Page:1898 NB Magazine.djvu/227

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AT PORTLAND POINT.
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William Davidson[1] to provide a considerable number of masts on the River St. John. In order to render his work easier, Michael Francklin wrote the following letter to Pierre Thomas as head chief of the Indians:—

Windsor, 29th November, 1779.

My Brother,—Mr. Davidson is now employed on the River St. John for the King my royal master, I am therefore to request you will afford him and all his people every assistance and protection in your power.

My Brother,—I request, and flatter myself if any party of Rebels or Indians should attempt to disturb Mr. Davidson, that you and your people will prevent it, and if necessary take arms for that purpose.

My Brother,—The Governor of Nova Scotia sends to Major Studholme some presents for you; they are intended to encourage you to protect Mr. Davidson receive them and be true to the trust his Excellency reposes in you.

My Brother,—Major Studholme is your friend and your advocate and is desirous that all your late faults may be overlooked and buried, therefore they are all forgot and will be thought of no more.

My Brother,—Present my best compliments to all the Captains, Councillors and other Indians of the River St. John, and I do not forget their wives and children.

[Seal.] Mich. Francklin.

Colonel Francklin was fully aware of the necessity of paying careful attention to the Indians at this juncture for the Machias people threatened to destroy "the King's masts" and tried to get the Indians to aid them. To prevent this several of the principal Indians were retained by Francklin (who took care to treat them well) as hostages for the safety of the mast cutters. Francklin shipped a quantity of goods from Windsor to Fort Howe in the schooner Menaguash to be given to the Indians by Major Studholme as a further inducement to them to protect the workmen engaged in getting out the masts. The presents included quite a variety of articles and among other things, "one cask of wine sent by Mr. Francklin for the Squaws and such men as do not drink rum." Francklin wrote one of his politic letters, addressed

  1. ↑ William Davidson settled at Miramichi in 1764 but was living at this time at Maugerville.
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