wn assisting the enemy, without
whose aid they must have perished, having lost their little
baggage, provisions, cannon and arms by one of our detachments
falling on them on the 6th instant at Augpeake, ninety miles up
this river. We are friendly with Pierre Toma, the other Indian
chief, and part of the savages, and hostilities have not even been
committed by us against the others.

"I have been particular that you Excellency may know our
situation. An Indian war is of all others the most to be
dreaded by this Government from the scattered situation of our
settlements, and a word from your Excellency to the savages of
this River, Passamaquoddie and Penobscott, sent by some of your
well affected Indian Chiefs of the neighborhood of Quebec may
have a very great weight with them and prevent much ruin and
expense.

"I have the honor to be, with respect,
Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,

MICH. FRANCKLIN."

The hint contained in the last paragraph of Francklin's letter
evidently was not lost upon Sir Guy Carleton, for later on, deputies
from the Ottawas, Hurons, Algonquins, and other nations of Canada
arrived at the River St. John and ordered the Micmacs and Maliseets to
withdraw from the Americans and to remain quiet otherwise they would
declare war against them. Upon receipt of this message, Francklin
says, the Indians almost universally withdrew from Machias and
remained tranquil to the close of the war. But this is anticipating
the course of events.

Michael Francklin, though a native of the South of England, was
admirably fitted for the position of superintendent of Indian affairs
in Nova Scotia. He was at one time a captive with the Indians and had
learned their language and customs. He was also conversant with the
French tongue and this gave him still greater influence.

Unfortunately for the settlers at the mouth of the river a garrison
was not left there for their protection by Francklin and Studholme,
and as soon as the English ships departed Portland and Conway were as
defenceless as ever. Privateers again appeared. The people were robbed
and maltreated so that many were compelled to abandon their homes and
seek refuge up the river.

Late in the autumn of this year an American sloop carrying eight guns
entered St. John Harbor. Her captain, who bore the singular name A.
Greene Crabtree, proved the most unwelcome and rapacious visitor tha