128 The French in Prince Edward Island

what must turn out greatly for their Interest. They went home in good humor promising great things.

To this the Lords of Trade replied:

The Refractory Disposition of the French Inhabit- ants, the Terms they insist upon and Their threats if not granted, of leaving the Province, undoubtedly arise from the Hopes and the Encouragement given them by the French of Canada, of their being one Day Masters of this Country strengthened by the unjustifiable At- tempts they are making to accomplish it, but when once these Hopes are cut off by proper Measures on our Part there is great Reason to apprehend that they will no longer stand out against that Government by which their Persons and Property will be best protected and from which Advantages hitherto unknown to them will every day arise.

The Declaration which you was by your Instructions directed to make still continues in force and We are of Opinion that if it shall appear that they have at any Time furnish’d the Indians or French with Arms, a full Proof thereof would sufficiently justify the Total Dis- arming them.

As the French of Canada have made Settlements within the Province with views no doubt of drawing the French Inhabitants over to them, We are of Opinion that any forceable Measures, which may induce them to leave their settlements, ought for the present at least to be waved.’

But, while the British were hesitating to adopt forcible measures, the French were making frantic efforts to get the Acadians over to their territory,

7Can. Arch. Report, 1905, Vol. II, App. C, pp. 52-55,