Page:The History of the Island of Dominica.djvu/120

 were thought neceary, and took every precaution in his power to prevent a udden attack.

Fort Cahacrou, at that time the chief place of defence in the iland, is ituated on a rock of about three hundred feet perpendicular, and is urrounded on three ides by the ea, being joined to the main land by only a, which renders it o very defenible, that if well provided, a few men might keep it againt as many thouands.

This meaure, therefore, of Governor Shirley, who guarded this fort, reflects great credit upon him; and the conequences which happened oon after he quitted that government, from not puruing his plan, is a lating proof of his abilities.

About three weeks before the attack, a report prevailing that hotilities between England and France were adtually commenced in Europe,