[1744.] Upon receiving the declaration of war with _France_, the general court, then sitting, made immediate provision for raising forces for _Anapolis_, in Nova-Scotia: they happily arrived in season; and were the probable means of saving the country. Divers times afterward, Nova-Scotia, when attacked by the French, was relieved by the Bay-men; so that during that unprosperous war, possession was always kept of it for the crown of Great-Britain. [1745.] But the most important service to be mentioned, is the reduction of _Louisburg_. Governor _Shirley’s_ heart was set upon effecting it. He prevailed upon the two houses to lay themselves under an oath of secrecy; and then communicated his plan of the expedition. A committee was appointed to consider it, and were several days in deliberation. After mature consideration, a majority disapproved of the proposal. The report was accepted, and the members of the court laid aside all thoughts of the expedition. By the governor’s influence probably, as well as with his approbation, a petition from a number of merchants was presented to the house of representatives, praying a re-consideration of their vote, and their agreement to the governor’s proposal. A second committee reported in favour of it. The report was debated in the house the whole day. It is remarkable that Mr. _Oliver_[57] fell down and broke his leg, while going to the house, with a full design of opposing the expedition. His presence would have made a majority, and overset it; but this accident occasioned his absence; and upon the division in the house at night, the numbers were equal. The speaker, _Thomas Hutchinson_, esq.[58] was called upon to give the casting vote; which he did in favour of it, though he opposed it when in the committee. He was, probably, prevailed upon thus to vote, that he might secure the favour of the governor, and render himself the more popular. [Jan. 25.] The point being now settled, there is an immediate union of both parties; and all are equally zealous in carrying the design into execution. Messengers are dispatched as far as _Pennsylvania_, to entreat the junction of the several governments in the expedition. All excuse themselves, except _Connecticut_, _New-Hampshire_, and _Rhode-Island_. The first agrees to raise 500 men, the other two 300 each. _Connecticut_ and _Rhode-Island_ consent also, that their colony sloops shall be employed as cruisers.