222 



building vessels, and where some of large ton- 

 nage have been constructed ; but latterly this 

 branch of trade has not been so much attended 

 to here as it used to be, notwithstanding the 

 accommodations for carrying it on would induce 

 a beliefthat great encouragement would be given 

 to it. A small distance from a little rivulet to 

 the southward of the place is a blockhouse and 

 an hospital, and a little further on a good 

 wooden building, with out-houses, gardens, &c. 

 called the Government-house, serving as a 

 residence for the commanding officer of the 

 troops stationed here, usually one or two com- 

 panies of infantry. On the south-east side of 

 the town there is a rising ground, whereon it 

 was once in contemplation to erect some 

 substantial military works, but hitherto slight 

 field works have been the only defences thrown 

 up. Such a measure ought not to be entirely 

 neglected, for the position being one of im- 

 portance to the safety of the province, suppos- 

 ing it necessary to contend against a well di- 

 rected invasion, and not natiu^ally a strong one, 

 should receive such assistance from art as 

 would render it tenable for a long time to op- 

 pose a considerable force, as it is a point 

 against which an enterprising enemy would en- 

 deavour, for several reasons, to direct a main 

 attack. The present town of Sorel was begun 



