Alarmed by Braddock's failure, the Colonists determined something must be done to prevent the Acadians giving assistance to the French.

To send them to Canada would be to strengthen the enemy, while to transport them to any one of the Colonies would be equally unwise since they would there be a source of danger.

It was finally decided to scatter them among the different settlements.

An order was issued requiring all the males of Grand Pre and vicinity ten years old and upwards to assemble in the church to hear a Proclamation of the King.

Failure to attend would result in a forfeiture of all property of the individual.