The measures taken in determining the strength of the Dutch territory and the trouble thus averted which must have involved war and bloodshed, secured the hearty thanks of the English monarch who acknowledged the debt of gratitude in terms of deep sincerity.
The colonists were now awaiting Sir Howard's return with great anxiety, watching his movements with deep concern.

Hope once more filled their hearts as news spread abroad that their ruler was making preparations to return to New Brunswick.

But a new source of uneasiness arose.

The Home Government raised a question abolishing the protection on colonial timber.

Sir Howard was aroused to a sense of the situation.