, the rest proceeded to establish
themselves on the island, where, carrying tents and other
conveniences on shore, the first regular encampment which we had
seen since our arrival in this hemisphere was formed.

The spot of ground, of which we had now taken possession,
extended twelve miles in length, and from one to three in width.
Its soil is in general dry and sandy, well covered with grass,
and ornamented by continued groves of pine, cedar, oak, and
laurel. On one side only is there a swamp, but not of sufficient
size to contaminate the atmosphere of the whole, which is
considered so peculiarly healthy, that the place is generally
used as a depot for the sick in the American army. At present,
as I have said, it was tenanted by no more than a single family,
the master of which was a midshipman in the American navy, and
banished hither for some misdemeanor; but what was to us of much
greater importance, it was likewise stocked with cattle
resembling in appearance the black cattle of the Highlands of
Scotland, and not behind them in point of wildness.

Whilst the remainder of the army spent their time here, the 4th,
21st, and 44th, being landed above the fort, were busied in the
siege. This small work stands, as I have stated, at the
extremity of a promontory. Towards the sea its fortifications
are respectable enough, but on the land side it is little better
than a blockhouse. The ramparts being composed of sand, not more
than three feet in thickness, are faced with plank barely
cannon-proof; whilst a sand-hill rising within pistol-shot of the
ditch, completely commands them. Within, again, the fort is as
much wanting in accommodation as it is in strength. There are no
bomb-proof barracks, nor any hole or arch under which men might
find protection from shells; indeed, so deficient is it in common
lodging-rooms, that a great part of the garrison slept in tents.
To reduce this place, therefore, occupied but a short time. The
troops having assembled on the 8th, drove the enemy within their
lines on the 9th, and broke ground the same evening. On the
10th, four eighteen-pounders with two howitzers were placed in
battery upon the top of the sand-hill; on the 11th, the fort
surrendered; and on the 12th, the garrison, consisting of four
hundred men of the second American regiment, marched out with all
the honours of war, and laid down their arms upon the glacis.

PEACE.

With the reduction of this trifling work