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^ach side of the main road. In the Richeli^ii, 

 near where the Bleuri falls into it, is Isle aux 

 Noix, formerly the property of the late General 

 Christie, but now belonging to the Crown ; it is 

 a flat, but a little above the level of the river, 

 containing altogether only eighty-five acres, ly- 

 ing ten miles and a half from the boundary-line, 

 in an excellent situation to intercept the whole 

 communication by water from LakeChamplain ; 

 consequently a most important military station, 

 that has been fortified with all the care its com- 

 manding position deserves. At the west end 

 of it the principal work is an irregular fort, very 

 well constructed, and of great strength, sur- 

 rounded by a ditch, and mounted with guns of 

 large calibre ; in advance of this, at a short 

 distance, are two other forts of less extent, but 

 proportionately strong, with ditches round them 

 also ; besides these there are several block-houses 

 at the different points that could be deemed 

 assailable by an enterprising enemy. In 1814 

 the island was further strengthened by a boom 

 extended across the river, and a line of gun- 

 boats moored in a direction that their fire might 

 completely enfilade the whole passage; by these 

 means it was always safe from attack, even if 

 the enemy should have an unopposed force on 

 the lake. At the east end of the fort is a slip for 



