Messengers came out that afternoon, to endeavour to induce the general not to enter it; but a reply was sent that this was out of the question, that no harm would befall the inhabitants, and that--as soon as he entered--the general would be ready to receive any persons qualified to treat for peace.
Some hours before daybreak the army marched forward and, by sunrise, were close to the town.

The position was found to be extremely strong.

Every hill commanding the place had been fortified, to the very summit.

Strong stockades ran in every direction, and it was evident that a great number of men must have been engaged, for a long time, in attempting to render the place impregnable.
Not a soldier, however, was to be found.

A native of the place presently met them, with the news that the governor and troops had evacuated it, with the exception of a small party who were firing the town.