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Minutes of H. M. Council, 1736-1749. |
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the 1st of May, when by chance we Discover'd that some of our people who liv'd within a mile of the Fort held a Correspondence with them who suffer'd themselves to be severely treated by us before they could be made to own they had the least knowledge of the Enemy, who on the 4th of May was with us, and by the good accounts received from the Inhabitants were enabled to surprise Seven of our Rangers who were out on Party, which Design was the only reason that encourag'd the Enemy to come to Annapolis as we have since been well inform'd.
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The Enemy after having lain three weeks before the Fort was calld away to the relief of Lewisburgh, during which time as formerly the Enemy was plentifully Supply'd with Cattle for Draft, Provisions. Messengers and even the Arms and Ammunition left at Mines in the possession of the Inhabitants by the Officer who Commanded the former Detachment.
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That after the War broke out and was proclaim'd in form, the Inhabitants by their own Confession continued to transport numbers of Bullocks and Sheep out of the Province to Lewisburgh whilst in the hands of the French contrary to all Orders given to prevent it.
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By all which it appears that their actions in favour of the Enemy notwithstanding all their Excuses comprehended in or Representation from the Inhabitants of this River, herewith transmitted, proceeded rather from a Natural disposition than force and that these terrifying Orders of Duviviers and Marin were purposely contriv'd to impose upon our Senses; and farther by their pointing out and delivering the English Cattle to the Enemy their Adjusting and Settling Accots with them and accepting their promissary Notes or Bins payable at Lewisburgh for their Provisions, labour and other Services doth likeways convince us that the whole was transacted by a mutual Contract more thro' pure inclination than any real Fear.
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That his Majesties said French Subjects are esteem'd to be no less than 5000 Fighting men all Roman Catholicks and from the Circumstances before mention'd may be said to be entirely devoted to the Interest of France; The Province is full of Corn and Cattle which is of little use to the English, but rather a support to the Enemy and themselves should they again attempt to revolt which we may reasonably expect they may do should they be encourag'd by an Expedition of any Consequence from France or Canada.
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That the said Inhabitants pay no Taxes towards the Support of His Majesties Government, only a Small Quit Rent for their Lands in Fowles and Wheat amounting in the whole to about 15 £ Sterling excepting what they voluntairly allow to their Priests, who, as they are subjects of France and receive a Yearly Sallary from that King must be accounted as Spies on the English.
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Upon consideration of the above Several indisputable Facts, if they are not absolutely to be regarded as utter Enemies to His Majesties Government they cannot be accounted less than unprofitable Inhabitants for their
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