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Info-Research Solutions
Researching the
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada
Recherche sur la Forteresse-de-Louisbourg Lieu historique national du Canada
FORTRESS SECURITY AND MILITARY JUSTICE AT LOUISBOURG, 1720-45
BY
MARGARET FORTIER
1980
Report H E 14
Fortress of Louisbourg
SENTRIES ON THE RAMPARTS
Sentries posted at the salient angles of bastions during the day were to observe all that was going on outside the walls and to guard the cannon which were an the barbette. No one was to be permitted on the barbette unless his duties required it, as in the case of an engineer or an officer of the artillery. Even they were to be accompanied by the caporal de pose of the nearest, guard. At no time were civilians or foreigners to be allowed on the ramparts without having first received the permission of the governor or commandant. Anyone given such authorization had to be escorted by a fusilier. [1]
If a sentry noticed someone in the ditch or on the ramparts, he was to cry out three times in a loud, distinct tone: "qui va là." On the third call, if there was no response, he was to take aim and say: "demeure-là." He would then call for the corporal by saying: "Caporal hors de la Garde." If the person continued to advance without being recognized, a warning shot was to be fired and the bayonet placed on the end of the gun. In the event a sentry shot and killed someone while on guard duty, a Conseil De Guerre would be convened to determine whether or not the killing hid been committed in the line of duty. Even when the decision of this body was in the soldier's favor, he would be placed in prison to await the arrival of the "Lettres de Grace du Roy." [2]
Guignard noted that in some German forts, small bells were placed above all guérites on the ramparts which the sentries were to strike each time the hour was struck by the town clock. This was a way of making certain that the sentries remained alert. In France bells were not used, but in some places the governors required that each time the hour was sounded, the sentries were to cry "Sentinelle prenez. garde à vows." While this practice had the same result, Guignard felt it was not a good custom since it created "such an unpleasant squalling," particularly at night. For this reason he recommended that it be resorted to only in case of extreme necessity. [3]