took the war
path, and that the Whig might fare little better than the Tory.

The Indians had probably some grievances, but it is evident that the
real disturbing influence emanated, as usual, from Machias. John Allan
in his zeal for the conquest of Nova Scotia was determined to make
every use of his Indian allies in order, if possible, to drive all
English sympathizers from the St. John river. The formal declaration
of war sent to Major Studholme was his composition. It was approved by
the Maliseets at Machias and then forwarded to Aukpaque and after
approval by the Indians there sent to Studholme at Fort Howe. The
document read as follows:

"To the British Commanding Officer at the mouth of the River St.
John's:

"The Chiefs, Sachems and young men belonging to the River St.
John's have duly considered the nature of this Great War between
America and Old England. They are unanimous that America is right
and Old England is wrong. The River on which you are with your
soldiers belongs from the most ancient times to our Ancestors,
consequently is ours now, and which we are bound to keep for our
posterity. You know we are Americans and that this is our Native
Country: you know the King of England with his evil councillors
has been trying to take away the Lands and Libertys of our
Country, but God the King of Heaven, our King, fights for us and
says America shall be free. It is so now in spite of all Old
England and his Comrades can do.

"The great men of Old England in this country told us that the
Americans would not let us enjoy our religion; this is false, not
true, for America allows everybody to pray to God as they please;
you know Old England never would allow that, but says you must all
pray like the king and the great men of his court. We believe
America now is right, we find all true they told us for our Old
Father the King of France takes their part, he is their friend, he
has taken the sword and will defend them. Americans is our
Friends, our Brothers and Countrymen; what they do we do, what
they say we say, for we are all one and the same family.

"Now as the King of England has no business, nor never had any on
this River, we desire you to go away with your men in peace and
to take with you all those men who has been fighting and talking
against America. If you don't go directly you must take care of
yourself your men and all your English subjects