216 The French in Prince Edward Island

Isle Saint Jean he had met those of Chaleurs, Mira- michi, Acadia, and Malpeque. Having told them that it was impossible to have two fathers, they declared for the French, particularly as they were at the time eager for revenge upon some English fishermen who had maltreated some of their canoes.°

Under date of 1728 there is an interesting memoir which states that originally there had been in the budget of Acadia 4000 livres for presents to the Indians, which sum was at first continued on the removal of government to Ile Royale, but that upon recognition of the fact that many of the Indians were in closer touch with Canada, 2000 livres had been transferred there for the Abenaquis. However, on learning that the Indians of Acadia would go to war against the English more willingly if provision were made for their children in their absence, it was de- cided in 1723 to employ 2000 livres a year for the expense, in the name of the Jesuits, so as to conceal from the English the source of this aid. In 1725 this sum was increased to 4000 livres.°

When Isle Saint Jean had been reunited to the Royal domain, in 1730, the French adopted a definite policy of assembling all the Micmacs annually at Port La Joye and Toulouse in June or J uly. There they made a feast, recommended fidelity to the French father, distributed presents, and sent them back to their villages. Almost all the Indians of Aca- dia and Isle Saint Jean assembled at Port La Joye,

5 Jbid., Vol. 10, p. 79. 6 Documents Relative to New France, Vol. III, 1714-1755.