The Built History of Port Toulouse, Isle Royale, Actual and Proposed, 1713-1758, Volume One, Narrative Report, Part One, By Eric Krause, Unpublished Report 98-13 (Krause House Info-Research Solutions, February 28, 1998)

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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

Report 98-13

THE BUILT HISTORY OF PORT TOULOUSE, ISLE ROYALE,
ACTUAL AND PROPOSED, 1713-1758
BY ERIC KRAUSE

(KRAUSE HOUSE INFO-RESEARCH SOLUTIONS)

FEBRUARY 28, 1998

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VOLUME ONE: NARRATIVE REPORT

PART ONE

CHRONOLOGY OF BUILT HISTORY EVENTS (1713 - 1768)

YEAR: 1713

An initial survey of Port St. Pierre [Port Toulouse] found the remains of the 17th century Denis de Tours fort.⁽¹⁾ It also located the portage (about 1/4 league long) joining the harbour and the Bras d'Or Lakes.⁽²⁾

YEAR: 1714

By early in the new year, settlement (and thus building construction) had already occurred.⁽³⁾ Possible, some, if not all of the structures, were of Acadian vernacular design, given that the seven or eight families already established there were from those mainland French settlements.⁽⁴⁾ For the authorities , "Petit St. Pierre" and its associated river, was the preferred location for the new settlement.⁽⁵⁾ In their scheme, concessions measuring 4 arpents of frontage by 60 of depth were to be the norm.⁽⁶⁾

A survey of the harbour identified a careening place within the cove designated Port St. Pierre. Outside this place, facing the Bay were two beaches, presumably for the use of a fishery. Connecting the Bras d'Or Lakes. to the Bay, at the first cove to the west of Port St. Pierre, was a significantly wide portage [roadway], of a length of 600 geometric paces.⁽⁷⁾ According to another source, the isthmus [on which the roadway would have stood], positioned between the bottom of the harbour and the Bras d'Or Lakes, measured 350 toises. ⁽⁸⁾

Other observers picked up on the same information and more - including giving a confusing reference reversing the locations of the former places of Le Grand and Petite St. Pierre. At any rate, the remains of the old Denis fort were quite apparent: Square (each face being 12 toise), revetted with sod, and surrounded by a faussé serving as its enceinte. (with two openings and a glacis), it was in such a good condition that its reconstruction (at little expense) was suggested.⁽⁹⁾

But in even better repair - so good in fact that it was still serviceable, - was the pre-existing 17th century portage roadway. Operationally requiring only the brunt strength of men alone, it measured 15-18 pieds wide, and was designed to convey shallops, or even carts, across a distance of some 1900 ordinary, rather than geometric, paces. Finally, at each end of the portage roadway stood an Indian village of 12 to 15 huts each.⁽¹⁰⁾

The proposed spot for the principal fort was the mountain top which overlooked the two roadsteads, the harbour, other fortifications (two locations), and beaches Preferred was a stone redoubt, but, if cost was a consideration, then one of local wood and sod was an alternate choice. This fort would also serve as a refuge for the new town proposed somewhere at the base of the mountain facing the entrance way to the port. Within Port St. Pierre itself, stood a [pre-existing] careening place, able to handle two ships at a time. Finally, outside this haven, facing the bay were two beaches, one for the inhabitants and the other for vessels.⁽¹¹⁾

YEAR: 1715

Early in the year discussions revolved around development plans that included the construction of batteries, a redoubt and a brick kiln.⁽¹²⁾ Certainly by August 15, a King's establishment storehouse already existed.⁽¹³⁾ Along with the decision to send a commander to this new post, with forty men - soon to be augmented by another 15 - all of which would require lodgings - orders were given to clear land for a fort and to construct near the storehouse a building (of undefined use).⁽¹⁴⁾ Perhaps reflective of some of this work, unspecified expenses that year, combining service and fortification maintenance, amounted to 3086 livres 4 sols 4 deniers.⁽¹⁵⁾

The site of the King's establishment, for the buildings and fort, is clear: north-side, directly opposite of the mouth of the cove of Port Toulouse.⁽¹⁶⁾ Notwithstanding the decision to build, that year's construction season closed with mixed results. The forge, the bakery and the lodgings for the officers and soldiers, apparently all of earth-fast piquet wood construction, with bark roofs, and with an estimated structural lifespan of only 12 to 15 years, had taken final form; yet the church remained with only its wood cut, the fort had seen no construction activity at all, and the clearing of the mountain, where the redoubt was to stand, had not yet even begun.⁽¹⁷⁾

Between August 15, 1715 and September 30, 1716, the King's storehouse recorded a quantity of building materials, which these constructions may have consumed in part or in whole. They included shingles, nails of a variety of types, window frames and glass panes, boards and planks, plaster, bark [roofing] slabs, hinges and locks.⁽¹⁸⁾

Official policy continued to encourage Acadian families (in one case, referring to four who had arrived at Port Toulouse and in another, to the wintering of them) to settle in the River Petit St. Pierre area.⁽¹⁹⁾ To the north of Port St. Pierre, now renamed Port Toulouse, cultivated land already existed, and even further away, timber trees, estimated to be 100 to 200 years old, were identified as proper for construction work.⁽²⁰⁾

YEAR: 1716

At least several King's establishment buildings were standing.⁽²¹⁾ By now too, if not earlier, private settlement, with at least some gardens, had spread around the harbour, from the Port des Marchand to the east, to the Ancien Port (site of the Denis de Tours Fort), at the bottom of the harbour, to the Port de la Riviery and area beyond to the west. Other identifiable places of this period were Nouveau Port, Port [St. Pierre], and Port du Nord.⁽²²⁾ While of an unspoken building type, like the military's initial endeavours, they too were perhaps of an earth-fast piquet. design.⁽²³⁾ Re-enforcing this view is the criticism, of the authorities, that in this country piquet or pieux construction was actually common despite its short lifespan.⁽²⁴⁾

To accommodate the periodical visits of the Commissaire-Ordonnateur to the place, a small lodging (30 x 20 pieds) arose. In contrast to the apparent rule, it was of colombage construction, openly deemed superior to post construction.⁽²⁵⁾

Issuing from Letters Patent this year, the Brothers of Charity, if they wished, could proceed to Port Toulouse to build a convent and hospital.⁽²⁶⁾ At another time, the authorities also granted land (indicated on a plan) for the construction of a chapel, to meet the desire of the Acadians, who, having settled in the area, wished to retain the services of the Récollets of the Province of Paris. ⁽²⁷⁾

Destined for Port Toulouse, presumably for serving the new fort, was a master cannoneer.⁽²⁸⁾ So too were an indeterminate number of iron canons and perhaps even a mortar.⁽²⁹⁾ At that place, the garrison numbered two companies. Notwithstanding, this apparent state of readiness, other plans were in the works. Ordered to the place was the Chief Engineer, to design more elaborate fortifications.⁽³⁰⁾

A brick kiln, situated about a quarter of a league from the fort, saw fruition late that year, though the idea of its construction had actually arisen two years earlier. Then the argument went as follows: that brick beautified buildings; that brick structures were, in strength, solid; that they used less lime than stone constructions; that they cost less than timber work; and that there was proper brick clay in the area.⁽³¹⁾ Embracing the idea, France last year directed that two brick-makers be sent to Isle Royale, even before its construction had begun.⁽³²⁾ By year's end, 1716, at least two, if not more, brick-makers were employed.⁽³³⁾

Another completed project that year was a roadway (perhaps at the site of the original portage) placed between the port and the Bras d'Or Lakes. Consisting of apparently land clearance only, its total cost was 180 livres.⁽³⁴⁾ It would have measured 341 toise in length.⁽³⁵⁾

In early fall, two engineers arrived, to determine the location for a fortification scheme.⁽³⁶⁾ Possibly, they went even as far as to lay out a fortification trace.⁽³⁷⁾ For certain, they took measurements, of which several known ones were secured from the proposed redoubt's location (I): 226 toises to the new Port (F) and 108 toises to the former port (E) [which had served the Denis de Tours fort].⁽³⁸⁾

In general terms, the proposed project called for the construction of a redoubt, a building for the troops and two batteries at a cost of just under 107,000 livres. Preparations, including the massing of materials, were planned for the winter and following spring. To be an exact duplicate of Port Dauphin's proposed redoubt (E) and barracks, though generally at a higher line item cost, it was to be built on a hill (designated I). Thus the fortified works were to be of masonry construction, configured as a Bastion. Each face was to measure 35 toises formed at a 110 degree angle, with two 10 toise long flanks, a 5 toise wide ditch, a 4 toise wide chemin couvert, and a 24 pieds high revetment. In its gorge was to be built a 1 1/2 storey tall masonry barracks (with a basement), capable of holding six infantry companies and its officers.

The two outlying Port Toulouse batteries, (B) and (M) each duplicated in detail, but at a higher cost, Port Dauphin's Battery (L) - i.e. "a barbette" carrying 25 cannons - minus its guard house. In contrast, Battery (B), which was to have a guard house, was to be a copy of Louisbourg's Battery (K) barracks, though at a slightly lower cost. Located at a la terre rouge de l'entrée du port and crenellated to serve also as a magasin or magazin, it was to measure 72 pieds x 18 pieds.

Much larger was building [sometimes called guardhouse or barracks] (I), some 240 pieds by 39 pieds. At each end of the structure were living quarters in the form of a pavilion. In between, double living quarters were defined by a central separation wall running, parallel to the redoubt, down the length of the edifice.⁽³⁹⁾

Of interest, though of dubious credibility, an existing battery (alluded to in May of 1717) may have already stood at the site of proposed battery (K), at la terre rouge. Thus placed to the port side of any ship entering the harbour, this battery would have been distant no more than 120 toises from any in-bound vessel passing through at the entrance bar.⁽⁴⁰⁾

YEAR: 1717

By now, on the original building site, there may have stood at least eight King's establishment buildings (but whose scaled measurements, if not too the number, appear problematic).⁽⁴¹⁾ As well, there was already an operational chapel, serviced by the Récollets of Brétagne, prior to their replacement by the Récollets of Paris.⁽⁴²⁾ Still, more buildings were needed, for in anticipation of the arrival of the Paris Récollets, a King's memoir recommended the conversion of the Roger [Rogé] house to a hospital, and turned over to them, for their chaplain and parish-priest duties.⁽⁴³⁾

The hospital that did exist was indeed a mean structure. But a small hut, it was apparently built to that standard. In it, at least three soldiers had already died. ⁽⁴⁴⁾ As well, the Father Superior of the St. Denis Récollets, as chaplain, was reimbursed for his lodgings and for a chapel at this place.⁽⁴⁵⁾

This year the port appeared in elevation on a plan ⁽⁴⁶⁾

Growing out of the previous year's fervour for a massive fortification effort (together with this year's decision to fortify Louisbourg), plans were formulated for the two companies stationed at this place to undertake some preliminary work. First, at the mountain, they were to remove the stumps from the rising ground or eminence as well as from its height (i.e. the site of the proposed fort) . Then where the curtains of the proposed redoubt joined the flanks (at both the new and former Ports), here either the stumps were to be removed, or else the trees cut down. This would allow the Chief Engineer an opportunity to examine the fortification trace, while preparing the way for the digging of an initial 4 toise wide ditch.⁽⁴⁷⁾ As well, 2000 palisades were to be stockpiled.⁽⁴⁸⁾ For the carrying out of this and other fortification work, 6,000 livres had been ordered the previous year.⁽⁴⁹⁾

To ensure an orderly fortification effort here, as well at Louisbourg and Port Dauphin, the King [and later, the local council] issued a general ordonnance to regulate the distance (350 toise) from the main body [i.e. from the chemin couvert] of the fortifications in which property concessions, houses, [huts], fences and trees [or vines] were forbidden. The only exceptions were lands laying by the sea necessary for pasturing animals [or for grain seeds] or for fishermen wishing to establish on a beach or beach-like condition. There one could seek a concession on which to build fish-stages, houses, and storehouses, but of wood only. On the other hand, if an unauthorized structure were to appear in the restricted zone, demolition without compensation would follow.⁽⁵⁰⁾

Between October 01, 1716 and September 30, 1717, the King's storehouse recorded a quantity of building materials, which the King's establishment may have consumed in part or in whole. They included shingles (though none were consumed during this period), nails of a variety of types, glass window panes, and boards and planks of fir.⁽⁵¹⁾

In September, the inspector of the fortification approached the storekeeper who was to provide a precise accounting of fortification tools, iron, locks, and the like in the King's storehouse. Included were to be the smallest of shingles - 1 pied long by 5 to 6 pouces wide - to the largest - 9 to 10 pouces of width. Likewise, boards- by their width, length and thickness - were to be recorded.⁽⁵²⁾

Another inventory, for the period October 01, 1717 to December 31, 1717 was equally revealing. It included nails of a variety of types (shingle nails for example), and bull's eye glass panes. However, of the 3000 shingles on hand, none had been consumed.⁽⁵³⁾

At year's end, the commander reported upon that year's construction season: There had been no large scale initiative; rather, he had ordered some posts for the floor of the barracks, for partition construction and for general buildings' repairs. Elsewhere, he had directed the cutting of scrub brush, had dug some ditches to carry away water, and contracted for enclosing a garden of 100 pieds square with piquets. ⁽⁵⁴⁾

Also contracted for was the excavation of the basement and foundations of a commander's house. It was no doubt of 1/2 timber construction, given also its underpinnings and chimneys made of stone, and the use of [hewn] timber elsewhere. In a like manner, an officer's lodging was also raised.⁽⁵⁵⁾

The fortification statement of expenses for 1717 confirmed some possible activity, at least in the areas of merchandise and munitions. For example, that year, at this place, for different work, there was expended 10,697 livres, 2 sols, 4 deniers. Purchases during the same period added another 2,494 livres 10 sols to this amount.⁽⁵⁶⁾

Critical of the situation at Port Toulouse was the theme of another report emanating from the place itself. According to this observer, and despite facts to the contrary, he maintained there were no storehouses, barracks, or lodgings for the officers. Neither was there a church nor a hospital, or indeed, even a guard house or prison.⁽⁵⁷⁾ Clearly this was all hyperbole - e.g. the existence of the barracks at Louisbourg and Port Dauphin were equally denied ⁽⁵⁸⁾ - and is perhaps best interpreted as follows: the existing barracks were primitive, of wood, claimed to be of short duration, and no doubt, hurried and poorly planned.

This state of affairs did not mean, however, that plans had not been afoot to improve the situation. Indeed there was a scheme: Firstly, the next spring, with the labour of soldiers, to prepare the trace for the construction on the mountain of the bastioned redoubt (with entrenchments), there needed to be cleared, of its stumps. an area 60 toise (of length from the new port to the former one) by 30 toise of width. Secondly, to meet the King's desire for a proper barracks, neither the existing one, which was summarily dismissed as mere huts for the soldiers, nor the commanders and officer's lodgings were to be enlarged.⁽⁵⁹⁾

This idea, to increase the size of the buildings, may have developed even so far as to produce an actual plan. Though problematic, this undated scheme, drawn by F.N. D'Asseleur, purports to illustrate both existing and planned constructions. In the main it focussed on buildings only, though, in passing, it noted that regular fortifications ought to be built to enclose them, and that a powder magazine ought be placed at the rear, to the west of an enlarged commander's lodging.

In this scheme, there were three "existing" buildings formed around a parade ground: two of them were parallel to each other, with their gable ends facing the harbour, while the final one was located to the rear of and perpendicular to the others. The western structure was the barracks, its eastern companion the King's storehouse and chapel, and to the rear, a lodging complex for the commander, subalterns, storehouse-keeper, and chaplain. Proposed for construction, without increasing the size of the [existing] enceinte, were two projects: One, and then the other, of a bakery or a forge at each end of the commander's complex to increase its length; and a separate lodging, of an unspecified use, opposite the commander's complex, on the far side of the parade ground. ⁽⁶⁰⁾

An oddity this year was the desire to construct a brick kiln the following spring [1718], considering that one was already operational.⁽⁶¹⁾ And yet, this year 45,000 bricks were awaiting firing and the construction of a stone kiln.⁽⁶²⁾ Possibly, this latter structure was supplementary, to the existing one, at the same site.

At any rate, the inspector of fortifications was directed to pay close attention to the kiln's operation. Not only was he to ensure that the workers were covering the bricks, but also to examine the kiln itself, to confirm that snow or rain was not damaging them due to worker carelessness in covering the [kiln]. ⁽⁶³⁾

This year the commander applied for a land concession, of 3 arpents on each side of a river, at the bottom of the harbour.⁽⁶⁴⁾

The 1717 census was revealing. According to it, the place numbered 119 individuals: of the 26 resident families, 16 [68 individuals] benefitted the colony since they either worked at their trade or were engaged in the fishery. In contrast, the remaining 10 [51 individuals] were a drain upon the King's establishment - for in the near two years they had been at Port Toulouse, all the while receiving rations from the King's storehouse, they had not cleared land or produced a garden. ⁽⁶⁵⁾ At this time, according to the Governor, at least some of the Acadiens were living on the petite riviere de St. Pierre, a place susceptible to spring floods, about 5-6 leagues from Port Toulouse.⁽⁶⁶⁾

Using the [portage] roadway, several soldiers from Port Dauphin deserted this year. Possibly, as they passed over the portage, they would have noticed the cabin where that year part of the rations (the rest being in the woods) were being stored. As for the regular storehouses, they stood mostly empty, not a consumable, like a hatchet or iron or steel, to be had.⁽⁶⁷⁾

YEAR: 1718

The brick kiln continued its work. For example, at Louisbourg, its accounts recorded the receipt of 28,000 bricks from Port Toulouse, at a charge of 10 livres per thousand.⁽⁶⁸⁾ Possibly some of these bricks were fired in the new masonry kiln, now built (for 486 livres 13 sols 3 deniers) and, fortuitously, described in some detail. That year too, there was an establishment purchase of 61,000 bricks for some unspecified reason⁽⁶⁹⁾

Various King's establishment accounts also described or suggested a number of other structures at Port Toulouse: There was the residence of the Récollets, where a request of 1717 for 100 cords of firewood was finally authorized,⁽⁷⁰⁾ as well as the fact that the Father Superior of the St. Denis Récollets, as chaplain, was reimbursed for his lodgings and for a chapel at this place;⁽⁷¹⁾ In addition, the chapel of the Récollets was also in receipt of funding for its maintenance;⁽⁷²⁾ And so too was there an active forge, an active bakery, and an Inspector of Works - and, for the surgeon, a residence rented, at Royal expense, for 200 livres. ⁽⁷³⁾

Repairs were also revealing: 531 livres spent on the chaplain's lodging and church; another 240 livres on the commander's houses; and finally, 268 livres on the barracks, guard house and prison, for piquets, sod roofing slabs, moss and labour.⁽⁷⁴⁾ An observation also arose this year that if one were to clear off the mountain for fortification works, the trickle of water which now reached the barracks at its base, would dry up.⁽⁷⁵⁾

With Louisbourg, now the capital, with many centralized functions, the expectation of reduced costs at Port Toulouse was real. Planned for withdrawal were the following services: King's storekeeper, armourer, baker and surgeon. Also, only a single officer was to remain.⁽⁷⁶⁾ In response, the garrison, numbering more than 151 men, was withdrawn, but because of the working brick kiln, a small number of men remained behind. When the removal of the storekeeper actually happened, so too went all of the King's items in the storehouse, excepting the cannons.⁽⁷⁷⁾

This year another redoubt project surfaced (though this time with an accompanying plan), and, like the 1716 proposal, the same mountain received consideration.⁽⁷⁸⁾ However, not only was its proposed cost to be lower (circa 52,000 livres) , but also, its design was far more primitive and less durable. For example, this scheme envisioned the following: the use of earth-based bonding mortar for both wall and chimney constructions; a 5-storey machicolated tower (A) that incorporated horizontal log technology; a series of perimeter masonry buildings (B) which were so overbuilt that, even as they intruded upon the very parade ground they were to define, they provided too few living quarters; and, finally, a number of attached military features. Together with the perceived lack of a source of nearby water, the plan was attacked critically.⁽⁷⁹⁾

YEAR: 1719

The existing fort was not large, mounting only six 6 livres iron cannons (with 200 canon-balls)⁽⁸⁰⁾ Nearby, wintering until the spring (1720), was a detachment of men sent there from Louisbourg to relieve the pressure on fuel wood. Thus, at this time of the year, the number of men in lodging would have been unusually high.⁽⁸¹⁾ Notwithstanding this anomaly, with the recall to Louisbourg in October of the storehouse keepers, the inspectors of works and the bakers both here and at Port Dauphin, the proposed reduction of establishment staff at this place continued.⁽⁸²⁾

Some unspecified buildings were repaired before the return of the Chief Engineer to the Island. Other activity included the provisioning of bricks (50,000 or more), shingles and boards for Louisbourg.⁽⁸³⁾ The strategy that this place be a prime supplier to the new capital was clearly under-way.⁽⁸⁴⁾ Even the services of the surgeon, once planned for withdrawal, but now deemed absolutely necessary, were retained to attend to the soldiers who were supplying the bricks and wood for the fortifications.⁽⁸⁵⁾

The amount of funding requested for the machicolated tower was actually lower than the original 1718 estimation. For 30,000 livres , not only was the construction of this pièce-sur-pièce tower to proceed, but also repairs to the existing lodgings, to allow for an increased garrison, were to occur. As well from this pot of money was to flow expenditures, including that for an inspector of works.⁽⁸⁶⁾

YEAR: 1720

To Dominice de Perrotché, of France, the inhabitant, Gabriel Rogé [Roger] sold his habitation Measuring 80 pieds of frontage, the property bordered upon that of Joseph Dugas at one end, and , apparently, the brick kiln, at the other.⁽⁸⁷⁾ Of interest, of the three fore-mentioned individuals, that year's census, which combined the names of the inhabitants of both Port Toulouse and Petit Degrat, enumerated only Joseph Dugas.⁽⁸⁸⁾ Noteworthy too, a Joseph Dugas (among others) was paid for transporting bricks to Louisbourg.⁽⁸⁹⁾

Again to winter over to the next spring (1721), was a part of the Louisbourg garrison suffering from a continued lack of proper lodging in the capital.⁽⁹⁰⁾ Because in this outport there were sufficient [rudimentary] buildings to house the men, it was even proposed to keep the married officers over, since they were not necessary to the Louisbourg construction effort during the upcoming construction season.⁽⁹¹⁾

YEAR: 1721

In the spring, a discussion noted that the brick kiln operation was in need of help. Recommended was the stationing of, not a company, but rather a detachment of fifteen men, not only to assist and to be kiln workers, but also to prepare and to stockpile other construction materials needed for the Louisbourg effort.⁽⁹²⁾ Indeed, with strong official support, provided that they settle there as workers, at least five soldiers were to ask that they receive an outright discharge.⁽⁹³⁾

A source noted that 54 individuals now comprised the [civil] establishment.⁽⁹⁴⁾ Once again as well, soldiers (an entire company) from Louisbourg were to join the existing military station, to winter away the months. However, their orders were that they return before the new construction season.⁽⁹⁵⁾

YEAR: 1722

Port Toulouse again supplied finished building materials to Louisbourg, this time in the form of carpentry and boards to the Commissaire-Ordonnateur for the construction in the capital of his private storehouse.⁽⁹⁶⁾ As usual, the place continued to identify possible fortification materials for export to Louisbourg.⁽⁹⁷⁾ In an expansive mood, the Chief Engineer was also to go to Isle Madame, and if he deemed fortifications for Port De Nerichac as practical, then the garrison at Port Toulouse was to began stockpiling building materials for a battery.⁽⁹⁸⁾

The census for this year identified 13 Acadian families consisting of 76 individuals as in residence.⁽⁹⁹⁾ In garrison were 62 soldiers, drawn from five companies.⁽¹⁰⁰⁾

This year the stretch of land between the harbour and the Bras D'Or lakes was reckoned at 600 paces.⁽¹⁰¹⁾

YEAR: 1723

Disaster struck prior to April 06 with the fire that destroyed both the kiln and its hangar. The Louisbourg contractor, now forced to pay an increased cost for his bricks, received 800 livres as compensation. Notwithstanding the added problem that the clay had also become scarce,⁽¹⁰²⁾ its reconstruction, once the frost left the ground, went ahead. Re-named the Nouvelles Briqueteries, added to it were more workers, and a second baking, of 50,000 bats.⁽¹⁰³⁾ This, despite a criticism, that the bricks being received at Louisbourg, were too soft.⁽¹⁰⁴⁾

So poor was the civil establishment, spread around the harbour, that the inhabitants were unable to undertake the construction of a church (though soon, if not earlier, one did appear to the east of the King's establishment).⁽¹⁰⁵⁾ At this time the port numbered 225 individuals: 50 men, 45 women and 130 children. Of these families, none employed fishermen.⁽¹⁰⁶⁾

The King's establishment, at this time, consisted of at least five structures. Three smaller ones parallelled the water, with a substantially larger building - and a smaller one east of it - squirrelled close behind. To the west, stood a navigational marker.⁽¹⁰⁷⁾

A frigate, ordered to go the place [in 1724], was to collect materials for the Louisbourg construction effort.⁽¹⁰⁸⁾ For this, and reasons of security and the fishery, plans to fortify the place remained active. Called for were estimates, to be sent to France.⁽¹⁰⁹⁾

Again, the [portage] roadway joining the Ancien Port of the harbour to the Bras d'Or Lakes appeared. Located north-west of the proposed mountain redoubt, immediately to the west of the river of the Ancien Port, it was wide if compared, proportionally, to building lengths in the area. Of interest, some structures even stood in its path, at its harbour side.⁽¹¹⁰⁾

YEAR: 1724

The frigate arrived, for on-going duty at Port Toulouse and Port Dauphin, to collect materials for the capital's construction effort, but not to off-load until the suspension of that season's work. As Louisbourg needed workers, the ship was directed to leave seven or eight of its sailors behind before proceeding to the outports.⁽¹¹¹⁾ To free up even more labour for Louisbourg, there arose a proposal that a militia of fifty men be formed-up, and that only eleven of the existing sixty man garrison be left behind.⁽¹¹²⁾ Notwithstanding these ideas, the entire garrison that construction season vacated the place for Louisbourg.⁽¹¹³⁾ In addition four French kiln workers (not soldiers), were dedicated [at the kiln], for the month of September, to meet the needs of the Louisbourg project.⁽¹¹⁴⁾

By now the Acadians, according to one account numbered 195 souls.⁽¹¹⁵⁾ In contrast, the official census identified 262 individuals, of which not all were Acadians: 47 families of which there also 40 women, 16 boys over fifteen years of age, 65 under fifteen years, 62 girls, 1 servant, 16 engagés, and 15 fishermen. By trade, many were carpenters or boat builders, and though not identified as such in the census, apparently, many too were tavern keepers (rather than the preferred farmer).⁽¹¹⁶⁾ By another account, the Acadians had all arrived previous to this year.⁽¹¹⁷⁾

YEAR: 1725

Once again, the same frigate arrived carrying orders similar to those of the previous year.⁽¹¹⁸⁾ In contrast, France's comment upon the idea that a militia replace the troops, was negative; and, in fact, this year the garrison, of sixty men, was to stay put. Whether, in size, it would continue as a company or detachment was left open to a firm recommendation one way or the other.⁽¹¹⁹⁾ Following upon this, a decision was reached: twenty-five to thirty men were to report to Louisbourg the following spring, leaving the remainder lodged as a detachment, with any additional expenses forbidden.⁽¹²⁰⁾

Placed on the back burner, though ready for resurrection once Louisbourg was fully secured, was the funding required for the proposed redoubt.⁽¹²¹⁾

YEAR: 1726

As planned, a reduced garrison was lodged at Port Toulouse during Louisbourg's construction season.⁽¹²²⁾ The detachment now numbered (prior to France's approval), but thirty men.⁽¹²³⁾ That in stark contrast to the substantial increase in the general population at this place since the last census - to 336 persons, grouped into 59 families, consisting also of 52 women, 27 boys over fifteen years of age, 81 under said age, 80 girls, 19 domestics and servants, and 22 seaman, fishermen and beach men.⁽¹²⁴⁾

YEAR: 1727

The acting commander wanted to rebuild an unspecified building. This structure, no doubt, was the barracks. Apparently, only its back-to-back fireplace was in good repair. However, lacking workers, he moved the project forward, to 1728.⁽¹²⁵⁾

YEAR: 1729

Once again fortifying the place became a hot topic. So much so that the Chief Engineer, then in France, noted that he had drawn up plans, preliminary to actual work. These he had decided to forward to his French masters.⁽¹²⁶⁾

YEAR: 1730

As of this year, unfulfilled remained the project to rebuild the barracks building.⁽¹²⁷⁾

YEAR: 1731

The barracks continued to fall into ruins.⁽¹²⁸⁾ Grouped on two sides of it, two to a side, were four smaller structures. and to the south-east, at [Grand] St. Pierre, the church and a grouping of unspecified buildings (but, no doubt, including the house of the Récollets). To the north-west, beyond the mountain, Petit St. Pierre and the Ancienne Briquetrie complex, consisting of two structures, with a number of unspecified buildings south-east of it. Further west, then around the harbour, first past the Rivière à Tillard, then beyond lay Pointe à La Sonde, to the south west, the Nouvelle Briqetrie complex, consisting of three structures. A scattering of other building about the harbour had also taken form.⁽¹²⁹⁾

Construction plans for Louisbourg called for an expanded effort. So, once again, likely in the spring, the troops (excepting six only) from here to there were to transfer, to increase the size of the workforce at the capital.⁽¹³⁰⁾ A sojourn no doubt of welcome relief given that the existing structures had so deteriorated as to call into question the continued military presence at this place without the construction of a small barracks and commander's lodging. This being so, then opportunistic would be to place these constructions within the fort itself. ⁽¹³¹⁾

Furthering the argument was the Chief Engineer's submission that these structures, raised 12 or 13 years earlier [actually 1715], were flimsy, of only simple piquets without any timberwork, located at the bottom of a waterfall, in a marshy area or cesspool. The buildings, now rotten, were falling into ruin, and despite an expensive upkeep, its occupants were housed in miserable conditions. His recommendation - that they be rebuilt if one wanted to maintain a garrison of sixty men.

Summarily dismissed, at least in this instance, was to construct in piquet or even one-half timber. Since both techniques demanded a mortar rendering finish, both inside and out, and yet, shared the use of the same roofing materials, floors, timberwork, partitions, hardware, etc., as did masonry, its price vis-a-vis one-half timber, was actually only about 1/3 more. This he thought a bargain, given masonry's superiority of strength, longer life, lessened fire hazard, and better protection against extreme cold (also, if a fort was ever constructed, these buildings could serve another use).

Not surprisingly then, the Chief Engineer prepared and submitted his plans for a masonry complex, with a battery in front, overlooking the entire harbour. One building to house a soldiers' barracks, a guardhouse and a prison with a detached latrine; a separate lodging just for the commander; another building for the officers, a chapel, a storehouse and a [bakery] oven; a powder magazine; and an earthen battery à barbette, with four bastion style orillons, to house the existing seven cannons. (i.e. presumably, to be transferred from the existing fort). A palissade fence would surround all. To be located on a peninsula (Point B), thus at the rear of Grand St. Pierre, or some distance from the existing St. Pierre buildings, at an estimated cost of 21,682 livres 10 sols, the Chief Engineer had placed the complex in a dry spot, near good water. Attendant were also a garden, a yard, a farm yard, and a parade ground.

A new fort, if desired, was, as in the past, still a redoubt at the top of the mountain (A), but, to save expenses, small and square, without any enclosed garrison lodgings. Despite this turn, the earlier more elaborate, more expensive proposal remained active in that the Chief Engineer supported it should the King chose to fortify the place. Perhaps underlining his indecision, the Chief Engineer did not produce an estimated cost for the scaled-back fort.⁽¹³²⁾

Finally, the [portage] roadway joining the Ancien Port to the Bras d'Or Lakes was again visible. Several Petit St. Pierre buildings, as before, continue to stand in its path.⁽¹³³⁾

YEAR: 1732

In June, having seen the 1731 plans and devis, the King approved the construction of the buildings and battery. Thus, in late fall, the order was given that, the following spring, the required materials were to be stockpiled, and the foundations laid. Notwithstanding that the original scheme had sited the fort on the peninsula, the Chief Engineer decided that, as well in the spring of 1733, he would make a final location determination. ⁽¹³⁴⁾

Less certain was the construction of a mountain top redoubt. For sure, it was thought that one with loop-holes would be effective while not costly. However, before deciding, the King wanted separate plans and a construction devis of the fort and of the redoubt sent to him.⁽¹³⁵⁾

This year the commander undertook some minor repairs of an unspecified nature, costing 134 livres.⁽¹³⁶⁾

YEAR: 1733

Asked for, and acted upon, was that 6,000 livres be set aside for the barracks project, and the King's contractor both obtain the workers and bid upon the project.⁽¹³⁷⁾ In the spring, the Chief Engineer and this contractor visited the place, prior to the contractor's stockpiling of several building materials.⁽¹³⁸⁾ It was during this reconnoitre, his first in four years of Port Toulouse, that the Chief Engineer observed that where on his plan, he had marked an "A", indicating the site of his projected barracks and officers' buildings, there remained, by half, an area severely eroded by the ocean. As well, this place required a major excavation effort, of more than 1000 toises, to landscape the area and create the ditch to divert the water-runoff from the mountain. Thus followed a decision to re-locate the project to the place of the original barracks.⁽¹³⁹⁾

Two sets of conflicting designs emerged at this time.

The first, much in the spirit of the 1731 proposal (but without a powder magazine), saw a battery oddly skewed towards the northwest to accommodate twelve cannons. There were now only three bastion style orillons, of which two had changed shape. Conveniently, the plans carry many dimensions directly expressed; for example, for the barracks (not including its detached latrines) - 73 x 25 pieds; for the commander's lodging - 57 x 29 pieds; and for the storehouse/chapel (not including its attached bakery) - 73 x 25 pieds. All buildings were masonry, and, excepting the latrines and bakery, stood 1 1/2 storeys tall, with usable upper floors, and hipped roofs. Two were aligned parallel and the other, the commander's in the rear, perpendicular to them, to form up around a central 132 x 90 pieds parade ground. ⁽¹⁴⁰⁾

Both a construction Devis (by the Chief Engineer) and a Marché (raised for the contractor's signature since this specific project went beyond the scope of his 1725 and 1730 Louisbourg marchés⁽¹⁴¹⁾ ) were issued in support of this first design. Fleshing out further details, they, for example, described an earthen batterie à barbette (which, with the buildings, the King this year had ordered to be built), revetted with sod, with ten to twelve cannons placed upon a wooden plank platform. Surrounding the buildings and battery was to be a 7 1/2 pieds high palissade work, and beyond, encircling the palissades, a protective ditch, to divert the runoff of water from the mountain away from the buildings, battery and parade ground. ⁽¹⁴²⁾

Of interest, to the contractor's initial bid was sometime later added (without a price) the planking for the gun platform for the battery. However, while the Chief Engineer on September 18 discussed the platform in general, he did not detail it in his specifications. In contrast, 10 days later, on September 28, the planking re-appeared in the contractor's specification (also without a price), but was subsequently crossed out as an active item.⁽¹⁴³⁾

Like any scheme, ancillary structures would have been necessary to the success of the project. These included bridges, forges, lime kilns, and the like, which the contractor was to raise, at his own expense. In addition. he was to guarantee his work, for one year and a day, and, for some reason, seemed to have agreed to have window sashes and frames made in Louisbourg.⁽¹⁴⁴⁾ As for his charges, the contractor, must have been pleased, for what he bid and what he got were most often the same. Of the few of his bids which were higher, and thus lowered (earthen mortars, flat-stone and doors/shutters), to see his lower bids in turn raised in the final contract (enduits, including the whitewash, local cut stone, and sod) must have been satisfying.⁽¹⁴⁵⁾

Outright apologetic of this marché were some Louisbourg officials. Not only did the Port Toulouse marché not compare favourably in price to Isle St. Jean where half-timber was the construction of choice, but also it did not measure up in other ways: Rubble-stone, which comprised the brunt of the work, was rare, with only about one-half readily available. As a result, both it and the limestone, which was needed for the mortar, and came from Spanish Harbour (Sydney), required transport - thus producing a higher cost than at Louisbourg; Similarly, iron, lead, glass and like materials, and its associated labour, cost as much, if not more; and, finally, for woodwork, its charge was as low as it could go. And in a final defence, no, the contractor was not making an excessive profit.⁽¹⁴⁶⁾

The second set was more in the spirit (though with a less skewed battery) of the 1734 plans. It was at this time that a relocated fort from the peninsula of the 1731 proposal to the site of the original barracks emerged on a plan. In this scheme also re-sited (with respect to 1731) were the bakery and powder magazine. Added were two major building wings, a small wing to the chapel, and lodgings for the chaplain and surgeon - and two large gardens. The fort - small, two-bastioned, of earth and sod, with surrounding palissades - had also taken on a ditch (beyond the palissades) with an entrance bridge, and in general design, become more complicated. There was also a partial breakwater, where the peninsula was closest to the battery, and, presumably, susceptible to harbour erosion. ⁽¹⁴⁷⁾

Also according to the second set, structures stood about the harbour much as they had in 1731, save the King's establishment buildings, having, of course, made way for the proposed fort. Immediately to the east of this new arrangement, stood a pre-existing structure, of an unrecognizable type, shown in elevation, with an outbuilding and garden.⁽¹⁴⁸⁾

In September, the Boston Gazette, expressing concern, in case of a war between France and Britain that the fortifications at Port Toulouse were already underway.⁽¹⁴⁹⁾ In actual fact, the contractor was only stockpiling the materials required for the project (and for the new barracks in particular). His work completed during the summer, he then set the spring following as the time for actual construction to begin. However, the contractor was not to demolish the original barracks, until both the new one and the commander's lodging had been completed. Also decided, to dig around the site a small ditch (which, apparently, the original barracks had lacked) to divert water-runoff from both the mountain and the marsh. ⁽¹⁵⁰⁾

Perhaps as late as this year, to the west of the King's establishment stood a small hill brandishing a navigational cross. The establishment buildings themselves took a common form: Three small buildings facing the harbour, with a larger one, perpendicular to them close behind, with another smaller one to the east. In the Grand St. Pierre area a large number of structures lay, with others scattered about the harbour.⁽¹⁵¹⁾

Once again entertained was the thought to build a small redoubt on the mountain, but this time with critical analysis. The side of the mountain overlooking the anchorage of petite St Pierre was so steep that neither musketry nor cannon fire could cover it. As well, from this mountain location, out of reach were ships laying at anchor in the Bras d'Or Lakes.⁽¹⁵²⁾

Other activities that year included the chapel receiving pine boards, for some unspecified work.⁽¹⁵³⁾ As well, numbering around 32, there continued, at least to the first of October, less than a company-sized detachment at that place.⁽¹⁵⁴⁾

Finally, the [portage] roadway joining the Ancien Port to the Bras d'Or Lakes remained in place, and no doubt operational, with, as before, several Petit St. Pierre buildings standing in its path. Place names again appear: beginning near the entry to the harbour, moving from west to east: Nouvelle Briquetrie, Pointe à la Sonde, Rivière à Tillart, Briquetrie, Petit St. Pierre, St. Pierre, Pointe à Coste.⁽¹⁵⁵⁾

YEAR: 1734

Received from France was the go-ahead for the project.⁽¹⁵⁶⁾ Accordingly, the Chief Engineer aligned three buildings for construction, but excavated only two - the barracks/guard house and the commander's lodging.⁽¹⁵⁷⁾ He had planned to raise the storehouse/officers' lodging as well, but stone being rare in the area, and not enough sufficiently stockpiled, he postponed its construction and completion to the next spring. At that time his son, having this year just become an engineer, and needing the learning experience, would assume responsibility for this aspect of the project.⁽¹⁵⁸⁾

Notwithstanding this setback, the Chief Engineer was actually so busy on his Port Toulouse and Port La Joye projects, and so absent from the capital, as to concede that he had been forced to delay his plans for specific works at Louisbourg.⁽¹⁵⁹⁾ At Port Toulouse, what he accomplished was that by November, near complete not only was the ditch, but also the masonry barracks and commander's buildings, with their walls up, their first floors ready to receive their joists, and, if the wood had been stockpiled, closed-in would have been their roofs. Described in a provisional toisé of the work completed, and shown in the colour red on a plan, they and the storehouse/chapel were scheduled for completion (inside and out) by June-August, 1735. As for new proposed work, cost estimations were submitted ⁽¹⁶⁰⁾And, as a final accounting for that construction season, the contractor presented his bill - for 6,000 livres (which matched the funds previously requested for that year as well).⁽¹⁶¹⁾

Even as these buildings, which were to serve as an epaulment for the parade ground, rose off their foundations, the Chief Engineer contemplated design changes. Perhaps, he noted, though this work could be postponed, ought there not be an enlargement, or even additional structures, to accommodate any future desire to increase the size of the detachment?⁽¹⁶²⁾ Consequently, a number of plans, with differing details, issued that year.⁽¹⁶³⁾

Two of the schemes were, generally, in the spirit of the winged design of 1733. They differed in that the winged bakery, now a separate building, transformed itself into a proposed soldier's barracks; the winged chaplain's and surgeon's lodgings was now a proposed officers' lodging and storehouse; the small wing to the chapel had disappeared; the powder magazine {colour coded as a proposal) had moved back to its 1731 position; and added were two ramps for accessing the battery. Finally, in some other details too, such as dormers, door/window locations/numbers, and roof design, did these two 1734 plans differ from their 1733 counterpart, but so too in some of the same details did they differ between themselves ⁽¹⁶⁴⁾

Also like the winged design of 1733, these two schemes envisioned buildings of a square enceinte flanked by two bastions joined by three curtains with its two terminating flanks closed off on the harbour side by a batterie à barbette. Also like 1733, this fort took the form of a surrounding earth and sod parapet, with a ditch, and an entrance bridge (but now of a combination stationary/draw design). In contrast, this time its exterior palisades were to be placed directly in the ditch.⁽¹⁶⁵⁾

An alternate composition, one with loop-holes walls, had apparently been discarded for several reasons, following the Chief Engineer's objections that, defensively, compared to the current proposal, it was inferior. According to him, uncovered walls performed poorly in the island's climate. But to bring in stone to the construction site was a difficult matter that would greatly inflate the cost of such a work. Likewise discarded was another alternative, for a fort built entirely of palisades, for such a work was weak, even when constructed of large cedar palisades (a wood species which he noted did not even exist on Isle Royale).⁽¹⁶⁶⁾

As before, place names, appear: beginning near the entry to the harbour, moving from west to east: Nouvelle Briqetrie, Pointe à la Sonde, Rivière à Tillart, Briquetrie, Petit St. Pierre, Fort, St. Pierre Paruisse, and Pointe à Coste.⁽¹⁶⁷⁾ But for the first time, this year there surfaced the first general view of the place. Looking in from the harbour, towards the north-east, an isolated panorama, from Petit St. Pierre to the Parish of St. Pierre, revealed buildings and their oft fenced-off properties ringing this portion of the harbour. As well shown in elevation, in approximately the same location as the first King's establishment, was the proposed fort and its buildings, and, to the south-east, the Parish church (perhaps forming a part of a larger complex that included the residence of the Récollet's), and a bit further, the cemetery. On the mountain, the place of the proposed redoubt, an idea which had not yet died - for now thought best was a simple construction, consisting of large posts, with a simple ditch, and capable of holding forty men - stood a lonely navigational marker upon a treeless terrain.⁽¹⁶⁸⁾

The general census for this year revealed a substantial decrease compared to the last one, of 1726. Now, there were only 34 families consisting of 199 persons. Of these individuals, 30 were women, 26 were boys over fifteen years of age, 47 were under fifteen, 47 were girls, 7 were domestics or servants, and 11 were sailors or fishermen.⁽¹⁶⁹⁾ As for the garrison, once again, numbering around 33, it was less than a full company.⁽¹⁷⁰⁾

Finally, some minor repairs to the King's buildings at this place were undertaken during the year,⁽¹⁷¹⁾ and the status of the [portage] roadway joining the Ancien Port to the Bras d'Or Lakes remained as before.⁽¹⁷²⁾

YEAR: 1735

Although Port Toulouse was planned to be in a state of defensive readiness by the end of August, it was not until this year that the King actually authorized a particular scheme. But no doubt not unexpected was his approval of the 1734 proposal (i.e. not his less complex 1733 project) for a earth and sod fort to enclose the King's establishment.⁽¹⁷³⁾ Accordingly, the Chief Engineer would return to the place, his intention being the establishment of a batterie à fer cheval (horse-shoe battery).⁽¹⁷⁴⁾

Because that year there were few workers available for the Louisbourg project, preference was given to finishing off the roofs at Port Toulouse.⁽¹⁷⁵⁾Thus, by late summer, the construction of the buildings were well advanced, with their occupation now slated for the end of September.⁽¹⁷⁶⁾ Consequently, by, or near, the end of the construction season, the only work remaining, and planned for completion that winter, was described as of very little consequence: for example, in the commander's lodging, there was to be the setting of some partitions in the upper 1/2 storey and storey below.⁽¹⁷⁷⁾

The buildings now completed were described as follows: the commander's, the barracks, the storehouse, the bakery and the chapel, with the commander, the officers, the soldiers, and the munitions all in their proper places. ⁽¹⁷⁸⁾However, on hold, though declared a good idea, was the proposal to increase the size of these buildings [i.e. to add the wings shown on earlier plans], to accommodate an increased garrison size should the need ever arise.⁽¹⁷⁹⁾

Accordingly, the Chief Engineer's son forwarded the provisional toisé of work completed that season to his father, with the Chief Engineer's intention to send the final toisé to France the following year. By one accounting, the contractor this year received 6,000 livres to be applied against his completed work that same construction season.⁽¹⁸⁰⁾ In actual fact, he would receive 9,682 livres.⁽¹⁸¹⁾ However, the related remaining work - the enceinte to close in the establishment - though deemed essential, had been suspended. Louisbourg needed the funds to complete its work, and not until then was the fortification project at Port Toulouse to begin.⁽¹⁸²⁾

Once again the mountain redoubt was considered and dismissed. Still on the table, from last year, was the thought to build a small square place capable of holding a certain number of men.⁽¹⁸³⁾

YEAR: 1736

On October 15, the final toisé (now missing) described the buildings which had been declared completed that May. The lodgings of the officers, of the commander and of the soldiers, as well as the rations storehouse and bakery, were now occupied (as too was the prison). Mass had been said in the Chapel. Unfortunately, the nearby mountain caused two chimneys to smoke, but if a mason had been available, raising their stacks by 3 pieds would have solved the problem. Consequently, this repair was scheduled for the next year.⁽¹⁸⁴⁾

For 1736, the reported building expense was 5877 livres 16 sols 2 deniers.⁽¹⁸⁵⁾ For all years - to October 15, 1736 - the final cost for the buildings totalled 32,437 livres 18 sols 7 deniers. The contractor, with his expenses outracing his payments, had received funds as follows: 1733 (6000 livres), 1734 (6000 livres), and 1735 (9682 livres), leaving thus 10,755 livres 18 sols 7 deniers as a final reckoning. ⁽¹⁸⁶⁾

YEAR: 1737

The weather conditions at Louisbourg had severely deteriorated the Port Toulouse bricks used in the initial construction of the King's Bastion barracks. Accordingly, a new supply was sought, in New England. Unmentioned was the future of the brick kilns at Port Toulouse.⁽¹⁸⁷⁾

By now, the population of the Island engaged in the fishing was cited as 4079 persons. Of these, 183 resided at Port Toulouse.⁽¹⁸⁸⁾

YEAR: 1738

The Récollets of Brittany had taken possession of some buildings at Port Toulouse and Niganiche. Originally they had been built by the Récollets of Paris.⁽¹⁸⁹⁾

In the spring, the contractor submitted a small bill, of 423 livres, for having undertaken unspecified repairs to the King's buildings and to the lodging of the garrison.⁽¹⁹⁰⁾ Later, in the fall, he submitted another bill, of 257 livres 18 sols 9 deniers, to be drawn on the fortification account, for 1433 palisades which he had supplied.⁽¹⁹¹⁾ Following this the commander submitted two bills of his own: of 666 livres 11 sols 8 deniers, for unspecified, diverse works made at this place;⁽¹⁹²⁾ and of 6 livres for a [minor] repair to the oven of the King's bakery. ⁽¹⁹³⁾

Apparently until now the buildings of the fort had not been enclosed by a fence[s], to confine the troops. Thus what better use of the stockpiled palisades, which, daily, were increasingly decaying. So they did the work, at a cost of 924 livres 10 sols 5 deniers.⁽¹⁹⁴⁾

This year a brick stove was installed in the home of Collongue, the surgeon.⁽¹⁹⁵⁾

YEAR: 1739

The commander submitted two repair bills: one, of an unspecified nature, for 212 livres, and another, for the King's buildings, of 61 livres.⁽¹⁹⁶⁾

YEAR: 1740

The land at this place was nearly all rock, suitable to the raising of cattle and poultry. Accordingly, that's what the local inhabitants did, as well practising [boat] building. Thus, from Louisbourg, they had to procure their comforts.⁽¹⁹⁷⁾

The King's chapel was mentioned this year.⁽¹⁹⁸⁾

YEAR: 1741

An accelerated programme that year to complete the fortification walls at Louisbourg included the transfer of at least twelve solders from Port Toulouse.⁽¹⁹⁹⁾ Back at the place, the commander would spend 36 livres 4 sols on assorted repairs to unspecified buildings.⁽²⁰⁰⁾ According to one account, he had twenty-six men under his command.⁽²⁰¹⁾

YEAR: 1742

The commander submitted a bill of 27 livres for unspecified building expenses.⁽²⁰²⁾

YEAR: 1743

According to the Commissaire-Ordonnateur at Louisbourg, Port Toulouse was a well established post but without fortifications, or even an apparent need for any. However, it did have a detachment, this year numbering twenty-three men.⁽²⁰³⁾As for its King's establishment buildings, they underwent some minor repairs, costing 138 livres 2 sols 4 deniers.⁽²⁰⁴⁾

YEAR: 1744

Mention was made of the King's chapel.⁽²⁰⁵⁾ So too of the barracks, where the commander was paid 2 livres 10 sols for a fishing line required for sweeping out its chimneys.⁽²⁰⁶⁾ And also mentioned at least one battery, repaired,⁽²⁰⁷⁾ and, possibly, missing six iron cannons, they having been transported from Port Toulouse to Louisbourg.⁽²⁰⁸⁾

Notwithstanding this activity, plans for the next spring included the withdrawal of the detachment to Louisbourg, leaving but two men. If Port Toulouse were attacked, the burning of its piquet houses could be replaced, at a minimal cost, in time of peace. In fact, at this moment, late fall, the inhabitants were actually in the woods, living in huts, to which they returned each night.⁽²⁰⁹⁾

YEAR: 1745

Port Toulouse had about 200 inhabitants, living in straggling houses, without any regular defence, or so said the English forces⁽²¹⁰⁾ who, on May 02, attacked the place.⁽²¹¹⁾ On May 04, they reported back that, owing to the presence of more French and Indians than expected, they burnt only a few houses and withdrew.⁽²¹²⁾ Thus on May 10, ordered to return, they destroyed the settlement - by burning the houses (including that of Nicolas Trejeat and the King's storehouses) and demolishing the fort.⁽²¹³⁾ Their task completed by May 16, the town in flames, the fort destroyed, they had also killed some French, and took a few women and children as prisoners.⁽²¹⁴⁾

At Port Toulouse, there was a cemetery where some Mi'Kmaqs were buried . It too suffered damage, as its crosses were broken and corpses were exhumed and thrown into a fire.⁽²¹⁵⁾

YEAR: 1749

By spring, a civilian re-settlement had already begun.⁽²¹⁶⁾ According to one source, by the fall, there were 45 families consisting of 282 individuals at that place or near-by.⁽²¹⁷⁾ For them, help was provided, in the form of useful items, including nails.⁽²¹⁸⁾

In August, the garrison had arrived.⁽²¹⁹⁾ An undertaking to quarter the men was then initiated.⁽²²⁰⁾ The plan: to construct a barracks, and a storehouse.⁽²²¹⁾ In all, 4,200 livres was ordered for payment on provisional lodgings.⁽²²²⁾ By August, 2000 Boston boards, costing 110 livres, for the roofs of these two interim buildings had been purchased.⁽²²³⁾

In all, between 1749 and 1750, Jean Durand, a master carpenter, was to erect six structures and a fence, to meet the needs of a company in garrison. The five main buildings, all of earth-fast piquet construction, were caulked with clay bousillage and generally had wall plates, timber roofs with board coverings, wooden floors, partitions, doors (with hardware), glazed windows (with hardware), and fireplaces and chimneys. Their final cost, when payment was made in September, 1751, was 8290 livres 6 sols 10 deniers.

Following a site measuring-up, 400 livres of this amount, was for the general excavation: to level and make ready the parade ground, to provide earth for the needs of the buildings, and to make level the surrounding terrain This completed, construction proceeded as follows:

(1) Piquet lodging (119 running pieds of perimeter walling) for the commander - 1845 livres 11 sols 10 deniers (not including its furnishings).

(2) Piquet Barracks (273 1/2 running pieds of perimeter walling) for 48 soldiers and lodgings for three officers, the chapel and a prison - 2879 livres 8 sols 9 deniers (not including its furnishings).

(3) Piquet building (116 1/2 running pieds of perimeter walling) for the rations storehouse- 593 livres 16 sols 3 deniers [Corrected total: 565 livres 6 sols 3 deniers].

(4) Piquet building (107 running pieds of perimeter walling) for the chaplain and the surgeon - 1438 livres 6 sols 8 deniers (not including its furnishings).

(5) Piquet building (27 running pieds of perimeter walling) for a bakery - 194 livres 15 sols (not including its furnishings) of which the oven and chimney alone cost 100 livres (Note: this structure, some distance from the others, incorporated the two existing walls of a former [pre-1745] building).

(6) 1/2 timber sentry box - 24 livres.

(7) Piquet palisade fence (478 running pieds ) - 557 livres 13 sols 4 deniers. ⁽²²⁴⁾

YEAR: 1750

In June, an accounting of the mutiny noted the existence of a King's storehouse, and inferred both a barracks (with possibly a chambre), and a commander's lodging (with a salle).⁽²²⁵⁾ In more detail, another source illustrated five independent structures as following: A commander's lodging, with a detached, but quite small, out-building for his own use, a large barracks (with 24 bunks for 48 solders)/subaltern (for three officers)/chapel/prison complex, a lodging for the chaplain and surgeon, and a rations storehouse. Enclosing these buildings was a perimeter fence.⁽²²⁶⁾ Missing from the 1749 building descriptions was the bakery (located elsewhere, beyond this complex) and the sentry box (no doubt too small to illustrate). As well unmentioned in 1749, but noted this year was a guard house.⁽²²⁷⁾ Not included too were fortifications, explaining why, that fall, a trip was scheduled for the following spring, to reconnoitre the place, to determine what works might be required.⁽²²⁸⁾

The four buildings formed up as follows: the rations storehouse (westerly) and commander's lodging (easterly) stood in a line, their long sides facing the water. Parallel to them, in behind, lay a longer building (northerly), the barracks/officers' lodging/and chapel. To the east of the barracks complex and commander's residence stood the lodging of the chaplain and surgeon.⁽²²⁹⁾Apparently, to these buildings, some hardware repairs, amounting to 179 livres 8 sols, were required that year.⁽²³⁰⁾

According to a census of this year, there were established at this place 46 families, consisting of 77 men, 41 women, and 118 children.⁽²³¹⁾ At least one of the inhabitants was to receive nails, for an unspecified use, from Louisbourg's King's storehouse.⁽²³²⁾ In the settlers' inventory were also numerous animals - according to the same census: 96 beef cattle, 20 calves, 18 horses and 66 pigs. ⁽²³³⁾

While the constructions at the King's establishment moved forward, the commander, officers and soldiers would have lived elsewhere in the area. For those expenses, the commander was reimbursed 147 livres.⁽²³⁴⁾ The number of men under his command at that time can perhaps be judged by the June mutiny, which resulted in the transfer of those involved to Louisbourg, and, in turn, at one point, the re-sending of a company, and at another, at least 39 soldiers and officers (with their arms and baggage) back to the place.⁽²³⁵⁾ In addition, for a while, 37 English prisoners, captured by the Mi'Kmaqs, were held at Port Toulouse before their transfer to Louisbourg.⁽²³⁶⁾

While a memoir of this year neglected to mention the [portage] roadway, or, indeed, the King's establishment, it did describe the distance between the harbour and the Bras d'Or Lakes, at the isthmus, as being 350 toise in length.⁽²³⁷⁾

YEAR: 1751

The civilian population, second in number to Louisbourg, was scattered around the harbour - some at the [Grand] and Petite St. Pierre, some at the bottom of the harbour, and others about the place's several rivers such as Tibart [Tillart or Tillard or Tilost] and Bourgeois. Also illustrated was the King's former and new establishments.⁽²³⁸⁾

The new establishment (confirmed as having been built at a cost of 8290 livres 6 sols 10 deniers) consisted of four large structures enclosed by a fence, and stood immediately to the east of the former one. The old one, built of stone (with perhaps as many as five structures and a navigational marker being indicated - though, curiously, the layout here is more reminiscent of the first piquet complex) had been destroyed in 1745. Notwithstanding the siege period attack upon them, not all of their masonry walls had totally collapsed. Firstly, there was the use in 1749 of two existing [bakery] walls to construct a King's bakery, and where, by this year, 7,500 bricks (costing 153 livres 15 sols) had been used in repairing its ovens. Secondly, for lodging the officers, Joseph Dugas was paid 2916 livres 3 sols 9 deniers not only to enlarge some of the new piquet structures, but also to undertake some unspecified repairs to the former [stone] buildings. And lastly, plans were afoot to use stones recovered from their demolition for a proposed redoubt.⁽²³⁹⁾

Because soldiers had provided the labour for the construction of these provisional buildings, the workmanship was deemed very poor. Better had they been constructed by private forces.⁽²⁴⁰⁾ Notwithstanding this view, the decision was that provisional they were to remain, until replaced by permanent lodgings, enclosed by a redoubt. In actual fact this plan was but one of a number of fortification schemes, of a variety of different designs, which the Chief Engineer envisioned for here and other places, such as on Isle St. Jean, and at la Baye Françoise and Gaspareau.⁽²⁴¹⁾ In all, he would issue 15 plans of ports as well as of forts, both existing and proposed.⁽²⁴²⁾

With this and other thoughts in mind, Port Toulouse would be visited: to reconnoitre the place (including the strip of land joining the harbour and the Bras d'Or Lakes - its 1/2 league long [portage] roadway needed and had received a repair), to visit the hamlet of St. Pierre, to examine and assess the cost of the buildings erected there in 1749 and 1750, and to determine where the proposed fort or redoubt ought to go.⁽²⁴³⁾ Although one vision had the fort located at the harbour mouth,⁽²⁴⁴⁾ in the end, the proposed site was to be the perennial mountain top location.⁽²⁴⁵⁾

An expenditure of 88,800 livres was proposed for the planned redoubt. Consisting of four major L-shaped buildings (costing 53,379 livres), to house everyone from the commander, subalterns, solders, baker, chaplain, storekeeper, and surgeon through the functions of guard house, bakery, chapel, powder magazine, rations storehouse, prison, latrines, and aqueduct, it was to be surrounded by a major redoubt (raised in earth, rubble-stone, sandstone and sod with an exterior palisaded ditch) costing 35,421 livres. ⁽²⁴⁶⁾

Some measurements were taken from the rear position of the redoubt: for example, it stood 210 toises distant from the edge of the harbour (just west of the destroyed masonry structures). From here back to the original point of calculation, the land rose 177 pieds 2 pouces. Completing this work were similar determinations made in the other three directions of the compass.⁽²⁴⁷⁾

The former brick making operation had been located in a cove, between the rivers Tibart [Tillart or Tillard or Tilost] and Bourgeois.⁽²⁴⁸⁾ According to one examiner, the clay here was of poor quality, dry, and mixed with small stones. In fact, throughout the island, there was little clay worthy of making bricks.⁽²⁴⁹⁾ Notwithstanding this conclusion, former inhabitants of the place disagreed, and that while certainly the clay was mixed with some gravel, the brick operation had closed, not for this reason (since the clay was actually usable), but rather because the brickmakers there were untrained in the profession. ⁽²⁵⁰⁾

Finally, the [portage] roadway joining the Ancien Port to the Bras d'Or Lakes was again apparent. Buildings, as before, continued to stand in its path.⁽²⁵¹⁾

YEAR: 1752

A tour of inspection by the Sieur de la Roque [Pichon was with him] was revealing both of the geography of the place and of its inhabitants. Some place names he mentioned: Port Toulouse, Barrachois, Pointe à Coste [a major landfall], Pointe de la Briquerie, Pointe de l'Ancienne Intendance, Creek de la Briquerie, La Briquerie, Rivière à Tillard [According to Pichon: Here in the Tillard basin, the inhabitants wintered their boats], [Pichon: Anse de la Briquerie], Pointe a la Sonde, King's Post, l'Ancienne Briquerie, Grande Grave, Pointe Pinet. Saint Pierre, Grand Passage, La Platriere, Isle de l'Ours, Petit Saint Pierre, Rivière à Bourgeois. ⁽²⁵²⁾

At Port Toulouse and La Briquerie, he counted 44 families - with their dwellings mentioned sometimes, and inferred more often - consisting of 240 individuals [Pichon: 230 not counting the officers and soldiers]. In detail, there were 38 men, 42 women, 81 boys, 76 girls and only 3 domestics. Of interest, former Port Toulouse inhabitants, one of which was born as early as 1715 or 1716 at this place, were also found at other settlements throughout the island, as well as on Isle St. Jean.⁽²⁵³⁾

In general, the inhabitants constructed boats and schooners. In the winter they cut firewood and construction timber. They cleared land, raised cattle and poultry, made spruce beer and produced maple sugar.⁽²⁵⁴⁾

At year's end, 1751, other fortification plans, for securing the harbours of the island - at Port Toulouse and elsewhere - surfaced. The brainchild of the Governor, one proposal called for 10-12 coastal redoubts, costing 8,000 to 9,000 livres each, with self-contained lodgings, holding a detachment. Also promised were plans (including a profile), to follow the next January.⁽²⁵⁵⁾ To ensure that the work would begin in 1752, 80,000 livres had already been ordered.⁽²⁵⁶⁾

To meet an April deadline, the Chief Engineer (prior to receiving the King's approval), reluctantly engaged twenty-eight men and a carpenter (who held a Louisbourg 1750-1751 fortification contract), and, at the Governor's insistence, yet another carpenter. They were to stockpile the required pine timber for the buildings within the 11 redoubts. Separately amassed were the palisades of the said forts, obtained as follows: From a work-crew, of seven to eight men sent into the woods; and through an outside order of 2000.⁽²⁵⁷⁾

Configured to be built with or without a ditch, each redoubt was to measure 18 toise square at its interior parapet. Within were to be two one-storey structures - one for the officer and his valet and one for the soldiers and sergeant in charge of the storehouse, together with associated functions, such as a kitchen, powder magazine, munitions, rations storehouse, and guard room. The cost for one: 12,000 livres.⁽²⁵⁸⁾

Shortly later, this proposal came to naught, and it was abandoned. As for the gathering of materials, a fortuitous bad winter had ensured the stockpiling of only a minute quantity of materials.⁽²⁵⁹⁾ Undaunted, the Governor insisted that the Chief Engineer draw up alternate plans, for a building for eight to ten men with their sergeant (better described as a retrenched palisaded house than a redoubt, for twenty men, costing 3168 livres 3 sols 4 deniers each).⁽²⁶⁰⁾ Admittedly, however, even the proponents of the proposal felt it unsuitable for Port Toulouse, where, instead, a redoubt was thought better.⁽²⁶¹⁾ So, when in 1753, this scheme too was rejected,⁽²⁶²⁾ undoubtedly no loss was felt in this place.

Once again, the workmanship of the King's new establishment, constructed under the direction of local officers, was questioned. To underline the problem, over the winter of 1751-1752, 3,000 livres (more likely, 2916 livres 3 sols 9 deniers) was spent on the repair of the new buildings at Port Toulouse and Isle St. Jean.⁽²⁶³⁾ In the barracks, there were at least 25 beds, perhaps suggesting a fifty man garrison.⁽²⁶⁴⁾

If Port Toulouse had required a nearby source of finished wood, less than day's travel away, to the west one existed, at Isle Brulé, lying in the centre of the basin that formed the Rivière au Habitants. Here was a sawmill, drawing upon the hardwood and fir trees in the area. For carpentry purposes, boards 2 pouces thick and from 12 to 14 pouces wide were available for purchase.⁽²⁶⁵⁾

Finally, the [portage] roadway joining the Bras d'Or Lakes and the harbour of Port Toulouse existed as before.⁽²⁶⁶⁾

YEAR: 1753

Officers and soldiers were transported from Louisbourg to Port Toulouse to serve as a detachment.⁽²⁶⁷⁾ Also from the capital first came an unspecified quantity of timber and rafters,⁽²⁶⁸⁾ then another 283 pieces of timber.⁽²⁶⁹⁾ As for the materials stockpiled for the cancelled redoubt project, Louisbourg took what it could use; Port Toulouse was to sell the rest if possible.⁽²⁷⁰⁾

YEAR: 1754

Louisbourg sent some shingles to this place.⁽²⁷¹⁾

YEAR: 1755

This year the military buildings received a repair. The cost for labour and materials amounted to 841 livres 13 sols 9 deniers.⁽²⁷²⁾ At Louisbourg, for the project to lower Black Rock, perhaps twenty men were drawn from the company (or detachment) at Port Toulouse.⁽²⁷³⁾

YEAR: 1756

This year a marriage took place in the Royal Chapel at Port Toulouse.⁽²⁷⁴⁾ Even so, perhaps talk of a general rebuilding of the military lodgings at this place speaks volumes to its possible condition. Stressing that the work ought to be directed by the engineers of Louisbourg undoubtedly springs from the earlier criticism of the original approach, of just seven to eight years earlier.⁽²⁷⁵⁾ Whatever their condition, the buildings, in particular the bakery and the King's storehouse, remained active during the year. Of the King's buildings in general, at least 12 of their flues would be swept.⁽²⁷⁶⁾

In April, with war appearing imminent, the inhabitants took to the woods. In effect, the settlement was now abandoned.⁽²⁷⁷⁾

The Mi'Kmaqs, who assembled at Port Toulouse this year, numbered 630 people.⁽²⁷⁸⁾

YEAR: 1757

From Port Toulouse to Louisbourg a commerce had developed. Generally, the products were cord-wood, [construction] timber, poultry, garden products, and horned animals.⁽²⁷⁹⁾

The number of men, as well as Mi'Kmaqs, able to bear arms numbered 400.⁽²⁸⁰⁾ To the place, brought by sea, from Isle St. Jean and elsewhere came at least 241 militia and Mi'Kmaqs, to guard the coast of Isle Royale. As well from this place to Louisbourg were transported some English prisoners.⁽²⁸¹⁾ On the other hand, the settlers who had fled to the woods had not yet returned.⁽²⁸²⁾

As in previous years, the Récollets of Brittany, serving as chaplains, continued to receive funding to maintain their outport chapel. Additional monies went towards the cleaning of the chimneys of the barracks as well as for forge work required by some of the King's buildings.⁽²⁸³⁾

At this time, Port Toulouse lacked any usable fortifications. To remedy this deficiency, two proposals were raised: First, to erect a new construction, a parapet, to protect twenty-five to thirty men, at an escapement [west of the King's establishment, near or on the site of the proposed 1731 fort]; or second, to refurbish a nearby previously existing redoubt, whose parapets, still standing high enough to protect a soldier, were deemed repairable. Flanking this former redoubt were two habitations: Coste (to the west) and Maigre (to the east). By incorporating Maigre's barns and stables into the flank, taking over a house [perhaps belonging to Temple, an inhabitant] as a guard house, bringing stones to the works, and introducing a redan and new entrenchments (one fronting the place known as le petit baril), a strengthen work could arise. ⁽²⁸⁴⁾

A detailed memoir of this year mentioned neither the [portage] roadway, nor the King's establishment, but it did describe the width of the tongue of land separating Port Toulouse from the Bras d'Or Lakes as measuring 400 toise. ⁽²⁸⁵⁾

YEAR: 1758

Prior to the siege, thirty men were in garrison at Ports Toulouse and Dauphin, both of which were described as fortified.⁽²⁸⁶⁾ Yet, on June 28th, when Boishébert arrived at this place, he referenced neither these men nor any fortified works, or, in fact, buildings of any type, despite having camped here for two days. ⁽²⁸⁷⁾

YEAR: 1764

A Morris survey noted that St. Peters was a principal settlement with about fifty families. However, this was not apparent by the amount of cleared land.⁽²⁸⁸⁾

YEAR: 1768

A Holland survey noted that still surviving were the remains of the fort and settlements. In garrison had been a detachment of fifty men.⁽²⁸⁹⁾

ENDNOTES

1. September 02, 1713. For its precise location, see: Map ND - 278 (1714); Map ND - 191 (1715).
2. Map 1713 - 01; October 20, 1713.
3. March 20 (o.s.), 1714.
4. 1714-Memoir.
5. August 25, 1714.
6. September 22, 1714.
7. Map 1714 - 06.
8. [1714] - Memoir.
9. [1714] - St. Pierre; Map ND - 277 (1714); Map ND - 278 (1714).
10. [1714] - St. Pierre; Map ND - 277 (1714); Map ND - 278 (1714).
11. [1714] - St. Pierre; Map ND - 277 (1714); Map ND - 278 (1714).
12. April 04, 1715.
13. August 15, 1715.
14. August 03, 1715; September 09, 1715; September 10, 1715; September 21, 1715. For the precise location of the proposed fort see: Map ND - 191 (1715).
15. 1715 - Bordereau.
16. Map ND - 191 (1715).
17. November 10, 1715; December 03, 1715; March 14, 1716.
18. August 15, 1715-September 30, 1716.
19. March 28, 1716; December 02, 1715.
20. Map ND - 191 (1715).
21. June 27, 1716.
22. Map 1716 - 06; December, 1716; Map 1779 - 05.
23. March 14, 1716.
24. December 08, 1716.
25. December 08, 1716.
26. April, 1716; December 01, 1716.
27. November 28, 1716.
28. April 22, 1716; May 23, 1716.
29. April 27, 1716.
30. June 27, 1716; Map 1716-04.
31. October 08, 1716; October 26, 1716; December 22, 1716; October 26, 1714; 1714 - Memoir.
32. June 04, 1715; July 07, 1715; November 05, 1715; December 22, 1716.
33. December 01, 1716.
34. May 01, 1717; 1718 - Expenditure État.
35. Map 1716 - 01.
36. October 26, 1716; December 22, 1716.
37. 1716 - Devis - Port Toulouse.
38. 1716 - Avant Toisé 01; 1716 - Avant Toisé 02; and 1716 - Avant Toisé 03. See F and E on Map 1717 - 04 and Map 1717 - 04A for the precise location of the new Port (F) and the former Port (E). See also: ND - 122 (1717) (In scaling, some fortification and building measurements match, more or less, but others are substantially different).
39. 1716 - Avant Toisé 01; 1716 - Avant Toisé 02; 1716 - Avant Toisé 03; 1716 - Devis - Port Dauphin; 1716 - Avant Toisé - Port Dauphin; and 1716 - Avant Toisé - Louisbourg; May 01, 1717; 1716 - Abridged Expenses. See designations I, K and M on Map 1717 - 04 and Map 1717 - 04A for the precise location of redoubt (I), battery (B) and battery (M) respectively.
40. May 01, 1717; Map 1717-04; Map 1717-04A.
41. Map 1717 - 04; Map 1717 - 04A; Map ND - 122 (1717) . In scaling Map ND - 122 (1717), some measurements, more or less, match written fortification and building measurements, but others deviate substantially.
42. March 17, 1717; November 13, 1717; August 22, 1718.
43. June 29, 1717; November 13, 1717.
44. November 19, 1717.
45. March 18, 1719.
46. Map 1717 - 06. [This map is missing from the Fortress of Louisbourg Map Collection and so could not be examined].
47. May 22, 1717; June 26, 1717; November 17, 1717.
48. 1717- Disposition.
49. 1717 - Required Funds État.
50. June 12, 1717; 1717 - Disposition.
51. 1716-1717 - October 01, 1716 - September 30, 1717.
52. September 09, 1717. See also: 1716 - November 16.
53. December 31, 1717.
54. September 09, 1717; November 19, 1717; 1717 - Work-To-Date.
55. September 09, 1717; November 19, 1717.
56. 1717 - Bordereau.
57. November 30, 1717.
58. For example, see: December 10, 1718.
59. 1717 - Devis; September 09, 1717.
60. Map ND - 148 (1717).
61. 1717 - Devis.
62. November 19, 1717.
63. September 09, 1717.
64. November 19, 1717.
65. 1717 - Census.
66. August 09, 1717.
67. November 19, 1717.
68. 1718 - Expenditure État.
69. 1718 - Expenditure État; See also: November 21, 1718.
70. April 01, 1718.
71. March 18, 1719.
72. June 25, 1718.
73. 1718 - Expenditure État; 1718 - Expenditures Necessary.
74. 1718 - Expenditure État.
75. 1718 - Fortifications.
76. August 02, 1718.
77. October 19, 1718.
78. Map 1718-05; Map 1718-05A.
79. 1718 - Fortifications; 1718 - Project; March 04, 1719.
80. January 08, 1719; January 11, 1719.
81. January 09, 1719.
82. July 10, 1720.
83. 1719 - Bordereau 01; June 17, 1720.
84. March 07, 1719; June 20, 1720.
85. November 10, 1720.
86. 1719 - Required Funds État
87. August 08, 1720; August 26, 1720.
88. 1720 - Census.
89. 1720 - Bordereau.
90. November 11, 1720.
91. February 24, 1721.
92. March 24, 1721; July 01, 1721; November 26, 1721.
93. July 01, 1721.
94. November 26, 1721.
95. November 29, 1721; November 30, 1721.
96. March 17, 1722.
97. May 12, 1722; 1722 - Orders.
98. May 05, 1722; May 12, 1722; 1722 - Orders.
99. September 02, 1722.
100. December 02, 1722.
101. May 05, 1722.
102. May, 1723.
103. May, 1723; November 01, 1723.
104. 1723 - Vallée.
105. December 29, 1723; Map 1723 - 05.
106. 1723 - Census.
107. Map 1723 - 05.
108. 1723 - Orders; May 09, 1724.
109. December 29, 1723; 1723 - Orders.
110. Map 1723 - 05.
111. May 09, 1724.
112. June 20, 1724; June 26, 1724; November 15, 1724; July 25, 1725.
113. July 25, 1725.
114. 1724 - September.
115. June 26, 1724.
116. 1724 - Census; May 22, 1725; July 29, 1725.
117. July 31, 1725.
118. April 10, 1725.
119. July 25, 1725; November 01, 1725.
120. December 21, 1725.
121. July 25, 1725.
122. June 25, 1726.
123. November 20, 1726; June 10, 1727.
124. 1726 - Census.
125. November 26, 1727; November 12, 1730.
126. December 18, 1729.
127. November 12, 1730.
128. November 29, 1731.
129. Map 1731-6; November 29, 1731; April 15, 1732.
130. December 02, 1730.
131. June, 1731.
132. November 25, 1731; November 29, 1731; Map 1731-07. See also: June 19, 1732.
133. Map 1731 - 06. See also: Map ND - 74 (1725-1745).
134. June 19, 1732; November 11, 1732.
135. June 19, 1732; November 11, 1732.
136. September 27, 1732.
137. November 16, 1732; 1733 - Fortification Funds; 1733 - Marché; 1733-1736 - Memoir.
138. June 30, 1733; October 14, 1733.
139. October 23, 1733.
140. Map 1733-10; Map 1733-10A; Map 1733-11; Map 1733-11A; Map 1733-12; Map 1733-12A; Map 1733-13.
141. May 12, 1734.
142. September 18, 1733; September 28, 1733.
143. September 18, 1733; September 28, 1733; 1733 - Marché.
144. September 18, 1733; September 28, 1733.
145. September 28, 1733; 1733 - Marché.
146. October 10, 1733; October 21, 1733.
147. Map ND - 126 (1733).
148. Map ND - 126 (1733).
149. September 17, 1733.
150. October 14, 1733; October 23, 1733.
151. Map ND - 187 (Before 1734).
152. October 14, 1733; October 23, 1733.
153. October, 1733.
154. October 01, 1733.
155. Map ND - 126 (1733). See also: Map ND - 74 (1725-1745).
156. January 23, 1734; May 04, 1734.
157. November 04, 1734; November 05, 1734.
158. November 06, 1734; April 25, 1735.
159. November 06, 1734.
160. November 01, 1734; November 06, 1734; Map 1734-09.
161. November 03, 1734; 1734 - Required Fortification Funds État; 1733-1736 - Memoir.
162. November 06, 1734.
163. Map 1734-09; Map 1734-09A and Map 1734-09B; and Map ND - 148 (1734).
164. Map 1734-09; Map 1734-09A and Map 1734-09B; Map ND - 126 (1733).
165. Map 1734-09; Map 1734-09A and Map 1734-09B; November 06, 1734.
166. November 06, 1734; April 25, 1735.
167. Map 1734 - 09.
168. Map 1734 - 09; November 04, 1734.
169. 1734 - Census.
170. October 01, 1734.
171. October, 1734; October 05, 1734.
172. Map ND - 126 (1733).
173. April 25, 1735; Map 1734-09; Map 1734-09A and Map 1734-09B; November 04, 1734.
174. August 10, 1735.
175. April 25, 1735; October 28, 1735.
176. April 25, 1735; August 10, 1735.
177. October 28, 1735.
178. October 28, 1735.
179. April 25, 1735.
180. October 28, 1735; December 11, 1735; 1735 - Funds Ordered.
181. 1733-1736 - Memoirs; 1735 - Funds Ordered.
182. October 28, 1735.
183. April 25, 1735.
184. May 15, 1736; October 15, 1736; November 10, 1736; 1736 - Collongue.
185. November 10, 1736; November 18, 1736; April 30, 1737.
186. 1733-1736 - Memoir; April 25, 1735; 1735 - Expenditures; September 15, 1736. See also: November 16, 1732; May 25, 1733; 1733 - Fortification Funds; May 10, 1734; May 11, 1734; September 06, 1734; October 05, 1734; November 03, 1734; 1734 - Required Fortification Funds Etat; April 25, 1735; May 02, 1735; October 28, 1735; 1735 - Expenditures; 1735 - Funds Ordered; September 15, 1736.
187. October 30, 1737.
188. 1737 - Census.
189. May 06, 1738.
190. April 30, 1738; 1738 - Ganet.
191. September 05, 1738; September 30, 1739.
192. September 27, 1738.
193. 1738 - Bordereau.
194. October 24, 1738; November 05, 1738.
195. November 15, 1738.
196. October 05, 1739; October 22, 1739.
197. October 04, 1740; May 12, 1741.
198. October 04, 1740.
199. June 03, 1741.
200. October 01, 1741.
201. 1741 - Guard Details.
202. September 27, 1742.
203. June 20, 1743.
204. September 22, 1743.
205. May 21, 1744.
206. 1744 - Bordereau 01
207. September 15, 1744.
208. June 05, 1744; 1744 - Bordereau 01.
209. November 18, 1744.
210. March 30, 1745.
211. May 02, 1745.
212. May 04, 1745.
213. May 10, 1745; 1749 - Storehouse Disbursements; September 23, 1745.
214. May 15, 1745; May 16, 1745; May 17, 1745.
215. 1760 - Pichon.
216. August 20, 1749.
217. September, 1749; November 05, 1749; 1749 - Bordereau.
218. 1749 - Storehouse Disbursements.
219. August 22, 1749; 1749 - Bordereau.
220. September 03, 1749.
221. September, 1749.
222. 1749 - Required Funds État; 1749 - Repairs.
223. August 21, 1749; 1749 - Bordereau.
224. 1749-1750 - Port Toulouse Constructions; Map 1750 - 03; September 12, 1751; November 20, 1751. See also: Map 1751-36 which has a more accurate scale.
225. June 23, 1750.
226. Map 1750 - 03. See also, for a close copy: Map 1751-36.
227. 1750 - Bordereau.
228. November 03, 1750.
229. Map 1750 - 03; Map 1751 - 36.
230. December 30, 1750.
231. December 29, 1751.
232. 1750 - Storehouse Sales.
233. December 29, 1751.
234. October 15, 1750; 1750 - Bordereau.
235. June 23, 1750; July 16, 1750; October 27, 1750; 1750 - Mutiny.
236. September 28, 1750; December 09, 1750.
237. 1750 - Memoir.
238. December 29, 1751; Map 1751 - 38.
239. December 29, 1751; Map 1751 - 38 and Map 1751 - 38A (The form of the complex on this general plan clearly mimicked more detailed plans such as 1750-3 and 1751-36); 1749-1750 - Port Toulouse Constructions; October 15, 1751.
240. November 20, 1751.
241. December 29, 1751.
242. May 25, 1752.
243. August 17, 1751; August 19, 1751; December 29, 1751.
244. Map 1751 - 03.
245. Map 1751 - 49; December 29, 1751.
246. December 29, 1751.
247. Map 1751 - 38.
248. December 29, 1751.
249. November 20, 1751.
250. December 29, 1751.
251. Map 1751 - 03; Map 1751 - 38.
252. February, 1752; Map 1752 - 07; 1760 - Pichon.
253. February, 1752; 1760 - Pichon.
254. 1760 - Pichon.
255. December 13, 1751; December 14, 1751; Map 1752-03; January 14, 1752.
256. 1752 - Required Funds État.
257. January 14, 1752; January 18, 1752; June 12, 1752; October 02, 1752; December 04, 1752.
258. January 12, 1752; Map 1752 - 03.
259. May 25, 1752; June 12, 1752.
260. January 18, 1752; June 12, 1752; April 13, 1753.
261. January 18, 1752.
262. April 13, 1753.
263. May 25, 1752; October 18, 1752.
264. January 04, 1752.
265. February 13-20, 1752; 1760 - Pichon.
266. Map 1752 - 07.
267. September 26, 1753.
268. October 06, 1753.
269. October 15, 1753.
270. April 13, 1753; October 12, 1753.
271. May 06, 1754.
272. May 06, 1755.
273. June 07, 1755.
274. August 29, 1756.
275. December 16, 1756.
276. 1756 - Bordereau.
277. May 02, 1757.
278. May 02, 1757.
279. May 02, 1757.
280. May 02, 1757.
281. 1757 - Bordereau.
282. May 02, 1757.
283. 1757 - Bordereau.
284. May 02, 1757.
285. May 02, 1757.
286. June 06, 1758.
287. June 19, 1758; 1758 - Boishébert.
288. November 14, 1764.
289. November 01, 1768. See also: 1787-1788 - Description.
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