INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Ixxxv 



(except Sandy Bay which is well fortified) that can properly be 

 called practicable : for, although some of them have beaches, 

 wliere, in smooth weather, troops might land, yet the difficulties 

 to be surmounted before an enemy could get into the country 

 are so very great, that I apprehend nothing less than absolute 

 negligence, and supineness in the garrison, could ever endanger 

 the island from an attempt in this quarter." 



If this was the opinion of a skilful engineer fifty years ago, 

 how infinitely more secure must be the island of St. Helena at 

 the present moment, improved as it has been by the zealous and 

 indefatigable exertions of Governors Brooke and Patton, who, 

 during a period of twenty years devoted their attention to the 

 grand object of placing this important island in a condition to 

 repel the most formidable attacks. 



But, nothing has so essentially contributed to the security of 

 St. Helena against external attack, or stratagem, as the introduc- 

 tion of telegraphs.* These are erected on the most commanding 

 heights, some of which are two thousand feet above the level of 

 the sea ; and are so connected one with another, and so spread 

 all over the island, that no vessel can approach, in any direction, 

 without being descried at the distance of sixty miles. The vast 

 utility of such an establishment, in a mountainous countr}', where 

 any other mode of conveying intelligence must necessarily be 

 slow, may readily be conceived. The elegraphs have, in fact, 



* The telegraphs were first established by Governor Patton in the year 1803. They 

 are his own invention, and of a very simple and cheap construction ; and have been found 

 fully to answer every purpose for which they were intended. 



The East India Company's and Sir Home Popham's numerary signals are also made 

 use of. By these. His Majesty's and the Company's ships are all known by their numbers 

 long before they reach the island : and as no ships whatever are permitted to pass Banks's 

 Battery, without sending a boat on shore, it must be evident there is no possibility of 

 taking the island by surprise. 



