FORT LA JOYE AND MICMAC TALES 41

There has been only one good crop in five years and it was limited. The children are nearly naked and flee at the approach of visitors. The people dread want and they dread invasion. Still, they are happy

in their home on the waves. 1758! General Amherst and Admiral Boscawen

are before the gates of Louisburg. The inhabitants of Isle St. Jean, involved as they are with the fortunes of Louisburg, send recruits and provision to aid in the protection of that fortress. They realize full well that if Louisburg falls, Isle St. Jean falls also. The war turns against the French, however, and in September, 1758, Louisburg capitulates.

After the capture of this stronghold General Wolfe is sent to Gaspé to ravage that country and to deport the inhabitants should that prove possible. This is a job which Wolfe heartily despises. It is no pleasure for him to burn the miserable little huts and boats of defenceless settlers or to deport them from the homes they have carved out of the wilderness. At the same time Colonel Lord Rollo is sent to Isle St. Jean to embark the Acadians who are there. The garrison at Fort la Joye he is to disarm and to transport as soon as he should think proper. If the inhabitants make any opposition, or are found in arms, they are to be destroyed.

Villejoin, the commandant at Fort 1a Joye, complies with the terms rather than expose his people to the fury of the conquerors. But the Acadians, unable to believe that they are to be expelled once again, present Lord Rollo with a petition to allow them to remain on their lands. Such indulgence is beyond Rollo’s authority but he permits two inhabitants to seek the necessary permission from the English