46 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

quadrangular in form, and two stories high, the second story overlaping the first by some three or fOur feet on every side, and loopholed so that. shot could be fired down through these loopholes in all directions. Upon the summit of its pointed roof was a look-out from which, with the assistance of a telescope, an excellent view of part of the Straits was obtained, that is from a.line with Point Prim to the westward; then by a code of signals, every vessel appearing in sight, together with her description, could be telegraphed to the commanding officer at headquarters in Charlottetown. ’

The lesser forts were mounted with 18 poun‘der guns, while George’s Battery mounted 24 pounders; these fortifications had such entire command of the harbor that an enemy attempt- ing to attack the town would encounter great difficulty. But these precautions were otherwise of good service by infusing a‘ spirit of self reliance and patriotic ardor into the community who were already noted for their loyalty to the Crown and obedience to the law. ' ‘ '

The cost bf. the fortifications was". paid out"of the English treasury, which, independent of guns or ammunition, amounted to several thousand pounds sterling; Besides the above . there were several thousand stand of muskets and accoutrements, and a little later a complete field battery, of six pounder brass guns, was added to the armament, comprising 5 guns, I howitzer, 6 ammunitionwagons, .15 limber, store wagon and blacksmith forge. Six horses being the number for each limber, there were, therefore, ninety sets of artillery harness, with twenty riding bridles and saddles for officers and non-commis ‘ sioned officers of the battery. Thus with an‘ adequacy of troops thoroughly equipped, the capital would appear in a state of sufficient defence in case of an enemy’s hostile visit to the port.

From the census returns taken in 1798, it appears that the population of the Island at that date numbered 4,372 souls; but little over the number of inhabitants residing on the Island when Lord Rollo took possession forty years previous. They were located in different places from the EaSt Point to Cascumpec Harbor. '

During the year 1799 the ancient name of St. John, which the Island had home for so long a period, was changed to that of Prince Edward, in honor of His Royal Highness the Duke of