The New Hampshire Gazette

THOUGH the attack, and we hope the conquering, the island of Belleisle, even at this late time, will undoubtedly be of great service to England, yet had it been done at the beginning of this war, it would more sensibly have affected the enemy, and more materially have answered our interests.

Far be it from us to blame the present administration; we will not lay this neglect of executing so important a measure peculiarly to them, but rather those who suffered Minorca to be taken from the want of true intelligence, and even when they received it doubted its authenticity, tho' all the rest of Europe were convinced of its veracity: of Belleisle, no doubt, lay dormant, though a most inviting object, either from a want of knowledge of its importance, or to some such cause.

Pity it is, that this important island was not taken last year. It would not surprize us when we are told, that the enemy had planted a cheveaux de frize in the water, which prevented the flat bottomed boats returning to the transports, after they had been floated up the brink of the highest breach by the full tide, if we remember what was currently reported in Scotland in November last namely, that the secret expedition was going to make a conquest of the isle of Belleisle: however, it is not improbable but that the troops may, by this time, have effected a safe landing and got footing on the island; and that though they are not provided with artillery to reduce Palais, or La Bourg, the capital and only material fortification in the island, they may nevertheless be determined to maintain their ground, against the attempts of the garrison to dislodge them.

They will doubtless receive battering cannon as soon as possible, and then we may expect to hear, that Vauban's fortifications will be found inferior to British valour; and in a little time after. we shall be convinced of the importance of this island: the equipping of fleets at Brest will cease, because the enemy there will not only want a road to go in and out with safety, but also materials to build their ships, and stores for them: all which are brought thither from the southern parts of France, by a channel between Belleisle and the continent, a navigation our men of war are totally ignorant of, because the French charts are false, and deceive them.

This island lies opposite to Port Louis and L'Orient and absolutely commands the entrance into their harbours. By it the French East India company would then suffer greatly, if they are not totally ruined, for their ships would no longer be able to get in and out of their ports: the river Villaine, and the gulph of Morbihan, are also commanded by this island. and the French communication between their northern and southern ports would be entirely cut off: all the dangers of our ships splitting on the rocks of the Cardinals, all the dismal horrors of a bay station, would be removed; the harbour of Palais would afford a safe and most convenient asylum for all our ships in bad weather, which are destined to watch the great western coast of France.

It is fruitful and healthful, and may be as well preserved in the possession of the English, as they now hold the islands of Guernsey and Jersey. It is the largest island on the French Coast, and of more importance to that nation than any of her ports, because it is the key to so many, and commands so much of the main land.

In short, of all the expeditions which have been sent out of England, at the expense of many millions, during these last sixty years. none was ever sent to execute so advantageous a plan to England, as that now gone to make a conquest of the isle of Belleisle; and if we are so fortunate to 'accomplish this wise design, I hope our negotiators will retain the same sense of its importance when they treat on peace, as. our ministers have done when they proposed the step to take it; and if it be granted us by the terms of peace, we hope such use will be made of it, as shall prevent a cunning and treacherous enemy from privately making preparations, to begin another war.