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which His Majesty requires of us. We are very contrite, Sir, when we consider the privileges which were granted to us by General Philipps, after we had taken the oath of allegiance to his Majesty; which said Mr. Philipps secured to us the full enjoyment of our property, and the free exercise of our religion, in giving us as many priests as we required."
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Two years ago also, His Majesty was pleased to grant us letters, in which he grants us the enjoyment of our property. We have received all these promises as coming from his Majesty. We have encouragingly relied upon them; and have rendered service to the Government of his Majesty, never having had the wish to violate our oath. We believe, Your Excellency, that if His Majesty had been informed of our conduct towards His Majesty's government, he would not propose to us an oath which, if taken. would at any moment expose our lives to great peril from the savage nations, who have reproached us in a strange manner, as to the oath we have taken to His Majesty. This one binding us still more strictly, we should assuredly become the victims of their barbarous cruelty."
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The inhabitants in general, Sir, over the whole extent of this country, have resolved not to take the oath which Your Excellency requires of us; but if Your Excellency will grant us our old oath which was given at Mines to Mr. Richard Philipps, with an exemption for ourselves and for our heirs from taking up arms, we will accept it."
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But if Your Excellency is not disposed to grant us what we take the liberty of asking, we are resolved, everyone of us, to leave the country."
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We take the liberty, Sir, one and all, to beg Your Excellency to tell us whether or not His Majesty has annulled the oath given by us to General Philipps. What causes us all very great pain, is the fact that the English wish to live amongst us. This is the general sentiment of the undersigned inhabitants.
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Thereupon, we hope, Sir, that you will take notice of our humble supplications, and that Your Excellency will allow yourself to be moved by our miseries, and we, on our part, will exert ourselves to the utmost in praying to God for the preservation of your person.
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This letter having been read and considered in Council, His Excellency made them the following answer.
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