Page:The History of the Island of Dominica.djvu/123

, every method was taken that could be thought of to guard againt that event: and it was the determination of the Englih inhabitants, that hould the iland fall into the hands of the enemy, it hould not be owing to their want of attention, or endeavours to prevent it.

But it o happened, and probably for wie purpoes of Providence, as there is hardly a doubt but that the lives of many by that means were preerved, which would otherwie have been lot in the defence they certainly would have made, had they had timely notice to prepare for oppoing the invading enemy.

This neglect of theirs was never o very conpicuous as on the lat two days before the attack; for on the preceding Saturday, mot of them were that evening at a public comedy acted in Roeau; and on Sunday evening, when the militia guard were compoed of