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  Researching the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada
  Recherche sur la Forteresse-de-Louisbourg Lieu historique national du Canada

The Administration Of Justice At The Fortress Of Louisbourg (1713-1758)

1724

• Procédure criminelle instruite à la requête du procureur général du Conseil à l'encontre de Charles Durand accusé et convaincu de vol; vol perpétré chez la Demoiselle Anne Després, veuve Chevalier.(pièces cottées 1-19, plus 11 pièces non cottées.) Folios 371-456: G2 178 Folios 371-456 H J 31 Archives Nationales, Section Outre-Mer, G2, Volume 178

• Plumitif d'audiences - Cahier non entier portant sur les années 1720-1725. (Les pages sont numérotées de 1 à 45, avec plusieurs pièces détachées insérées ici et là dans le registre.) Folios 734-836: 1720-1725 G2 178 Folios 734-836 H J 31 Archives Nationales, Section Outre-Mer, G2, Volume 178

"Plaint et Requisition du p^reur. genal" June 26, 1724

[372] Procureur Général informed the council that on the night of June 21 a man was arrested in the house of Madame Chevalier and taken to prison. He was accused of having stolen from and mistreating Madame Chevalier.

Procureur Général asked that he be interrogated concerning the crime.

Signed by Sabatier.

[807, p. 39a] Superior Council having been informed that a man entered the house of Madame Chevalier and mistreated and stole from her, ordered that the accussed be interrogated and that information be gathered by a commissioner of the Council, M. Degoutin. All information thus gathered was to be transmitted to the Procureur General - signed De Mesy]

"Arrest du con^el qui permet dInforme" Extrait des registres du greffe du Conseil Superieur a Louisbourg Isle royalle" June 26, 1724

[373] Superior Council ordered that the man arrested for stealing from and mistreatingthe veuve Chevalier be interrogated by M. Degoutin "un comm^re du conseil" and the results of the interrogation were to be given to the procureur. Signed by Genier, Greffier of the Superior Council.

"Ordre pour assigner temoins" June 27, 1724

[374-375] François Marie Degoutin, councillor of the Superior Council, at the request of Antoine Sabatier, councillor of the Superior Council and procueur général, ordered assignation of Veuve Chevalier, Sr. Sainton and his wife, and Jean Morin. They were to appear before DeGoutin at his "hotel". Signed by DeGoutin

Demarest, huissier of the Superior Council, certified that he notified the above people that they were to appear before De Goutin to give testimony. Signed by him.

"Information" given by Veuve Chevalier to De Goutin, June 27, 1724

[376] Anne Despré [She swore to tell the truth and declared that she was not "parent Ny alliée Ny domestique des partyes] "veuve de feu Sr. Jean Chevalier, about 56 years of age, declared that on June 22 

"Jour de la petitte feste de dieu a environ trois heures du Matin estant couché dans son lit quelle entendit du bruit dans chambre Joinante a celle ou elle estoit Couchée et demande a linstant, qui est la, Mais personne Ni Repondit, ensuitte de quoy elle entendit quon vouloit Ouvrir une armoire ou il y avoit des Marchandise & de largent et ensuitte entendit entrer dans sa Chambre et ouvrir une petitte [377] Armoire ou Il y avoit une Tasse dargent ensuitte entendit entrer dans dans Cabinet et ouvrir une armoire qui y estoit pour lors la d. dam^elle veuve chevalier se leva et fut dans lendroit ou elle avoit entenda du bruit et dit un home denviron quatre pieds et demy de hauteur avec des cheveux frisé sans en avoir peu destingue la Couleur Raport au peu de jour." She stood in the door to stop him and cried "aux voleus." 

He 

"la Jetta sur un coffre et luy donna un coup au visage; et lhomme entendant quon qu'on luy Repondoit d'une Maison Voisine il dit vous Nevoulé pas Me quitte Je Vais vous Tuer avec un couteau" 

Signed by De Goutin and Genier.

"Information" given by Jean Morin to De Goutin, June 27, 1724

[378] Jean Morin, habitant & mar^d de ce lieu Agé denviron trante ans, after swearing to tell the truth and declaring that he was not "parent Ny allié Ny domestique des partyes," stated that on June 22 at about 4 am "Son valet" awoke him and told him that the house of Madame Chevalier was being robbed.. On going to the scene he found 

"Certain quidan a luy Inconnu Tenu par le Sieur Baron et Sainton sa femme presente & Meme le voulan laissis [379] aller par la demande de la d. veuve chevalier quil a veue plein de Sang Tant au nez qua Ses Couet[eau] et quil a trouvé le d. quidan Armé de Couteau de Chasse dargent et autres effets dont it se soit saisy. quil a prié le petit fils du S^r. Baron daller avertir le corps de garde cequil a fait et deux soldats avec un Caporal Testant saisy du d. Volleur l'ont emmenné prisonnier au corps de garde ..." 

Signed by Morin, De Goutin

Deposition of Sr. Sainton, June 27, 1724

[380] Louis Sainton, age 33 and habitant of Louisbourg, took his oath and declared that on the 22 of June at 3 am (it being the "petitte fete de dieu"), he heard a noise coming from Madame Chevalier's house. He heard his neighbour cry out "Aux Volleurs & au Meutre," and when he got to her house he found 

"Un homme de petitte Taille Nud en Chemise Nayant sur luy quune Culotte & ses bas, et quil saisit dans la chambre de la d. demoiselle veuve chevalier, et l'ayant fouillé luy auroit Trouvé une boucle de Cinture d'argent, Un petit Couteau et quelque Monnye." 

Signed by Sainton, De and Genier.

Deposition of Marie Anne Mantelet, wife of Sr. Sainton, June 27, 1724

[382] Marie Anne Mantelet, wife of Sr. Sainton and 40 years of age, declared, after taking an oath, that on June 22 

"Jour de la petitte feste de dieu environ les trois heures du matin" she heard cries of "aux Volleurs" 

and 

"a lassasin pour lors elle seleva en chemise & se Rendit chéz ... chevalier sa voisine quelle trouve par terre ... un homme de Moyenn Taille et Toutte en sang en autre depose que a veu Tirer de la poche de lhomme suprise Une Tasse d'argent deux douz^e de Couteaux fermens quelques paires de boucles environ Cinq ou Six livres de tabac, & avec a la main Un grand couteau de Table." 

Since Madame Sainton did not know how to write, she could not sign her declaration. Signed by De Goutin and Genier.

"Ord^ce. pour assigner temoins" June 27, 1724

[384] De Goutin, at the request of Sabatier, ordered Sieur Nicolas Baron, merchant of Louisbourg, to appear before him in his "hotel" on June 28 at 8 am to give information concerning the case against Charles Durand. Signed by De Goutin.

June 28, 1724, Claude Joseph Demarest, huissier of the Superior Council certified [385] that he gave assignation to Baron to appear before De Goutin. Signed by him.

Deposition of Nicolas Baron, June 28, 1724

[386] Nicolas Baron, age 53, took an oath and declared that on June 22, the "petitte feste de dieu" at about 4 am 

"Mad^elle la veuve Chevalier lenvoya Chercher dans sa Maison par sa fille qui estoit couchée avec la d. Mamoiselle Veuve, et le deposant estant sorty Vint au secour de la d. veuve et vit pour lors dans sa chambre un homme de petitte Taille qui luy para Brun sans justocorps Ny Veste qui estoit arresté par le Sieur Sainton & sa femme, et layant saisy luy auroit trouvée dans les poches de sa Culotte une tasse [387] dargent et une boucle dargent, & un etuy a lunette et quen se de batan [document damaged] passer sen Justocorps & Veste [?] de dessus luy et quayant visitte les poches du d. Justocorps & veste ... il y auroit trouvé plusieurs Couteaux fermens & Un grand couteau flamant avec Cinq a six brasse de tabac, quelques pioes et deposé que le [m]eme homme dont it estoit Saisy fur emmenné en prison par le coporal de garde et deux Mousquetaires pour etre conduit en prison." 

He noted also that Madam Chevalier's face was bloody. Nicolas Baron did not know how to write. Signed by De Goutin and Genier.

Interrogation of Charles Durand, June 28, 1724

[388] Durand was taken to "un chambre size près le corps & la plus proche des prisons de ce lieu ... He was "un homme de petitte Taille poil Brun." He was interrogated by De Goutin after taking an oath to tell the truth.

Charles Durand, "Natif de "Norgens le Roy province de beauce, agé d'environ quinze a seize ans; ayant travaillé a la Vigne avec son pere."

He declared 

• that he had been in Louisbourg for 3 years; 

• that he lived at first in the house of Sr. la Sonde, than in the house of "le Nommé Durand charpentier," and then in the house of Sr. St. Martin "Cap^e d'un Navire;"

• that on the night in question he was on board the "Batteau" of St. Martin until about 4:30 am; 

• that "il avoit de largent pour boire un quart de vie, et quayant trouvé la porte de la veuve chevalier [389] ouverte il y entre pour en demander;" 

• that he had not opened any armoires; 

• that he had not taken the silver cup they found in his pocket; 

• that he had "achettés [the knives] dans la Rue dun Matelot; 

• that he had not had "un grand couteau;" 

• that he had not searched "les poches dun jupon quil y avoit sur le lit de la dame veuve chevalier;" 

• that if they found a buckle in his pockets, it was because someone had "Joué le tour" since he had not seen it; 

• that when he entered the house, Madame chevalier threw herself on him and called him a thief; 

• that she cried "aux voleurs après avoir fermé sa porte luy dedans et ouvrit la fenetre;

• that he had not "Menancé la d. dame de la tuer Sil ne la laissoit point aller; 

• that he had entered the house by the door and had not "casssé [390] un Carreau dune fenetre;" 

• that he had been "a paris au service d'un M^e. des coches Nommé Louis Morize" and after "estant yvre dans la Rue," he was taken "Au chatelet après quoy fau Menné en chaine par le col au port de Rochefort d'ou il fut embarqué sur un vaisseau du Roy et amenné a Louisbourg; 

• that he had hit Madame chevalier in the face because she was pulling his hair. Durand did not know how to write. 

Signed by De Goutin and Genier.

Order for assignation. of witness, July 11, 1724

[391] François De Goutin, at the request of Sabatier, ordered Marie Anne Zaimard to appear before him that day at 8 am in his "hotel" to give information in the case against Charles Durand. Signed by De Goutin.

[392] At 6 am Jean François Lorant, huissier, gave assignation to Marie Anne Zaimard to appear before De Goutin. Signed by Lorant

Deposition of Marie Anne Zaimard, July 11 1724

[393] Marie Anne Zaimard "demeurant chéz son beau pere le Sr. Nicolas Baron hab^t. a louisbourg agée de quatorze ans" appeared before De Goutin, took the oath and declared "le jour de la petitte fete de dieu", June 22 at 4 am., she was bedded with '"Madame Chevalier when the latter called to her. She then saw 

"Un homme de petitte Taille, avec des petits cheveux frisé Noirs qu estait en chemise et Nayant que sa culotte & bas sans [594] souliers dont elle Ne Sçay point." [Document damaged] 

Sr. Sainton his wife, Sr. Morin and Sr. Baron responded to Madame Chevalier's cries. They went through his pockets and found a number of knives, a silver cup, a silver belt buckle and "lunettes." Morin sent to the corps de garde and a short time later soldiers came and escorted Durand to prison. Signed by "Mariane Zemar" [Marie Anne Zaimard], De Goutin and Genier.

"Conclusions preparratoires du p^reur genal" July 17, 1724

[395] Sabatier had examined the documents relative to the case against Charles Darand including the testimony given in the depositions by Jean Morin 

"marchand, Louis Sainton Cabaretier habitant et marianne mantelet femme du d. Sainton ... du Sr. Nicolas Baron ... du nommé Charles Durand ... et La deposition de la dem.^lle marianne zeimard [Zaimard]." 

He ordered that the witnesses be made to confront Durand "pour reconnoistre si Cest le même homme quils ont Surpris et arrete en flagrant delit ...." Signed by Sabatier.

Order of the Superior council for the confrontation of the accused with the witnesses, July 17, 1724

[396] The Superior Council ordered that the reading of the depositions to the witnesses and the confrontation between the accused and the witnesses be carried out "pour ensuitte parvenir au Jugement diffinitif." Signed by Genier.

Order for assignation of witnesses, July 19, 1724

[397] De Goutin ordered assignation of Morin, Baron, Sainton, Madame Sainton, Madame Chevalier, and Marie Anne Zaimard to appear before him the next day at 8 am to hear their depositions read and to confront the accused, Charles Durand. Signed by De Goutin.

Demarest certified that he carried out the above order that same day. [398] Signed by Demarest.

"Recollement des temains cy leurs depositions" July 20, 1724

[399] De Goutin, "Con^r. au con^sl. Superieur de Louisbourg com^re. Raporteur en cette partie," declared that on the above date in his "hotel" the depositions made by the witnesses were read back to them.

Madame Chevalier, after swearing to tell the truth, heard her deposition read by the greffier. After hearing it "Mot a Mot", she affirmed that what it contained was true and declared that she wished to add or subtract nothing. Signed by her, De Goutin and Demarest.

[400] Jean Morin, after swearing to tell the truth, heard his deposition read by the greffier. He added to it by declaring that, on the night of the crime, he saw "un carreau de vitre de la chambre de la dam^lle. veuve chevalier cassé et quil presume que cest par cette fenetre que laccuse est entré puis quon pouvoit facillement ouvrir la targette du chassis par la fracture de ce Carreau." He swore his deposition to be true and signed it. Also signed by De Goutin and Demarest.

"Recollement des temoins cy leurs depositions" July 20, 1724

[401] Nicolas Baron - same as for Madame Chevalier, except Baron was not able to sign. Signed by De Goutin and Demarest.

Louis Sainton - same as for Madame Chevalier. Signed by Sainton, De Goutin and Demarest.

[402] Marie Anne Mantelet - wife of Sr. Sainton - added to her testimony that 

"lorsquelle fut au Secours de la dam^lle chevalier que l'accuse quelle y trouva etoit Nud pieds nayant que ses bas, ses souillers etant au pied de la fenetre de la chambre de la dam^lle chevaller avec un Petit couteau, la d. fenetre etant du cotté de la cour par laquelle le accusé declara avoir passé, et quelors q^l. fut remis entre les mains des soldats pour etre conduit en prison il demanda ses souillers quil dit luy même etre au pied de cette fenetre ...." 

She was not able to sign. Signed by De Goutin and Demarest.

"Recollement des temoins cy leurs depositions" July 20, 1724

[399-403] Marie Anne Zaimard - same as for Madame Chevalier. Signed by Mademoisel , le Zaimard, De Goutin and Demarest.

"Confrontations des temoins a l'accusé" July 20, 1724

Confrontations between witnesses and the accused took place in a room near the corps de garde "ou avons fait amener des prisons d d lieu"

Confrontation between Madame Chevalier and Durand:

Both parties took an oath to tell the truth, and each acknowledged to know who the other was. Following this the greffier read the [405] 

"premiers articles de la deposition de la d. d^elle. contenant son Nom, age, qualite et Religion et quelle a declaré Netre ny parante Ny alliée des parties servante ny domestique." 

Durand declared that he knew he to be a woman of honor and that he had no "reproche" to make against her. The rest of her deposition was read to him. [406] 

"Et laccusé a dit que la d deposition est fausse Et ayant represente a la accuse Presence de la dedame Une tasse dargent un boucle de sinture et plusieurs couteaux dont laccuse se trouva saissy lors quil fut arresté." 

He claimed that only the small knives were known to him. The accused did not know how to sign. 

Signed by Madame Chevalier, De Goutin and Demarest.

"Confrontation des temoins a l'accusé" July 20, 1724

Confrontation between Marie Anne Zaimard and Durand

[407] Preliminary information same as for above. When the deposition [408] was read to him, Durand declared that it was false. "Et luy ayant confronte presence de la d. d^1le. la tasse boucle a Sinture d'argent et les couteaux dont laccuse etoient saissis avons demandé au d. accuse sil les reconnoissoit a dit que Non" and that all that was charged against him was false. The accused could not sign. Signed by De Goutin and Demarest, as well as the witness.

Confrontation between Jean Morin and Durand, July 20, 1724

[409]Preliminary information same as for above. When the deposition was [410] read to him, Durand declared that "il ne scait pas ceque le Sr. Morin veut dire." When confronted with the evidence in front of the witness, he declared that he had no knowledge of the articles. Signed by Morin, De Goutin and Demarest.

Confrontation between Nicolas Baron and Durand, July 20, 1724

[411] Preliminary information same as for above. When the deposition was [412] read, Durand declared that it was false, and he claimed not to recognize the evidence which had been seized at his arrest. Neither witness nor accused could sign. Signed by De Goutin and Demarest.

 Confrontation between Louis Sainton and Durand, July 20, 1724

[413] Preliminary information same as for above, except that M. Sainton claimed to recognize the accused from having seen him living "chez Durand le charpentier." When the deposition was read to him, [414] Durand declared that it was false, and that he did not recognize the evidence seized at his arrest. Signed by Saintons De Goutin and Demarest.

Confrontation between Marie Mantelet Epouse du Sr. Sainton and Durand, July 20, 1724

[415] Preliminary information same as for above. When the deposition was [416] read to him, Durand declared "que Il ny a rien de vray dans sa deposition et recollernent." He claimed not to recognize the evidence seized at his arrest. Neither witness nor accused could sign. Signed by De Goutin and Demarest.

"Confrontation des temoins a l'accusé" July 20, 1724

[417] Following the confrontations, the accused was "mis en Mains du Caporal de garde pour être remis dans les prisons de Cette place." Signed by De Goutin and Demarest.

"Interrogatoire fait a laccusé Sur la Sellette" August 8, 1724

[418] "Lan mil sept cent vingt quatre le huitieme aoust le conseil Superieur assemblé laudce. tenant en la chambre du Conseil ou etoient Mess Jacques Anges le Normant Demesy president, Maurice Josué boisbertelot de beaucours francois Marie Degoutin, Joseph Lartigue Coner. et Louis Le Vasseur Lieutenant general au siege de lamirauté de cette Isle appellé pour faire le Nombre competant ... " 

Case against Charles Durand to be heard. They had "Maudé le d Durand qui a eté amené par Le sergent de garde Lequel accusé etant assis Sur la Sellette a fait Serment de dire et Repondre verité sur les facts dont il Sera par Nous Enquire."

• [419] "Interroge de son Nom, age, qualité. demeure le lieu de sa naissance et Religion 
    

• a repondu se nommer charles durand, agé denviron Seize ans fils de charles durand vigneron et Jeannetan grosse ayant travaille avec son pere a la vigne, Natif de la paroisse de vacheresse a deux lieues de Nosgens le Roy en basse [beauce], luy et son pere et mere de la Religion Catolique appostolique et Romain."
    

• Interrogé aquel age Il est Sortit de lad. paroisse de Vacgerosse
    

• a dit que ses pere et mere etant morte lorsquil avoit sept ans il fut chez un de ses oncles a davreau ouil areste trois ans, ensuitte il a êté adreu [sic] travailler chez un Vigneron, et ensuitte travileer dun costé et dautre. Ensuitte est allé a paris ou Il a resté trois ans chez le Maitre des cocher Rue St. Nicaise, et ayant ete trouvé pris de boisson la Nuit dans la Rue St honore parlequel il fut conduit sa chatelet et apres a bissaitre [?] dou il a êté amené a Rochefort et ou il a êté Embarque sur le Vaisseau du Roy [420] et amané icy.
    

• Interrogé ouil a Servy icy
    

• repond avoir servy le Sr Lassonde habitant de port Toulouse ouil areste huit ou neuf Mois, ensuitte il sest rendu icy ouil a Servit le nome de touege? habitant ou il areste deux a trois mois ensuitte a servy durand le charpentier ... lassé de servir ce charpentier il sortit de chez luy et alla sengager avec le Sr St Martin qui le mit dans son batteau avec lequel il a êté au port dauphin chargé de Pierre ensuite revenant icy ... [422]
    

• Interrogé quel habillement il avoit lorsquil fut arreste
    

• repond quIl avoit me veste blanche croisée de drap de Munition une Culote bleue, un paire de bas brun et un paire de souillers francour ...
    

He declared:

• that his father and mother had died when he was 7 years old, and he to live with one of his uncles for 3 years; 

• that after that he went first to work in a vineyard,, then "a travaillé dun costé et dautre," then went to Paris where he stayed for 3 years in the house of "le Maitre des coches Rue St Nicaise;" 

• that "ayant ete trouvé pris de boisson la Nuit dans la Rae St. honore par lequel il fut conduit au chatelet et apres a bissactre dou a êté amené a Rochefort & ou Il a êté Embarque [420] Sur Le vaissseau du Roy et amené icy;" 

• that he lived at first with Sr Lassonde in Port Toulouze for 9 months, then he went to serve "detouche habitant" where he stayed 2 or 3 months following which he went with "durand le charpentier;" 

• that when he left the service of Durand, he went to work for St. Martin" avec 1equel il a ete au port dauphin chargé de Pierre," following which he returned to Louisbourg; 

• that he had left St. Martin 3 days before he was arrested; 

• that during [421] those three days be had "emporté deux ou trois galettes de biscuit", and had spent the first night in a cabane alone and the second "sous une chaloupe sur la grave;" 

• that on the night he was arrested he slept on board St. Martin's batteau; 

• that in order to get there he had taken un Canot" about 9pm; 

• that after having moored the "canot", he went and slept "dans la Calle sur de la pierre a cheaux sans etre veu de personne ny entendû; 

• that he had gone to the boat to ask St. Martin to take him back; 

• that he had left the batteau at 4am by means of the same "canot;" 

• that he had a friend on board named "bourbonnois" who had previously worked for "Langot sergent de cette garrison et ensuitte [422] Comtois"; ] 

• that he had left the "Canot au pont du Roy" and from there went to Madame Chevalier's to "boire un quart deaudevie;" 

• that he had gone to her house because none of the cabarets on the quay were open and her house "qui est vis a vis celle du Sr. Lamotte" was open; 

• that he had entered and asked if she would sell him a quart of. eau de vie; 

• that she "ferma la porte de la. Rue" and cried out "aux voleurs; " 

• that her cries had brought Sainton. and his wife to her aid; 

• that he was wearing "une veste blanche croisée de drap de munition une Culots bleue, [423] un paire de bas brun et un paire do souillers francois;" 

• that he had gotten the money which he had when arrested by selling 6 "perdrix" on the grave for 25 sols apiece; 

• that it was false that he was barefoot when arrested;" 

• that he had not threatened to kill Madame Chevalier with "un grand Couteaux flamant;" 

• that he had not had such a knife on him when he was arrested; 

• that he had had about 12 "petits Couteaux a [424] manche de Comes fermants"

•  that he had bought for 5 sols each from a sailor on the "grave"; 

• that he had gotten the money with which he bought the knives by conducting a man to a ship - for which he was given 15-16 sols; 

• that he knew nothing of the silver, cup, buckle; 

• that he had never been in the house with "Depré garçon qui Servoit la d^1le chevalier" to warm himself by the fire; 

• that the only time he had been in the house was "pour aller chercher des pommes Lorsquil demeuroit chez le d Durant."

Following the questioning, he was handed over to the sergent de garde to be returned to prison. Signed by Le Normant, Deneau, Demarest.

"Arrest qui ordonne un plus amplement informé" August 8, 1724

[426: See also: 809-810:pp. 40a-41] The Superior Council, after having viewed all the evidence and testimony, ordered "qu'il Sera plus amplement informé des faits contenus en la plainte et Sur ceux contenus aud Interrogatoire pardevant Le d. M. Degoutin, pour les Nouvelles informations et le d. Interrogatoire." Given in the [427] "Chambre du d. Conseil." Signed by Demarest.

Request of the Procureur Général for the "recollement des temoins" August 21, 1724.

[442] Sabatier required for the King that the witnesses hear their depositions read to them and confront Charles Durand. Signed by Sabatier.

"Memoire au Sujet du proces criminel a 1 'Encontre de charles Durand prisonnier accusé d'avoir vollé Nuitament la d^1le veuve chevalier marchande a Louisbourg" August 19, 1724

[443] Sabatier summarized the facts of the case against Charles Durand:

Madame Chevalier declared: 

• that she was awakened one night by a noise in house; 

• that when she asked who was there, she received no answer; 

• that she heard someone open "une petite armoire dans sa chambre ou il y avoit une tasse argent," following which she heard someone enter "Son Cabinet et ouvrir aussy une autre armoire dans laquelle il y avoir des marchandises"; 

• that she went into the cabinet and there surprised a man; 

• that she cried out for help; 

• that he threatened to kill her with a knife if she did not let him go.

Witness Zaimar confirmed the last part of Madame Chevalier's testimony. She had been staying with Madame Chevalier and awoke when the latter called her. She said that she saw Madame Chevalier struggling with a man who [444] "La tenoit par le travers du corp, qui la possa dans un Coin de la d^te. Chambre et qui la venuers a par terre."

All the witnesses stated that when they arrived they saw a man "en chemise, Cullotte et bas, sans souliers."Madame Sainton. added that the shoes of the accused were "au pied de la fenestre de la chambre qui donnne dans la cour avec un petit couteau," and that when he was handed over to the soldiers "qu on avait Envoyé chercher pour le Conduire en prison, quil les demanda ayant mem declaré quil avait passé par la."

Sr. Morin added also that he saw "un Carreau de la d^te. fenestre cassé et quil presume que c'est par la que l'accusé est, Entré dans la maison puis quon pouvoit tirer la targette du chassis."

The accused denied knowledge of the things they found on him, saying that anything they found must have been put there by someone "qui vouloit luy faire piece."

The Procureur Général remarked that it was easy to believe that Durand's statements were false because he was 

"un homme dont la vie na Eté qu'un tisse de libertinage et de legereté, Envoyé comme un criminel dans une Colonie et qui paroist meme deçuiser Jusqu'a a Son age, ne cherche qu'a Imposer par un mensonge continuel et des detours ridicules." 

The accused claimed that he had taken a "canot" to the batteau of St. Martin at 9pm hoping to "rentrer en grace." When he arrived on board the batteau he bedded down in the "calle" without being seen by anyone. At 4am he left the batteau unseen by captain, or crew by the same "canot and went to Madame Chevalier's house looking for sone eau de vie. Finding the door [446] open, he went in and asked for a "quart d'Eau de vie." Madame Chevalier treated him. thief, cried out, locked the door and opened a window.

The Procureur Général did not believe Durand's version of the events:

"Premier, Ceux qui ont des Canots a la Coste soit au pont du Roy ou aux chassaux ont soin d'ôter leurs avirons et gouverail des quils sont amarres. Au moins de juin le Soleil se couche a huit heures et par conseqent Il est encore grand Jour a neuf."

Secondly, St. Martin had had his dinner ashore and did not return until 10 o'clock so that "un de Son Equipage auvoir esté de bout."

"quand bien mesme Il Eté couché, Il ya toujours au moins un homme allerte pendent qu'un batiment est armé."

"Tous les Soirs les paneaux ont fermes et on ne Sçauvoir les ouvrir du bruit."

"des le petit point du jour dans un batiment tout le monde est Eveillé et Sur le pont de bonne heure pendant le mois de juin Il est Jour avant trois heures et lEquipage au travail avant quatre."

[447] These were the fact, but in order that their investigation be beyond reproach, he saw fit to question St. Martin, "Rencontre Corporal de la comp^e de la vallîere, du [four?] soldat de la même Compagnie et la Lime de celle de Catalogne qui furent detacheé du Corp de garde" to arrest Durand. The latter were asked what they found on their arrival at Madame Chevalier' s house. He also asked all the witnesses if they knew by whom and how the "porte qui donne Sur la rue" was opened, 

"quoy que ne fust pas tout a fais necessaire pour la Conviction de l'accusé, Car le seule detour quil prend pour aller chercher a boire de lEau de vie chez la veuve chevalier oui est une marchande dEtofe dont la maison est tout a fais reculée, au lieu quil auvoir trouvé dis Cabarets chemin faisant Sil [n?]avoir eu autre dessein." 

But the accused knew it was a house since one of his comrades used to be a domestic 

"pendant le temps quil a demeuré a Louisbourg et Sachant que la d^te. d^lle. veuve chevalier est une bonne femme Incommodée Jusqua ne pouvoir presque pas marcher [448] et Ses le chez Elle, Le drolle avoir Scaladé avant le jour Les piquets de la Cour de la dte. maison, qu'Etant arrivé a la fenestre qui donne dans la charnbre ou couchoit d^.te. veuve, Il a osté ses souliers pour ne point faire du bruit .... et detache un des carreaux de verre du chassis pour tirer la tarjette ainsy que a S^r. morin, est Entré poury voler.", 

Signed by Sabatier.

New information given by Elie Bordier dit La Lime, August 19, 1724

[449] De Goutin questioned Elie Bordier dit La Lime "Soldat de la compagnie de Mr Catalogne" He declared that on "le jour de la petite feste Dieu ..." while he was on guard, the son of Sr. Baron de garde and said that a man had been surprised in the act of stealing [450] from the house of Madame Chevalier. He wanted the soldiers to come and escort the thief to prison. Two "fusiliers et Le Caporal" went to the house and there found Durand. The corporal entered the house, leaving "le deposant et l'autre soldat a la porte pour prendre garde" that he did not escape. The door had been left open, enabling La Lime to see 

"Le Caporal qui amena le d'accusé de la Cuisine, dans la chambre qui donne sur la Rue vis a vis du Sr. Lamotte quil êtoit en veste, nut Pied, cest a dire N'ayant que ses bas, que le fils du S^r. baron luy a porta ses souillers. Sur ceque le d. accuse dit,.esse que vous voulez me faire Marcher Nut pied? " 

When asked if he knew where the shoes had been found, La Lime said that he did not because they went "derriere la porte de la cuisine" and he was not able to see them from his position outside. When they reached the corps de garde, the corporal searched Durand and found "quartorze sols en sols marques et un petit couteau fermant a manche de bois que le Caporal portat sur le champ a Mad^lle. chevalier." Signed De Goutin and Demarest.

New Information given by Jacques Jouineau, August 19, 1724

[452-454] De Goutin questioned Jacques Jouineau "Rencontre Caporal de la Compagnie de M^r. de la valiere" and was given virtually the saine information as had been supplied by La Lime, adding only that "le fils du S^r. baron fut dans la Cour de la d. dam^lle chevalier chercher les Souillers de l'accusé qui dit les y avoit laissés, au bas de la fenetre de la Cuisine de la d. daml^le. He also added that they found the accused in the room "ou est la cheminée et ou couche la d dam^lle. chevalier." Signed by De Goutin and Demarest.

Order for assignation of La Lime and Jouineau, August 19, 1724

[455-456] De Goutin ordered La Lime and Jouineau to appear before at 2pm that day to give information concerning the case against Durand. Signed by him.

Duneau certified to have carried out the above order. Signed.

Request of the Procureur Général for the "recollement des temoins." August 21, 1724

[442] Sabatier required for the King that the witnesses hear their depositions read to them and confront Charles Durand. Signed by Sabatier.

Order of the Superior Council, August 28, 1724

[440] Having heard the evidence and testimony in the case against Durand, [441] the Superior Council ordered that "les temoins ouys les Informations & autres par M. degoutin commis^re. Cy demant Nommés proces au Recollement et Confrontation pour ensuitte parveni au Jugement diffinitif du proces." Signed by Genier, greffier of Superior Council.

Roi versus Durand, August 28, 1724

[812] Council ordered that the accused be confronted by the witnesses against him "pour ensuitte pavenir au Jugem^t. diffinitif du proces." Signed Le Normant De Mesy.

Ordonnance pour le Recollement des deux temoins de la Nouvelle information, August 30, 1724

[439] De Goutin ordered Jouineau, corporal of de la Valiere's Company, and La Lime, "soldat de Celle de M^r. de Catalogne," to appear before him in his "hotel" at 2pm to hear their depositions of the 19th read to them, following which they would confront the accused. Signed by De Goutin.

Claude Demarest, huissier of the Superior Council, certified to have ordered Jouineau and La Lime to appear before De Goutin. signed by Demarest

"Confrontation des temoins a l'accusé" August 30, 1724

[433] De Goutin "Raporteur en Cette partie" proceeded with the confrontation between the witnesses and Charles Durand "dans une chambre seise au pres du corp de garde de Cette place ou le d accusé est detenû." The accused was summoned to face Jacques Jouineau. Each swore, in the other's presence, to tell the truth and they declared that they knew each other each other. The greffier read the first articles of the deposition of Jouineau containing his age "qualité" and religion. Durand had no reproaches to make against the wit [434] ness and he stated that he knew him to be an honest man. The remainder of the deposition was read to Durand, who declared that it was not true that his shoes were "dans la Cour de la D^Ile chevalier;" they were on his feet. The witness did not know how to write and could not sign. Signed by Demarest and De Goutin.

[435] Confrontation between Durand and Elie Bordier dit La Lime - preliminary [436] information same as above. Accused declared that what Bordier had said in regard to his shoes was false. The witness had said that Durand had barefoot, "qui ses souillers luy ont etes donnés Sur ceque Laccuse dit ce que vous voulez me faire marcher Nud pied." Witness could not write. Signed by Demarest and De Goutin. Durand returned to prison by the corporal de garde

"Recollement des deux temoins de la Nouvelle information" August 30, 1724

[437-438] Depositions taken from Jouineau "Caporal dela Compagnie de M^r. De la valiere" and La Lime read to them. The two swore to have told the truth in their statements. Signed by Demarest and de Goutin.

Second interrogation of Durand on the Sellette, September 5, 1724

[429-430] Superior Council assembled in the Chambre du Conseil - present were Joseph St. Ovide de Brouillan, Jacques Ange Le Normant DeMesy, Maurice Josué Bois Bertelot de Beaucours, François Marie DeGoutin and' Joseph Lartigue. Durand was brought to them by the "Sergent de garde" and was seated on the sellette. After he swore to tell the truth, he was questioned. He was warned that "son proces va Etre Jugé en Cette assemblée en dernier Ressort et sans apel.

Durand declared that he had no "Recusationa a proposer" to the Superior Council; that [430] he had no "reproches "to make against the witnesses who had confronted him; that the "depositions des Hommes Jacques Jouineau d. Rencontre & Elie bordier dit Lalime temoins de la Information qui luy ont Soutenû quil etoit Nud pied" were false; that he had no accomplice and had not been. seduced into committing the robbery. Signed by Le Normant De Mesy and Demarest.

Roi versus Durand

[817-818 - See also 807-810] Durand was asked by the Council if he would, in order "eviter la peine que merite la Reparation du Crime dont Il est accusé," perform the duties "d'executeur en Cette Isle." He responded "sur son serment quil acceptoit promettant mettre a Execution les d. arrest et cequi luy Sera ordonné par Justice ce fait S'est Retire." After considering the facts of the case, the Council found Durand guilty 

"pour reparation de quoy a Commué la peine de Ce Crime a Celle d'executeur de Hautes Ouvres et a Condamné [818] ... Durand a En faire les fonctions Sa Vie durant & deffence a luy de freindre son bane & Sabsantir de ce port Sans ordre, sour peine de Mort.

" Unsigned. Original signed by Lartigue, Beaucours, St. Ovide de Brouillan, De Mesy, and. Genier - greff^r. du conseil superieur."

Sentence given Charles Durand by Sabatier, Procureur Général, September 14, 1724

[431] Having examined all evidence and testimony, Sabatier found the accused [432] guilty of "vol premedité" in reparation for which he was condemned 

• to be "Etranglé Jusqu'a ceque mort." 

• The gallows for this was to be "plantée en la place publique de la marine." 

• His body was to be left there for 24 hours and then taken "Sur la hauteur du Cap Noir." 

• All his possessions were to be confiscated. 

• It was also ordered that he would also pay "la somme de trois livres Envers le Roy en cas que Confiscation N'ais lieu au profit de Sa Majesté." 

• The accused "prealablement appliqué a la question ordinaire Et Extraordinaire pour pouvoir decouvir Ses Complices si aucuns y a."

Process de Charles Durand Accuse de Vol, September 14, 1731

[431] Nous Requerons pour le Roy laccusé estre deument atteint et Convaincu de vol premedité pour reparation de quoy quil soit Condemné a estre pendu et Etranglé jusqu'a ce que mort. S'ensuivie a une potence pris pour ces Effets sera plantée en la place publique de la marine ordonné que son corps mort y demeurera vingt quatre heures, et sera ensuite porté sur la hauteur du Cap Noir, que tous et chacuns des biens soient declarez acquis et confisquez a qui il appartiendre et que sur [ ? ] Il soit pris la Somme de trois livres damende envers le Roy en cas que Confiscation N'aie lieu au profit de Sa Majesté; laccusé prealablement appliqué a la question ordinaire et Extraordinaire pour pouvoir decouvrir ses complices sy aucuns y a. fait et donné en Notre hotel a louisbourg Ce quatriême Septembre mil sept cent vingt quatre.

Sabatier

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