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Extract from a Letter of Govr. Armstrong to Secretary of State.
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CANSO
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27 July 1726.
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I shall also want His Majesty's directions about the French Inhabitants upon their taking the Oath of Fidelity which they have refused these several Years past, as I am informed they are resolved to quit the province rather than take it, and as I am informed have transported several of their Cattle and other effects to Cape Britain. I likewise understand that Governor St. Ovide with some Troops and his Council are gone to the Island of St. Johns in the Bay of Verte in order to mark out the lands of that Island for such people and inhabitants as will quit this Province and retire under the Goverment of France; this has been managed by the Missionary Priests amongst the Indians and French Inhabitants in this Province.
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As for my part I have been so cautious, that I have given them no manner of offence any way and have lived in perfect friendship with the Governor of Cape Britain, ever since my arrival in this province and every thing now stands upon the best footing between these two Governments, excepting that they are fortified and we left naked in which case upon the least difference between the two Crowns, we must be destroyed while they remain safe and secure under the defence of their fortification which I gave Your Grace an account of last Year &c.
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Entered in Letter Book without address or signature.
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At a Council held at the Honble. Lawrence Armstrong's house in His Majesty's Garrison of Annapolis Royal on Wednesday the 21st of September 1726.
Governor Armstrong represented himself to have suffered many privations and annoyances during his administration in endeavouring to sustain the regiment under his command in the absence of General Philipps, and to have contracted large debts in the purchase of necessary supplies for the troops, which he was unable to discharge. He appears to have been of a weak, petulant temperament, and his mind having gradually given way under the difficulties which surrounded him, he committed suicide on Thursday, 6th December, 1739 — being found dead in his bed with five wounds in his breast, and his sword lying by him, — Nova Scotia Council Books; Lt. Gov. A.'s Memorial to Board of Trade, and his Letters. 5
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