INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Ixxxvii 



placed in the most advantageous positions. Sliould the enemy 

 make demonstrations of landing at one or more points, informa- 

 tion would instantly be communicated by the telegraphs ; upon 

 which the Governor would order such movements, or dispositions 

 of the reserves, as he may judge proper. 



From this concise view of the mode of defending the island, 

 and from all that has been related concerning its great natural 

 strength, its batteries, and the facility of defending every prac- 

 ticaltle landing place, by rolling stones from the heights, it 

 must be evident that, with such dispositions of the troops, St. 

 Helena is absolutely impregnable by an open and regular attack. 

 I hitve had opportunities of examining Gibraltar and Malta, 

 and I iiiust confess, that the impression left on my mind is, 

 that neither of these places are to be compared in strength 

 witli St. Helena. This superiority arises from its high and com- 

 manding coasts ; from there being no unfortified landing places 

 that do not admit of being defended by stones : and from several 

 other circumstances already explained. Nature, indeed, has 

 been so wonderfully profuse in giving strength to this place, 

 and has left so little for art to perform, that out of twenty-eight 

 miles of coast, the fortified lines of defence, collectively, do not 

 exceed eight hundred and fifty yards. In short, it appears to 

 me, Uiiiler all the circumstances above-mentioned, that St. 

 HeleuiJ IS not only perfectly secure against surprise, and ex- 

 ternal stiatagem, but capable (even with a moderate garrison) 

 of repelling the most formidable attacks that can be made 

 upon it. 



