The English were not without blame since it must be admitted they had
covetous eyes upon the rich farms of the Acadians and an opportunity to take
possession of them would not be unwelcome.

[Illustration: Map of Annapolis and Kings Counties.]

The strife that had so long been going on between France and England to
determine which should rule in the New World was now at a critical point.
England's power seemed to be trembling in the balance. Her defeat meant
great disaster to the Colonies. Alarmed by Braddock's failure, the Colonists
determined something must be done to prevent the Acadians giving assistance
to the French. To send them to Canada would be to strengthen the enemy,
while to transport them to any one of the Colonies would be equally unwise
since they would there be a source of danger. It was finally decided to
scatter them among the different settlements. An order was issued requiring
all the males of Grand Pre and vicinity ten years old and upwards to
assemble in the church to hear a Proclamation of the King. Failure to attend
would result in a forfeiture of all property of the individual. On the
appointed day the men gathered in the church and heard the Mandate directing
that all their property, excepting household goods and money, should be
forfeited to the Crown and they with their families should be transported to
other lands. They were held prisoners until the time of sailing, the women
and the children gathering their belongings on the beach. The expected
transports failed to arrive on time and fear of trouble led the English
to hurry their prisoners aboard the few ships in the harbor. These were
so crowded nearly all the goods had to be left behind, and in the haste
of embarking many families, lovers and friends were parted, being carried
aboard different ships bound for different ports.