_4_ deported, while others returned to France rather than swear allegiance to England. In 1768 the islanders becoming dissatis- fied with their connection with Nova Scotia, petitioned for a separate government agreeing to contribute a certain sum to meet their expenses. This request was complied with about two years afterwards, and Walter Patterson was appointed Governor. Dur- ing the succeeding five years efforts were made to increase the population by the importation of Acadians, Highlanders and others; but it was not until July 7th, 1773, when Governor Patterson considered the Island sufficiently settled, that the General Assembly first met.

In the year 1775, two American schooners touched at Charlottetown, plundered the town, and carried off the Governor and other prominent citizens to the American headquarters; but Washington promptly dismissed the commanders, returned the prisoners, and restored the stolen property.

In 1780, the Legislature, on the suggestion of Governor Patterson, passed an Act changing the name of St. John to that of New Ireland, but this was disallowed. Its original name was retained until 1798, when, on account of the incon- venience arising from the fact that towns in two neighboring Colonies bore practically the same name, and also out of com- pliment to the Dulce of Kent, at that time Commander of the Forces-at Halifax, it was changed by an Act of the Colonial Legislature to Prince Edward Island. The Micmacs called it “Abegweit,” “Home on the wave.”

Prince Edward Island remained a separate Province from the Ist of May 1769, until July 1st, 1873, when it became a. part of the Dominion of Canada. An agitation for the establish- ment of responsible Government started in 1834, resulted in this being granted in 1851, since which time, the Executive has been recognized as responsible to the Legislature. Some Acts of very great importance were afterwards passed, among others being those providing for the establishment of a uniform rate of postage, the assimilation of the currency, and free education; and in 1853 a measure was enacted which conferred universal suffrage on the people.