. et de Madame de beaucours desquels il Se fait fort, a Ratiffié lad. vente faitte sous Seings priveés ... et a volontairement vendu, ceddé, quitté, remit, transporté comme il vend, cedde, quitte, remit et trnsporte purement et simplemen^t avec promesses de maintenir et garentir de tout troubles, empeschements et Evictions generallement quelconques. a ladite Dame Marguerite le Roy de 1a conception, Soeur de 1a congregation et Superieure de leur couvent en cette ville cy presente et acceptante pour et au Nom de Sa communaute, a Sçavoir le terrain, cour, jardin, Maison, et Magasin que Monds^r de beaucours a fait batir en charpente Sur l'emplacement qui luy a été concedé en cette ville de Louisbourg Sur les rues d'orleans et de france contenant Cent pieds de face Sur chaque rue, et Cent Soixante dix pieds de profond^re. en traversant l'isle dune rue a l'autre, Et ce de fond en comble, Sans y rien réserver Ny excepter en letat que le tout est, Se contient et comporte, Ce que la Soeur de la conception a dit avoir Suffisament Veu, visité et examiné dont elle se contente.

Lequel emplacement est borné au Nord par la rue d'orleans, au Sud par celle de France, a l'Est par les emplacemen^ts des Sieurs Lartigue [Block 20, Lot G] et labé [Block 20, Lot F] habitants de cette ville, Et a l'ouest par ceux des Sieurs De latour [Block 20, Lot a], Langot [Block 20, Lot B], belair [Block 20, Lot C ] et Lafleur [Block 20, Lot D] aussi habitants de cette ville.

La presente Vente faitte franche et exempte de toutes charges, dettes, douaire et hypotecque pour et Moyennant lad. Somme de quinse mils livres, en deduction de laquelle le S^r. De la perelle pour les S^r. et dame vendeurs a ses fait Don et remise pure et Simple pour valloir par donnation entre vif et Irrevocable a la communauté des soeürs de la congregation qui Setablit en cette ville, de la Somme de Cinq Mils livres et ce en deduction desd quinze Mils livres consent que cette donnation Soit insinuée partout ou besoin Sera, et a cet effet a constitué pour procureur des vendeurs le porteur des presents ...

Fait et passé à Louisbourg Isle Royale dans lappartement de Monsieur LeNormant, ordonnateur de Cette Isle, le huit août mil Sept Cent trente troise ...⁽¹⁴⁾

1733 - OCTOBER 03

Audience par Extrordinaire du Samedy 3.^e 8.bre 1733/

Arrest Sur requeste de margueritte Le Roy Superieur des Soeurs du Convent de la congee^ton qui lui permit de faire register Son Contract par valoir, insiniration et ensaisinement

Sur la requeste presentée au Conseil Superieur de Louisbourg isle royalle par Margueritte Le Roy de la Conception Superieur des Soeurs du Couvant de La Congregation etablie en cette ville tendante a ce qu'en 1730 elle achate par acte Sous sein privé La maison de M^.r de Beaucours Scituées en cette ville pour La Somme de quinze mil Livres, ou est actuellement Le Couvent lad^e. Communauté.

que M.^r Et M^de de Beaucours par un affet de leur bonté, ont fait une donation et remise pure et Simple entre vifs a la Communauté de La somme de Cinq mil Livres en deduction du prix d^e lad. vente, et on consenti Linsinuation de cette donation par Le Contrat de Ratification de vente de lad^e. maison et dependances passée devant Desmarest no^tre royale en cette ville Le huit du mois D'Aoust mil Sept Cent trente trois ....

Laudience tenant par Extraordinaire Le ... Samedy trois octobre mil Sept Cent trente trois .... ⁽¹⁵⁾

1733 - OCTOBER 03

Année 1733

Obligations retenues en minute

N^o 1. de la Soeur de la conception a M^r de beaucours du 3^e 8^bre ...⁽¹⁶⁾

1733 - OCTOBER 03

... fut presente en Sa personne Soeurs marguerite Le Roy dite de la conception fille Seculiere de la congregation de Notre Dame de Montreal residente a Louisbourg laquelle a Reconnu et confessé devoir a M^re. Maurice Josué du boisberthelot Ecuyer Sieur de Beaucours ch^ev de lordre Militaire de S^t Louis Gouverneur de la ville & Gouvernement de Montreal, et dame gabrielle francoise Aubert De la chesnaye Son Epouse et aceptans par françois Eurry Ecuyer S^.r Delaperelle capitaine de compagnie au detachement de la marine en garnison en cette ville fonde de leur procuration Speciale a cet effet presente, la Somme de Cinq Mils livres et ce pour deniers pretés fournitures et avances que Mons^.r. & madame Debeaucours ont cy devant fait a lad. Soeur [margueritte Leroy dite Soeur de La conception] de la conception pour luy ayder a l'etablissement de Son convent en cette Ville de Louisbourg ainsy qu elle la reconnu et declare; ... au payement de laquelle dite Somme ... la Soeur de la conception ... a ffecté et hypotequé tout les biens Meubles et immeubles ... qui appartiement et pouront appartenir auxd. filles Seculieres de la congregation aud louisbourg et Speciallement la Maison terrain et dependances quelles ont achepteés de Mesd. Sieur & Dame debeaucours Scituee en cette Ville Sur les Rues dorleans et de france ... fait & passe a Louisbourg ... le trois octobre Mil Sept Centrente trois.⁽¹⁷⁾

1734 - OCTOBER 15

A Block 20, Lot D sale noted the following concerning Block 20, Lot E:

... [Block 20, Lot D] borneé ... a L'Est par LEmplacement du Couvent des Soeurs de la Congregation ...⁽¹⁸⁾

1734 - OCTOBER 15

Etat des terrains concédés dans la ville de Louisbourg sous le bon plaisir du Roy par messieurs les gouverneur et commissaire ordonnateur de l'Isle Royalle jusqu'au 15e 8bre 1734 et autres dont Sa Majesté a disposé par son memoire du 31e may 1723 ... 

Isle n° 20e De 37 toises de face sur la ruë d'orleans et la ruë de france et de 28 toises sur la ruë sur la ruë [sic] de l'etang et la ruë dauphine formant un quarré de 37296 pieds quar. de superficie.

[.... LOT a:....] au Sr charles Latour un terrain de 78 pieds de face sur la ruë de l'etang et de 80 pieds sur celle d'orleans, borné au nord par la ruë d'orleans, à l'est par le terrain des soeurs de la congregation de notre dame, au sud par le terrain de feu nicolas langot, et à ouëst par la ruë de L'etang, ledit terrain acquit par ledit Sr charles de la tour de feu Sr de St Etienne de la tour, capitaine de compagnie à qui il avoit été concédé par concession de messrs de St ovide, et de messie, du 1e 7bre 1727 contenant en superficie cy... [marge de dr.:] 6240

[.... LOT B:....] à feu nicolas Langot ancien sergent congedié des troupes un terrain de 34 pieds de face sur la ruë de l'etang et de 80 pieds de profondeur, borné, au nord par le terrain du Sr charles delatour, à l'est par le terrain des soeurs de la congregation de notre dame au sud par celuy de jean grenard dit bellaire, et à ouëst par laditte ruë de l'etang par concession de messrs de St ovide et de messie du 17e may 1722 contenant en superficie cy... [marge de dr.:] 2720

[.... LOT D:....] à thimothé la Tapis dit lafleur cabartier un terrain de 28 pieds de face sur la ruë de l'etang sur 80 pieds de profondeur lelong de la [ruë] de france, borné au nord, par le terrain de jean grenard dit bellaire à l'est par celuy des soeurs de la congregation de notre dame, au sud par la ruë de france, à ouëst par la ruë de l'etang ledit terrain acquit par ledit letapis dit lafleur de la garenne tailleur à qui il avoit été concédé par concession de messrs de St ovide, et de messie, du 4e may 1727 contenant en superficie cy... [marge de dr.:] 2240 [folio36]

[.... LOT E:....] .... aux soeurs de la congrégation de notre dame un [Block 20, Lot E] terrain de 101 pieds de face sur la ruë de france, et de 168 pieds de profond. jusqu'à la ruë d'orleans à l'est, borné au nord par la ruë d'orleans, à l'est par les terrains du Sr lartigue le jeune [Block 20, Lot G] et de jean lambert dit l'abbée [Block 20, Lot F] au sud par la ruë de france et à ouëst par les terrains des dits denommés thimothé la tapis dit lafleure [Block 20, Lot D]; jean grenard dit bellaire [Block 20, Lot C], nicolas langot [Block 20, Lot B], et du Sr charles delatour [Block 20, Lot A] le dit terrain acquit par les dittes soeurs de la congrégation de notre dame de mr de beaucours à qui il avoit été concédé par concession de messrs de St ovide, et de messie du 15e 8bre 1726 contenant en superficie cy... [marge de dr.:] 16968

[.... LOT F:....] à Jean Lembert dit labbée un terrain de 41 pieds de face sur la ruë de france et de 84 pieds de profond. le long de la ruë d'auphine, borné au nord, par le terrain du Sr lartigue lejeune, à l'est par la ruë d'auphine, au sud par la ruë de france, et à ouëst par le terrain des soeurs de la congrégation de notre dame par concession de messrs de St ovide, et de messie du 25e 8bre 1722 contenant en superficie cy... [marge de dr.:] 3444

[.... LOT G:....] au Sr Lartigue lejeune un terrain de 41 pieds de face sur la ruë d'orleans et de 84 pieds de profond. le long de la ruë d'auphine, borné au nord par la ruë d'orleans, à l'est par la ruë d'auphine au sud par le terrain dudit jean lambert dit l'abbé et à ouëst par celuy des soeurs de la congrégation de notre dame par concession de messrs de St ovide, et de messie du 9e 8bre 1722 contenant en superficie cy... [marge de dr.:] 3444

[.... LOT C:....] à Jean grenard dit bellaire ancien sergent des troupes, congédié un terrain de 28 de face sur la ruë de l'etang et de 80 pieds de profond., borné au nord, par le terrain de feu nicolas langot, à l'est par celuy des soeurs de la congrégation de notre dame, au sud par celuy de thimothée letapis dit lafleur, et à ouëst par la ruë de l'etang par concession de messrs de St ovide, et de messie du 28e may 1722 contenant en superficie cy... [marge de dr.:] 2240 [marge de dr.:] 37296 pd. quar.⁽¹⁹⁾

... a lest [of Block 20, Lot C] par celuy [Block 20, Lot E] des Soeurs de La congregation ... ⁽²⁰⁾

Elles représent à Votre Grandeur, par mon canal, disait-il, comme ayant été témoin oculaire de leur mission, qu'au lieu de trois Soeurs, elles sont six, et que 1500 livres ne suffisent pas. Elles sont logées assez mal dans une maison de bois, achetée par une première Soeur, 15,000 livres et bien au-dessus de sa valeur. Le vendeur veut les obliger de lui payer chaque année 1,000 livres, à prendre sur les 1500. Elles ont déjà payé 4,000 livres. Il faudrait que le roi l'achetât, et aussi qu'il leur accordât des lettres patentes. Par la suite, elles établiraient des missions dans les paroisses comme en Canada. ⁽²¹⁾

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A three-building complex - a large central building with small, east and west flanking structures attached to the corners of its north face - in the interior of the property, occupying the entire east-west width of the lot

(a) Large building: Hipped roof - east and west

(b) Flanking buildings: Hipped roofs - east and west

(2) A yard to the north of the three-building complex

(3) A garden to the south of the three-building complex, extending to Rue de France

(4) Les Soeurs de Notre Dame

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A small building near the eastern lot line, fronting Rue d'Orléans

(a) Hipped roof, east and west

(2) A three-building complex - a large central building with small, east and west flanking structures attached to the corners of its north face - in the interior of the property, occupying the entire east-west width of the lot

(a) Large building: Gabled roof

(b) Flanking buildings: Gabled roofs

...Les Soeurs de la Congregation establies a Louisbourg continuent toujours a s'attacher avec beaucoup de zelle et d'Edification a remplir leur mission, nous ne pouvons nous dispenser de represententer a Monseigneur quelles ont besoin de Secours, la plus forte partie des 1500^#. que le Roy a bien voulu accorder pour leur entretien en cette colonie etant employée pour payer leur Logement, le Reste de ces 1500^#. accorder avec ce quelles retirent de leurs pensionnaires ne peut suffire a beaucoup pres pour leur Subsistance ... ⁽²²⁾

... Les filles de la congregation de Louisbourg representent que la maison et l'emplacement qu'elles occupent a esté achepté 10m^#. dont elles n'ont pas estré en estat de rien payer. Demandent quil leur Soit donné un emplacement et construit une maison Si mieux Le Roy n'aime payer le prix de celle qu'elles occupent ....⁽²³⁾

... [Block 20, Lot F] borné ... a Louest par Le [Block 20, Lot E] terrain des Soeurs de la Congregation de notre dame ...⁽²⁴⁾

Soeurs de la Congregation ... Elles ont acheté depuis peu la maison qu'elles occupeur a Loüisbourg, Et Sur les [report a dud?] que Mrs de Broüillant et Lenorman ont faites en leur faveur, je leur ay procuré en Secours de 3000^# pour les ayder a payer le prix de cette maison ... ⁽²⁵⁾

...En outre que les deux dernieres filles dud feu S^r Decoigne qui Sont en pension au couvent de Soeurs de cette ville ont a leur Service ...⁽²⁶⁾

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A three-building complex - a large central building with small, east and west flanking structures attached to the corners of its north face - in the interior of the property, occupying the entire east-west width of the lot

(a) Large building: Gabled roof

(b) Flanking buildings: Gabled roofs

(2) A yard to the north of the three-building complex

(3) A garden to the south of the three-building complex, extending to Rue de France

(4) A Rue d'Orléans perimeter fence with a central yard gateway

(5) 17.     les Soeurs de N. D. tenant les Ecolles.

... deubs a M^r De beaucours pour le prix de la vente de sa Maison a la Soeur de la conception echus depuis le 3^e Juin 1730 jusqu'au 3^e juin 1733 et ceux qui echerront a lavenir jusquau parfait payem. Suivant la contract de vente ... Partant le final payement echara le 3.^e juin 1742 ...

fonds Capital de la d. Vente .............. 10000^#
                interest echus en 1731 ........... 500
                                                           _____
                                                           10500
             a Soeur a payé lad. anneé ...... 1500
                                                        ______
                        Restoit de Capital         9000

[Etc. until 1742 when the final mortgage payment was made] ⁽²⁷⁾

1743 - JUNE 07

... [Block 20, Lot B] borné ... à L'Est par celui [Block 20, Lot E] des Soeurs de La Congregation de nôtre dame ..⁽²⁸⁾

MAP 1745 - 01

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ELEVATION

(1) The building's central bell tower is apparent

(2) The bell tower is possibly on a building that has:

(a) A gabled roof

(b) Four windows in a north facade

(c) Two windows in a east facade

MAP 1745 - 01A

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ELEVATION

(1) The building's central bell tower is apparent

(2) Other details of the building are difficult to identify

MAP 1745 - 01B

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ELEVATION

(1) The building's central bell tower (possibly topped by a cross) is apparent

(2) The bell tower is on a building that has:

(a) A gabled roof

(b) Two chimneys, one to the east and one to the west of the central bell tower

MAP 1745 - 17

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) The earlier small building near the eastern lot line fronting Rue d'Orléans has disappeared, or it is combined on this plan with Block 20, lot G to the east

(2) A three-building complex - a large central building with small, east and west flanking structures attached to the corners of its north face - in the interior of the property, occupying the entire east-west width of the lot

(3) 25     The Nunnery

MAP 1745 - 21

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A non-defined lot with a three-building complex - a large central building with small, east and west flanking structures attached to the corners of its north face - set back somewhat from Rue d'Orléans in the interior of the property

MAP 1745 - 24

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A small building near the eastern lot line - with property to the east and west - fronting Rue d'Orléans

(2) A single large building in the interior of the property

MAP 1745 - 38

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ELEVATION

(1) The building is not illustrated

1745 - SEPTEMBER 21

Rough Return of the Number of Troops which the Cittadell Barracks and Other Houses fitted for that purpose att present, will Contain as also what the Battery's can Conveniently Lodge ...

a nunnery formerly Six Rooms when }
Repaired and fitted } 120 [private men] ....⁽²⁹⁾

MAP 1746 - 02

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A small building at the eastern lot line - with property to the west - fronting Rue d'Orléans

(2) A single large building in the interior of the property

MAP 1746 - 03

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A small building at the eastern lot line - with property to the west - fronting Rue d'Orléans

(2) A single large building in the interior of the property

MAP 1746 - 04

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A small building near the eastern lot line - with property to the east and west - fronting Rue d'Orléans [Shirley Street]

(2) A three-building complex - a large central building with small, east and west flanking structures attached to the corners of its north face - set back somewhat from Rue d'Orléans in the interior of the property

MAP 1746 - 05

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A small building near the eastern lot line - with property to the east and west - fronting Rue d'Orléans [Shirley Street]

(2) A three-building complex - a large central building with small, east and west flanking structures attached to the corners of its north face - set back somewhat from Rue d'Orléans in the interior of the property

MAP 1746 - 08

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A building near the eastern lot line - with property to the east and west - fronting Rue d'Orléans

(2) A three-building complex - a large central building with small, east and west flanking structures attached to the corners of its north face - set back somewhat from Rue d'Orléans in the interior of the property

MAP 1746 - 08A

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A building near the eastern lot line - with property to the east and west - fronting Rue d'Orléans

(2) A three-building complex - a large central building with small, east and west flanking structures attached to the corners of its north face - set back somewhat from Rue d'Orléans in the interior of the property

MAP 1746 - 13

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A building at the eastern lot line - with property to the west, fronting Rue d'Orléans

(2) A three-building complex - a large central building with small, east and west flanking structures attached to the corners of its north face - set back somewhat from Rue d'Orléans in the interior of the property

(3) s     The Nunnery

MAP 1748 - 02

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A building near the eastern lot line - with property to the east and west - fronting Rue d'Orléans

(2) A single building in the interior

c.. 1748 - NOVEMBER 26

Les Religieuss de la Congrégation de Notre-Dame, ci-devant établies à Louisbourg, et actuellement retirées à l'hôpital St-Etienne de la Rochelle ...

2^o. - que leur maison a été détruite pendant le siège, qu'il convient, par conséquent, de la rétablir; que d'ailleurs, elle est trop petite pour contenir les pensionnaires et les externes qui y reçoivent l'instruction ...⁽³⁰⁾

1749 - AUGUST 20

Les Soeurs de la Congregation n'ont pu rentrer dans leur maison, ayant esté abbatue. Elles Sont d'Estat de la rebatir. Elles payent 500^#. de loyer ... je crois qu'il vaudoit mieux que Sa Majesté leur fit batir sur leur Terrain une maison en charpente ou il y auroit un Logement Convenable pour Elles et des pensionnaires et une Salle d'Ecole pour les Externes ....⁽³¹⁾

1749 - OCTOBER 21

.... il y en a beaucoup [des ... familles] hors d'Etat de retablir leurs maisons ... Celle de ... est inhabitable et presque abatue ... aussi que les Soeurs de la Congregation qui sont logées à 500.^# et ne pourront jamais se rétablir et se soutenir ici ... ⁽³²⁾

1750 - APRIL 04

lles [filles de la Congregation] ne sont pas mieux traitées pour leur logement, elles ont trouvé leur maison hors d'etat d'être habitée, et elles ont été forcées d'en louer une 500^l d'un frère ou parent de M. l'abbé de Gannes, si petite qu'a peine peuvent-elles y loger, et que du grand nombre d'enfans qui se sont présentés a leur arrivé, elles n'en ont pu recevoir que trente des plus prêtes a faire leur première communion n'ayant pas de quoy tenir leurs écoles ce qui a beaucoup mecontenté les pères et les mères de la colonie, mais a l'impossible nul n'est tenu..⁽³³⁾

1750 - MAY 19

a l'egard des representations que vous faittes en faveur des souers de la Congregation, S. M. n'a pas cru devoie y avoir egard; et avec le revente dont elles joüisnce, il ne doit pas en effet leur etre difficile de retablir leurs batiments ...⁽³⁴⁾

1751 - DECEMBER 14

... des Soeurs de la congregation fondees par feu Mr. foran, dont [les] moeurs sont bonnes et d'un grand secour pour le du cahon des filles d'Officiers et de famille de la ville des moyens de retablir leur mai[son] Sans quil en coute que trois peu au Roy ...⁽³⁵⁾

1752 - JANUARY

Extrait des archives du Séminaire de Québec concernant la mission de Louisbourg.

Mémoire du mois de janvier 1752 concernant ... les Soeurs de la Congrégation ... et couvent à bâtir sans qu'il en coûte rien au Roi ...

Des Soeurs de la Congrégation

Ces Soeurs ont ici une fondation du roi de 1500 livres de revenu pris sur le domaine d'Occident pour montrer à écrire aux jeunes filles de cette colonie et les instruire des vérités de la religion.

Elles ont de plus une fondation de 1600 livres de revenu que feu M. de Forant, ancien gouverneur de l'Ile Royale, leur légua par son testament, pour avoir toujours chez elles huit jeunes filles d'officiers, à la nomination du gouverneur, les nourrir, coucher, leur montrer à lire, à écrire et les instruire dans la religio ...

occupant actuellement une maison à louer trop petite; ... celle qui leur appartient n'étant pas logeable, et y ayant pour ainsi dire, tout à refaire.

Cependant, l'éducation des jeunes filles de la ville en souffre beaucoup. L'on ne saurait donc trop tôt établir une maison, à laquelle il serait même nécessaire, la colonie surtout devenant plus nombreuse, d'y faire quelque agrandissement, afin qu'elles puissent avoir, indépendamment des huit demoisselles fondées, des pensionnaires à nourrir chez elles, à les instruire, ce qui augmenterait leur revenu et procurerait plus d'éducation aux filles de la ville.

Il espère trouver un moyen pour qu'il en coûte peu au roi pour le rétablissement de cette maison, il en a fait visiter les dessus, et il compte que l'on pourrait en tirer parti. Elles devraient être six religieuses ou soeurs, elles ne sont que trois, elles devraient avoir huit filles d'officiers et elles n'en ont que deux; par conséquent, en n'en nommant point cette année au remplacement des autres, et n'en faisant point non plus par les trois Soeurs qui manquent et qu'elles ne peuvent avoir quant à présent, c'est une épargne dont les fonds pourront servir en partie au rétablissement de la maison, et il en est déjà convenu avec la supérieure; mais comme cette économie ne serait pas suffisante et ferait traîner trop loin le rétablissement de cette maison ...

et l'on pourra aussi alors compléter les huit places de filles d'occiciers. ⁽³⁶⁾

1752 - MAY 22

... a l'est [of Block 20, Lot C] par Celuy [Block 20, Lot E] des Soeurs de la Congregation de Notre dame .. ⁽³⁷⁾

1753 - APRIL 01

Les Soeurs de la Congregation seront rebaties cette année, en consequence la cour fait donner des ordres au gouvernement. ⁽³⁸⁾

1753 - OCTOBER 10

Depuis quatre ans que nous avons été ramenées de france à Louisbourg où nous n'avons plus trouvé de maison Logeable, nous avons été obligées d'en prendre une à loger pour la quelle nous doitnous chaque année 600^# ...

M. L'abbé Le Loutre qui connoît notre Situation, Se charger de vous en Entretenir, Monseigneur. Il nous a assiré depuis Sa retour que vous y auriés égard et donnerier ordre pour que notre maison pût être retab[lir] dès cette annee ... nous nous serions determiné à faire commencer à assembler des bois et d'autres materiaux et d'en préparer une telle quantitité que les Ouvriers avoient déja monté la meilleure partie de la charpente. Lorsque le coup de vent qui a fait un degât prodigieux et causé des Dommage le considerables le Dimanche 7 du present mois d'Octobre dans toute cette colonie a entirement renversé de fond en comble ce qui avoit déja Beaucoup couté à établir, et a brisé tous les bois façonnés, les poutres les Planches &^a à ne pouvor Servir; en sorte que nous ne nous trouvons plus, Monseigneur, en Etat nous Seulement de penser à la reconstruction le no[tre] maison, mais même de payer les avances par le neg^t et de Satisfaire aux ouvriers ont été Employer ... ⁽³⁹⁾

1754 - SPRING

Je ne vous donne point, Monsieur, disait-il, de nouveau mémoire sur ce qui regarde la nécessité urgente et fondée de rétablir les Soeurs de la Congrégation de Louisbourg ... et peut vous certifier l'utilité de ces religieuses dans la colonie, et l'impossibilité où elles sont d'y rester si on ne les rebâtit pas. Il peut même vous dire les mesures qu'elles avaient prises pour se rebâtir sur la simple promesse de secours qu'on leur avait annoncé de la part de la cour. ⁽⁴⁰⁾

MARCH 28, 1756

Il me paroit que la maison des srs de la congregation à Louisbourg est retablie, qu'elles y logent, et que par la elles se trouvent dechargées du loyer de celle qu'elles occupoient ... . ⁽⁴¹⁾

MAP 1758 - 06

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ELEVATION

(1) The building's roof had either a west end or central bell tower, topped by a cross

(2) The bell tower is on a building that has:

(a) Several windows in its north facade

(3) Recollets

MAP 1758 - 06A

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ELEVATION

(1) The building's roof had either a west end or central bell tower, topped by a cross

(2) The bell tower is on a building that has:

(a) Several windows in its north facade

MAP 1758 - 09

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ELEVATION

(1) The building stood 2 1/2 stories tall, with a central bell tower, resting on a roof gabled to the east and west

(2) One ridge-line chimney and two south-facing dormers stood on the roof at either gable end

(3) The building's south wall facade had:

(a) Ground floor: Five east and five west windows flanking perhaps a central doorway

(b) First storey: Five east and five west windows flanking perhaps a central lift opening

(3) The building's east wall facade had:

(a) Attic: One window

(b) First Storey: Two windows

MAP 1758 - 12C

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ELEVATION

(1) The building's central bell tower, topped by a cross, is apparent

MAP 1758 - 12D

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ELEVATION

(1) The building's central bell tower, topped by a cross, is apparent

MAP ND - 218 [1759 - APRIL 07 to 1759 - DECEMBER 30]

Gibson Clough illustrated the Nunnery, fronting Rue d'Orléans as followed:

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ELEVATION

(I) Rue d'Orléans East Building

(1) The [masonry] building was 2 1/2 storeys tall, with a hipped roof to the east and west

(2) Ground floor: Central entrance way facing Rue d'Orléans, flanked by two windows to the east and to the west

(3) First storey: Five windows

(4) Two chimneys: One near the east hip and one near the west hip

(II) Rue d'Orléans West Building

(1) The [masonry] building was 2 1/2 storeys tall, with a hipped roof to the east and west

(2) Ground floor: Central entrance way facing Rue d'Orléans, flanked by two windows to the east and to the west

(3) First storey: Five windows

(4) Two chimneys: One near the east hip and one near the west hip

(III) Interior Building

(1) Set back from Rue d'Orléans in the interior of the property

(2) The masonry building stood 2 1/2 storeys tall, topped by a central bell tower and weather vane

(3) The roof was gabled, with four chimneys - two to the east between the east gable wall and bell tower, and two to the west between the west gable wall and bell tower - with two finials - one at each gable end

(4) On the north long wall facade, one ground floor central portico-style entrance way flanked by three windows to the east and three windows to the west

(5) On the north long wall facade, first storey central diagonal window flanked by three windows to the east and three windows to the west

(6) On the north roof facade, dormers are not illustrated

(IV) Landscape

(1) A large pond in the southern portion of the property, behind the interior building, extending to Rue de France

(2) Two small fenced-off areas in the southern portion of the property behind the interior building - one against the east perimeter fence, and one against the west perimeter fence

(V) Perimeter Fence

(1) Rue d'Orléans masonry wall: Central gateway - topped by a cross - set in a masonry wall that passed beside and behind two flanking buildings at the eastern and western corners of the property

(2) East masonry wall

(3) South masonry wall

(4) West masonry wall

MAP 1766 - 01

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ELEVATION

(1) The building's central bell tower, topped by a cross, is apparent

(2) 7

MAP 1767 - 01 and
MAP 1767 - 01A

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A small building [in ruins], near the eastern lot line - with a yard or garden to the east and west - fronting Rue d'Orléans

(2) A single large building [in ruins] in the interior, set back from Rue d'Orléans, possibly occupying the entire east-west width of the lot

(3) Two gardens to the north of the large building separated by a northeast-southwest fence connecting the large interior building to the small Rue d'Orléans building

(4) A garden immediately to the south of the large interior building with its interior east-west fence

(5) A garden to the south of the interior east-west fence and extending to Rue de France

(6) (s)     x.     Houses entirely in Ruins

1767 - JUNE 04

Captain William Owen on a tour of Cape Breton in 1767 with Lord William Campbell aboard the R.N. Ship The Mermaid referred to:

(June 4) The town of Louisbourg... it is near half a mile in length, and two in circuit; the houses are for the most part built with stone, the streets are regular and broad, with a large parade at a little distance from the citadel, the inside of which is a fine square of 200 feet every way. The Governor's and Intendant's houses, the Church, Nunnery, Hospital and Barracks were good buildings when the place was possessed by the French, but were now going fast to decay.... ⁽⁴²⁾

MAP 1768 - 01

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A small wooden building [# 50], to the east of the property, fronting Rue d'Orléans

(2) A single large wooden building [# 48: Nunnery], set back from Rue d'Orléans, in the interior of the property

MAP 1768 - 01A

(A) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

(1) A small building [# 50], to the east of the property, fronting Rue d'Orléans

(2) A single large building [# 48: Nunnery], set back from Rue d'Orléans, in the interior of the property

1768 - AUGUST 10

Following the departure of the garrison, the Lieutenant Governor, Michael Franklin, wrote to the Earl of Hillsborough, on September 26, 1768, enclosing a plan of the Town of Louisbourg together with an actual state of the publick Buildings and other houses, corrected to the tenth of August last when His Majesty's Troops were withdrawn from thence ...

He was referring to Maps 1768-1/1768-1a (which was to be read together with this document) when he defined the following terms:

(1) Those Houses called in Good repair want much expense to make them really so

(2) Those called Tolerable are much out of repair

(3) Those called Bad have had for the most part the Floors partitions and windows taken away for fuel

(4) Those called in Ruins are totally irrepairable but yet the Materials will be of use to the Settlers who may have them

He then described each building according to the following criteria:

(1) Whether occupied by the French as private or public buildings

(2) In what repair

(3) Built of stone

    OR

(4) Built of wood

(5) No. of the plan

(6) By whom at present occupied

The state of the town of Louisbourg, on the 10th of August 1768:

(1) Nunnery (ruins) - ruins - Wood - 48

(2) Private - bad - Wood - 50

1772

Also the said Lawrence Kavanagh shall without any hindrance occupy and convert to his own use the remaining part of the frame of a House at Louisbourg known by the name of the Nunnery together with half an acre of land or thereabouts thereto adjoining... .⁽⁴³⁾

1849

Abraham Gesner in his book of 1849 reads thus:

The high walls that bustled with cannon, the ditch, the glacis, and portcullis, have almost disappeared -- the bomb-proofs and magazine have become sheepfolds, and the stronghold of the French in America is a heap of rubbish, overgrown the lichens. I had an opportunity of visiting the ruins of Louisbourg, the ancient capital of Canada, in November last ... The arched places of arms and bomb proofs of the citadel are still entire. Three of them are sheepfolds -- another is occupied by a fisherman for a cabbage cellar, and time has encrusted the ceilings with small stalactites. The foundations of the barracks, chapels, the nunnery, hospital, and other public buildings are still perfect ...⁽⁴⁴⁾

1859

According to Cozzens:

Neither roof nor spire remains now; nor square nor street; nor convent, church, nor barrack. The green turf covers all; even the foundations of the houses are buried. It is a city without an inhabitant ... with no signs of life visible within these once warlike parapets except the peaceful sheep grazing upon the very brow of the citadel ... There are about a dozen fishermen's huts on the beach outside the walls of the old town of Louisburgh [sic].⁽⁴⁵⁾

1893

John Milne Gow in his history of Cape Breton described the desolate Fortress ruins, referring to the remaining seven casemates, the mounds, outlines of works, depressions marking the position of some old cellar, and the few solitary sheep nibbling their scanty subsistance from the deserted soil. He spoke of the remains of the hospital and the nunnery as being distinguishable among the surrounding ruins.⁽⁴⁶⁾
 

---

ENDNOTES

1.Dictionary of Canadian Biography 1741 - 1770, Volume 03, (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1974), pp. 189-192.

2. A. J. B. Johnston, "The Congregation of Notre-Dame in 18th-Century Louisbourg," Heritage Notes (Louisbourg Heritage Society), No. 7, July 1995.

3. Dictionary of Canadian Biography 1741 - 1770, Volume 03 (Toronto: University of Toronto Press 1974), pp. 574-575.

4. G1, Volume 466, Pièce 83, October 9, 1722.

5. C11A, Volume 126, Pièce 111, 1723.

6. C11B, Volume 7, December 3, 1725, f. 264.

7. C11B, Volume 7, December 16, 1725, ff. 329v.

8. C11B, Volume 7, December 17, 1725, ff. 171v-172.

9. C11B, Volume 15, October 24, 1734, f. 36. Nous arpenteur à lisle Royalle certifions le present Etat des terrains concédées dans la ville de louisbourg veritables a Louisbourg le 24e 8bre 1734 . [signé] Vallée [contresigné :] ... Veu, St Ovide de Brouillan Veu, Lenormant 1734 Ile Royale M. de St Ovide, gouverneur et M. Le Normant, ordonnateur [See also for Confirmations: G1, Volume 466, Pièce 85, September 1, 1735] - Transcription: By Claude Desaulniers (January, 1997).

10. G3, Carton 2058 (1727), Pièce 35, October 24, 1727.

11. G3, Carton 2038-2, Pièce 57, June 23 1730; See also: G2, Volume 190, Register 4, June 23, 1730, ff. 12v-14.

12. G3, Carton 2038-2, Pièce 57, October 18, 1732.

13. G2, Volume 190, Register 4, August 8, 1733, ff. 9v-12v.

14. G3, Carton 2038-2, Pièce 57, August 8, 1733.

15. G2, Volume 191, October 3, 1733, f. 95.

16. G3, 2038-2, Pièce 19, October 3, 1733.

17. G3, Carton 2058-2, Pièce 19, October 3, 1733.

18. G2, Volume 194, Pièce 57, October 15, 1734.

19. C11B, Volume 15, October 24, 1734, ff. 35v-36. Nous arpenteur à lisle Royalle certifions le present Etat des terrains concédées dans la ville de louisbourg veritables a Louisbourg le 24e 8bre 1734 . [signé] Vallée [contresigné :] ... Veu, St Ovide de Brouillan Veu, Lenormant 1734 Ile Royale M. de St Ovide, gouverneur et M. Le Normant, ordonnateur [See also for Confirmations: G1, Volume 466, Pièce 85, September 1, 1735] - Transcription: By Claude Desaulniers (January, 1997).

20. G2, Volume 199, Dossier 198, December 28, 1734.

21. Anonymous, Histoire de la Congrégation de Notre-Dame de Montréal, Volume 4: 1732-1763 (Montreal, 1941), f. 34.

22. C11B, Volume 19, October 23, 1737, f. 14v.

23. C11B, Volume 20, 1738, f. 16v.

24. G3, 2046-1, Pièce 92, October 21, 1738.

25. B, Volume 68, June 22, 1739, f. 355v.

26. G2, Volume 197, Dossier 129, Pièce 19, February 5, 1740.

27. G3, Carton 2038-2, Pièce 57, June 3, 1742.

28. G2, Volume 198, Dossier 181, Pièce 8, June 7, 1743.

29. C.O. 5, Volume 900, September 21, 1745, f. 233.

30. Anonymous, Histoire de la Congrégation de Notre-Dame de Montréal, Volume 4: 1732-1763 (Montreal, 1941), ff. 147-148.

31. C11B, Volume 28, August 20, 1749, f. 143.

32. C11B, Volume 28, October 21, 1749, f. 49.

33. Rapport de L'Archiviste de la Province de Québec pour 1935-1936, p. 301, April 4, 1750.

34. B, Volume 91, May 19, 1750, p. 335v.

35. C11B, Volume 31, November 14, 1751, f. 103.

36. Anonymous, Histoire de la Congrégation de Notre-Dame de Montréal, Volume 4: 1732-1763 (Montreal, 1941), ff. 154-156.

37. G3, Carton 2047-2, Pièce 17, May 22, 1752.

38. Rapport de L'Archiviste de la Province de Québec pour 1935-1936, p. 384, April 1, 1753.

39. C11A, Volume 107, October 10, 1753, ff. 262-264v. See also: .Anonymous, Histoire de la Congrégation de Notre-Dame de Montréal, Volume 4: 1732-1763 (Montreal, 1941), pp. 266-268.

40. Anonymous, Histoire de la Congrégation de Notre-Dame de Montréal, Volume 4: 1732-1763 (Montreal, 1941), f. 268.

41. Rapport de L'Archiviste de la Province de Québec pour 1936-1937, March 28, 1756, pp. 435-436.

42. William Owen, "Narratives of American Voyages and Travels of Capt. William Owen, R.N. and the Settlement of the Island of Campobelle in the Bay of Fundy 1766-1771 (part 2) " in Bulletin of the New York Public Library, Volume 35, Number 2 (February, 1931).

43. Nova Scotia Public Archives, Volume 338, Document No. 128, p. 36v, no. 75. (Extracts from p. 156 of the Lieut-Governor's Public Letter Book - 1760-1784).

44. Abraham Gesner, The Industrial Resources of Nova Scotia (Halifax, n.p. 1849), p. 302.

45. Fredrick S. Cozzens, Acadia or a Month with the Blue Noses (New York: Derby & Jackson, 1859), p. 103.

46. John Milne Gow, Cape Breton Illustrated ... (Toronto: W. Briggs, 1893), pp. 146-152.