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

134 LOUISBOURG TAKEN. [1745.like a ploughed field, from the bursting of their shells.Their surrender was largely determined by want ofammunition, as, according to one account, the Frenchhad but thirty-seven barrels of gunpowder left, — ^ inwliich particular the besiegers fared little better. ^The New England men had been full of confidencein the result of the proposed assault, and a Frenchwriter says that the timely capitulation saved Louisbourgfrom a terrible catastrophe ; ^ yet, ill-armedand disorderly as the besiegers were, it may bedoubted whether the quiet ending of the siege wasnot as fortunate for them as for their foes. Thediscouragement of the French was increased bygreatly exaggerated ideas of the force of the " Bastonnais."The Habitant de Lo^dshourg places the landforcealone at eight or nine thousand men, andDuchambon reports to the minister D'Argenson thathe was attacked in all by thirteen thousand. Hismortifying position was a sharp temptation to exaggerate; but his conduct can only be explained by abelief that the force of his enemy was far greaterthan it was in fact.Warren thought that the proposed assault wouldsucceed, and wrote to Pepperrell that he hoped they1 Habitant de Louishourg.2 Pepperrell more than once complains of a total want of bothpowder and balls. Warren writes to him on May 29 :" It is verylucky that we could spare you some powder ; I am told you hadnot a grain left."3 " C'cst par une protection visible de la Providence que nou8avons pre'venu une journe'e qui nous auroit (Jte' si funeste." — Lettred'tin Uabitant de Louishourg.