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G. HANGER -
Reflections on the menace of invasion and a means of protecting the capital
(London) by preventing the enemy from landing and a correct military
description of Essex and Kent. – 1795
......... From the great attention which has been paid to the defence of the
Thames, and particularly to the defence of the Hope, I trust, my Lord, we are
in no danger from that quarter. Supposing that point safe, I think, my Lord,
there is but one other place where the enemy can ever land any strong body of
troops, contiguous to the capital, in Essex: I speak not of the neighbourhood
of Harwich, for I call that not contiguous to the capital, as it is 73 miles
distant; the spot I mean to point out is within 38 lies of London; it is the
Blackwater river on which Maldon in Essex is situated. I believe (but will not
assert) there is no defence whatever made to this river, yet it must be
acknowledged that a numerous body of troops are near at hand. It might be
defended very easily, and at small expends, by throwing up a few redoubts, so
strong as not to be taken by assault .......................
From a letter to General, The Earl of Harrington dated Dec. 4th 1803
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