Cape Breton's Magazine

with the assignment, and went off with the troops. The fort surrendered and the garrison were made prisoners of war for a period of one year. In the following year, when I was home on my land, I heard that Louisbourg was blockaded at sea by an English fleet. I left home in a small boat and went to Louisbourg, a distance Dave's Cycle Sales ( PHAZER: ' The #1 selling snow- Ijnobile in the worldj 455 GRAND LAKE RD., SYDNEY 562-4343 We make the difference. Yamaha is your #1 choice for 4-wheel drive. of 40 leagues. I passed through the middle of the enemy fleet and made my way to the parade ground in the fortress. Three days later the enemy fleet made certain manoeuvres far up Gabarus Bay, a league and a half from the town of Louisbourg. I was sure they were planning to make a land? ing, and I asked the commandant to give me a detachment of troops so that I could go and prepare an ambush in the woods near by. He made light of my request. Two hours went by in futile discussion. Then we saw a great many boats getting ready to throw men ashore. I insisted it was shameful not to go and attack these men as they were disembarking, that we should take half the garrison for this purpose and that I would an? swer with my head for the success of the operation. We had all the advantages on our side, for there was always much unavoidable confusion in making a landing. Furthermore, the weather was cold and the enemy were poorly clothed and wet, poorly armed and fearful. They were only miserable wretches and we could count on tiie woods to give us shelter half a pistol shot from the shore. My advice fell on deaf ears. "Getting your vehicle ready is one thing. Putting your mind in gear is another." Of course you've made sure your tires are safe and your vehicle is in top condition. But getting ready for winter driving also means knowing the hazards and heeding the warnings. Most of all it means getting yourself mentally prepared for Nova Scotia's worst driving conditions. Here's a check list to help you get (and stay) ready. Be Prepared. Stay Prepared. Drive with caution. Measure your speed to conditions. Be defensive. D Don't press on. If the going gets tough, turn back or seek refuge. D Try to keep to main roads. D Make sure you have ample gasoline. n Pack an emergency winter storm kit. Before you leave, check highway conditions. Halifax 424-3933 Sydney 563-2755 Yarmouth 742-0542 Caution is the critical fiactor >c Department of Transportation and Communications Honourable Donald R Mcbmes