Nova Scotia Archives

Acadian Heartland

Records of the Deportation and Le Grand Dérangement, 1714-1768

THE ACADIAN FRENCH.

147

afterwards and taken proper methods to increase their fortunes, more with the generous views of being able to help others in their turn, than with the covetous wish of amassing riches — the charms of riches had not the same effect upon them as upon others. With an abundance of the necessaries, they were strangers to the luxuries of life. Their wants and other wishes were few, and their deficiencies and disputes were still fewer. They had no courts of law — because they had no need of them. If any difference arose it was soon allayed and settled by the interference and counsel of two or three of the most judicious and best respected in the neighborhood. But whosoever mediated the peace the priests superadded their influence to confirm it. This was sound policy and good conduct, without exposing themselves to the suspicions and jealousies which are ever incurred less or more by arbitrators, they enjoyed this unalloyed satisfaction of peace-makers. In all their public works everyone did as much as he could-as in building abattiaux, and dykes, in erecting chapels, and in enclosing burying grounds, and the like. The interest of the community had ever its due preponderancy over the interest of the individual. This obtained not only among acquaintances in the same neighborhood, and in the same settlement, but extended to the slightest acquaintance and the remotest situation. It was not affected nor lessened by the slightness of acquaintance or remoteness of situation. If, for instance, an abbitaux had given way, or a dyke had been broken at Cumberland, upon such an emergency as many hands were sent from Cornwallis as could be spared with any degree of conveniency. Simplicity and friendliness, were very prominent features in their character.

In all this I am convinced that I have said nothing really new. But it eases my conscience a little to have done something towards discharging my duty to you. It might have been better to have talked over these matters with some of the antients here who knew the place when occupied by the French — a variety of things are brought out in the course of a free conversation which one would scarcely think of committing to paper, and yet necessary in order to a thoro' knowledge of the subject. But I am satisfied that by this, time you are not wanting in this respect.

I congratulate you upon the restoration to health, enhanc'd in its value by the spiritual gains, and heightened in its relish by the, salutary bitters of sickness, and I pray for the continuation of your