Seven blockhouses were spaced irregularly along the stockade wall and were intended to serve as defensive positions, with at least one cannon on the first floor and a platoon of men armed with muskets and rifles stationed on the second floor. Their walls were made of double layers of solid timber two feet thick. Over time, the buildings also served other functions: immediately after the first siege, many were converted temporarily into hospitals to care for the wounded and dying, and later at least one was used to hold military trials.