Having, by their protestations of innocence, interested some of the people in their favour, T. Ferriman, the ship's Steward, I believe from pure motives, and wishing to discover those who had united in planning their escape, drew out a paper for the signature of all who wished well to the scheme. Within two hours he was himself informed against, by one who had subscribed to it, and being found in his pocket, it was too powerful an evidence to resist that article of War which holds him equally guilty with the perpetrator, who _knowingly conceals_ any gathering mutiny even for a moment. Every detail of active operation closes with the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, now a second time rendered memorable by the growth of the Olive. After more than nine years hostility, all the powers agreed to a general restitution of conquests. France and Spain were left to lament a ruined Navy, and an impoverished people, while Great Britain felt an accession of more than four millions of circulating specie, which concealed from the public view a large addition to her national debt. At this time the respective rank between the sea and land Officers was decreed by his Majesty, and an order issued for an exact uniformity of dress throughout the naval service. Amongst the many reductions which now progressively took place, during 1748, and the early part of the ensuing year, may be remarked the total extinction of the Marine establishment, the Officers of which, at these successive periods, were placed on half pay. CHAP. XVIII. Peace having been proclaimed upon the 2d of February, 1749, the liberal policy of Government was soon after conspicuous towards its disbanded servants. The settlement of Nova Scotia, hitherto a neglected spot, presented itself to the enlightened mind of the Earl of Halifax as a proper field for improvement, and it readily occurred to him, as a fit occasion, for rendering useful to the State a body of men, that might have otherwise been let loose upon society. Accordingly grants of land in that Province, were tendered to every rank of his Majesty's land and sea forces, and as a spur to immediate population, an extension of privilege and property was allowed to him, who should embark his family, in proportion to its numbers. Some of the liberal professions, and mechanicks of different descriptions were also invited to become adventurers, under similar inducements, and the plan of a happy Civil Government emanating from a British fountain, was early framed for the permanent happiness of these military colonists. Under such assurances above 4000 bid adieu to their native shore, and upon the 21st of June the whole anchored in the bay of Chebucto, upon the southern coast of the Province, where a town was quickly raised, fortified, and divided into lots, which was named Halifax; a monument of the liberal and humane views of its noble patron. The occasion merits many a reflection which I am not allowed to indulge.