L. Langlois Jean le Prince Piere Richard

Jaique Bomont Francois Mitchel Charles Doucett François Comois Charle Blanchard Alexander ITebert Renot Babinet Piere Lanou Alexander Richard

PO. R.— Col. Records — Nova Scotia. Vol, 3,

Charles Belliveaux Pierre Olivier Jean Heber Claud Doucett Nich La Vigne Nich Richard Picrre Godett

P, Tipodeau

An: Blancheau Laver Dure Pierre Rich!

Rene de Morrut Chu, Mallenson

St Seine

Claud Tibedeau Jeau Mellanson Alexander Commenu Jean Baptist Pibrain I, Duon

Jos, Burgois

Bat Godett

Claud Landri Sen’ Gabriel Samson Pierre Pouget

C, Landri jun:

An. Simon

Ber, Pelfrain

Ger, Savoy Jn' Piere la Vergne Pivre Doucett Alexandre Pibrain

Jacque Gouzille

Guillam Blanchard Deny St Sceine Piere Blanchard Laurence Grange Jean Breaux Ambroise Mellanson Antoine Tibedeaux Charles Tibedeaux Francis Scavov Mark Peter Abram Commeau Jacques Girrerd Jean Dupuis Charle Belleveaux Piere Mellanson Abram Burg Francis Robicheau Jean Bellevoan Pierre Commeau Jean Seavoy

Jacq: Hebert Claud Dagay Pierre Anbois Antoine Belleveaux Claud Breaux Francis remose Claud Peter

Claud Grange

La vieut Richard Augustine Commeau

Tous les Veuve sont du

vera copia

Clement Vincent Claud Mellenson Jean Baptist Landry Rene Martin Jacques Leger son' Jacque Leger jun' Jean Commeau Pierre Cormeau Jacques Leveran Antoine Brown Francis Bastarack Jean Bastarack Joseph Robicheau Jean Priejean Charle Martin Alex" Gerrard Autoine Hebert Renne Breaux Renne Blanchard Pierce Broisard Glaud Burge Germain Seavoy sen' Jacq: Mitchel Mathew Doucett Clem!t Bibenot

La vicuf LeBlan Le vieuf Brossard La vient Doucett Guillaum Garrerd William Giodett

meme sentiment

Attested p A! Savage Sec” ÆEndorset : Yn Govern' Philipps of 26" May 1720 Reced with M De la fay's L'of 9 Aug! 1720

Reced 12% Aug )

=) Read 15" ditto j 1720

ANSWER OF TE FRENCI INHABITANTS IN Nova Scorra ro Cor : Purtips, !

À Son Excellence Richard Philipps Escuyer Capitaine General et Gouuerneur en Chef de la Province de sa Majesté La Nouvelle Escosse où Acadie, Gouverneur Dannapolis Royalle dans In ditte Province et de Plaisance en terre nevue Et Collonel d'un des Regiments D'infanterie de sa Majesté.

PR. O0. — Col, Records — Nova Scotia, Vol, 3.

Pour executer vos ordres nous nous somme assemblé, tous les Habitants de cette Riviere pour donner à Votre Excellence vne Reponce Positive a la Proclamations que vous avez eûe la bontée de nous envoyer, nous Representons done tres humblement a votre Excellence quil est notoires que nous ne pouvons pas prester serment a sa Majesté Britannique sans courir un Risque tres certain D'estres Esgorgée dans nos maison par les Sauvages les quel nous en menace tous les jour c'est pourquois Monsieur nous ne pouvont pas faires D'autre serment que ce luy cy, qui est d'estre fidelle au Roy George sans que l'on nous puiss® contraindre a prendre les armes contre Personne, dont nous vous suplions tres humblement de vouloir l'accepter vous prommestant de le garder tidellement Votre Excellence verra bien que ce sont le Sauuage quo nous aprehendons doutant que nous somme tous prest d'abandonner tous nous bien pour nous sauver nôtre vie a nous et a nos familles et sy vôtre Excellence ne nou: peut pas permetre de rester icy sur ce serment nous vous suplions tres humblement Monsieur de vouloir bien nous accorder vn peut plus longtemps pour nous retyrer nous et nos familles nous estant presque impossible de nous retyrer en sy peut de temps le pays même estant denuée de vivres par les semences qu. long a faitte De puis peut, c'est pour quois, nous vous prions de vouloir Bien nous accorder la grace de nous lesser enporter les effects que nous avons pour substanter a notre vie et a celle de nos familles pour nous retirer sur les terre du Roy de France Esperant que Votre Excellence nous permetra d'aller a L'Isle Royal pour demander du secour pour nous retyrer,. Nous estant impossible de nous retyrer de nous même en sy peut de temps, la plus grande partie n'ayant aucune voitures nous esperons que votre Bontée nous permetra a ceux qui aurons des voytures de se Retyrer avec, où qui leur serat permis den Lover ou den achepter, C'est la grace que nous esperons que vôtre Excellence accordera a tous ceux qui sont avec tout le Respect et la soumission possible, Les plus soumis de vostres humble serviteur

Les Soubsignez ou sou marquez Nicuoras LAVIGNE and 135 Inhabitants french Signed their names vera copia Attested p A' Savage Sec'" Endorsed : In Gover' Philipps of 26 may 1820

ExTRACT or A LETTER FROM M, O, pe BRouILLAN vo Puinipps' 8 JUNE 1720.

Le P. Justinien m'apprend Les ordres precis que vous avez donnés (aux) habitants de l'Acadie de prester le Se"ment ou de se retirer, c’est apparemment ceux que vous entendez natifs du pays dont vous me parlez dans votre lettre; J'ay Egalement taché lorsque l'occasion s'en est presentée de leur inspirer l'Esprit de tranquillité du mieux qu'il m'a esté possible cependant Monsieur quelque juste que soit la resolution que vous avez prise de les fixer en consequence des Ordres Expresses du Roy vostre maistre, vous voulez bien me permettre de vous representer que L'inaction dans laquelle ces peuples sont restez jusqu'a present ne peut ni ne doit leur estre imputé a crime tant par raport au deffaut des Secours essentiels a leur transmigration que par les obstacles que les (rouverneurs generaux et particuliers qui vous ont précédé y ont mis.

Je ne puis non plus me dispenser Monsieur de vous exposer que les deux clauses de vostre Procla-

mation qui concernent le terme, et les circonstances de leur Evacuation me puroissent peu conformes

! PR, 0.— Col, Records — Nova Scotia, Vol, 3.

aux assurances de bien veillance qu'ils auoient de la part de la Cour d'Angleterre surtout aprés un Traitté et une Convention de bonne foy entre la feu Reyne Anne et le Roy Louis quatorze de glorieuses memoire, Traitté qui a esté executé en Entier de la part de la Franco et en partie de la part de l'Angleterre.

Vous n'Ignorez pas Monsieur que par cette convention Le sort des Habitants de L'Accadie etoit et deuoit etre meme que celuy des habitants de Plaisance. On ne peut rien adjouter a la gracieuseté ot a la bonne Foy avec laquelle cest Traittée cette Evacuation et j'auray l'honneur de vous representer que rien ne pourroit estre de plus dur que l'Extremité ou pour mieux dire l’Impossibilité à laquelle se trouveroient reduits ces pauvres Peuples Si vous ne vouliez vous relacher en rien du temps que vous leurs accordez et de la maniere dont vous Exigez leur sortie,

En verité Monsieur ce seroit leur faire sentir bien foiblement les effects de la bien veillance Royalle du Roy vostre maistre que vous leur faites valoir avec tant et de si justes Tiltres dans votre Proclamation et dont [ls auoient de si heureux préjugez par le Traitté et la Convention dont vous ne pouvez ignorer ni les clauses ny le poids,

Je suis persuadé Monsieur qu'en considération de cette sincere, indissoluble et inviolable Union qui se trouve entre les Roys nos maîtres et leurs Etats, vous ne refuserez pas L’attention convenable

a La representation que j'ay l'honneur de vous faire et que trouvant a l’avénement à votre Gouvernement l’heureuse occasion de faire valoir la forte inelination que vous me protestez auoir de vous y conformer en tout ce qui pourra dependre de vous vous me donnerez les occasions d'y repondre en Faisant valoir au Roy mon maître l'humanité avec Laquelle vous aurez traitté Ses sujets en cette importante occasion, J'ay l'honneur d’Estre tres parfaitement Monsieur Vostre tres humble et tres obéissant Serviteur

Sr OVIDE DE BROUILLAN.

ÆEndorsed : Nova Scotia — Letter from Mons' St, Ovide Gov' of Cape Breton to Col. Philips. Dated 8t of June 1720 Recd. his Ié* of 6‘ Aug 1720 Recd, 26" Nov, 1720 Read 1 Dec. 1720 Nora. — Les Documents ci-dessus, depuis x1r jusqu’à xxix inclusivement, ne se trouvent pas dans le volume d’Archives de la Nourelle-Ecosse.

EXTRAIT D'UNE LETTRE DES HABITANS DU POR1Y ROYAL, DES MINES, DE BEAUBASSIN, ENVOYÉE A M' DE St OVIDE PAR DES HABITANS DÉPUTÉS DE LEURS PART. !

Monsieur

Le nommé Prudent Robuchau vous remettra la lettre que nous avons l'honneur de vous écrire, nous l'avons député pour vous informer qu'un nouveau lieutenant-gouverneur étant arrivé nous avons reçu ordre de lui de faire le serment de fidélité pour le roi de la G. B, ce que nous avons refusé avec général de Nicholson en présence de

autant de constance que nous le fimes les années dernières au M5 de la Ronde et de Pensens.

1 Archives du Ministère de la Marine et des Colonies, Paris, — “ Colonies ” Ilo Royale. — Correspondance générale, — Année 1718, vol. 3, fol, 179.

Vous savez M', les difficultés qui nous ont été faites pour notre sortie lorsque nous l'avons demandés et l'impossibilité dans laquelle nous nous sommes trouvés d'effectuer ce que l'on demandoit de nous. Cependant aujourd'hui il semble qu'on veuille nous contraindre de faire ce serment ou d'abandonner le pays il nous est absolument impossible de faire ni l'autre.

Nous somme: résolus de ne point faire de serments parce que nous sommes bons et vrais sujets du roi TC. Vous avez ve In dessus notre déclaration que rien ne sera capable de nous la faire changer et nous ne pouvons abandonner sans des facilités convenables qui nous étoient promis de la part de la cour de France et qui nous ont été toujours refusez de la part de la cour d'Angleterre. pour notre situation est trés rule et que la conjoncture dans laquelle nous nous trouvons est trés épineuse, nous vous supplions Monsieur de nous honorer de vos charitables conseils au cas qu'il nous soit fait de nouvelles instances de la part du gouverneur, nous en ferons le moilleur usage qu'il nous sera

possible avec le secours de nos missionnaires,

DEMANDES QUE L'ON SUPPOSE QUI SERONT FAITES AUX D'° HABITANS AVEC LES RÉPONSES ENVOYEZ PAR

M: pe S OVIDE AUX MISSIONN'® POUR ÊTRE COMMUNIQUÉS AUX PLUS FIDÈLES AU CAS ET BESOIN. !

Il sera sans doute demandé pourquoi ils refusent de faire le serment de fidélité pour le roi

d'Angleterre.

R.— Qu'ils en ont fait un depuis la paix pour le roy de France leur légitime prince en présence du général Nicholson et de deux ofliciers françois lequel serment rien ne peut empêcher de tenir. û D,— Quelles raisons ils ont pour être resté jusqu'à présent sur les terres du roi d'Angleterre et pourquoi ils n'en sont pas sortis dans le cours de l'année. ‘ R.— Qu'il leur a été impossible de le faire par plusieurs raisons. qi La 1° par la déffense qui nous a été faite par M. Caltild de ne rien emporter de tout ce qui nous li appartenait, ce qui est contre l'article 14° de paix, où il est porté que les sujets du roi de France pourront se retirer avec tous leurs effets mobiliers pour se transporter où bon leur semblera, et suivant une lettre de la reine qui accorde que nos biens et maisons seront estimés par des comm" dont le montant nous sera payé comme cela a été pratiqué a l'évacuation de Plaisance et autres endroits cédés à la reine d'Angleterre par le roy de France.

Qu'en second lieu le général Nicholson ne voulant point consentir qu'il vint des vaisseaux françois pour nous transporter ny nous er fournir il ne voulut pas non plus qu'il nous fut envoyé des agrés et aparau qui étoient à l'isle Royalle pour gréer nombre de petits bâtiments que nous avions dont nous nous serions servis pour nous retirer lesquels nous avons été contraints de vous vendre.

D.— Qu'il a ordre du roi son maître de savoir leur volontés afin que sur leur réponse il puisse prendre les mesures qui conviendront.

B. — Qu'ils sont tous dans les mêmes sentiments qu’ils étoient lorsque pareilles propositions leur furent faites par le uéné al Nicholson, de laquelle intention rien dans le monde ne peut les détourner, voulant mourir catholique, romain, et sujets du roi de France comme ils ont toujours été.

D.— Je suis bien aise de vous dire que les instructions du roi mon maître sont de vous ordonner de sa part, que ceux qui auront ds pareils sentiments ayent a sortir de dessus ses terres dans l’espace d'un mois au plus sous peine à ceux qui y seront au dela de ce temps d'être punis, ou leurs biens confisqués,

:— Nous sommes tous prêts a exécuter de bon cœur l'ordre que vous nous donnerez ur cela,

1 Archives de la Marine, Paris. Ce document fait suite au précédent (No XXX) et faisait probablement partie

de la réponse demandée.

Re nb

lorsque vous accomplirez comme vous le devez l'article 14 de paix, et la lettre de la reine de la G. B. l’un et l'autre dans leur teneur, si vous croyez M. que ce que nous avons l'honneur de vous représentez ne soit pas de la dernière justice et équitée, nous vous offrons nos réponses par écrit signées de tous, nous, et vous aurez la bonté de nous faire donner nos demandes afin que vous et nous puissions les envoyer a nos Cours pour en être par elles décidés.

Sr OVIDE DE BROUILLAN.

M' Morris’ RestaRks ! CONCERNING THE REMOVAL OP Tue FReNCu INtABrrANTs.* Summer 1755. IN Jury or Some Refluctions of ° the situation of the Inhabitants commonly called Neutrals, SABLY IN Aa! | and some methods proposed to prevent their escape out of the Colony, in case upon being acquainted with the design of removing them, they should attempt to desert over the French neighbour* settlem®, as their firm attachm' to them may be conjectured to raise in them a strong effort ! to attempt it As to their situation.

The greatest district which comprehends the most families is that of Minas, to whom Minas | belong the Inhabitants of the Graspero, In 1748 they were reported to be in number upwards of 200 families, of w" 180 families live at Minas, 30 on the (Graspero, & about 16 intwo small Villages on the River Habitant, These all dwell within the compass of six miles, and occupy for their livelihood those marishes which are situated on the Bason of Minas called Grand Pré, on the north of the River Habitant and on the river Gaspero.

CANARD | The river Canard settlement lies to the South West, and contains about 150 families, of whom 50 live on a point of land, lying between the river Habitant & the river Canard,

60 live on the west side of that river in à compact village about two miles from its mouth, & 25 more up the river along the banks on both sides, (for the convenience of the marish) to Penus Mills which are near the road coming from Annapolis to Minas & distant from Grand Pré 9 milles, from % the mouth of the Canard to the River of the Vieux Habitant are settled about 10 families & 4 or 5 families more at the river Pero, Al these inhab® have by the River afores! a communicat" by water with the bason of Minas and some live contiguous to it.

1 British Museum. Dr A. Brown's MS Papers relating to Nova Scotia, 1748-1757 — Add. MSS 19,072, Petit 4t, fol. 30 à fol. 38.)

Le docteur Andrew Brown, natif d'Evcosse, était un ministre presbytérien, venu à Halifax en 1787. Il y résida jusqu'en 1795, qu'il retourna en Ecosse où il succéda au docteur Blair dans la chaire de rhétorique de l'université d'Edimbourg. Pendant son séjour dans la Nouvelle-Ecosse, il réunit des matériaux pour faire une histoire de cette province, Cette histoire, inachevée et restée manuscrite, fut trouvée, avec tous les documents originaux et autres qui l’accompagnaient, dans une boutique d'épicier, et achetée, le 13 nov. 185? par M. A. B. Grosart, de qui elle fut acquise par le British Muscun de Londres.

2 This paper was digesty (se) in July 1755 — at the period when the measure Was first proposed — probably before it was sanctioned in Couneill by the approbation of Boscawen & Mostyn. (Note sur le manuscrit de la main du docteur Brown.)

M, Grosart a écrit en tête du manuserit: “This invaluable Paper was drawn up by Judge Morris early in 1755?

La première partie de ces Remurks, laquelle est purement descriptive, a été publiée dans les “Collections of the Nova Scotia Historical Society,” vol. ?, pages 158-160, Mais le reste du document est tellement important que nous croyons devoir reproduire la pièce tout entière.

# on (Note de la main du Dr Brown). & esire (Note de la main du Dr Brown.)

5 gubsistence (Note de la main du Dr Brown).

Sec, I, 1888. 9,

Dh in Pizaquid is a settlement South Easterly of Minas, They euro aoattoron in many small ë Villages the principal of which are those settlel on the river Pizaquid above the confluence of the river St Croix with it, on the river St Croix. These are situated between Fort Edward & the district of Minas, and southerly towards the road leading to Halifax, A few small villages belonging to this district are to the East & Northward of Fort Edward, and a few families at Cape Fondu! which makes the cast head of the great river of Pizaquid. These have all communication by water with the Bason of Minas, & are in the whole upwards 0f 150 families, de Cobiquid, it is at present uncertain as to the number of inhubitants, as some have : quitted that settlement and gone over to the north shore but the several settlements in 1748 were as followss—on the south side of Coopegate Bason, Petit Riviere 4 families, Vil® Noel 7 families, Village Robere 4 families — these are west of the Subnaccada ; upon the river Subnaccada, two small Villages, one near the mouth, on the west side, the other on the East side near the confluence of the Shenarack® River 14 fumilies: East of the Subnaccada, Vill® Perce Burke 8 familes, Ville Condé 7 families (in a later copy 10 families) Vill® Michael Oquin 10 families. These are all the families south of the Bason in an extent of seven leagues. On the north side of the Bason Vill® Jean Domet (Doucet ?) 4 families behind Isle Gross ; + families at Point Conomée; from thence to Vill® Jean Burke, 3 leagues cast called Ville Burke 12 families ; thence one league to Cove d'Eglise where is 7 families, 4 league further is the river Chaganois where are 15 families: — by this river is one passage by which they go to Tatmagoush, which is a port on the Gulph of S' Lawrence distant from these houses 80 miles, 12 miles of which they go by water on the river Chaganois, between this &the head of Coopegate Bason, which is 2 leagues, dwell about 20 families more. The extent of these north settlements is near 12 leagues: all these have a communication with the Bason of Minas. To this district belonged two smuil settlements at Tatmagoush 12 familles and 3 miles westward at Ramsheek 6 families, The whole number of families in Coopegate district 142 families. The district of Annapolis contains about 200 families: they live on both sides of the ANNABORIS river from Goat Island to the distance of 24 miles according to the course of the river, in small villages, the biggest of which is Bell Isle 10 miles above Annapolis where are about 25 families. AI these Inhabitants live near the banks of the river & have no settlement back, The passages ! by which they may desert the Colony, and the means of blocking them up. INHABITANTS OF The Inhabitants of Annapolis have but two ways: 1° by water through the Gut ANNAPOLIS of Annapolis to the North shore; 2 by land, — Bat if they attempt it by land, they HAVE 2 Ways | must first come to Canard, Minas, or Pizaquid, — One of the Sloops in the Government service with whale bouts anchored at the mouth of the Bason of Annapolis would effectually prevent their escape by water, ”

CANARD |: From the Bason of Minas they must puss either thro’ the Gut or pass over to the PizaQuiD | river Cheignecto on the other side of the Bason near the Gut, where is a communi- Minas & cation by water by two rivers, & a small currying place unto the Bason of Chei- CoBEQUID ænecto,

Another Vessel anchored in Cove Sabelist would prevent their going either out of the Gut or into that river, because they must pass near them."

The other passages by Water must be into Cobequid Bason to the river Cheganois, a plain beaten road to the [nhabitants on one of the rivers of Tatmagoush, & thence to Tatmagoush & from that village by a rod cut by M° Le Corn 1746 to the Bason of Cheignecto, distant from thence about 40

! Fondu (Note de la main du Dr Brown). * Stewiack (Note de la main du Dr Brown).

% Village (Note de la main du Dr Brown).

* Passages for escupe. (Note de la main du Dr Brown). ;

# &the road by land is almost if not altogether impracticable for families, Cattle, & Effects. (Note de la main du Dr Broun).

5 & could easily be prevented, (Note de la main du Dr Brown).

miles or else to the head of the Bason to what is called Cobequid Village, These are the only known passages Of communication the [nbabitants have through the country; from the peninsula to the north shore & from the Inhabitants of Minas &e, to S' John's Island. As it may be necessary to have a strong party to apprehend the Inhabitants of Cobequid, who have always been the most disuffected, and who, if any of this side the Isthmas are to be suspected, of making a resistance — it is they ; especially if they know of any other safe ways for an escape which are at present unknown to the English. Ifthe body of that party were stationed lat the river Chaganois & at vill® Coopequid they would prevent their escape in their usual passages & that might perhaps so disconcert them as to oblige them to submit, This station would also serve to apprehend those who may attempt to go from the other west settlements, as those of Pizgate Minas &e,

If the western Inhabitants, those of Pizaquid, Minas &e., attempt to remove their stock, there is but one passage they can effect it by; they must cross the road between fort Edward & fort Sackville first, in some place where the river S'Croix is fordable, & then parties patroling along that river to the great lake would deter them, but if they should by chance pass these, & it should be judged necessary, & party may be detached after for they would be very slow in their march, for they must pass again between the river Stewiack and the Grand lake of Shubenaccada, that river not being

fordable safely but in a drought till you are above the Stewiack, and through these passages they must pass, ifthey carry off their cattle, whether they intend for Cobequid or the Eastward, if for Cobequid they must be obstructed by the detachment at Chigonois, or for Cape Breton, for thither the Indians may conduct them in the summer season, & if they take their stock with them they can easily subsist themselves : if they take this course it must be with an intent to cross the Gut of C'anso for Cape Breton, if they should rive there, the inhabitants are provided with a great number of Small boats wherewith they carry on their fishing, and could easily transport them.

time would be well stationed to prevent provision or recruits going from Canada or S' John's Island to S' Peter, from whence they can be easily carried to Louisbourg, and it is most likely they will attempt to releive it through the Gut of Canso, because of His Majesty's Ship at present cruising before Louisbourg, & in the East passage of S" Lawrences Gulph,

CHIGNECTO As to the Inhabitants ofthe North Shore as they dwell in that part of the Country Disrricrs &c,

lving between the English fort & Canada, there are several ways they may pass & English troops cannot well prevent it. The western & common passage (o Canada is by the river Patcootyeak, Whick is navigable for boats Within 6 miles of S'John's River, which is a carrying place; & some settlements of nhabitants, from thence up S'John's river navigable for boats up to the Lady mountains, thence 10 miles carrying places to a river emptying itself into Canada river, This passage is well known to them; they have gore express from Cheignecto & reached Quebec in 7 days, ‘und most all the grown people have gone the Way to Quebec to the Bishop for conjirmation. The Bay of Vert being stopt they have still another passage open to Chediac which lies north westerly of Miunenrooncook* distant about 10 leagues. At this post there live à few Inhabitants & here they land and distribute their Guns, Stores &e* to the Indians, There is a constant intercourse between this Post & the inhabitants of Gaspé, At Gaspé, which makes the South entrance into the river St Lawrence, the French have fort & town, & carry on a considerable fishery, here they have Ships & other Vessels, which could with euse carry them from Chediae to Gaspé & from thence to Canada by every Vessel bound thither, for the Vessels bound to Canada frequentlÿ touch at that Port, if they should attempt to pass that way His Majesty"s Ship cruising in the bay Vert by stretching above the port of

1 Advice too well foit. (Note de la main du Dr Brown).

2 Note en marge, de la main du Dr Brown. 3 Note en marge, de la main du Dr Brown. { The route of Expresses, but not of families. (Note de la main du Dr Brown).

5 Memramcoop. (Note de la main du Dr Brown).

Chédiac would stand a fair chance to intercept them, — As these Inhabitants! are 80 far out of the way ofthe English troops it will be difticult to apprehend them, but by some stratagem. But they are at all adventures to be rooted out, * and the most effectual way is to destroy all these settlements by burning down all the houses, cutting the dikes, and destroy# allthe Grain now growing, for it will be impossible to save any of their grain, except that growing near the fort, without great loss of men unless there be à firm peace with the Fndians® which is not likely while the French continue there, and the Indians will be always induced to listen to them, because their dependence for provision will be on them ! a manifest advantage will arise therefrom * for all the Indians on the North shore will then be obliged to depend on the English for subsistence, & we shall find them after this not only in a disposition to make peace but to continue it, especially if a Truck house were established at Cheignecto to supply them with all necessarys, & another at S'John's for that tribe. And L cant help remarking that the most lucky conjuneture has happened to put in execution such a project : the fort the French have forsaken "is not so damaged but it may be repaired in a'few days, & when made defensible 40 men would be sufficient to guard it, for it would not be in the power of the French ever to bring cannon or other stores of war to retake it, for tho' St John's river is navigable for Canoes almost toits head, vetitis full of falls, & they ean only use birch Canoes, which can be carried on men's Shoulders till they pass a fall: that the currying place between the two rivers is ten miles over very steep mountains and impassible but on foot, and therefore they never can bring warlike Stores that way to annoy dat Garrison, & à few men would be able to defend it, against any musquetry & could soon be relieved if" attacked from the other Post in the bay: this would be a great ‘eurb on that tribe and the advantages of plenty of provisions and'other supplys will soon gain them to our interest, & this, in time, would become à trade of considerable” profit to this Colony.

[this were done before the Tnhabitants were removed it would eut off all hopes of escaping there especially to those of Annapolis, and from the cireumstances that fort is in at present as Fam informed, one Sloop load of Picquets with some plank for Gate, ! would effectually repair it, & for the present till barracks or two or three of the houses of the inhabitants could be sent, the Soldiers

might lodue in tents with one large one or a few boards to cover their stores,

NUMBER OF TROOPS The number of men necessary to remove the Inhabitants, and the places to NECESSARY TO EFFECT? | post them! will depend much on the behavior of the French & it will much THE MEAS' ! facilitate their reudiness to go if a persuasion could obtain among them that they are to be removed to Canada! could it be propogated by common report for ’tis natural to think they will be unwilling to quit their possessions, & to offer themselves wilingly" to be transported they know not whither, T'apprehend such a persuasion would greatly facilitate the enterprize.

Ifthey can possibly be persuaded to surrender themselves willingly or be apprehended by any

stratagem, the others! might submit willingly but if they prove obstinate & take to the woods, &

! Difficulties from tlie situation of the inhab®. (Note en marge, de la main du Dr Brown.)

* And advice followed (Note en marge, de la main du Dr Brown).

* Necessity of an Ind peace to reap and save the Acad® harvest (Note en marge, de la main du Dr Brown.) * Le Dr Brown met ici un point () après them et ajoute en iaterligne les mots: Besides, a consequentiul,

* from this measure (Mots ajoutés en interligne par le Dr Brown).

“onthe river S John (Mots ajoutés en interligne par le Dr Brown).

‘they were (Mots ajoutés de la main du Pr Brown).

* the Marecites (Mots ajoutés par le Dr Brown).

* magnitude & importance (Mots ajoutés par le Dr Brown). M Gates &e. (Note de la main du Dr Brow n). il at (Mot ajouté par le Dr Brown) 13

Note en marge du Dr Brown.

resolution (Note de la main du Dr Brown).

5 Ces trois dernières lignes sont sisnalées en marge, de la main du Dr Brown.

# voluntarily (Note de la main du Dr Brown). voluntarily (Note du Dr Brown).

take up arms, it will require the whole force in the Colony to subdue them, & take up a considerable time to reduce them : ! It is difficult to conjecture how this muy be effected... *

Tuis MODE IFstrong detachments were placed in the Villages of Minas, Pizag® & Canard, at a ADOPTED | certain day they might be all summoned to attend, and then seize on all those that

attend ; or whether to invest their Churches on a Sunday to be agreed on & to seize on all present ; or whether to invest their Villages in the night & seize them in bed; their living in such scattering situation will render this difficult; a number of whale boats would be absolutely necessary if this were concluded on to seize all those contiguous to the Bason, which would be best stationed at Minas, as being near the centre of the settlements from whence they may be sent out.

In short itis difficult to conjecture how it may be accomplished but the cireumstances as they arise Will afford the best information of the most effectual methods of dealing with them. Happy would it be if they in general come in of their ! accord ?

[sit not possible to employ some person who can be contided in, & who has been among them, to sound their present disposition & intention, & from thence to take measures accordingly ? °

MODE OF DESARMING THE ACADIANS, "

During the siege of Beauscjour under the Command of (General Monckton whiie many of the Neutrals of the distant districts of Mines Canurd Des Habitants Cobequid &e had aken up arms for annoying his Majesty's Troops on that Expédition — it was thought advisable to Draw the Teeth of all the Neutrals in the Province by «a seizure of their arms & amunition which in these Parts was Effected with great secrecy & Expedition — by à Detachment of 100 men from His Majestys Out- Garrison of Fort Edward-Pissiquid joined by another from Halifax consisting of 50 men — marched from Fort Edward under the Command of Captain Alex! Murray the Commanding oflicer of Fort Edward — reporting among the soldiers & men that they were going to Annapolis Royal and as going thither marched about twenty five mile to a Bridge over w' they were to cross and take another course into Cornwallis-- calculating their time so as to get there about sun sett — leaving at this Bridge à Guard of men to prevent any of the Neutrals from passing or repassing & making all Prisoners who came with Gun Shot — dividing into several Parties the Remaïinder of the Detachment so as to proceed into Cornwallis by the several Roads that Led to Each Village even to the Remotest Part of those several Rivers where there was any settlemeuts and as had been customary before lodged the men in the French House but with this difference insteud of the whole Party lodging in a Barn — they separated and two or three men only in a house as tho they meant to lodge there that night and by this method every house in all those settlements not only had two or three soldiers in it but

also every place where they forded the River Centinels were place to Stop & Scize all whom might

! But (Mot ajouté par le Dr Brown). ? & left to you (Mots ajoutés par le Dr Brown). # Note en marze, du Dr Brown). ‘own (Mot ajouté par le Dr Brown). 5 Halifax Septr 1‘ 1791.

N. B. The subject, it should seem, was referred by the Council to M Morris, as best acquainted with the Country and the inhabitants. He wrote this report in consequence, little honourable to his heart, as it is replete with unjustifiable stratagem, (crnel advice) and barbarous Counsel. His ideas are sound, but Was he mild or humane ? I found this paper amoungthe Council files relating to the Acadian removal. From it I corrected a less perfect copy put into my hands by his son, & from it got this transcript taken. (Note écrite de la main du Dr Brown).

6 British Museum. — Dr À, Brown's MS. — Papers relating to Nova Scotia, 1749-1790, — Add. MS$,, vol, 19073, in-40o, fol, 121.

En tôte de ce manuscrit se trouve la note suivante de la main du Dr Brown :

& L havethe date of this from a Petition. It occurred about the middle of June, — Mode of desarming the Acadians — Judge Deschamps present. One of the partys pretend a fishing frolie on the river.

attempt to pass— the Instructions given to the several commissiond & non commissiond Officers was that at the hour of twelve in the dead of night was to follow & do what the leader did which was to take possession of all the arms they saw or could find in such Houses — this Instruction being strictly complyed with they were to march back the same road they went untill they all met at the above mentioned Bridge — in like manner .— was done ut every House in all the other districts — and the next morning the whole Detachment met together at the Landing Place where Fort Vieux Logis was Erected Each soldiers loaded with Fire arms Powder Horns &e and these arms put on bourd of a small vessel detained there for the purpose of currying the fire arms from thence to the Garrison of Fort Edward Pissiquid, that in the course of two days four hundred muskets was thus taken from those Noutrals & secured in Fort Edward — which being done the Grovernor & Council ordered it to be Published among the Inhabitants and advertisement? wrote in French that any family or Person or Persons that had any fire arms remain£ among them who neglected to bring them into his majesty Garrison of Fort Edward within a limited time should bo treated as Rebells to His Majesty : - this * being done the Neutrals thinking themselves much injured wrote à very Impudent letter or writing to the Governor & Council Purporting that while Government continued to allow them the Priviledges that the British Government neither had à Right or in their Power to deprive them of — they would behave as faithful neutrals to His Britanick Majesty, This letter was signed by all the Deputies of this Part of the Province and by most of the Inhabitants & in particular by all the Leading men & a spirit of resentment appeared in the Countenance of Every Neutral French Tuhabitant with threats that spoke the temper of their Rebellious minds — the Governor & Council (with the advice of Admiral Boscawen! who then had his Squadron at Halifax & was in Council) issued orders that the Deputies and other Signers should be sent to Halitax there to take the Outh of Alegiance to His Britanick Majesty, ® Some of them did go down in July 1755 but refused to take the Oath of Alegiance every man of them Refused with a most contemptuous look of resentment Wherefore they were all sent Prisoners the Calculation was two to a Ton averaged for OI and young Including Infants as one."

Great pains was taken to colleet families and relations that they might be together in one Ship — and not a day passed without fully informing them of this and of what vessel they were to go on board of and the day when they were to Embark — and the Commanding