d, by a packet boat,
received certain intelligence of their approach, and began to make
preparations for the defence of the castle. The fort which he commanded
was very extensive, surrounded with numerous redoubts, ravelins, and
other outworks; and provided with subterranean galleries, mines, and
traverses, Cut out of the solid rock with incredible labour. Upon
the whole, this was one of the best fortified places in Europe, well
supplied with artillery, ammunition, and provisions; and, without
all doubt, might have sustained the most desperate siege, had it been
defended by a numerous garrison, conducted by able engineers, under
the eye and auspices of an active and skilful commander. All these
advantages, however, did not concur on this occasion. The number of
troops in Minorca did not exceed four regiments, whereas the nature of
the works required at least double the number; and even of these, above
forty officers were absent. The chief engineer was rendered lame by the
gout, and the general himself oppressed with the infirmities of old age.
The natives of the island might have been serviceable as pioneers, or
day-labourers, but from their hatred to the protestant religion, they
were generally averse to the English government, although they had lived
happily and grown wealthy under its influence.

PRECAUTIONS taken by GENERAL BLAKENEY.

The governor ordered his officers to beat up for volunteers in the
adjacent town of St. Philip's; but few or none would enlist under his
banners, and it seems he would not venture to compel them into the
service. He recalled all his advanced parties; and, in particular, a
company posted at Fornelles, where a small redoubt had been raised,
and five companies at Ciudadella, a post fortified with two pieces of
cannon, which were now withdrawn as soon as the enemy began to disembark
their forces. At the same time major Cunningham was detached with a
party to break down the bridges, and break up the roads between that
place and St. Philip's; but the task of destroying the roads could not
be performed in such a hurry, on account of the hard rock which runs
along the surface of the ground through this whole island; nor was there
time to demolish the town of St. Philip's, which stood so near the fort,
that the enemy could not fail to take advantage of its neighbourhood.
The streets served them for trenches, which otherwise could not have
been dug through the solid rock. Here they made a