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HISTORY OF THE [book iii* 
well provided, would maintain it against as many 
thousands. Great therefore was the astonishment 
of the English in the town of Roseau, in percei¬ 
ving, by the French colours flying on it, that this 
fort had surrendered without resistance; but strange 
as it may seem, the case appeared afterwards to 
have been, that some of the French inhabitants had 
insinuated themselves into the fort a few nights be¬ 
fore, and having intoxicated with liquor the few 
soldiers that were there on duty, had contrived to 
spike up the cannon! 
Having thus made themselves masters of Fort 
Cashacrou, the enemy landed their whole force 
about noon, and began their march for the town, 
which was defended by fort Melville, and three 
other batteries; but unfortunately, these batteries 
were ill provided, and worse manned. The whole 
number of the militia did not exceed one hundred 
and twenty; for but few of the French inhabitants 
thought proper to assemble ; and of those that 
made their appearance, many withdrew themselves 
again, and were no mere seen until the island had 
surrendered. 
The small force however that was collected, be¬ 
haved with that spirit and gallantry, which give 
room to lament they were not better supported. 
Three times was the enemy driven out of fort 
Loubiere, of which they had possessed themselves 
in their march, and twice were the colours which 
they had hoisted thereon shot away. Their com- 
