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      It may be thought that the Nickersons moved to Canada prior to the American Revolution due to their sympathies with the Crown. However, during the period 1758-1760 the reasons were probably economic, not political. There was a strong incentive for the Nickersons to move to Nova Scotia. After the expulsion of the Acadians, the British Government was anxious to attract settlers to the lands they had vacated. In 1758 Gov. Lawrence issued a proclamation and offered immigrants transportation, free farms, and partial support until their crops were under way. Cape Cod fishermen were accustomed to this area where fish were plentiful, and found the offer very tempting. Also, a number of Cape Cod men had become acquainted with the area through their military service there. Families from all along the eastern shores of Massachusetts accepted the terms, and from 1760 to 1763 over fifty families from Chatham alone emigrated to that region -- primarily to Liverpool and Barrington. The History of Chatham lists those who went in 1760. Nickersons included were Ebenezer, Jr., Jonathan, Elkanah, Daniel, Nathan, William 3rd, James, Elisha, and Elisha, Jr. -- to Liverpool; Caleb, Prince, Richard and Joshua, borthers. Eldad and Stephan, half-brothers -- to Barrington.