BLOCK-HOUES. 
177 
the contrary, construe it to be the middle of 
the river, provided there is a tolerable channel 
on each side. Now the island of Bois Blanc 
clearly lies between the middle of the river 
and the British main; but then the deepest 
and most approved channel for ships of burthen, 
is between the island and the British shore. In 
our acceptation of the word, therefore, the 
island unquestionably belongs to us; in that 
of the people of the States, to them. It 
appears to me, that our claim in this instance 
is certainly the most just; for although the 
best and most commodious channel be on 
our side, yet the channel on the opposite side 
of the island is sufficiently deep to admit 
through it, with perfect safety, the largest of 
the vessels at present on the lakes, and indeed 
as large vessels as are deemed suitable for this 
navigation. 
Plans for a fort on the main land, and for 
one on the island of Bois Blanc, have been 
drawn; but as only the one fort will be 
erected, the building of it is postponed until 
it is determined to whom the island belongs : 
if within the British dominions, the fort will 
be erected on the island, as there is a still 
more advantageous position for one there than 
one the main land; in the mean time, a larsre 
block-house, capable of accommodating, in 
every respect comfortably, one hundred men 
VOL. II. N 
