vaſion, every method was taken that could be thought of to guard againſt that event: and it was the determination of the Engliſh inhabitants, that ſhould the iſland fall into the hands of the enemy, it ſhould not be owing to their want of attention, or endeavours to prevent it.
But it ſo happened, and probably for wiſe purpoſes of Providence, as there is hardly a doubt but that the lives of many by that means were preſerved, which would otherwiſe have been loſt in the defence they certainly would have made, had they had timely notice to prepare for oppoſing the invading enemy.
This neglect of theirs was never ſo very conſpicuous as on the laſt two days before the attack; for on the preceding Saturday, moſt of them were that evening at a public comedy acted in Roſeau; and on Sunday evening, when the militia guard were compoſed
