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MONTREAL

Volume 7 · 231 words · 1778 Edition

an island of North America, in the river St Lawrence, about 28 miles long and 10 broad. The soil is very fertile, and the air wholesome. It belonged to the French; but was taken by the generals Amherst and Murray on the 8th of September 1760, without firing a gun. According to the terms of capitulation, all the French forces were to be sent to Old Montferrat-France; and, consequently, all Canada became subject to the crown of Great Britain: this cession was confirmed by the peace of 1763. The town is pretty well fortified; and has a pleasant situation, with wide open streets. It is built on the side of the river, from whence there is a gradual easy ascent to what is called the Upper Town. The Hôtel Dieu, the magazines, and the place of arms, are in the Lower Town; which is also the residence of the merchants. The seminary or school, the parish-church, the monks called Recollets, the Jesuits, and the nuns, are in the Upper; where likewise the late governor, and most of the officers, resided. There are also a general hospital, and a church belonging to the Jesuits, which is large and well-built. The inhabitants carry on a trade with the savages in skins and furs. It is 120 miles south-west of Quebec, and 110 north of Albany. W. Long. 72. 4. N. Lat. 45. 35.