This successful defeat of the Rebels/ while it animated and encouraged the beseiged, pointed out the necessity of observing the utmost vigilance; and the duty was very hard and constant through out the winter and the Spring; for as the Snows fall frequently and heavily during that Season, a number of men were often employed, besides the guard, to clear the Great Guns from it, and so deep was it at times, that the Officers in going their rounds were frequently up to the middle of it; and were obliged to wear leggins and other contrivances to defend themselves against the severity of the cold. The Prisoners who had been treated with a lenity which they ill deserved, attempted to corrupt the Sentinels appointed to guard them; but a discovery being made in time, their purpose was frustrated ー They had fallen upon means of communicating their design to their companions the beseigers without, which was to break out of confinement in the night, open the gates of the Town, throw the beds and quoins of the guns into the ditch, and apprize their friends without by a signal of their success, who were to be ready to come in to their Assistance, and seize upon the Garrison ー 3 To such a degree of vigilance and alertness did the Officers perform their duty, that' several of them did not venture to cast of[f] their cloaths or accoutrements for weeks together, but lay down with them on their backs, both night and day, that they might be prepared against any surprise ー Others felt the severity of this constant and fatiguing duty, but it was particularly so to Lieutenant Starke, who had but a few Months before, returned from a Station of four years in the Warm climate of the East Indias.