Nova Scotia Archives

Au cœur de l'Acadie

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

ACADIAN FRENCH.

same manner except part of the courtin, covered with the Ravelin, which they were obliged to face with pieces of timber some time before they quitted possession of this place. The English followed that last method in repairing of this Fort, reverting of it all round with pieces of round timber, of six or seven inches diameter, to the height of the Cordon, and raising a parapet of sod work, but whether by neglect of the workman, or those who had the overseeing of' them, or their little thrift in carrying on these repairs, or some other reason, they put the Government to a prodigious deal of charge, and gave an entire disgust for any manner of repairs. Thus the fort laid for a great while tumbling down, till at the arrival of Governor Philipps. the orders from his Majesty signified by him to the French Inhabitants not pleasing them they shewed some forwardness to disturb the peace and to incite the Indians to some mischief, which made it necessary to put the fort into a posture of defence against the insults which might be offered to the Garrison which is too small of itself to encounter so great a number, as even the Inhabitants of this River, might make against it, they being able to arm and assemble four hundred men, in twenty four hours time. It is therefore humbly proposed in relation to this place, that till the Inhabitants are more loyal, two hundred men of regular Troops may remain garrisoned here, and that whilst a new projection for the fortifying of this place shall be agreed and carried, this fort may be next summer, thoroughly repaired, the sum demanded for these repairs, not exceeding eight hundred pounds sterling, by which this place will be put ill a condition to last the time requisite for providing of materials, and building a stone redoubt &c., and may serve to secure the materials, and workmen, which otherwise will be much in danger. This project will he more particularly transmitted this fall to the Honorable Board of Ordnance.

Manis called by the French Les Mines has its name from the Copper Mines which are said to be about it especially at one of the Capes, which divides the Bay of Fundy, and is called Cap Des Mines or Cape Dore. This Town lies thirty leagues by sea and about twenty two by land, East North East from Annapolis Royal, of the same side of' the Bay of Fundy. The harbor there, or rather the road, is very wild and unsecure. The vessels trading there, which seldom exceed forty or fifty tons in burthen, take the opportunity of the tide, which commonly rises nine or ten fathoms, and run up a Crick to the Town, where when the tide leaves them