Some of them were not thus minded and they succeeded in causing considerable trouble.
Frequent attacks were made upon Halifax by the Indians who were supposed to have been aided and encouraged by the Acadians.

The Acadians had refused to take the oath of allegiance to the English and this caused them to be regarded with suspicion and fear.

They had sworn fidelity on the condition that they should not be required to bear arms against the French, with whom they naturally sympathized, being of the same blood and religion.

They persistently refused to go further and swear allegiance.
The English were not without blame since it must be admitted they had covetous eyes upon the rich farms of the Acadians and an opportunity to take possession of them would not be unwelcome.
[Illustration: Map of Annapolis and Kings Counties.] The strife that had so long been going on between France and England to determine which should rule in the New World was now at a critical point.
England's power seemed to be trembling in the balance.

Her defeat meant great disaster to the Colonies.