The
Canadians either followed them or mingled with the unarmed
inhabitants. This awkward problem therefore solved itself.
Few went to bed that last French night in Louisbourg.
All responsible officials were busy with duties, reports,
and general superintendence. The townsfolk and soldiery
were restless and inclined to drown their humiliation in
the many little cabarets, which stood open all night. A
very different place, the parish church, was also kept
open, and for a very different purpose. Many hasty
marriages were performed, partly from a wholly groundless
fear of British licence, and partly because those who
wished to remain in Cape Breton thought they would not
be allowed to do so unless they were married.
Precisely at eight the next morning Major Farquhar drew
up his grenadiers in front of the West Gate, which was
immediately surrendered to him. No one but the officers
concerned witnessed this first ceremony. But the whole
population thronged every point of vantage round the
Esplanade to see the formal surrender at noon.
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