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NOVA SCOTIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY. |
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JUDGE MORRIS' REMARKS CONCERNING THE REMOVAL OF THE ACADIANS.
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[This paper was digested in July, 1755, at the period when the measure was first proposed — probably before it was sanctioned in Council by the approbation of Boscawen and Mostyn. Mr. Morris' remarks concerning the removal of the French inhabitants, the difficulties to be apprehended, and the means of surmounting them.
A. B.]
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Some reflections on the situation of the inhabitants, commonly called neutrals, 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 to the French neighboring settlements, as their firm attachment to them may he conjectured to raise in them a strong effort, desire to attempt it.
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The greatest district and that which comprehends the most families is that of Minas, to whom belong the inhabitants of the Gaspero. In 1748 they were reported to be in number, upwards of 200 families, of which 180 families live at Minas, 30 on the Gaspero, and about 16 in two small villages on the River Habitants. These all dwell within in the compass of six miles, and occupy for their livelihood and subsistence these marshes which are situated on the Basin of Minas called Grand Pre, on the north of the River Habitants and on the River Gaspero.
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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 Habitants and the River Canard; 60 live on the west side of the river in a compact village about two miles from its mouth, and 25 more up the river along the banks on both sides (for the convenience of the marsh) to Penus Mills, which are near the road coming from Annapolis to Minas, and distant from Grand Pre nine miles from the mouth of the Canard to the River of the Neiux Habitants, are settled 10 families and 4 or 5 families more at the River Pero. All these inhabitants have by the river aforesaid a communication by water with the Basin of Minas, and some live contiguous to it.
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