28 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

flashed the tidings so fatal to the French occupation of the Island. The Garrison, however, of some 60 or 70 soldiers were placed on board British ships and taken to Louisburg, thence to England, to endure a further state of bondage till the close of the war in 1763. Thus the object of securing the Island to British rule was effected without difficulty. The lilied banner of France being thus removed was never more destined to wave over the land, whilst the Union Jack has for ever since swayed as the national flag‘of British North America.

No sooner had British rule been established and peacefully submitted to, than Lord Rollo began to turn his eyes towards the condition of the French settlers. Of them his Lordship writes, “most of the inhabitants had brought in their arms, that by the best account I can get, the Island of St. John has been the only supply for Quebec of corn and beef since the war, except what has been brought from Europe, and at the present they have 10,000 head of cattle. Many of the inhabitants declare that they grow, each of them, 1200 bushels of corn annually.” ~Murdar/z’s 2724 Vol. fi'sz‘ory IV. S.

The population at that time was supposed to be about five thousand, though Mr. McGregor, in his account of the Island, says the population was far greater; however, these early settlers were a thrifty people, distinguished for their industry and good morals; being happy under the blessings of their own country’s banner, and remarkable for their uniform piety. But notwithstanding their hereditary long established loyalty to their Mother Country, and the change of dynasty so suddenly forced upon them, they nevertheless ere long became reconciled to the rule of the existing government, and as tillers of the land, though encountering hardships, difficulties and privations, they in due time acquired comfortable yet humble homes for them- selves and families. To-day, their offspring are engaged in various callings, but principally that of agriculture, and are toler- ably well settled throughout the country—and such as they were at the dawn of this history such are they still. Now as the days of party strife have passed away, and the events of by-gone times have been transferred to history, all will probably concur in thinking that changes in dynasties are often attended with blessings, equally enjoyed by all classes.

Leaving a strong garrison in charge of Fort la-Joie, Lord Rollo rejoined the main army at Louisburg, the Island then became