|
a ACADIAN REBIRTH article
Cultures
of Acadiana |
Lafayette (LA) Daily Advertiser, April 27, 1999
Aubry: 'Influx of families will create a New Acadia'
by Jim Bradshaw
The trickle of Acadians coming to Louisiana soon turned into a steady stream, and the French caretaker government didn't know what to do about it. Louisiana had been given to pain, so France did not want to expend a great deal of resources on it. But Spain had not yet officially taken over the colony.
Charles-Philippe Aubry, the Frenchman who was acting governor of Louisiana during the interim, wrote on May 14, 1765, to Etienne-Francois de Choisseul-Stainville, the French Minister of the Navy, praising the Acadians, but seeking advice on what to do about them.
When I first had the honor of informing you of the arrival of the sixty Acadian families from Saint-Domingue and their subsequent departure for the Attakapas ... for the purpose of establishing a village, I did not anticipate that they would be followed by so many others. This uninterrupted influx of new families will soon turn Louisiana into a New Acadia. At this moment, I am informed that 300 men, women and children are on the lower river. Rumors presently indicate that we are no longer dealing with hundreds, but thousands. It appears that there are approximately 4,000 who would like to put an end to their long years of exile by settling in Louisiana.
These unexpected events have thrust Mister (Denis-Nicolas) Foucault (who dispensed royal goods in the colony) and myself onto the horns of a serious dilemma. No arrangements have been made to receive such a large number of people, and the circumstances in which we find ourselves are the most critical. Never has the colony been so lacking in provisions as it is today. Foreigners traveling continuously through the colony keep us very busy. The English established at Mobile and Pensacola have removed large quantities of corn from the colony for shipment to the Indians and thus improved their relations with them. Conditions are such that in three months hence, we will be faced with a most distressing situation.
To make matters worse, the Acadians have smallpox, and will inflict a new calamity upon the colony. However, under present circumstances, we are bound to assist them. Even though we have been ordered to postpone all expenses until the Spaniards' arrival, I dare flatter myself that your Lordship will not disapprove of the assistance we intend to give them. This aid will keep them alive until they are in a position to help themselves. Mister Foucault and I shall ensure that all expenses are handled economically and cautiously. We will give them only what is absolutely necessary for survival and ultimate self-sufficiency. They need provisions, tools, arms and ammunition. These last two items are indispensable in a colony such as ours where people live by means of their guns and are threatened by Indian raids. Our magazine lacks the necessary muskets and ammunition. I believe that our country's honor and sense of humanity demands that some consideration be given these poor people whose wretchedness is only the result of their sacred attachment to their homeland and religion. I feel certain... that our conduct in this matter can only have the approval of a minister, whose actions have always had as an objective the welfare and glory of France.
Despite what is happening here, may I add, at the most inopportune time, one cannot help but think that the colony will someday benefit from it. The Acadians are hard-working, courageous and devoted beyond words to their prince and homeland.
I became acquainted with the Acadians in New England. They never spoke of anything but their religion and their king. They have always refused the advantageous English offers to remain there. Born in a cold clime, transported after untold hardships to Saint-Domingue, where they suffered greatly from greatly from its torrid climate, unaccustomed as they were to this heat, they became unable to work. They are now being reborn in Louisiana, and, if they are helped a little, they will accomplish wonders. As unlikely as it may seem, their situation will improve soon, thanks to the fertile land they are going to cultivate. With a fine and brave militia, this country will flourish. If the need should arise, with a few troops, ammunition, and good leaders, we will be in a position to repulse our enemies. Notwithstanding the cession of this country to Spain, a reciprocity of interests will result from the close ties between the two crowns. It will be to the Spaniard's advantage, when they take possession of the country, to have loyal subjects administer the Mexican posts. I am firmly convinced that, at the first hostilities, the English will attack these posts if they are not well defended.