|
an ACADIAN EXILE article
Cultures
of Acadiana |
Lafayette (LA) Daily Advertiser, March 30, 1999
British on Mississippi worried Louisiana officials
by Jim Bradshaw
One of the reasons that the first Acadians were sent to St, Gabriel on the Mississippi River was because Louisiana's governors were becoming worried about the British presence there. The British built for Bute on the west bank of the Mississippi River near Baton Rouge. Charles-Phillipe Aubry was the French acting governor of Louisiana during the period when the colony was being transferred from France to Spain. He pointed out the need for an opposing fort in a letter to the ministry written in April 1765.
I have the honor of directing your attention to the arrival of one of the English frigates, which will remain at the Iberville River, where a fort is to be built. Another frigate is expected at Natchez, where the British are proposing to establish a large settlement. There is also a small vessel armed with 12 cannons, bound for the Iberville River. The cannon shots fired morning and night by these vessels frighten the Indians along the way as they sail past. I pointed out to the Indians that this customary with the French and the English and that they should not be alarmed. Nevertheless, this strange noise excites their feeble imagination . They are so suspicious of it that I fear will attempt some hostile act against the English, as they did last year. This could have some very unfortunate results. As a consequence, I am doing everything I can to prevent them from taking such actions.
It is indeed, a new and may I add, frightening spectacle for us to see the continuous flow of warships and foreign troops (on the river) before New Orleans. Even though we are at peace, and it appears that we have nothing to fear, I can not help being alarmed by it. We should be unable to oppose any hostile English scheme. We have neither ships, not troops, nor ammunition. It seems outrageous, under the present circumstances. I had 20 cannons mounted across ( the river) from soldiers' quarters. Thus, we will be better able to answer the gun salutes and at the same time have a defensive weapon.
The English claimed they could easily open a line of communication known as the Iberville River, between Lake Maurepas and the Mississippi. This waterway was plugged up long ago. It originates at the Isle of Orleans, 35 leagues from the city. The operation might be more difficult than they had envisioned. Mister (Dulisle) Dupart, a resident of the colony, has taken charge of this operation, with (French director-general Jean-Jacque-Blaise) d'Abbadie's consent. (D'Abbadie had just died leaving Aubry in charge of the colony).
The government of this colony is more awkward then ever. It is difficult to conciliate simultaneously the French, the English, and the Indians who are in close contact with one another and whose interests and characteristics are so different.
The volume I must maintain with the English who are writing from everywhere, particularly that of Governor Johnstone (of British West Florida) who is at Mobile, keep me terribly busy.... When he encounters small difficulties arising between the settlers of Mobile and those of New Orleans, he cites to me the Magna Carta and the laws of England. It is said that the minister sent him to Mobile to be rid of him....All things considered he is a man of intelligence, but a dangerous neighbor and a man of whom one should be wary.
It has always be customary to travel from Mobile to New Orleans by (sailing) between the mainland. Isle Massacre and the other islands, Isle Massacre and other islands by way of Lake Pontchartain, arriving at Bayou St. John, which is two leagues from New Orleans. Some English officers and merchants frequently take this route, which is the shortest. Since they are free with their money, and it is to the colony's advantage, Mister d'Abbadie and I have never opposed this practice. Mister (Robert) Farmer (commander of the British 34th Regiment, sent to occupy Mobile in 17.64), who is ascending (the river) to Illinois, along with 300 of his men, wrote that he was depending on me for permission to transport his troops along this route. I replied that I could not consent to it. I cannot allow armed troops on our land. The settlers would blame me if any disturbance would arise. As a consequence, I have urged him to travel by way of Balise, which is the customary route.
The Spaniards, whom we are expecting daily now, will find the colony, from Balise to Illinois, in a sad state of affairs. Everything is falling into ruin and is in need of prompt repair. In order to match the opposing forces, the Spaniards will be compelled to construct several forts. These were unnecessary when the country belonged to one of our allies. With the English along the river, these forts are essential. These forts should be appropriately placed, principally on the rivers coming from Mexico, such s the Red River, the Arkansas River, and the Missouri.
In order to establish Indian alliances to make a good start in their new colony, (the Spaniards) will have to bring along many presents for the Indians. They must also bring here a sufficient number of troops to counterbalance to English along the river.