On March 29, 1756, the first party of Acadian Exiles who had set sail from Georgia arrived in their makeshift vessels. About 150 under the leadership of Jacques Maurice / Morris arrived showing a pass from Governor Reynolds of Georgia attesting their good behavior. A pilot had been provided them from Charles Town to Cape Fear.
Though Governor Glen seemed to be sympathetic to the Exiles, his Council however was not and they reminded him of the cost already incurred for the Exiles who were already in South Carolina. Documents show that from Glen’s order to the Commissary General , Michel Bourgeois was listed as the leader of one of these parties wanting to make their way back to Nova Scotia. He was told to go northward immediately or to return to Georgia. Either way - going northward or returning to Georgia - they were promised provisions. However, should they refuse to go in either direction, they would be detained at Sullivan’s Island where they would remain under guard until further instructions.
The Gazette published April 15, 1756 stated that on Thursday night about 80 Acadians went off from hence in 7 canoes, as far as Sullivan’s island, and put to Sea the next morning in order to proceed along Shore, and thro’ the Inlets to the Northward, having obtained Passports for that Purpose, and we hear that upwards of 300 more will follow them in a few days.
One would be believe that this would refer to some of the Georgia Acadians although other documents show that some of the families who were in South Carolina joined with them in their quest to head home.
It is interesting to note that though the Acadians could not be deported from the colonies because they were British subjects, that in exceptional instances a few individuals were thus dealt with. Two of thirteen men who were sent to England because they were regarded as dangerous were Bernard Gonthier and Joseph LeBlanc, whose names on certificates signed by Glen were natives of Beaubassin.
Though South Carolina hoped the Acadians would go elsewhere by encouraging them to do so, and though the Commons House actually passed a bill to provide Vessels and Provisions to be given to such of the Acadians now in Charles Town, as shall be willing to depart hence and go Elsewhere, and though the Acadians were agreeable to this, it all fell through. The Acadians had asked for pilots who would assist them with the large crafts they would sail on since they were unfamiliar with the navigation of such craft. This request would not be granted.