Ikaymond] THE FIRST GOVERNOR OF NEW BRUNSWICK 437 



may form settlements to extend almost to the River St. Lawrence, which 

 will contribute much to facilitate the communication so much to be desired 

 between the two provinces, and which may be attended with circumstances 

 very favourable for their mutual interests. 



I shall be glad to have your opinion on this subject, and have the honour to 

 be, with great regard, 



Your Excellency's most obedient 



and most humble servant, 



FREDERICK HALDIMAND. 



The boundary between Quebec and Nova Scotia was at this time 

 supposed by Haldimand to be at the Grand Falls. Carleton and his 

 Council were not disposed to accept a boundary so far south as this. 

 Consequently there was some uncertainty as to which province had 

 jurisdiction over the region of Madawaska. The letter of Mercure 

 to the Surveyor general of Quebec, which follows, may be regarded 

 as the sequel of Haldimand's letter. Mercure seems to have thought 

 that if the Acadians went to Madawaska they would be under Quebec 

 jurisdiction. His letter is given in translation: — 



River St. John, 24 February, 1785. 

 Sir, — I have the honour to write you this letter to assure you of my very 

 humble respect and at the same time to desire you to have the goodness to inform 

 Monsieur Duperré if it is possible for us to have some land below the Madawaska. 

 In view of the difficulties that exist on the River St. John on account of 

 the new settlements, Monsieur Duperré and my brother and I are resolved to go 

 early in the spring and settle ourselves at that place, if it is possible to obtain 

 grants of lands. 



For my own part, Sir, I have the honour to tell you that I have managed 

 my affairs very well. His Excellency the Governor has done me full justice. 

 But seeing so much difficulty ahead on the River St. John and so much miserable 

 dissipation, I do not want to remain at the place. 



Monsieur Duperré will speak to you in the interests of the French at this 

 place. 



I conclude, hoping to see you sir, 



I am your very humble servant, 



LOUIS MERCURE. 1 

 To Monsieur Holland. 



Mercure incloses in his letter a list of twenty-four persons who 

 are applicants for lands. The lands are described as situated "one 

 and a half miles below the Falls of Madouwaska." The applicants 

 were Louis Mercure, Michel Mercure, Pierre Duperré, Jean Lizotte, 

 Pierre Lizotte, Joseph Lizotte, Augustin Dubé, Jean Martin, Joseph 

 Daigle, Joseph Daigle, jr., Daniel Gaudin, Simon Martin, Amand 

 Martin, Paul Cyr, François Cyr, Joseph Cyr, Pierre Cyr, Baptist 

 1 The writer received a copy of this interesting letter from the late Prudent 

 Mercure, who received it from Placide P. Gaudet of the Department of Canadian 

 Archives to whom obligation is expressed. 



