Rebirth of the French Colony 143

when necessary but I shall certainly be worn out with what I forsee. The thing is started and I must exert my self as I can to give laws to people who know only their own particular will. It is a difficult task to my notion, to make these people happy, and above all in their present state when a large part of them has all winter been reduced to bread and peas. As speech has not failed any of them I am obliged to close my ears and have patience. If you have a frigate to send off early for this port I think that it would be absolutely neces- sary, and would stop complaints, which reiterated so frequently must have ill effects.

The garrison, that I have here, composed as it is in part of young people, are disposed to gnaw the same bone. I assure you that there is in these free wills of the habitans something very pernicious.”

To comfort the harassed Commandant, Desher- biers informs him that Prevost is sending some meat and vegetables and that Sieur Franquet will be sent over to study the needs of defence on the island. As for the parishes the refugees may have them wher- ever there are enough habitans to support a curé, but he should consider the best strategic sites for the churches so that the habitans can be easily assembled there to hear the orders of the Court. As to the grumbling inhabitants, they should be told that when he comes he will enquire into the conduct of each and administer blame and praise accordingly. He adds: “IT know that the Acadians are not accustomed to obey their superiors, but if they are French they ought to obey them in so far as they are commanded

25 C11 IV, Vol. 80, pp. 81-34.