122 The French in Prince Edward Island

settlers through the winter, as their crop had failed entirely.*

Through the good effect of this prompt assist- ance, the presence of the troops, and the instructions sent to the missionaries of Acadia, it was hoped that the little colony would soon be born again with re- newed strength. To this end, the missionaries were instructed to use persuasion where possible and fear of the Indians when necessary; and Benoit was in- structed to promise liberal assistance from the Goy- ernment to all Acadians who would migrate and bring their live stock with them. The latter sugges- tion was very necessary, as the earlier inhabitants of the island had not been rich in cattle, and such num- bers as they had had been seriously decreased by sale to the English or by consumption during the absence of official aid and supervision.

On July 3, 1749, Louisburg and its dependencies were officially evacuated by the British and restored to the French; and the latter were free once more to try their fortunes in the game of colonization. But in the meantime plans were being formulated by the British, which were to give an unnatural impetus to the migration of Acadians to Isle Saint Jean. These in brief were, the settlement of British colonists in Acadia and the demand of an unqualitied oath of allegiance from the Acadians as well as the pacifica- tion or extermination of the Indians.

Ever since the Treaty of Utrecht the British head- quarters in Acadia had been at Annapolis, the Port

8 Can. Arch. Report, 1905, tbid., p. 281.