Jean-Baptiste-Louis Le Prévost Duquesnel

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Jean-Baptiste-Louis Le Prévost Duquesnel (mid 1680-1744)

Governor/Commandant

Jean-Baptiste-Louis Le Prévost Duquesnel was a naval officer who served on the French flagship in the battle of Màlaga off southern Spain in 1704. In this battle he was hit in the left leg with a cannonball and his leg had to be amputated from the knee. Throughout the years that followed he received rank promotions as high as full captain. On September 1, 1740 Duquesnel was appointed commandant of Île Royale. With this title he had all the rights and privileges of Governor, but did not receive the title because he was not in line for such a high office.

He was delighted with the promotion. However, an inspection upon his arrival at Louisbourg found the garrison to be under qualified and understaffed. He realized that it was further weakened by indiscipline and drunkenness. The officers of the garrison had achieved a sort of independence over the years which Duquesnel thought could be harmful to the colony. He faced further problems when it came to supplying the garrison with their rations since there were constant shortages of food; especially during the winter of 1742. However, in working together with the financial commissary, François Bigot they were able to keep the complaints to a minimum.

Duquesnel's instructions required him to ensure the colony's safety in anticipation of war with England. He was also required to be able to act on the offensive. When war was declared on March 18, 1744 he immediately launched an offensive. The first attack was on a small English fort on Canso Island (Grassy Island, N.S.). On March 24, after almost no resistance, the colony surrendered.

With confidence gained from this attack, Duquesnel planned another expedition but died before it could take place. He is one of five people buried under the chapel.