They are so situated as to be cannonaded by Shipping, and are in a manner defenceless against a superior land force.

The Garrison at present consists of 800 regulars, besides Militia of the Country, which comprehend every man able to bear Arms.

They can, by means of Signals, alarm the whole Country in a very short time, and then every man is immediately to repair to the Cape Town.

The French at Mauritius are supply'd with large Quantitys of Provisions from the Cape, viz., Salted Beef, Biscuit, Flour, and wine.
While we lay in the Bay 2 Store Ships belonging to the King, of the Burthen of 50 or 60 Gun Ships, and a Snow, sail'd for that Island Loaded with Provisions, besides a large (King's) Frigate we left in the Bay taking in her Cargo.

The Provisions contracted for this Year by the French were Salt Beef, 500,000 pounds; Flour, 400,000 pounds; Biscuit, 400,000 pounds; and Wine, 1,200 Leagers..