er the protection of the forts on the Gold-coast, would have
revolted from the British interest; for while the French squadron, in
their progress along-shore, hovered in the offing at Annamaboe,
an English settlement a few leauges to leeward of Cape-coast, John
Corrantee, the caboceiro, chief magistrate and general of the blacks on
that part of the coast, whose adopted son had a few years before been
caressed, and even treated as a prince in England, taking it for granted
that this enterprise of the French would be attended with success,
actually sent some of his dependants, with a present of refreshments for
their commodore; the delivery of which, however, was prevented by Mr.
Brew, the English chief of the fort, who shattered in pieces the canoe
before it could be launched, and threatened with his cannon to level the
black town with the dust. The caboceiro, though thus anticipated in
his design, resolved to be among the first who should compliment M. de
Kersin on his victory at Cape-coast; and, with this view, prepared an
embassy or deputation to go there by land; but understanding that the
French had failed in their attempt, he shifted his design, without the
least hesitation, and despatched the same embassy to Mr. Bell, whom he
congratulated on his victory, assuring him he had kept his men ready
armed, to march at the first summons to his assistance.

{GEORGE II. 1727-1760}

STATE OF AFFAIRS IN THE EAST INDIES.

In the East Indies the scene was changed greatly to the honour and
advantage of Great Britain. There the commanders acted with that
harmony, spirit, and unanimity becoming Britons, zealous for the credit
of their king and the interest of their country. We left admiral Watson
and colonel Clive advancing to Calcutta, to revenge the cruel tragedy
acted upon their countrymen the preceding year. On the twenty-eighth
of December, the fleet proceeded up the river: next day colonel Clive
landed, and with the assistance of the squadron, in twenty-four hours
made himself master of Busbudgia, a place of great strength, though
very ill defended. On the first of January the admiral, with two ships,
appeared before the town of Calcutta, and was received by a brisk fire
from the batteries. This salute was returned so warmly, that the enemy's
guns were soon silenced, and in less than two hours the place and fort
were abandoned. Colonel Clive, on the other side, had invested the
town, and made his attack with that vi