Historical documents
Losing Nova Scotia, with its population and harbours, to French would allow them "to reduce all the English Colonies"[3]
"The limits of Acadia and Canada[...]have served England as a pretence for commencing hostilities," while France has sought peace[4]
Map: lands and waters from Rainy Lake (?) to Grand Banks[5]
In last pre-war negotiations, British insist lower Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River are Anglo-French boundaries, and Six Nations lands are British[6]
Eliminating £1 million fishery (1755) off Cape Breton Island as one source of France's naval power will diminish it as threat to Britain and Europe[7]
Map: French and British colonies and (in pink) territory occupied by British allies "& disputés parles François"[8]
Superintendent of Indian Affairs William Johnson and Kanien’kéhà:ka agree to mutual support despite doubts about each other[9]
With settlement of their land claims, William Johnson expects Six Nations support as war with France begins in North America[10]
Lt. Gov. James De Lancey outlines how troops assembled in New York could attack French in region from Montreal to Fort Duquesne[11]
Priest relates Mi'kmaw practices in feasting, praise, war, and courtship and marriage (Note: "savages" used and cruelty described)[12]
Robert Monckton orders all on Chignecto and Saint John River "not yet submitted" to do so with their arms or "be treated as Rebels"[13]
Charles Lawrence offers £20 rewards for French "deserters" recruiting in Minas and for couriers carrying letters to Father La Loutre[14]
Monckton takes Fort Beauséjour and other Chignecto forts in June, and is ordered to drive surrendering Acadians "out of the country"[15]
Map: Fort Beauséjour and Fort Gaspareaux[16]
Minas Acadians want former rights and neutrality, which Nova Scotia Council finds "arrogant" and condemns point by point (Note: "savages" used)[17]
When Deputies refuse oath before consulting their people, Council arrests them and decides "all such Recusants" should be removed[18]
After further refusal by Acadians to take oath, Council decides to consider "what measures should be taken to send them away"[19]
Instructions sent to local commanders list destinations ranging from Boston and Connecticut to Virginia and North Carolina for expelled Acadians[20]
"Very Disagreable to my natural make & Temper" - At Grand-Pré church, John Winslow orders dispossession and expulsion of Acadians[21]
"[Scene] of Sorrow" - Soldiers march many "Praying, Singing & Crying" Acadian men past women and children to transport ships at Grand-Pré[22]
"[Scene] of woe & Distres" - After weeks of delay, first eighty Acadian families are put aboard transports at Grand-Pré[23]
"Putting a Finishing Stroke to the Removal of our Friends the French" - From Halifax, Winslow orders last Minas Acadians expelled[24]
Lawrence considers proposed legislature impracticable and, given "foolish Squabbles" and "impertin't Opinions," dangerously obstructive[25]
John Rous relates attacking French in their Newfoundland "Encroachments" and sending them to Louisbourg and their ships and cargo to Halifax[26]
"Prudence, spirit, and resolution" - William Johnson made baronet for his leadership in September battle near Lake George[27]
While strengthening Oswego defences, William Shirley looks for support from Six Nations, Mississauga, Ojibwe and Odawa[28]
Sachem Canaghquayeson tells William Johnson ("Brother Warraghiyagey") that Oneida have opened their eyes to French threat[29]
Author describes origin stories (hare, carp, bear) and manitous of Odawa (Note: racial stereotypes used)[30]
Strong French military character ("manners") and "enterprizing manners" of Canada do not measure up to politically advanced British soldier[31]
Geographical difference between Great Lakes and Mississippi River lands and Atlantic seaboard lands gives French advantage over British[32]
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