Page:Aristopia (1895).pdf/211

 region, the authorities thought it too much trouble and expense to watch the inhabitants, and did not want them to retire to Quebec to reinforce the French there. So it was determined to deport all the inhabitants of Acadia.

The dreadful business was carried out implacably. After being held prisoners some time the Acadians were driven at the point of the bayonet on terribly crowded transports to be distributed among the English colonies. In many cases fathers were separated from their children and husbands from their wives. Before leaving their beloved homes the Acadians had the grief to see them burned by the English soldiers. Their well cultivated lands, their recently gathered harvests, and their numerous live stock became the plunder of the English officials.

The news of this deportation and the separation of the Acadians was quickly carried to Aristopia, where it created the greatest indignation and sympathy for the unfortunates. Congress happened to be in session; an appropriation was immediately made to bring as many of the Acadians as possible to Aristopia.

The English intended to send the greater part of them to Massachusetts, but on arriving