Under the French Regime 39

In 1728, the fishery was more successful on fle Saint Jean than on fle Royale, even though its growth was constantly hindered by a shortage of equipment*’. In fact, it would appear that the greatest problem encountered by the fishermen was obtaining fishing gear, food and clothing at a fair price. Either they had to lose days by going to Louisbourg, or buy directly from French boats at exorbitant prices. De Pensens describes these problems in a letter dated March 5, 1732 addressed to the Minister of the Colonies:

Although fishing is good and much less costly than on fle Royale, nevertheless until now the fishermen have had considerable difficulty in coping for lack of fishing gear. For the past two years a boat has been coming to this port {Havre Saint Pierre]: prompted by necessity, the inhabitants often paid half as much again for their provisions as in Louisbourg, which meant that they were incapable of paying their debts and even of having the foodstuffs to feed their families during the winter. (TR)**.

Twenty years later the situation had changed very little. In his census of 1752, Sieur de la Roque noted that while the fishermen on the Island were paying excessive prices for provisions, they were not receiving much for their cod and were thus almost always in debt. De la Roque recommended that the fishermen increase their farming activities in order to be more self-sufficient in food. Then they would only have to buy salt, fish-hooks and a few other items from the merchants*’. Most of the fishermen raised a few animals and owned land that was partially cleared. De la Roque described one of these fishermen who was typical of the inhabitants of Havre Saint Pierre:

Guillaume Patris, fisherman and ploughman, native of Saint Brieux, 38 years of age, has been in the country for 20 years, married to Francoise Chiasson, widow of the late Guillaume Gallet, she is a native of Acadia and 46 years old.

They have 6 children: 4 boys and 2 girls.

Guillaume Gallet, aged 22.

Francois Gallet, aged 12.

Georges Patris, aged 8.

Paul, aged 5.

Francoise, aged 15.

Angélique, aged 7.

Their livestock consists of: 2 oxen, 2 cows, | calf, 6 sheep, | pig, 2 geese, and 8 turkeys.