BRITISH SCALP PROCLAMATION: 1756

""Scalping is the act of removing the scalp, usually with the hair, as a portable proof or trophy of prowess in war. The practice has been known in Europe, Asia and Africa. Scalping is also associated with frontier warfare in North America, and was practiced by Native Americans and white colonists and frontiersmen over centuries of violent conflict.""

Between 1753 and 1756, many skirmishes occurred between the Mi'kmaq and British forces, as could be expected, since many of the Mi'kmaq Districts were still at war with them. However, the reaction of Governor Lawrence in 1756, perhaps in retaliation for the assistance given to the Acadians, was typical of English behaviour towards the Mi'kmaq. The "tribal liability" provisions of the treaties, which branded all Indians guilty, may have also been part of his rationalization when, on May 14, 1756, he issued a scalp proclamation. The bounty offered:

"And, we do hereby promise, by and with the advice and consent of His Majesty's
Council, a reward of 30£ for every male Indian Prisoner, above the age of
sixteen years, brought in alive; or for a scalp of such male Indian twenty-five pounds,
and twenty-five pounds for every Indian woman or child brought in alive: Such
rewards to be paid by the Officer commanding at any of His Majesty's Forts in this
Province, immediately on receiving the Prisoners or Scalps above mentioned,
according to the intent and meaning of this Proclamation."