By his orders you
are called together to hear His Majesty's final resolution
concerning the French inhabitants of this his province of Nova
Scotia, who for almost half a century have had more indulgence
granted them than any of his subjects in any part of his dominions.
What use you have made of it you yourselves best know.
The duty I am now upon, though necessary, is very disagreeable to
my natural make and temper, as I know it must be grievous to you,
who are of the same species. But it is not my business to
animadvert on the orders I have received, but to obey them; and
therefore without hesitation I shall deliver to you His Majesty's
instructions and commands, which are that your lands and tenements
and cattle and live-stock of all kinds are forfeited to the Crown,
with all your other effects, except money and household goods, and
that you yourselves are to be removed from this his province.
The peremptory orders of His Majesty are that all the French
inhabitants of these districts be removed; and through His
Majesty's goodness I am directed to allow you the liberty of
carrying with you your money and as many of your household goods as
you can take without overloading the vessels you go in. I shall do
everything in my power that all these goods be secured to you, and
that you be not molested in carrying them away, and also that whole
families shall go in the same vessel; so that this removal, which I
am sensible must give you a great deal of trouble, may be made as
easy as His Majesty's service will admit; and I hope that in
whatever part of the world your lot may fall, you may be faithful
subjects, and a peaceable and happy people.
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