An Event Chronology Based on Louisbourg Accounts Not Available in the Archives of the Fortress of Louisbourg, By Eric Krause, Krause House Info-Research Solutions, 2004

An Event Chronology Based on Louisbourg Accounts Not Available in the Archives of the Fortress of Louisbourg, By Eric Krause, Krause House Info-Research Solutions, 2004 - Present

His Majesty's Ship the Grafton Commodore Charles Holmes, Commander, As she sailed to England with a Machine Constructed instead of her Rudder, which she lost in the late storm off Louisbourgh. Drawn by an Officer on Board.

Estabrook, Hobart, The praying warrior: or, The necessity and importance of praying unto, and trusting in God, especially in a time of war.: Considered in a sermon, preach'd at Millington in East-Haddam, Tuesday May 30th, 1758. : At the disire, and in the audience of Major Joseph Spencer, and the other officers and company under him; a few days before their marching on the important expedition against Canada. / By Hobart Estabrook, A.M. Pastor of the church there. ; New-Haven; : Printed by James Parker, and Company, at the post office, 1758.

The New-York almanack, for the year 1759.: Calculated for the use of the province of New-York, and the neighboring provinces. / By Thomas Moore, philo. New-York: : Printed and sold by Hugh Gaine, at the Bible & Crown in Hanover-Square., [1758]

Hutchins's almanack, or ephemeris, for the year of Christian account, 1759.: ... Calculated for the vertex of the province of New-York ... / By John Nathan Hutchins, teacher of the mathematicks in New-York.New-York: : Printed and sold by Hugh Gaine, at the Bible and Crown, in Hanover-Square, near the Meal-Market., [1758]

Maylem, John, The conquest of Louisbourg: : a poem. / By John Maylem, Philo-bellum. Boston, N.E. : Printed [by Benjamin Mecom?], in the year. 1758.

Abraham Weatherwise, Father Abraham's almanack, (on an entire new plan.) For the year of our Lord, 1759. : ... To which is added, an exact and nice representation of His Majesty the King of Prussia, done on a folio copper plate ... Likewise, an exact plan of Louisbourg, with a succinct account ... / By Abraham Weatherwise, gent. New-York: : Printed by and for H. Gaine, at the Bible & Crown, in Hanover-Square; where may be had Hutchins's, and the New-York pocket-almanack, greatly enlarged, for 1759., [1758]

No care or attention will be wanting for the subsistence and preservation of the troops, such as our situation will admit of. There will be an Hospital, and in time it is hoped there will be fresh meat for the sick and wounded men ...

The least murmur or complaint against any part of duty will be checked with great severity, and backwardness in sight of the enemy will be punished with immediate death. If any man is villain enough to desert his colours and go over to the enemy, he shall be excepted in the capitulation, and hanged with infamy as a traitor. When any of our troops are to attack the French regular forces, they are to march close up to them, discharge their pieces loaded with two bullets, and than rush upon them with their bayonets; and the commander of the Highlanders may, when he sees occasion, order his corps to run upon them with their drawn swords ...

A body of light troops are now training to oppose the Indians, Canadians, and other painted savages of the island, who will entertain them in their own way, and preserve the women and children of the Army from their unnatural barbarity. Indians spurred on by our inveterate enemy, the French, are the only brutes and cowards in the creation who were ever known to exercise their cruelties upon the sex, and to scalp and mangle the poor sick soldiers and defenceless women. When the light troops have by practice and experience acquired as much caution and circumspection, as they have spirit end activity, these howling barbarians will fly before them ...

The tents will be slightly entrenched or palisaded, that the sentries may not be exposed to the shot of a miserable-looking Mic-Mac, whose trade is not war, but murder ...

As the air of Cape Breton is moist and foggy, there must be a particular attention to the fire-arms upon duty, that they may be kept dry, and always fit for use; and the Light Infantry should fall upon some method to secure their arms from the dews, and dropping of the trees when they are in search of the enemy ...

... And on Thursday arrived another French Prize Ship, called La Fidelle, Joseph Fostier, Master, taken by Capt. Koffler, in the Defiance Privateer of this Port, on Dec. 3d. She was from Cape Breton, to Cape Francois, and is loaded with dry Cod, and Mackrell. The Prisoners of said Prize say, that Provisions are very scarce at Louisbourg, and not one Pound of Fresh Meat to be bought at any Price ...

If we can judge from several Accounts lately received from the Northern Colonies and the West Indies, there
are now only Two French Men of War in America, and those at cape breton; for, according to these Accounts, 17 Ships of the Line and 2 Frigates, from Cape Francois on the 13th; those from Louisbourg all extremely sickly, and ill supplied with Provisions; and those from the Cape sickly, and ill fitted: So that our Men of War are now at Liberty to distress the Enemy, March or April next, without almost any Hazard; and it
is to be hoped something will be undertaken by them, when so fair an Opportunity offers. ...

....Next Day was sent in here also, by the Privateer Duke of Marlborough, David Fenton commander, a French Snow, called the Mary Anne, Pierre Audabon, late Master; which he took on her Passage from Louisbourgh to Cape Francois, the 18th ult. She belonged to Rochelle, in Old France; her Cargo consists of dry Fish, Wine, Oyl, &c.

We hear that Captain Dwight, in Company with Capt. Dixon, has taken a Vessel from cape breton, bound to Hispaniola, and sent her into Jamaica. And,

Captain Dobbs, in the Goldfinch, has taken a Missisippi Man, with Lumber, and sent him to Jamaica also. ...

By private Letters from London we have the following Intelligence, viz. ... That the Admirals Hawke and Boscawen were sailed, with a strong Fleet, to cruize on the French Coast, in order to intercept the French Men of War from Louisbourg, and the West India Fleet, which was daily expected; and that above Seventy Privateers were also cruizing for their Merchantmen: That Rear Admiral Sir Charles Hardy, and Commodore Holmes, with eight Line of Battle Ships, were arrived at Spithead from America: That four Transports from Halifax for London floundered at Sea ...

... By Letters from New York, there is Reason to believe that a Privateer Snow, of 16 Guns, from cape breton, is upon the Coast, she having taken a Vessel lately in Lat 37. to the Eastward of Bermuda. ..

[Part of another Letter, from Capt. Richard Wright, of the
Brig Privateer Johnson, to his Owners in New York, dated
Charles Town, South Carolina, Febr. 7, 1758.]

... -- My last to you was of the 3d ult. by Mr. Forsyth, whom I sent home in a Prize ship I took, bound from Louisbourg to Cape Francois, which I hope arrived safe; since which I have had no success. I came here yesterday to take in Water, and Botop, and shall sail as soon as possible ...

... One of our Pilots came up Yesterday from Sandy Hook, and brought a Letter from Mr. Moone, Prize Master of a large French Ship, which arrived there the Friday Morning before. --- He mentions that the Ship was taken the 25th of December last, in Latitude 36. Longitude 44. by the Privateer Ship Oliver Cromwell, Capt. Nicoll, of this Port: --- Her Burthen is about 350 Tons; mounts 12 Carriage Guns; had 45 Men; was a
letter of Marque; and loaded with Coal and Fish; bound from cape breton to Cape Francis. He also advises, that he has been beating on the Coast about 3 Weeks; that he had lost Eight of his Hands thro'the Severity of the late hard North Westers; and that those on board were so pinchwith the Cold, as rendered them unable to bring her up: --- Her Owners have since sent down Help. --- She proves to be one of the Transports that sailed up St. LaurenceRiver about June or July last. ...

... The second Captain of the above Prize, acquaints us, That the Dogger Decoy Captain Knights, of this Port, was taken by a French 64 Gun Ship, in the River St. Lawrence, and carried into Cape Breton, out of which Place they have 20 Privateers, one a Snow of 16 guns, formerly the Massachusetts Country Vessel, Prince of Wales, Captain Dowse, who had the Misfortune to be taken by a Frigate last Summer, and carried into Louisbourg. They have converted the Dogger into a Brig. ...

... It is certain the following Vessels were ordered, on the 20th of February last, to be got ready for Sea at Brest and Rochefort, with the greatest Dispatch, exclusive of considerable Fleet at that Time ready in both those Places, viz. Le Soleil Royal, and Le Formidable, 84 Guns each; Le Tonnant, and Le Duke de Bourgoigne, of 80; Le Glorieux, L'Intrepid, Le Defenseur, Le Courageux, Le Diadem, Le Heros, L'Invincible, and Le Hector, of 74; Le Superbe, Le Dauphin Royal, Le Northumberland, of 70; Le Bizarre, Le Belligeux, Le Prothee, Le Warwick, L'Eveille, and Le Celebre, of 64. In all 21 Ships of the Line, commanded by the Marquis de Conflans.

By a Letter from William Finney, late Lieutenant of the Dogger Privateer Decoy, Captain Knights, of this Port, dated the 22d of February, at Bristol, we learn, That the said Privateer was taken the second Day of October last, by two French 74 Gun Ships, on the S.W. Side of the Island of Anta Costa; the Dogger sent into Louisbourg; but the Crew were carried to Old France, where Captain Knights died: And that the Privateer Snow Hornet, Captain Spelling, of this Port also, was taken in the Latitude of Bermuda, by two Frigates, and carried to Old France.

... By several Letters received by Captain Willock, we learn, That ... and the Admirals Boscawen and Hardy, were nominated to command the Fleet destined for North America, with a Number of Land Forces; and that about the Beginning of January six Ships loaded with Provisions, bound for Louisbourg, had been taken in the Channel. ...

By Capt. Tucker, of the Nassau, in 17 Days from Anguilla, we have an Account of the following Vessels being taken, between the 20th of January and 9th of Feb. Sloop Sally, David Webb, and Schooner --- Robins, both from New London, Sloop --- John Codington from New Port, Ship --- Johnson from Boston, all for the West Indies; Snow --- Carpenter from Antiqua from Boston, Snow --- Boy from ditto for Virginia, Snow --- from
Carolina for Scotland; all taken by a cape breton Privateer ...

"The Day before Yesterday arrived here a 36 Gun Frigate, the Boreas, Capt. Boyl, in 6 Weeks from St. Helens, by which there is an Account, That Sir Charles Hardy sailed 8 Hours before in the Captain, for this Place. --- Admiral Boscawen is coming with 12 Sail of the Line, 4 of them Three Deckers, 90
and 80 Guns, the rest 60 and 70 Gun Ships, and 16 Frigates f 36 Guns, with a Number of Transports with 8000 Troops on board, which were to embark from Ireland by the Beginning of February, and the whole Fleet to Sail early in March. --- The Admiral commands by Sea and Land, and will invest Louisbourg immediately on his Arrival, without touching here, and Sir Charles Hardy will Cruize off the Coast with the Ships ow here, till he meets the Fleet; they are fitting with all Expedition to put out directly after Sir CharlesArrival. --- Capt. Rous, in one of the 50 Gun Ships, sails the first Wind on a Cruize off Louisbourg. --- Capt. Boyl took a French Privateer Schooner on the Banks, with 80 Men; and about 10 Guns: They say five other Privateers are out from Louisbourg."

Another Letter of the same Date, says That Sir Charles Hardy was arrived in a Harbour about 10 Leagues from Halifax. ...

Capt. Metcalf, in 14 Days from Halifax, arrived here Yesterday, and informs, That Capt. McKown, 3 Days after he left his Place, was met by a French Privateer of 4 Guns, which came up so fast, that he and his People were obliged to take to their Boar, and get ashore at Le Havre; from whence they went over to Malagash, where the Schooner Monkton lay, and acquainted her of the same, when she immediately went in Quest of them, soon came up with and retook Capt. McKown Vessel, with 7 Frenchmen, which the Privateer had put on board, to carry her to Louisbourg when the Privateer made off: Captain Metcalf last Tuesday Week saw a French Privateer take a Schooner, which is supposed to be Capt. Carrel from this Place, bound to Halifax: He was chased 24 Hours, at different Times, but being a good Sailer got clear.

It is said the prisoners carried into Halifax report, that 2 French 60 Gun Ships had arrived at Louisbourg from Old France with Soldiers. ...

... We are informed by Capt. Dyer, that the Day he sailed from Falmouth, a Cutter arrived there from Plymouth, with Advice, that Commodore Howe, in his Majesty Ship the Magnanime, of 74 Guns, had taken and sent in there a French 74 Gun Ship, and six Transports, that were bound to Louisbourg from Old France, and that some Ships of Hawke Squadron were in Pursuit of 14 others, the Fleet consisting of 20 Sail, convoyed by the abovementioned Man of War ...

Capt. Robert Mirrie, of the Ship Ruby, of London, is arrived in Hampton Road, and informs us, that in his Passage he fell in with a Letter of Marque Ship belonging to Bristol, called the Antelope, George Burford Commander, from whom he had the following Particulars, viz. That on the 18th of March, being then in Latitude 46 N. Longitude 14 W. he took a French Ship bound for Louisbourg with Provisions, from Rochefort, which Place he left ten Days before, in Company with the Prudent, Invincible, and Glory, of 74 Guns each, one of 64, the Fidelle of 30, the Diana of 24, one of 20, one of 16, and one of 14 guns, with four large Ships of Force, full of Soldiers; that one of the Frigates run on board the 64 Gun Ship, and disabled her so, that she was obliged to put back, and the Frigate to be burnt: The Prize parted from them two Days before, as she could not go so well, and they would not shorten Sail, having positive Orders to make the best of their Way, and push to the Northward as fast as possible. They likewise informed him, that the Brest Fleet, which was very considerable, would sail much about the same Time, and had Orders to go to the Southward, that one or other might be sure of making their Passage ...

[From Mr. Barret de Ferrand, of Bordeaux to Mr. Chenie, St. Domingo - Translation]

... "We must wait for a Peace, of which at present there seems to be but little Appearance --- That Peace we so much desire. --- We are unlucky every where. --- The English are already gone to Canada with a strong Squadron; France is not in a Condition to fend any Assistance to that Country, either strong or speedy enough to prevent them making themselves Masters of it or Louisbourg; God alone can preserve it to us; but for the most Part God favours the Prudent and Active. --- ...

"Sir Charles Hardy, Knight, in the Captain, arrived here last Sunday, by whom we learn, that Mr. Boscawen is coming out with a fine Fleet, and 5000 Troops, which are to be joined with others from the Continent and this Place, to attack Louisbourg; they were to sail soon after Sir Charles, and we look for them every Moment. Inclosed you have a List of the whole Fleet, which will undoubtedly do. In short, we now believe we may flatter ourselves with the Hopes of doing something. The Generals Amhurst and Wolf are coming with the Troops; and it is said Monckton is made a Brigadier General. We are sorry our late Commanders gave Occasion for their Being recalled; some Men are of the Opinion, that every Thing is for the best. r. Bastide came with Sir Charles, and is made Chief Engineer of North America. Captain Rous, in the Sutherland, is gone on a Cruize, and the rest of the Ships in this Harbour will sail next Week. We have had a Privateer or two lurking about our Coast, which took one Sloop from Boston, but she was retaken by a Man of War Schooner. The Boreas, Hawke, and said Schooner, are now cruizing to clear the Coast. I am, &c. A LIST of His MajestyFleet designed for North America, under the Command of Admiral BOSCAWEN, viz.

Namure, of 90 guns, Admiral Boscawen, Capt. Buckle; Royal William 84, Admiral Hardy, Capt. Evans;
Princess Amelia 80, Commodore Durell, Capt. Bray; Invincible 74, Capt. Bentley; Burford 80, Young; Bedford 70, Fearke; Terrible 74, Collins; Devonshire 64, Gordon; Northumberland 66, Lord Colvil; Orford 70, Spry; Somerset 64, Hughes; Captain 64, Amhurst; Prince Frederick 70, Mann; Prince of Orange 60, Ferguson; Lancaster 66, Edgcumbe; York 60, Piggot; Nottingham 60, arshall; Kingston 60, Parry; Defiance 60, Beard; Centurion 60, Mantle; Sutherland 50, Martin: and Arc en Ceil, of 50 guns, Capt. Rous. Also the Boreas, Nightingale, Diana, Hound, Hunter, Scarborough, and Hawke Frigates.

"Just now a letter of Marque Ship is arrived from Bristol, and has brought in a French Ship with 1200 Barrels of Flour, bound to Louisbourg. She sailed from Rochfort the Tenth of March, with several others, under Convoy of nine Men of War, three of which being of the Line, put into Port again, the other six being smaller Vessels, supposed Frigates, proceeded the Voyage."

... The Hawk Sloop, and Monckton (a Schooner fitted out by the Government of Nova Scotia, on board which Lord Colvill has put Lieutenant Cosby, and some additional Men) are stationed to cruize betwixt Halifax and new England, for the Protection of the Trade; and Lieutenant Cosby, in the Monckton, has retaken a Boston Sloop from a small Schooner Privateer of Louisbourg ...

... The Richmond, William Price Master, sailed from Spithead the 29th of January, 1758, in Company with the Prince Frederick Man of War, Capt. Robert Man, and the Juno Frigate, and 19 Sail of Transports. We were separated last Wednesday in a violent Gale of Wind at N. W. and have not seen any of the Fleet since. --- Admiral Boscawen was to sail in about a Week after us from Spithead, in the Namure, to make the Ships in America up, with his Squadron, 27 Sail of the Line. --- Upwards of 40 Sail of Transports sailed the 23d of January for New York, to take the Troops from thence to Halifax, under Convoy of the Devonshire, and about 20 Sail of Ships went from Portsmouth to Ireland for Troops. --- General Amhurst is to Command in Chief at the Siege of Louisbourg. --- Troops on board the Richmond, one Company and a Half of the 15th Regiment, commanded by General mhurst. At Sea, March 27, 1758. Lat. N. 42. 15. Long. W. 62.00 ...

And this Day his excellency or Governor ordered out to Sea the King George Ship of War, to convoy the Trade bound to Halifax, to hear the Communication betwixt that Port and this of these Vermin from Louisbourg, and to proceed thence on a Cruize for the protection of the Trade and Fishery of this Province.

By all the Accounts received from different Part of this Province, a noble Spirit prevails; and it is expected that several of our Regiments will soon be compleat.

The Advice of part of our Fleet and Transports having sailed from England in January last for America, is a further Proof of Zeal of the British Ministry, for effectually prosecuting the War in America; and must afford so pleasing a Prospect of Success this year, that it is to be hoped no one Province upon the continent, will be deficient or backward in their Part of Duty.

By the latest Advices from Halifax, it is expected that the Men of War under Lord Colvill, which wintered at Halifax, are now before Louisbourg, and joined by some other Ships from England.

Yesterday the Captains McKown, Callto and Cox, arrived here from Halifax, the former in 16 Days, and the two latter in eight. They inform, that Admiral Hardy, in the Captain, arrived there the 20th ult. with three Transports; that the Remainder were hourly expected; that Capt. Rous, in his late Cruize, had retaken a Snow, bound from North Carolina to Liverpool, laden with Pitch and tar, and sent her into Halifax; that before Captain Cox sailed the Fleet, consisting of 9 or 10 Sail of the Line, began to unmoor, in order to cruize off Louisbourg.

... In a Letter from Halifax, dated April 16, it is said that 15 Sail of the Line, and 6 Frigates, were ready to sail for Louisbourg from Brest; also four Sail of the Line from Rochefort for the same Place. This Information they had from a Person lately taken in a Vessel bound to Louisbourg from Brest ...

..., The King of Prussia mounts 14 Guns, but having only 27 Men, they could not make Use of more than 8 of them, six and four Pounders --- The Privateer Metal was the same. --- Never was a Ship more resolutely, or longer, defended against so unequal a Number, the Captain, and most of the Crew, being resolved rather to sink with the Ship, than to fall into the Hands of these merciless Enemies, who frequently called to them, in broken English, that they must expect no Quarters. --- Captain Mursh, a Passenger, was wounded in his Right Arm the second Broad side --- The Chief Mate was shot in the Breast with a Musket Ball, which remains in him; the Gunner was hot, while in the Powder Room, through the Body with a Ball, which found its Way out at his Back; one of the Seamen was wounded in both Hands, and a Ball lodged in his Right Arm; but they are now all likely to recover. --- Some others of the People were wounded, but slightly. --- 'Tis thought the
Privateer belonged to cape breton, as her Officers, and many of her Men, were cloathed like French Neutrals.

Two Days after the Engagement Captain Robinson saw a Sloop which he took to be a Privateer, and probably Consort to the one he engaged.

On the 20th of January he spoke with the Britannia Privateer, Captain McPherson, of this Place, off of Bermuda, all well on board.

***A Subscription was immediately opened for the Ship Company, as a Reward for their Bravery, and towards curing the Wounded; above Two Hundred Pounds are already subscribed, many of the Inhabitants having given generously, and others are following their Example. ...

Sunday last arrived here Captain Boyle, in his Majesty Ship Boreas, from a Cruize, and brought in with him a large Dutch Ship of between 6 and 700 Tons, her Cargo is entirely French Property: She had been taken by 4 of 5 New York Privateers, and ordered into that Port, but was retaken by a French Privateer Brig, who was carrying her into Louisbourg when Captain Boyle met with and took them both; and the Privateer Brig arrived here last Tuesday.

Tuesday arrived here from Halifax, the Hawke Sloop of War; as also a Coasting Sloop: They left Halifax last Thursday, at which time there was only the Prince Frederick and the Arc-en-Ceil in that Harbour, all the other Men of War being out on a Cruize under Rear Admiral Sir Charles Hardy, off Louisbourg; and that the Prince Frederick having the Arc-en-Ceil Masts, would be in Readiness to join the Fleet in about ten Days.

By a Letter from Halifax, we learn, That on the 8th Instant, the Juno Frigate, with several of the Transports which came out under the Convoy of the Prince Frederick and Juno, arrived there that Day: That one of the Transports foundered at Sea, the people were taken on board the Juno.

Capt. Junkins in 4 Days from Halifax arrived here last Saturday and informs, that all the Men of War and Frigates (except the Prince Frederic, which was fitting out with all possible Dispatch) are cruizing before Louisbourg, and daily expecting the Arrival of Admiral Boscawen: --- That Capt. Rous had taken a large French Vessel of 16 Guns bound to Cape Breton from Brest, with Ordnance Stores; which gave him an Account, that a large French Store Ship was confined in the Ice, which he went in quest of: --- That the Boreas Frigate had taken a French Brig of 14 Guns, together with a Prize which she retook bound to New York, upwards of 500 Tons, said to be loaded with Provisions; the Brig was coming from Martineco to be fitted out at Louisbourg, in order to cruize upon our Coasts. --- It was rumoured that Capt. Rous, in the Sutherland, went to the Mouth of the Harbour, hosted French Colours and fired for a Pilot, when two came out, which he took and they gave an Account that the spotted Fever rages violently among the Troops, and that Provisions were so scarce, that they had begun to kill their Horses for want thereof: --- And that the prisoners taken on board the Vessel from Brest, reported that a large Fleet of Men of War were to fall for Louisbourg in a few Days after them. It is also rumoured that there were but 3 Frigates in the Harbour.

Capt. French arrived here Yesterday in 7 Days from Halifax; by him we learn, that the Fleet were still off Louisbourg; that Capt. Rous had returned to the Fleet, without discovering the Ship he went in Pursuit of, but took a French Snow of 110 Tons, bound from Cape Francois to Cape Breton, laden with Melasses, Rum, &c. and sent her to Halifax; the Prize Master of which reported there, that he saw 17 Sail of large Ships, about 25 Leagues E. of Cape Breton, standing a direct Course for that Place, but whether English or French he could not discover, and that he was chased by a Frigate from said Fleet, but Night coming on, gave over the Chase ...

HIS Excellency Admiral Boscawen being arrived at Halifax, and having a large Fleet of Ships under his Command, has informed his Excellency the Governor, that it is very necessary they should be supplied with fresh Provisions and other Refreshments: And further, that all Persons who shall carry down any such, will meet with good Markets, and all kinds of Encouragement and Protection from him; and that Cruizers will be properly stationed for the greater Safety of the Vessels employed in this Business. The Governor therefore recommends it to the trading part of the province to send down Cattle, and all other kind of Refreshments, for his Majesty Forces while employed in the most essential Service, for this and His Majesty other Colonies in America ...

--- It is likewise said, that the French are in a very bad Condition in their Sea ports, particularly at Brest, with the malignant Disease carried by their Fleet that returned from Louisbourg last Year, on board of which (from their Sailing to their Return) they lost 14,000 Seamen, and near 11,000 Inhabitants have died near Brest: --- ...

... Tuesday last arrived here Capt. White in six Days from Halifax, and informs, That the Dutch Frenchman, with Provisions bound to Louisbourg, and one from Martinico with Melasses, were sent into Halifax by the Fleet.

Monday last arrived here a prize Ship taken by Admiral Hardy off Louisbourg; she is about 6 or 700 Tons burthen, mounts 20 Carriage Guns, and had on Board 100 private Soldiers and three Officers; her Cargo consists of Provisions and Warlike Stores. ...

... We hear that Captain Thomas, of this Place, is taken by a Letter of Marque Snow, bound from Martineco to cape breton, and that the Snow was afterwards taken by one of Admiral Hardy Fleet.

Several Fishermen are arrived at Marblehead from the Banks, who all agree, That last Tuesday was se, about Two o'Clock in the Afternoon, the Weather clear, being upon the N.N.W. Part of the Bank Quero, at about 40 Leagues Distance from Louisbourg, they heard the Report of a great Number of Guns, fired very quick and irregular, which was so violent as to cause their Vessels to tremble, and lasted about an Hour; so that thothere has been an Engagement with some Ship or Ships of the Enemy: By the Report of the Guns, the Fisherman supposed them to be at some Distance from Louisbourg, and nearer towards their Vessels ...

We hear from Halifax, that they had Advice from Europe, that the Admiral who commanded the French Fleet at Louisbourg, while our Ships were in Distress, is entirely broke and discarded, and that Mons. Montcalm is sent for home, to answer for his Conduct in not doing more against us the last Year. ...

... We learn from Halifax, that our Cruizers have lately sent in there four Prizes, one of which a Letter of Marque, from Brest for Louisbourg, with Packets for the Governor, and Provision for the Garrison. That a 50 Gun French Ship of War had attempted several Times to get into Louisbourg, but was prevented by the ice, and had been chaced by Captain Rous, and others of our Ships, but they could not come up with her: And that some of the French Prisoners informed, that this Ship had a great Sum of Money on board, for the Payment of the Troops. ...

EXTRACT FROM A MANUSCRIPT JOURNAL,
RELATING TO THE
SIEGE OF QUEBEC IN 1759.
KEPT BY
COLONEL MALCOLM FRASER,

Then Lieutenant of the 78th (Fraser's Highlanders,) and serving in that Campaign.
Published wider the auspices of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec.

RELATING TO THE
OPERATIONS BEFORE QUEBEC IN 1759,
KEPT BY
COLONEL MALCOLM FRASER,

Then Lieutenant of the 78th (Eraser's Highlanders) and serving in that Campaign.

Tuesday, 8th. May, l759. Set sail from Sandy Hook for Louisburg with a fair wind, under convoy of the Nightingale, Captain Campbell, the fleet consisting of about twenty eight Sail; the greatest part of which is to take in the Troops from Nova Scotia, and the rest having Colonel Fraser's Regiment on board.

Thursday, 17th. May. We came into the harbour of Louisbourg, having had a very agreeable and quick passage. We are ordered ashore every day while here, to exercise along with the rest of the Army.

On the 29th. May, and some days before and after, the Harbour of Louisbourg was so full of shoals of Ice that no boats could go from the Ships to Shore. There is still some snow in the hollows, on shore. I suppose the Ice comes from the Gulf and river of St. Lawrence.

I hear a Lieutenant, on board one of the Men of War, has shot himself, for fear I suppose, the French should do it. If he was wearied of life, he might soon get quit of it in a more honourable way.

Monday, 4th. June, the Fleet set sail. I take it to consist of about 150 sail, including ten of the line of battle, besides frigates, bomb ketches and fire ships; the rest are Transports and Store Ships-On the 8th. we got sight of the Island of Newfoundland; very high land, a great part whereof covered with snow—The 9th. we entered the Gulf of St. Lawrence—The 11th came in sight of land nigh the Bay of Gaspé. This night it blew a pretty hard gale at N. W.

ALL Arrears, and Sea Pay of all the Corps to be paid forthwith, as far as there is Money to do it. The Grenadiers of the Army, and two or three of the oldest Regiments, will probably be the first to land, unless the Admiral thinks it necessary, from the Situation of the Transports or other Circumstances to order it otherwise. The Boats of the Ordnance Ships, as well as the rest will be employed in landing the first Body of Men,
except such as are requisite to carry on Shore the light six Pounders.

The Boats of the Hospital Ships are solely to be employed for the Use and Assistance of any who may be wounded. And a Place of Rendezvous will be appointed for the Boats when the Landing is fix upon.

The Seamen who row the Transports Boats, are not to have Fire Arms, when the Troops are ordered to land.

Officers are to go into the Boats in proportion to the Number of Men without crouding, and particularly, if there be any Swell or Surff. The Admiral will order some light Boats to save any Men who may fall into the Sea by any Accident.

The first Body in Caparogue Bay must carry nothing in the Boats but their Arms and Ammunition, with Bread and Cheese in their Pockets for two Days; all the Tents and Blankets of the Troops that land first are to be carefully bundled up, ready to be carried on shore, after they have got footing, and have beat off the Enemy.

Six Days Provisions to be prepared at a proper Time, in Readiness to be sent on Shore after the Men.

Trusty Persons to be left in every Ship to superintend and take Care of the Baggage and Provisions.

No Woman to be permitted to land, until the Army are all on Shore, and until their Tents, Blankets, Provisions and Necessaries are likewise landed.

The Officers commanding a Boat shall be answerable that no Man fire his Piece from out of the Boat.

There have been examples of Men, fixing their Bayonets in Boats, but the Practice is so absurd that it seems hardly necessary to forbid it. Bayonets are fixed in a Moment after the Men are landed.

As fast as the Men get out of the Boats, they must form and march directly forward to clear the Beach, and charge whatever is before them. They are not to pursue, but will be ordered to take Post, so as effectually to secure the rest of the Army.

The Commander of the Grenadiers, and all the Field Officers employed in the first Landing, are to embark in light rowing Boats, that they may lead their respective Corps, and give their Orders readily.

The Transports which have on Board the Regiment of the Train of Artillery, and of the Corps of Rangers, must keep as much together as possible, that when the Signal is made for any particular Corps, it may be in readiness to act. As this depends, in a great Measure, upon the Masters of Transports, they are to endeavour to effect it. But if the Admiral should think proper to order that the Boats of every Transport, without Regard to the Corps, should bring away as many Men, as they can safely contain, to any particular Place of
Rendezvous, then she Commanding Officer of every Ship is to make Choice of good Men, and under proper Officers, and Noncommissioned Officers, that the first Attack may be carried on with Vigour.

Colonels and Field Officers will be named to command, and every Regiment, as they know the Number of Men their Boats can hold, will send Captains in Proportion, and give them Directions to be ready before they leave this Harbour.

As there may be Reason to detach the Sloops and Schooners of the Fleet, a Signal will be appointed for them.
From the NEWPORT MERCURY, or WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Number I. ...

"Yesterday a Man of War came in from Sir Charles hardy Fleet: She brings Advice, that the Province Schooner of War of this Place, has taken two, and Sir Charles three, French Vessels, all laden with Military Stores and Provisions, bound to Louisbourg. These Vessels give an Account that the French have sent out a large Fleet, divided into three Squadrons; the first six Ships of the Line, the second eight, but the Number of third unknown, to make three separate and vigourous Efforts to get into Louisbourg. God grant their Design may be frustrated." ...

"The Troops are all embarked, and ready for sailing. We expect the Signal every Moment, which is three guns to be fired from one of the Town Batteries, when we are repair on board, hoist Anchor, and proceed to Louisbourg, where we expect to arrive in three Days, if the Wind proves favourable.

The Troops are to be landed at Gabarouse-Bay, about two Leagues distant from Louisbourg, under the Fire of the Frigates. The Grenadiers will land first, and then the oldest Regiments. Our engaging the Enemy draws to a Crisis; God grant our Arms may be crowned with Success, to the Honour and Glory of Great-Britain, the Prosperity and Welfare of North America, and to the Downfall of our Enemies.

"I enclose you an exact and correct Lift of all the Land and Sea Forces to be employed on this Expedition."

2nd Battalion of the royal Scotch, Rank and File,      1000
Amherst, - - - - - -                                                            900
Forbes, - - - - - -                                                              700
Witmore, - - - - - -                                                         1000
Bragg, - - - - - -                                                                700
Otway- - - - - -                                                                1000
Hopton, - - - - - -                                                           1000
Warburton, - - - - -                                                        1000
Lascelles, - - - - -                                                           1000
Webb, - - - - - -                                                               1000
Anstruther, - - - - -                                                          900
Monckton,- - - - - -                                                        1000
Lawrence, - - - - -                                                          1000
Frasier Highlander, - - - -                                            1300
Train of Artillery, - - - -                                                  300
Six Companies of Rangers, - - - -                                   700
                                                                                      ------
Total, - - -                                                                   14,500
Wanting, to compleat the forgoing Regiments,
together with those left at Halifax and the Sick,        2240
                                                                                       ------
                                                                                    12,260

Officers, Serjeants and Drummers, - -                        1225
                                                                                      ------
All the Land Forces amount to - -                            13,485

Yesterday returned from a Cruize the province Ship of War King George, Benjamin Hallowell, jun. Commander, having therein taken a French Ship and a Snow, both Letters of Marque. The Ship arrived here on Tuesday; was taken on Saturday the 13th Instant, to the Eastward of the Isle of Sables, is called the St. Michael, Mons. Harrison, Commander, Burthen 280 Tons, mounts 16 Carriage Guns, and had 50 Men, making not Resistance". She sailed from Brest the 3d of April last, was bound to Louisbourg, laden with Beef, Pork, flour, Butter, Wine, &c. The Frenchmen say, That five others sailed with them from Brest, without Convoy. One of which Ships hove in Sight when Capt. Hallowell was securing his Prize, but by Favour of the Night, and a Fog, she escaped. The Snow was taken by him on the 17th inst. likewise to the Eastward of the Isle of Sables: She is called le Glorie, of 300 Tons, 6 Guns, and 34 Men, Mons. Lawrence, Commander, was bound from Bourdeaux to Quebeck; laden with provisions, Wine, Brandy, Arms, &c. Which Snow he left last Saturday, off Cape Sables, bound hither, and is hourly expected. Capt. Hallowell touched at Halifax, which Place he left on Saturday last, where he was informed, That there were then 15 Sail of Men of War cruizing off Louisbourg, under Admiral hardy: That all the Transports, with their Convoy, the Centurion, of 60 Guns, were arrived at Halifax, from Ireland, except two or three, (not unlikely to be those at Madeira, mentioned in a Letter from thence under N. York) All the Transports from New York were also arrived. The Dublin Man of War with General Amherst, was not arrived, but daily expected.

According to the latest Accounts they had received at Halifax, there was in the harbour of Louisbourg, only two men of War, viz. the Heroine of 74 Guns, and the Appollo of 60, and 6 Store Ships. ...

The Frenchmen inform that from December last to the Time they left France, 80 Vessels, Transports and Store Ships, had sailed from divers Ports of France for Louisbourg and Canada ...

Captain Jones, bound to Philadelphia from Halifax, put in here last Thursday; he left Halifax the 20th Inst. and says that Part of the Troops were embarked, and the rest embarking; that 7 Ships had sailed to join Admiral Hardy; and that Admiral Boscawen was to sail for Louisbourg in two or three Days after him.

Copy of a List of the Line of Battle Ships, &c. going against Louisbourg, taken May 18, 1758.

Namure, 90 Guns, Royal William 84, Princess Amelia 84, Terrible 74, Burford 74, Somerset 74, Dublin 74, Vanguard 70, Northumberland 68, Lancaster 66, Orford 66, Devonshire 66, Prince Frederick 64, Bedford 64, Captain 64, Kingston 60, Prince of Orange 60, Defiance 60, York 60, Nottingham 60, Pembroke 60, Centurion 50, Arc en Ciel 50, and Sutherland 50 Guns.

Frigates. Juno, 36 Guns, Diana 36, Shannon 36, Trent 28, Mermaid 20, Nightingale 20, Port Mahon 20, Boreas 20, Squirrel 20, Kensington 20, and Hind 20 Guns.

Besides the Aetna, Gramont, Tyloe, Lightning, and Hawke Bombs and Fireships. In all 40 Sail, and about 160 Sail of Topsail Vessels, besides Sloops, Schooners, &c.

Monday last arrived here Captain Titcomb from Halifax, by whom we have Advice that Admiral Boscawen Fleet, consisting of nine Sail of the Line, two Frigates, and two Fireships, arrived there on Tuesday, the Ninth Instant, and that they were to sail for Louisbourg the Tuesday following, if the Wind served: That Sir Charles Hardie had taken a French Frigate, after an obstinate Engagement, it blowing so fresh that he could not open his lower Ports: That two French Line of Battle Ships, and four Frigates, had got into Louisbourg; which Vessels Captain Rous saw lying in the Harbour, and was so near it, that the Shot from the Forts flew over him: That the Transports from Ireland were not arrived, and it was said they had met with a Gale of Wind, that separated them from their Convoy, the York Man of War, which had put into Lisbon: And that the Fleets from Boston and this Port were arrived there, but that from New York not got in, tho' daily expected. ...

Extract of a letter from an Officer on board the Privateer
Brig Defiance, Esek Hopkins, Commander, belonging to
Providence, dated on board, on the North Side of Hispaniola,
27th May, 1758.

... " I believe that our Expedition against Louisbourg will meet but with little Opposition by Sea, for the 15 Ships of the Line destined for that Place from France, are stopped on Account of Sickness on board, and not being sufficient to withstand the English Fleet. It seems they are well acquainted in France with our Designs in America, and much fear the Consequence."

"...Saild from Halifax & the same Day were joined by the Dublin which brought Out Genl. Amherst..."

... Here is the state of our news and politics. We thought our foreign King on the road to Vienna: he is now said to be prevented by Daun, and to be reduced to besiege Olmutz, which has received considerable supplies. Accounts make Louisbourgh reduced to wait for being taken by us as the easiest way of avoiding being starved.--In short, we are to be those unnatural fowl, ravens that carry bread. But our biggest of all expectations is from our own invasion of France, which took post last Sunday; fourteen thousand landmen, eighteen ships of the line, frigates, sloops, bombs, and four volunteers, Lord Downe, Sir James Lowther, Sir John Armitage, and Mr. Delaval-- the latter so ridiculous a character, that it has put a stop to the mode that was spreading. All this commanded by Lord Anson, who has beat the French; by the Duke of Marlborough, whose name has beaten them; and by Lord George Sackville, who is to beat them. Every port and town on the coast of Flanders and France have been guessed for the object. It is a vast armament, whether it succeeds or is lost. ...

[Source: Horace Walpole, The Letters of Horace Walpole, Earl of Orford: Including Numerous Leters now first published from the Original Manuscripts in Four Volumes, Volume 2, 1749-1759, London: Richard Bentley, 1846, May 31, 1758]

Extract of a Letter from a Frenchman, who was a Prisoner
on Long Island, dated Hamburg, 31st May, 1758.

"We arrived here safe, after a happy Passage of six Weeks. I find the bad success of our Arms; you can now say the Protestant Cause has gained the Victory, by Sea and by Land; your Prussian King is really an Alexander, and I believe more. We have begun well, and finished unlucky. The Hand of God is heavy upon us, we have been too proud of our good Success, in the Beginning, and we have forgot the Author of it; but he is
a pitying God; I hope he will remember his afflicted People, and the same Hand with which we have been punished; shall comfort us. I believe this Year will be a Bloody one. They say the Isle Royal, or cape breton, is taken, but I hope not.

... June 3. Last Friday Night arrived here the Prize Schooner -------- taken by one of his Majesty Ships now cruizing off Louisbourg, under the Command of Rear Admiral Hardy: She had a Letter of Marque, was fitted out in a Warlike Manner, and was from Bourdeaux, bound for Louisbourg; her Cargo consisting of Brandy, Wine, &c. On her Passage she had taken two English Vessels, both of which she ransom, and the Ransomers arrived here with her.

The Officer who brought in the above Prize informs, that his Majesty Ship Boreas, Capt. Boyle, had taken a large French Store Ship of about 400 Tons, bound to Louisbourg, valued at about 60,000 £. which left the Fleet 10 Days before the Schooner, bound in hither. ...

"we Came to anchor in Gabarous Bay, we found the French Encamped in Diferent places & well Prepared to oppose our Landing having thrown up strong Lines...& Covered the Beach with an abbatti de Bois which Seemd Inpenetrable...the Kennington frigate hove in Shore & fired upon a Battery of two Guns towards the bottom of the Bay, she silenced the Battery & Receivd some Damage herself besides having a few men killed and wounded."

"It blew hard with fog...a Disposition had been made for Landing the Troops...which the bad weather prevented..."

Friday last arrived here the Captains Harriman and Trefrey, in four Days from Halifax, by whom we learn that the Defiance Man of War had taken off Louisbourg, a large rich French Store Ship, bound from France to Louisbourg; she has on board a great Quantity of all Sorts of Warlike Stores, and a large Sum of Money, which was to pay the Troops in Garrison there; she was not arrived when the above Vessels sailed, but was hourly expected.

The Skipper of a Fisherman arrived at Marblehead last Friday from the Banks, says, That yesterday Se, and the Monday and Tuesday following, he had the Wind at N.W. and N.N.W. successively, fair and clear; so that Admiral Boscawen must have been before Louisbourg by Wednesday last.

While the Admiral lay Windbound at Halifax, an Experiment was made in order to know how quick the Troops could land in Boats from the Ships, which, it is said, upwards of 5000 performed with the greatest Regularity in five minutes from the Time the Signal was made for the Boats to leave the Ships.

"We hear by a Prize that came in 3 Days ago, that there were 8 French Men of War got into Louisbourg, viz. 2 of 74 Guns, 3 of 60, and 3 Frigates: One of the Prizes came in here, cost 60,000 £. Sterling. ...

"a New Disposition having been made for Landing the Troops they Embarked Early in the morning...but a thick fog & heavy Rain Coming on wetted their arms & made it improper..."

"The Number of Land Forces, including Officers, and about 1800 Marines, amount to no less than 14,900 effective Men; and there are 19 glorious Ships of the Line of Battle, besides 9 Frigates, 2 Fireships, and a Number of Sloops on the Spot to assist. The Dublin, of 74 Guns, the Devonshire of 66, and the Pembroke of 60, are in this Harbour, and will join the Admiral as soon as their Men recover. Copy of the Orders given by the Admiral, on board the Namure,

... From New York we hear, that a Store ship is arrived there from Halifax, with Arms, Tents, &c. for their Provincials: That the Fleet left Halifax for Louisbourg on Sunday, the 28th ult. and had a fair Wind for two Days after they sailed: That Sir Charles Hardy had looked into Louisbourg, and saw in that Harbour but eight Vessels in all, and in high Spirits: And that the French have sent no Reinforcements to Ticonderoga or Crown Point. ...

"...The Troops intended to Land were in the Boats by two oClock in the morning... the Light Infantry & the Highlanders were to attempt to Land in the Cover at the Bottom of the Bay under Brigadier Wolfe's Command, this was to be the Real attack, General Whitmore with a Number of Troops made a show of Landing towards white point to amuse the Enemy...General Lawrence did the Same between General Whitmore's body & General Wolfe's...had orders to move towards the Left as Soon as Mr. Wolfe's Division had got a footing on Shore in order to Support & make good his Landing...about half an hour after 4 the Signal was made to Land, the Light Infantry, the Grenadiers & the Highlanders pulled briskly in for the Shore ...but they were Receiv'd with so terrible a fire of Cannon...& musketry from above a thousand men, that it was Impossible for the Sailors...to towe the Boats on Shore, where Indeed an Equal Danger Seem'd to await the Troops...the fate of the Expedition Seem'd to Depend upon the moment & the most Sanguine almost Despair'd of Setting foot on Shore, when fortune or velour directed some of the Light Infantry to push on Shore at a Spot which the Enemy thought too steep to need Either men or Intrenchments to Guard it. Major Scott who commanded the Light Infantry and Lieut. Browne with Several others were on Shore in an Instant & being Soon Supported Came upon the flank of the Enemy's Intrenchment & decided their fate, our Troops kept pouring in upon them at the same Spot & a panic having seized the whole Line to the Left they soon left the Coast Clear...& Retreated into the woods...the Landing being thus Effected with the Loss of 37 Killed & 18 wounded of the Soldiers, & 5 officers Killed & 2 wounded, the Remaining Divisions...soon joyned Mr. Wolfe's & together Pursued the Enemy to the very gates of the Town...General Wolfe was opposed this attack in Council, was the most vigorous to animate the Execution of it..."

To His Excellency John Parr
Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over His
Majesty's Province of Nova Scotia and its Dependencies
Vice Admiral of the same etc., etc., etc.

That Your Excellency's Memorialist had the Honour of Serving His King and Country last War as Serjeant in his Majesty's 45th Regiment of foot for the Space of fourteen Years as wile by his discharge will more fully appear,

That your Memorialist after the conclusion of said War Settled a Spot of Ground in Little Brasdore in the Island of Cape Briton where he lived with his family for 16 or 17 Years making Improvements and Cultivating the Same until the Commencement of the late Rebellion When he was plundered and robbed of all his property by the Americans and thereby enforced to quit his possessions and improvements which can be certified by his Honour Lieut. Col. Hierlihy.

Wherefore Memorialist having fourteen in family including himself Most of whom are now capable of assisting your Memorialist most humbly prays your Excy to give him & them a Grant of a Tract of Land in Jedore agreeable to his Rank and his Majesty's Royal Proclamation dated 7th October 1763
And Memorialist as in duty bound will ever pray

I certify that the Bearer, William Bagnall was well recommended to me by Gen'l Massey in 1778 for his faithful services in the 45th Reg't and that he was plundered as set forth in his Memorial during my Command at Spanish River
Given under my hand the 14th May 1783.

John Parr, Esquire, Captain
General & Governor in Chief in &
over His Majestyts Province of
Nova Scotia & its dependencies &
Vice Admiral of the same &c, &c, &c.

You are forthwith by yourself or your Deputy to Admeasure and lay out unto William Bagnell a discharged Serjeant, a Plantation containing two hundred acres, and make a return unto the Secretary's Office, within six Months from the date hereof, with a Plot or description hereunto annexed, as also to Certify the nature and Quality of such Land conformable to His Majesty's Instructions, and for so doing this shall be your Warrant.

... A Whale Boat arrived here Saturday Night last through the Sound, in a few Days from Martha Vineyard: The People on board say, that a Sloop came in there, just before they sailed, in a very short Run from Halifax; and that the master of her gave out, he was brought to on his Passage by an English cruizer, the Commander of which told him, that Boscawen Fleet of Men of War and Transports were before Louisbourg; that they were landing their Men, when he and other small Ships of War were ordered out to cruize; and that he did not doubt but before that Time the Siege was commenced ...

"at 4 this morning Brigr. Wolfe marched with 4 Comps. of Grenadiers & a detachment of 1200 men from the Line for the Lighthouse point...& pitched his Camp..."

[(Wolfe's preliminary measures are shown in the following extracts from the paper he sent to his chief after his arrival at the Lighthouse - The original document, in the possession of the Right Hon. Earl Amherst, is indorsed in the General's handwriting—" Brigadier Wolfe's Intentions at the Lighthouse Point."]

... Brigadier Wolfe proposes to establish a post of 200 regulars and a company of Rangers at L'Orembeck; he intends likewise to establish another post of 200 regulars and a company of Rangers at the end of the North-east Harbour. The regular troops are to fortify their camp, and the irregulars are to keep a constant patrol, to endeavour to intercept any of the inhabitants of the island, Canadians or others ; at least, to give notice of their march to the officer commanding the regular troops, who will inform the Brigadier of it, and give the earliest notice he can to Brigadier Lawrence upon the left of the army, who will report it to the Commander-in-chief.

..........................................................................................................

Another post of fifty regulars and ten Rangers will be established at the nearest L'Orembeck; the two L'Orembeck parties will be supplied with provisions from the sea, and the party at the end of the harbour will be supplied from the camp or from the Lighthouse. . . . The remaining body of the Light Infantry, and the irregulars, must take post upon the Mire Road, about half-way between the camp and the North-east Harbour, and communicate with both the one and the other by posts and patrols ...

---"The Soldiers are all well, and in High Spirits; Great Preparations are making for a speedy Pressure into Canada. A few Days ago two Frenchmen, Deserters from Canada, came in, and report that the French are greatly distressed for want of Provisions, Horse Flesh selling at a great Price amongst them. They also say, that seven Battalions were sent from Canada to Cape Breton, to assist the French at that Place, the Beginning of May; and that they never heard of any Expedition this Way against them, till a few Days ago." ...

"...orders were this day given for throwing up three Redoubts upon the Hills between the Town & the Camp, about 11 oClock the advanced Piquets of the Enemy...fired upon an advanced party of ours, who...being soon Supported drove the Enemy off...we had one killed & a Lieut. & 6 wounded..."

By an Express from Albany, Captain Titcomb from Halifax, and the New York Post, we have received the following agreeable and most important Advices.

Part of a JOURNAL of the Proceedings of the Fleet and Army, that went against Louisbourg.

Embarked on board the Namure Admiral Boscawen, and met the Dublin Man of War of 74 guns off the Harbour, who had on board General Amherst; we were likewise joined by the Troops from Lunenburg, and General BraggRegiment.

29th, The Wind fair, and very fine Weather, we counted from the Mast Head 156 Topsails, the exact Number that sailed from Halifax with us.

30th, Fine Weather, the Wind fair, made the island of Cape Breton, by 4 o'Clock in the Afternoon, the Admiral made the Signal for the Fleet to come under his Stern.

31st, The island appears very plain, the Wind at N. and by E. prevents our getting in with the land. A Signal made to chase two Sail a head: Capt. Rous and the Shannon for that Service. The two Sail proves to be two Sail under the Command of Admiral Hardy.

1st June. The Wind not fair for getting into Gabarous Bay, we were near enough to distinguish Houses and Tents on the Shore: The Gramont Frigate, sent by the Admiral with the Quarter Master General to make Discoveries, joined us To Day; they informed the Admiral that they had seen six Line of Battle Ships in the Harbour of Louisbourg, and five Frigates; that they had observed a Body of Indians encamped at Gabarous
Bay. Captain Rous in the Sutherland returned from Gabarous Bay; he informs the Admiral that there are 13 Ships at Louisbourg; but imagines two only are Ships of the Line; they had Colours at all their Batteries and Ships, and fired many guns on seeing Capt. Rous: He saw a great Number of Tents on the Shore, but thinks they had Nobody in them.

2d June. Came to an Anchor in Gabarous Bay, at One o'Clock, saw 13 Ships in the Harbour, they fired 2 Signal Guns, and hoisted their Colours; there are two or three Encampments where the N. England People landed before. General Amherst and Brigadier Lawrence went to reconnoiter the Shore with the Quarter Master General. This Afternoon a Prisoner taken by the Trent Frigate on being examined, says, That when
he left Louisbourg, they had but two Frigates, and three Two Deckers; that the Garrison, including Men, Women, and Children, did not exceed 10,000; and that the Bay was entrench in every Place that they expected we would land: He likewise says that there are five Regiments in the Garrison. The Generals were fired at from the Shore. An Indian acquainted the Governor of Louisbourg, that he had been at Halifax, and
paddled round the Men of War at Night, that he reckoned 19, but the Merchantmen were so numerous he could not count them.

They were in great Want of Bread during the Winter, but were relieved in the spring from Quebec. Twelve Rockets ordered to fired at different Places to Night out of Boats, to alarm the Enemy.

3d. June. This Day too bad for the Troops to land. The Kennington Frigate ordered to silence a Battery of two Guns at fresh Water Cove, the firing continued all day, they wounded two Men on board, the only Damage done as yet.

4th June. Three Men killed in the Night on board the Kennington by the Battery on Shore. Violent Rain and blowing Weather with Fog, the Sutherland and Trent in great Distress, occasioned by being so near the Shore when the Wind increased.

5th June. The Weather still foggy, and the Surff too great to land; General Lawrence and Brigadier Wolfe gone to reconnoiter the Shore.

6th June. An Attempt was made this Morning to land, but without Success, occasioned by the violent Rains, Fogs and Surff that run along Shore.

Saw a large Body of Men hauling (as we imagined) Cannon to the little Cove, where we propose to land.

8th June. The Signal was made by two o'Clock this Morning to land; the Men were in their Boats by Four o'Clock, and on their Way to the Cove, and the Enemy suffered them to come within half Musket shot of their Entrenchments, and then fired so furiously on them from their great Guns and Small Arms, that it was hardly possible for the Men to continue in their Boats, many being shot to pieces, and several killed by the Musketry; but that a body of Rangers and Highlanders getting on their Flank, which they had forgot to cover, they immediately gave Way, by which our Soldiers got into the Cove, and took Possession of their Works, were they found several Pieces of Cannon, one of which was a Thirty two Pounder: That our Men found the Bodies of above a Hundred Regulars, and two Indians, which they scalped; made three French Officers, and 30 private Men Prisoners; and took Possession of several Batteries which the Enemy had deserted, on finding we had gained the pass; That their Magazine of Powder, and the Sutler Grand Tent for supplying their Army, entrenched from Louisbourg to where our Troops forced the Pass, fell into our Hands, and the Soldiers got 2000 Loaves, 7 Bags of Bread, 100 Kegs of Wine, and as many of Brandy; 700 Dollars, and several other Things: That by the Entrenchment near the Water they found a ten and a nine Inch Mortar mounted, about 300 Shells loaded, and several Barrels of Powder; one Mortar Iron, the other Brass; That the not knowing the Country, prevented our cutting off 1500 Men from the Garrison, that were posted on the Water side; And that the French, on seeing our Soldiers from the Town, burnt the Suburbs, and fired several 32 Pounders at them.

June 9. The Quartermaster General marked out the Ground for an Encampment, which from Right to Left extended three Miles.

June 10. Brigadier General Wolfe marched with 2000 Men, at Four o'Clock in the Morning, and took Possession of the Lighthouse Battery, which the Enemy abandoned, after carrying off what Cannon they could, and destroying the rest. And the same Day a small Party from the Garrison was attacked by our
Irregulars, and obliged to retreat, with the Loss of three Men killed.

Between the 10th and the 14th a Party of 400 Men from the Garrison, attacked our Picquet from the Woods, in which Skirmish we killed seven, and took one Prisoner; lost two Men, and Mr. Lilly, of Hopson Regiment, was wounded in the Shoulder.

June 15. Two Six pounders were sent and placed in the Center of General Warburton Regiment on the Left of the Line.

A Gentleman in Halifax writes his Friend here on the 20th ult. That the Defiance Man of War had come in that Day from Louisbourg, which Place she left the 15th when our Batteries had begun to play upon the Town and island Battery, and it was thought we might be masters of the Place at the Time of writing this: That there were five Line of Battle Ships in the harbour, which must fall into our Hands, as a good Look our was kept at, and off, the Harbour Mouth; That the Enemy had demolished the Grand Battery before our Troops landed, for fear of its falling into our Hands: That our Loss in landing was only one Captain and Lieutenant of Frazier Highlanders, and not above 70 private Men; also about 100 Sailors belonging to the Transports, killed, wounded and drowned, as there ran a great Surff: That about 100 Frenchmen were made Prisoners immediately after landing, and a great many Indians killed, amongst whom, it is said, is their Chief: And that several of the Savages were taken alive by the Highlanders, whose heads they chopped of immediately, not being acquainted with the Method of Scalping.

One Letter mentions six Ships of the Line, and three Frigates, being in the harbour of Louisbourg, and another four of the Line, and two Frigates; but all the Letters bestow the highest Encomiums on our Generals, Officers and men, and say, that in landing they performed Wonders, and shewed the greatest Resolution and Bravery, notwithstanding they were opposed by such Numbers, entrenched up to their Chins; and tho' most of them were wet all over in getting ashore, yet they marched boldly up within Cannon Shot of the Garrison, and markout their Camp that Night.

One Action was truly most gallant, and seems almost incredible, only that we find they had the Applause of the
whole Army for it, as being the greatest Thing done in the Landing; which was, "That Eight of our Rangers, as soon as they got ashore, ran immediately up to French Entrenchments, drove the Enemy our, and took four Pieces of Cannon." But what will not Englishmen do, when they are commanded by Men of real Worth and Courage?

All Accounts agree, that the Works and Entrenchments of the French on the Shore were so very strong, and well placed, that if the Troops posted to defend them had done their Duty, it must have cost us very dear to have driven them; That our landing with so little Loss, was chiefly owing to sending some of the small Boats with the light armed Infantry, Highlanders and Rangers, under the Command of Major Scott, ashore at a
Place which the Enemy thought sufficiently secure by the Rocks, and a great Surff; and they being landed, flanked the French, who took their Numbers to be greater than they were, and being afraid that they should be cut off from the Town, immediately abandoned their Intrenchments, and fled to the woods and Town in the greatest Confusion and Disorder: That several parties from the Woods daily came in, and surrendered
themselves prisoners: That a Serjeant and six Men, of Fischer Swiss Regiment, had deserted to our People, and informed them, that that whole Regiment would desert the first Opportunity: That the Ships in the Harbour hove short, and were preparing to go out with the first Wind, but that Sir Charles Hardy, with eight Ships, was stationed at Anchor off the Harbour Mouth; and General Wolfe had begun to erect a Battery on the Lighthouse Point, to play upon them, if they should offer to move, and to endeavour to dismast them where
they lay.

We hear that the Day before our brave Troops landed at cape breton, the principal Engineer arrived there from Quebec, as did a large Supply of Four, and other Things. ...

... Extract of a Letter from an Officer in the Army, gone against
cape breton, dated June 15.

"Our Troops, under the Command of General Lawrence and General Wolfe, pursued the vile Vermin to the very Gates of Louisbourg, and killed and took many Prisoners, amongst the Slain were two Indians, one of them had a Medal at his Breast, representing the French King in a Roman Dress, and an Indian
shaking Hands, the Motto (Honour and Virtue) and a Crucifix, with a Chain. We are certain the French had above 1500 Men to oppose our Landing, and a Number of Pieces of Cannon, which flanked each other, and intrenched up to their Chins, their Parallel Cannon Proof, and every other Advantage a skilful Engineer could possibly construct, nay allowed by every Body to be a most advantageous Post, well fortified, and had it been well defended, would have cost us many Lives; the Enemy have lost and taken Prisoners in the Attack near 300
Men; our Loss is mere trifling, only 70 killed and wounded, in which are two Officers of the Highland Regiment, much to be regretted for their Bravery. As soon as we got Possession of the Shore, an Officer and 30 Men first surrendered, then a Serjeant and 12, and in short, all that were in the Woods came in one after another. A French Grenadier Capt. that we took, says, the Attack was desperate and presumptuous, and that no People in the World but the British Troops, would have attempted and carried it. A Battery at White Point, with 16 Pieces of Cannon, the Magazine with Provisions, nay, in short all Gabarous Bay was ours by One o'Clock; no People behaved better than our Troops, and none more cowardly than the French. We marched and got to our encamping Ground about 2 o'Clock, and lay all that Night on our Arms. We are informed by the Deserters and Prisoners, that the French in Louisbourg Garrison are very sickly for want of fresh Provisions, and many of the Troops are ready to desert if they had but an Opportunity. We have also by them an Information of their Mines, and every Thing else respecting the Strength of this Garrison, which I hope we shall be in Possession of in a Month at farthest, after our Batteries are opened. We are now at work upon one to play upon the five Ships of the Line, and 3 Frigates, in the Harbour, which in two or three Days Time I hope will be totally destroyed, they cannot escape, as our Ships are at Anchor before the Port. The Island Battery is supposed will be attacked by Sea, and that once destroyed, very likely the Admiral will enter the Harbour, and then we shall make short Work of it, and have Time enough to execute an Enterprize up the River St. Lawrence; and I hope to have the Satisfaction of giving you as good an Account of our
Progress against Quebeck, as this against Louisbourg. Our Troops have now such Spirits, and led on by such brave Generals and other Officers, that there is no Danger they would not surmount."

Other Accounts from Halifax inform, that several of the French Men of War got into Louisbourg but the Day before Admiral Boscawen invested that Place; that the French had burnt all the Merchant Shops in the Harbour of Louisbourg, upon which Admiral Boscawen sent in Word, that if they burnt the Men of War also, he would put them all to the Sword; since which, said, they were preparing to slip out of the Harbour, but it is tho impossible for them to accomplish it, as our Fleet is off the Mouth of it. We also hear that a
French Regiment, with a General Officer, had landed at St. Anne, and got safe into the Garrison but the Day before our Forces arrived there ...

Extract of a letter from a Gentleman in the present
Expedition against Louisbourg, dated at Cabarous, June 16.

"I am to inform you that our People landed on the 8th Instant, with much less Loss than could be expected: They had the Strength of the Garrison of Louisbourg to oppose our Landing, and such strong Entrenchments, with immense Breast works and flanking Cannon, on e a 24 Pounder, the rest not under 6 Pounders, and on the Breast work, every 100 Yards, were placed large Swivels of two Pound Ball, &c. as astonished the most Knowing in these Matters; but notwithstanding which, our Men drove the Enemy from all their Holds in less than a Quarter of an Hour after their Landing, killed a great many, and took 100 Prisoners. Our Loss is not great, only two Officers of the Highland Regiment killed; of the Navy, there were four Lieutenants wounded, but only one dangerously, who is first Lieutenant of the Nottingham,"

We are informed, that the highlanders, according to their usual Bravery, fell upon the French in their Entrenchments with their Broad Swords, on which they immediately fled: And had it been possible for the main Body of the Army to have joined them; they would have taken the Town Sword in Hand. --- Col. Frazer, and the other Officers of his Regiment, behaved with great Spirit and Bravery. --- by other Advices we are informed, that our Forces had got Possession of the Hill between the City and the Grand Battery (where Titcomb Battery was erected at in the last Siege) without any Loss, where they had erected a Battery of 60 battering Cannon, and 24 Mortars. That they had also replanted the Cannon at the Grand and Light house Batteries, and from whence they had dismasted all the Ships in the Harbour, which will effectually prevent their running away.

We hope in our next to give an Account of the Surrender of the place, as we are informed by the last Vessels from thence, that there was nothing to be seen but Fire and Smoke.

A Ship bound for Louisbourg, which sailed from brest under the convoy of four sail of the line and five frigates was carried into Madeira about the middle of April, by the Antelope, a letter of marque belonging to Bristol, commanded by Capt. Burford. The prize brought advice that a 60 gun ship of the convoy had lost her main mast, and returned to brest, and that one of the Frigates, being leaky, had been sunk. The same letter of marque retook the sloop Patrick, of Cork, one of the Convoy from thence, which had been taken by a privateer of Bayoune. ...

Two batteries arc to be constructed this night, for one iron 24-pounder each, with a firm, well-rammed parapet, and the platforms laid with the utmost care. These must be finished before daybreak, and whatever remains to be done at the Great Mortar Battery must be completed this night; every engineer, and every officer of artillery, exerting himself in his proper department. To-morrow, at sunset, it is proposed to begin to bombard and cannonade the French fleet; the Captain of Artillery to dispose his party so that all the ordnance may be equally well served, according to the following distribution:—

The battery at the end of the North-east Harbour one 24- and one 12-pounder.

Hautbitser [sic] Battery, under the hill near the careening wharf, to fire a ricochet.

Great Bomb Battery, in the bottom before Goreham's camp, of four mortars and six royals.

Two 24-pounders, to fire a ricochet at the masts and rigging from the bottom before Goreham's camp and the Lighthouse Hill.

One 24-pounder and two 12 ditto, from the right of the Lighthouse Hill, to fire likewise a ricochet at the masts and rigging.

Two 24-pounders to be placed in battery, to fire at the ships' hulls or lower masts.

The Captain of Artillery may demand as many men as he thinks necessary to assist in serving the artillery, and as many pioneers as are requisite, and they shall be furnished from the army. The troops are all to be under arms time enough to march to their respective posts before the firing begins. Colonel Morris is to take post, with the detachments of the right brigade, upon the hills above the careening wharf, where the Highlanders now are. Lieut.-Colonel Hales (with three companies of Grenadiers) is to post himself behind the little hills and rising grounds where Captain Goreham's company is encamped, in readiness to support the Great Bomb Battery, if the enemy should think fit to attack it. The remaining company of Grenadiers is to be placed in small parties nearer to the Bomb Battery, in the safest situation that can be found. Goreham's company (if it returns in time) is to be concealed in proper places to the right of this company of Grenadiers, as near the sea as they can lie with safety. As the three companies of Grenadiers are placed near the magazine of the Grand Battery, Lieut.-Colonel Hales must take care that no fire be permitted. Colonel Rollo, with the detachments of the left and centre, is to take post upon the Lighthouse Hill, in readiness to march down to the enemy in case they are disposed to land.

All these detachments are to be placed with the greatest possible regard to their security; because the French ships, in their confusion and disorder, may probably fire their guns at random, and if the men are properly concealed we shall suffer very little loss. The two youngest companies are to be left for the guard of the camp, and the rest to guard the magazine. The officers commanding these companies are to make proper detachments, and place a necessary number of sentries for the preservation of the tents, huts, magazines, stores, etc.; and they are not to allow their men to get in numbers upon the tops of the hills, that no accident may happen.

The firing of the mortars, hautbitsers, and ricochet shot is to cease a little before daybreak, that all the troops, except a company at each station, may return to their camp to take their rest and refreshment; and the officers will conduct them back with the utmost caution. The battery at the end of the North-east Harbour, and the two iron 24-pounders that are placed in battery upon the upper part of the Lighthouse Hill, are to continue firing all day at the masts and rigging of the ships, that the enemy may have no rest, nor time to repair their damages. Although it seems improbable that the French should presume to land and attack any of our batteries, yet it is right to be prepared to receive them, or to drive them back to their boats; therefore, when two sky-rockets are fired immediately after each other from the Brigadier's station, all the troops are to move down the hills, and forward with quick pace, and charge the enemy with their bayonets, endeavouring to gain their flanks by detachments made on purpose; Colonel Morris to their left, supposing them to land anywhere near the Bomb Battery, and Colonel Rollo to their right, while the Grenadiers attack them in front without firing a shot.

The Brigadier-General will be all night upon the hill where Colonel Morris's detachment is to be posted, unless some particular business should require him in another part; in which case, he will leave word where he is to be found. One hundred Highlanders will be posted along the shore of the North-east Harbour, from Colonel Morris's post to Major Ross's. Part of the left wing and Light Infantry of the army will be in motion during this attack, ready to sustain the detached posts, to alarm the enemy on every side, and to increase their confusion. A sky-rocket will be fired from Colonel Morris's post, which will be answered by Sir Charles Hardy's squadron and the grand army; and when a second sky-rocket is fired from the same hill, the batteries begin, with short intervals at first, as will make their fire regular and constant. The officers of artillery, the engineers, and Major Ross's detachment, are to have copies of these orders ...

"Brigr. Wolfe opened Several Gun & mortar Batteries against the Men of War...in the harbour...who kept a hot & continual fire against our Batteries."

End of North-east Harbour, 19th June, 1758.

My posts are now so fortified that I can afford you the two companies of Yankees, and the more as they are better for ranging and scouting than either work or vigilance. My whole affair now is the spade and pickaxe, and one hundred more pioneers would be of great assistance. I shall recall my out parties, and collect within my entrenchments, in order to carry on the work with greater vigour. I mean to take post on your side the harbour, and erect a battery, provided you will give me any countenance by seizing and entrenching the rising ground above the Grand Battery. I'm very sure that the artillery with me can be carried with greater ease to the Queue de Franchée than yours from Gabarouse Bay. You call Green Hill, Green Island, but I understand your meaning. The excess of rum is bad, but that liquor delivered out in small quantities—half a gill a man, and mixed with water— is a most salutary drink, and the cheapest pay for work that can be given. Mr. Boscawen is a very judicious man, but in this particular he is much in the wrong; and he proceeds from his confounding the abuse with the use, and sailors with soldiers.

................................................................

There is a fine brew-house, between us and the Grand Battery, for spruce beer; coppers all in good order and very valuable. I see the smoke of L'Orembeck, and therefore conclude that the straggling inhabitants have rashly attacked our people, and are punished for their insolence. I have ordered Sutherland to bring off any good shallops he can find for the use of the army, when you would have fish.

About ten this night you will see my signals. Are you not surprised to find that I have a battery here? The ground upon which I propose to erect a formidable battery against the Island Battery is so much exposed, that I must wait for a dark night or a fog to get it up. In the meanwhile, the same bomb-battery that annoys the shipping can be turned upon the island, and shall be when I see what effects we work upon their men-of-war, who, I believe, are in a confounded scrape; that is, if our bombardiers are worth a farthing. I have the honour to be,

Dear Sir,

Your most obedient and most humble servant,

JAM : WOLFE

June 19, 1758

[June 19]

Dear Sir,

The hautbitser carriage broke after firing about ten rounds, so that we were soon hors de combat in our strongest quarter. Two pieces of 24 stuck so fast, as they were carrying down to their battery, that human strength could not move them time enough for service; then my two batteries near the Lighthouse Point were-not quite in condition of service; to which an extraordinary circumstance may be added, that one of my 24-pounders—iron—was so stuffed in the touch-hole that it could not be employed all night, besides, the distance was rather too great from the end of the North-east Harbour. I enclose you Captain Strachey's letter, and beg you will be pleased to provide us with what is necessary to repair these hautbitsers, which we are all convinced are a most tremendous ordnance. The injury they received proceeded, I believe, from the want of a platform of wood, and we are in great want of plank, because a good deal has been used to get the cannon through the bogs. We reckon that the ships were struck with about three shells, and one of them appears to be somewhat damaged; and now that we have got their distance better, I hope the firing will be more effectual. I intend to erect a battery of one 24- and two 12-pounders on the other side the water, to fire red-hot shot; but I can't hope to get it done, nor to support it, unless you will be pleased to take post nearer to the Grand Battery.

I send you an account of the behaviour of my party at L'Orembeck,—I mean the subaltern's, which, I believe, will surprise you. They were, as far as I can find, all drunk and asleep,—sentries, guards, and all. The rum was sold to them by the masters of the ships they went in, whose names you shall have, and who should be made an example of. Our earth and sod are so very bad that I am obliged to have recourse to sand-bags, and our wood for pickets is extremely unfavourable; notwithstanding which difficulties I shall persevere till we demolish these gentlemen, and then fall to work upon the island. They have thrown away a vast quantity of shot without hurting a man ; and indeed, unless by an extraordinary accident, we are not likely to lose many. Mr. Strachey complains also of his fusees, and he complains that he has no relief for his men, and that as the batteries are augmented and extended, he will hardly be able to serve them. We give them all possible assistance. Their confusion last night when we began was inexpressible, and their ships were lumbered; prepared, 1 suppose, to sail. They cleared and made ready, and are now altering their position, in order to bring all their broadsides to bear against the hills. I shall work night and day to forward this business. Fascines, sods, etc., must be heaped up in immense quantities. As our fire increases, theirs will perhaps weaken. I found there was no manner of necessity for keeping the men out, so contented myself with small guards to give the men rest ....

Sir,—I might justly be deemed ungrateful if I neglected any opportunity to acquaint you with the various occurrences of a public nature since I sailed from England for Halifax, where I arrived the 8th of May, and by the 28th we were joined by all the troops and ships of war (except the Vanguard), and had the good fortune to meet General Amherst, in the Dublin, going in as we came out of Halifax harbour, who immediately went on board the Admiral's ship, and proceeded with us, and by the 2nd instant we came to an anchor in this bay, and the day following all the transports (except two or three) came to an anchor, and the necessary disposition for landing the troops was made on the 5th and 6th ; but the thick fog and great surf prevented from accomplishing the design ; but on the 8th the troops were again in the boats by three o'clock in the morn, and at sunrise our frigates were hauled in nigh the shore to cover the landing, on which the enemy began with throwing shells, and our frigates commenced their fire upon the enemy's entrenchments, upon which the boats made in for the shore, and our fire from the frigates was wholly disregarded by the enemy, until our boats had got within half-musket shot of them, and then they began an incessant fire with cannon and musketry, which at first obliged our boats to retire a little ; but they soon rallied again, and made the shore and landed, which the enemy perceiving left their entrenchments to us.

They were entrenched for above a mile, and had in that place from seven hundred to a thousand men, besides four or five hundred more posted at every place where there was any prospect of our landing, having cannon from 24-lb. shot to 3-lb., as also 7 and 10-inch mortars. Notwithstanding all these our troops behaved with the greatest spirit and resolution, zealous to surmount all dangers that they were inevitably exposed to, from the advantageous position of the enemy; and when they beheld the intrepidity of our officers and soldiers, climbing up the rocks where they judged it impracticable to land, they were struck with astonishment, and soon after turned their backs upon us.

We have killed and made prisoners between two and three hundred, and some of them (besides a few deserters from the garrison) have entered into our marine service; they are Germans, and highly dissatisfied at their being sent to Louisbourg.

We had the misfortune to lose in landing the Captain of Highland Grenadiers, and one of the Lieutenants. Several of the officers of the Army and Navy were wounded, and some soldiers and sailors; the killed, wounded, and drowned, does not amount to one hundred.

Since our landing the enemy have deserted the Grand and Lighthouse Batteries, destroying them and throwing the cannon into the water.

We have blocked up in the harbour five or six two-deckers, and an equal number of frigates and store- ships ; and last evening General Wolfe, who has taken possession of the ground adjacent to their lighthouse, opened several batteries on the shipping, and obliged them to haul in close to the town, though even now they cannot well get out of the reach of Mr. Wolfe's cannon and shells, and by Sir Charles Hardy's being at anchor before the mouth of the harbour with an equal force, it is judged impracticable for them to get out, unless a violent storm should favour them. Some of our cruizers have, within this day or two, brought in a French frigate of 30 guns, bound to Canada from Louisbourg, having got out before Sir Charles was at anchor there.

The greatest zeal and ardour has appeared in the Admirals and Generals to do their utmost to execute every scheme for reducing this place, and I doubt not it will shortly be attended with the desired success.

July 2nd.—I was in hopes by this time to have acquainted you that our batteries had been opened and belaying upon the town ; but I believe the great difficulty in making the roads to draw the cannon, and taking possession of the eminences adjacent to the town, and erecting redoubts to prevent being dislodged by the enemy, are the chief points that have retarded the Army from battering the walls.

The enemy within these few days have sunk the Apollo, and two or three store-ships at the mouth of the harbour, not to block it up entirely, but to render the entrance so narrow that it will make it more difficult for our ships to go in if they are at last obliged to storm them by sea and land.

The Island Battery is in some measure rendered useless by one that General Wolfe opened upon it from the Lighthouse side.

The enemy continue a very warm fire upon our troops in their approaches upon this side, though the loss is as yet comparatively nothing, notwithstanding their frequent sallies, which, upon the whole, prove ineffectual.

All the accounts that we have yet received from General Abercrombie are, that the troops that are to proceed with him against Crown Point were marched for Albany above a month since, and that it was expected Mr. Abercrombie would have an army exceeding 20,000, and that General Forbes, with eight or nine thousand men, is marched against Fort du Quesne on the Ohio, in General Braddock's route, and we impatiently expect to have good tidings from those quarters.

These, Sir, are the most material occurrences worthy notice, and I hope you will pardon the liberty I have taken in troubling you with so long a letter, and that in my next I shall have the satisfaction to acquaint you with the success of His Majesty's arms here and elsewhere in America, as there is no reason at present to doubt but that Louisbourg will in a few weeks be subjected to the British Crown.

I still flatter myself that you will continue me an object of your favours, and that upon my return I may rely on your interest with the same freedom for my future preferment, as I did for what I now enjoy. I am, honoured Sir, with the greatest respect, &c., &c.

P.S.—I forgot mentioning that by all accounts the Garrison consists of about five battalions of Regulars, which, with the inhabitants, amount to near 4000, and not many more or less.

... Captain Cobourn, from Halifax, saw one of our Men of War going in with a French Prize as he came out. A Schooner, from Old France, was sent in before he sailed. He left Halifax three Days after Admiral Boscawen sailed, and thinks, as the Wind favoured him, he could not be above that Time in getting before Louisbourg ...

"400 men began a Battery at the Lighthouse point intended to destroy the Island Battery..."

Extract of a Letter from an officer on the Expedition
against Louisbourg, dated June 24, 1758.

"We had between 50 and 60 Killed and drowned in landing, and near 40 wounded; but the French had above 250 killed and taken, that we know of, besides Numbers that were seen carrying away before we landed, some of whom were found far in the Woods, dead and wounded. We learn, by a Flag of Truce sent by the French, that there are two Grenadier Companies missing, besides those we have prisoners, which the Governor sent to know what became of, and which, with some Canadians that fled into the Back Woods, we expect will fall into our Hands, if they don get to St. John or cross the Gutt of Canso, which will be difficult for them. We have cut off all Communication from the City of Louisbourg, as well as taken Possession of all their advanced Posts, which they were obliged to desert. Their Grand Battery is also evacuated, but quite demolished by them; so that they have only the Town, and Shipping, which consists of six large Men of War, two Frigates, &c. and the Island Battery, to depend on for their Defence. The Town is extremely well fortified all round; it has double Rangers of "Guns, like two Tiers of a Ship, on the South Side, which is westerly; those are strengthened by double Intrenchments, about 160 Yards from the Glacis; besides, they can bring their Ships to bear upon almost every Post we shall take to cover our Approaches, and particularly a Valley which we must pass through to carry on our Works. We have compleated four Redoubts, ranged cross the Land about a Mile from the Town, for the Security of our Advance Picquets, or Out Guards, that protect our Camp, and can alarm us if an Enemy approaches. The East and North Sides of the Town, that lie to the Harbour, are defended by their Shipping, and the Island Battery, which has Sixty 24 Pounders well mounted, besides the Fortifications of the Town itself on that Side, which are not trifling. We have Troops posted all round the Harbour and principally at the Lighthouse Battery, which the French also deserted; these are under Brigadier Wolfe Command and Conduct, who carries on every Thing with the greatest Spirit. At this Light house, which is easterly, and commands the Island Battery, he has mounted, on several Batteries, above 20 Pieces of Cannon, from 24 to 12 Pounders, besides two 13 Inch Mortars, and six 7 and 8 Inch Mortars and Howets; there are stronger Batteries intended to be raised there, as soon as Materials can be landed, which is found the greatest Difficulty of all, from the terrible Surfs that is on the Shore, even in the calmest Weather. We have had near 100 Boats stove in landing the Troops, Provisions, War Stores, Implements and Cannon that have been already put on Shore, which is not the tenth Part of what we want landed, to compleat us for a regular Siege, which the Strength of the Town requires. It is in the different Situation to what it was when last attacked, as it is well fortified, and has between 3 and 4000 Regulars besides Inhabitants, to a great Number, who have, all that are able, taken up Arms. Provisions are very plenty, and they have not Want of Arms or Ammunition; from those Circumstances, which we have great Reason to believe, we expect to meet an obstinate Resistance, but make no Doubt of our succeeding. Our Army is in very good Health, and in high Spirits, all longing for the decisive Stroke, which cannot be rescued, until properly prepared for a regular Proceeding, which I hope I shall be able to inform you of.

"We have had between 20 and 30 Deserters from the French, most of whom are from a German Regiment, enlisted by Col. Fischer for the Prussian Service, and sold by him to the French four Years ago, since which Time they have been at Louisbourg, rather (as they themselves say) Slaves than Soldiers, without Pay, or scarce Provisions to maintain them, but labouring at their Works like Brutes. They have longed for an English Invasion, and intended to desert in one Body a few Days after we landed, but were betrayed, and the Principals hanged; there have been 16 Men seen hanging over the Ramparts together, Part of this Regiment; and we hear that two of them are not suffered to do Duty together, or converse with one another; they are daily coming in, and are employed as Marines on board the Men of War; they say, that since English appeared they have met with more indulgent Treatment than ever they had before. We have, on the Camp Side, landed eighteen 24 Pounders, twelve 12 Pounders, two 13 Inch Mortars, four eight Inch Mortars, eight or ten Howets of 4, 5, and 6 Inches Diameter, with some Swivels, all Brass; also some Iron Cannon, a vast Quantity of Shells, and Cannon Shot of various Dimensions, these are all to carry on our Approaches on the Land or Camp Side of the Town; and we shall have a great many more landed as soon as the Weather and surfs will permit. We
have really done Wonders, considering every Thing, and I hope you will soon hear of more extraordinary Feats, deserving general Approbation.

"General Amherst appears very clear and alert in all his Business, is very active, and inquisitive in the Motions of the French, as well as our Proceedings against them.

"Last Week Brigadier Wolfe received a Compliment, with a Pyramid of Sweetmeats, from the Governor Lady, by a Flag of Truce sent to the Eastern Shore, by whom he returned his, with a Pine Apple, which he happened to have.

P.S. This Moment General Amherst received a Compliment, with some fresh Butter, from the Governor Lady, made by herself, which she sent by a Drummer that was sent into the City this Day with a Flag of Truce, but have not heard what Return he has made, or intends. --- This is strange Complaisance between inveterate Enemies!"

"...began fireing from 5 pieces of Canon...upon the Island...the Guns which bore upon the Entrance of the harbour were soon silenced."

"Brigr. Wolfe with 4 Comps of Grenadiers & 200 men...took possession of an eminence behind the Grand Battery which the french had Deserted...this day the Enemy made a Sally towards the Camp...but were Repulsed..."

"This serves to advise you, that we landed on the 8th Instant, with the Loss of very few Men, there not being above 50 killed and drowned, tho' the Enemy had (previous to our coming) thrown up a very strong Breast work, where they knew we must land, in a Bay called Gabarous, and had lined the Breast work with 1500 of their best Troops, with several Pieces of Cannon, to oppose our Landing; but such is the Valour of the British Nation, that they made no Difficulty in landing soon, and as soon made the poltroons fly before them. This Gabarous Bay is within six Miles of the City of Louisbourg. As soon as we all landed, we marched and took Possession of the rising Ground, and every Eminence commanding the Town, where we are now encamped. We have been employed since our Landing, in making Roads along our Encampment; landing our Artillery, Stores and Provisions, and making all the proper Dispositions for a regular Siege. We have strongly fortified all the rising Grounds with Redoubts, which are well lined with men, so that the Monsieurs date not peep out of the Town. The Redoubt I was posted on last Night with 100 Men, is within 800 Yards of the Town; this is the most advanced Post we have yet secured. We had 11 13 Inch Shells thrown at us during our 24 Hours stay there, and several Cannon Shot, but no harm done, only a poor Corporal of ours cut in two by a Cannon Ball. The greatest Mischief they do us is from their Shipping, which lies in the Harbour; they have five Ships of the Line, besides Frigates. I am just now told they have sunk three of their Ships, in the Mouth of the Harbour, to prevent our Shipping coming in. We have taken a very fine Prize of theirs, a 36 Gun Frigate, which had stole out of the Harbour at Night, and was bound to Quebec with Arms, Provisions, &c. Plenty of which thy have here, notwithstanding all the Reports to the contrary we had at Philadelphia before I left it. They are just now firing their Cannon both from the Town and Shipping at us, but with very little Success. We shall soon pay them back in their own Coin, when we get our Batteries erected, which will be speedily now. We have had many Deserters come in to us, who all agree that their Garrison does not consist of more than 2500 Men, including Canadians, &c. We have had some Skirmishes with their Picquets, who steal out at Night, and attack our advanced Guard and covering parties, but we make them return faster than they come out. Lieutenant Allen, of our Regiment, is the only Officer we have had wounded of our Corps; he was slightly wounded in the Wrist by a Musket Ball in one of the above Skirmishes." ...

"Gen. Wolfe's party kept working at the Redoubts & intrenchments...the Ships kept a Constant fire & annoy'd them much."

A Gentleman at Halifax, in a Letter to his Friend here, of the 28th ult. wherein he mentions the Landing of our Army at Louisbourg, expresses himself as follows: "I cannot conclude without taking Notice of the remarkably brave Behaviour of Colonel Frazer and his Highlanders on this Occasion; his Grenadiers were the first that landed, and consequently suffered most; they lost Captain Bailie, Lieutenant Cuthbert, Serjeant McPherson, and several private Men, and had many wounded; but the French were struck with such a Panick on their jumping into their Trenches, sword in Hand, that they sled; and, had it been possible that the whole Army could have landed in time to support them, they would have enter the Town, mixed with the Enemy, and made a very speedy Decision of the Affair." ...

"...last night the french Sunk three Ships in the mouth of the harbour...the Men of War keep a hot fire against Genl. Wolfe's party..."

"Our troops begin to approach a little nearer the town, and have taken possession of a hill called Green Hill, which is exactly 1300 yards from Louisbourg church; there, it seems, we are to have a bomb battery, but it will be some time first, as there is a frigate with her broad side flanks to the road to it, which road is very bad, as it is thro'a morrass: However, Mr. Wolfe, who has near demolished entirely the Island battery, will soon do the same with the frigate, as this night he opens a battery of 8 guns against her, when we shall have the road to the Green hill safe, and our workmen protected. --- The night before, last the enemy sunk the Apollo, and four small ships between the light house and island battery, so that we imagine the men of war are ordered to stand or fall with the place, of which there are five line of Battle, the Prudent, Entreprenant, Capricieux, Celetre, and Bienfaisant, the frigate is the Arethusa. I suppose you know we have taken one of their frigates, the Echo, of 33 guns. By a deserter than came in this morning, the town is in a very great fright, as well as the shipping, on of Mr. Wolfeshells of 13 inches broke not above two feet from the Prudent deck, had it burnt
one second longer, it would have done them a vast damage.

Wednesday Sir Charles hardy saw 3 sail in the offing, he ordered the Gramont to chace, which she did, and found them to be two line of battle ships, and a frigate of the enemy. The admiral ordered Sir Charles with five men of war to go after them. Last night lieut. Croston of the light infantry, fell in with three Indians, two of which he killed and scalped, the other got off; there are a number of them lurking about our guards, some time ago they took 4 men belonging to a merchant ship. I must tell you, as we only made out our loss by guess work, the day we landed, it could not be certain; but as I have seen the return of the army and navy, the whole lass did not amount to 50 men."

"Capt. Barnes, just arrived [apparently in Charleston (the paper is damaged)] from Halifax, left that Port with Admiral Boscowen, the 28th ult. when a very valuable Store-ship, and a (French King’s) Frigate had been carried in. He informs us, that the troops employed against Louisbourg amount to about 11,000 Men ...." [The list of the fleet follows]

" ...this evening Genl. Wolfe took Possession of an Eminence near the west Gate..."

... Yesterday the Captains McLane and Clift arrived here in 9 Days from Halifax, by them we have Advice, That a Store Ship taken by one of the Fleet before Louisbourg of about 250 Tons, arrived there the Day they sail, together with the Defiance and Boreas, which bro Intelligence that 4 French Men of War were going into Louisbourg, but on seeing our Fleet near the Mouth of the Harbour, they went into Spanish Harbour, at the east Side of the Island. ...

Extract of another Letter from a Gentleman in Gabarous
Bay, dated July 5th, 1758.

"-- The army before Louisbourg go on with the greatest resolution in approaching nearer the town, and erecting new batteries, notwithstanding they have been considerably annoyed from the enemy ships in the harbour, which if they had not been there, I believe the place would have surrendered by this time. --- They frequently sally out from the city, but have every time hitherto been repulsed with considerable loss on their Side. --- Deserters come over daily, and more would come if they had opportunity. --- They have fired a number of poisoned balls from the city, which I believe they will pay dear for shortly. --- The Rangers and Highlanders are extremely serviceable, daily bringing in prisoners and scalps. The admiral has offered 50 guineas for an Indian that shall be brought in alive; the scalps of two were brought in yesterday, a third, which our People endeavoured to take alive, made his escape. --- A frigate which annoyed our People in making a road to Green Hill, and firing on our batteries, has received great damage by a 13 inch shell falling on her quarter deck, and has been removed, and a 64 gun ship hawled in her room. The island battery is silenced. --- The 3d inst. one of our cruizing ships brought in a brig which she took in the offing bound into Louisbourg, under Spanish colours: The same day the master of a Philadelphia transport went ashore with some of his People at the head of the Bay, where a party of the enemy fired upon them, killed two, and wounded the captain and another man, but they both made their escape."

These Frenchmen, we are told, after some little Examination gave out, that Mons. Montcalm was gone down to Louisbourg, with a great part of his Regulars: ....

...... We hear 8 Sail of the Line are hourly expected the Cape from Old France, from whence they are to proceed to the Relief of Louisbourg.....

... Last Tuesday arrived here Capt. Junkens, in ten Days from Cape Breton; by whom we have Advice, that our Troops, with all their Artillery, Warlike Stores, and Provisions, were landed on that Island; and that they were, with the utmost Diligence, forming their Encampments, and getting ready for the general Attack of Louisbourg. That the Road was laying out to Green Hill, where there is to be a Battery to annoy the Enemy. That about 500 French and Indians, advancing from the City some small Distance, supposed to be with a View to draw a Body of our Troops within Reach of their Cannon, they were attacked and fired upon by some of our Rangers, who killed 7 of them, and wounded several others; upon which they precipitately retreated to the City: Four of the Rangers were wounded in the Attack: That Brigadier General Wolfe had near finished a Battery on the Lighthouse Point; and from which they had begun to annoy the Batteries and Ships in the Harbour, which had already received considerable Damage; in particular one Shell falling into the Admiral Ship blew up her Quarter deck, and hurt her Mizen mast, &c. --- That a French Frigate of 32 Guns, got out of the Harbour in the Night, in a Fog, about two Leagues, but next Morning, being becalmed, was discovered by the Kingston Man of War, and soon after a Breeze springing up, the Kingston stood after her, but she outsailing, had like to have escaped; when the Juno Frigate, a prime Sailer, coming up gave her Chace, and soon over reaching her, she struck to her immediately, and was carried into Cabarous Bay: She is thought
to be vastly rich, having on board the Governor Lady, with some others of the French Gentry, with their Plate, Jewels, and most valuable Effects, being bound to France. --- That sir Charles Hardy, with 18 Ships of War, were at Anchor a little to the Westward, to keep in six Ships of the Line, some Frigates, and Store ships that lay there. --- That Admiral Boscawen, with the other Ships of War, was in Cavarous Bay. --- That our People, those on board the Ships, and those on Shore, were in Health, and high Spirits, a good Harmony subsisting; and by the Precautions taken, and the Preparations making on all Sides, they have a Prospect of being Masters of Louisbourg in a very short Time.

"Between 1 and 2 in the Morning the Enemy made a Sortie...they killed Lord Dundonald & 7 or 8 Grenadiers of Forbes Regiment...but they were soon obliged to retire...leaving behind them 17 Killed and about as many wounded & Prisoners."

Saturday last in the Forenoon, Capt. Hatch arrived here in 13 Days from Louisbourg, who sail the Day
after Captain Junkens: The Advices by him are, That more or less of the the French desert every Night from the Garrison to our Camps, some of whom reported, that one of the Bombs thrown into the city, killed 7 Officers That it was reported, if the Garrison did not soon surrender, the Admiral proposed to go into the Harbour with his heavy Ships, and let them take the Consequence: That the several Batteries erected by the English, began to play on the Town and Island Battery at Midnight, the Night he sailed, which was the 25th and that he heard an incessant Firing till the 27th: But by other Accounts from Halifax about the same Time, we are apt to think no Battery was opened, but that on the Light House Point, which consists of 30 pieces of Cannon, and 8 Mortars, had begun to play upon the Island Battery, and it is thought they will soon make that Place too hot for the French to stand it out long; also that our People had opened a Battery upon Green Hill, and began to annoy the Ships in the Harbour, and also the city: And that there was but one Vessel that Attempted to get out of the harbour of Louisbourg, which was taken by the Fleet as above mentioned, and that she had on board near 60 French Ladies.

The same Evening Capt. Dingly, arrived here in nine Days from Halifax, and by him we have the following Advices from thence, besides those mentioned under the Halifax Head, viz. That on the 25th of June, His Majesty Ships the Dublin and Devonshire sailed to join the Fleet off Louisbourg. The same Day arrived His Majesty Ship Surprize, from, South Carolina, and sailed the 29th to join the Fleet. --- Wednesday the 28th , Arrived His MajestyShip the Vanguard, of 70 Guns, from England, but last from off Sandy Hook with 2 Vessels under her Convoy; this is the 43rd King Ship on the present Expedition. The same Day arrived Capt. McTaggart, from off Louisbourg, which Place he left last Sunday Morning; at which Time they had begun to fire very briskly from the Light House Battery'and General Wolfe proposed soon to open two more Batteries upon the Town. That the Fleet had taken a Frigate, coming out of Louisbourg to make her Escape; at the same Time a Merchant ship made her Escape through the Fog. That Admiral Boscawen lay at Cabarous Bay with the Transports. And that the Arc en Ceil is fitting out with all Expedition, having her Masts, &c. almost finished.

The Night before Capt. Hatch sailed thy threw 30 Shells into the city, besides firing a Round of Shot at the same Time, which it is thought would soon surrender, as several Flags of Truce had been sent out by the Governor to the General proposing, it is said, to surrender the Place, if the English would allow them two Men of War to transport their valuable Effect to France, which was refused. ...

Extract of a letter from an Officer in the Camp before
Louisbourg, dated July 11th, 1758.

"General Wolfe has silenced a Frigate that retarded our Works very much, and also the Island Battery: He is now about 600 Yards from the West gate, from whence he has damaged the Town much with Shells, and is erecting a Battery of four 32 Pounders, and six 24 Pounders, which I hope will soon pave a Way for our Admittance. Our nearest Lodgment to the Town is 500 Yards; and in a few Days shall amuse them from thence with Cannon and Shells, as the Roads leading to it are almost finished. Two Days ago I was on a Working Party with Mr. Bentein an Engineer; between 1 and 2 o'Clock in the Morning 800 French sallied out on us, took Mr. Bentien and another Officer Prisoner, wounded Lieut. Waterson of the Royals; killed Lord Dundonell, and seven Men, and wounded five. They had one Officer and 30 Men killed, one wounded, and nine whom we took Prisoners. They are always obliged to make the Men drunk before they will come out, so consequently cannot do their Duty. Our Loss has higherto been very inconsiderable. The Troops are healthy, and in good Spirits. ...

Last Tuesday Morning the Province Ship of War King GEORGE, commanded by Capt. Hallowell, returned here from a successful Cruize, having besides the L'Astree, mentioned in our last, since taken another French Ship, which he fell in with on the 26th of June on Bank Vert, in Lat. 44: --- She is called Le Frippone, Barhol, Colier, Commander, of 184 Tons, 12 Guns and 50 men; sailed from Rochelle the 11th of May, in Company with 11 others, under Convoy of two Frigates, bound to Quebec: Her Cargo is said to consist of Wine, Oyl, Brandy, Flour, SoldierCloaths and other Stores. --- She making a greater Resistance than was expected, two of her Men were killed before she struck. --- The ship was with the Fleet which cut their Cables and drove ashore near Rochefort, at the Approach of the Men of War under Admiral Hawke, while she escaped by running up the River. Twenty Days before Capt. Hallowell met with her she had an Engagement with an English Letter of Marque Ship, which continued three Glasses before she could clear herself, having received some Damage. The French Prize above mentioned came in with Capt. Hallowell; and is the fourth now in this Harbour taken by him this Summer; which must be a considerable Means of distressing the Enemy at Canada, as their Lading consists chiefly of what is much wanted among them.

Capt. Hallowell left Gabarous Bay the 2d Instant, by whom we learn, That our Forces go on with great Briskness and Resolution in their Works against Louisbourg; and that the Island Battery had been so much torn to Pieces and dismantled, from our Works on the Light House Point Side, as to be rendered almost useless; and that thereupon the French had sunk the Apollo, a Ship of 54 Guns and 5 Store Ships, to prevent the Entrance of our Men of War into the Harbour: They had likewise 5 Ships of the Line, and a Frigate, which were stationed in such Manner as to serve as Batteries, two of which one of 60, the other of 36 Guns, were in such a Position, as had much molested our People in some of their Works. Notwithstanding they had almost completed a Battery, in which was to be mounted 50 or 60 Pieces of Brass Cannon, which over looked the City; and would be ready to fire upon it very soon. --- That every Thing on our Side was carried on with so much Assiduity and Alacrity, that it is generally concluded the French must be obliged to surrender the City in a few Days. --- 'Tis also said, That the Day before Capt. Hallowell sailed 600 Men sailed out of the City, but were repulsed and obliged to retreat, 40 of them being killed, and 60 taken Prisoners, with some Deserters; and on our Side, 20 killed. ...

... That the latest Accounts from Louisbourg were of the 11th ult. the Day after our Batteries were opened, when it was thought the Place must soon be given up: That the Enemy had made a Sally with 1500 Men, and killed 45 Grenadiers, with Lord Dundonald, their Captain: That we had erected a Battery, called BOSCAWEN Battery, mann intirely by Sailors, and intended to destroy the French Shipping. Which they seemed determined, if possible to save, having, when this Vessel came away, bent all their small Sails, in order to escape the first Opportunity: That many Indians were skulking near our People, some of which were taken, and either had killed a few of the Troops: That Governor Lawrence was said to be wounded, Capt. Gardiner killed and Capt. Smelt had left a Leg. That the Captain of a French Prize, lately carried into New York, says, when he left France, there was at Brest 27 Sail of Ships of War, with a great Number of Troops, designed for Louisbourg. That the Boston Rider advised, he spoke with the Master of a Vessel, who arrived at Guilford last Wednesday from Halifax, which Place he left six Days before, and brought Advice, that the Oporto Captain had made Oath, before the Governor of Halifax, to the Account he gave, viz. That Admiral Hawke had taken the
destroyed 16 Sail of Men of War, out of a Fleet of 27, which he had met with. --- That since the above Accounts a Letter has been received a New York from Halifax, Accounts from Louisbourg were of the 11th, when every Thing went on well there: That the Enemy had sallied with 1500 Men in the Night, but were repulsed with some loss, Lord Dundonald, and 7 Men, being killed, and Mr. Bontagn, Engineer, and 30 Men, made Prisoners: That we had opened several Batteries, and it was imagined the Garrison must soon surrender: And that this Day (the 18th) a Vessel arrived in 18 Days from Oporto, and brings an Account of 16 French Ships of the Line being taken and destroyed, which were bound to Louisbourg ...

"...we began a new Battery...of 6 and another of 8 Guns at Our most advanced approaches..."

Our latest Advices from Gaberous Bay are to Saturday last, to which Time, we are informed, that Things go on exceeding well there: That no material advantages had been gained over the Enemy, more than the entirely demolishing the Island Battery, and silencing the 32 Gun Frigate, which in some Measure impeded our Works going on (as mentioned in our last) by two Shells form the 8 Gun Battery erected by General Wolfe; That our Troops are all in high Spirits, and indefatigable in compleating the Works; which it was expected would be soon effected: That the greatest Harmony subsisted between the Gentlemen of the Navy and Army; and that it was not doubted but the Place must soon be given up.

We also hear, that it was suspected a French 74 Gun ship of the Enemy, had made her Escape out of the Harbour; and that there was a great Misunderstanding between the French Admiral and the Governor of Louisbourg, occasioned by his detaining the French Ships.

"Our Batteries continued fireing, the Ships were much Damaged in their Rigging and masts and Receivd a Prodigious Number of Shot in their Hulls."

...a small Post...at the head of the North East harbour was Insulted by about 100 french & Indians who Retired without Efecting any thing...being in Possession of a Spot of Ground Calld Gallows Hill within 250 yards of the west Gate [Wolfe] Immediately begun to break Ground there...under a most terrible fire..."

"We Continued working hard in the Trenches to make the Parapet Cannon proof..."

"The fire hot on both Sides, the Spur Silenced & the Embrasures of the Cavalier much Damaged."

"...the Church & other Building in the Citadel were Set on fire By our shells & burn'd with great Violence."

...about 11 oClock one of our Shells Set the Barracks on fire which were totally consumed..."

The Beginning of last Week, the Captains Hector McNeal, Morton, Metcalf and McLane, arrived here from our Fleet at Louisbourg: They bring Account that the Army are going on with the greatest Briskness in finishing their Batteries, in order to make a general Fire with their Mortars and Cannon on the City and Their Ships; and that a 64 Gun Ship, which has been placed in the Room of the 36 Gun Frigate, not answering the Design of the enemy so well in preventing Batteries being erected by our Men, had been replaced by the Frigate: But by the last mentioned Capt. who left Gaberous Bay 15 Days ago, we are informed, that she was almost silenced, so that our Men met with little Opposition in making the Roads, and getting their Artillery to the BAtteries, and that two or three were opened the Day he left them, and the next Day, it was said, the others were to be unmarked, and to begin their Firing. ...

... Our last Advices from the Fleet and Army at Louisbourg, are of the 9th Inst. from thence, brought by Captain Mitchell, who arrived here last Friday, and says. That the Garrison continued obstinate, and made frequent Sallies; that the Day before he sailed, the Enemy sallied out, and came upon a Part of our Men, and killed 60 of them; that another Party of our Men hearing the Fire, came up and almost surrounded the Enemy before they discovered them, when they were obliged to retire, with the Loss of 100 Men, besides Prisoners: --- That 2 or 3 Batteries were opened, and playing upon the Shipping and Town; and it was thought in a Day or Two the Place must surrender: If so, we hope to be able in our next to give a particular Account of the same.

In a Letter from Halifax, Dated July 24, Eight at Night, it is said, That a Vessel was just then arrived from Louisbourg, in two Days Passage, the Captain of which informed, that before he came away he saw three French Line of Battle Ships burnt down to the WaterEdge; that a Fourth would soon have the same Fate; and that the Town was all in Flames ...

Our Advices by Captains Trefry and Stevenson, who arrived here since our last, the former from Halifax, and the other directly from Chabarous Bay in 15 Days, are as follows;

That since the burning the French Ships in Louisbourg Harbour, viz. on Sunday the 23d in the Morning, a Shell from our Batteries was hove into the Citadel, set it all in Flames, and in two Hours burnt it to the Ground: That on the 24th the Town was set of Fire in several Places by the Bombs and red hot Shot, which were fired chiefly from General Wolfe's Batteries; and the greatest part of the Houses in the Town were consumed, with the Church, all the new Barracks, and most of the others burnt, with near 300 Men, Women and Children: That several Breaches were made in their Walls, one of them 40 Feet in Length; and that a Breach was made also in the West Gate: That most of the Enemy Cannon were dismounted: That the Inhabitants had quitted the Town out at the East Gate under the Walls: --- That Deserters from them came over daily, and say that the place would have been given up long before, had they not been afraid of being put to the Sword by the Highlanders and Rangers, whom they imagine to be Savages: That 20 Mortars besides Cannon were plying upon the City Night and Day: That our Army was very healthy, and in high Spirits; and
they expect every Hour the Garrison will surrender, altho' the Governor had given out that he would defend it whilst he had 20 men left alive: That in the Night following, the 24th, a Number of Boats from the Men of War went and took possession of the Island Battery, which was tore to Pieces, they hoisted English Colours there, and then proceeded into the harbour, and took a 74 Gun Ship, and secured her under one of our Batteries; the French Commodore Ship of 74 Guns being aground, they set Fire to, and burnt her; about 170 Men were taken Prisoners, and as many more killed and burnt in this Action: That besides the two Vessels navigated by Spaniards, which were bound into Louisbourg with Provisions. &c. but taken by our Cruizers at the Beginning of the Siege, another of the same Sort was taken on the 25th Ult. --- That there was then in the harbour only our late Province Snow and 4 other small Vessels; the Merchant Ships all sunk and destroyed, 5 of them were sunk across the Mouth of the harbour. ---

The above is extracted chiefly from a Letter to a Gentleman in this Town, from an Officer in the Expedition, dated at Chabarous Bay, July 25th ...

The five-gun battery is finished, and the cannon in readiness to mount. We want platforms, artillery officers to take the direction, and ammunition. If these are sent early, we may batter in breach this afternoon. Holland has opened a new boyau, has carried on about 140 or 150 yards, and is now within fifty or sixty yards of the glacis. The enemy were apprehensive of a storm, and fired smartly for about half an hour, which drove the workmen in; but when the fire ceased they returned to their business, and did a great deal. You will be pleased to indulge me with six hours' rest, that I may serve in the trenches at night....

... RETURN of the Killed and Wounded in the several Regiments on
the Island of cape breton, from June 8, to the 26th of July,
inclusive, 1758.

Of the 2nd and 3d Battalion of the Royal Scotch, or 1st under Lieutenant General James St. Clair, were killed 2 Lieutenants, and 13 Privates: Wounded, 3 Lieutenants, 1 Ensign, 1 Serjeant, and 26 Privates.

Of the XVth, or Major General Jeffery Amherst, were killed, 2 Lieutenants, and 27 Privates: Wounded, 2 Lieutenants, 1 Ensign, and 26 Privates.

Of the XVIIth, or Brigadier General John Forbes, were killed, 1 Captain, 1 Corporal, and 10 Privates: Wounded, 1 Captain, 1 Lieutenant, 1 Serjeant, 1 Drummer, and 31 Privates.

Of the XXIId, or Brigadier General Edward Whitmorewere killed 7 Privates: Wounded, 3 Lieutenants, and 15 Privates.

Of the XXVIIth, or Lieutenant General Philip Braggwere killed 1 Corporal, and 10 Privates: Wounded, 1 Captain, 1 Serjeant, 1 Corporal, 1 Drummer, and 22 Privates

Of the XXXVth, or Lieutenant General Charles Otwaywere killed 2 Serjeants, 1 Corporal, and 9 Privates: Wounded, 3 Lieutenants, 1 Ensign, 1 Corporal, and 12 Privates.

Of the XLth, or Major General Peregrine Thomas Hopson, were killed 1 Corporal, and 7 Privates: Wounded, 1 Lieutenant, 1 Serjeant, 1 Corporal, and 19 Privates.

of the XLVth, or Lieutenant General Hugh Warburtonwere killed 1 Serjeant, and 9 Privates: Wounded, 14 Privates.

Of the XLVIIth, or Lieutenant General Peregrine Lafcelles were killed 9 Privates: Wounded , 30 Privates.

Of the XLVIIIth, or Major General Daniel Webb, were killed 1 Ensign, 3 Corporals, and 5 Privates: Wounded, 1 Lieutenant, and 17 Privates.

Of the LVIIIth, or Colonel Robert Anstruthers, were killed 2 Privates: Wounded, 1 Captain, and 10 Privates.

Of the Second and Third Battalions, or LXth, under the colonel Robert Monckton, and Brig. Gen. Charles Lawrence;

of the former Battalion were killed, 1 Lieutenant, and 7 Privates: Wounded, 14 Privates: And of the latter were killed 17 Privates: Wounded 43.

Of the Colonel Simon FrasierHighlanders, 2 were killed 1 Captain, 3 Lieutenants, and 12 Privates: Wounded, 1 Captain, 2 Lieutenants, and 35 Privates.

Of Colonel MONCKTON'S - Lieutenant Hart. Captain Bailey. Lieutenant Cuthbert. Lieutenant Frazier. Lieutenant Murray.

Of the ROYAL SCOTS, --- Lieutenant Fitzimmons Lieutenant BAiley Lieutenant Ash. Ensign, Waterson.

Of General AMHERST'S -- Lieutenant Hamilton Lieut. and Adjutant Ankins Ensign Money Poney

Of Gen. WHITMORE'S ---- Lieutenant Pierce Butler Lieutenant John Jermyne Lieutenant William Hamilton.

Of General OTWAY'S -- Lieutenant Allen. Lieutenant Brown. Lieut. and Adjutant Cockburn Ensign Armstrong.

Of Col. ANSTRUTHER'S Captain Smith. Captain Donald McDonald. Lieut. Alexander Campbell Lieutenant John McDonald.

Since the foregoing came to Hand, we have collected, from the Boston Papers, the following Particulars that were brought thither Yesterday se by several Vessels in short Passages directly from Louisbourg, viz. --- That all the Garrison of that Place were shipped on board Transports, and sailed for England the 13th of last Month, under Convoy of five Sail of the Line, viz. The Dublin of 74 Guns, Captain Rodney, who has the Command, the Northumberland of 70, Lord Colvill, the Terrible of 74, Capt. Collins, the Burford of 70,
Capt. Sambia, and the Kingston of 60, Capt. Parry; on board the Dublin goes the Governor with his Lady and Family; all the Officers were allowed to carry with them their Chests, Boxes, Trunks, &c. and the Soldiers their Packs full. --- That the Inhabitants were to embark as soon as the Garrison had sailed, and were to be allowed the same Privilege. --- That our Army is exceeding Healthy, and still are encamped without the
Walls, except those who do Duty in the City. --- That since the Surrender of the Place they has been daily employed in repairing the Walls, which were greatly damaged during the Siege, in cleaning the Streets, in removing some Hundred Hogsheads of Tobacco, which the Enemy had built as a Barricade against the Shot and Shells from our Batteries, and in bringing in their Cannon, Stores, &c. --- That in the City was found vast Quantities of all Sorts of Warlike Stores, and Provision for 10,000 Men for six Months, and thought they
will find more, as many Store houses were not opened when the above Vessels sailed. --- That their Powder grew scant, having but 600 Barrels when the Place surrendered. That many additional Works have been made to strengthen the Place since it was restored to them by the Treaty of Aix la Chapelle, having upwards of 200 Brass and Iron Cannon mounted, besides Mortars, &c. --- That three of the Men of War who got into the
Harbour before the Place was invested, had their Tier shout, and were loaded with Provisions. That after the Place was besieged the French Commodore was determined to endeavour to make his Escape, but in the Evening he was going to sail, he received a Letter from France, which was brought by a Vessel into St. Ann said to be wrote by the French King, with positive Orders, That, if the English attacked Louisbourg, not to depart out of the Harbour, but to stand or fall with the Place. --- That the CommodoreShip which was lately taken and burnt, was but 5 Years old, and was the same that took the Warwick in the West Indies some Time ago. --- That a great Number of Hands from the Men of War, are employed in getting out the Guns and Iron Work of the French Ships burnt in the Harbour. --- That four large Ships and several smaller Vessels were endeavouring to weigh the Ships sunk near the Island Battery, which thought they will effect. --- That Numbers of the Inhabitants of the remote Settlements are daily coming in. --- That the Enemy had several Vessels filled with Combustibles, to set our Men of War on Fire, in case they entered the Harbour. --- That no Person is allowed to purchase any Thing of the French Inhabitants, upon a very severe Penalty. --- That three Frigates and 1500 Troops had sailed for the Island of St. John, to take Possession of that Place, and bring off the Inhabitants; who are to be allowed the same as the Garrison, and are to be transported to France. --- That Mons. Beaubiere, with 1500 French and Indians, not being included in the ARticles of Capitulation, has escaped off the Island, and gone, thought, to Canada. --- That Parties of our Men are properly posted for 20 Miles round the Island. --- That at Lorembeck, several other Places on the Island, our People have found large Quantities of ready made Cod Fish, which the French designed to ship off this Season. --- That the French Governor, some Days before the Surrender of the Place, received by Express a Letter from M. Montcalm, at Ticonderoga, giving an Account that the English with a numerous Army had crossed the Lake, and attacked the Fort at that Place, but were repulsed with great Loss on their Side, and obliged to retire over the Lake, again; and that he was under no Apprehensions of another Visit from them this Season; this the Governor told after the Place had surrendered. ----- That the late Province Snow Prince of Wales had some Time ago taken two large new Ships from Virginia, laden with Tobacco, one of which had 700 Hhds. bound Home, which they sunk in the Channel, near the Mouth of the Harbour. --- "That as to undertaking any Enterprize up the River St. Lawrence, People seem to be in Suspense; but that some Men of War are to cruize off the Mouth of the River. --- That the polite Treatment which the French had met with since the Reduction of that Place, had made them extremely impudent, in particular, an Officer of the first Rank, taking upon him the Liberty of striking the Coxswain of a Barge, who was carrying him Prisoner on board the Admiral, he was immediately (upon going on board) put in Irons upon Deck: And another French Officer having the Impudence to run his Hand under one of the Highlander Plads, in an improper Place, the Highlander immediately eased him of his Arm and Hand, by cutting them off with his Broad Sword; the Frenchman, not contented with this, drew his Sword, in order to take Revenge, but the Highlander being upon his Guard, split the Frenchman Head down to his Shoulders, and then cut both Halves off." ....

... Capt. Stephenson informs, that he left Cape Breton on the 26th just after Noon, and that the whole of that Day the Firing ceased on both Sides; the Reason of it we doubtless shall hear by the first Vessel which arrives, that sails after him ...

"About 1 oClock in the Morning the Prudent and Bienfaisant were boarded by 500 English Sailors in Boats. The Prudent being aground was set on fire...11 officers & 150 men were made Prisoners on Board the Bienfaisant & 16 English Prisoners retaken, at 10 oClock the French hung out a flag on the Breach of the Cavalier upon which fireing on both Sides Ceased, Terms of Capitulation were Proposed to Genl. Amherst who would Grant none but that the Garrison & the Crews of the Ships should Surrender Prisoners of War, & 1 hour only given to Consider of it...The Garrison acceptd of these terms..."

[William Tudor, editor, Deacon Tddor's Diary, OR "MEMORANDOMS FROM 1709, &C., By JOHN TUDOR, TO 1775 & 1778, 1780 AND TO '93." A RECORD OF MORE OR LESS IMPORTANT EVENTS IN BOSTON, FROM 1732 TO 1793, BY AN EYE WITNESS. (Boston, Wallace Spooner, 1896), p. 9. See http://www.archive.org/details/deacontudorsdiar00tudorich ]

Prime, Benjamin Young, The unfortunate hero;: a Pindaric ode. Occasion'd by the lamented fate of Viscount George Augustus Howe, Baron of Clenawley, &c. Who was slain in the battle near Carillon, July the 6th, 1758. .... Together with an ode, on the reduction of Louisbourg, July 27, 1758. New-York: : Printed by Parker and Weyman,, 1758.

"In the morning three Comps of Grenadiers took Possession of the Gates and the Garrison Grounded their arms & Delivered up their Colours."

A New Song Wrote on the Taken of Louisbourg
Prepare British boys,
Your hearts for new joys
For Cape Breton and Louisbourg's taken.
Our cannons' dire thunder
Has made France knock under
And Louis, and Louis has scarce sav'd his bacon.

Nor to Gallia alone
Is our valour made known
Ev'ry nation before us shall fall.
Both the Indies can tell
What they know but too well
And Africk, and Africk gives up Senegal.

Let Bullies from France
Be slow to advance
Since our old British courage revives.
When ere we attack them
We'll hack them, we'll thwack them
They never, were never so thwack'd in their lives.

Now jolly boys sing
To George our great King
To his Council, his Army and Navy.
Whove humbl'd the monsieurs
And prov'd 'em vain bouncers
And made, and made "Grand Monarch" cry "peccavi".

I went into Louisbourg this morning to pay my devoirs to the ladies, but found them all so pale and thin with long confinement in a casemate, that I made my visit very short. The poor women have been heartily frightened, as well they might: but no real harm, cither during the siege or after it, has befallen any. A day or two more, and they would have been entirely at our disposal. I was determined to save as many lives, and prevent as much violence as I could, because I am sure such a step would be very acceptable to you, and very becoming. We have gone on slow and sure, and at length have brought things to a very good conclusion with little loss. If the rest of the campaign corresponds with the beginning, the people of England will have no reason to be dissatisfied. Kit Mason paid me a visit yesterday, in perfect health; Gusty is very well; little Herbert has never had an opportunity of coming near- me. His ship goes home with the French prisoners, which Mrs. Herbert will be pleased to know. I hope to be with you by Christmas, though I protest to you that I had much rather besiege a place than pass four weeks at sea. If you are acquainted with Mrs. Bell, of the Hospital, I beg you will signify to her that her son has been of great use to me during the siege, has carried on business with great spirit and dispatch, and is an excellent officer. He got a slight scratch upon his right arm, but is quite recovered, though I have forbid his writing for fear of any inflammation. If he does write, Mrs. Bell must not take it amiss that it be an unusual scrawl. His next letter will be writ with a fine hand. I wish you all manner of happiness, and am, dear Madam,

It is impossible to go into any detail of our operations ; they would neither amuse nor instruct, and we are all hurried about our letters. In general, it may be said that we made a rash and ill-advised attempt to land, and by the greatest of good fortune imaginable we succeeded. If we had known the country, and had acted with more vigour, half the garrison at least (for they were all out) must have fallen into our hands immediately after we landed. Our next operations were exceedingly slow and injudicious, owing partly to the difficulty of landing our stores and artillery, and partly to the ignorance and inexperience of the engineers.

The Indians of the island gave us very little trouble. They attacked one of my posts (for I commanded a detached corps) and were repulsed, and since that time they have been ' very quiet. I take them to be the most contemptible canaille upon earth. Those to the southward are much braver and better men; these are a dastardly set of bloody rascals. We cut them to pieces whenever we found them, in return for a thousand acts of cruelty and barbarity. I do not penetrate our General's intentions. If he means to attack Quebec, he must not lose a moment. If we have good pilots to take us up the river St. Lawrence, and can laud at any tolerable distance from the place, I have no doubt of the event.

There is a report that Abercromby's army has attacked the enemy's detached posts, and forced them,—that my Lord Howe is killed. If this last circumstance be true, there is an end of the expedition, for he was the spirit of that army, and the very best officer in the King's service. I lament the loss as one of the greatest that could befall the nation; but perhaps it is not so, though I fear it much from the forward, determined nature of the man. Louisbourg is a little place and has but one casemate in it, hardly big enough to hold the women. Our artillery made havoc amongst them (the garrison), and soon opened the ramparts. In two days more we should have assaulted the place by land and by sea, and should certainly have carried it. If this force had been properly managed, there was an end of the French colony in North America in one campaign; for we have, exclusive of seamen and marines, near to 40,000 men in arms. I wish you a great deal of health and peace, and am, dear Sir,

We have been guilty of a blunder in transporting the French arms to the camp; they should have been deposited, under a guard, in the town, and kept there in readiness to embark.

We have given ourselves a deal of unnecessary trouble, and might have employed the waggons much more to the purpose. Put the General in mind of pilots; I dare say there are plenty in Louisbourg; their names should be known, in order to their being carried on board the men-of-war a day or two before we sail. Troops that have lost their arms, or have bad arms, may be supplied from those in the garrison. Please to hint to the General that the French flints are very good, and may be useful in his army. I write this by way of memorandum, knowing how many matters the General must have upon his hands in this hour of business. When does our express go off?

As I am pretty much resolved not to stay in America more than this campaign, I hope the General will not put me to the necessity of insisting upon the Field-Marshal's promise that I should return at the end of it. The corps of Light Infantry requires some regulation; they should have a captain to every 100 or 120, and exact equal numbers from every regiment, thirty per battalion. The volunteers should be again joined to that corps, with command of their respective regiments; by this method they will be formidable. Their powder-horns are good things.

Last Night Capt. Haselton arrived here from Halifax, which he left the Tenth Instant, and brought us the following Confirmation of the Reduction of Louisbourg.

Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman in Louisbourg to his
Friend in Halifax, dated July 26, 1758.

"I hope tomorrow the French will give up the Ground where Louisbourg stood. Most of the Town is burnt to the Ground, and three of their Ships of War are also destroyed. Last Nightabout 500 of our Seamen, in Boats, commanded by Captain Lefourney, went into the Harbour, and brought out one 64 Gun Ship, and set another, of 74 Guns, on Fire. Now all the French Men of War are intirely destroyed. Their Walls and Batteries are in such a bad Condition, that they cannot bring a Gun to bear on us. We have taken three large Spanish Ships, laden with Stores, going into Louisbourg, very valuable Prizes. This Moment a Flag of Truce is arrived from the French, I suppose to ask Terms, tho' it is thought they will not get any other than to be made Prisoners of War." ...

Between his Excellency Admiral BOSCAWEN, and his Excellency Major General AMHERST, on the one Part, and his Excellency Mons. le Chevalier DE DRUCCOUR, Governor of the Island Royal of Louisbourg, Island of St. John, and their Dependencies.

I. THE Garrison of Louisbourg shall be Prisoners of War, and shall be transported to England, in his Britannick MajestyShips.

II. The whole Artillery, Warlike Stores and provisions, as well as the Arms of all Kinds which are at present in the Town of Louisbourg, Island Royal, St. John and their Dependencies, shall be delivered, without the least Waste, to the Commissaries which shall be appointed to receive them, for the Use of His Britannick Majesty.

III. The Governor shall give Orders that the Troops which are on the Island of St. John, and its Dependencies, shall repair on board such Ships of War as the Admiral shall send to receive them.

IV. The Porte Dauphin shall be delivered to his Britannick Majesty Troops at Eight o Tomorrow Morning, and the Garrison, comprehending all those who have carried Arms, shall be drawn up at Noon upon the Esplanade, and lay down their Arms, Colours, Implements and Ornaments of War, and the Garrison shall be embarked to be sent to England in a convenient Time.

V. The same Care shall be taken of the sick and Wounded, which are in the Hospitals, as those of his Britannick Majesty.

VI. The Merchants and their Clerks, who have not borne Arms, shall be sent to France, in such Manner as the Admiral shall judge proper.

... Friday Afternoon the Privateer Brig Johnson, Captain Wright, of this Port returned from a Cruize: The 3d Instant he took the Snow St. Jacob, from Martineco for cape breton, loaded with Rum, Sugar and Melasses, and parted with her only two Days before he came in. ...

... Another Letter, dated the 27th of July, says, "Yesterday I wrote you some News, which is now confirmed. The garrison of Louisbourg is surrendered Prisoners of War. I am this Moment returned from Louisbourg, where I dined at the Expence of the French. We had 3 Dishes for Diner, and Plenty of Claret; there is not a single House in Town but a Shot or Shell has been in it. It is dismal Sight to see so many fine Women crying about the Garrison; some with one Child, some with three or four about them, and in their Arms, We have killed of the French in the Siege upwards of 1500, and our Loss in all is not above 300. We have upwards of 4500 Prisoners. This Morning our Troops took possession of the Garrison, commanded by Major Farquhar. He was the first Man that entered the Place, Capt. Wall next, at the Head of the Royal Grenediers."

On receiving the above glorious News, our Bells were set a Ringing, the Guns were fired. Bonfires were lighted, and the City was beautifully illuminated. ...

... Last Saturday Capt. Read arrived here in 12 Days from Louisbourg, by whom we have the following Letter, which contains some agreeable Particulars of the Surrender of that Fortress to the English on the 26th of July last.

I have now the Pleasure to write you, that Yesterday Morning I was agreeable entertained with the Grenadiers March, finely played upon 3 Fifes, and two Drums, relieving the Grenadiers Guard under British Colours, upon the Walls of Louisbourg, which is a fine Tune the French has not danced to for some Time; but now it is Time for them to pay the fifers: Our Batteries had been open about 4 Days, when a Colonel on the 26th Inst. came out with a Letter to the General, who was coldly received, and a Letter given him to return an Answer to in an Hour; at the Time, he came out to beg for half an Hour longer, which was refused, and a Quarter granted to return with a Surrender, or not to be admitted again. He came out, and two other Officers with him, with Power to capitulate, which was done that Evening on no better Terms than to surrender at Discretion, lay down their Arms, and remain at the General Mercy; and at 8 onext Morning the Gates were to be opened to the English. Accordingly, at that Hours, 3 Companies of Grenadiers marched in with British Colours, and planted them upon the Walls, and at Twelve General Wetmore marched in with about 500 Men, took Possession, and mounted Guard on the parade, where the French Troops were drawn up, and ordered to lay down their Arms and Pouches. But such was the English Clemency and Honour, that they permitted all the French Officers to wear their Swords, notwithstanding they had no Conditions. It was well they surrendered as they did, for we had 3 large Batteries of 32 and 24 Pounders just finished to open that Night, and the next Day should have storm, when your Friend Bob Pattershal was to have mounted the Ladder with the Folourn Hope. I could not get in the first Day, but the second surveythe Town; such a Heap of Ruin and Desolation I never beheld, nor can describe. The largest and best Buildings are reduced to Ashes, and the Rest all Shattered and torn with Shot and Shells. The Shipping all burnt and sunk; we have burnt 2 64 and 2 74 Gun ships, and took one of 64, the Night before the Surrender, by the Men of Wars Boats going into the Harbour. There is left afloat only the Province Snow Prince of Wales, one Merchant Ship, and 2 or 3 Sloops, The garrison acknowledge to have lost about 1500 Men. There are 4 Regiments of Regulars, besides the Train and Sailors, and about 1000 Men, Inhabitants; they reckon about 9000 Men, women and Children. All that bore Arms are to be sent Prisoners to England, and the Inhabitants, their Wives and Children, are to be sent to France; there are 30 Cats preparing to receive them. All the Troops and Inhabitants of the Isle Royal and St. Johnare included in the Surrender, and are to be called in, except Monsieur Beaubiere with his Indians, which are excluded, and not Quarters to be giving to them. The French endeavoured to include them, but was absolutely refused them.

P.S. We have not lost above 200 Men, killed and by Sickness; nor more than 250 Wounded, including those at Landing.

A List of the killed and wounded Men, in the Siege against Louisbourg, under the Command of General Amherst, taken from an Officer of Credit Books.

Killed. 2 Captains, 8 Lieutenants, 2 Ensigns, 3 Serjeants, 7 Corporals, 146 Privates.

Wounded. 4 Captains, 16 Lieutenants, 3 Ensigns, 4 Serjeants, 3 Corporals, 315 Privates, 2 Drummers.

A List of Ships of War belonging to the French King at the Arrival of Admiral Boscawen from Halifax, viz.

La Prudent, 74 Guns, L'Enterprenant, 74, La Celebre, 64, La Capricieuse, 64 Guns, these four burnt by the English. L'Apollon, 50 Guns, La Chevre, 24, La Fidelle, 26, La Pieche, 14; these sunk in the HarbourMouth, besides three of four Merchant Ships. La Bienfainfant, 64 Guns, and L'Echo, 34; taken. La Bizarre, 64 Guns, L'Arethusa, 36, and a Frigate unknown; escaped.

It is reported that the 64 Gun Ship that escaped, sailed the Morning before Admiral Boscawen arrived.

We hear other Letters from that Place mention, that they took 10,000 Stand of Arms, 4000 Barrels of flour, and 1700 Barrels of Meat.

Captain Read informs, that a Night or two before the Place surrendered, about 4 or 500 Indians were let out of the City, who made their escape in Canoes round the Island Battery: That they were busy rebuilding the Walls when he came away, and had leveled all the Breast work; that it was rumoured there, that the Fleet intended soon to sail for the River St. Lawrence: And that five Regiments were soon to be sent to New York ...

Monday last in the Afternoon, Captain Homer in a Snow arrived here from Halifax, in Eleven Days; but brings nothing relative to the Siege of Louisbourg: He says, that when he left Halifax several large Ships were loading Fascines there; but whether they were to carry them to Louisbourg, or up the River St. Lawrence, he could not tell.

By a Letter from Boston, dated last Monday, we have certain Intelligence. That the Garrison of Louisbourg consists of 3000 Regulars, 3000 Sailors, and 2000 Inhabitants; that Admiral Boscawen had erected a Battery to be conducted entirely by Seamen, in order to destroy the Men of War in the Harbour; and that they had all their small Sails bent, in order to be ready to push out the first Opportunity ...

By Captain Stephenson who arrived here last Tuesday from Gaberous Bay, we learn, that three large Batteries were just finished, and were to be opened the Day he sailed, into which, besides the Cannon and Mortars they had landed before, a Number of the lower Deck Guns of some of the Men of War, 24 and 32 Pounders, had been carried. And it was thought it would be impossible for that Place to hold out a Week after they should begin to play from those Batteries. That in the Salley from the City on the 10th Instant, there were but 15 of our men killed, and about 100 of the Enemy were killed and wounded, and two of their officers taken Prisoners; and 60 of their Muskets found after they retreated. That the 36 Gun Frigate, which had so much annoyed and disturbed our People in their Works, was silenced and drawn off, and thought to have been rendered useless, but the French getting her under shelter of a large Ship, had so far repaired her, that she had taken the Advantage of a dark Night, and slipped out of the Harbour; but was discovered from the Light House Point, and a Signal was made to Sir Charles Hardy Squadron, to give Notice thereof, which was answered by the Admiral, and immediately came to sail with 10 Ships in quest of her; and two Days after, when Capt. Stephenson came away, he saw the Ships returning; but whether they had taken the Frigate he could not tell. Several Block Houses were erected at Proper Distances upon the Island, to prevent any Surprize from the remote Part thereof.

Any Yesterday Captain Homer arrived here in eight Days from the Above place, and informs, That the Men of War had returned without the frigate, which got out of the Harbour as above mentioned, but that they had taken a large Dutch Ship laden with Provisions for Louisbourg. That a Shell had been thrown from General Wolfe Battery into one of the French 74 Gun Ships in the Harbour, which, it is supposed, catched some loose Powder, blew up her Quarter Deck, and set fire to the Masts and Sails, which burnt with great Violence, and communicated itself to two other of their Capital Ships, and all three were soon burnt down to the Water Edge. That they had made such a terrible Fire upon the City, from our Batteries, with their Cannon and Mortars, that from the West to the North Gate of the City, was almost reduced to Ashes, and that several Parts of the City were in Flames when he came away. Also that the Enemy had fired but 6 Guns from all their Works the Day before Capt. Homer left that Place, which was last Saturday se, and was judged impossible for the French to hold out much longer. Our Forces continued in high Spirits, and were in want of nothing.

A Plan of the Harbour and Town of Louisbourg in the ISLAND of CAPE BRETON Drawn on the Spot

Extract of a Letter from Louisbourg, dated from the Camp at the
Light house Point, on the East Side of that Place, August 4,
1758.

It gives me the greatest Pleasure, in having the Happiness to with you Joy, which I do with all my Heart for the late success of his MajestyForces in this Quarter. British Colours once more adorn the Walls of Louisbourg; the Garrison surrendered the 27th of last Month to General Amherst, all Prisoners of War, except the Inhabitants, who are to be transported to France. The Island of St. John is included in the CApitulation to be delivered up to the English. The Number of the Garrison consisted, at the Time of
its Surrender, as follows.

233 Officers.
2757 Soldiers.
1300 Sick Sailors.
1100 Well Ditto.
----
5390 Prisoners of War, to be sent to England.

We have taken 800 Pieces of Cannon, including those of the several Ships; 10,000 Stand of Small Arms, and 20 Colours; a Number of Mortars, large and small, and more Ammunition than we brought out for the Siege. We have killed between 1500 and 2000 of our Enemy, including the Inhabitants, Men, Women, and Children; burnt the Citadel, with the Church and Barracks therein, to the Ground. Their fine new Barrack, in the East Part of the Town, underwent the same Fate; in short we made the whole City a Heap of Ruins, having thrown down most of the Houses, and those that remain standing are all shattered to Pieces, not one of them but several Cannon have gone through. A few Days before the Garrison surrendered, we made the Town so warm by the continual firing of Cannon, and throwing Bombs, and killed so many of the Enemy, that they could not carry out their Dead, but buried Numbers of them in the Streets, which they will be obliged to take up and bury in a proper Place.

We have been blessed with the greatest Success imaginable, from the Time of our Disembarkation, until the Time we became Masters of Louisbourg, as you will see by the following Relation. The Enemy thinking the Preservation of the Place depended, in a great Measure, in preventing and obstructing the Landing of our Troops, had spared no Pains to fortify every Place along Gabarous Bay, and the Eastward of Louisbourg Harbour, where there was the least Appearance of our landing with Safety, with strong Breastworks, mounted with Cannon, and the Space between the Breastworks and the Water side, was filled with all Kinds of Rubbish, so as to render our Approaches, after we had landed, as difficult as possible. Possessed of these Advantages, the Enemy lay in Readiness to receive us, whenever we should attempt to land, which we did on the 8th of June last. Our Troops got into the Longboats and Barges belonging to the Ships of War, and Transports, about two o'Clock in the Morning, so as to be ready to attack the Enemy at Day break. Brigadier General Wolfe commanded the first Party that were to land, being upwards of 3000 Grenadiers, Highlanders, Light armed Infantry and Rangers; Brigadier General Lawrence commanded the second Party, of about the same Number, and was to back General Wolfe immediately on his getting on Shore; the third Division under the Command of Brigadier General Whitmore, who was to the Right of the other two, to make a Point, and draw off the
Enemy that Way; all Things being thus prepared, and the Morning very fair, just as the glorious Sun made its Appearance, the Enemy firing off their Cannon, and throwing Bombs at our Troops in the Boats, they had scarce made a Beginning, when the Signal was given on our Side, and immediately the Kennington, Gramont, Diana, Shannon, Sutherland, and Squirrel began a very heavy and smart Fire, to cover the Landing of our Troops. Nothing was now seen or heard but Flakes of Fire, Clouds of Smoke, and Rebellowing of Cannon on our Part; and of Bombs, Cannon and Small Arms on the Enemy; and in the Midst of all this Fire and Smoke, white winged Messengers of Death were whistling thro' the Air. Brigadier General Wolfe, with his Party, pushed forward, with all possible Speed, to Fresh Water Cove (now called Kennington Cove from the Ship that cannonaded the EnemyWorks there) under an exceeding heavy Fire both of Cannon and Musquetry, which the Enemy saluted them with in a furious Manner, as they drew near the Shore; notwithstanding which, our Troops approached with great Bravery and Resolution, and finding it impracticable to land up the Cove, the Grenadiers and Highlanders made to the left, while the Light armed Infantry and Rangers made to the Right. They ran their Boats against the craggy Rocks, and climbed up to the Top. The Light armed Infantry were the first on Shore, and Grenadiers the second. They had no sooner gained Footing, than they immediately fixed their Bayonets, forced the EnemyBreast works, who, on seeing our Men on both Sides of them, thought they were surrounded, and were struck with such a Panick, that they fled with the greatest Precipitation into the Woods, and made the best of their Way to the Garrison. This Cove was defended with 1300 Regulars, Canadians, and a few Indians. The Resolution of our Troops in advancing towards the Enemy, without firing a single Musquet, until they were on the Shore, must certainly have intimidated them much, and occasioned making so feeble a Resistance, when our Troops were once landed; scarce ever was an Enterprize undertaken, attended with greater Difficulty, in which the Event proved more successful. Our Men were not only subject to the Fire of the Enemy, but were in imminent Danger of being dashed to Pieces against the Rocks by the Greatness of the Surfs, which forced many of our Boats on them, and stove them, by which Means we had several of our Men drowned; besides, the Rocks were extremely rough, and had to climb, being almost perpendicular. The Enemy have said, none but Englishmen or Mad men, would have attempted what we did. We lost in landing 2 Officers killed, one drowned, and two wounded; also one Officer of the Navy, about 30 Men killed, and about 40 wounded and drowned, the greatest Part drowned. We killed 4 or 5 Officers, and several of their Men, and took three Grenadier Officers, and about 40 Prisoners; General Wolfe, with his Party, pursued the Enemy, who fled to the Garrison, having first set Fire to the Suburbs; what Part thereof they left unfinished, our Men compleated, so that the whole was soon intirely consumed. We landed all our Troops before Sunset, and lay on our Arms all Night, about 2 Miles from the Garrison, the Cove where we landed being about five Miles from it. I cannot take upon me to relate to you the Particulars of the whole Siege at present, let it suffice that the same Success which attended our Landing, accompanied us till the Time of the Surrendering the Garrison; and had they not surrendered it up the Day they did, we would have bombarded them briskly all Night, the Fleet would have entered next Morning, and they would have been stormed. They wanted to deliver up the Garrison, upon Condition that they should be transported to France, but General Amherst would grant them no other Terms, than all Prisoners of War, except the Inhabitants, who will be sent to France. Our Fleet and Transports are all now in the Harbour; several of the latter are taking in Water, and getting ready to receive the French on board, who will be sent off as soon as possible. It is not, nor will not be known, till the French are gone, what Troops are to Garrison this Place; but I hope our Battalion will not.

Thus I have given an Account of the Reduction of Louisbourg, which we took in seven Weeks from the Day we first invested it, with very little or not Loss on our Side, having had only 12 Officers killed, and about 25 wounded; One Hundred and Forty six Rank and File Killed, and Three Hundred and Twenty four wounded, including those we lost in the Landing. Monsieur Drucourt was Governor and Commander of the Garrison; it is said that during the Siege his Lady fired three of their
Cannon.

The Town is defended with a very good covered Way, a Ditch 8 or 9 Feet deep, and a Wall of 32 Feet high; besides, they had made Reintrenchments, and Traverses within the Town. Brigadier General Whitmore is to be Governor of the Garrison. Brigadier General Wolfe has acquired no small Reputation by his Conduct and Bravery on this Expedition, and merits no small Share in the Reduction of Louisbourg. --- Thus the kind Hand of Providence has been pleased to assist us in our Undertaking, to Crown our Endeavours with Success, and make all Enterprizes terminate to our Wishes, in this Quarter; and I heartily with the same good Fortune had attended General Abercrombie; I am sorry to hear it has proved the reverse."

Since our last we have had no Advices from Louisbourg, the last Accounts from that Place is 17 Days old, which was brought by Capt. Homer; but we momently expect to have an Account of its Surrender .

We are gathering strawberries and other wild fruits of the country, with a seeming indifference about what is doing in other parts of the world. Our army, however, on the continent wants our help, as they have been repulsed with loss. My Lord Howe, the noblest Englishman that has appeared in my time, and the best soldier in the army, fell by the hands of a couple of miscreants that did not dare to stay long enough to see him fall. Poor Mrs. Page will die of grief; and I reckon my good friend Sir Gregory will be greatly concerned. Heavens, what a loss to the country ! the bravest, worthiest, and most intelligent man among us! I thought his brother would have been starved. For several days he refused to eat, and could not bear to have anybody near him, even of his most intimate friends. This excess of grief is at length worn off, and I hope he will do well again.

I am in a kind of doubt whether I go to the continent continent, I shall help to make war very cheerfully, though my carcase is not of the toughest. or not. Abercromby is a heavy man, and Brigadier P ------ the most detestable dog upon earth, by everybody's account. These two officers hate one another. Now, to serve in an army so circumstanced is not a very pleasing business. If my Lord Howe had lived, I should have been very happy to have received his orders; or if I thought that I could be useful or serviceable, the ugly face of affairs there wouldn't discourage me from attempting it. If the King had not been pleased to give me a regiment, I should have ruined myself and you; for we are at a vast expense, and you know I never plunder,— except some dried cod which Captain Rodney J is so good to take for you and your friends. I much doubt if it will be worth your acceptance; the Madeira, if it gets home, will be a better present. Amongst other good things that are derived from my new honours, that of paying back to Fisher the kindness he has done me is not the least; of course he is my agent. I send the letter of attorney by this conveyance. The account you give of my mother's improved state of health, and the good condition of your own, is the most pleasing part of your letter. If you will send the like intelligence to the continent, I shall help to make war very cheerfully, though my carcase is not of the toughest.

All accounts agree that General Abercromby's army is cut deep, and all the last advices from those parts trace the bloody steps of those scoundrels the Indians. As an Englishman, I cannot see these things without the utmost horror and concern. We all know how little the Americans are to be trusted; by this time, perhaps, our troops are left to defend themselves, after losing the best of our officers. If the Admiral will not carry us to Quebec, reinforcements should certainly be sent to the continent without losing a moment's time. The companies of Rangers, and the Light Infantry, would be extremely useful at this juncture; whereas here they are perfectly idle, and, like the rest, of no manner of service to the public. If Lawrence has any objection to going I am ready to embark with four or five battalions, and will hasten to the assistance of our countrymen. I wish we were allowed to address the Admiral, or I wish you yourself, Sir, would do it in form. This d—d French garrison take up our time and attention, which might be better bestowed upon the interesting affairs of the continent. The transports are ready, and a small convoy would carry a brigade to Boston or New York. With the rest of the troops we might make an offensive and a destructive war in the Bay of Fundy and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. I beg pardon for this freedom, but I cannot look coolly upon the bloody inroads of those hell-hounds the Canadians; and if nothing further is to be done, I must desire leave to quit the army.

Sir,—I hope my thus troubling you with frequent letters will be overlooked, as I am very desirous to acquaint you with every material circumstance relative to our affairs in America that is worthy your notice.

In my last of the 27th of July, I had the satisfaction to acquaint you of our troops taking possession of Louisbourg that day, and the Garrison were obliged to surrender prisoners of war, and towards the close of it I added a list of the loss the French have sustained in their marine, since our investing this place, and that we had an imperfect account of the success attending General Abercrombie at Lake George, which was true, though since the enemy have obliged him to retreat, which was occasioned in the following manner, viz., after our troops-had landed within four miles of Ticonderago (the French fort) they met with no opposition but what they surmounted without any great loss (except that of my Lord Howe)1, and some of our scouting parties intercepted an express from M. Montcalm" to the General, whom he had detached with 3000 men to the German flatts, ordering him to return back to reinforce him (Montcalm) at Ticonderago; and our reconnoitring parties told Mr. Abercrombie that the French were very busy in completing their entrenchments about the Fort, and appeared confused; upon this, and the intercepted letter, the General thought it advisable to attack the enemy without loss of time, which he did, and found them too well prepared to receive him, and that their trenches were completed, and after returning to the attack twice or thrice, he found it impracticable to force their trenches, and was obliged to retreat with the following loss, viz., of regular troops, 464, officers and private men, killed: 29 missing, and 1117 wounded, making a total of killed, missing, and wounded—1610.

Provincials or Americans : 87 killed, 8 missing, and 240 wounded—total, 333.

This, Sir, is the consequence of that action; had I the liberty to make any remarks, I might say that had our troops the day after our landing in this island, agreed on forcing the enemy under fire of their cannon, I doubt not we should have met with the same fate, but it has been otherwise with us, and I am full of opinion that had our troops towards Lake George secured themselves on their first success, and made their regular approaches, they must have succeeded, for if upon the batteries being opened they would not capitulate, then would have been the time to storm after the breaches were made, and we had better known their strength and situation, and not when we were ignorant of both; for if our Army then had entrenched themselves, the French would find it very difficult to drive back above 10,000 men, unless they had a much superior force, which I am sure they could not have.

This freedom, I hope, Sir, you will pardon, for I would not be understood to mention a word derogatory from the character of the General or Officers employed in that affair, and the foregoing is the result of what I have collected of the matter, and we are not without hopes they will make another attempt which will prove more successful.

The prisoners here are embarking for England, and will sail the beginning of the week under Convoy of His Majesty's ships Terrible, Northumberland, Burford, Dublin, Kingston, &c., which I hope will arrive safe.

Our troops are gone to take possession of the island of St. John's, where I hope they may meet with no opposition. I have, &c., &c. Nathl. Cotton.

It is not a thousand years since I wrote to you, is it?--nay, if it is, blame the King of Prussia, who has been firing away his time at Olmutz; blame Admiral Howe, who never said a word of having taken Cherbourg till yesterday.--Taken Cherbourg!-- yes, he has--he landed within six miles of it on the 6th, saw some force, who only stayed to run away; attacked a fort, a magazine blew up, the Guards marched against a body of French, who again made fools of them, pretending to stand, and then ran away--and then, and then, why, then we took Cherbourg. We pretended to destroy the works. and a basin that has just cost two millions. We have not lost twenty men. The City of London, I suppose, is drinking brave Admiral Howe's and brave Cherbourg's health; but I miss all these festivities by going into Warwickshire tomorrow to Lord Hertford. In short, Cherbourg comes very opportunely: we had begun to grow peevish at Louisbourg not being arrived, and there are some people at least as peevish that Prince de Soubize has again walked into Hanover after having demolished the Hessians. Prince Ferdinand, who a fortnight ago was as great a hero as if he had been born in Thames Street, is kept in check by Monsieur de Contades, and there are some little apprehensions that our Blues, etc., will not be able to join him. Cherbourg will set all to rights; the King of Prussia may fumble as much as he pleases, and though the French should not be frightened out of their senses at the loss of this town, we shall be fully persuaded they are, and not a gallon less of punch will be drunk from Westminster to Wapping ...

---"The Privateer Brig Columbine, in Company with the Privateer Brig York (both of New York) have brought into this Port a large Spanish Ship, which as on board, as per Invoice, about 1800 Barrels of Flour; with Wine, Brandy, and Soldiers Clothing, the Quantity uncertain, as the Captains inform. On their Arrival I applied to the Admiral, in order to have her condemned: He told me he had just sent his Papers and
Evidences relating to five Sail of the Same Sort, taken by the Men of War, to Halifax, to have them condemned there; and that they would all be condemned immediately. --- The Privateers sail in the Morning for Halifax, with Papers and Evidences. The Admiral Thinks the Ship will be condemned with the Cargo.
I am, &c.

We hear that the Columbine and York are to provide themselves with Pilots at Halifax, and afterwards continue their Cruize in the River St. Lawrence, as several more of the same Sort were expected to arrive there.

It is reported, the above mentioned Spanish Ship mounts 22 Guns, but made no Resistance when the Privateers came up to her. ....

This Morning Capt. Egbus, in a Sloop from Albany, arrived here. He left that Place Saturday Morning last, and a few Miles below it, in the Afternoon, about 4 o'Clock, he says he was overtaken by a Whale Boat from Albany, the People on board of which told him, That an Express arrived there just before they set off, which was about 2 o'Clock with an Account that cape breton was taken; but that they could not tell him on
what particular Day it surrendered. ...

The Carpenters of this Place are sent for by the Admiral to repair the Ruins of Buildings occasioned by our Siege, and Families are daily embarking to settle there, so that we may expect that Louisbourg will be esteemed a Place of Consequence to our other American Colonies. --- A Discovery was made of a PLOT last Night, betwixt some of the Inhabitants of this Place and our Neighbouring French and Indians, and was this Night to be been executed, as cannot but displease the Ear of every true Briton; and as it more particularly concerns us who reside in this Place, we are the more obliged to return Thanks to Almighty God, for his great Goodness in delivering us out of the Hands of our Cruel and inveterate Enemies. I shall write you just as it was: A Captain Waiting Man who frequented a House in Dutch Town (so called) on Account of a young Woman who lived there, followed her down the Cellar, and there discovered and took Notice of a Parcel of Fire Arms, loaded and primed, which he made known to his Captain; thereupon Search being made, they were found and carried before the Governor, and Enquiry being made, it appears there was a Plot laid betwixt the Dutch, or some other disaffected Persons, with the French and Indians, suddenly to fall in upon this Place, and destroy it, with every person in it that could not make their escape; and this Night was appointed for the
cruel Attempt. They took this Opportunity, as our Men of War were all at Louisbourg. We are this Night all to be under Arms, tho', as their Designs are frustrated, we are in Hopes they will return back to the Woods, and we may not be disturbed by them. --- Not more than a Mile from this Place four French and four Indians were seen Yesterday, and not doubted there were a large Number not far off. We have now in Sight several Men of War from Louisbourg, so that we hope they will furnish us with such Assistance as will put it out of the
Power of our Neighbours to disturb our Quiet. We are to have fourteen Sail of the Line to winter here, which are thought sufficient to guard us."

... By Captain Forster, who arrived at Marblehead last Saturday in the Afternoon, in just six Weeks from Lisbon, we have the following Extract of a Letter, dated at Lisbon August 16, 1758, viz. "We are here anxiously longing after an Account of the Result of the Expeditions now in Agitation, on your Side; and full of the pleasing Hopes, at Louisbourg is this in your Possession ...

Last night a Gentleman came to Town from Albany, which he left on Saturday, about Two o'Clock in the Afternoon, and says, that then a Person was come in there from Boston, who said he was going Express to General Abercrombie with the News of the Reduction of Louisbourg. he did not tell the Day the Place was taken, but that a Vessel of War brought the Account to Boston, and that he had been but two Days from thence to Albany. The Gentleman informs us that the news was generally believed; and tho' this is not published as a Certainty, yet, as we would gladly have it to prove true, we are not without Hopes of its being confirmed.

"I have now the Satisfaction with Certainty, to advise you of the Surrender of Louisbourg on the 26th ult. We lost but 300 Men during the Seige, and killed 1500 of the Enemy.--- The Garrison of 4500, with the Sailors, are Prisoners of War. --- The Inhabitants are to be sent to France. --- This Advice I have just now received by Express from Boston, which perhaps you may have by Express to the governments before this reaches you, as the Express informs me that a Packet for the Governments left Louisbourg with the Vessel that arrived at Boston Yesterday, about Ten o'Clock in the Morning." ...

Dear Sir,—I had the honour of your letter on Monday, and have now the pleasure to acquaint you that your wishes are accomplished by the success of our arms in America. This morning, Captain Edgecomb, and Captain Amherst, brother of the General, arrived with the joyful news of the taking of Louisbourg on the 2yth of last month, after forty-nine days of siege ; the garrison are prisoners of war, and consists of 5637, of which 2667 are sailors; their wounded and sick are 500. We have taken in the place 220 pieces of cannon, and 18 mortars ; and in the port we have taken one ship of 74 guns, and 4 frigates; and two ships of 74 guns, and two of 64- are burnt, one of 74 is blown up, and one of 50, and two frigates are sunk by the enemy.

The fire of the enemy during the whole siege was prodigious, but not being well appointed did not very great execution; we lost 20 men at the landing and 500 at the siege, of which 13 are officers, but none above the rank of captain.

I congratulate both you and Mrs. Grenville on this very good news. I have no doubt but that it will convince our enemies of our superiority in America, and hope it will bring about an advantageous and honourable peace. I shall send this letter to the Post Master at Thame, and order him to send it over by a messenger to you; you will by that means have the news a day sooner, and therefore I hope you will approve of what I do. I have, &c., &c. Chas. Jenkinson.

Cape Breton is taken and about twelve sail of French men a war destroy'd w^th but little loss on our side.

[Source: C. A. J. Skeel ,"The Letter-book of a Quaker Merchant, 1756-8," The English Historical Review, Vol. 31, No. 121 (Jan., 1916), p. 140.]

"By last Night Post I received the following Advice from Boston, dated the 14th Instant. --- A Gentleman is just come to Town from Cape Ann, and informs that a Fisherman arrived there last Night, who said, that he spoke with a French Prize, bound into Halifax, and received the agreeable news that Louisbourg surrendered to the English on the 26th of July, and that the English Ships were all in the Harbour before they came away. We believe it to be true, as by the latest Accounts we have Reason to expect it." ...

After some silence, one might take the opportunity of Cherbourg and Louisbourg to revive a little correspondence with popular topics; but I think you are no violent politician, and I am full as little so; ...

Sir Charles Hardy and I are preparing to rob the fishermen of their nets, and to burn their huts. When that great exploit is at an end (which we reckon will be a month's or five weeks' work, I return to Louisbourg, and from thence to England, if no orders arrive in the meanwhile that oblige me to stay. The fleet do not go up the river St. Lawrence, nor southward to the West Indies, so that of necessity they must get away from hence before the bad weather sets in, leaving, I suppose, a few ships in the harbour of Halifax, where they may winter very commodiously. The army is about to disperse. General Amherst carries six battalions to the continent; Monckton takes two up the Bay of Fundy; and I have the honour to command three in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, to distress the enemy's fishery, and to alarm them. We arc very earnest to hear what has been doing in Europe, or whether anything has been done at all.

... Upon undoubted Intelligence received that the Garrison of Louisbourg had again surrendered to His Majesty, His Excellency Company of Cadets, and the new raised Independent Company, appeared last Friday in Arms. --- The cannon were repeatedly discharged at Castle William, the several Batteries in this Town, that at Charlestown, and the Shipping in the harbour. --- The Bells rang all Day; and in the Evening there was as beautiful and general an illumination as perhaps has ever been before seen; and in every Street there was a brilliant Appearance of Ladies and Gentlemen of Rank and Fortune ...

Dear Sir, - I write by all the ship that go. Sir Charles Hardy and I are preparing to rob the fishermen of their nets and to burn their huts. When the great exploit is at an end (which we reckon will be a month's or five weeks' work) I return to Louisbourg, and from thence to England, if no orders arrive in the meantime that oblige me to stay. The fleet do not go up the River St. Lawrence, nor southward to the West Indies, so that of necessity they must get away from hence before the bad weather sets in, leaving I suppose, a few ships in the Harbour of Halifax, where they may winter very commodiously. The army is about to disperse. General Amherst carries six battalions to the continent; Mankton takes two up the Bay of Fundy; and I have the honour to command three in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, to distress the enemy's fishery, and to alarm them. We are very earnest to hear what has been doing in Europe, or whether anything has been done at all by us.

By my ramble into Warwickshire I am so behindhand in politics, that I don't know where to begin to tell you any news, and which by this time would not be news to you. My table is covered with gazettes, victories and defeats which have come in such a lump, that I am not quite sure whether it is Prince Ferdinand or Prince Boscawen that has taken Louisbourg, nor whether it is the late Lord Howe or the present that is killed at Cherbourg. I am returning to Strawberry, and shall make Mr. M`untz's German and military sang-froid set the map in my head to rights ...

... By Captain Winslow, who arrived here Yesterday in ten Days from Louisbourg, we learn, That on the 22nd of August last, Signal was made for the following Ships to weigh Anchor, in order to proceed to the Bay of Gaspay, in the River St. Lawrence, viz. Royal William, 84 Guns, Sir Charles Hardy, Bedford 64, Lancaster 64, Devonshire 60, Pembroke 60, Vanguard 64, 2 Frigates, the Aetna Fireship, and 7 Transports, with three Regiments on board, under the Command of General Wolfe, there to make a Diversion on Land, and to distress the Enemy Trade: That great Numbers of our People were employed in pulling down the West Gate, which is to be rebuilt, and made stronger: --- That the Ships employed in weighing those sunk by the Enemy, had given over their Undertaking, not being able to accomplish it: --- ...

You must go into laurels, you must go into mourning. our expedition has taken Cherbourg shamefully--I mean the French lost it shamefully--and then stood looking on while we destroyed all their works, particularly a basin that had cost vast sums. But, to balance their awkwardness with ours, it proved to be an open place, which we might have taken when we were before it a month ago. The fleet is now off Portland, expecting orders for landing or proceeding. Prince Edward gave the ladies a ball, and told them he was too young to know what was good-breeding in France, he would therefore behave as he should if meaning to please in England--and kissed them all. Our next and greatest triumph is the taking of Cape Breton, the account of which came on Friday. The French have not improved like their wines by crossing the sea; but lost their spirit at Louisbourg as much as on their own coast. The success, especially, in the destruction of their fleet, is very great: the triumphs not at all disproportioned to the conquest, of which you will see all the particulars in the Gazette. Now for the chapter of cypresses. The attempt on Crown-point has failed; Lord How was killed in a skirmish; and two days afterwards by blunders, rashness, and bad intelligence, we received a great blow at Ticonderoga. There is a Gazette, too, with all the history of this. My hope is that Cape Breton may buy us Minorca and a peace, I have great satisfaction in Captain Hervey's gallantry; not only he is my friend, but I have the greatest regard for and obligations to my Lady Hervey; he is her favourite son and she is particularly happy. ...

Our Readers have here a compleat LIST of the ROYAL NAVY of Great Britain, as it stood the first of January, 1758; by which they may readily see the Force of any Ships when they are mentioned in the publick Prints ...

... N.B. Those Men of War Names that are in Italick Characters, are such as were taken from the French the last or present War, and added to our Navy. There were others also taken, but they were either sold to the Merchants or condemned. And since the first of January 1758, there have been taken from the French, The Foudroyant of 80 Guns, and Orpheus of 64, both by Admiral Osbourne; The Duke d'Aquitain of 50, but now made a 64 Guns Ship; taken by the Eagle and Medway: the Galatea, of 24 Guns, taken by the Essex. The Raisonable, of 64 Guns, taken by the Dorsetshire; the Echo, of 32 Guns, taken off Louisbourg, by the Juno; all which, it is likely, will be added to our Navy.

The English have had but two Men of War taken during the present Troubles, viz. The Warwick of 60, and the Greenwich of 50 Guns; who are since replaced by other new Ships, as in the List; --- but they have had the Mars of 64 Guns, lost going into Halifax; the Tilbury of 60 Guns, lost off Cape Breton; as also the Ferret Sloop of 14: And the Invincible, of 74 Guns, lost coming out of Portsmouth: The prince George, of 80 Guns, burnt: and the Kent, of 70 Guns, late Admiral Watson, is condemned in the East Indies.

THE Effects of the Loss of cape breton will be severely felt by the French; its Conquest is big with the greatest
Advantages to the British Crown. ...

The Conquest of cape breton has not only defeated the grand Designs of our Enemies against our Trade and
Plantations, but crushed them so effectually, that they never more will be able to make Head in those Parts against our Interest. This will secure and extend our Fish Trade, and improve our Navigation to all the Southern Provinces of Europe, whose Markets were hitherto served with Bacalao by the French Bankers. This will deter and prevent them from attempting their intended Encroachments upon our North west Trade, and by confining the Fur Trade to Britisli Bottoms, it will restore to this Island the valuable Manufacture of Hats,
which has been, since the Treaty of Utrecht, so industriously improved by the French, under the Protection of their Power upon cape breton that they are already able to undersell us in all Foreign Markets. This will put an End to the Disputes about the Limitations of the Province of Nova Scotia, and deliver the other Colonies as far as Cape Florida from the continual Apprehensions of Insults and Hostilities from that Dunkirk of North America. And here the largest Ships in the British Navy may ride with Safety, if required in those Seas,
and our Merchants will always find a secure Harbour in Time of Distress.

These are some of the infinite Advantages acquired by the Surrender of cape breton; and sufficient to display the Superiority of this Victory, ...

Yesterday Morning an Express came to Town to his Honour our Governor, bringing an Account of the Surrender of Cape Breton to his Britannick Majesty on the 26th of July last; and brought with him the Articles of Capitulation, which are as follow, viz. ...

After the Reading of which in the Council Chamber at Fort George, his Honour, accompanied by the Gentlemen of his Majesty Council, the Mayor and Corporation, &c. went in Procession from the Fort to Trinity Church, where a Thanksgiving Sermon was delivered by the Rector, the Rev. Henry Barclay, from the following Words, Blessed be the Lord my Strength, who teacheth my Hands to War, and my Fingers to fight: My Hope and my Fortress, my Castle and Deliverer, my Defender, in whom I trust; who subdueth my People that is under me. Psalm cxliv. 1,2.

And we hear, that all the other Gentlemen Clergy in the City delivered Discourses suitable to the happy Occasion, to their several and respective Congregations.

This Day the Cannon on Fort George will be fired; and at Night Illuminations, Bonfires, &c. are to be exhibited on this most important and interesting Event to all our most gracious Sovereign Dominions in America ...

... We hear that his Excellency, the Honourable Admiral Boscawen has, in a generous and polite Manner, by a Letter to this Government, made a Tender to us of the Province Snow Prince of Wales, upon our sending People to man her, and bring her up: This Snow was taken from us by the French last Year, and has since been employed as a Cruiser from Louisbourg, and was in that Harbour when the Place surrendered.

Augustin Hayden of Windsor in ye County of Hartford His Jirnal from Windsor to Ticonderoga and Back Again (1758)

... [Fort Ticonderoga] Aug ye 28th Day the Grate Guns and Small arms were fired three times Round for the Good News that are Heard from Capebriton we heard that it was taken from the french ...

AUGUST 29 - Sailed from Louisbourg Harb. for Gaspee in the Royal William, Sir Charles Hardy, Bedford ; Capt. Fouke, Vanguard ; Cpt. Swanton, Devonshire ; Capt. Gordon, Lancaster ; Cap. Man, Pembroke ; Capn. Simcoe, Juno & Kennington frigates & fireship, six sail of Transports having Amherst's, Anstruther's & Bragg's Regiments on board & an ordnance sloop with some six Pounders & 2 Howitzers, & anchored at the Grand Grave in Gaspee Bay the 4th of September ...

[The loyal address of Norwich to George II
on the occasion of the surrender of Louisbourg.]

The Humble Address of the Mayor, Sheriffs Citizens & Commonalty of the City of Norwich in Common Council assembled,

We your Majesty’s most dutiful and Loyal Subjects, the Mayor, Sheriffs, Citizens, and Commonalty, of the City of Norwich in Common Council assembled, with Hearts full of Joy on the Glorious success of your Majesty’s Arms, most Humbly beg leave to offer our early Congratulations to your Majesty on so important an occasion.

The conquest of Louisbourg, the surrender of the Islands of Cape Breton and St John, the Destruction of the French Men of War there the taking of Senegal and the Terror spread along the Coast of France by destroying its Fortifications and seizing the Enemy’s ships in their own Harbours, must be convincing proofs to all the world, of the strength & power of Great Britain.

May these Acquisitions, tending so much to the Glory of your Majesty, the protection of your Colonies the Increase of our Naval strength & Commerce, and the curbing the boundless Ambition of France Ever remain a part of your Majesty’s Dominions.

We most humbly beg leave to assure your Majesty, that we will to the utmost of our power, most chearfully contribute towards the support of this just and necessary war, in which your Majesty engaged for the Recovery of the undoubted Rights and possessions of our fellow subjects in America which had been most treacherously invaded, in Violation of the most solemn Treaties.

The Conduct and Courage of your Majesty’s Commanders and the Bravery of your fleets and armies in executing the plans formed by the wisdom of your Majesty’s Councils give a reasonable foundation to expect that your Enemies, sensible of the Effect of your vigorous Measures, will be induced to submit to an honourable and lasting peace.

God grant your most sacred Majesty long to Reign over a people full of gratitude for the blessings they enjoy under your most auspicious Government, and that the Crown of the Realms may for ever flourish with equal splendour on your August Family;

Given under our Common Seal this 30th: day of August One thousand seven Hundred & fifty eight.

[Source: Norwich City Records Archives, NRO, NCR 16C/9A, Clerk of the Norwich Assembly, Norwich Assembly Book, 1757-1766, 30 August 1758]

Yesterday his Honour the GOVERNOR received a Packet from Louisbourg, containing the Advice of the Surrender of that Place to His BRITANNIC Majesty. And we hear some curious Fireworks are to be played off this Evening, on this happy Occasion, from the River, opposite Market street, provided the
Weather is fair and still. ...

The King having been pleased to order the colours taken at Louisbourg, which were lately brought to the palace at Kensington, to be deposited in the cathedral church of St. Paul; proper detachments of horse and foot grenadiers were ordered to parade at Kensington at ten o’ clock and marched before his majesty in the following order:

A serjeant, and twelve horse grenadiers.
A field officer, and officers in proportion
A detachment of fourscore of the horse grenadier guards
Then eighty of the life guards, with officers in proportion, with their standard, kettle drums and trumpets.
Then a serjeant and twelve grenadiers of the foot guards.
Then eleven serjeants of the foot guards carrying the eleven French colours, advanced.
Then the four companies of Grenadiers of the foot guards closed the march.

In this manner, they proceeded from Kensington, through Hyde Park, the Green Park, into St. James’s Park, and through the stable yard St. James’s into Pall Mall, and so on to the west gate of St. Paul’s where the colours were received by the dean and chapter attended by the choir; about which time the guns at the Tower and in St. James’s Park were fired.

These colours are put up near the west door of the cathedral, as a lasting memorial of the success of his majesty’s arms, in the reduction of the important fortress of Louisbourg, the islands of Cape Breton and St. John. " -London Gazette

As many People are unacquainted with the Family of the late brave Lord Viscount Howe, the following Advertisement may inform them, that he left two Brothers, the Commodore, now Lord Howe, and Lieutenant Colonel Howe, at present with his Regiment at Cape Breton. So extraordinary an Address, from the Mother of these truly noble Brothers, must strike every one with mingled Grief and Pleasure, and no doubt will have a due Effect upon the Persons to whom it is addressed. To the Gentlemen, Clergy, Freeholders, and Burgesses of the Town and County of the Town of Nottingham. AS lord Howe is now absent upon the publick service, and lieutenant colonel Howe is with his regiment at Louisbourg, it rests upon me to beg the favour of your votes and interests that lieutenant colonel Howe may supply the place of his late brother as your representative in parliament.

Permit me, therefore, to implore the protection of every one of you, as the mother of him, whose life has been lost in the service of his country.

"We have not yet learnt what impression the loss of cape breton hath made on the Ministry of Versailles; whether it will excite them to act with more firmness by land, or whether it will inspire them with contrary sentiments. It should seem however, that they were not depressed by the first shock; and that a resolution hath been taken to redouble their efforts ...

... We are going to have the cannon that were taken at Cherbourg, and the colours taken at Louisbourg, fixed as a trophy for some time in Hyde Park. I am, &c., &c. Chas. Jenkinson.

Louisbourg is an important conquest. It will strengthen Mr. Pitt, and enable him to struggle more successfully against corruption.

Warburton to Hurd, September 3, 1758, Letter CXX, quoted in John Mitford, The Correspondence of Thomas Gray and William Mason, to which are added some letters addressed by Gray to the Rev. James Brown, D.D. (Westminister, John Bowyer Nicholas and sons, 1853), p. 157

"The taking of cape breton, which was attended with very different circumstances from those in 1745, is a very
severe, not to say a mortal blow to France. Had this event happened when the armies were going to take the field, it would probably have hastened a peace: but in the present state of things, France will wait to see whether or no the successes in Europe will balance the losses in America....

Whitehall. The king having been pleased to order the colours taken at Louisbourg, which were lately brought to the palace at Kensington, to be deposited in the cathedral church of St. Paul; proper detachments of horse and foot grenadiers were ordered to parade at Kensington at ten o'clock, and marched before his Majesty in the following order

Then eighty of the life guards, with officers in proportion, with their standard, kettle drums and trumpets.

Then eleven serjeants of the foot guards carrying the eleven French colours, advanced.

In this manner they proceeded from Kensington, through Hyde Park, the Green Park, into St. James's Park, and through the Stable yard St. James's, into Pall Mall, and so on to the west gate of St. Paul's, where the colours were received by the dean and chapter, attended by the choir ; about which time the guns at the Tower and in St. James's Park were fired.

These colours are put up near the west door of the cathedral, as a lasting memorial of the success of his majesty's arms, in the reduction of the important fortress of Louisbourg, the islands of Cape Breton and St. .John."- London Gazette.

... The curious Fire works, proposed to be played off on Thursday Evening last, as a Rejoicing for the Reduction of the Island of cape breton, and its Dependencies, to the Obedience of his BRITANNICK Majesty, were obliged to be deferred, on Account of the Weather, till Monday Evening, when they were exhibited in the following Manner from a floating Castle, erected on Stages on the River Delaware, having a Tower on the Right, with three Tier of Guns, and the Inscriptions BOSCAWEN and AMHERST thereon; also a Tower on the left, with the Inscriptions HARDY and WOLFE: in the Center a Citadel, with GEORGE REX, a perpendicular Wheel, the Sun, and a Triangle Wheel, on the upper Tower, and a St. George Flag on the Top of the Spire, represented in Fire work. On the upper Part of the Curtain, CHARLES FREDERICK, King of Prussia, over two Tier of Guns, ten in each; underneath which, on the Left, General Lawrence; on the Gate was PIT and WHITMORE, inclosed by a fluted Column on each Side, with a full Entablature over it.

3. GEORGE REX, with a flaming Flag on the Citadel, saluted with 21 Guns, and three Cheers, the Bells ringing GOD Save the King.

4. A Rocket from the Castle was fired, and the Engagement began from the Shore, under French Colours.

5. The Fire from the Castle was returned by a Number of Cannon, Shells, &c. and on the Attempt made from the Castle to storm the City, the Besieged sprung a Mine, but after some Time surrendered; the French Colours were struck, and the English hoisted.

6. The Rejoicing on the Surrender began from the Castle, by firing a Swarm of Rockets from Tower AMHERST.

8. The Horizontal Wheel in WHITMORE'S GATE, and the perpendicular Wheel, in the Citadel.

13. A flaming Indian, armed, coming out of WHITMORE Gate, with a Motto from his Mouth, BRITONS STRIKE HOME, the Bells Chiming, and the Band of Musick playing BRITONS STRIKE HOME.

15. A Number of Sky and Water Rockets, &c. were played off, with a general Discharge of the Cannon, and 3 Cheers, which concluded the Whole; every Thing being conducted with the utmost Decorum, without any Accident happening, notwithstanding the vast Number of People present.

For HALIFAX and cape breton directly, The Schooner SEAMAN'S ADVENTURE, THOMAS SLIGHTHOM Commander, And will sail in two Weeks at farthest. For Freight or Passage, apply to said Commander on board, now lying at Mr. Clifford Wharff, or to Henry Glass, at Mr. John Butler.

... Yesterday the colours that were taken at Louisbourg were carried in procession to St. Paul's : the mob was immense on the occasion, and it has contributed very much to heighten popularity ....

It is always time to write (whether Louisbourg* be taken or not), and I am always alike to hear from you ...

John Mitford, The Correspondence of Thomas Gray and William Mason, to which are added some letters addressed by Gray to the Rev. James Brown, D.D. (Westminister, John Bowyer Nicholas and sons, 1853), p. 157

Well! the King of Prussia is found again--where do you think? only in Poland, up to the chin in Russians! Was ever such a man! He was riding home from Olmutz; they ran and told him of an army of Muscovites, as you would of a covey of partridges; he galloped thither, and shot them. But what news I am telling you! I forgot that all ours comes by water-carriage, and that you must know every thing a fortnight before us. It is incredible how popular he is here; except a few, who take him for the same person as Mr. Pitt, the lowest of the people are perfectly acquainted with him: as I was walking by the river the other night, a bargeman asked me for something to drink the King of Prussia's health. Yet Mr. Pitt specifies his own glory as much as he can: the standards taken at Louisbourg have been carried to St. Paul's with much parade; ...

... Thursday last arrived here Capt. Morton, and on Friday Capt. Ingraham, two Transports, with Troops from Louisbourg, having parted with the Convoy of about 40 Sail, two Days after they left that Place; the Remainder are hourly expected. By Capt. Ingraham we have an Account of the Destination of the following Troops, viz.

... Regiments sailed from Louisbourg for Boston, Aug. 30th. 2d Battalion of Royal Scots, General Sinclair. 17th Regiment, General Forbes. 47th Regiment, General Lascelies. 48th Regiment, General Webb. 63d Regiment, Col. Frazier Highlanders; under Convoy of the Captain Man of War of 64 Guns, commanded by Capt. Amherst, with General Amherst on board. ...

... Private Letters from Boston mention, that six ships of the Line, and three Frigates, had sailed under the Command of Sir Charles Hardy; on board of which was General Wolfe, with four Regiments, in order to take Possession of the Bay of Gaspay, and build a Fort there: That Governor Lawrence was at Halifax: And that Colonel Monckton was to march by Land, with 2000 Men, to St. John River; where, with some Frigates, they were to take Possession all along that River: that the Regiments coming to Boston from Louisbourg, are said to be the Royals, Forbes Webb, Lascelles, Third Battalion of Royal Americans, and Frasier Highlanders ...

I have the Honor to acquaint you that all the Fleet, (except the small sloop which parted from Us at Sea and did not join Us till we were on our return to Louisbourg,) made Miramichi Bay the 15^th instant, and came to an Anchor in an open Road, seven Leagues from the Settlement and three from the Barr, exposed 16 Points of the Compass; Capt. Vaughan expressed much Uneasiness at the Situation of the Ships, but as the Weather was moderate and promised to continue so for some time, he eagerly embraced the Opportunity and agreed with me, that we should immediately with the Artillery Sloop and the Boats of the Fleet proceed up the River and attack the Settlement, representing to me the necessity of returning quickly, as the Ships in the Situation they were in, without Boats or Men, could not possibly escape being lost, should the Gales of Wind blow, which are naturally to be expected at this Season of the Year; As we had this morning chased a Privatier into the River which in Company with a Sloop we saw fire several Guns, I mounted the two Six Pounders in our Sloop and contrived to embark Three Hundred Men in her and the Boats, there is but Six Feet Water on the Barr at low Water; We were therefore obliged to wait a little this side of it till the Tide rose by which means it was dark before we could get over it, we struck upon it but got safe within Muskett Shott of the Settlement about 12 at Night, Joseph the Indian being our Pilot, we landed and found all the Inhabitants, (except the King's Surgeon and Family) had desert'd it, this man told me, that the Inhabitants consist of the neutral French who fled from Nova Scotia, that they expected no Quarter from Us and had therefore run away, that le Pere Bonavanture was with them, their Number about Forty, that there are several Habitations dispersed all over the Bay, for many Leagues both above and below where we were, That many Indians inhabit this Bay, but chiefly about where we were and below, That they lived sometimes in one place sometimes in another, having no fixed residence till the Winter, That on the other side the Bay there was a Settlement of about Thirty Family's Three Leagues from Us, to destroy which I immediately detached a Party, that Ten Leagues up the River there was another Settlement very considerable of Neutrals, and some Family's who had fled from the Island of St. John's since the taking of Louisbourg, that the whole were in a starving Condition, had sent away most part of their Effects to Canada, and were all to follow immediately as they every Hour expected the English, and besides could not subsist, since they could not now be supported by Sea as they formerly were before Louisbourg was taken, that the Inducement for settling in that River was the Furr Trade, which is very considerable, no less than Six Vessels having been loaded there with that Commodity this Summer, That Monsr. Boisbert commands the whole as well as the Settlement on St. John's River, That he is at present with his Company at Fort George, against which he is to act in Conjunction with a Detachment from Montcalm's Army and is no more to return to Miramichi, which is abandoned for the reasons already given, That the two Vessels we had seen, were, one a Privatier mounting Six Carriage Guns, the other a Sloop which had an Officer and Twenty Five Men on board for Canada, they had escaped from Great Britain, but being chased by one of our Frigates off Gaspee, I suppose the Kennington, were now to make the best of their way inland to Canada, here being a Communication from the head of the Miramichi River to Quebeck by Rivers and Lakes a few Portages excepted, He added that the Passage up the River to the Settlement Ten Leagues up, was very narrow but water enough for the Sloop; As the Weather was still fair and promising, I immediately, upon this Consideration, wrote to Capt. Vaughan for some Guns to mount upon the Sloop (as I found our Six Pound field Pieces would not work in her) and some more Provisions, that I might proceed up the River to destroy everything in it, but he sent me the enclosed Letters one after the other, I likewise took care to have Capt. Bickerton consulted about the Situation of the Fleet, who declared he could not Sleep while it continued where it was; I therefore in the Evening of the 17^th in Obedience to your Instructions embarked the Troops, having two Days hunted all around Us for the Indians and Acadians to no purpose, we however destroyed their Provisions, Wigwams and Houses, the Church which was a very handsome one built with Stone, did not escape. We took Numbers of Cattle, Hogs and Sheep, and Three Hogsheads of Beaver Skins, and I am persuaded there is not now a French Man in the River Miramichi, and it will be our fault if they are ever allowed to settle there again, as it will always be in the Power of two or three Armed vessels capable of going over the Barr, to render them miserable should they attempt it. I thought it was a pity that the two Vessels I have mentioned should escape Us, and therefore proposed to the Sea Commanders to go up with the Sloop manned with Soldiers to attack her and desired some Six Pounders, but they declared she was not in a Condition to carry any, and was otherwise very improper for such an Enterprize; If this could have been done the Fleet might have proceeded to Sea, out of the Danger it was exposed to, by lying in the open Road. We are now returned to Louisbourg in the same Situation we left you at Gaspee; I am etc.

To Brigadier Genl. Wolfe.
a true Copy
Jam: Wolfe
endorsed: Copy of Colonel Murray's Report.
In Brig. Genl. Wolfes of Nov. 1^st. 1758.

... 10th. The General gave orders for every thing being burnt, & this day and the 11th was employed in executing those orders, we all returned with the General to the Camp at the Grand Grave. On the 12th sailed Coll. Murray with Amherst's & part of Bragg's under Convoy of the Juno to Miramichi. On the 13th Cap. Irvine was detached with several small parties in Shaloupes under Convoy of the Kennington to destroy Pas beau & Grand Riviere and any other settlement to the Westward. On the 14th Mayor Dalling was detached to Mont Lewis about 130 mile up the River, (we remained with a few of Bragg's & Anstruther's encampt.)

17th. - Sailed Sir C. Hardy, he left the Devonshire to take care of the Transpts.

... The Colonel, after hunting about 2 Days & rinding nothing destroy'd all the Houses etc. & a good stone Church, there were found 3 Hogsds. of Beaverskins, some Cattle & sheep & then embarked for Louisbourg coming thro' the Gutt of Canso

Your orders were carried into execution as far as troops, who are limited in their operations by other powers, could carry them. I have made my report to General Abercromby, to which (as it is pretty long) I beg to refer. Our equipment was very improper for the business, and the numbers, unless the squadron had gone up the river, quite unnecessary. We have done a great deal of mischief,—spread the terror of his Majesty's arms through the whole gulf; but have added nothing to the reputation of them. The Bay of Gaspe and the harbour are both excellent, and now well known to our fleet. By the beginning of the month of July, I hope the river of Quebec will be as well known; although the aversion to that navigation, and the apprehensions about it, are inconceivably great. If you do business up the river, you must have small craft and a number of whale-boats, two at least to each transport. Pilots are easily had for sloops and schooners; every fisherman in the river can conduct them up. If you had sent two large empty cats, I could have loaded them with 30,000 pounds' worth of the finest dried cod you ever saw; but you won't make money when it is in your power, though there are such examples before your eyes. The two regiments are gone to Halifax, except fifty or sixty recovering men, who followed the squadron.

Frontenac is a great stroke. An offensive, daring kind of war will awe the Indians and ruin the French. Blockhouses, and a trembling defensive, encourage the meanest scoundrels to attack us. The navy showed their happy disposition for plundering upon this, as upon all former occasions, and I indulged them to the utmost. I wish you success. Cannonade furiously before you attack, and don't let them go on in lines, but rather in columns : ^______ Cela vaut rien pour les retranchements. Voilà l'affaire : = = = = = . Mr. Boscawen is in haste to get back. No return to the express of the surrender of Louis- bourg. If you will attempt to cut up New France by the roots, I will come back with pleasure to assist. I wish you health, and am, dear Sir, with great regard,

--- "We arrived here Yesterday, together with four more ships from St. John with Prisoners; It is a fine pleasant Place, a Deal of choice Land, and great Plenty of Cattle; we found great Numbers of French Inhabitants, but they made no Resistance, although there were some Regulars: There was a Sloop and 5 or 6 Schooners, which we made Prizes of, and bro away; we could not bring all the Inhabitants away, and I believe we shall go again for the Remainder."---

Late last Night the Boston Packet, Capt. Robson, arrived here in 50 Days from Plymouth, in England, by whom we have a confirmation of Admiral Anson returning with his Fleet, but had again sail with 38 ships of the Line, 12 of which were 3 Deckers; and thought he was gone to Brest. Capt. Robson came out in Company with about 40 Sail, mostly bound to these parts, under Convoy of the Norwich Man of War, of 50 Guns, who has a Quantity of Money on board, for the Forces in America, and is bound to this Place; together with the Capts. Smith, Wilson, Brown, and Jacobson: Capt. Robson left the Convoy about 3 Weeks ago.

Last Wednesday arrived in our Harbour from Louisbourg, His Majesty Ship the Captain, commanded by Captain Amherst, in which came Major General Amherst, who had the chief Command of his Majesty Land Forces in the late successful Expedition against Cape Breton:--- He received and congratulated upon his Arrival, with the Respect and Esteem due to so brave a Commander. --- On this Occasion, the Guns at Castle William, those on the Batteries in this Town, and at Charlestown, &c. were discharged, and the Bells of the Town were rung. --- Between 30 and 40 Transports, which came out with the Captain Man of War, having on board the 2d Battalion of Royal Scots, as also Forbes, Lascelles and Webb Regiments, with Fraser Highlanders, are also arrived: --- The Troops are in good Health, and were disembarked the Day following and encamped on the common. On Saturday the General set out, with the whole of the Troops, and march from hence to the Westward.

The Commanding Officers of the Regiments which were encamped in this Town last Week, are, of the 2d Battalion of this Majesty First or Royal Regiment, Lieut. Col. Forster: of the 17th, Lieut. Col Morris: of the 47th, Lieut. Col Hale: of the 48th Lieut. Col. Burton: Of the Highland Regiment, Col.
Simon Fraser. ...

On Monday last Captain Mitchell arrived here in eleven Days from Louisbourg, by whom there is Advice, that the Grampus Sloop was just come in there with Dispatches from Portsmouth, in five Weeks Passage, and brought the agreeable News of the King of Prussia having had a Battle with the Imperial Army, under Count Daun, near Olmutz, in which, it is said, he gained a compleat Victory, the Count himself being either killed or taken, and several Thousands of his Men made Prisoners. this grand Piece of News, tho' not published as a Certainty, yet, as there is a Probability of it being true, we flatter ourselves with the Hopes of confirming it to our Readers by the next Vessel from England ...

A Letter from new York, dated last Monday, says, "We make no Doubt General Amherst, and the Regiments from Louisbourg, arrived at Boston on Monday last, as they were then seen off." ...

We have the News of the King of Prussia having gained a compleat Victory over the Austrians confirmed several Ways, and by different Vessels, viz. by a Vessel from cape breton, ...

The Norwick Man of War, Capt. Darby, with the Money on board for the Forces in North America, stood for Halifax, with two Storeships, when she heard that cape breton was taken, so that she is not yet arrived at Boston. ...

I had sealed my letter, but as it cannot go away till to-morrow, I open it again on receiving yours of Sept. 9th. I don't understand Marshal Botta's being so well satisfied with our taking Louisbourg. Are the Austrians disgusted with the French? Do they begin to repent their alliance? or has he so much sense as to know what improper allies they have got? It is very right in you who are a minister, to combat hostile Ministers--had I been at Florence, I should not have so much contested the authority of the Abb`e de Ville's performance: I have no more doubt of' the convention of Closter-Severn having been scandalously broken, than it was shamelessly disavowed by those who commanded it. ...

... Letters from Louisbourg mention, That the Inhabitants of the Isle of St. John had a great Number of fat Cattle and had Liberty from our Commander to sell them, which they did at a Dollar per Head. ...

Lately imported from London, Bristol and Liverpool, and to be sold by DANIEL BENEZET, At his store in Arch street, near the sign of the George ... superfine paste work, with the city of Louisbourg ...

We have Advice from the Eastward, That a Vessel arrived at Black Point last Thursday Evening, the 21st of Sept. in 5 Days from Louisbourg, the Master of which informs, That just before he left that Place a Vessel which was dispatched by Sir Charles Hardy, arrived from the Bay of Gaspey on St. Lawrence River, with Intelligence, That they had taken several French Vessels, one of considerable Force; and that a great Number of the Inhabitants in those Parts, some say 7 or 8000, and others 10,000 had submitted to our Forces under General Wolfe; and that more Transports were sent for to bring them off. A Confirmation of this News is expected by the first Vessel, which arrives here from Louisbourg. ...

Andover, England.
... I wish, Sir, I could erase from my memory the four years [1754-8] I passed in Louisbourg. The bad state of the place, the impossibility of making it better, the subsistence of a garrison and inhabitants supported there at the King's expense, and threatened with famine once a month, gave no little uneasiness and anxiety to all who were charged therewith. ... Many old officers, from all the provinces of the kingdom, have been witnesses of my conduct; and I dare assert it was never impeached. But he who views objects at a distance only may judge differently. I hope, Sir, this was not your case; but that you said, "It must have been impossible for Drucour to act otherwise." Of this I cannot so easily convince you till I have the pleasure of seeing you. Meanwhile, know that twenty-three ships of war, eighteen frigates, sixteen' thousand land forces, with a proportionate train of cannon and mortars, came in on the 1st June, and landed on the 8th. To oppose them, we had at most but two thousand five hundred men of the garrison, and three hundred militia of the burghers of the town and St. John's Island, a fortification (if it could deserve the name) crumbling down in every flank, face, and courtine, except the right flank of the King's Bastion, which was remounted the first year after my arrival. The covered-way was covered as much as it could be, and yet was commanded and enfiladed throughout, as well as the Dauphin's and King's Bastions. In the harbour were five men of war. This was our force. The succours I expected from Canada did not arrive till the end of the siege, and consisted of about three hundred and fifty Canadians only, including sixty Indians.

The enemy was at first very slow in making his approaches; for on the 15th July he was three hundred toises from the place. He was employed in securing his camp by redoubts and épaulements, thinking we had many Canadians and Indians behind him. We, on our part, used every method to retard and destroy his work, both by the fire of the place and that of the ships in the harbour. The commodore of these ships warmly solicited leave to quit the 'place; but, knowing the importance of their stay to its safety, I refused it. It was our business to defer the determination of our fate as long as possible. My accounts from Canada assured me that M. de Montcalm was marching to the enemy, and would come up with him between the 15th and 20th July. I said, then, "If the ships leave the harbour on the l0th June (as they desire), the English Admiral will enter it immediately after; "and we should have been lost before the end of the month, which would have put it in the power of the generals of the besiegers to have employed the months of July and August in sending succours to the troops marching against Canada, and to have entered the river St. Lawrence at the proper season. This object alone seemed to me of sufficient importance to require a council of war, whose opinion was the same with mine, and conformable to the King's intentions. The situation of the ships was not less critical than ours. Four of them were burnt, with two corps of caserns, by the enemys bombs. At last, on the 26th July, no ships being left, and the place being open in different parts of the King, the Dauphin, and the Queen's Bastions, a council of war determined to ask to capitulate.

I proposed much the same articles as were granted at Port Mahon; but the generals would listen to no proposals, but our being prisoners of war. I annex their letter and my answer, by which you will see that I was resolved to wait the general assault, when M. Prevot, commissary-General and Intendant of the colony, brought me a petition from the traders and inhabitants, which determined me to send back the officer who carried my former letter, to make our submissions to the law of force; a submission which in our condition was inevitable. This condition was such, that for eight days the officers had not, any more than the private men, one moment's rest. In all besieged towns there are entrenchments where those who are not on duty may retire, and be covered from the enemy's fire; but at Louisbourg we had not a safe place even for the wounded; so that they were almost as much exposed every minute of the four-and-twenty hours, as if they had been on the covered-way. Nevertheless, the men did not murmur in the least, nor discover the smallest discontent; which was owing to the good example and exact discipline of their officers. None deserted but foreigners, Germans, one of whom prevented an intended sally. As he had gone over to the enemy two hours before, it was not thought prudent to make it. The burning of the ships and of the casernsof the King's and Queen's Bastions hindered our making another. A third had not better success; we proceeded no farther than the glacis of the covered-way, having missed the quay of a small passage which it behoved us to turn in order to take the enemy in flank: so that, of four sallies which were intended, one only succeeded, in which we made thirty grenadiers and two officers prisoners, besides those that were killed, among whom was a captain. We had about three hundred and thirty killed and wounded during the course of the siege, including officers. The crews of the king's ships are not comprehended in that number. The captain of a ship strikes when his vessel is dismasted, his rigging cut to pieces, and several shot received between wind and water. A governor of a town surrenders the place when the breaches are practicable, and when be has no resource, by entrenching himself in the gorges of bastions, or within the place. Such was the case of Louisbourg. Add to this, that it wanted every necessary for such operations. General Wolfe himself was obliged to place sentinels on the ramparts ; for the private men and the sutlers entered through the breaches and gaps with as much ease as if there had been only an old ditch. Of fifty-two pieces of cannon, which were opposed to the batteries of the besiegers, forty were dismounted, broke, or rendered unserviceable. It is easy to judge what condition those of the place were in. Was it possible, in such circumstances, to avoid being made prisoners of war?

I have the honour to be, &c.
Le Chevalier de Drucour.

[Source: Richard Brown, A History of the Island of Cape Breton With Some Account Of The Discovery And Settlement Of Canada, Nova Scotia, And Newfoundland (London: Sampson Low, Son And Marston, 1869), pp. 317-321]

Saturday last a Vessel arrived in 10 Days from Louisbourg, by whom we are informed, that they have had no Advice there from Admiral Hardy since he sailed with the Troops for Gaspey, so that the report we had last Week, said to come by a Vessel arrived at Black Point in a short Passage from Louisbourg, of Admiral Hardy having taken Possession of Bay Gaspey, together with several Vessels of Force, &c. still wants Confirmation: That about 1500 of the Inhabitants of St. John Island had been brought there, and were daily embarking for France; and that Transports were gone to take on board the Remainder, and are to proceed with them directly from thence for Old France, without touching at Louisbourg: Tis said the whole Number of Persons on St. John Island Consisted of 4700 ...

... I have the pleasure to acquaint you, that Louisbourg is once more in the hands of the English, after a siege of 49 day ...

Sloop Seaflower, Francis Rodgers from Louisbourg ...
Schooner Leopard, Thomas Church from Louisbourg
Schooner Ann, William Bartlett from Ditto ...

... Friday last Captain Moore arrived here in 16 Days from Louisbourg: Before he left that Place, five Transports that were sent to the Island St. John were returned to Cape Breton, with near a Thousand of the French Inhabitants, and 13 Transports had failed to bring off the Remainder, as it was said there was not less than 7000 Souls on the Island, but it was not determined where they should be sent; that no News had been received from Sir Charles Hardy and General Wolfe, since they left Cape Breton; that the Garrison was extremely healthy, and all kinds of Provisions very plenty. ...

CLEARED.
Sloop Seaflower, Francis Rodgers, to Louisbourg.
Schooner Betty, William Weston, to Ditto.
---- Unity, Benjamin Smith, to Ditto,
Sloop Endeavour, Thomas Morton, to Ditto. ...

Monday last arrived here two Store ships, which came out of Halifax about 10 Days before, in Company with six others, under Convoy of the Norwich Man of War of 50 Guns; 3 of which, with the Norwich, arrived on Friday last, and Yesterday the others arrived also: The above Ships have on board a Detachment from the Train of Artillery, Ordnance Stores, &c. that were employed in the Reduction of the Fortress of Louisbourg; as also the Officers and Matrosses of Part of two Companies belonging to the Train. --- The Norwich has on board a Quantity of Money for the Use of His Majesty Forces in these Parts. ...

The following Articles from South Carolina, we were obliged to leave out last Week for want of Room.

... On Wednesday also arrived here, the Defiance private Ship of War, of Bristol, commanded by Capt. Richard Condon. She left Bristol the 29th of March last, cruized a considerable Time in the Bay of Biscay, and came last from Corunna in Spain, where (on the 15th of August) she left La Magnifique, a French 74 Guns Ship, which had been chased into that Port 4 Months before in her Route for Louisbourg. Capt. Condon made the following Prizes during his Cruize, Viz. ...

Thursday Night last arrived here by Water from Albany, his Excellency General AMHERST, who had the chief Command of the Forces at the Reduction of cape breton; and who afterwards came to Boston with a Number of Forces, which he marched over Land to Albany, where he arrived safe with them the 4th Instant, all in Health. ...

The same Day Capt. Cole arrived here in seven Days from Louisbourg, and by a Gentleman who came Passenger, we have the following intelligence, That Admiral Hardy, with the Men of War and Transports, were returned from their Expedition against Gaspey ... That after our Troops had destroyed the Settlement there ...Proceeded above 30 Leagues up the River St. Lawrence ...

... they informed that 6 Sail of French Men of War of the Line were at Quebeck, and that they were to sail from thence for France some time in October; upon which Information Admiral Hardy returned with the whole Fleet to Louisbourg: The Boreas Frigate, and a Fireship, with all the Transports, came thro'; the Gutt of Canso, and arrived at Louisbourg three Days before the Admiral. That on Sunday, the first of this Instant, the Admirals Boscawen and Hardy, with 8 Sail of the Line, sailed for England, but that they intended to cruize at the Entrance of St. Lawrence River, in hopes of meeting with the above French Fleet. That Admiral Durell was left at Louisbourg with 10 Sail of the Line, two of which are to winter there, and the rest at Halifax. That the city has been cleaned of all the Filth and Rubbish, and the Houses repairing with the greatest Dispatch; that the Garrison was very healthy, and are well supplied with Provisions of all Kinds. ...

... Captain George [Prisoner at Quebec] further advises ... That on receiving the News of the Reduction of Cape Breton they [Canada] were much dispirited, and imagine, that if the War continues another Year, they will lose their whole Country, on which Account many of them were disposing of their Effects, and preparing to go home as soon as possible ...

The Captain likewise says, that while he was there [Canada], a Ship belonging to London, Captain Spanner, and bound to Boston, with about Fifteen Thousand Pounds Sterling Worth of Dry Goods on board, was brought in, which sold for above Sixty Thousand Pounds: And that a Snow from Waterford for Newfoundland was also sent in; as was likewise a Schooner from Boston for Louisbourg with Stock ...

I Take this first opportunity of returning my most unfeigned thanks for the many favours conferred on me, and for the honour I received in the notice you took of me at this place; and as a grateful sense of them is the only return in my power to make, I beg you may be assured, Sir, that nothing would give me greater pleasure than an opportunity of showing it.

We have had no news here from General Abercrombie's army, since he was joined by Mr. Amherst; but we have an account of an advanced party of Brigadier Forbes's army of eight hundred men, commanded by Major Grant, being attacked about three hundred yards from Fort DuQuesne, by a number of Canadians and Indians, that sallied out of the fort. Major Grant, with a number of officers and three hundred privates, were either killed or taken prisoners. The Highlanders there likewise suffered very much. The accounts we have had of Major Grant's disposition and the manner of his being attacked, seem a little odd. However, certain it is he has been well drubbed; though the account we have had of the circumstances I should imagine cannot be correct.

Nothing extraordinary has happened here since your leaving us, only the people of St. John's are not so easily to be got off as was expected. Immediately after you left this, I applied for leave to go to the continent, as I might have joined Mr. Abercrombie before the end of the campaign ; but was refused leave, lest the Canadians and Indians should attempt to surprise the Princess Amelia in Halifax harbour. The reason, indeed, that Mr. Durell gave for refusing me was, lest Halifax should be attacked in the winter, and the garrison should want assistance from the ships.

I begin to fear that nothing will be attempted to the Isle aux Coudres in the spring. Some of the most useful men were let go off in the cartel ship, though I had given the admiral a list of those men, some time before the ship sailed. However, that will not signify, if Maitre Jallen and Le Normand, both gone home with Sir Charles Hardy, are sent back in time. Those two men are now absolutely necessary. I have told Mr. Durell so ; and he, after my pressing a good deal, has promised to mention them to Mr. Boscawen. I wish he, or some other person of consequence, would mention the affair again to Mr. Durell, and recommend him to have no more seamen employed than may be necessary to navigate the sloops, without a sea officer to thwart the enterprise. Mr. Durell talks of being out the beginning of April; but I don't hear he talks any thing of the river St. Lawrence. I wish he was ordered up to anchor at L'Isle Bic ; no ship could then escape him, and he would save agreat many men's lives; as nothing is more fatal to a ship's company than long cruises. Nothing could give me greater pleasure than such an order.

We shall sail, I believe, for Halifax in a few days, in the Bedford and Prince Frederick, and stay there during the winter. If any thing extraordinary happens, I shall do myself the honour of writing. I remain, Dear Sir,

Our affairs here creep on in a petty pace; and I am pleased we have nothing to do that requires vigour and despatch, lest we should become conspicuous.

An account from my Lord Rolle, on the 14th instant, says the inhabitants of St. John's island were embarking very slowly, and he was afraid many on the remote part of the island would not come in this year ; and that several sloops and schooners, two of which were armed, were on the north side of the island, taking off the inhabitants and their effects. Captain Bond was in Port le Joy when this account came to General Whitmore. I was told that it was a dangerous experiment to send top-sail vessels to put a stop to these proceedings; on which I offered my service to the governor, to go with any small vessel that could be procured for me and the rangers, with which I would endeavour to put a stop to their success. I have caught the infection, and had a fur prize in view. The governor applied to the admiral for a small vessel; but jealous lest I should aspire to a flag by my achievements by water, the Kennington was ordered on that service, to reap the laurels I had hoped for. However, for want of provision, she did not sail till the 20th, and will come too late to do any thing. Last night another account came from Lord Rolle : fifteen hundred inhabitants were embarked; but there was a whole parish whose inhabitants could not get off this season, being far removed from the port where the transports were. The fort was finished, and Lord Rolle was to embark for this place last Saturday. No mention was made of a stop being put to the vessels taking off the northern inhabitants to Canada; so I imagine it goes on successfully, as there is nothing to stop them. I believe there is a great bustle and little work done at that island.

I have received no orders for my removal as yet; but, if I can persuade General Whitmore to let me, I propose taking the first opportunity to go to the continent, and join whatever part of the army is in action.

As we have not Room to insert any more Articles at length this Week from the English Prints, it is hoped the following Extracts, from the New York Gazette, will be agreeable to our Readers, viz.

"That there were great Rejoicings throughout all England upon the Reduction of Cape Breton, the News of which they received the 18th Day of August: That his Majesty was addressed on the Occasion by most of the Corporations in England: That the eleven Stand of Colours taken at Louisbourg, with those taken at Cherburg by Commodore Howe, were carried in Procession thro' the Streets of London, in the Midst of the most joyful Acclamations of the Inhabitants, and lodged for a while in St. Paul Cathedral ...

By Capt. Henderson from Louisbourg, there is Advice that General Wolfe was gone to England with Admiral Boscawen: That the Fleet under Admiral hardy, which had been at Gaspey (and on board which was that General, with a Number or His Majesty Troops) had laid waste the French Coast for about 160 Miles, by which they suffered prodigiously in their Fisheries, &c. That it was generally believed at Louisburgh, that there were not less than 17000 Cattle on the Island of St. John; That it was reckoned one of the richest Spots in North America; and that our People were going to build a strong Fort there, and plant on it a Number of Cannon, 24 Pounders.

A Gentleman at Louisburgh writes his Friend here, that he was just returned from a Cruize, and had brought in with him the Inhabitants of Labrador, an Inlet near Louisburgh; where he took two Schooners, and two Shallops, in which was some Wine, and other Things. ...

... [Schooner] ...Betsey, John Attwood, from Louisbourgh ...
[Ship] ... Hayfield, Robert Henderson, from Louisbourgh...

By the last Vessels from Halifax we are informed, that the Captain Man of War, Capt. Amherst, was arrived there; also another 64 Gun Ship from Louisbourg, and the other Men of War expected to Winter at Halifax were to sail from Louisbourg the 4th of this Month.--- The above Vessels met with very heavy Gales of Wind last Thursday Night off Cape Sables; as did also a Sloop that was bound from Louisbourg for Halifax, whereby her Sails were tore to pieces, so that she lay at the Mercy of the Winds, which drove her so far to the Westward, that she got in here Yesterday.

We hear Capt. Hallowell sails this Day for Halifax, in a Schooner hired by the Government, to carry Major General Amherst His Majesty Commission appointing him Commander in Chief of all His Majesty Forces in North America. ....

This Day is published, and to be sold by WILLIAM DUNLAP, at the NEWEST PRINTING OFFICE, on the South side of the Jersey Market, Philadelphia, FATHER ABRAHAM ALMANACK, on an entire new Plan, for the Year of our Lord 1759, being the third after Leap Year, containing, Eclipses, Judgment of the Weather, Festivals, and other remarkable Days, Length of Days and Nights, Moon Ages, Sun Rising and Setting, Highwater at Philadelphia, Tables of Interest at six per Ct. Tables of Coins as they pass Current in this and the neighbouring Governments. An Account of Fairs, Courts, Roads, and Quakers Yearly Meetings: The whole interspersed with a variety of entertaining and useful remarks both in Prose and Verse. To which is added, an exact and nice Picture of his Majesty the King of Prussia, done on a Folio Copper plate, by an eminent Hand, with a compendious Account of his Life and late memorable Actions. Likewise, an exact Plan of Louisbourg, with a succinct Account of its antient Right, its product, its excellent Fisheries, and the Value it is of to the English Nation; with a Journal of the Siege and Surrender thereof. Together with a compendious Account of the Author Travels over the vast Continent of America, with his Remarks on the Climate, Customs, Manners,
Religion and Product of each place, particularly of Mexico, Granada, Florida, Canada, Terra Firma, Peru, the Land of the Amazons, Brazil and Chili; with the Land of the Negroes, of Barbary, and the great Desert of Africa, &c. &c.

This Almanack also contains besides what is mentioned above, the following Pieces of Poetry, chiefly wrote by the Author viz. ...

... A Proclamation is also issued by the Governor of Halifax, importing, That as by the late Success of His
Majesty Arms in the Reduction of cape breton, and its Dependencies, as also by the Demolition and entire Destruction of Gaspey, Meremichi, and other French Settlements, situate on the Gulph of St. Lawrence, and on St. JohnRiver, in the Bay of Fundy; the Enemy (who have formerly disturbed and harassed the Province of Nova Scotia, and much obstructed its Progress) having been compelled to retire and take Refuge in Canada; and thereby left a favourable Opportunity for the peopling and cultivating as well the Lands vacated by the French, as every other Part of that valuable Province: --- He therefore declares, That he will be ready to receive any Proposals that may here hereafter made to him for effectually settling the said vacated or other Lands in that Province; One Hundred Thousand Acres of which produce Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oats, Hemp, Flax, &c. which never need manuring, as not Part has failed of Crops these Hundred years. Another hundred Thousand Acres is cleared, and stocked with English Grass, planted with Orchards, Gardens, &c. The Timber on the whole is Beach, Black Birch, Ash, Oak, Pine, Fir, &c. The Lands are so intermixed that every single Farmer may have a proportionable Quantity of Plow land, Grass Land, and Woodland; and are all situated
about the Bay of Fundy, upon Rivers navigable for Ships of Burthen. ....

CUSTOM HOUSE, Philadelphia, INWARD ENTRIES ...
---- Elizabeth, Elisha Thatcher, from Louisbourg ...

At Spithead the 64 Gun Ship taken at Louisbourg, and a French man of War of 50 Guns, lately taken by one of our 60 Gun Ships, were at an Anchor. And Commodore Keppe was ready to sail from Plymouth with a Squadron of Men of War and Transports, supposed to be intended against Goree on the Cost of Africa. Two Ships of War, and five Transports, for Senegal, sailed from Spithead with Captains Ross and Tatem, under whose Convoy they proceeded as far as Cape Finisterre ...

... Yesterday Captain Mussendine Auld, in the Brigantine Warren, of Belfast, arrived here in 14 Days from Louisbourg: He informs us, That about the 22d of October, a violent Gale of Wind happened there, which did considerable Damage to the Shipping in that Harbour. Two Transport Cats, a Brig belonging to Barbados, Capt. Clifford; a Sloop belonging to this Port, Capt. Bates; and a Prize Brig, were all drive ashore, and entirely lost, besides many others which were got off ...

Brigadier General Whitmore, Governor and Commander in Chief of the Island of Cape Breton, informs the several Provinces on the Continent, That there will be no Contract proposed or made in Regard to the Supplying of Louisbourg with Provisions this Winter; but that there well be a free Market for all Sorts of fresh Provision.

By the HONOURABLE WILLIAM DENNY, Esq; Lieutenant Governor, and Commander in Chief, of the Province of Pennsylvania, and Counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex, on Delaware,

And I do recommend it to the Ministers of all Denominations, to compose suitable Prayers and Sermons on this interesting Occasion; and in them deeply to impress the Minds of their People with a Just Sense of GOD moral Government, his many seasonable and signal Interpositions in Favour of the Protestant Religion, and his Readiness to hear and relieve his Servants when they cry to him in Time of Trouble; and in particular, to express their grateful Sense of the Diving Goodness, in supporting His Britannick and Prussian Majesties Arms, and giving them Success against a Combination of the most potent Empires in Europe; and for his Mercy to the British American Colonies, in the Reduction of Louisbourg, Frontenac, and Fort Duquesne. And I do further require the said Ministers to publish this proclamation to their Congregations on one of the Sundays preceding the said Day of publick Thanksgiving. ...

The SPEECH of his Excellency HORATIO SHARPE, Esq; Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the Province of Maryland to both Houses of Assembly, on the 12th of December, 1754.

AS the late Transactions of the French, on this Continent, and the fatal Consequences that must inevitably attend their Execution of the Scheme they have projected against us, have been so often descanted on ... You are not, I conceive, now to learn, that in Pursuance of a Plan to secure a Communication between their
Northern and Southern Settlements, and, in Time, render themselves Masters of all the Continent, from cape breton to the Gulph of Mexico, that restless and ambitious People have proceeded to build several Forts on his Majesty Lands ..

... While Captain Bolitho lay at Spithead, there happened a violent Gale of Wind, by which some Vessels were drove ashore, and one of them, belonging to South Carolina, lost, the Master;s Name thought to be Mackenzie. He sailed from Portsmouth, under Convoy of His Majesty Ships Arundel and Crown, bound to Louisbourg, who had with them a Number of Transports with Sores, and about 40 Sail of Merchantmen; amongst which were the Captains Duncan, Scaman, and Bradshaw, for this Place: Chapman, Drummond, Badger, Mackenzie, and another (Name forgot) for New York; one Ship for Boston; and several for Carolina. Five Days after he left Portsmouth, he was parted form the Fleet in a Storm off of Cape Clear, and, from that time, knows nothing of them. ...

Sloop Seaflower, Francis Rogers, from Louisbourg ...
Brig Louisbourg, John Dalton, from Ditto. [Jamaica] ...


1757	Expedition against Rochefort - Admiral Hawke & Knowles, General Mordaunt, Conway, and Cornwallis - miscarried
1758	Expedition against St.Malo, for destroying the Shipping, &c. there - Commodore Howe, and the Duke of Marlborough - succeeded
	Expedition against Cherbourg, for destroying the Bason, Shipping, &c. - Commodore Howe, Gen. Bligh - succeeded
	Battle of Crevelt - Prince Ferdinand - succeeded
	Second Expedition against St.Malo, 900 French and 400 English killed at St.Cas - Lord Anson, Com Lord Howe, and Gen. Bligh - miscarried
	Design against Emden - Adm. Holmes - succeeded
	Expedition against Senegal - Commodore Marsh and Major Mason - succeeded
	Expedition against Louisbourg, Isles of Cape Breton, St.John's - Adm. Boscawen, Gen. Amherst - succ.
	Expedition against Ticoderago - General Abercrombie - miscarried
	Defence of Fort St. David's, in the East Indies - Major Pollier - miscarried
	Expedition against Fort Frontenac, abandoned by the French - Colonel Bradstreet - succeeded
	Expedition against Fort Du Quense, abandoned by the ditto - General Forbe - succeeded
	Expedition against the Fort and Island of Goree, in Africa - Commodore Keppel - succeeded
1759	Battle of Bergen, Germany - Pr. Ferdinand - misc.
	Expedition against Guadalupe, Mariegalante, &c. - Com. Moore, and Gen. Barrington - succeeded
	Defence of the Siege of Madrass, in the East Indies - Colonel Draper - succeeded
	Battle off Niagara, and its Surrender (Gen. Prideaux first killed) - Sir Wm Johnson - succeeded
	Bombardment off Harve de Grace, 131 Ships and Vessels destroyed - Admiral Rodney - succeeded
	Sea Fight with the French Fleet off Lagos, with La Clue - Admiral Boscawen - succeeded
	Battle of Minden - Prince Ferdinand - succeeded
	Expedition against Ticonderago - Gen Amherst - suc.
	Expedition against Crown Point, abandoned by the French - Ditto - succeeded
	Battle and taking of Quebec - Admirals Saunders and Hughes, Generals Wolfe (killed), Monckton, and Townshend - succeeded
	Ever Memorable Twentieth of November, when the Finishing Stroke was given to the FRENCH NAVY, under M. Constans, off Belleisle, and in the Bay of Quiberon - Adm. HAWKE - succeeded.
1760	Sea Engagement with Thurot, off the Isle of Man, his three Frigates taken - Capt. Elliot - succeeded
	Battle of Quebec, and the French obliged to raise the Siege - General Murray - succeeded
	Battle of Saxenhausen - Prince Ferdinand - succ.
	Battle of Warbourg - Hereditary Prince - succeeded
	Several French Frigates and Vessels destroyed with Stores, in the Bay of Chaleur, in the Gulf of St.Laurence - Capt. Biron - succeeded
	Montreal taken - Lord Colville, Generals Amherst and Murray - succeeded
	Battle of Campen - Hereditary Prince - miscarried
1761	Pondicherry in the East Indies taken - Admiral Stevens, and Colonel Coote - succeeded
	Citadel of Palais taken, with the whole Island of Belleisle - Com. Keppel, and Gen. Hodson - succ.
	Battle of Fellinghausen - Prince Ferdinand - succ
	Numberless Successes by Sea and Land against the French in the East Indies, from whence they are entirely driven out - Admirals Pocock, Watson, & Stevens, Colonels Lawrence, Clive, & Coote - suc.
1762	The Island of Martinico taken - Admiral Rodney, and General Monckton -- succeeded

Nevill (V.) The Reduction of Louisbourgh, a Poem, wrote on board His Majesty's Ship Oxford, in Louisbourgh Harbour. By Valentine Nevill, Esq. London: J. Owen. 1859. Folio.

The following extracts are from the letters of a French officer after the siege of Louisburg :

In some of his subsequent letters he appears to give a very accurate account of the seige [sic], and some facts relative to the war not to be found in any history of that period. In speaking of the landing of Wolfe at the head of the Highlanders and the American Light Troops

[Dr. Akins, "History of Halifax City" in Collections of the Nova Scotia Historical Society For the Years 1892-94, Volume 8 (Halifax: Morning Herald Printing and Publishing Company, 1895), pp. pp. 245-246.- http://www.archive.org/details/collectionsofnov08nova ]