|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 3
On October 29th, 1755, the Acadians sailed away into exile, an "exile
without an end, and without an example in story."
There is a considerable difference of opinion as to whether such extreme
measures were justified. The English Colonists evidently felt that it was
a necessary act, an act of self-preservation. It is, perhaps, no worse than
many of the horrors of war. On the other hand the Acadians had, as a whole,
committed no overt act of disloyalty, though a few of them had done so.
Should a whole community thus suffer for the wrong doing of a few? This is
certainly a difficult question.
Those interested in the subject should read an article by Parkman in
"Harper's Magazine" for November, 1884, where he justifies the action. For
the opposite view, see "Acadia" by Edouard Richards, vol. I, chap. IV.
The following quotations will be found of interest. The first is from
Edouard Richards; the second and third from two of contemporaries of the
exiled Acadians, Moses de les Derniers and Brook Watson.
"All that vast bay, around which but lately an industrious people worked
like a swarm of bees, was now deserted. In the silent village, where the
doors swung idly in the wind, nothing was heard but the tramp of soldiery
and the lowing of cattle, wandering anxiously around the stables as if
looking for their masters....The total amount of live-stock owned by the
Acadians at the time of the deportation has been variously estimated by
different historians, or to speak more correctly, very few have paid any
attention to this subject....Rameau, who has made a much deeper study than
any other historian of the Acadians, sets the total at 130,000, comprising
horned cattle, horses, sheep, and pigs."
Edouard Richard quotes the following from two contemporaries of the exiled
Acadians. "The Acadians were the most innocent and virtuous people I have
ever known or read of in any history. They lived in a state of perfect
equality, without distinction of rank in society. The title of 'Mister' was
unknown among them. Knowing nothing of luxury, or even the conveniences of
life, they were content with a simple manner of living, which they easily
compassed by the tillage of their lands. Very little ambition or avarice
was to be seen among them; they anticipated each other's wants by kindly
liberality; they demanded no interest for loans of money or other property.
They were humane and hospitable to strangers, and very liberal toward those
who embraced their religion. They were very remarkable for their inviolable
purity of morals. If any disputes arose in their transactions, they always
submitted to the decision of an arbitrator, and their final appeal was to
their priest."--_Moses de les Derniers_.
"Young men were not encouraged to marry unless the young girl could weave
a piece of cloth, and the young man make a pair of wheels. These
accomplishments were deemed essential for their marriage settlement, and
they hardly needed anything else; for every time there was a wedding the
whole village contributed to set up the newly married couple. They built a
house for them, and cleared enough land for their immediate needs; they gave
them live stock and poultry; and nature, seconded by their own labor, soon
put them in a position to help others."--_Brook Watson_.
[Illustration: Village of Grand Pr�. Rivers Gaspereau and Avon in the
distance.]
EVANGELINE.
PRELUDE.
This is the forest primeval. The murmuring pines and the hemlocks,
Bearded with moss, and in garments green, indistinct in the twilight,
Stand like Druids of eld, with voices sad and prophetic,
Stand like harpers hoar, with beards that rest on their bosoms.
Loud from its rocky caverns, the deep-voiced neighboring ocean 5
Speaks, and in accents disconsolate answers the wail of the forest.
This is the forest primeval; but where are the hearts that beneath it
Leaped like the roe, when he hears in the woodland the voice of the huntsman?
Where is the thatch-roofed village, the home of Acadian farmers--
Men whose lives glided on like rivers that water the woodlands, 10
Darkened by shadows of earth, but reflecting an image of heaven?
Waste are those pleasant farms, and the farmers forever departed!
Scattered like dust and leaves, when the mighty blasts of October
Seize them, and whirl them aloft, and sprinkle them far o'er the ocean.
Naught but tradition remains of the beautiful village of Grand-Pre. 15
Ye who believe in affection that hopes, and endures, and is patient,
Ye who believe in the beauty and strength of woman's devotion.
List to the mournful tradition still sung by the pines of the forest;
List to a Tale of Love in Acadie, home of the happy.
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|