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the rest of the world. The tormenting and destructive passions of avarice and ambition were unknown in their rural retreats. They resided in villages along the most fertile and pleasant rivers. Health, cheerfulness and competency were found in their humble habitations. They raised a plenty of wheat, apples and garden herbs. Their flocks of sheep and cattle afforded them milk, butter and clothing, and the waters and the forest furnished them with every luxury they wished to enjoy. Perhaps once in a year they had an opportunity with their fish and their furs to supply themselves with the wines of France and the spirits of New England. These acquisitions enabled them to observe their holidays with festivity, mirth and good humour.

A remarkable equality prevailed among these people; none rose distinguished with opulence and dominion, or felt the distresses of poverty and contempt; for when age, sickness and misfortune reduced any family, their necessities were supplied by the generous assistance of their neighbors. When any young couple were united the inhabitants of the village assembled, and by their joint labor, prepared them both a dwelling and furniture. No other superiority and subordination obtained among them, but such as was established by age, by wisdom and virtue. Their spiritual fathers were their principal guides, both in religion and policy, and by their advice and influence easily composed the little contentions which arose among them, for it is only in countries where opulence and dominion prevail that crimes are committed though it may be stated, on the other hand, that where these are unknown no splendid and striking virtues appear.

But though these Acadians lived in domestic ease and tranquility, their political situation, between two rival powers, was not so happy. Their natural attachment must have been to the French nation from which they were descended, and being rigid Roman Catholicks, those who