That Nova Scotia could be saved, seemed hopeless.

Nevertheless, Governor Shirley of Massachusetts determined to make the attempt, and that the King might know the exact situation he sent to London, with a dispatch, an officer named Captain Ryal, who had been taken prisoner at Canso and afterwards released on parole.[2] [Footnote 2: The reception of that officer well illustrates the gross ignorance of America and American affairs which then existed in England.
When the Duke of Newcastle, who was prime minister, read the dispatch, he exclaimed: "Oh, yes--yes--to be sure.

Annapolis must be defended--troops must be sent to Annapolis.

Pray where is Annapolis?
Cape Breton an island! Wonderful! Show it me on the map.

So it is, sure enough.