were thought neceſſary, and took every precaution in his power to prevent a ſudden attack.
Fort Caſhacrou, at that time the chief place of defence in the iſland, is ſituated on a rock of about three hundred feet perpendicular, and is ſurrounded on three ſides by the ſea, being joined to the main land by only a narrow neck of land, which renders it ſo very defenſible, that if well provided, a few men might keep it againſt as many thouſands.
This meaſure, therefore, of Governor Shirley, who guarded this fort, reflects great credit upon him; and the conſequences which happened ſoon after he quitted that government, from not purſuing his plan, is a laſting proof of his abilities.
About three weeks before the attack, a report prevailing that hoſtilities between England and France were adtually commenced in
