1763, July.] PANIC AT CARLISLE. 49 



partly, it seems, from dislike and jealousy of the 

 regulars, were backward and sluggish in co-oper- 

 ating with them. " I hope," writes Bouquet to Sir 

 Jeffrey Amherst, " that we shall be able to save 

 that infatuated people from destruction, notwith- 

 standing all their endeavors to defeat your vigorous 

 measures. I meet everywhere with the same back- 

 wardness, even among the most exposed of the 

 inhabitants, which makes every thing move on 

 heavily, and is disgusting to the last degree." 

 And again : " I find myself utterly abandoned by 

 the very people I am ordered to protect. ... I 

 have borne very patiently the ill-usage of this 

 province, having still hopes that they will do 

 something for us ; and therefore have avoided to 

 quarrel with them." 



While, vexed and exasperated. Bouquet labored 

 at his thankless task, remonstrated with provincial 

 officials, or appealed to refractory farmers, the 

 terror of the country people increased every day. 

 When on Sunday, the third of July, Ourry's express 

 rode into Carlisle with the disastrous news from 

 Presqu' Isle and the other outposts, he stopped 

 for a moment in the village street to water his 

 horse. A crowd of countrymen were instantly 

 about him, besieging him with questions. He told 

 his ill-omened story ; and added as, remounting, he 

 rode towards Bouquet's tent, " The Indians will 

 be here soon." All was now excitement and con- 

 sternation. Messengers hastened out to spread the 

 tidings ; and every road and pathway leading into 

 Carlisle was beset with the flying settlers, flocking 



