CHAPTER XIV.
THE COUNCIL OF WAR.
The Council now opened in due form. The Secretary read the royal
despatches, which were listened to with attention and respect,
although with looks of dissent in the countenances of many of the
officers.
The Governor rose, and in a quiet, almost a solemn strain, addressed
the Council: "Gentlemen," said he, "from the tenor of the royal
despatches just read by the Secretary, it is clear that our beloved
New France is in great danger. The King, overwhelmed by the powers
in alliance against him, can no longer reinforce our army here. The
English fleet is supreme--for the moment only, I hope!" added the
Governor, as if with a prevision of his own future triumphs on the
ocean. "English troops are pouring into New York and Boston, to
combine with the militia of New England and the Middle Colonies in a
grand attack upon New France. They have commenced the erection of a
great fort at Chouagen on Lake Ontario, to dispute supremacy with
our stronghold at Niagara, and the gates of Carillon may ere long
have to prove their strength in keeping the enemy out of the Valley
of the Richelieu.
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