subjects of France and retire to Cape Breton, and that
the Indians would cut their throats if they became
Englishmen.'

If they are permitted [he continues] to remain upon
the footing they propose, it is very probable they
will be obedient to government as long as the two
Crowns continue in alliance, but in case of a rupture
will be so many enemies in our bosom, and I cannot
see any hopes, or likelihood, of making them English,
unless it was possible to procure these Priests to be
recalled who are tooth and nail against the Regent;
not sticking to say openly that it is his day now,
but will be theirs anon; and having others sent in
their stead, which (if anything) may contribute in a
little time to make some change in their sentiments.

He further suggests an 'oath of obliging the Acadians to
live peaceably,' to take up arms against the Indians,
but not against the French, to acknowledge the king's
right to the country, to obey the government, and to hold
their lands of the king by a new tenure, 'instead of
holding them (as at present) from lords of manors who
are now at Cape Breton, where at this day they pay their
rent.' [Footnote: Public Archives, Canada. Nova Scotia
A, vol. xii, p. 96.]

There were signs that the situation was not entirely
hopeless. The Acadians were not allowed to leave the
country, or even to settle down to the enjoyment of their