communication with the Five Nations, Albany and the River Hudson defended by three forts Fort Ontario on the right bank of the River, Forts George and Chouaguen on the left bank, as well as a species of Crown work, in earth, serving as an intrenched Camp, having also a good port and a its

;

well sheltered harbour.

But this siege so important to the Colony did not seem feasible this Campaign, the season being already far advanced, the preparation which this expedition required being

very great, the distance considerable and transportation not being accomplished except with difficulties and endless delays across a country

having no other roads but rivers, filled with falls and

rapids, and lakes rendered frequently impassable to batteaux in consequence of the violence of the

waves. Sieur Bigot, Intendant of Canada, arrived at this conjuncture at Montreal ; took upon himself the collection of munitions of war of all sorts,

and of provisions

--the despatch of convoys and their

The diversion towards Chouaguen was then determined on with the design to besiege it, if the condition of that place, or the carelessness of the enemy permitted. uninterrupted supply.

Sieur de Rigaud de Vaudreuil, Governor of Three Rivers was, accordingly sent with a fresh body

of Colonial troops and Indians to assume command of Sieur de Villiers' Camp, established at Niaoure

bay about 15 leagues from Chouaguen; Sieur de Bourlamaque received orders to commence at Fort Frontenac whatever preparations he may deem necessary ; Sieur Decombles, Engineer, to proceed with a detachment of Canadians and Savages to reconnoitre Chouaguen and to conceal the project ;