Acadia. A lost chapter in American history

Front matter

LIBRARYj)F CONGRESS^"

APR P 1884

A.CAJ3IA.

Preface

The story of Evangeline, from its tender pathos, its touching appeals to the deeper emotions of the soul, and the singularly romantic historical episode on which the poem is based, has ever been, to the writer of this volume, a work of interest. A longing to behold the land of those Acadian Exiles, "who had aforetime dwelt by the Basin of Minas," imperceptibly grew up, which was at length gratified : the memory of the brief sojourn in the "Acadian Land," will ever remain among his most highly treasured recollections.

Then came a desire to know more of that afflicted people, and of the facts attending their expulsion from the soil of their ancestors. The author was surprised that this chapter of American annals had been passed over in almost utter silence by nearly every American historian, and that the only books treating of the subject at any length, with a single exception, were a few old and rare volumes, many of which were scarcely to be had at any price, and none of them accessible to the general reader. This suggested the preparation of these pages to meet the demand of those who might, like himself, feel prompted to peruse the details of this sad passage in the world's history.

In accomplishing the task, the author wishes to state that he has made free use of co-temporary hist ory, not only as to facts, but likewise incorporating portions of the text, when such a course seemed preferable. Upwards of fifty authorites have been laid under contribution, and it is his own fault if some of the best portions in each have not been culled. To mention each of them by name would unnecessarily burden these pages, and he hopes this acknowledgment will be considered sufficient without a pedantic display of marginal notes.

The typographical work was done in a " country office," with a nfty-pound font of type and an old Liberty job press, the stereotyping being executed with home-made apparatus, after a process developed from personal experiment. The illustrations, also by himself, whatever may be their artistic worth, are believed to faithfully represent the subjects they are designed to elucidate, which, after all, must be admitted to be the prime and legitimate purpose of illustration. The author feels at liberty to make this statement out of justice to himself, inasmuch as the book must of necessity compete, in an overcrowded market, with other books that have not only received the careful manipulation of half a score of artisans, skilled in as many distinct trades, but also have engaged in their manufacture complicated machinery to the value of thousands of dollars.

Thus much touching the mechanical and literary execution of the work. As to the historical data given in the book, and the conclusions drawn therefrom, the author expects, and furthermore, cordially invites the most searching criticisms, as he is well aware the subject involves national pride and prejudice, and all are entitled to a hearing.

PREFACE I

What he gives as facts are taken from what he believes to be reliable sources, and he has only stated his honest convictions, wherever the blame may fail.

Another departure is, the volume is put on the market without the imprint of an influential publishing house to give it currency among the people. The writer believes the subject to be one that will introduce the book, and prefers to control its sale himself ; and trusts that the modesty of his pretensions will prompt the trade to extend a friendly hand.

Could he be assured that the reader, under whose eye this book may chance to fall, may derive as much enjoyment in its perusal as he has had in the collection of the materials and subsequent compilation, then the pen will be laid down with the feeling that the labor has not been performed in vain. And should it cause one sympathetic heart to pause in the midst of the bustle of the present and drop a tear of compassion to the memory of the poor exiles, now gone from earth and almost forgotten, then the recompense will be still greater.

With these explanations the volume is sent out into the world to buffet with the waves of competition and prejudice, to ride out the storm in safety, or be swallowed up as many a more meritorious book has been before.

Pawling, Feb. 1st, 1884.

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Contents

Introduction 11

Preliminary Discourse - - - 17

Early Explorations 24