The Sun.
London, England, 1858-07-26 00:00:00

CHERBOURG.

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a historical sketch of Cherbourg, which is
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not without interest in present circumstances.
The following is, I think, a pretty fair summary:—
" Cherbeurg, which occupies public attention at
this moment, is situated in the peninsula of Coten-
tin, the ancient Lower Normandy, so called from
Coutsnces, its capital. The coteutin, which formed
part of the possessions of William the Conqueror,
became English after the battle of Hastings.
Gerhera., Count of Cherbourg, distinguished him-
self in that battle, and contributed powerfully to
the success of the Normans. From the death of
William, in 1087, until the middle of the 15th
century, Cherbourg was frequently taken by the
French and retaken by the English. It was finally
taken by Charles VII. the 12th August, 1450,
after a siege of 40 days, and has never since
ceased to belong to France. Louis XIV., finding
that the French coast on the Channel to the
extent of 125 leagues was unprovided with a port
of refuge for ships of war, determined to construct
one equal to Rochefort r r Toulon, and appointed
a committo to sviect a point. The 13th April,
13u5, the committee reported that it would be
expedient to improve the port of Cherbourg, and
to construct a breakwater of 2,400 yards in
length. Vauban subsequently visited the coast
of Cotentin at the command of Louis XIV.
He recommended La Hogue as the most advan-
tageous strategetic point to construct a port for
a war navy, but he admitteclthe merit of Cherbourg.,
and he prepared a plan for its defence signed by his
own baud, which is still preserved at the Hotel de
Ville of that town. Nothino, more, however, was
done until the year 1739, when the commercial port
was formed, the quays built, and two moles con-
s'ructed at the entrance to the canal. The war of
1744 interrupted the works. In 1758 Lord Howe
landed at Cherbourg, and did not quit the town
until he had caused considerable damage. Louis
XVI. revived the question in 1776, but Vauban's
preference for La Hogue found many partisans,
who would perhapshave triumphed had it not been
for M. do SArtine, then Minister of Marine. The
partisans of Cherbourg found a valuable ally in
Col. Dumoutiez, Commander of the town, who
subsequtnly became so remarkable) during the
Republic, aild on the 3d of July, 1779, a Royal
ordonance commanded the construction of the forts
Hommet and of the island Pelee. The works of
Cherbourg excited attention both in France and
throughout Europe, and the King commissioned
his brother, the Count d'Artois, to visit them.
That Prince arrived at Cherbourg, the 22d of May,
1786, and expTes3ed his admiration of all be saw.
At the end of three days he left for Versailles, and
from the manner in which he spoke of the works
the K:ng was induced to visit the new maritime
erablistim,nt. Louis XVI. made t is solemn entry
into Cherbourg the 22d of June, 1786, and left the
26th of the same mouth. The King examined the
works in the harbour, as well as the def'nces and the
commercial port, with greatinterest. Duringhi, stay
at Chet bourg he was well received by the authorities
ant by the population—his affability, his simple
manners, and his solid information produced the best
effect.. The partisans of La Hogue, however, re-
mained firm, and returned to the charge in the
year 1785. But they experienced an obstinate re-
sistance. A note exists which wai, addressed to
the King, the 231 of March, 1786, by M. Pleville
le Pelley, in which the advantages possessed by
Cherbourg are explained at great length, Louis