ul region which forms the magnificent vale of the Mississippi
was the object for which these two powerful nations contended; and it
soon became apparent that the sword must decide the contest.

The white population of the English colonies was supposed to exceed
one million of souls, while that of the French was estimated at only
fifty-two thousand.[145]

[Footnote 145: The following estimate is taken from "The
History of the British empire in North America," and is there
said to be an authentic account from the militia rolls, poll
taxes, bills of mortality, returns from governors, and other
authorities.

The colonies of Inhabitants.

Halifax and Lunenberg in Nova Scotia 5,000
New Hampshire 30,000
Massachusetts Bay 220,000
Rhode Island and Providence 35,000
Connecticut 100,000
New York 100,000
The Jerseys 60,000
Pennsylvania (then including Delaware) 250,000
Maryland 85,000
Virginia 85,000
North Carolina 45,000
South Carolina 30,000
Georgia 6,000
---------
Total 1,051,000

The white inhabitants of the French colonies were thus
estimated:

The colonies of Inhabitants.

Canada 45,000
Louisiana 7,000
------
Total 52,000]

This disparity of numbers did not intimidate the governor of New
France--a title comprehending both Canada and Louisiana; nor deter him
from proceeding in the execution of his favourite plan. The French
possessed advantages which, he persuaded himself, would counterbalance
the superior numbers of the English. Their whole power was united
under one governor, who could give it such a direction as his judgment
should dictate. The genius of the people and of the gove