A half-century of conflict. France and England in North America. Part ...

114 LOUISBOURG BESIEGED. [1745.ered, for tlie weather was unusually good; yet thenumber fit for service was absurdly small.begged for reinforcements, but got none tillwas ended.Pepperrellthe siegeIt was not his nature to rule with a stiff hand, —and this, perhaps, was fortunate. Order and discipline,the sinews of an army, were out of the question;and it remained to do as well as might bewithout them, keep men and officers in good-humor,and avoid all that could dash their ardor. For this,at least, the merchant-general was well fitted. Hispopularity had helped to raise the army, and perhapsit helped now to make it efficient.no bed of roses.His position wasWorries, small and great, pursuedhim without end. He made friends of his officers,kept a bountiful table at his tent, and labored tosoothe their disputes and jealousies, and satisfy theircomplaints. So generous were his contributions tothe common cause that according to a British officerwho speaks highly of his services, he gave to it, inone form or another, £10,000 out of his own pocket. ^His letter-books reveal a swarm of petty annoyances,which may have tried his strength and patienceas much as more serious cares. The soldiers complainedthat they were left without clothing,shoes,or rum; and when he implored the Committee ofWar to send them, Osborne, the chairman, rej)liedwith explanations why it could not be done.Letters1 Letter from an Officer of Marines, appended to A particular Accountof the Taking of Cape Breton (London, 1745).