The preliminary isolation of Louisbourg was a particularly
effective stroke of naval strategy. Even before 1758
began the first French fleet that left for Louisbourg
had been shadowed from Toulon and had been shut up in
Cartagena. A second French fleet was then sent to help
the first one out. But it was attacked on the way and
totally defeated. In April the first fleet made another
attempt to sail; but it was chased into Rochefort by
Hawke and put out of action for the rest of the campaign.
The third French fleet did manage to reach Louisbourg.
But its admiral, du Chaffault, rightly fearing annihilation
in the harbour there, and wishing to keep some touch
between Old France and New, sailed for Quebec with most
of his best ships.

Quebec and the rest of Canada were themselves on the
defensive; for Abercromby was leading 15,000 men--the
largest single army America had ever seen--straight up
the line of Lake Champlain. Montcalm defeated him at
Ticonderoga in July. But that gave no relief to Louisbourg;
because the total British forces threatening the Canadian
inland frontier were still quite strong enough to keep
the French on the strict defensive.

Thus Louisbourg was completely isolated, both by land
and sea. It was stronger and more extensive than during
the first siege. It had a better governor, Drucour, a
better and a larger garrison, more food and ammunition,
and, what it formerly lacked altogether, the support of
a considerable fleet. Drucour was a gallant soldier. His