s begun
forty-five years ago, and its formation has been exceedingly slow,
having been retarded by difficulties which seemed insurmountable, and
for years were so in fact. Hence the completion of the series has
required twice the time that would have sufficed under less unfavorable
conditions.

Boston, March 26, 1892.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

CHAPTER I.

1700-1713.

EVE OF WAR.

The Spanish Succession.--Influence of Louis XIV.
on History.--French Schemes of Conquest in
America.--New York.--Unfitness of the Colonies for War.--The
Five Nations.--Doubt and Vacillation.--The Western
Indians.--Trade and Politics 3

CHAPTER II.

1694-1704.

DETROIT.

Michilimackinac.--La Mothe-Cadillac: his Disputes with the
Jesuits.--Opposing Views.--Plans of Cadillac: his Memorial
to the Court; his Opponents.--Detroit founded.--The
New Company.--Detroit changes Hands.--Strange
Act of the Five Nations 17

CHAPTER III.

1703-1713.

QUEEN ANNE'S WAR.

The Forest of Maine.--A Treacherous Peace.--A Frontier
Village.--Wells and its People.--Attack upon it.--Border
Ravages.--Beaubassin's War-party.--The "Woful Decade."--A
Wedding Feast.--A Captive Bridegroom 34

CHAPTER IV.

1704-1740.

DEERFIELD.

Hertel de Rouville.--A Frontier Village.--Rev. John
Williams.--The Surprise.--Defence of the Stebbins
House.--Attempted Rescue.--The Meadow Fight.--The
Captives.--The Northward March.--Mrs. Williams killed.--The
Minister's Journey.--Kindness of Canadians.--A Stubborn
Heretic.--Eunice Williams.--Converted Captives.--John
Sheldon's Mission.--Exchange of Prisoners.--An English
Squaw.--The Gill Family 55

CHAPTER V.

1704-1713.

THE TORMENTED FRONTIER.

Border Raids.--Haverhill.--Attack and Defence.--War to
the Knife.--Motives of the French.--Proposed
Neutrality.--Joseph Dudley.--Town and Country 94

CHAPTER VI.

1700-1710.

THE OLD REGIME IN ACADIA.

The Fishery Question.--Privateers and Pirates.--Port
Royal.--Official Gossip.--Abuse of Brouillan.--Complaints of
De Goutin.--Subercase and his Officers.--Church and
State.--Paternal Government