First Siege of Louisbourg & Capture of the Vigilant (1745)

[Grim DeGrim]

During this time period England and France were fighting on the east coast of Canada. The below link recounts a portion of the siege and the capture of the French man-of-war ship The Vigilant (64 guns).

http://www.blupete.com/Hist/NovaScotiaBk1/Part4/Ch10.htm#Vigilant

[Freeblade]

I had a chance to visit the rebuild fort, it was a very strong defensive concept but they had a lot of issues like wet powder from the beautiful cold wet weather of Cape Breton. The fort had a weak mainland defensive position also.

Really recommend to visit the fort during summer. They have reenactment of the second siege.

[Freeblade]

Also you had to be a very good navigator because it has a very narrow passes between the island and the harbour.

[Grim DeGrim]

I lived just down the highway from there

Ironically, the Vigilant was carrying 1000 barrels of gun powder, and the loss of the ship essentially doomed Louisburg to fall.

[Freeblade]

I was station in NB and NS for 8yrs, during my visit I notice strong seaward defences but did not have interlocking firing position for the canons. The opposite side of the harbour's fortification lack mutual support from the main fort.

I can't remember if the France Navy had any ship of line ancker in the harbour that was used as a fire ship to break the block aid.