The captain responded with a bow and smile; then, after a moment's pause, began upon the chosen theme.
CHAPTER II.
"Eastport—which we will presently visit," began Captain Raymond, "is on Moose Island, in Passamaquoddy Bay. At the time of our last war with them the English claimed it as belonging to New Brunswick, under the treaty of 1783. Early in July, 1814, Sir Thomas Hardy sailed secretly from Halifax for that place, with quite a force of men for land and sea service. On the 11th the squadron entered Passamaquoddy Bay and anchored off Fort Sullivan, at Eastport. Major Perley Putnam was in command of the fort, with a garrison of fifty men and six pieces of artillery. Hardy demanded an instant surrender, and gave only five minutes' time for consideration. Putnam promptly refused to surrender—but the inhabitants of the island were greatly alarmed and not disposed to resist, so entreated him to yield, which he did on condition that private property should be respected.
"When the agreement was signed, the British took possession of the fort, the town of Eastport, and all the islands and villages in and around Passamaquoddy Bay, landing a thousand armed men, with women and children, fifty or sixty pieces of cannon, and a battalion of artillery."
"And did they stay there, papa?" asked Elsie. "Oh, I hope they are not there now!"
"I have no doubt that nearly, if not all of them, are in their graves by this time, daughter," replied the captain; then went on: "The British made declaration that these islands were in their permanent possession, and ordered all the inhabitants to take an oath of allegiance within seven days, or leave the territory."
"Allegiance to the King of England, papa?" asked Elsie; "and did any of them do it?"
"Yes, that is what was meant, and about two-thirds of the people took it. They, the English, took all the public property from the custom-house, and tried to force the collector to sign unfinished treasury notes to the value of nine thousand dollars. But he refused, saying, 'Hanging will be no compulsion.'"