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resolutions of May, 1776—and this is an indication that their sympathies were not with the rebels—yet it is altogether probable that, as a matter of self-interest, they carefully abstained from "offensive partizanship." At all events it is a fact that up to the close of the year 1776, they had not ceased to transact business with the government of Massachusetts. Some may possibly be disposed to question this statement, but the following document found among the papers of James White seems conclusive:
"Gentlemen,—At sight of this our second Bill (first of same tennor and date not paid) Please to pay to Messrs William Hazen, James Simonds and James White, or order, forty-one Spanish milled Dollars, for value received of them.
Ezekiel Foster, Lt.
David Prescott, Lt.
Edmund Stevens, Capt.
Daniel Meservy, Lt.
Portland, Nova Scotia, December 14th, 1776. To the Honorable Council of the Massachusetts States:—"
This "Bill on ye Council of the Massachusetts States" is for supplies furnished the officers named therein, but when, or how, or where the supplies were furnished we cannot say. It was, of course, impossible to maintain a friendly attitude to the Massachusetts Congress and at the same time be loyal to the government of Nova Scotia. The Declaration of Independence left no neutrals. It soon became necessary for the settlers at Portland Point to declare themselves, and just as soon as it was evident they were disposed to support the authority of their Nova Scotia rulers, the consideration hitherto extended to them by the privateers and marauders from the westward vanished.