The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1809-09-23 00:00:00

FO icTIFICA7 lONS.

Tie immense works erected on that part of the
coast of Kent, which cannot be considered under
the protection of our shipping in the Downs, and
which is immediately opposite to that great rendez-
you. of the French flotilla. Boulogne, are now new-
ly completed ; they begin with the ancient castle
of Dover, which, from its peculiar streugth tied ele-
vated situation, has long been considered impreg-
nable ; Governmeut has, however, been employed
in constructing subterraneons works, consuaiugof
three tiers of batteries, easemates &c. &c. with
barracks fur 10,000 men. The height opposite the
barracks is alto regularly fortified by flanking re-
doubts, bastions, &c. &e. There is also a citadel,
with ditch and draw-bridge, and barracks for 5000
men ; a shaft of a most beautiful end corusito-
thous description, having four different stair-
cases (round an open area, which both lights
and ventilates) communicates with the town, the
height of which is upwards orate) fret. By this shaft
it Is calculated that to:0,000 men might pass from
the height to the towu, or, vice versa, in half au
hour. There are also four other batteries, called
Guildford's, Townahend's, Amherst's, and Arcti-
c:l4e, so that Dover is now the most completely
fortified (excepting Malta and Gibraltar) of any
place in the British domiaions, and forms a most
novel and interesting spectacle to the eye of the
stranger.
From Dover to Folkestone no works of defence
are necessary, as the cliff is inaccessible. From
Folkestone to Dungeness, forming an open hay of
about SO tulles in breadth, a great number of mar-
telio towers are constructed, which are of a circular
form, bomb proof, and have one gun of very large
calibre on the top ; they are so iliatributed, that no
part of the coast which is assailable is without :he
range of their shot ; 30 men in each might defend
themselves as long as their provision lasted, in per-
fect security. The old castle of Saudgate has also
been greatly enlarged, and new contains a number
of guns.
A redoubt, consisting of bomb-proof towers and
very formidable outworks. bas also been erected et
Brockman's Bars,. At Shornerliffe there is a bat-
tery, called by that name ; and sit Hyde-, Suther-
land, and Mourner, batteries which, with three
others at Dungeness, complete the line of coast.
14/ addition to the above, a military canal has been
cut from Shomeclifte to Rear Rye. Much difference
of opinitin has edema as to the utility of this cant.;,
as a defensive military work; hut thus much is cer-
tain, that it opens an easy communication with •
part of the country called the Weald or Wild of
Kent, which, from the badness of its roads, and con-
serpent difficulty of getting its produce (consisting
of timber) to market, has been cut off from litter-
course with the rest of the county, and which this
mai will west effectually obviate. It also begins
to be of the most essential service for the eouvey-
mice of troopsand baggage, many regiments having
passed from Rye to Hythe. a distance of .35 miles,
without fatigue ; anti immediately after lantlitif, •
distance of 15 miles farther by land, without halting.
thereby performing a distance of 40 miles in one
day, saving a great expense to riloverninent, and
relieving the innkeepers, who are very thinly scat-
tered in that neighbourhood, from an oppressive
burthen.

The whole of the works above described are per-
formed in the most substantial end skilful manner,
display a great deal of science in the eci7ineer depart-
ment, and are worthy a great cinintry i indeed, it is
matter of pleasing retlectioc, that many of the roads,
canals, &c. unite great commercial advantages
with that indispensable defensive preparation, which
the politico of Europe now require us to adopt.
With a %oldiesy thus employed •T HO:IE we hive
nothing to fear.

THE AI liK F.

-7-" T

COaN-EXCIIANGE, Sr.rl
lUD day tiotaapriy of Wheat is aguiti e•itre-ltety oiler%
sad very few amplee of last goility •oitibr furitor rtsp•
pike. aw sales are math, sad rhos, roily 1.1 the titc ed.
tatier ; b. try likewitte ill Slintt Puppis, and fiAt us. ilear ;
11Init and Peuna a the two kiiitt nt little tcnaliuu, Fitt few
allot latter ; new Grey Pew* dearer ; there ore *one frrlts
arrivals sif Onte sad this trade in coined ,nearly at last
prices ; Dune on the tams list quoted, and fitie Americo
als.i.