ns,
powder, and bullets. Here therefore the fugitives waited for a certain
opportunity, wherein they knew the Spaniards were to come from Tortuga
with arms, and a great number of men, to join with those of the greater
island for their destruction. When this occasion offered, they in the
meanwhile deserting the woods where they were, returned to Tortuga, and
dispossessed the small number of Spaniards that remained at home. Having
so done, they fortified themselves the best they could, thereby to
prevent the return of the Spaniards in case they should attempt it.
Moreover, they sent immediately to the governor of St. Christopher's,
craving his aid and relief, and demanding of him a governor, the better
to be united among themselves, and strengthened on all occasions. The
governor of St. Christopher's received their petition with much
satisfaction, and, without delay, sent Monsieur le Passeur to them in
quality of a governor, together with a ship full of men, and all
necessaries for their establishment and defence. No sooner had they
received this recruit, but the governor commanded a fortress to be built
upon the top of a high rock, from whence he could hinder the entrance of
any ships or other vessels to the port. To this fort no other access
could be had, than by almost climbing through a very narrow passage that
was capable only of receiving two persons at once, and those not without
difficulty. In the middle of this rock was a great cavity, which now
serves for a storehouse: besides, here was great convenience for raising
a battery. The fort being finished, the governor commanded two guns to
be mounted, which could not be done without great toil and labour; as
also a house to be built within the fort, and afterwards the narrow way,
that led to the said fort, to be broken and demolished, leaving no other
ascent thereto than by a ladder. Within the fort gushes out a plentiful
fountain of pure fresh water, sufficient to refresh a garrison of a
thousand men. Being possessed of these conveniences, and the security
these things might promise, the French began to people the island, and
each of them to seek their living; some by hunting, others by planting
tobacco, and others by cruizing and robbing upon the coasts of the
Spanish islands, which trade is continued by them to this day.

The Spaniards, notwithstanding, could not behold, but with jealous eyes,
the daily increase of the French in Tortuga, fearing lest, in time, the