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articles down to the Market place their husbands superintended the selling of them, After this we managed pretty well with them, tho they view us with suspicion and kept a strong guard around us to prevent any ones going into the town. I attempted several times but was always stopped til one time I would not be stopped but walked on as if nothing happened until I was met by three soldiers. They presented pikes but I put them aside and walked on they following me repeating the word Mandarine and Making signs for me to go back to the boats. These soldiers were dressed in short red gown to about the knees and with large conical hats made of straw or bamboo, and in loose blue trousers. There appeared to be 4 or 500 of them on duty about the fort and there was probably many more on the opposite side of the river in a large fort there. I think I may safely put down the forces of Turon bay at 1500 or 200 men besides the peasantry. There are 5 strong forts constructed by the French Jesuits. There is one on each side of the enterance on peninsulars which make out into the bay. these forts are on steep hills and are round mountains I think about 25 guns each. They could be very easily defended by the inhabitants if they knew how or could be very easily taken by foreigners or an enemy if they did not know how for they both are immediately under high hills on which artillery could be planted so as to command [?] of these forts. Further in the bay to the S' is also a fort but I think now deserted. On each side of the Mouth of the river is a fort, mounting 24 guns each they are near no high land and are built with care to their strength. I attempted once to get near these forts but was rather rudely forced to desist as I thought this was none of my business I let them alone and sought elsewhere for amusement. One day the principal Mandarines of the town came of to see the ship attended by a few servants. one of them slyly gave the Capt a letter from a french Missionary. The Capt did not read it or open it until the Manderines had left. On opening it he found that it was from a Mr. Lefever a French Missionary who was condemned to death and was then in heavy double irons in a dungeon. immediately all hands were called to quarters, boats sent on shore for all the people guns cast loose &c &c Then Manned and armed 4 or 5 boats and proceeded up to town with them under Command of the Capt. with about 80 men. on