were made
with William Davidson to provide a number of masts at the River St.
John.

[114] Mon. Diereville states that in 1700 the man of war Avenant, of
44 guns, shipped at St. John some very fine masts for the
French navy, which had been manufactured by 14 carpenters and
mast makers. These were safely delivered in France after a
prosperous voyage of 33 days.

Colonel Francklin was quite aware of the necessity of giving careful
attention to the Indians at this juncture, for the Machias rebels
threatened to destroy the "King's masts" and endeavored to get the
Indians to harass the mast cutters and obstruct, them in every
possible way. In consequence Francklin sent the following letter to
Pierre Thoma by James White, his deputy:--

"Windsor, 29th November, 1779.

"My Brother.--Mr. Davidson is now employed on the River St. John
for the King my Royal master. I therefore request you will afford
him and all his people every assistance and protection in your
power.

"My Brother,--I request and flatter myself if any party of Rebels
or Indians should attempt to disturb Mr. Davidson that you and
your people will prevent it, and if necessary take up arms for
that purpose.

"My Brothers,--The Governor of Nova Scotia sends to Major
Studholme some presents for you; they are intended to encourage
you to protect Mr. Davidson; receive them and be true to the trust
that his Excellency reposes in you.

"My Brother,--Major Studholme is your friend and your advocate and
desires that all your faults may be overlooked and buried,
therefore they are all forgot and will be thought of no more.

"My Brother,--Present my best compliments to all the Captains,
Councillors, and other Indians of the River St. John, and I do not
forget their wives and children.

[Seal.] "MICH. FRANCKLIN."

The Indians promised to protect the workmen who were employed in
cutting masts. Francklin soon afterwards sent a consignment of goods
from Windsor to Fort Howe in the schooner Menaguashe, as a further
inducement to them to protect Mr. Davidson's men in their work. In the
letter accompanying the presents he says:--

"Brethern,--King George wants masts for his ships and has employed
people to provide them on your river, depending on you to protect
them in cutting them and conveying them to Fort Howe. The Governor
sends you some presents, which Major Studholme will delive