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| Thus my Lord, we are in the way of being relieved from these people who have been the bane of the Province, and the terror of its settlements. This consideration including the many mischiefs they committed, the check they gave to peopling the country and the progress of Industry, from the zeal and activity with which they served the French as spies and Partizans; and lastly the determined and resolute manner in which they refused their Allegiance to the King, and the Insolence with which they avowed their duty to the King of France only, together with the danger which might in a future War arise from their numbers, their interest with the Indians and knowledge of all parts of the country, induced the Council, at which Lord Colvill His Majesty's Rear Admiral assisted, to be unanimously of opinion that they should be at full liberty to depart; and indeed, My Lord, had any measures been taken to obstruct them in this project, they would have withdrawn themselves to the eastern parts of this Province; from whence they would have been easily and readily transported to St. Peters and Miquelon by the assistance of their friends there; and at those places they would have been a most valuable acquisition to the french, particularly immediately in the fishery, with which they are not unacquainted; and by their situation would be dangerous to this Province. On the contrary their settlement in the West Indies removes them far from us, and as that Climate is mortal to the natives of the Northern countries, the French will not be likely to gain any considerable advantage from them. As the departure of these people will relieve the public from a very considerable expence, on account of provisions, those who remain are only supplied in such proportions as to keep them from want; and even for such supplies, they are obliged to work in opening Roads and communications into the principal parts of the country. On the whole I flatter myself that the conduct to wards these people (who if any means to detain them had succeeded, must have been inveterate enemies, and not subjects willingly and in good humour submitting themselves) will be agreeable to your Lordship's sentiments, and have your approbation. * * * * * * * |
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