Chapter 24

In the fifth summer Agricola made an expedition by sea. He embarked in the first Roman vessel that ever crossed the estuary of the Clyde, and having penetrated into regions till then unknown, he defeated the inhabitants in several engagements, and lined the coast. which lies opposite to Ireland, with a body of troops; not so much from an apprehension of danger, as with a view to future projects. He saw that Ireland, lying between Britain and Spain, and at the same time convenient to the ports of Gaul, might prove a valuable acquisition, capable of giving an easy communication, and, of course, strength and union to provinces disjoined by nature.