348 | To Montague Wilmot

    Boston May 3rd. 1765

    Sr

    I herewith inclose a Petition of some french Neutrals residing within this Province: The Case of these people is deplorably hard; an Attachment to the religion, in which they were bred, is their only Crime; and that brings upon them all the difficulties they labour under. Some time ago they were all going to Hispaniola: As soon as I was made acquainted with this, I put a stop to it within this Province; and have since receiv’d Lord Halifax’s approbation of my conduct therein.1 They now want no restraint of that Voyage: for they have received such certain advice of the great mortality among the parties that went there & the misery & Ill treatment of the survivors, that there is no desire remaining of going thither: and they are now content to become, or rather to continue, British subjects. But they can’t think of settling down any where without the exercise of their religion; which this province not Affording, they are obliged to look further. some have desired me to recommend them to the Governor of Canada; the inclosed is the first application I have had for your province.2 when they presented it I observed to them, that I did not believe that it was in your power to grant them the priviledges of Canadians: the utmost they could expect would be a connivance at a priest and visiting them now & then; & even that Indulgence I supposed, would meet with great difficulties: however such as it was, I would transmit their petition to your Excellency & recommend it to your favor. This I now do with the Addition, but I find the Acadians in this province generally to be a sober inoffensive & industrious; tho’ I have no particular knowledge of this party

    I am, with great regard, Sr. your most obedient

    His Excellency Govr. Wilmot

    L, LbC BP, 4: 43-44.