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Law, Order and Street Life
Whose job was it to regulate the streets of Louisbourg? This was an important control for the continuity of an orderly way of life. Many people played a significant role in governing the conduct in the 18th century. This excerpt portrays the various functions of the military garrison and civilians in preserving orderly conduct in the town of Louisbourg.
Many individuals who took part in this conquest were soldiers. The military garrison in the fortress of Louisbourg routinely functioned to preserve social order in the town since no police force existed. A town guard was useful for controlling any minor disturbances. Each soldier participated in their share of guard duty. A typical scene in 1745 consisted of a soldier stationed at one of the five guardhouses in Louisbourg: the Dauphine Gate, the townside entrance to the King's Bastion, the Queen's Gate, the Maurepas Gate, and the Pièce de la Grave. Soldiers would take their turn at sentry posts and were obligated to remain at that station unless permission was granted for leaving. Sentries were havens where arrested civilians were held overnight in the guardhouses. A holding unit was needed for prisoners awaiting trial. After an arrest, a report was made by the guard sergeant, and the prosecutor (procureur du roi) could initiate criminal proceedings. Many prisoners were easily transferred to the King's Bastion prison or the Maurepas Gate prison after 1742. There were 21 sentries spread across Louisbourg's streets, however less patrol existed in remote fishing stations. Disturbances and crime in areas without garrisons were usually settled by the residents themselves. For instance, public arguments, child abuse, family disputes, and assaults were managed by the accuser or taken to the courts if necessary. Conflicts between citizens led to hearings before the "bailli". The guard would not often intervene family or civil disputes.
Interestingly, court records on child abuse and wife abuse cases signified a negative view on this behaviour in Louisbourg. There is ample evidence of fights and family quarrels which were not tolerated by the community. For instance, the court ordered a new guardian for the orphaned Koller children after witnesses observed physical beatings by the childrens' grandmother. Another successful court case involved many witnesses testifying against a merchant, Jacques Mullot, for beating his wife. There were no guards who intervened in these disputes; only civilians.
Many crimes were committed in hope of avoiding sentries and arguments between people of the community or family members. There is little indication of banditry or outlawry and few cases of overt defiance of authority. Prostitution and sexual conduct were believed by historians to have been subject to social control. For instance, Dauphin Fauxbourg, who tried to force a girl to kiss him against her will, was immediately hauled into court. Other crimes ranged from premeditated murder to misdemeanors (i.e. selling liquor after hours).
In conclusion, surveillance by the garrison, civilians enforcing the law, involvement of witnesses, and the formality of court proceedings all acted to control conduct in the town of Louisbourg. Not only did the military garrison work to preserve an orderly way of life but many other people played an important role. Is this very different from societal controls today?