248 'The French in Prince Edward Island

as a notion prevailed among the crew, that all single men would be made soldiers.

Having got a great abundance of stock, they all sailed from St. John’s together; Captain Wilson, with Lord Rollo, and some soldiers on board, and Captain Moore with soldiers, under convoy of the Hind. Captain Moore’s vessel was lost going through the Gut, by striking on a rock under water and the soldiers were put on board Captain Wilson, bound to Louisbourg. Captain Moore, his son, mate and carpenter, took their passage in the Duke William.

As the wind was contrary, they lay in the Gut of Canso some time. The French used frequently to go on shore, and remain there all night, making fires in the wood to keep themselves warm. Some of them desired that they might be allowed muskets to shoot game, as they were not afraid of meeting with the Indians, which Captain Nicholls granted. About three hours after they were gone, one of them came running, and begged that the captain with his people would go immediately on board as they had met with a party of Indians who were coming down to scalp them. Accordingly, Captain Nicholls with the other masters and sailors, went off and had but just got on board before the Indians came down; but, finding only Frenchmen, they went away directly.

November 25th, they sailed out of the Bay of Canso, with a strong gale at N.W., Captains Nicholls, Henry, Beaton, Dobson, Sugget, Whitby and Kelsy, agreed to make the best of their way to France with the people and not to go to Louisbourg as it was a very bad time of the year to beat upon the coast. Captain Nicholls