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dislike, and yet are restrained by their fears from committing any acts of hostility.
3. The Passamaquoddy Indians are not so numerous, but have an occasional place of worship on the River St. Croix.
4. The Merrimachees are another considerable tribe; their numbers, however, uncertain.
They seem to be governed on the continent by princes and chiefs, and though some of them occupy small plantations of vegetables, they delight in roving, and are impatient of being confined to one situation or place of abode.
These Indians of Nova Scotia have been much disaffected to British government since the late contest began. They were advocates for the American cause, rejoiced at their success, and joined the rebels whenever they could engage with the least prospect of safety. And this is really surprising if we recollect on the one hand the contempt and ill-treatment they have received from the people of New England, and on the other the protection, tenderness and generosity of Great Britain.
The French Inhabitants.
It is certain the natives of France had visited the regions of Nova Scotia before 1580, for we find that in the first voyage of Sir Francis Drake to America five of his soldiers travelled from Mexico to Nova Scotia by land, and from thence to Europe in a French ship.
In 1613 Sir Samuel Argall found the subjects of France established at Port Royal, now Annapolis. Though they sustained frequent molestations, they gradually increased, extending their settlements from Annapolis to Horton, Cornwallis, along the shores of Minas Bason to Cobequid, to Cumberland, or Checkenecto, and other parts till transported by British authority in 1755.
These people were for many years the happiest and most contented of mankind, being separated in a manner from