During the American Revolution the governments of Nova Scotia and Massachusetts competed for control of the region that is now New Brunswick and Maine, and for the allegiance of the Malecite, Micmac, and Penobscot Indians residing there.
In response to Malecite support of the Americans, who in 1777 established themselves on the Saint John River near Fredericton, the British built Fort Howe near the mouth of the same river. On Sept. 24, 1778, British representatives (Michael Francklin, superintendent of Indian affairs, Joseph-Mathurin Bourg, missionary priest, and William Studholme, commander of Fort Howe) met with the Micmacs and with the Malecites who had not fled to Machias, Maine. There the Indians took an oath of allegiance to the King and signed a treaty promising to remain neutral and to report rebel activities.
From the description of I do promise to bear faith and true allegiance to His Majesty King George : Menaguashe near Fort Howe [Saint John, N.B.], 1778 Sept. 24. (Newberry Library). WorldCat record id: 35232947
