1697.] PROJECTED ATTACK ON BOSTON. 383 



were to land with artillery at Dorchester, and march 

 at once to force the barricade across the neck of 

 the peninsula on which the town stood. At the 

 same time, Saint-Castin was to land at Noddle's 

 Island, with a troop of Canadians and all the In- 

 dians ; pass over in canoes to Charlestown ; and, 

 after mastering it, cross to the north point of 

 Boston, which would thus be attacked at both 

 ends. During these movements, two hundred 

 soldiers were to seize the battery on Castle Island, 

 and then land in front of the town near Long 

 Wharf, under the guns of the fleet. 



Boston had about seven thousand inhabitants, 

 but, owing to the seafaring habits of the people, 

 many of its best men were generally absent ; and, 

 in the belief of the French, its available force did 

 not much exceed eight hundred. " There are no 

 soldiers in the place," say the directions for attack, 

 " at least there were none last September, except 

 the garrison from Pemaquid, who do not deserve 

 the name." An easy victory was expected. After 

 Boston was taken, the land forces, French and In- 

 dian, were to march on Salem, and thence north- 

 ward to Portsmouth, conquering as they went; 

 while the ships followed along the coast to lend aid, 

 when necessary. All captured places were to be 

 completely destroyed after removing all valuable 

 property. A portion of this plunder was to be 

 abandoned to the officers and men, in order to en- 

 courage them, and the rest stowed in the ships for 

 transportation to France. 1 



1 Me'moire sur VEntreprise de Baston, pour M. le Marquis de Nesmond, 

 Versailles, 21 Avril, 1697; Instruction a M. le Marquis de Nesmond, mem 



