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     Only a cruel conspiracy of persons, time and events, as occurred in Nova Scotia in July,1755, produced the Edict of the Expulsion. Had the Acadians undisturbed got through the month of August 1755, it is almost certain that they would never have been removed.* And had they stayed, the main current of the subsequent English speaking immigrations to Nova Scotia would have been turned elsewhere and the descendents of the Acadians would have been thereafter and today the predominant race in Nova Scotia. In its Book of Days, July 28^th, 1755, was the most fateful in the destiny of Nova Scotia. All the exaggerated woes and all the oratorical glories attributed to July 1^st, 1867, with its true consequences are insignificant in their range and result to the long series of events which flowed from July 28^th, 1755. For by a single Order-in-Council, thousands were uprooted from their native land, banished into virtual servitude and the racial destiny of Nova Scotia changed forever.

*Few are aware how narrowly the Acadians escaped expulsion. On August 13^th, 1755, that is two weeks after the ominous decision of the Council, the British Ministry wrote to Lawrence that he was to assure such Acadians as could be trusted "quiet possession of their settlements". Slow communications prevented this letter from being received before November when many Acadians were already loaded on the transports. Evidently Lawrence felt it then too late to draw back. The Home Government did not learn of the Expulsion till November 20^th. Had there been modern communications in 1775, the Acadians would in all probability have been allowed to stay.
 

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