The most vulnerable areas of the fortress were its gates. For this reason, security procedures for the guards were elaborate. Every effort was made to secure the gates against enemy infiltration or outright attack. All incoming traffic was very carefully scrutinized, and strangers to the area were brought to the governor for questioning before being permitted to move freely about the town. In the event of an alarm, drawbridges at all the gates were raised to prevent anyone from entering or leaving. Each night all town gates were securely locked, additional sentries were posted, and all guards standing watch attached bayonets to their muskets. In the mornings, a thorough search of the area in front of the gates was undertaken before the movement of traffic was permitted to resume. Louisbourg's isolation probably resulted in a somewhat relaxed attitude toward security, but most of the customary procedures were observed.
Courtesy: Parks Canada, National Film Board of Canada
