"Gentlemen, - I have received from his Excellency, Governor Lawrence, the King's Commission which I have in my hand, and by whose orders you are conveyed together, to manifest to you His Majesty's final resolution to the French inhabitants of this his Province of Nova Scotia, who for almost half a century have had more indulgence granted them than any of his Subjects in any part of his Dominions. What use you have made of them you yourself best know. The Part of Duty I am now upon is what though necessary is very disagreeable to my natural make and temper, as I know it must be grievous to you who are of the same species. But it is not my business to animadvert, but to obey such orders as I receive, and therefore without hesitation shall deliver you His Majesty's orders and instructions, Vist:- "

That your land & tenements, cattle of all kinds and livestock of all sorts are forfeited to the Crown with all other effects, saving your money and household goods, and you yourselves to be removed from this Province. Thus it is peremptorily His Majesty's orders that the whole French inhabitants of these districts be removed, and I am through His Majesty's goodness directed to allow you liberty to carry of your money and household goods as many as you can without discommoding the vessels you go in. I shall do every thing in my power that all those goods be secured to you and that you are not molested in carrying of them, and also that whole families shall go in the same vessel, and make this remove, which I am sensible must give you a great deal of trouble, as easy as His Majesty's service will admit, and hope that in what ever part of the world you may fall you may be faithful subjects, a peaceable & happy people.

"I must also inform you that it is His Majesty's pleasure that you remain in security under the inspection & direction of the troops that I have the honour to command."

He then declared them all prisoners of the King of England. Thus began the deportation of the Acadians from their homelands.