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In the 1700s, Major Jean-Baptiste Cope (1698-58) of Shubenacadie ruled over much of what is now central Nova Scotia. He spoke the ancient language of the Maritimes and could boast of ancient Maritime ancestry. His rule was challenged by imperial powers. Prior to the challenge, Maritimers had enjoyed self-rule for multiple millennia. In 1725, Major Cope and other Maritime rulers concluded it was advantageous, for security purposes, to enter a federation supervised by imperial powers. The federation remained intact for twenty years. In 1744, the imperial powers required all in the federation to wage war on France–an historic ally of Maritimers. Bound by historic loyalties, Major Cope and other regional rulers refused. They withdrew from the federation. Civil war resulted. Four years later, the imperial powers resolved outstanding differences with France. In response, Major Cope sought reconciliation with federal forces–he was the first of the regional rulers to do so. A declaration of peace ending the civil war–at least in the region governed by Major Cope--was signed in 1752. Major Cope’s declaration of peace remains in force and has been upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada on several occasions.