XXIII. Remarks on the Time employed in Caesar's two Expeditions into Britain. By the Rev. Dr. Owen, of St. Olave's, Hart-Street. Communicated by the Hon. Daines Barrington

Extract

Caesar's expedition into Britain was made in the 5th year before Christ. He landed on the 26th of August in the Downs. He met, upon his landing, with a warm reception. “Pugnatum est ab utrisque acriter.” The ground was marshy, and full of deep ditches, which embarrassed the Romans: “impe-“ditos adoriebantur (Britanni). This battle was fought on the sea shore, and not far from it. Nothing more was done for four days, viz. till August 30 at night, which was the full moon, when the storm arose that wrecked the ships, which had carried Caesar's army. “Post diem 4. quam est in Britanniam ventum,—eâdem “nocte accidit, ut esset luna plena, &c.” This misfortune the Britons took advantage of—broke from their allegiance—stopped all provisions—and wisely endeavoured to protract the war, as knowing that the approaching winter would distress the Romans, and give them cause to repent their rashness. This Caesar suspected, and therefore provided against it as well as he could, by bringing in corn for his present supply—and refitting his ships for his future return. This took up at least a week, which brings it to the 7th of September.