One of ╬le Royale's governors worried that France's enemies would think that Louisbourg had many powerful cannons with which to fight off an attack, but no one to fire them. To forestall this possibility, regular practice in firing the cannon was conducted every Sunday, using a weapon manufactured in France especially for that purpose, even before the company of cannoneers was finally authorized in 1743. A school to teach artillery technique was set up in the barracks and prizes were awarded for accuracy during the weekly firings.
When not engaged in the above activities, the cannoneers were responsible for cleaning the artillery storehouse, maintaining cannon carriages, relocating the cannon as required, stacking projectiles, and ensuring that the powder was safe and dry.
Courtesy: Parks Canada, National Film Board of Canada
