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yards. Three sides of this square are formed by a wall four feet thick and twenty feet high, built out into the Lake upon piles, with an entrance to let vessels in.
Having viewed this town and port in terrorem, we took leave of our polite guide, wishing him a speedy order to return to Old France*. M – prophesies this town will never be built; or, supposing it should be in part, never inhabited†. His reasons are, – "that it is situated in the midst of implacable enemies, whose interests and inclinations it must ever be to distress this new establishment. Nor can trade be carried on without a fund; and though that was afforded them, still the Genevans, by making the smallest accommodations for the vessels trading upon the Lake, would render utterly useless and unavailing all that the French may hereafter expend upon Versoix and its port." What benefit then can they expect to result from throwing away a great sum of money, and harassing many more of their already too oppressed military subjects?
As we drew near to Geneva, the country became very cheerful, by offering to our view a great number of small houses and pretty gardens belonging to the citizens, who retire to them in the summer when their business permits. – Our inn is very good,
- The troops now here are a detachment of about 300 from the Queen's regiment, and 100 of the Royal artillery.
† This prophesy has been since fulfilled, as the undertaking was totally abandoned immediately upon the D. of Choiseul's disgrace.
