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Governor Mascarene to Deputies of Mines, Piziquid, and River Canard.
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(Letter Book.)
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(Translated from the French.)
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ANNAPOLIS ROYAL, Oct. 13, 1744.
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GENTLEMEN, —
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I am much pleased to learn by the deputies whom you have sent here that the inhabitants in general have remained true to the allegiance which they owe to the King of Great Britain their legitimate Sovereign, notwithstanding the efforts which have been made to cause them to disregard it. You have only to recollect what I have so often written to you, to perceive that I had partly foreseen what must happen.
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Measures were taken to show the inhabitants the sad effects which would have followed their revoltt and it is necessary, in order to prevent all the consequences of it, that those who are suspected of being implicated in the designs of the enemy, vindicate themselves as soon as possible. Amongst the latter are those who have been trading to Louisburg — selling, buying or transporting cattle or other merchandise for the people of this place, as well as those who have employed their vessels in the enemy's service or have accompanied them in their expeditions, and in general all the private persons who have assisted them. Wherefore they must make it appear that it was pure violence which compelled them to do this; With respect to those who have actually taken up arms, whether inhabitants or strangers, the first, being guilty of rebellion have no excuse; and the others must leave the country before tranquillity can be restored. For if we shall be obliged to send to your neighborhood to drive these strangers away, as well as to call to account those who will not come and clear themselves from the just suspicions that are entertained concerning them, those who have done their duty, and for whom we have great consideration, must unavoidably share in the trouble that military people generally bring with them, and which I should like to prevent as much as possible.
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I have not received any deputation from the people of Cobequid, but you may inform them of what has been required of you, in order that they shall conform to it.
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As to the people of Chicanecto, they are like criminals against whom sentence is about to be pronounced; and, if they have any valid excuse to offer, why such sentence should
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