APPENDIX TO Vol. III. $43 



orvtDur part to obviate its malignant confequences. The moft politic 

 and neceflary counter- arrangement with us would be, the making 

 Port Antonio one principal ftation for his Majefty's fhips. 



The French, it is true, have deftined their port at the Mole for a 

 naval rendezvous, but it is not their only one. It is however of great 

 moment to them, as it opens immediately into the Windward Fajj'age^ 

 and, in conjunftion with Port Louis, guards the North- wefl and 

 Weftern fide of their ifland. They will neverthelefs be obliged to 

 divide their force, and keep part of their fquadron at Cape Frangois, 

 to defend the Eaftern coaft. So, in reference to Jamaica, although it 

 may be highly proper that Port Royal fliould remain the chief flation 

 for protefting the Southern coaft of the ifland, yet it is moft neceflary 

 that detachments fhould be conftantly attendant upon the N. E. and 

 N* W. ends, to cover thofe parts from attack, and give fafer conduft 

 to our navigation ; the N. E. in particular, becaufe, like Cape Nicola, 

 it commands the Windward Paflage, which if we fliould be able to 

 fcour with a fleet of fuperior ftrength, all the expenfive preparations 

 made or making at the Mole, will be rendered unprofitable to the 

 French, and harmlefs to ourfelves ; for our navigation through the 

 PafTage, in time of war, might, in this event, be as fafe as that of the 

 Britifli channel. We cannot indeed be certain, nor ought to indulge 

 a confidence, that we fliall always hold this fuperiority in a future war. 

 But, fanguine as our expectations may be in this refpeft, it is wife to 

 provide even againft a defpicable enemy, and keep even pace with him 

 in taking precautions, as well for attack, as defence. Where-ever 

 fuch a ftation is projefted, there ought to be a competent eflablifh- 

 ment of fortifications, and troops, to fecure the port from infult, and 

 the magaz.ines of ftores and implements from depredation, vvhilft the 

 fliips are on fervice at fea. This is a material branch of the French 

 plan. Their mole is to be made as impregnable, as forts, batteries, and 

 cannon, can render it, in order that it may flicker their men of war 

 and privateers, while refitting, or when they are too weak for hazard- 

 ing an engagement. The conveniences preparing for them, joined to 

 the natural advantages of the place, will enable them, after a battle, to 

 repair their damages in a very fliort time, and proceed upon their 

 cruize again, long before our fleet could pofiibly reach Port Royal, to 



refit, 



