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History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

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1713] COL. STODDARD'S MISSION TO CANADA. 537<br />

laity and priests were endeavor<strong>in</strong>g to prevent the return <strong>of</strong><br />

the prisoners. They averred that persons went <strong>from</strong> house<br />

to house solicit<strong>in</strong>g the English to rema<strong>in</strong> ; some the priests<br />

endeavored to terrify by suggest<strong>in</strong>g their danger <strong>of</strong> perdition<br />

; <strong>from</strong> others they threatened to take away their prop-<br />

erty, wives and children. The commissioners entreated<br />

the Governor to prevent such <strong>in</strong>terference. Vaudreuil replied<br />

"that he could as easily alter the course <strong>of</strong> the waters<br />

as prevent the priests endeavors." In a few days he sent<br />

for the commissioners and <strong>in</strong>formed them "that there was<br />

a considerable number <strong>of</strong> English people that the K<strong>in</strong>g<br />

(after divers objections) had naturalized ; therefore they<br />

could not have liberty to return." The commissioners<br />

afterwards ascerta<strong>in</strong>ed that eighty-four persons had thus<br />

been imposed upon. To the demand that all the captives<br />

under age should be compelled to return, the Governor<br />

promptly agreed. Astounded by the naturalization pretence,<br />

the commissioners demanded a copy <strong>of</strong> the papers<br />

and time to answer. Their reply was a clear and cogent<br />

argument show<strong>in</strong>g naturalization to be a mere pretext,<br />

contrary to the order <strong>of</strong> the K<strong>in</strong>g, and <strong>in</strong> conflict with the<br />

articles <strong>of</strong> peace. Some <strong>of</strong> those named among the naturalized<br />

were ordered to be set at liberty by the K<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

They refreshed the Governor's memory by quot<strong>in</strong>g his <strong>of</strong>t<br />

repeated statement that he cared not "how few staid <strong>in</strong><br />

this country, the fewer the better."<br />

still further oppo- On the 27"' the commissioners went to Monsition<br />

<strong>from</strong> the treal, the better probably to confer with the<br />

prisoners. At another <strong>in</strong>terview with Vaudreuil,<br />

they boldly taxed him with <strong>in</strong>s<strong>in</strong>cerity, relat<strong>in</strong>g how<br />

he at first agreed to release all, but now objected to the return<br />

<strong>of</strong> a great number, and desired to know what they<br />

might expect. If none were allowed to go, there was no<br />

need for them to tarry longer. He replied that he was<br />

" afraid to release those that were naturalized, but would<br />

write to the K<strong>in</strong>g." This they contended would only delay<br />

matters and was disobey<strong>in</strong>g the K<strong>in</strong>g's orders, but if he<br />

was resolute <strong>in</strong> the matter one <strong>of</strong> the commission would<br />

carry the letter to the K<strong>in</strong>g. Aga<strong>in</strong> they <strong>of</strong>fer to show<br />

that naturalization was a fraud and a deceit. He admitted<br />

that it might be so, and gave them liberty to smuggle these

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