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Power corrupts.
The Colonials find that they, too, are victims. Reine (Leblanc) Cameron and her husband, Robert, have escaped Acadian deportation by fleeing mainland Nova Scotia to the comparative safety of Îles St. Jean, where they hope to live in peace. William and Molly Gray have found that life is cheap and living is raw in Halifax where corruption and immorality are the accepted norm - certainly no place to bring up their son. They forsake Halifax for the simpler life at Sambro. If both men have withdrawn from the conflict, what conditions could bring them together at the Siege of Louisbourg on July 26th, 1758? July 26th, 1758. Lieutenant William Gray recognizes one of the two figures on the shore of North East Harbour, Louisbourg; it is the turncoat, Carrot Top, who should have been flogged and hanged months ago. The guard reports that the prisoners are Acadian Irregulars captured during the siege. William is surprised to learn that Carrot Top is Robert Cameron, a Scot. He is astonished when he recognizes the second soldier as Reine Leblanc, a housewife from Grand Pre. Gray knows their fate will be the same. An upper-class English officer will write; 'private soldier, deserted, executed' for Cameron. There would be no record for Reine. William could hear the Scot's burr in Robert's words. By God, we're both a long, long way from home and our enemies abound, he thinks. He comes to a decision that places his own life in jeopardy. September 13th, 1759. Gray has no decision to make at Quebec when he scales the Heights to face a French veteran from the capture of Beausejour - an old enemy - waiting for him with a loaded musket. January 13th, 1761. Governor Belcher knows that his plan for the final solution of the Acadian problem is workable. If he could get some cooperation from that fellow Gray… It's called the abuse of power. | ||