Historical records of the New Brunswick Regiment, Canadian Artillery

—6 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF THEon this continent. Governor Carleton hastened to St. John,which was in a state of alarm, and directed the erection ofsome fortifications which were thought to render the city perfectlysafe against attache by sea. Again, in October, a reportwas spread that two thousand four hundred French troopsamong which were 'a banditti of miscreants ' and some desertersfrom Galbaud's corps, were ready to embark at New York.They were said to have forty horses and sixteen pieces of fieldartillery but were badly clothed. Governor Carleton did notsuppose that New Brunswick would be the objective point ofthis expedition but as a matter of precaution he ordered fortyartillerymen (Royal) and a detachment of about eighty men ofthe King's New Brunswick Regiment, commanded by MajorMurray, to St. John. Capt. Clinch's company of that regimentwas stationed at Passamaquoddy and the remaining companiesat Fredericton and the upper posts. The governorreviewed the militia of the city of St. John and five hundredand eleven non-commissioned officers and men responded. Heset them to work preparing fascines and throwing up temporaryworks for the protection of the harbor. This was the firstmilitary employment of the militia artillery. At this time thecommon council of the city had under consideration the obtainingof some lots in St. James street for the purposes offortification but the project appears to have been abandoned.Despite the danger, either malice or mischief was not suppressedas the following extract from the minutes of common councilof 8th November, 1793, will shew:" Information having been given to this board that the Centi-"nals posted at the batteries have in several instances been as-"saulted by some evil disposed persons who have thrown stones" at them in the dark ;