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Au cœur de l'Acadie

Registres du gouvernement britannique à Annapolis Royal, 1713-1749


Minutes of H. M. Council, 1736-1749. 47


our Brethren who are Purposely assembled at Mennaguash and are Very anxious to Know from us how matters are, whom They have sent here for no other Couse.


     We have had News from Europe of Great Commotions and Troubles several Princes being at War There, our master the King of Great Britain Sideing with one party and the King of France with another, but as yet we have no Account of war being actually Declared between the Two Crowns which Nevertheless may Probably Happen in whch Case if you conform your selves to the Articles of Peace Passed Between us and you, and do not Enter into the Quarrell, our merchants will continue to supply you as Usuall, Provided They may not be Lyable to Receive any Insults from you and as I know The french will Invite you to War I should be Glad to know your Intentions Thereupon.


     We are Sensible we Cannot Live without the assistance of the English and if They and the French do Go to war our Designs are to Lye Quiet and meddle on Neither side being as well Pleas'd with your Pacifick Proposals to us as you are to make Them.


     Do you speak this as your own Sentiments only or are you Empower'd from your Tribe thus to Declare your Peaceable Intentions ?


     An Officer from Boston has been Sent to the Indians of Penobscott with the Same Proposalls Acquainting Them That altho' the two Crowns might be at War They might Nevertheless continue in peace. And Thereupon Our Tribe of the River St. John's have Sent us hither with orders to accept of the Like conditions from you if Offer'd to us.


     Do you Remember the Conditions of the Treaty of Peace Between you and us.


     We Do!


     Then I must Acquaint you of a Horrible murder committed Last Winter by the Indians Resorting along the Eastern Coast and to Expect that the Indians in General should Join in bringing the Delinquents to Justice agreeable to the said Treaty.


     So soon as we heard of it, which was only since our arrival here, we were struck with Grief and Amazement. We do not Doubt but the Tribe to which They Belong will Deliver up the Malefactors to be punish'd according to his Majestys Laws which we Look upon to be but Justice and Conformable to the Treaty.


               

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