and other nations of Canada required
the Micmacs and Malissets to withdraw from the Americans and to remain
quiet.

The situation of Gilfred Studholme, as commandant at Fort Howe, was at
times a difficult and uncomfortable one. His garrison was none too
large at the best, and, although the majority of his soldiers
displayed remarkable fidelity, there were occasional desertions. John
Allan naturally used every means in his power to render the post
untenable. In August, 1778, he sent Nicholas Hawawes, an Indian chief,
with a small party to the mouth of the St. John with orders to destroy
the cattle around the Fort, that were intended for the use of the
troops[111], to take prisoners and encourage desertion. The Indians
were provided with letters, written by deserters who had already come
to Machias, which they were instructed to convey secretly to the
soldiers of the garrison.

[111] The requirements of the garrison insured a ready market for all
the beef Hazen, Simonds & White and their tenants could
furnish, indeed at times it was necessary to send to the
settlements up the river for a supply. When the garrison was
first fixed at Fort Howe, James White made a trip to
Maugerville and purchased nine yoke of oxen for their use from
Asa Perley, Thomas Barker, Daniel Jewett, Henry Miller, John
Esty, Nathan Smith, David Dow, Peter Mooers and Richard
Barlow. The agreement in each case was similar to the
following:

"Maugerville, November 16, 1777.

"I promise to deliver to Mr. James White, or his order,
two oxen coming five years old, when the ice is strong
sufficient to bear them to drive to the mouth of this
River, said White paying me on delivery fifty-five
dollars. Witness my hand--

"ASA PERLEY."

Studholme was compelled to take stern and it may even seem terrible
measures to repress desertion, as will be seen in the following note
which he addressed to James White:

"Sir,--I shall esteem it as a favor if you will endeavour to get
some Indians to bring in the three deserters, for each of which I
will give Ten Guineas. Should the soldiers make any opposition
the Indians are to make use of force, and if compelled to kill
them, they are to bring in their Heads, for each of which they
will receive Ten Guineas.

"I am, Sir,
"Your most obedient servant,