[187] Report of Captain Cobb, in Shirley to Newcastle, 13 October, 1746.
[188] Journal historique.
[189] Relation du Voyage de Retour de M. Destrahoudal après la Tempête du 14 Septembre, in Journal historique.
[190] Relation du Combat rendu le 14 Mai (new style), par l’Escadre du Roy commandée par M. de la Jonquière, in Le Canada Français, Supplément de Documents inédits, 33. Newcastle to Shirley, 30 May, 1747.
CHAPTER XXII.
1745-1747.
ACADIAN CONFLICTS.
Efforts of France.—Apathy of Newcastle.—Dilemma of Acadians: their Character.—Danger of the Province.—Plans of Shirley.—Acadian Priests.—Political Agitators.—Noble’s Expedition.—Ramesay at Beaubassin.—Noble at Grand Pré.—A Winter March.—Defeat and Death of Noble.—Grand Pré reoccupied by the English.—Threats of Ramesay against the Acadians.—The British Ministry will not protect them.
Since the capture of Louisbourg, France had held constantly in view, as an object of prime importance, the recovery of her lost colony of Acadia. This was one of the chief aims of D’Anville’s expedition, and of that of La Jonquière in the next year. And to make assurance still more sure, a large body of Canadians, under M. de Ramesay, had been sent to Acadia to co-operate with D’Anville’s force; but the greater part of them had been recalled to aid in defending Quebec against the expected attack of the English. They returned when the news came that D’Anville was at Chibucto, and Ramesay, with a part of his command, advanced upon Port Royal, or Annapolis, in order to support the fleet in its promised attack on