Nova Scotia Archives

Acadian Heartland

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

ACADIAN FRENCH.

159

oath of allegiance on the same terms offered them as before, though the time prescribed had so long ago been elapsed. But these inhabitants in general still refused it, alledging that they had been detained contrary to their desire, which indeed was partly true, as General Nicholson had declared that they should not depart in vessels being built on English ground, or English bottoms, and that it belonged to the French to come and fetch them in their own. Governor Philipps wrote home for fresh instructions how to act in this emergency applying for more forces to prevent the French inhabitants from going away in a tumultuous or disorderly manner, or for bringing them into a due subjection; for which he desired if I remember right, two regiments besides the four Companies of his own, then at Annapolis Royal, with proportionable shipping to transport these troops as occasion should require, and this in a time of profound peace, and when these inhabitants were not above a third of the number they are now increased to. In answer he was directed not to use any violent measures, but to endeavour to keep the people easy ti1l, at a proper time, it might be resolved how to proceed in this case.

The Governor went home in 1722, and things remained in this situation, nnder the administration of Mr. Doucett, lieutenant governor of Annapolis Royal, and President for the time being over the province, till Mr. Armstrong, having been made lieutenant governor over the whole Province, returned in 1725, and found means to bring the inhabitants to take the Oath to the Government; but on governor Philipps returning some years after, these inhabitants complaining that this oath had been extorted by undue means, his Excellency brought them at last to take it willingly, and the same was tendered, and taken, in general, by all the men of competent age, in all the settlements of this Province; the tenor of this Oath is inserted in the papers inclosed. The word true being interpreted fidele has made it to be called the oath of fidelity.

The French inhabitants intending to have a clause, not to be obliged to take up arms against the French, which, though not inserted, they have always stood was promised to them; and I have heard it owned by those who were at Minas when the oath was administered at that place, that such a promise was given.

Their plea with the French, who pressed them to take up arms, was their oath, their living easy under the government, and their having no complaint to make against it.

To keep up some form of government among the French