families had refused to sign, of whom nine were at the River's mouth. The committee included Jacob Barker, Phinehas Nevers and Israel Perley (who were magistrates), Daniel Palmer, Edward Coy, Israel Kinney, Asa Perley, Moses Pickard, Thomas Hartt, Hugh Quinton, Asa Kimball and Oliver Perley. The failure of Jonathan Eddy's attempt on Fort Cumberland soon caused a change of attitude on the part of the inhabitants of the St. John river who were inclined to rebellion, and when in May, 1777, Col. Arthur Goold was sent with a force to exact their submission, he experienced little difficulty, the great majority taking the oath of allegiance to the King. The apology of the settlers for their disloyal conduct was evidently drafted by Israel Perley and was presented to Col. Goold on May 16, 1777. It reads as follows:—
"In the year 1775 the Privateers from the westward frequented our coasts and cut off our trade from the other side of the Bay, a vessel was taken in our Harbor and the King's Fort burnt, the Inhabitants here were destitute of Ammunition to defend themselves, a return was made to Government of this deficiency but no answer received. In May, 1776, two Privateers came into the Harbor, their boats proceeded up the River and informed the people that this Province was soon to be invaded from the westward, that Privateers were thick on the coast and would stop all manner of commerce with us unless we joined them; not only so, but if the colonies must be put to the expense of conquering us they must be paid for their trouble, consequently our estates must be forfeited. About the same time some Indians returned from Boston and brought letters to the others from Gen'l Washington, &c, and the whole tribe was entering into alliance with the Colonies and threatened some of the people to kill them if they would not join the Boston men (as they called them). In this condition neglected (as it appeared) by Government we had a General meeting and unanimously agreed to submit ourselves to the Government of Massachusetts Bay. Since that time we confess we have acted in opposition to his Majesty's Government. And as your Honor is pleased to tell us that you bring the Olive Branch of Peace, we humbly crave the benefit, and as we were jointly concerned in the first transgressions we now humbly request that no distinction be made as to pardon; there being in this place as in all others private prejudices and contentions, and perhaps some persons may avail themselves of this opportunity to get revenge by representing their private enemies the greatest enemies of Government. We earnestly request that no such complaints may prevail upon your Honor to