INTRODUCTION. xxiii 
means of defence, and ordered different works 
and new fortifications to be conftrufted. But, 
though thefe plans had been begun before I 
left the Gape, they were not finiflied when 
I returned ; and I every where found mea 
at work, bufily employed in completing 
them* 
At firft, the bufmefs had been carried oa 
with activity and ardour becaufe the inha- 
bitants, inftigated by their private intereft, 
which was then confidered as involved with 
that of the public, had voluntarily offered their 
fervices, and mingled with the workmen* 
Young and old, foldiers and magiflrates, 
failors and planters, all foiicited the honour 
of co-operating for the general good and 
common fafety. To behold this heteroge- 
neous multitude — fome loaded with pick- axes, 
and fome with fpades, or other fimilar im- 
plements — marching out in the morning from 
the town, and proceeding in high fpirits 
h z to 
