The Invincible Fortress: The 1745 Siege of Louisbourg

Daniel Bailey worked in Taunton, Massachusetts in the family's import-export business and served as a captain in the town's militia. In 1744 growing tensions between England and France disrupted his world and led to his appointment as aide and advisor to the colonial governor. When the declaration of war reached French forces at the Ile Royale fortress of Louisbourg, they seized New England fishing boats and attacked coastal towns. In response, the Massachusetts governor sought military assistance from London and recruited 4,000 militiamen from New England colonies. Because of Bailey's ability to speak French and his knowledge of the fortress, he was promoted to colonel and assigned as the commanding general's chief-of-staff. In 1745, with support from the Royal Navy blockading the harbor, the New Englanders lay siege to Louisbourg. After six weeks, the French surrendered the massive, stone-structure called the invincible fortress.