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From: "LucieMC" <>
Subject: History of Acadia - Part IV
Date: Sun, 3 Oct 1999 16:32:43 -0400


Although 60 families - 50 family names - are generally recognized as forming
the nucleus of early Acadia, and 75 names are now identified in contemporary
Acadia as Acadian families, several others share the Acadian journey for a
while. Most of these disappear, either as a result of the Deportation or
its aftermath. The list compiled by genealogist Stephen White, accounts for
the families recorded in Acadia a short time before the Deportation in 1755.
(This list may be viewed on my web site.)

THE ENGLISH REGIME

Of the several documents exchanged down the years between France and England
concerning Acadia, the Treaty of Utrecht, signed July 11, 1713, is the most
critical in its consequences. England is given full jurisdiction over what
is now Nova Scotia, except for Ile Royale (Cape Breton Island) and
Ile-Saint-Jean (Prince Edward Island).

In June of the same year, a letter from Queen Anne will reassure the
Acadians regarding their status under the new regime. Afer first being
asked to leave the territory, they are allowed to remain and keep their
properties provided they sign an Oath of Allegiance to the British Crown,
which recognizes in principle their freedom of worship and neutrality in the
event of war. During four decades they will sucessfully negotiate these
specific rights.

The Acadian voice under the English Regime is head through elected
representatives of the major communities whose first duty is to bridge the
gap between officialdom and the people. In 1714, Governor Vetch assigns
Major Paul Mascarene, a Huguenot who will eventaully become
Lieutenant-Governor of the colony, to arrange for the first election of four
representatives. An imposing quantity of letters, requests and petitions
demonstate a remarkable argumentative talent.

Pressure from the British administration will mount from 1727 onwards. The
accession to the throne of George II, whose aversion to Catholics is well
known, justifiably worries the Acadians, who demand that their freedom of
worship and their political neutrality be respected according to the terms
of the Treaty of Utrecht. the messengers are thrown in jai, and a revolt of
the outraged population is avoided only official assent to these conditions.
Robert Wroth, a young office, is authorized to negotiate the signing of the
Oath of Allegiance by the Acadians in return. Two years later, Governor
Philipps is also said to have assured that the following conditions would be
respected if the Oath were signed:

1. Exemption from bearing arms as long as the Acadians remain subjects of
the King of England.

2. The right to leave the British territory at their own convenience and
thereby be freed of their oath.

3. Entire freedom of woship and the right to the ministration of Catholic
priests.

There are different versions of the Oath, often written in both languages,
but nowhere in the English text is it explicitly stated that Acadians are
assured protection of such rights.

THE TEXT OF THE OATH:

"I do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true
allegiance to His Majesty King George the Second, so help me God."

Source: Cécile Chevrier - "Acadie - Sketches of a Journey"

TO BE CONTINUED............

Lucie LeBlanc Consentino
Acadian & French Canadian Ancestral Home
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pointe/6106
http://www.geocities.com/lucieleblanc.ge

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