Second to None: A Military Romance, Volume 2 (of 3)

A Military Romance.
JAMES GRANT,
AUTHOR OF THE ROMANCE OF WAR, THE CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD, THE YELLOW FRIGATE, ETC. ETC.
IN THREE VOLUMES. VOL. II.
LONDON: ROUTLEDGE, WARNE, AND ROUTLEDGE, BROADWAY, LUDGATE HILL. NEW YORK: 129, GRAND STREET. 1864.
CONTENTS
THE SECOND VOLUME.
CHAP.

The city of St. Malo was now more closely reconnoitred by the commander-in-chief, as well as by General Elliot, the quartermaster-general, and other officers, who were unanimously of opinion that, from its vast strength, a long time—a month at least—must elapse before it could be reduced; and as the heavy cannon and mortars requisite for such a siege were yet on board the fleet, the idea of any assault upon the place should be relinquished, more especially as French troops were advancing against us from Normandy, Maine, and Anjou.
The approach by land to the small isle of Aaron on which it is situated is by a mole or causeway, three-quarters of a mile in length, by fifty-four feet in breath. and this was daily covered by the tide with slimy weeds.
The approach by sea was narrow, well defended by batteries, and was otherwise dangerous to vessels venturing within gunshot. On the north St. Malo was quite inaccessible, in consequence of the height of the rocks and strength of the fortifications which crown them. The city was crowded with fugitives from the adjacent country, from which they had retired by order of the noblesse, magistrates, and echevins, to whom the Duke of Marlborough sent a notice, that if the peasantry did not return peaceably to their houses, he would set fire to them without delay.