SEC. XIX. Governor Clarke closed his administration in September, 1743. Like that of his predecessor, it was distinguished by a strict and pertinacious adherence to prerogative, and presents little else, than an arduous and continued struggle for ascendency between the governor and the assembly, supported by their respective partisans.

With few exceptions, he evinced a strong desire to conciliate the affections of the people, and, apart from his notions of monarchy he contributed much to the prosperity of the colony. His constant attention to the promotion of trade and commerce entitled him to our applause.

XIX. When did lieutenant governor Clarke close his administration ? -What can you say of it?

For what was he entitled to applause ?

CHAP. VIII.

FROM 1743, TO 1760.

George Clinton appointed Governor.

War

with France. Expedition against Louisburg. Incursions of the French and Indians. Operations of the war in 1746. Capture of the French fleet. Indian depredations. Termination of the war. Osborne appointed Governor, dies, and is succeeded by Delancey. Hostilities again commenced with the French. Colonial Convention. Hardy appointed GovColonies prosecute the war.

ernor.

SEC. I. I. 1743. His excellency, George Clinton, was appointed to supersede Mr Clarke, as governor of the colony. He arrived on the 23d of September, and assumed the administration of the government.

The arrival of Governor Clinton was highly gratifying to the feelings of the colonists. The assembly was, according to custom, dissolved, and a new one elected. In addressing them, the language of the governor was mild and unassuming. Their reply was complimentary, and passed over in silence the former subjects of controversy between the executive and the assembly.

1. Who succeeded Mr Clarke ?

7*

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-What is said of his arrival?

Sec. II. 1744. War was declared between France and England, and great preparations were made on both sides for its prosecution. A similar spirit pervaded their respective colonies in America. Large appropriations were made by the assembly of New York, for putting the country in a posture of defence.

SEC. III. In 1745, the English colonies united in forming an expedition against Louisburg, the capital of Cape Breton Island, which was entrusted to the command of Sir William Pepperell. This important fortress was surrendered by the French in June. Five thousand pounds were voted by the assembly of New York for the promotion of this enterprise.

The troops destined for this expedition, mostly from New England, were embarked at Canso, and the fleet, under General Pepperell and Commodore Warren, arrived in Chapearogue bay, on the 13th of April. The enemy were, until this moment, in profound ignorance that any attack was meditated against them.

"The sight of the transports gave the alarm to the French, and a detachment was sent to oppose the landing of the troops. But while the general diverted the attention of the enemy by a feint at one place, he was landing his men at another.

The next morning, four hundred of the English marched round the hills to the northeast harbor, setting fire to all the houses and stores, till they came within a mile of the royal battery. The conflagration of the stores, in which was a considerable quantity of tar, concealed the

II. When, and with whom was war declared ?- -What measures were taken by the assembly?

III. What expedition was undertaken by the colonies ?--What was its success?

Give some account of it.

English troops, at the same time, that it increased the alarm of the French so greatly, that they precipitately abandoned the royal battery. Upon their flight the English took possession of it, and by means of a well directed fire from it, seriously damaged the town.

The main body of the army now commenced the siege. For fourteen nights they were occupied in drawing cannon towards the town, over a morass, in which oxen and horses could not be used. Incredible was the toil; but what could not men accomplish, who had been accustomed to draw the pines of the forest for masts? By the twentieth of May several fascine batteries had been erected, one of which mounted five fortytwo pounders. On opening these batteries, they did great execution.

In the meantime Commodore Warren captured the Vigilant, a French ship of seventy four guns, and with her five hundred and sixty men, together with great quantities of military stores. This capture was of great consequence, as it not only increased the English force and added to their military supplies, but as it seriously lessened the strength of the enemy. Shortly after this capture, the number of the English fleet was considerably augmented by the arrival of several men of war. A combined attack by sea and land was now determined on, and fixed for the eighteenth of June.

Previously to the arrival of this additional naval force, much had been accomplished towards the reduction of the place. The inland battery had been silenced; the western gate of the town was beaten down, and a breach effected in the wall; the circular battery of sixteen guns was nearly ruined, and the western flank of the king's bastion was nearly demolished.

Such being the injured state of the works, and perceiving preparations making for a joint assault, to sustain which little prospect remained, on the 15th the enemy desired a cessation of hostilities, and on the 17th of June, after a siege of fortynine days, the city of Louisburg, and the island of Cape Breton, were surrendered to his Britanic majesty.

Thus successfully terminated a daring expedition, which had been undertaken without the knowledge of the mother country. The acquisition of the fortress of Louis

burg was as useful and important to the colonies, and to the British empire, as its reduction was surprising to that empire and mortifying to the court of France.

Besides the stores and prizes which fell into the hands of the English, which were estimated at little less than a million sterling, security was given to the colonies in their fisheries; Nova Scotia was preserved, and the trade and fisheries of France nearly ruined.”*

SEC. IV. During the operations at Louisburg, intelligence was received at New York, that 1500 French, and 100 Indians intended to surprise the English settlements near the mouth of the St. Lawrence, and on their return to attack Oswego.

An attempt was made by Col. Schuyler and Major Collins to erect block houses at Saratoga, but was frustrated by the great numbers of the enemy's Indians, who were constantly on the watch, and cutting off supplies and troops. The inhabitants of Albany and the adjacent country became alarmed for their safety; and murders and robberies were frequently committed by the Indians within a few miles of the city.

A draft of 200 men was made for the relief of Albany and Schenectady. The town of Hosick was deserted by its inhabitants, and towards the close of the year the settlements at Saratoga were almost literally depopulated. The houses and fort were burnt, and many shocking barbarities committed by the Indians,

* Goodrich.

IV. What intelligence was received during this expedition?What attempts were made?--Why were the inhabitants of Albany alarmed? What is said of the settlements at Hosick and Saratoga?