96 



EXPEDITION TO JAPAN. 



force, tlie capture of fhe island, in the mode above indicated, would certainly not be very 

 difficult. When the island was fortified, engineering skill accomplished all that was required 

 in the existing condition of things. To a force ajjproaching by sailing vessels, it probably 

 would now prove impregnable, for wind and tide were valuable auxiliaries, which were taken 

 into account in planning the works ; but a new motive power makes its appearance, which is 

 quite regardless of these natural auxiliaries, and new systems of defence are at once made 

 necessary. This is bvit one of the changes wrought by this mighty agent, which seems destined 

 to do so much in revolutionizing the condition of the world. 



On Tuesday, January 11th, at 6 p. m., the Mississij^pi weighed anchor and took her departure 

 from Jamestown. 



The Briars, St. llilclia. 



