36 ‘The French in Prince Edward Island

apparent enthusiasm, the Acadians did not budge. The few who went immediately, it is generally agreed, were men of little substance, that shifting element of all peoples which in this case was attracted by the fervid promises of La Ronde Denys, promises which, as it transpired, were not kept at Ile Royale, and these broken promises, as the missionaries later attested, were a factor in determining the Acadians of substance to remain as they were.)

On June 4, 1715, the Minister wrote de Costebelle and de Soubras to the effect that His Majesty was greatly pleased at the fidelity which the Acadians manifested in his service, that he was convinced of the future security and prosperity of Ile Royale if the Acadians would go there. To avoid any risk of a rupture with the English, in view of the existing state of Ile Royale and the jealousy they must feel as to this new settlement, no ship would be sent from France to transport the Acadians without permission of the English; but he urged these officials to adopt every possible expedient to attract them there and to do their best to prevent them from going to Isle Saint Jean.°

In the meantime all attempts on the part of the officials at Ile Royale to attract the Acadians proved abortive. Consequently the home government began © to waver and to consider Isle Saint Jean as a possible feld of endeavor. On the death of Louis XIV, the

Regency turned the affairs of the Colonies over to a Council, the Council of Marine, and this Council

6B, Vol. 873, p. 837.