When we had gather’d all, as well what had been taken out of the Ship-wreck’d Vessel as what could be pick’d up in the Sea, the next Thing was to regulate the Provisions we had left proportionably to the Number of Men we were; and there being no more Bisket, Meal was deliver’d out, and with it we made Hasty Pudding with Water, which was none of the best; some large Beans and India Corn, part of which had taken wet; and every thing was distributed very discreetly. We were much incommoded for want of Kettles, but Monsieur de Beaujeu gave Monsieur de la Sale one, and he order’d another to be brought from the Bark la Belle, by which means we were well serv’d.

We were still in want of Canoes. Monsieur de la Sale sent to the Camp of the Indians to barter for some, and they who went thither observ’d, that those People had made their Advantage of our Ship-wreck, and had some Bales of Normandy Blankets, and they saw several Women had cut them in two and made Petticoats of them. They also saw Bits of Iron of the Ship that was cast away, and return’d immediately to make their Report to Monsieur de la Sale, who said we must endeavour to get some Canoes in Exchange, and resolv’d to send thither again the next Day. Monsieur du Hamel, Ensign to Monsr. de Beaujeu, offer’d to go up in his Boat, which Monsieur de la Sale agreed to, and order’d Messieurs Moranget, his Nephew, Desloges, Oris, Gayen, and some others to bear him Company.

No sooner were those Gentlemen, who were more Hot than Wise, landed, but they went up to the Camp of the Indians,Indiscretion of an Ensign. with their Arms in their Hands, as if they had intended to force them, whereupon several of those People fled. Going into the Cottages, they found others, to whom Monsieur du Hamel endeavor’d to signify by Signs, that he would have the Blankets they had found restor’d; but the Misfortune was, that none of them understood one another. The Indians thought it their best Way to withdraw, leaving behind them some Blankets and Skins of Beasts, which those Gentlemen took away, and finding some Canoes in their Return they seiz’d two, and got in, to bring them away.

But having no Oars, none of them knowing how to manage those Canoes, and having only some pitiful Poles, which they could not tell the right Use of, and the Wind being also against them, they made little Way; which the Sieur du Hamel, who was in his Boat perceiving, and that Night drew on, he made the best of his Way, forsook them and return’d to the Camp.

Thus Night came upon them, which oblig’d those unexperienc’d Canoe Men, being thoroughly tir’d, to go ashore to take some Rest, and the Weather being cold, they lighted a Fire, about which they laid them down and fell asleep; the Sentinel they had appointed doing the same. The Indians returning to their Camp,The Indians take Revenge. and perceiving our Men: had carry’d away two Canoes, some Skins and Blankets, took it for a Declaration of a War, resolv’d to be reveng’d, and discovering an unusual Fire, presently concluded that our men had halted there. A considerable Number of them repair’d to the Place, without making the least Noise, found our careless People fast asleep, wrap’d up in their Blankets, and shot a full Volley of their Arrows upon them all together on a Sudden, having first given their usual Shout before they fall on.

Sieurs Oris and Desloges kill’d.The Sieur Moranget awaking with the Noise, and finding himself wounded, started up and fir’d his Piece successfully enough, some others did the like, whereupon the Natives fled. The Sieur Moranget came to give us the Alarm, though he was shot through one of his Arms, below the Shoulder, and had another slanting Wound on the Breast. Monsieur de la Sale immediately sent some arm’d Men to the Place, who could not find the Indians, but when Day appear’d, they found the Sieurs Oris and Desloges dead upon the Spot, the Sieur Gayen much hurt, and the rest all safe and sound.

March 1685This Disaster, which happen’d the Night of the 5th of March, very much afflicted Monsieur de la Sale; but he chiefly lamented Monsieur Desloges a sprightly Youth, who serv’d well; but in short, it was their own Fault, and contrary to the Charge given them, which was to be watchful and upon their Guard. We were under Apprehensions for Messieurs Moranget and Gayen, lest the Arrows should be poison’d. It afterwards appear’d they were not, however Monsieur Moranget’s Cure prov’d difficult, because some small Vessel was cut.

The Consequences of this Misfortune, together with the Concern, most of the best Persons who had follow’d Monsieur de la Sale were under,[61] supported the Design of those who were for returning to France and forsaking him, of which Number were Monsieur Dainmaville, a Priest of the Seminary of St. Sulpice, the Sieur Minet, Engineer and some others. The common Discourses of Monsieur de la Sale’s Enemies tending to discredit his Conduct, and to represent the pretended Rashness of his Enterprize, contributed considerably towards the Desertion; but his Resolution prevailing, he heard and waited all Events with Patience, and always gave his Orders, without appearing the least discompos’d.

He caus’d the Dead to be brought to our Camp, and bury’d them Honourably, the Cannon supplying the Want of Bells, and then consider’d of making some safer Settlement. He caus’d all that had been sav’d from the Shipwreck, to be brought together into one Place, threw up Intrenchments about it, to secure his Effects, and perceiving that the Water of the River, where we were, roul’d down violently into the Sea, he fancy’d that might be one of the Branches of the Missisipi, and propos’d to go up it, to see whether he could find any Tokens of it, or of the Marks he had left, when he went down by Land to the Mouth of it.

Debates between the Commanders.In the mean Time, Monsieur de Beaujeu was preparing to depart: The Chevalier de Aire had many Conferences with Monsieur de la Sale about several things, the latter demanded of Monsieur de Beaujeu, particularly the Cannon and Ball which were aboard the Joly, and had been design’d for him; which Monsieur de Beaujeu refus’d, alledging that all those things lay at the Bottom of the Hold, and that he could not rummage it without evident Danger of perishing; tho’, at the same time, he knew we had Eight Pieces of Cannon and not one Bullet.

Mr. de la Sale much wrong’d.I know not how that Affair was decided between them; but am sure he suffer’d the Captain of the Flyboat l’Aimable to imbark aboard Monsieur de Beaujeu, tho’ he deserv’d to be most severely punish’d, had Justice been done him. His Crew follow’d him, contrary to what Monsieur de BeaujeuMr. de Beaujeu leaves him. had promis’d, that he would not receive a Man of them. All that Monsieur de la Sale could do, tho’ so much wrong’d, was to write to France, to Monsieur de Seignelay, Minister of State, whom he acquainted with all the Particulars, as I was inform’d, when I return’d, and he gave the Packet to Monsieur de Beaujeu, who sail’d away for France.[62]

Having lost the Notes I took at that time, and being forc’d to rely much upon Memory for what I now write, I shall not pretend to be any longer exact in the Dates, for fear of mistaking, and therefore I cannot be positive as to the Day of Monsieur de Beaujeu’s Departure, but believe it was the 14th of March, 1685.

A Fort built.When Monsr. de Beaujeu was gone, we fell to Work to make a Fort, of the Wreck of the Ship that had been cast away, and many Pieces of Timber the Sea threw up; and during that Time, several Men deserted, which added to Monsieur de la Sale’s Affliction. A Spaniard and a French Man stole away and fled, and were never more heard of. Four or five others follow’d their Example, but Monsieur de la Sale having timely Notice, sent after them, and they were brought back. One of them was condemn’d to Death, and the others to serve the King ten Years in that Country.

When our Fort was well advanc’d, Monsr. de la Sale resolv’d to clear his Doubts,Monsr. de la Sale goes to discover up the River. and to go up the River, where we were, to know whether it was not an Arm of the Missisipi, and accordingly order’d fifty Men to attend him, of which Number were Monsr. Cavelier, his Brother, and Monsr. Chedeville, both Priests, two Recolet Fryars, and several Voluntiers, who set out in five Canoes we had, with the necessary Provisions. There remain’d in the Fort about an hundred and thirty Persons, and Monsr. de la Sale gave me the Command of it, with Orders not to have any Commerce with the Natives, but to fire at them if they appear’d.

Whilst Monsr. de la Sale was absent, I caus’d an Oven to be built, which was a great Help to us, and employ’d my self in finishing the Fort, and putting it in a Posture to withstand the Indians, who came frequently in the Night to range about us, howling like Wolves and Dogs; but two or three[63] Musquet Shots put them to Flight. It happen’d one Night, that having fir’d six or seven Shot, Monsieur de la Sale who was not far from us, heard them, and being in Pain about it, he return’dReturns. with six or seven Men, and found all Things in a good Posture.

He told us he had found a good Country, fit to sow and plant all Sorts of Grain, abounding in Beeves and wild Fowl;Sets out again. that he design’d to erect a Fort farther up the River,[64] and accordingly, he left me Orders to square out as much Timber as I could get, the Sea casting up much upon the Shore. He had given the same Orders to the Men he had left on the Spot, seven or eight of whom, detach’d from the rest, being busy at that Work, and seeing a Number of the Natives, fled, and unadviseably left their Tools behind them. Monsieur de la Sale returning thither, found a Paper made fast to a Reed, which gave him Notice of that Accident, which he was concern’d at, because of the Tools, not so much for the Value of the Loss, as because it was furnishing the Natives with such Things as they might afterwards make Use of against us.

Apr. 1685About the Beginning of April we were alarm’d by a Vessel which appear’d at Sea,A Spanish Vessel appears. near enough to discern the Sails, and we supposed they might be Spaniards, who had heard of our Coming and were ranging the Coast to find us out. That made us stand upon our Guard, to keep within the Fort, and see that our Arms were fit for Service. We afterwards saw two Men in that Vessel, who[65] instead of coming to us, went towards the other Point, and by that Means pass’d on, without perceiving us.

Having one Day observ’d, that the Water work’d and bubbled up, and afterwards perceiving it was occasion’d by the Fish skipping from Place to Place, I caused a Net to be brought, and we took a prodigious Quantity of Fish,Plenty of Fish taken. among which were many Dorado’s or Gilt-Heads, Mullets and others about as big as a Herring, which afforded us good Food for several Days. This fishery, which I caused to be often follow’d, was a great Help towards our Subsistance.

About that Time, and on Easter-day that Year, an unfortunate Accident befell Monsieur le Gros. After Divine Service he took a Gun to go kill Snipes about the Fort. He shot one, which fell into a Marsh; he took off his Shoes and Stockings to fetch it out, and returning, through Carelessness trod upon a Rattle Snake,Rattle Snake bites Mr. le Gros. so call’d, because it has a Sort of Scale on the Tail, which makes a Noise. The Serpent bit him a little above the Ankle, he was carefully dress’d and look’d after, yet after having endur’d very much, he dy’d at last, as I shall mention in its Place. Another more unlucky Accident befell us, one of our Fishermen swimming about the Net to gather the Fish, was carry’d away by the Current, and could not be help’d by us.

May 1685Our Men sometimes went about several little Salt Water Lakes, that were near our Fort, and found on the Banks a Sort of flat Fishes, like Turbots asleep, which they struck with sharp pointed Sticks, and they were good Food. Providence also shew’d us that there was Salt made by the Sun,Salt found in Pools. upon several little Salt Water Pools there were in divers Places, for having observ’d that there grew on them a Sort of white Substance, like the Cream upon Milk, I took care every Day to send and fetch that Scum off, which prov’d to be a very white and good Salt, whereof I gather’d a Quantity, and it did us good Service.

Some of our Hunters having seen a Parcel of wild Goats running as if they were frighted, judg’d they were pursued by the Indians, and came for Refuge to the Fort, and to give me Notice. Accordingly some Time after, we discover’d a Parcel of Natives, who came and posted themselves on an Eminence, within Cannon Shot, some of them drew off from the rest and approach’d the FortIndians come to the Fort. by the Way of the Downs. I caused our Men immediately to handle their Arms, and wet Blankets to be laid on our Huts, to prevent their being burnt by the Fire the Savages sometimes shoot with their Arrows. All this Time those who had separated themselves from the rest, being three in Number, still drew nearer, making Signs for us to go to them; but Monsieur de la Sale had forbid me having any Commerce with them; however, since they had neither Bows nor Arrows, we made signs to them to draw near, which they did without hesitating.

We went out to meet them. Monsieur Moranget made them sit down, and they gave us to understand by Signs, that their People were hunting near us; being able to make no more of what they said. Monsieur Moranget was for knocking out their Brains, to revenge their having murder’d our Companions, but I would not consent to it, since they had come confiding in us. I made Signs to them to be gone, which they did as fast as they could, some small Shot we fir’d into the Air making them run, and a Cannon Shot, I pointed towards the rising Ground, where the rest were, put them all to Flight.

These Accidents made us double our Guards, since we were at open War with that crafty Nation, which let slip no Opportunity to surprize us, and therefore Penalties were appointed for such as should be found asleep upon Sentinel; the Wooden-Horse was set up for them without Remission; and by Means of such Precautions we sav’d our Lives.

June 1685Thus we spent the rest of the Month, till the Beginning of June. In the mean Time, Monsieur de la Sale had begun to make another Settlement,Second Settlement. in the Place he before told us of, looking upon it as better, because it was further up the Country.[66] To that Purpose he sent to us the Sieur de Villeperdry with two Canoes and Orders for the Sieur Moranget to repair to him, if he were recover’d, and that all the Men should march, except 30 of the ablest to make a good Defence, who were to stay with me in the Fort. The rest being seventy Persons, as well Men and Women as Children, set up with the Sieur Moranget; and we being but a small Number remaining, I caused the Fort to be brought into a less Compass, to save posting so many Sentinels.

Our little Company began to take Satisfaction in the Ease of getting and the Nature of our Provisions, which a greater Number has more Difficulty to be supply’d with, and which we had Plenty of, by Means of Hunting and Fishing, those being our principal Employments, and we liv’d well enough contented, expecting to be remov’d. However there were some Malcontents,A Conspiracy discover’d. who resolv’d to desert; but finding a Difficulty to put it in Execution, for that they could neither get Arms, nor Powder nor Ball, because the Sieur le Gros and I kept all lock’d up, and were very vigilant, that none might be lavishly spent, they took the cruel Resolution to rid themselves of us.

July 1685That bloody Massacre was to begin by me, when I was asleep, and then to proceed to the Sieur le Gros, who lay in the Magazine, or Warehouse, and was in no Condition to defend himself, because his Leg was still swollen, and put him to much Pain. The Execution was to be by stabbing. One of the Conspirators reveal’d this to the Sieur Devault, a Hunter, who immediately came and acquainted me. I did not just then take Notice of what I had been told; but in the Evening, when they return’d from hunting, I caused one to be secur’d, who presently confess’d all. His Accomplice was also seiz’d, and it was very troublesome to secure them till the Time when we should remove.

About the Middle of July, the Bark la Belle came and anchor’d near us. An Order was brought me from Monsieur de la Sale, directing me to put aboard it all the Effects that were in our Fort, to make a Float of the Timber I had caused to be squar’d, if Time would permit, if not to bury it in the Ground. Every Man set his Hand to the Work, with all possible Diligence, and our two Prisoners were put aboard, as was also Monsieur le Gros and his Surgeon, with all our Effects.

The Float was begun with immense Labour; but the Weather proving very Stormy, and holding very long, I was oblig’d to cause what had been done to be taken in Pieces, and to bury the Timber in the Sand, the best we could, that the Natives might not find it.

The First Fort abandon’d.We then set out towards the Place where the Indians had been encamp’d, when Monsieur de la Sale went the first time to see them. We found no Creature, and lay there that Night, and so proceeded along the Sea Coast, without any Accident, to the Camp of the Sieur Hurie, which was a Post in the Way, where Monsieur de la Sale had order’d all our Effects to be laid up. It had no other Inclosure but Chests and Barrels; but there was nothing to fear from the Europeans.

Ill posture of the 2d. Settlement.We spent the Night at that Post, and two Canoes coming thither the next Morning, I went aboard one of them, with Part of my Company, and join’d Monsieur de la Sale the next Day, at the Place where he had resolv’d to make his new Settlement. I gave him an Account of all that had happen’d, and was amaz’d to see Things so ill begun and so little advanc’d. As for the Plantation, the Seed and Grain put into the Ground, was either lost through Drought, or eaten by Birds or Beasts. There were several Dead, and among them the Sieur de Villeperdry; many sick, and of that Number Monsieur Cavalier the Priest; no Shelter but a little square Place stak’d in, where the Powder was and some Casks of Brandy; many other Inconveniences there were, which made all Things appear in a miserable Condition.

It was requisite to think of building a large Lodgement, Monsieur de la Sale design’d it, but the Difficulty was to get proper Timber for Building. There was a little Wood, where a good Quantity might be had, but it was a League up the Country, and we had neither Carts nor Horses to carry it; however Monsr. de la Sale sent Workmen thither, with others to guard them.Hard Labour. The Trees were cut down and squar’d, but the Carpenters were so ignorant, that Monsr. de la Sale was forc’d to act the Master Builder, and to mark out the Pieces for the Work he design’d. Some of those Pieces of Timber were dragg’d to the Camp, over the Grass and Weeds the Plain was cover’d with; afterwards the Carriage of a Gun was made use of; but all cost so much Labour, that the ablest Men were quite spent.

This excessive Toil, the poor Sustenance the labouring Men had, and that often retrench’d as a Penalty for having fail’d in doing their Duty; the Uneasiness Monsieur de la Sale was under to see nothing succeed as he had imagin’d, and which often made him insult the Men, when there was little Reason for it; All these things together afflicted very many so sensibly, that they visibly declin’d, and above thirty dy’d. The Loss of so many Men was follow’d by that of the Master Carpenter,Carpenter lost. who was returning one Evening with me; but I happening to step aside to kill some wild Fowl, when I came to our Habitation I found him not, and it was never known what became of him; an Accident which added to our Vexation, for tho’ he had but little Skill at his Trade, yet we stood in Need of him.

Aug. 1685Notwithstanding all those Disappointments, enough Timber was carry’d or rather dragg’d, to build the House Monsieur de la Sale designed, and he was himself the Architect. He mark’d out the Lengths, the Tenants and Mortises, and made good the Defect of the Workmen and calling to Mind that I had bury’d several Pieces of Timber at our first Habitation, which might be of Use, he order’d me to take two Canoes and 20 men, to go fetch them, in the Bark la Belle, which was with us.

Being come to the Place, we found the Natives had discover’d our Timber, and carry’d away some Planks, to pick out the Nails there were in them, which they value very much, to point their Arrows. We labour’d to make a Float, loaded the Bark la Belle with the rest of the Planks and other Effects, and set out again. Some of the Natives appear’d whilst we were at Work, but seeing us advance towards them, with our Arms in our Hands, they fled.

We return’d safe to Monsieur de la Sale, who was glad to see us, tho’ we had lost one of the Canoes,Second Settlement. for want of its being well made fast to the Float; but the Timber we brought was a mighty help towards carrying on his Design, and much fitter than that we had hew’d in the Wood, with so much Labour; so that this Timber occasion’d the raising another Structure contiguous to the former. All was cover’d with Planks, and Bullocks Hides over them. The Apartments were divided, and all of them well cover’d. The Stores had a Place apart, and that Dwelling had the name of St. Lewis given it, as well as the Neighbouring Bay.[67]

Sep. 1685The Sieur le Gros, Mr. le Gros dies and others.who had remain’d aboard the Bark La Belle, ever since the first Voyage she made to our former Habitation, was carry’d ashore to the new One, and his Leg still swelling, the Surgeon was apprehensive of a Mortification, and advis’d him to consent to have it cut off. He did so, tho’ with Regret, the Operation was made, but a Fever follow’d immediately, and he liv’d but two Days, dying on the Feast of the Decollation of St. John Baptist, much lamented by all Men, and particularly by Monsieur de la Sale, to whom he was very serviceable, by reason of his general Knowledge, and his particular Fidelity towards him. Monsieur Carpentier, Son to the Master of the Works and the Sieur Thibault, both of Roan, and some others, dy’d about the same time.

Monsieur de la Sale being desirous to take a Progress, to find his fatal Missisipi River, and only expecting the Recovery of his Brother Monsieur Cavalier, who was to bear him Company, he began to make some Preparations towards it, and in the mean time, took some small Journeys of four or five Leagues about, but could learn nothing further, than that it was a very fine Country, hem’d in on one Side by a small Mountain, which appear’d at about Fifteen or Twenty Leagues distance; beautify’d with very fine Trees, and water’d by many little Rivers, whereof that, on which we had built our Habitation was the least. We call’d it la Rivière aux Bœufs, that is the River of Bullocks,River of Bullocks. by reason of the great Number of them there was about it. These Bullocks are very like ours, there are Thousands of them, but instead of Hair they have a very long curl’d Sort of Wool.[68]

Monsieur de la Sale Studying all Ways to find out the River Missisipi, imagin’d it might fall into the adjacent Bay, and resolv’d to go view all the Coasts about it, and to make use of the Bark la Belle. Accordingly he order’d me to repair to the said Bark, with five Men and a Canoe, into which he put his Cloaths, and other Effects in several Chests.

That short Voyage was very troublesome to us, by reason of the foul Weather, with contrary Winds and Storms, which had like to have overwhelm’d us, and what was still worse, we did not find the Bark, where we had left her. We went on a League further, to no Purpose, and Provisions beginning to fall short, because we had been six Days on the Way, instead of three, we resolv’d to return to the Place from whence we came.

Monsieur de la Sale seeing us return at a distance, came to meet us. Our Report troubled him for the Bark, which he stood in need of, so that he resolv’d to go himself to seek her, imbark’d in a Canoe, and sent me another Way, in another. After having wander’d about all that Day, the next Night and the Day following, we at last perceiv’d her, where she lay under Shelter in a little Creek, having been in Danger of Perishing by the foul Weather we had been in, and had lost her Boat,Boat of the Bark lost. which was not well made fast.

Oct. 1685The Bark was also discover’d by Monsieur de la Sale, who was on the other side, which made him draw near and land, whence he sent his Canoe to the said Bark, and Monsieur Moranget who commanded it, went aboard to meet him. The Loss of the Boat troubled Monsieur de la Sale, I sent a Canoe to bring him, but to no Purpose; however the Trunks were put aboard the Bark.

Monsieur Cavalier the Priest, being recover’d Monsieur de la Sale prepar’d to set out with all Speed. He was pleas’d to Honour me with the Command, during his Absence, and left me an Inventory of all that was in our Habitation, consisting of Eight Pieces of Cannon,What Stores they had. two Hundred Firelocks, as many Cutlaces, an Hundred Barrels of Powder, three Thousand Weight of Ball, about three Hundred Weight of other Lead, some Bars of Iron, twenty Packs of Iron to make Nails, some Iron Work and Tools, as Hatchets and the like.

Nov. 1685As for Provisions, all that were left me amounted to twenty Casks of Meal, one Cask and a half of Wine, three Quarters of a Cask of Brandy, and for living Creatures some few Swine, a Cock and a Hen; which is very short of what has been Publish’d by the Author of a Book entitled, The first Establishment in New France: but the Reason of it is, that he compiled his Work upon the Credit of Relations, which were as false as to the Point of the Ammunition and Provisions, remaining in our Habitation, when Monsieur de la Sale set out that Time, as concerning the Fort well condition’d, and the Magazines or Storehouses under Ground, which are all imaginary, there being Nothing but the House I have mention’d, pallisado’d, with some old Stakes.

Monsr. de la Sale farther order’d me not to receive any Men of those he took along with him, unless they brought an Order from him in Writing; nor to hold or admit of any Communication with the Natives, but rather to fire upon them, and some other Particulars he thought fit to be observ’d. He had made himself a Coat of Mail with small Laths, to secure himself against the Arrows, which he took along with him, he also took the Canoes, and promis’d to send me one back. Five Cannon Shot were the Signal of his Departure.

Monsr. de la Sale goes out to discover.He took his Way along the lower Part of the River, to march by Land along the neighbouring Bay, which was call’d of St. Lewis,St. Lewis’s Bay. the Canoes keeping within Sight. I was left in the Habitation with thirty four Persons, Men, Women and Children, and of that Number were three Recolet Friars, the Sieur Hurie, who was to command in my Absence, one of the Sieurs Duhaut, the Sieurs Thibault and a Surgeon.

Our Provisions being very small, and it being requisite to spare them, for the Sick, we were oblig’d to apply our selves to Fishing and Shooting. Both of them at first prov’d very unsuccessful, especially the latter; because we were not yet well vers’d in them, and Monsieur de la Sale had taken our Huntsman along with him; but at length, Necessity made us more expert. We kill’d Beeves, some of which I caus’d to be dry’d, and they were a considerable Help to subsist us.

Hunter dies with Cold.Some Days after, the Canoe Monsieur de la Sale had promis’d me, arrived with three Soldiers, who brought us the News of the Loss of the Huntsman Monsieur de la Sale had taken along with him, and who had been found dead with Cold in a Ditch, where he had lain down to rest after hunting, which troubled us all very much. They also inform’d us, that Monsr. de la Sale advancing towards some Dwellings the Natives had abandon’d, after a small Resistance, some of whom had been wounded as they fled, they had taken and brought a Girl and a Woman, who was shot thro’ the Thigh, of which she dy’d.[69]

Dec. 1685The Canoe was a great Help to us to carry what we kill’d, which being brought to our Habitation, found Employment for all Persons, some to flea, others to cut up, and others to dry it. At other Times, I set some of our men to throw up a Trench about our Habitation.

Jan. 1686Thus we spent our Time, till about the Middle of January, 1686, when being all, one Evening, in our Mansion, the Sentinel came in to acquaint me, that he heard a Voice towards the River; some men ran thither immediately, and found a Man in a Canoe, crying, Dominick, which was the Name of young Duhaut,Duhaut returns from Mr. de la Sale. who was with us. The Sight of that made me apprehensive lest some Disaster was befallen Monsr. de la Sale. I drew near, and perceiv’d it was Duhaut the Elder, that was return’d.

I ask’d, him whether he had any Letters from Monsieur de la Sale, he answer’d he had not. It gave me some Uneasiness, considering I was forbid admitting any Man without an Order in Writing, and I was almost resolv’d to secure him; but the Account he gave me of the Occasion of his returning wholly clear’d him. I admitted him, and he told me the whole Matter as follows.

Monsr. de la Sale, having staid some Time on the Sea Shore, near the Place where the Bark was at Anchor he resolv’d to try the Anchoring Places of the Coasts round about, to know how near the Bark la Belle might come. To that Purpose he sent the Pilot with 5 of the best Men to sound.

The Pilot did as he was order’d, he sounded and observed the proper Places to come near several Coasts. At Night he and his Men being in all likelyhood tir’d, they thought fit to go Ashore and lie upon the Land. They made a Fire, perhaps to dress some Meat; but neglecting to stand upon their Guard, they were surpriz’d, and all six of them kill’dSix Men killed by Natives. by the Savages; who also broke their Canoe, and thus reveng’d themselves for the Irruption Monsr. de la Sale had lately made among them.

More Time being elaps’d than Monsieur de la Sale had allotted those Men to return, he grew uneasy, and went himself along the Coast, to see if any News could be had of them, and keeping along the Shore, he found the sad Remains of those unfortunate Wretches, whose Carcasses scatter’d about, were torn and almost devour’d by Wolves or Wild Dogs, a Spectacle which went to his Heart.

However this Loss, which afflicted him, and particularly for the Sake of the Pilot, who was an able Man, did not quite cast him down; but exerting himself against his Misfortunes, he caus’d Flesh to be dry’d, and with that and the other Provisions he victuall’d the Bark la Belle. He caus’d it to advance into the Bay, put a good Number of Men on Board to secure it, among whom were Monsieur Chedeville, the Priest, and Planterose of Roan, and order’d them not to stir from that Place till they heard from him, and not to go Ashore, unless with a good Guard and necessary Precautions.

Next, he chose out Twenty Men, imbark’d on two Canoes he had left, and being come Ashore, caus’d the Canoes to be sunk in the River, and every Man to take up his Bundle, consisting of Arms, Tools, some Utensils for the Kitchin, a few Goods, to trade with the Natives, if he should find any sociable, and so advanc’d into the Country, to try if any Notice could be had of the Missisipi.

After several Days March, they came to a good pleasant River, which they afterwards call’d la Maligne.La Maligne River. Monsieur de la Sale marching at the Head of the Company, and having order’d Monsieur Moranget to keep in the Rear; it happen’d that Duhaut stopping to mend his Snapsack[70] and his Shoes, which were in a bad Condition; the Sieur Moranget coming up, commanded him to March, he desired him to stay a little. Moranget would not, but held on his Way; Duhaut follow’d some Time after, but having stay’d too long, he could not overtake the Company, and found himself about Night fall in a Plain full of Weeds, where there were several Tracks of the Way Cattle had gone, but knew not which of them to take. He fir’d his Piece several Times, without hearing any thing of his Company, and was oblig’d to pass the Night in that same Place.

Strange Adventure.In the Morning he shot again, spent the Day and Night again in that Place, so that not knowing what to do, he return’d the same Way he had gone, and after a Month’s March, for he travell’d only by Night, for Fear of meeting with the Savages, living upon what he kill’d with much Difficulty and Danger, having before spent all his own Provisions; at length after most unaccountable Hardships and Sufferings, he arriv’d at the Place where the Canoes had been sunk. He took one of them up, with incredible Labour, and too long to relate, and so came to our Habitation of St. Lewis. Thus it pleas’d God that he who was to be one of the Murderers of Monsieur de la Sale, should come off safe, and surmount almost infinite Dangers.

Feb. 1686This Account, which seem’d to carry the Face of Probability, prevail’d with me to receive the Sieur Duhaut, and in Reality I could do no otherwise, and I made it my Business to examine into his Behaviour, but could find Nothing to lay to his Charge. We continued some Time longer as we had been before; during the which, I caus’d another little Wooden Structure to be made, of Timber, I had got together, and in it I lodg’d the Women and Maidens by themselves. Having hitherto said Nothing of the Situation of our Dwelling of St. Lewis, nor of the Nature of the Country we were in, I will here venture upon a plain but true Description.

Description of the Country and Dwelling at St. Lewis. We were in about the 27th Degree of North Latitude, two Leagues up the Country, near the Bay of St. Lewis and the Bank of the River aux Bœufs, on a little Hillock, whence we discover’d vast and beautiful Plains, extending very far to the Westward, all level and full of Greens, which afford Pasture to an infinite Number of Beeves and other Creatures.

The Land.Turning from the West to the Southward, there appear’d other Plains adorn’d with several little Woods of several Sorts of Trees. Towards the South and East was the Bay, and the Plains that hem it in from the East; to the Northward, was the River running along by a little Hill,[71] beyond which there were other large Plains, with some little Tufts of Wood at small Distances, terminating in a Border of Wood, which seem’d to us to be very high.

Living Creatures.Between that little Hill and our Dwelling, was a Sort of Marsh, and in it Abundance of wild Fowl, as Curlies, Water-Hens and other Sorts. In the Marsh there were little Pools full of Fish. We had also an infinite Number of Beeves, wild Goats, Rabbits, Turkeys, Bustards, Geese, Swans, Feldifares, Plovers, Teal, Partridges and many other Sorts of Fowl fit to eat, and among them one call’d le grand Gosier, or, the great Gullet, because it has a very large one; another as big and Fleshy as a Pullet, which we called the Spatula, because it’s Beak is shap’d like one, and the Feathers of it being of a pale Red, are very beautiful.

As for Fish,Fish. we had several Sorts in the River and in the Lakes I have mention’d. The River afforded a Sort of Barbles, differing from ours in Roundness, in their having three Bones sticking out, one on the Back, the others on each Side of the Head, and in the Flesh, which is like Cod, and without Scales. The River supply’d us with Abundance of other Fishes, whose Names we know not. The Sea afforded us Oysters, Eeles, Trouts, a Sort of red Fishes and others whose long, sharp and hard Beak tore all our Nets.

Tortoises.We had Plenty both of Land and Sea Tortoises, whose Eggs serv’d to season our Sauces. The Land Tortoises differ from those of the Sea, as being smaller, round, and their Shell more beautiful. They hide themselves in Holes they find or make in the Earth. It was looking for these Tortoises, that one of our Surgeons, thrust his Arm into a Hole, and was bit by some venomous Creature,Venomous Creatures. which we suppos’d to be a Sort of Toad, having four Feet, the Top of his Back sharp and very hard, with a little Tail. Whether it was this Creature, or a Snake, his Arm swelled very much, however he was cured by such Applications as were made Use of; but it cost him a Finger was cut off.

Rattle-Snakes.Among the venomous Sorts of Snakes, as Vipers, Asps and others, whereof there are many, those call’d Rattle-Snakes are the most common. They generally lye among the Brambles, where they make a Noise by the Motion of two Scales they have at the End of their Tail, which is heard at a considerable Distance, and therefore they are call’d Rattle-Snakes. Some of our Men had eaten of them and found their Flesh was not amiss, and when we had kill’d any of them, our Swine made a good Meal.

There are also many AlligatorsAlligators. in the Rivers, some of them of a frightful Magnitude and Bulk. I kill’d one that was between four and five Foot about, and twenty Foot in Length, on which our Swine feasted. This Creature has very short Legs, insomuch that it rather drags along than walks, and it is easy to follow the Tract of it, either among the Weeds or on the Sands, where it has been. It is very ravenous, and attacks either Men or Beasts, when they are within Reach in the River, and comes also ashore to seek for Food. It has this particular Quality, that it flies from such as pursue, and pursues those who fly from it. I have shot many of them dead.

Trees.The Woods are composed of Trees of several Sorts. There are Oaks, some of them ever green and never without Leaves; others like ours in Europe, bearing a Fruit much like our Galls, and lose their Leaves in Winter, and another Sort not unlike ours in France, but the Bark of them thicker, these as well as the second Sort bear an Acorn, differing from ours both in Taste and Bigness.

Dangerous Fruit.There is a Sort of Tree, which bears small Berries, which, when ripe, are red, and indifferent pleasant. It bears twice a Year, but the second Crop never ripens. There is another Tree, bearing a Fruit not unlike Cassia, in Taste and Virtue.

There are others of the Sort I had seen in the Islands, whose Leaves are like Rackets, whence the Tree bears the Name. The Blossoms grow out about the Leaves, and of them comes a Fruit somewhat resembling Figs, but the Leaves and the Fruit are full of Prickles, which must be carefully rubb’d and taken off, before it is eaten, else they dangerously inflame the Mouth and the Throat, and may prove mortal, as happen’d to one of our Soldiers, who had eaten of them too greedily, and without that Precaution.

I have seen some Trees resembling the Palm, whose lofty and long Branches spread like that call’d the Latanier, bearing a Fruit, said to be indifferent good. Others the same Sort, but whose Leaves are like Gutters, harsh and so sharp pointed, that they will pierce the thickest Stuffs. This Tree has a Sprout on the Top, which shoots out Flowers in the Shape of a Nosegay, of a whitish yellow, and some of them at the Top of that Sprout have sixty or eighty Flowers hanging down, not unlike the Flower de Luce, and after those Flowers follows a Fruit as long as a Man’s Finger, and thicker than the Thumb, full of little Seeds, so that there is scarce any Thing but the Rhind fit to eat, the Taste whereof is sweet and delicate.

Vines.There are Abundance of creeping Vines and others, that run up the Bodies and to the Tops of Trees, which bear plenty of Grapes, fleshy and sharp, not to compare to the Delicacy of ours in Europe; but we made Verjuice of them, which was very good in Sauce. Mulberry Trees are numerous along the Rivers, their Fruit is smaller, but sweeter and more delicious than ours; their Leaves are beautiful and large, which would be of good Use for feeding of Silk-worms.

Plants.The Plains are strew’d with a Sort of small Sorrel, the Leaf whereof is like Trefoil, and the Taste of it sharp like ours. There are Abundance of small Onions, no bigger than the Top of a Man’s Finger, but very well tasted, and when the Heat has scorch’d up the Plains, that Plant shoots out first, and produces Flowers which look like an agreeable Enamel. Nothing is more beautiful than to behold those vast Plains, when the Blossoms appear; a thousand Sorts of different Colours, whereof many[72] have an agreeable Scent, adorn those Fields, and afford a most charming Object to the Eye. I have observed some that smelt like a Tuberose, but the Leaf resembles our Borage. I have seen Primroses, having a Scent like ours, African Gilliflowers, and a Sort of purple wind Flowers. The Autumn Flowers are almost all of them yellow, so that the Plains look all of that Colour.

TheMarch 1686 Climate is mild and temperate, tho’ we were in about 27 Degrees of North Latitude, and yet the Seeds I caused to be sow’d did not thrive; whether it was because they had been soak’d in the Sea Water, or for any other Reason. Some came up pretty well, as Pompions, Melons, Parsnips and Endive; but the Beasts and the Insects, left us not much. When we come to the Cenis and have travers’d so many Nations as lay between us and them, I shall speak of the Religion, Manners, Cloathing, Houses and Customs of the Natives, wherein they differ but little from one another, tho’ of several Countries.

Monsieur de la Sale had been now long gone, and we began to be in Pain for him, when about the Middle of March 1686, hapning to be on the Top of the House, I spied seven or eight Persons coming towards us. I presently ordered eight arm’d Men to follow me, to go meet them; and as soon as we drew near them, we knew Monsieur de la Sale, Monsieur Cavelier, his brother, Monsieur Moranget, his Nephew and five or six Men with them, the rest being gone another Way to find out the Bark la Belle, to give Notice of Monsieur de la Sale’s Arrival.

Monsieur de la Sale returns.They were in a bad Condition, their Cloaths ragged, Monsieur Cavelier’s short Cassock hung in Tatters; most of them had not Hats, and their Linen was no better; however the Sight of Monsieur de la Sale rejoyc’d us all. The Account he gave us of his Journey reviv’d our Hopes, tho’ he had not found the fatal River, and we thought only of making ourselves as merry as we could. Only the Sight of the Sieur Duhaut interrupted it for some Time. Monsieur de la Sale ask’d me in an angry Manner, why I had receiv’d him, and Duhaut having given his Reasons, as I and my Men did,[73] we were all satisfy’d.

The Bark la Belle lost.The next Day, the Sieurs le Barbier, Bihorel, le Petit, Cavelier, the Nephew, the Surgeon and others, whom Monsieur de la Sale had sent to find out and carry Advice to the Bark la Belle, return’d, and said they could not find her, which was another fresh Cause of Much Uneasiness to Monsieur de la Sale. He had been guilty of the Fault of putting aboard her, his Cloaths, his Linen, his Papers and all his best Effects, of all which he was then in the utmost Need. Besides, that Loss broke all the Measures he had concerted during his last Expedition, because he had resolv’d to cause the said Bark to go up one of the Rivers he had discover’d, to advance towards those Nations with whom he had contracted some Friendship, and to send me in the same Bark, with his Nephew Moranget, to the Islands to seek for some Assistance, or else to return by Sea to look for his River.

All these Designs being disappointed, he resolv’d to set out a second Time, and travel by Land, to find out his River.[74] He staid to rest him a while, and to provide for his Departure, but having neither Linen nor Cloaths, I supply’d him with some I had; I also afforded some Linen to Monsieur Cavelier, his Brother and Monsieur Moranget, his Nephew. All I had was at their Service, and I depriv’d myself of all that was fit for them, even to ten or twelve Pounds of strings of Beads and some Knives and Nails,[75] which Monsieur de la Sale took.

Apr. 1686The Sieur Duhaut, having several Effects, as Linen, Hatchets and other Tools and Commodities, which had been sav’d from the Shipwreck, Monsieur de la Sale took Linen to make Shirts, for such as wanted, as also the Tools they stood in Need of. The Cloaths belonging to Messieurs Thibault, le Gros and Carpentier, who were dead, were also distributed. A great Belt I had, serv’d to make Shoes for Monsieur de la Sale and Monsieur Cavelier.

Monsieur de la Sale sets out upon another Expedition.All Things being thus provided, Monsieur de la Sale took twenty Men along with him, among whom were Monsieur Cavelier his Brother, F. Anastasius a Recolet, Monsieur Moranget his Nephew, the Sieurs Bihorel, le Clerk, Hurier, Duhaut the younger, Hiens his Surgeon, and his Servants. He left behind those, who were not fit to undertake that second Journey, among whom were little Monsieur Cavelier[76] his Nephew, the Sieur Barbier, Canadien and some others. Each of the Travellers made up his Pack, and they set out towards the latter End of April 1686,[77] after having given me the necessary Orders, and we parted without Ceremony, Monsieur de la Sale desiring it should be so.

Some Days after he was gone, I heard a Voice towards the lower Part of the River, crying twice Qui vive, or who are you for. I made that Way, and perceiv’d the Sieur Chedeville a Priest, the Sieur de la Sablonniere, and some others of those who had been put aboard the Bark la Belle, and were now in a Canoe. I ask’d abruptly what was become of the Bark, and was inform’d, our continual Misfortunes still pursuing us, that it had run aground on the other Side of the Bay.What was saved of the Bark la Belle. I caused the Canoe to be unloaded, there being in it, among other Things, Monsieur de la Sale’s Cloaths, Part of his Papers, some Linen, a small Quantity of Beads and thirty or forty Pound of Meal, which was all they had left.

May 1686 How the Bark was lost.The next Day, Monsieur de Chedeville told me the Particulars of that Misfortune, and said, That having been some Time with the Bark, in the Place where Monsieur de la Sale had appointed them to wait, their Water falling short, they had thought fit to send the Boat ashore, with four or five Casks to fill; that the Sieur Planterose went in it with six of the best Men. That towards the Evening they saw the Boat coming back, but the Wind being contrary and Night coming on, they put out a Light, which going out and the Captain neglecting to put up another, in all Likelyhood the Boat could not see the Bark, and they never heard of it after, nor of any of those in it, who it was probable had all perish’d.

That nevertheless, they continued some Days in the same Place, during which Time three or four of their Men died; and at last, having no Water, they eat up their Swine, before they died with Thirst, and resolv’d to weigh Anchor and draw near to the Dwelling; but having few Hands and those spent, and to add to their Misfortune the Wind proving contrary, they were drove to the other Side of the Bay, where they ran aground.

That having no Boat, nor Men enough to land their Effects, they had endeavour’d to make a Float with some Casks and Planks, but that being ill made and join’d together, the first that went upon it had perish’d. That having made another Float better fastened together than the first, they had by that Means saved some Sails and Rigging, several inconsiderable Things, Linen, Cloaths and Papers belonging to Monsieur de la Sale and others, and then stay’d Ashore, expecting to hear some News, and had found a Canoe, being the same that was before lost on the Edge of the Bay, which had been drove to the other Side; and that Provisions at last beginning to fall short, they went aboard the said Canoe and came to us; fortunate in that they had not been discover’d by the Natives, during their Stay Ashore, which was for the Space of three Months, and in finding the Canoe to bring them back.

June 1686When Monsieur de la Sale went away, the Sieur Barbier had taken upon him to go a hunting, as also to provide Bark to cover our Houses, instead of Hides, because the Sun drying and contracting them, Part of the Top of our Buildings was uncover’d. I farther enjoyn’d him to cut Stakes, to make a Palisade about our Dwelling, and the Sieur Chedeville having told me they had bury’d several Things they could not bring away, I sent the Sieur Barbier with two Canoes and fifteen Men to the Place, where they found some Pedreroes,[78] Rigging and Sails. The Natives having discover’d the Concealment, had taken away some Pieces of Linen and Iron Tools, which they very much covet.

The Sieur Barbier after his Return, continuing his Exercise of hunting, happen’d to meet with a Parcel of the Natives,Encounter with the Natives. some of whom had Firelocks, which they had taken from our Men, and with which they made some Shots at him, but very weak; and he firing three or four Shot at them they retir’d. He was then in a Canoe on the River, and design’d to have gone upwards; but that Rancounter having oblig’d him to take another Way, and the Savages perceiving it, eight of them swam over the River, hastening to get before the Canoe, hid themselves among the Weeds, near the Way he was to pass, and when he was near enough, let fly their Arrows, which wounded several Men. One Shot the Sieur Barbier made, put them all to Flight again; he held on his Way and return’d to our Habitation.

Some Days after, we perceiv’d a Herd of Bullocks flying, and guess’d they were pursu’d by the Savages, which afterwards appear’d to be true. Some of them drew near to our Habitation, but a Cannon Shot, I pointed towards the Gang of them, and a Musket-shot Monsieur Barbier fired at the nearest, made them all fly farther off.

When the Sieur Barbier went out a Hunting, I commonly sent with him some Women and Maids, to help the Hunters to dress and dry the Flesh; but being inform’d that he us’d to slip aside from the Company, The Sieur Barbier marries. with a young Maid he had a Kindness for, and which gave Occasion to some well-grounded Railleries; the said Barbier being told I was acquainted with that Affair, came and spoke to me in private, desiring Leave to marry that young Woman. I made some Difficulty of it at first, advising him to stay till Monsieur de la Sale return’d; but at last, considering they might have anticipated upon Matrimony, I took the Advice of the Recolet Fathers, and of Monsieur Chedeville the Priest, and allowed them to marry. Monsieur le Marquis de la Sabloniere following this Example, ask’d the same Liberty, being in Love with a young Maid, which I absolutely refus’d, and forbid them seeing one another.

Some Time pass’d in which Nothing happen’d to us worth observing; however, I will mention two Things which befell our Recolet Fathers. Accidents concerning the Recolets. One was, That Father Anastasius, being a hunting Bullocks with me, and coming too near one I had shot, and was fallen, the Beast, as much hurt as he was, started up, attack’d and threw him down; he had much ado to get off, and I to rescue him, because I durst not shoot for Fear of killing him. The Bullock being weak, fell again; the Father was deliver’d, but lay ill some Months. The other was, That Father Maximus had writ some Memoirs concerning Monsieur de la Sale’s Conduct, condemning him upon several Occasions. I was told of it, found Means to get those Memoirs, threw them into the Fire, and so the Father came off.

Duhaut Endeavours to occasion a Mutiny. About the same Time, most of our Men seeing Monsieur de le Sale did not return, began to mutter. The Sieur Duhaut, who perhaps had been the first Fomenter of those Discontents, back’d the Complaints of the disgusted Party, promis’d them great Matters under his Conduct, and offer’d to supply them with such Effects as he had in Possession, endeavouring, as I suppose, by those Means, to gain their Affections, for a mischievous Design, which it is likely he had even then conceiv’d.

It was not long before, I had Intimation of the whole Affair, and I had done Monsieur de la Sale a singular Piece of Service, had I then put to Death the Person, who was to be his Murderer; but I rested satisfy’d with giving him a severe Reprimand, and threat’ning to cause him to be secur’d if he persisted, being able to do no other under my present Circumstances. However, I talk’d to all concern’d, and put them in such Hopes of Monsieur de la Sale’s Return, and that Things would soon change to their Satisfaction, that they were all pacify’d.

But in Regard, that Idleness often occasions Uneasiness and Impatience, I us’d all possible Means to keep them employ’d, in the most obliging Manner I could, setting some to cut down the Bushes about our Dwelling, others to hew down Trees, that hinder’d the Prospect, others mow’d the Grass, that fresh might grow up for our Cattle, and at Night I made them divert themselves with Dancing and Singing.

Whilst we thus pass’d away the Time the best we could, Monsieur de la SaleM. de la Sale’s Discoveries. had penetrated very far up into the Country, inclining towards the Northern Part of Mexico. He had travell’d through several Nations, the Inhabitants whereof were, for the most Part, sociable, and had concluded a Sort of Alliance with them, and particularly with the Cenis and others whose names I shall mention. He had discover’d charming Countries abounding in all Things that could be wish’d, as well for Sustenance, as for making of easy Settlements, and after he and his Nephew Moranget had escap’d two Dangerous Sicknesses, he return’d to our Habitation, with five Horses he had purchas’d, and arriv’d at it in August 1686.

His Return.Hearing of his Voice, I was one of the first that ran towards the River: We took our Canoes to bring him, his Luggage and some Provisions over, and the Horses swam. We were extraordinary glad to see our Commander in Chief return safe, tho’ his Journey had not advanc’d his Design. Monsieur de la Sale had not found out his River, nor been towards the Islinois as we had hoped. Only eight Men return’d with him of twenty he carry’d out, and all the visible advantage of that Journey consisted in five Horses, laden with Indian Wheat, Beans and some other Grain, which was put into the Store.

Sept. 1686 7 Men lost and 4 desert. Monsr. de la Sale ask’d me, as soon as he came, whether the Sieurs Clerc, Hurie, Duhaut the younger and two others were come, because they not being able to endure the Fatigue of the Journey, he had given them Leave to return, and hearing they were not, he concluded the Savages had killed them. We were also inform’d, that the Sieur Bihorel, had stray’d and was lost, so that there had been no News of him since; that one of Monsr. de la Sale’s Servants had been dragg’d down to the Bottom of the Water and devour’d by an Alligator, and that four others had deserted and abandon’d Monsieur de la Sale, when he was about the Country of the Cenis.

M. de la Sale resolves upon a third Expedition.This was a very dismal and deplorable Account; but the even Temper of our Chief made all Men easy, and he found, by his great Vivacity of Spirit, Expedients, which reviv’d the lowest Ebb of Hope. He rejoiced at the Return and Sight of M. Chedeville, he was pleas’d at the Recovering of his Cloaths and Part of his Papers; and after some Time of Rest, he propos’d to undertake a Journey towards the Islinois, and to make it the main Business, by the Way, to find the Missisipi; but it was thought proper to let the great Heats pass, before that Enterprize was taken in Hand.

In the mean Time, he gave Orders to stake about a Place to make a New Magazine, or Storehouse. He put to that Use the Timber I had caus’d to be cut, and would have more provided for the same Use. Detachments being sent to work, seven or eight of our Men, who were sent with the Sieur Barbier, were discover’d by the Savages, who being superior in Number, made as if they would hem them in; but each of our Men having taken a Tree upon their Shoulders and fir’d their Pieces, which made one of the Natives drop, the others took him up and withdrew. Yet it was not long before they were reveng’d, for they kill’d us two Men,Two Men kill’d. one of them close by our Dwelling, and the other, who had separated from the rest of the Company to gather Purslain, and could not be reliev’d.

Oct. 1686There being every Day some Discourse of the Journey to the Islinois, Monsieur de la Sale ask’d me one Day, whether I would make one of the Company, and go by the Way of Canada to France for Succours. I assured him I was entirely devoted to his Will, and would faithfully attend him. Then he began by Degrees to provide what he thought necessary for that Expedition. I had two Pair of Sheets, which he took, to make him Linen. Canvas Cloaths were made of the Sails of the Bark la Belle. The Sieur Duhaut having Linen, he took some to distribute among several Persons. Thus he hasted on the Expedition of his Design, but an Accident put it off.

Nov. 1686It was occasion’d by a Flux which troubled Monsieur de la Sale, who having told me he could not perform that Journey, as long as he continued in such condition, I offer’d to undertake it for him, if he would allow me his Indian, and about fifteen Men; but he answer’d, That his Presence was requisite among the Islinois, and that it was requisite his Brother should go to France. Thus he refus’d my Offer, and could not shun the ill Fate of that Journey.

Dec. 1686We spent some Time longer after this Manner, during the which, there arose a Controversy about the PrivilegesControversy about Privilege. the King grants to the First-born of the French Colonies in America. The Sieur Barbier’s wife was with Child, and he claim’d the Privilege granted for that Child. The Widow Talon had a Child born in the Passage from France to America, and alledg’d, that her Child, tho’ born before our Arrival, ought to be preferr’d; but the Sieur Barbier’s Wife miscarrying, the Dispute was not decided.

Jan. 1687Monsieur de la Sale being recover’d of his Indisposition, Preparations were again made for his Journey; but we first kept the Christmas Holy-Days. The Midnight Mass was solemnly sung, and on Twelve-Day, we cry’d, The King drinks, (according to the Custom of France) tho’ we had only Water: When that was over we began to think of setting out. Monsieur de la Sale gave the Command of the Settlement to the Sieur Barbier, directing him what he was to do and observe in his Absence.

ThereWho were left in the Settlement when M. de la Sale departed. remain’d in that Habitation, the Fathers Maximus and Zenobius, Recolets, Monsieur Chedeville, the Priest, the Marquis de la Sablonniere, the Sieur Barbier, Commander, his Wife, a Surgeon and others, to the Number of twenty, among whom were seven Women, or Maids, and only the Sieur Barbier marry’d; which is much short of the Number some have given out remain’d in the Dwelling, without any Ground; for the Truth is, there were no more, and particularly no Natives, Monsieur de la Sale having absolutely forbid holding any Communication with them. As for Beasts, they amounted to seventy, or seventy five Swine, great and small, which was a good Stock; for Fowl, eighteen or twenty Hens; some Casks of Meal, which was kept for the Sick; Powder, Ball, and eight Pieces of Cannon, without any Bullets.

Persons that set out with M. de la Sale.We set out the 12th of January, in the Year 1687, being seventeen in Number, viz. Monsieur de la Sale, Monsieur Cavelier, the Priest, his Brother, Father Anastasius, the Recolet, Messieurs Moranget and Cavelier, Nephews to Monsieur de la Sale, the Sieurs Duhaut, the Elder, l’Arcleveque,[79] Hiens, Liotot, Surgeon, young Talon, an Indian, and a Footman belonging to Monsieur de la Sale. We carried along with us Part of the best Things every Man had, and what was thought would be of Use, wherewith the five Horses were loaded, and we took our Leaves with so much Tenderness and Sorrow, as if we had all presaged, that we should never see each other more. Father Zenobius was the Person who express’d it to me most significantly, saying, He had never been so sensibly touch’d at parting with any Body.

The Way they travell’d.We went that Day to the Place we call’d le Boucon, because there, we had often dry’d Flesh, (which the French call Boucanner from the Indian Word). This Place was not far from our Habitation. The 13th, we cross’d a Plain, about two Leagues over, where we saw several Herds of Beeves and Flocks of Goats, Turkeys, Bustards, and other Sorts of Wild Fowl. We met with Marshy Lands, which tired our Horses, and came to a Wood that terminates the Plain, across which, runs a Branch of a River, full of Reeds, by Monsieur de la Sale call’d the Princess’s River. That Branch joins the other, and they both fell together into the Bay of St. Lewis.

We kill’d five Beeves at the Entrance into the Wood, forded the River, and incamp’d Half a League beyond it, whence Monsieur de la Sale sent Men with Horses, to bring the Flesh of the Bullocks we had kill’d; the Hides of them, which serv’d to cover us, being very useful against a violent Shower of Rain that fell.

The 14th, the Rain ceasing, we travell’d over another spacious Plain, where there is a Multitude of Beeves and Wild Fowl. We saw several Tracks, leading every Way, made by the Bullocks, of which we saw several Herds, some moving on hastily, and others running out-right, which made us suppose they were drove by the Natives. In short, having halted to help up one of our Horses that was fallen, we saw an Indian following them very close. Monsieur de la Sale caus’d a Horse to be immediately unloaded, which a Man mounting, rode after, overtook and brought the Indian.

When the Savage saw himself among us, he concluded he was a lost Man, he quak’d for Fear, and not without Reason, for most of our Men had resolv’d to kill him; Monsieur de la Sale oppos’d it, alledging, that we were but a small Number, that very few were left behind at the Habitation, and therefore we ought not to render our selves odious to the Natives, but to use them kindly, that we might have Peace; an infallible Maxim, the Practice of which might have been fortunate to him, had he follow’d it sooner.

He therefore caus’d a Fire to be made, gave him to Eat and Smoke, and afterwards a Bit of Roll-Tabacco, and some other Trifles. Monsieur de la Sale gave him to understand, that he came not to hurt any Man, but to settle Peace in all Places, and so dismissed him. The Indian recover’d himself a little of his Fright; but being still dubious, what his Fate might be, he at first walk’d away gently, still looking about him, and when at a good Distance, made off as fast as he could. We held on our Way, and soon after saw another Indian running after the Bullocks. Monsieur de la Sale caus’d him to be taken, brought to us, and treated as the first had been.