Nova Scotia Archives

Au cœur de l'Acadie

Archives concernant la Déportation et le Grand dérangement, 1714-1768

THE ACADIAN FRENCH.

145

the poor, especially which class are numerous. By my next or by the time you are here we shall have a calculation of the average amount of gaspereaux; tho' that is more difficult to find out, as they are fished, not by company's, but everyone for his own hand. In my next I expect to trace the footsteps of spring, the Queen of Flowers and Lady and Mistress of the Song. I am still in your debt; I beg you will not retaliate. Tho' two for one gives me some pain yet the pleasure exceeds the pain — much so selfish a mortal himself. But I shall now wind off with a few queries. Can you tell me what month, not the very week, I may expect you here? I shall be glad to know a month or two before, that I may not be out of the way. Whether do you propose coming here or going to Cumberland first? I am exceedingly happy that it will be so convenient for you to leave home this summer. I shall expect two weeks of your company; that you proposed one and not two, I charge upon your memory and not your heart. But I can help your memory; of the yearly visits we had none last summer. It would be of real service to you to tarry, were it a month, in the country. By this means you would see the state of things with your own eyes. How do you come on with the representation of the state of the Dissn. interest in Nova Scotia? I should also be glad to know a little more than I do of the state fund for the aid of the Dissn. clergy, not that I mean to be over curious, nor to beg too soon. What I told of my situation in my last, I disclosed entirely in the confidence of friendship, and I beg, if you value the peace of my mind in the least, it may not transpire. Things have not been in the best state, but I have a rational prospect this will change to the better. I am contented and easy, and I don't believe now but as it is best for me, in a state of trial and discipline, if I had not just the greatest confidence in your friendship and prudence, I should not have made so free as there was no necessity in the case, nor do I regret that I did. For I rely on my friend's right to know my real situation. By and by the formalists of writing things either delicate will give place to the easiness of taking it in and over. A word is enough to the wise.

With every sentiment of

Esteem and wish of Friendship,

I am, R.D.B., yours irrevocably,

HUGH GRAHAM.