SETTLEMENT BY THE FRENCH. 377

short, all France could do was to preserve Canada, the islands of Cape Breton and St John (Prince Edward.)

Cape Breton had, before this time, been considered altogether unfit for making any settlement on. In summer time, it was frequented by a few fishermen; and during Winter, the inhabitants of Acadia resorted thither for the purpose of trading for furs with the Indians.

But the French, in order partly to repair the loss they sustained,—as it was of the utmost consequence not to be entirely driven out of the cod-fishing,— and also to preserve a post that would enable them to command the mouth of the River St Lawrence, by which a communication was kept open with Canada, were by such solid considerations induced to colonize Cape Breton, and to build the town and for- tify the harbour of Louisburg.

The Seneglay, a French ship-of—war, commanded by M. de Contreville, arrived at Louisburg on the 13th August, 1713, and took possession of it, but it was not fortified until 1720. It was taken by the British forces from New England, in 1745, at which time they built a fort at Indian Bay, where they dis-' covered coal, and opened a pit. The command of these forces, amounting to 4000, was given to VVil- liam Pepperalf" a colonel of militia, but brought up to trade, and extensively engaged in commerce. His affability, and the excellence of his character, made him very popular among these volunteer troops.

There was something of the spirit of the crusades

* Afterwards created a Baronet.