near that which
the Marquis de la Jonquiere has caused to be begun and has ordered
me to continue. I will do my best to carry out his orders so far
as circumstances permit, and the governor will furnish you with an
account of his intentions.

In order to fix ourselves here we must keep up communication by
way of La Baie Francaise [the Bay of Fundy] so as to furnish
provisions; for the place cannot be supplied by land, especially
if we must afford subsistence to those families of Acadians who
are obliged to seek refuge on the river, as has been stated to me.
I will receive them, Monseigneur, in order to settle the country,
which at present has only twenty-eight French inhabitants,[28] who
can give no assistance in providing for the support of others,
not having as yet enough cultivated land for themselves.

M. Maccarti, commander of the frigate, has taken note of the
harbor [at St. John] on the other side of the fort, and of the
other advantages, or disadvantages, we must encounter in this
place, where I will endeavor to maintain the rights that we have
and to oppose the Englishman if he attempts to build here.

I am with very profound respect, Monseigneur,

Your humble and very obedient servant,

GASPE.

[28] This refers, I imagine, to the Acadians on the lower St. John
and does not include the colony at Ste. Annes.--W. O. R.

[Illustration: WOODMAN'S POINT. (The Star shows the site of Fort
Boishebert.)]

Resolute attempts continued to be made to withdraw the Acadians from
the peninsula of Nova Scotia, both by threats and persuasions, and the
Marquis de la Jonquiere issued a proclamation to those living within
the bounds of what is now New Brunswick, declaring that all who did
not within eight days take the oath of allegiance in the militia
companies would be considered as rebels and driven from their lands.
The companies of militia were ordered to drill on Sundays and Feast
days and to hold themselves in readiness to defend themselves at any
moment. A few months later the governor of Canada was able to report
that all the Acadian inhabitants who were upon the lands of the king
had taken the oath of fidelity. Twelve blank commissions were sent
from Quebec to be issued to those most capable of fulfilling the
duties of officers in the militia.

At Fort Menagoueche the work did not progress as fast as anticipated.
The workmen had no tools except axes, and