We had not gone far before we spy’d a Company of Natives coming towards us, on our left, but we held on our Way, till they were over against us, when Monsieur de la Sale caus’d us to halt. The Savages seeing us halt, stood still also, which Monsieur de la Sale perceiving, he laid his Firelock on the Ground, and advanc’d towards them, making signs to him that Commanded them, who was a handsome Man, to draw near. That Indian came forward, and was follow’d by the rest, all of them Caressing us after their Manner, which we return’d the best we were able, and then made them Smoak.

Natives entertain’d.Next Monsieur de la Sale gave them to understand, that we were going towards the Cenis, that we desir’d to be at Peace with them all, and that we would return to our own Country, whence we would bring them all they had Occasion for. Then we distributed among them some Bits of Roll-Tabacco, some Strings of Beads and Knives, which they seem’d to be pleas’d with, and all this was done by Signs. Then every Man went his own Way: We advanc’d half a League farther, to get into a Wood, where Monsieur de la Sale had encamp’d when he went that Way before; we cut down Trees to secure our Post, and lay there that Night.

Before our Intrenchment was finish’d, we discover’d, first one Indian, then two, and afterwards three, coming one after another; which giving Monsieur de la Sale some Jealousy, he caus’d us to handle our Arms, with Orders to stand upon our Guard, for fear of being surpriz’d, and went towards them. They signify’d to him, that their People had told them, we did not hurt any Body, which was very well, and that they were come to see us. They were entertain’d as the others had been, and then Signs were made them to withdraw, because Night drew on, and having observ’d, that they took Notice of our fortifying our selves, we kept a good Guard all the Night, without any Disturbance.

The Fifteenth, we march’d on, intending to find out a Ford, in the River call’d of the Princess, where Monsieur de la Sale had pass’d before; but missing of it, and the River being swollen, we were oblig’d to go up higher, sometimes crossing curious[80] Meadows, and sometimes Woods of tall Trees[81] of several Sorts, but all Young of the same Thickness and strait, looking as if they had been planted by a Line. A fine Country.The River running through the midst of those curious shady Groves,[82] which were also water’d by several little Brooks of very clear and good Water, afforded a most delightful Landskip.

Thick Woods.We also met with some Woods so thick, that it was requisite to hew a Passage for the Horses. Towards the Evening we kill’d a Bullock, and went to incamp in a little Coppice, with our usual Precautions.

The 16th, we continued our Journey, still following the River upwards, and from Time to Time meeting the same Sort of Pasture Grounds[83] and the Obstacles of Woods, where we were fain to cut our Way through, which fatigued us very much; but the Plenty of wild Fowl,Wild Fowl. and particularly of Turkeys, whereof we killed many, was an Ease to our Sufferings, and Help to bear our Toil with more Satisfaction.

The 17th, was a very toilsome Day’s Journey, by Reason of the Woods and Rivulets we were to cross; after which we came to a little Hill,An Indian Village abandon’d. on which there were 2 or 300 Cottages of the Natives. Those Huts were like large Ovens, consisting of long Poles stuck in the Earth in a Circle, and joyning above to make the Dome or round Top.[84] They had been a Dwelling of the Natives, who being gone, had carry’d away the Hides that cover’d them, and the Mats which are us’d to hang the Insides, and to make their beds of.

After a March of some Hours, our Indian having found a Herd of Beeves, we kill’d seven or eight, took the best of the Meat, and held on our Way across a Wood. We ford’d a Branch of the River, and proceeded to the Bank of another, the Bottom whereof being foul, we incamp’d on the Edge of it, and the Rain falling at Night and continuing all the next Day, were oblig’d to stay there.

The 19th, the Rain ceasing, we proceeded through a thick Fog, and over Places where the Water was often up to our Knees, and sometimes higher; which, together with our being forc’d to cut the Way athwart the Bushes, with our Hatchets, gave us inexpressible Trouble, and it had been much greater, had we not resolv’d to follow the Ways beaten by the Bullocks, whom a natural Instinct always leads to those Parts which are easiest to pass.

We were not free from another Inconveniency in those Tracks, which was their being full of Water and very rugged, a Thing no Way agreeable to our Shoes,Buskins of raw Hides instead of Shoes. which were no other than a Piece of Bullocks Hide or Goats Skin quite green, whereof we made a sort of Buskins, to serve instead of Shoes, but when those wretch’d Boots were dry’d by the Heat, upon our Feet, they hurt us very much, and we were often oblig’d to set our Feet in the Water to soften those Buskins. However, we march’d all the Day, notwithstanding all those Inconveniences, without finding a proper Place to incamp, and at last came to a River, whose high Bank afforded us a Spot to rest on.

The 20th, a small Rain did not obstruct our March, and having cross’d a Wood, half a League athwart, and a Marsh of the same Extent, we came into a large Plain, cut across by great Tracks of Bullocks, which went towards the River, and made us suppose there might be a Ford. We follow’d that Way, but found the River so swollen, and its Stream so rapid, that it was impossible to cross it, but were oblig’d to halt upon its Bank, whence we went to hunt Bullocks, whereof we had no want, nor of Turkeys and other wild Fowl.

The 21th, we proceeded up that River, and found a narrow deep Place, near which we hew’d down a Tree, making it fall so as to reach from the one Bank to the other, in the Nature of a Plank, and handed our Baggage from one to another over it. The Horses swam over and we incamp’d on the other Side, near a very beautiful Plain.

Hebahamo, Indian Nation.Whilst we were hewing down some little Wood to intrench ourselves, we heard a Voice, whereupon handling our Arms and going to the Place where we heard it, we saw a Company of fifteen Savages, who were coming towards us, and made Signs to us to go to them, laying down their Bows, in Token of Peace. We also made our Sign to them to draw near, they did so and caress’d us after their Manner. We made them sit down and smoke, after which, Monsr. de la Sale began to converse with them by Signs, and by Help of some Words of the Language of the Cenis, which he was skilful in, he understood, that these were their Neighbours and Allies; that their Village was not far off, and that their Nation was call’d Hebahamo. Some small Presents were given them, and they withdrew, promising to return the next Day.

The 22th, our Horses being spent and hurt, and we much tir’d, the Day was given to Rest, and the Natives did not fail to come, being twenty five in Number, some of whom had Bucklers or Targets made of the strongst Part of the Bullocks Hides. They gave us to understand, that they were ingag’d in War towards the N. W. and told us, they had seen Men like us, who were but ten Days Journey from that Place. Other Tokens they gave, made us suppose it was New Spain that they talk’d of.

Monsr. de la Sale took several Words of their Language, which is very different from that of the Cenis, and more difficult. As for their Customs, they are much alike. In fine, having shewn us, that towards the N. W. we should meet with Plains, where the Way would be easier, and we should shun the Woods, we gave them to eat, and some Presents, and they took Leave of us. A Rain falling and holding all the Night, we did not march the 24th. The 25th, we travell’d not far, by Reason of the Rains continuing, and that there were several Rivers in the Way much swollen.

The 26th, we proceeded on our Journey, and came to the River call’d la Sabloniere, from the many Sand Banks there are in it. The 27th,[85] departing from it, we came to another little narrow River, but very deep; going up higher we found a Ford, and went to incamp beyond it, in a little Wood, where we had a very bad Night, because of the Rain which fell again, and the overflowing of the River, which oblig’d us to make a little Sort of Scaffold, to lay our Powder and Cloaths on, that they might not be wet. The next Day being the 28th,[86] observing that the Water was still rising, we decamp’d to go a League farther, to a higher Ground, where we made a great Fire to warm and dry us.

We took Notice the Country was very good, the Plains extending as far as the Eye could reach, and adorn’d with many little Coppices, affording a very agreeable Prospect. We march’d over Part of them the 29th and 30th, after 3 Hours Travel, found a Way full of Water, which oblig’d us to incamp on the Bank of a River; pass’d it the 31th, and incamp’d in a Wood close by.

Feb. 1687The next Day, being the First of February 1687, Monsieur de la Sale left me to guard the Camp,Village inhabited. and took along with him, Monsieur Cavelier his Brother and seven Men, to go see whether he could find any Body in several Cottages our Hunters had discover’d. He found twenty four or twenty five of them, built round like those I have before mention’d, standing on a rising Ground, almost encompass’d by the River, in each of which there were four or five Men, and several Women and Children.

The Savages were somewhat surpriz’d at Monsieur de la Sale’s coming; however they receiv’d him in friendly Manner, and conducted him to their Commander’s Hut, which was immediately fill’d with People, who came to see him. The Elders came together there, Bullocks Hides were laid upon the Ground, on which they made Monsieur de la Sale and his Company sit. They gave them hung Beef to eat, and then signify’d to them that some of their Allies had given them Notice of our being in the Country, and that we were going to the Cenis, and they had imagin’d that we would pass thro’ their Country.

Monsieur de la Sale present’d them with some Knives and Bits of Tabacco, and they gave him Bullocks Hides, very well dress’d with the Hair, they gave one for a Knife, and would have given many more, but that we told to them, that we had no Conveniency to carry them and that if they had any Horses, he would give them Axes in Exchange. They answer’d, they had but two, which they could not part with. It being late when Monsieur de la Sale return’d, we staid there the rest of the Day, and several Indians came to see us, in Hopes of receiving some Present, offering us Bullocks Hides dressed, which we would not burden our selves with.

The Second, we set out again, and halted some Time in that Village, where by the Way we barter’d for some Collars, or a Sort of Knots[87] made of Bullocks Hides well dress’d, which the Natives make Use of to carry their Burdens, whether of Wood, Utensils, or the Meat they kill. They prov’d of Use both to us and our Horses, because the Thongs of those Collars serv’d to make fast our Burdens.

We proceeded on our Journey, through a Country pleasant enough, but Sandy, and having cross’d a large Plain, came to the Bank of a fine River, call’d la Maligne,la Maligne River. or the Mischievous, because in Monsieur de la Sale’s former Journey, an Alligator devour’d one of his Servants, who was swimming over it. This River is as wide as the Seine at Roan, seems to be very navigable and has a very pleasant Country about it. We incamp’d in a little Wood adjoining to it, and bark’d the Aspen Trees to hut.

Our Hunters kill’d Beeves, wild Goats, Turkeys and other Wild-Fowl, and among the rest some Creatures as big as an indifferent Cat, very like a Rat,Indian Rats. having a Bag under their Throat, in which they carry their Young. They feed upon Nuts and Acorns, are very fat, and their Flesh is much like Pig.

Hard by there, we found a Place where Monsieur de la Sale, in his former Journey had hid some Parcels of Strings of Beads in the Trunks of Trees, and we rested there till the Eighth of the Month. During that Time, no Day pass’d without seeing some of the Natives, who sometimes spent the whole Day with us, and said they were of several Nations. We made them smoke, and always gave them some small Presents. They admir’d that after we had writ down some Words they spoke to us, we repeated them, looking on the Paper.

Portable Canoe.Whilst we staid, Monsieur de la Sale set Men at Work to make a portable Canoe, of long Poles, hew’d and joyn’d and then cover’d with Bullocks Hides sew’d together, having pull’d off the Hair or Wooll, as it may be call’d there. That Canoe was of great Use to us, to cross Rivers as well for our selves as for our Baggage, but the Horses swam over.

The Ninth, we put our Canoe into the Water, and pass’d the River in it, and incamp’d half a League from thence, on Account of the Grass, which our Horses stood in Need of to recover themselves a little. The Tenth, we held on our Journey, crossing several spacious Plains, the Grass whereof was burnt, whence Monsieur de la Sale concluded, that there were many Natives thereabouts. He thought it convenient to provide Store of dry’d Flesh, for Fear we should not find Game in the Country we were going to enter upon, and accordingly caused several Beeves to be kill’d for that Purpose.

For that Reason, we continued there till the 12th, when we went and incamped on the Bank of a River, which Monsieur de la Sale had in his former Journey call’d d’Eure. At Night there arose a storm, follow’d by Thunder and Rain, which swell’d the Streams, and obliged us to stay there. The 13th and 14th we cross’d four or five large Rivulets, and then a fine curious Country,[88] diversify’d with several little Woods, Hills and small Brooks, affording a delightful Prospect. That pleasant Country was terminated by a Wood, which we were to cross, and were favour’d in it by a Way beaten by the Bullocks, and at Night we incamped there.

The 15th, we travel’d along a fine Meadow, then over Plains that had been burnt, and at Night went to take our Rest on the Bank of a small Rivulet, about which we saw several Footsteps of Natives, which made us conclude we were not far from them; and therefore we doubled our Guard, to prevent being surpriz’d.

The 16th, Monsieur de la Sale left me at the Guard of the Camp, and took Monsieur Cavelier his Brother, and seven Men with him, to go find out the Indians. They had not gone half a League before they spied Horses and a Number of Cottages, without being themselves seen by the Savages.A Village. That Village stood on the Side of a Hill, and contain’d about forty Huts, standing together, besides several others straggling.

Monsieur de la Sale well receiv’d by the Natives.When Monsieur de la Sale enter’d the Village, the Savages seeing him, came to meet and conduct him to the Cottage of their Chief, where he and his Company were seated on Bullocks Hides. The Elders being come, he signify’d to them the Occasion of his Coming, as he had done to the other Nations, with which they seem’d to rest satisfy’d. Some Presents were made them, according to Custom, and they offer’d him a Quantity of Hides, which he refus’d, telling them, that when he return’d from the Cenis he would trade with, and furnish them with all they had Occasion for. They confirm’d what the others had told us, concerning a Nation, where some of them had been, the Men whereof were like us, meaning the Spaniards. He nam’d to them the Nations we had pass’d through from our Dwelling of St. Lewis, to the River Maligne, which we had lately pass’d. The Names of those Nations are as follows.

Names of Nations or Tribes.The Spicheats, Kabayes, Thecamons, Theauremets, Kiahoba, Choumenes, Kouans, Arhan, Enepiahe, Ahonerhopiheim, Korenkake, Korkone, Omcaosse, Keremen, Ahehoen, Maghai, Thecamenes, Otenmarhem, Kavagan and Meracouman. These are the Nations that lay on our Road; those on the West and North West of the said River were the Kannehonan, Tohaka, Pehir, Coyabegux, Onapien, Pichar, Tohan, Kiasses, Chanzes, Tsera, Bocrettes, Tsepehoen, Fercouteha, Panego, Petao, Petzares, Peisacho, Peihoum and Orcampion.[89]

Those we were with then, were call’d Teao, whom we had not before hear’d nam’d. They talk’d of a great Nation call’d Ayona and Canohatino, who were at War with the Spaniards, from whom they stole Horses, and told us, that one hundred Spaniards were to have come to join the Cenis, to carry on that War, but that having heard of our March, they went back. Monsieur de la Sale gave them to understand, that we were at War with the Spaniards, and that we fear’d them not; and that he was sent on their Account by the great captain of the World, who had charg’d him to do them all Good, and to assist them in their Wars against such Nations as were their Enemies.

Those Savages gave Monsieur de la Sale Notice, that he would find three of our Men among the Cenis, which put him in Hopes they were those he had given Leave to depart at his former Journey, and of whom he had never since heard. He propos’d to them to barter for Horses; but they had caus’d them to be convey’d out of the Way, for Fear we should take them away, excepting only one Bay, which Monsieur de la Sale agreed for and return’d to us.

The 17th, we pass’d a small River, with some Difficulty, and incamp’d beyond it. The 18th, one of our Horses going along the Edge of an upright Bank, fell into the Water, and came off with only a Hurt on the Shoulder; but we were fain to unload him, and distribute his Burden among us, every one making a Pack; and thus we cross’d a curious Plain,[90] diversify’d with Woods, Hills, Rivulets, and delightful Meadows.

The 19th, we travell’d along the Tops of those Hills, to avoid the Bottoms, and found a Difficulty to get down, by reason of the Rocks we met with at the End of them, and a River we were to cross. Whilst we were passing that River, we heard Dogs hunting the Bullocks, two of which coming near us, one of them was shot dead. The Natives who were hunting spying us, sent out two of their Number, who creeping from Tree to Tree, drew near, and then stood still, without daring to proceed any farther. We made Signs to them to come, which they did, and we made them smoke, till Monsieur de la Sale return’d, being gone a little Way to observe the Body of those People.

When come, he told them, he would entertain Peace with them, that we were going to the Cenis, and he believ’d, that these very Men were of their Nation, because they had their Accent and some of their Words. They told him their Village was near that Place, and bore us Company to our Camp, where after some small Presents given them, they were dismiss’d.

Account given by a Native.The 20th, Monsieur de la Sale sent Monsieur Moranget and some others to the Village of those Natives, to try whether they could barter with them for some Horses. In the mean Time two Savages came to us, one of them being the same that was with us the Night before, and they express’d much Friendship for us. That particular Indian told us, his name was Palaquechaune, that they were Allies to the Cenis, that their Chief had been among the Choumans, with the Spaniards; that the Choumans were Friends to the Spaniards, from whom they got Horses, and added some farther Particulars, which the others had before signify’d to us; so that we had good Reason to judge we were not far from North Mexico.

He also told us, that the Choumans had given their Chief some Presents, to perswade him to conduct us to them; that most of the said Nation had flat Heads; that they had Indian Corn, which gave Monsieur de la Sale Ground to believe, that those People were some of the same he had seen upon his first Discovery. That same Native had a very fine Goat’s Skin, which I purchas’d of him for four Needles, after I had shewn him how to use them, and that Skin was of good Use to make us Shoes instead of raw Bullocks Hides.

M. Moranget’s Account.Some Time after, Monsieur Moranget return’d, gave Monsieur de la Sale an Account of his short Journey, and said, That one of the Natives, who saw us the Night before, came to meet and conduct him to the Chief’s Cottage, where forty Ancient[91] Indians were, by whom he had been kindly receiv’d. That the Chief had in his Hand a Reed, at the end whereof was made fast a Leaf of a French Book, which he had an extraordinary Respect for. That they had been made to sit on Bullocks Hides, and treated with dry’d Beef.

That after these first Ceremonies, the Chief had given them to understand, that some of their People had been conducted by a Man like us, to our Habitation, and that the said Man had promis’d to bring them to talk with us, in order to treat of Peace; but that on the Contrary, we had fired on them and kill’d one of their Men, which had oblig’d them to kill the Man that led them, and that then they return’d. It is not improper here to put the Reader in Mind, that I have before mention’d this Accident, when the Sieur Barbier crossing the River in a Canoe, was call’d upon by some Person, who was among the Natives on the Bank of the River, who had made two Shots, as it had been only the Priming of a Piece, which the Sieur Barbier had look’d upon as an Insult, and therefore he had also fir’d, with all the other Particulars, as mention’d before; an Accident that happen’d for want of understanding one another; which, together with Monsr. de la Sale’s forbidding us to have any Communication with the Natives, was very prejudicial to us afterwards.

After much other Discourse, Monsieur Moranget having given them some small Presents, they made their return in Bullocks Hides, and Goat Skins well dress’d. He ask’d them for some Horses to barter; they answer’d, they had no more than what they stood in Need of. We immediately proceeded on our Journey, and that day being the 21st, went to incamp at the Edge of a Wood.

The 22d, we went up to an Eminence terminated by a Rock, at the Foot whereof ran a little River, the bottom whereof was all of flat Rocks, fit for Building.[92] Thence we descry’d two Natives driving of Bullocks, which made us stand upon our Guard, and it appear’d to be our Indian, who had met another, with whom he had been acquainted among the Cenis, and whom he had brought along with him.

Three lost French Men heard of.Monsieur de la Sale was very glad to see him, and remember’d he was one of those of whom he had purchas’d a Horse. He ask’d several Questions of him, and among the rest, whether he had not seen the four Men who deserted in his former Journey, or heard any Talk of the others, to whom he had given Leave to return to our Dwelling. He answer’d, he had seen one among the Cenis, and two others among the Assonis; but that he had not heard of any more, and that they must needs be dead; as also the Sieur Bihorel, who was likewise mention’d to him.

He further told us, that there were four or five Cottages thereabouts, in which about Fifteen Men resided. At Night he went away. Our Indian had kill’d a Cow at a great Distance and shot her quite through, at which the other, who had been an Eye Witness to it, stood a long Time amaz’d, without speaking one Word, admiring the Effect of our Pieces. That Cow was sent for, and the Flesh brought to our Camp.

The 23d, we pass’d by the Cottages we had been told of, where the Natives were with their Wives and Children. Monsr. de la Sale caus’d us to halt in the Village. We were well receiv’d, they presented us with dry’d Beef, and we return’d it in some Knives. We saw two Horses, one of them a little grey, indifferent handsome. They told us they would soon depart that Place, to go join their Companions, who were in War with their Enemies. The rest of our Men being come up, we went on to incamp a League from thence, on the Bank of a Rivulet, and at the Foot of one of the highest Mountains in the Country.

Unloading our Horses, we perceiv’d there wanted a large Axe, which serv’d us for hewing down of Trees. Monsieur de la Sale sent his Indian to demand it, at the Village we came from last, the Savages said they had not seen it, and it was lost. He brought back Word, that the Savages had told him, that if we would stay for them, they would go along with, and shew us the Way.

However, we went on the 24th, and incamp’d on the Edge of a Marsh. The 25th, the Rain hinder’d us from Marching. The 26th, Monsieur de la Sale perceiving how difficult and dangerous it was to cross that Marsh, sent his Indian to the others, to know whether they really design’d to go with us. They answer’d, we must return thither to join them. The 27th. we decamp’d, in order to it; but took another Way to go meet the Indians. The 28th. we saw them marching at a Distance. One of them was detach’d to come tell us, that he would shew us the Way to cross the Marsh, and we went on and incamp’d at the Foot of the high Mountain I have spoken of.

Mar. 1687The first of March, we join’d the Indians, on the Edge of the Marsh, which we had just cross’d, where the Rains kept us till the Fifth, during which Time we went to find out where we might pass a rapid Torrent, that discharges it self into the River call’d of Canoes, which we pass’d the 6th, in the Canoe we had made, and which did us good Service, to pass other Rivers we met with the 7th and the 8th on our Way.

River of Canoes.The 9th, we did not stir, because of the Rain. The 10th, incamp’d on the Bank of a small River, which we cross’d the 11th, and the same Day another River, and incamp’d on the Bank of it, and found it adorn’d with very fine Mulberry Trees. The 12th we cross’d another River, and incamp’d near it. The 13th, came again to the River of Canoes, so called by Monsieur de la Sale, because he the first Time put Canoes into it, at his former Journey. We pass’d it the 14th, and incamp’d on the other Side where we again join’d the Indians.

The 15th, we held on our Journey with them, and found a pleasanter Country than that we had pass’d thro’; and Monsieur de la Sale having in his former Journey hid some Indian Wheat and Beans,Provisions hid, spoilt. two or three Leagues from that Place, and our Provisions beginning to fall short, it was thought fit to go to that Place. Accordingly he order’d the Sieurs Duhaut, Hiens, Liotot the Surgeon, his own Indian, and his Footman, whose Name was Saget, who were followed by some Natives, to go to the Place he described to them, where they found all rotten and quite spoilt.

The 16, in their Return, they met with two Bullocks, which Monsieur de la Sale’s Indian kill’d, whereupon they sent back his Footman, to give him Notice of what they had kill’d, that if he would have the Flesh dry’d, he might send Horses for it. The 17th, Monsieur de la Sale had the Horses taken up, and order’d the Sieurs Moranget and de Malre and his Footman, to go for that Meat, and send back a Horse Load immediately, till the rest was dry’d.

Monsieur Moranget, when he came thither, found they had smoak’d both the Beeves, tho’ they were not dry enough; and the said Sieurs Liotot, Hiens, Duhaut and the rest had laid aside the Marrow-Bones and others to roast them, and eat the flesh that remain’d on them, as was usual to do. The Sieur MorangetDiscontent occasion’d by Monsr. Moranget. found fault with it, he in a Passion seiz’d not only the Flesh that was smoak’d and dry’d, but also the Bones, without giving them any Thing; but on the contrary, threat’ning they should not eat so much of it, as they had imagin’d, and that he would manage that Flesh after another Manner.

Conspiracy to murder Monsr. de la Sale.This passionate Behaviour, so much out of Season, and contrary to Reason and Custom, touch’d the Surgeon Liotot, Hiens and Duhaut to the Quick, they having other Causes of Complaint against Moranget. They withdrew, and resolv’d together upon a bloody Revenge; they agreed upon the Manner of it, and concluded they would murder the Sieur Moranget, Monsieur de la Sale’s Footman and his Indian, because he was very faithful to him.

They waited till Night, when those unfortunate Creatures had supp’d and were asleep. Liotot the Surgeon was the inhuman Executioner, he took an Ax, began by the Sieur Moranget,Bloody Murderers. giving him many Strokes on the Head; the same he did by the Footman and the Indian, killing them on the Spot, whilst his Fellow Villains, viz. Duhaut, Hiens, Teissier and Larcheveque stood upon their Guard, with their Arms, to fire upon such as should make any Resistance. The Indian and the Footman never stir’d, but the Sieur Moranget had so much Vigour as to sit up, but without being able to speak one Word, and the Assasins obliged the Sieur de Marle to make an End of him, tho’ he was not in the Conspiracy.

This Slaughter had yet satisfy’d but one Part of the Revenge of those Murderers. To finish it and secure themselves it was requisite to destroy the Commander in Chief. They consultedConsult to murder Monsr. de la Sale. about the safest Method to effect it, and resolved to go together to Monsieur de la Sale, to knock out the Brains of the most resolute immediately, and then it would be easier to overcome the rest. But the River, which was between them and us, being much swollen, the Difficulty of passing it made them put it off the 18th and 19th. On the other Hand Monsieur de la Sale was very uneasy, on Account of their long Stay. His Impatience made him resolve to go himself to find out his People and to know the Cause of it.

This was not done without many previous Tokens of Concern, and Apprehension. He seem’d to have some Presage of his Misfortune, enquiring of some, whether the Sieur Liotot, Hiens and Duhaut had not express’d some Discontent; and not hearing any Thing of it, he could not forbear setting out the 20th,He goes to seek them. with Father Anastasius and an Indian, leaving me the Command in his Absence, and charging me from Time to Time to go the Rounds about our Camp, to prevent being surpriz’d, and to make a Smoke for him to direct his Way in Case of Need. When he came near the Dwelling of the Murderers, looking out sharp to discover something, he observed Eagles fluttering about a Spot, not far from them, which made him believe they had found some Carrion about the Mansion, and he fired a Shot, which was the signal of his Death and forwarded it.

The Conspirators hearing the Shot, concluded it was Monsieur de la Sale, who was come to seek them. They made ready their Arms and provided to surprize him. Duhaut passed the River, with Larcheveque. The first of them spying Monsieur de la Sale at a Distance, as he was coming towards them, advanc’d and hid himself among the high Weeds, to wait his passing by, so that Monsieur de la Sale suspecting nothing, and having not so much as charg’d his Piece again, saw the aforesaid Larcheveque at a good Distance from him, and immediately ask’d for his Nephew Moranget, to which Larcheveque answer’d, That he was along the River.Is murder’d. At the same Time the Traitor Duhaut fired his Piece and shot Monsr. de la Sale thro’ the Head, so that he dropp’d down dead on the Spot, without speaking one Word.[93]

Father Anastasius, who was then by his Side, stood stock still in a Fright, expecting the same Fate, and not knowing whether he should go forwards or backwards; but the Murderer Duhaut put him out of that Dread, bidding him not to fear, for no Hurt was intended him; that it was Despair that had prevail’d with him to do what he saw; that he had long desir’d to be revenged on Moranget, because he had designed to ruin him, and that he was partly the Occasion of his Uncle’s Death. This is the exact Relation of that Murder, as it was presently after told me by F. Anastasius.

Such was the unfortunate End of Monsieur de la Sale’s Life, at a Time when he might entertain the greatest Hopes, as the Reward of his Labours.[94] His Character.He had a Capacity and Talent to make his Enterprize successful; his Constancy and Courage and his extraordinary Knowledge in Arts and Sciences, which render’d him fit for any Thing, together with an indefatigable Body, which made him surmount all Difficulties, would have procur’d a glorious Issue to his Undertaking, had not all those excellent Qualities been counterbalanced by too haughty a Behaviour, which sometimes made him insupportable, and by a Rigidness towards those that were under his Command, which at last drew on him an implacable Hatred, and was the Occasion of his Death.

The Shot which had kill’d Monsieur de la Sale, was also a Signal of the Murder to the Assassins for them to draw near. They all repair’d to the Place where the wretched dead Corps lay, which they barbarously strip’d to the Shirt, and vented their MaliceBarbarity towards the dead Body. in vile and opprobrious Language. The Surgeon Liotot said several Times in Scorn and Derision, There thou liest, Great Bassa, there thou liest. In Conclusion, they dragged it naked among the Bushes, and left it exposed to the ravenous Wild Beasts. So far was it from what a certain Author writes, of their having bury’d him and set up a cross on his Grave.[95]

Murderers return to the Camp.When those Murderers had satiated their Rage, they set out to come to us at our Camp, with the dry’d Flesh, which they had caus’d to be brought over the River by the Indians, who had been Spectators of the Murder and of all the inhuman Actions that had been committed, with Amazement and Contempt of us. When they were come to the Camp, they found Messieurs Cavelier, the one Brother, the other Nephew to the murder’d Commander, whom Father Anastasius acquainted with the dismal End of our Chief, and enjoyn’d them Silence, which it is easy to imagine was very hard upon them; but it was absolutely necessary.

However, Monsieur Cavelier the Priest, could not forbear telling them, that if they would do the same by him, he would forgive them his Murder, and only desir’d them to give him a Quarter of an Hour to prepare himself: They answer’d, They had Nothing to say to him; that what they had done was the Effect of Despair, to be reveng’d for the ill Usage they had receiv’d.

I was absent at that Time; he they call’d Larcheveque, who, as I have said, was one of the Conspirators, had some Kindness for me, and knowing they design’d to make me away too, if I stood upon my Defence, he parted from them, to give me Notice of their Mischievous Resolution. He found me on a little rising Ground, where I was looking upon our Horses as they graz’d in a little adjacent Bottom. His Intelligence struck me to the Heart, not knowing whether I should fly or stay; but at length, having neither Powder nor Shot,The Author sav’d by a Friend. nor Arms, and the said Larcheveque giving me Assurances of my Life, provided I was quiet and said Nothing, I committed my self to God’s Protection, and went to them, without taking any Notice of what had been done.

Duhaut,Duhaut, the Murderer, usurps the Command. puff’d up with his new gotten Authority, procur’d him by his Villany, as soon as he saw me, cry’d out, Every Man ought to command in his Turn; to which I made no Answer; and we were all of us oblig’d to stifle our Resentment, that it might not appear, for our Lives depended on it. However, it was easy to judge with what Eyes Father Anastasius, Messieurs Cavelier and I beheld these Murderers, to whom we expected every Moment to fall Sacrifices. It is true, we dissembled so well, that they were not very suspicious of us, and that the Temptation we were under of making them away in Revenge for those they had murder’d, would have easily prevail’d and been put in Execution, had not Monsieur Cavelier, the Priest, always positively oppos’d it, alledging, that we ought to leave Vengeance to God.

However the Murderers seiz’d upon all the Effects, without any Opposition,March continued. and then we began to talk of proceeding on our Journey. We decamp’d the 21st, with our Indians, and march’d with such a heavy Rain, that we were oblig’d to halt on the Bank of a great Stream, where one of the Natives that had left us, arriv’d with his Wife. We went on the 22d and 23d, and pass’d the River, where Father Anastasius, Monsieur Cavelier and I, who could not swim, had been drown’d, but that the Natives assisted and sav’d us. The 24th, we went on thro’ a marshy Country, never quitting a small Path which led to the Village of the Cenis, till the 28th, when we rested on the Bank of a River of the same Name,Cenis River. tho’ about ten Leagues distant from the Village.

We had hop’d to ford that River, as Monsieur de la Sale had done, when he return’d from that Country; but it was so swollen, that there was no doing it, and we were forced to make a Canoe of Bullocks Hides. Whilst we were employ’d at that Work, the Indians swam over and went to give Notice to the Cenis of our Arrival.

We found the Country pleasant enough about that River, tho’ the Land did not seem to be any of the best; but still it was delightful to the Eye, well planted with fine Trees of several Sorts, among which, is one that Monsieur de la Sale had nam’d Copal,Copal Tree. being very beautiful, the Leaves of it between those of the Maple and the lime[96] Trees in Resemblance, and from it comes a Gum, of a very agreeable Scent. In the same Place we saw a great Tree, on which the late Monsieur de la Sale had caus’d Crosses and the Arms of France to be carv’d.

The Hunting of Bullocks had fail’d us, and we had seen none from the Place where our late Leader had been murder’d. Thus our Provisions began to fall short, and it was resolv’d on the 29th, to send some Men before, to the Village of the Cenis, to know, whether they had any Indian Corn, and were willing to barter for it. The Author sent to the Cenis for Provisions. I was appointed, with the Surgeon Liotot, the Teisieers, and Hiens, who was a Buccanier, Monsieur de la Sale had taken up at Petit Gouave, to go with him upon this Expedition. I was very unwilling to undertake that Journey, with a Murderer and two of his Companions, of whom I was suspicious; but it was very requisite to obey, and Duhaut having all the Effects in his Possession, alledging, that a great part of them belong’d to him, he gave us some Axes and Knives to barter for Indian Corn, as also for Horses, if any were to be had, and accordingly we pass’d the River.

The Country describ’d.We found the Country made up of several little Hills, of an indifferent Height, on which there are Abundance of Wallnut-Trees and Oaks, not so large as what we had seen before, but very agreeable. The Weeds which had been some Time before burnt by the Natives, began to spring up again, and discover’d large green Fields very pleasing to the Sight.

When we had travell’d some Time, we discover’d three Men a Horseback, coming towards us from the Village, and being come near them, saw one dress’d after the SpanishA Man clad like a Spaniard. Fashion, with a little Doublet, the Body whereof was of blue, and the Sleeves of white Fustian, as it were imbroider’d, with very streight Breeches, white worsted Stockings, Woollen-Garters, a broad-brim’d, flat-crown’d Hat, and long Hair. We presently concluded he was a Spaniard, and the rather because we had been told, that some of them were to come to join in League with the Cenis, against an Enemy nation, and we were at a Nonplus; for if we fell into their Hands, we must never expect to get away, but be condemn’d to serve either in the Mines, or in the Quarries, in the Kingdom of Mexico, for which Reason we provided to give the pretended Spaniard an unkind Reception, and then to make the best of our Way back.

Being come up to him, I spoke some Words of Spanish and Italian, to which he return’d no Answer; but on the contrary, made use of the Word Coussica, which in the Language of the Cenis, signifies, I do not understand you; which Answer of his remov’d our Apprehensions. The two others were quite naked, one of them being mounted on a fine grey Mare, and on her were besides two Panniers, handsomely made of Reeds, full of very fine Meal parch’d, or roasted. After several Questions, to which we had no very satisfactory Answers, we lighted Fire to make them smoke, and then they presented us with the two Panniers full of Meal, giving us to understand, that their Chief expected us in the Village, and having signify’d, that they were sent to meet us, we gave them some Knives and Strings of Beads.

We ask’d them, whether they had any Men among them like him that was a Horseback in the Spanish Habit, they answer’d, there were two in a Neighboring Nation, call’d Assony, and that he who was clad, had been in their Country, and brought thence the Cloaths we saw him wear. That Man then shew’d us a Spanish printed Paper, containing the Indulgences granted to the Missioners of New Mexico. After this they left us to go on, to our People, for which Reason I writ a Note, giving an Account of our having met them.

We alighted to eat, and let our Horses graze on the Bank of a Rivulet; but it was not long before the same Natives, who had been with us before, appear’d again hard by us. We made Signs to them to draw near and eat with us; which they did, and then went along with us towards the Village, which we would not go into, because it was Night. The Indian that was clad, stay’d all Night with us, and the two others went away.

The Cenis meet the French in solemn Manner.When it was Day, we held on our Way to the Village; the Indian that was with us conducting us to their Chief’s Cottage. By the Way, we saw many other Cottages, and the Elders coming to meet us in their Formalities,[97] which consisted in some Goats Skins dress’d and painted of several Colours, which they wore on their Shoulders like Belts, and Plumes of Feathers of several Colours, on their Heads, like Coronets. Six or seven of them had square Sword Blades, like the Spanish, on the Hilts whereof they had fasten’d great Plumes of Feathers, and several Hawks Bells; some of them had Clubs, which they call Headbreakers, some only their Bows and Arrows;[98] others, Bits of White Linen, reaching from Shoulder to Shoulder. All their Faces were daub’d with black or red. There were twelve Elders, who walk’d in the Middle, and the Youth and Warriors in Ranks, on the Sides of those old Men.

Being come up to us in that Manner, he that conducted us, made a Sign for us to halt, which when we had done, all the old Men lifted up their Right Hands above their Heads, crying out in a most ridiculous Manner; but it behov’d us to have a Care of laughing. That done, they came and imbrac’d us, using all Sorts of Endearments. Then they made us smoke, and brought to us a French ManA French Man among the Indians. of Provence, who was one of those that had forsaken the late Monsieur de la Sale, at his first Journey.[99]

The whole Company conducted us after the same Manner, to their Chief’s Cottage; and after we had staid there a short Time, they led us to a larger Cottage, a Quarter of a League from thence, being the Hut in which they have their publick Rejoycings, and the great Assemblies. Indian Entertainment. We found it furnish’d with Mats for us to sit on. The Elders seated themselves round about us, and they brought us to eat, some Sagamite, which is their Pottage, little Beans, Bread made of Indian Corn, and another Sort they make with boil’d Flower, and at last they made us smoke.

During our Repast, they entertain’d us with the Discourse of their Design to make War on a Nation, who were their Enemies, and whom they call’d Cannohantimo. When it was over, we presented them, according to Custom, with some Knives and Strings of Beads for their Wives. We desir’d them to afford us some Indian Corn, in Exchange for other Things, which they promis’d, and the French Man who was with them, having told us, that there was a District, which afforded more Corn, than that where we were, and where his Cottage was, we resolv’d to go thither. We propos’d it to the Elders, who would needs go along with us, attended by a great Number of Youth, and having got ready our Horses, we set out for that Place.

By the Way, we saw several Cottages at certain Distances, straggling up and down,[100] as the Ground happens to be fit for Tillage. The Field lies about the Cottage, and at other Distances,[101] there are other large Huts, not inhabited, but only serving for publick Assemblies, either upon Occasion of Rejoycings, or to consult about Peace and War.

Huts and Families in them. The Cottages that are inhabited, are not each of them for a private Family, for in some of them there are fifteen or twenty, each of which has its Nook or Corner, Bed and other Utensils to its self; but without any Partition to separate it from the rest: However, they have Nothing in Common besides the Fire, which is in the Midst of the Hut, and never goes out. It is made of great Trees, the Ends whereof are laid together, so that when once lighted, it lasts a long Time, and the first Comer takes Care to keep it up.

Manner of Building. The Cottages are round at the Top, after the Manner of a Bee-Hive, or a Reek of Hay. Some of them are sixty Foot Diameter. In Order to build them, they plant Trees as thick as a Man’s Thigh, tall and strait, and placing them in a Circle, and joyning the Tops together, form the Dome, or round Top, then they lath and cover them with Weeds. When they remove their Dwellings, they generally burn the Cottages they leave, and build new on the Ground they design to inhabit.

Their moveables.Their Moveables are some Bullocks Hides and Goats Skins well cur’d, some Mats close wove, wherewith they adorn their Huts, and some Earthen Vessels, which they are very skilful at making, and wherein they boil their Flesh or Roots, or Sagamite, which, as has been said, is their Pottage. They have also some small Baskets made of Canes, serving to put in their Fruit and other Provisions.Beds. Their Beds are made of Canes, rais’d two or three Foot above the Ground, handsomely fitted with Mats and Bullocks Hides, or Goats Skins well cur’d, which serve them for Feather Beds, or Quilts and Blankets cured with the hair on, to serve as mattresses and bedclothes; and those Beds are parted one from another by Mats hung up.

Tillage.When they design to Till the Ground, they give one another Notice, and very often above an Hundred of each Sex meet together. When they have till’d that Piece of Land, after their Manner, and spent part of the Day, those the Land belongs to, give the others to Eat, and then they spend the rest of the Day in Dancing and Merry Making. This same is practis’d from Canton to Canton, and so they till Land all together.

This Tillage consists in breaking up just the Surface of the Earth with a Sort of Wooden Instrument,Instrument for Tilling. like a little Pick-axe, which they make by splitting the End of a thick Piece of Wood, that serves for a Handle, and putting another Piece of Wood sharp Pointed at one End into the Slit. This Instrument serves them instead of a Hoe, or Spade, for they have no Iron Tools. When the Land has been thus till’d or broke up, the Women SowWomen sow. and Plant the Indian Corn, Beans, Pompions, Water Melons, and other Grain and Garden Ware, which is for their Sustenance.

The Indians are generally Handsom,Indians disfigure themselves. but disfigure themselves by making Scores, or Streaks on their Faces, from the Top of the Forehead down the Nose to the Tip of the Chin; which is done by pricking the Skin with Needles, or other sharp Instruments, till it bleeds, whereon they strew fine Powder of Charcoal, and that sinks in and mixes with the Blood within the Skin. They also make after the same Manner, the Figures of living Creatures, of Leaves and Flowers on their Shoulders, Thighs, and other Parts of their Bodies, and Paint themselves, as has been said before, with Black or Red, and sometimes both together.

Women.The Women are generally well Shap’d, and would not be disagreeable, did they adhere to Nature; but they Disguise themselves as ridiculously as the Men, not only with the Streak they have like them down their Face, but by other Figures they make on it, at the Corners of their Eyes, and on the other Parts of their Bodies; whereof they make more particular Show on their Bosom, and those who have the most, are reckoned the handsomest; tho’ that pricking in that Part be extremely painful to them.

It is they that do all the Work[102] in the Cottage, either in Pounding the Indian Corn and Baking the Meal,They do the Work at Home. or making the Pottage of the said Meal, by them call’d Sagamite, or in dressing their other Provisions, or drying or parching, or smoaking their Flesh, fetching the Wood they have Occasion for, or the Flesh of Bullocks, or other Beasts kill’d by their Husbands in the Woods, which are often at a great Distance, and afterwards Dressing them as has been said. They Sow and Plant, when the Land has been broke up, and in short, do almost all that is requisite for the Support of Life.

Their Behaviour.I did not observe that those Women were naturally given to Lewdness; but their Virtue is not Proof against some of our Toys, when presented them, as Needles, Knives, and more particularly Strings of Beads, whereof they make Necklaces and Bracelets, and that Temptation is rarely resisted by them, and the less because they have no Religion or Law to prohibit that vile Practice. It is true their Husbands, when they take them in the Fact, sometimes do punish them, either by Separation or otherwise; but that is rare.

Habits.The Country of those Indians being generally subject to no Cold, almost all of them go naked; unless when the North Wind blows, then they cover themselves with a Bullock’s Hide, or Goat’s Skin cur’d. The Women wear nothing but a Skin, Mat, or Clout, hanging round them like a Petticoat, and reaching down half way their Legs, which hides their Nakedness before and behind. On their Heads they have nothing but their Hair platted and knotted behind.

Manners.As for their Manners, it may be said of these as of all other Indians of that great Continent, that they are not Mischievous, unless wrong’d or attack’d; in which Case they are all Fierce and Revengeful. They Watch all Opportunities to be Reveng’d, and never let any slip, when offer’d, which is the Cause of their being continually at War with their Neighbours, and of that Martial Humour, so Predominant among them.

Religion.As to the Knowledge of a God, they did not seem to us to have any fix’d Notion of Him; it is true, we met with some on our Way, who as far as we could judge, believ’d, there was some Superior Being, which was above all Things, and this they testify’d by lifting up their Hands and Eyes to Heaven, yet without any Manner of Concern, as believing that the said exalted Being does not regard at all, what is done here below. However none of them having any Places of Worship, Ceremonies, or Prayers, to denote the divine Homage, it may be said of them all, that they have no Religion, at least those that we saw.

However, they observe some Ceremonies;Ceremonies. but whether they have any Regard to a real or pretended Superior Being, or whether they are only popular, and proceeding from Custom, is what we were not able to discover. Those Ceremonies are as follows. When the Corn is ripe, they gather a certain Quantity in a Maund or Basket, which is placed on a Sort of Seat or Stool, dedicated to that Use, and serving only upon those misterious Occasions, which they have a great Veneration for.

The Basket with the Corn being placed on that honour’d Stool, one of the Elders holds out his Hands over it, and talks a long Time; after which, the said old Man distributes the Corn among the Women, and no Person is allow’d to eat of the new Corn, till eight Days after that Ceremony. This seems to be in the Nature of Offering up or Blessing the first Fruits of their Harvest.

At their Assemblies, when the Sagamite, or Pottage, which is the most essential Part of their meal, is boil’d in a great Pot, they place that Pot on the Stool of Ceremony above mention’d, and one of the Elders stretches out his Hands over it, muttering some Words between his Teeth for a considerable Time, after which, they fall to eat.

When the young Folks are grown up to be fit to go to the Wars, and take upon them to be Soldiers, their Garment, consisting of some Skin, or Clout, together with their Bow, Quiver and Arrows, is placed on the aforesaid Stool, an old Man stretches out his Hands over them, mutters the Words as above, and then the Garments, Bows, Quivers, and Arrows are given to the Persons they belong to. This may be compar’d to Something of a Ceremony of Knighting among them. The same Ceremonies are us’d by them in the cultivating of their Grain and Product, but particularly of the Tabacco,Tabacco. whereof they have a Sort, which has smaller Leaves than Ours; it is almost ever green and they use it in Leaves.

This is what we observ’d among the Cenis, whose Customs and Manners differ very little from those of other Nations, which we had seen before, and saw afterwards. As to the Point of Religion, it is not to be infer’d from what I have said above, that there is none throughout that vast Continent: The Account I have given only regards those Nations we saw; there may be others that have some Worship, and I remember I have heard Monsieur de la Sale say, that the Nation call’d Takensa, neighbouring on the Islinois, ador’d the Fire, and that they had Cottages which they made use of, as Temples.

Nation, what is meant here by it.Before I conclude this short Account of the Religion, Customs and Manners of the Cenis, which belong’d properly to this Place, it is fit here also to observe, that the Word Nation, is not to be understood, among those Indians, to denote a People possessing a whole Province, or vast Extent of Land. Those Nations are no other than a Parcel of Villages, dispers’d for the Space of fifteen, of twenty or of thirty Leagues at most, which compose a distinct People or Nation; and they differ from one another rather in Language than in Manners, wherein they are all much alike, or at least they vary but little, as has been mention’d above. As for the Names of them, here follow those of such as we travel’d through, or were near the Way we held from our leaving our Habitation near the Bay of the Holy Ghost, till we came among the Cenis.

Names of Nations.The Spicheats, Kabayes, Thecamons, Theauremets, Kiabaha, Chaumenes, Kouans, Arhau, Enepiahe, Ahonerhopiheim, Koienkahe, Konkone, Omeaosse, Keremen, Ahekouen, Meghty, Tetamenes, Otenmarhem, Kouayon and Meracouman. All these Nations are on the North of the River called la Maligne. Those that follow, are on the West and North-West of the same River.

The Kannehouan, Tohaha, Pehir, Cagabegux, Onapien, Pickar, Tokau, Kuasses, Chancres, Teserabocretes, Tsepehoen, Fercouteha, Panego, Petao, Petzare, Peisacho, Peihoun, Orcan and Piou.[103] This last Nation borders upon the Cenis, at the Entrance into whose first Village I left my Reader, to give an Account of the Inhabitants, and thither I return, to proceed with my Relation and our Journey to the Village, the French Man who liv’d among the Natives was to conduct us to.

We arriv’d there at Night, and found other Elders coming out to meet us, much after the same Manner as the others mention’d before. They led us to their Cottage, made us sit down on Mats and smoke, but not with so much Ceremony as the others. That done, it was Time for us to take our Rest, having given them to understand that we were weary.

French Entertained by the Natives.The French Provencal would needs have us go to his Cottage, that is to the Hut where he had his Dwelling; for, as I have said, there are several Families in one of them, and that was one of the greatest in the Canton, having been the Habitation of one of their Chief’s, lately deceased.

They allotted us a Place there, for our Goods and Packs, the Women immediately made Sagamite or Pottage, and gave it us. Having eaten, we ask’d the French Man whether we were safe, and he answering we were, we lay down, but yet could not sleep sound.

Apr. 1687The next Day, being the first of April, the Elders came to receive and conducted us to the Cottage where we had been the Day before. After the usual Ceremonies, we traded with them for Corn, Meal and Beans, giving in Exchange for the same, Needles, Knives, Rings and other Toys. We also purchased a very fine Stone Horse,[104]A Horse sold for an Ax. that would have been worth twenty Pistoles in France, for an Ax.

The Day was spent in driving our small Bargains and gathering Provisions, which the Women brought. When that was done, it was agreed, that I should remain there, to lay up more Store, and that the others should return to our Company, which we had left near the River, to carry the Provisions and satisfy them they might come safely.

Tho’ I thought my self not over secure among the Indians, and besides had the Dissatisfaction of understanding none of their Language; yet was I not unwilling to stay, that I might have an Opportunity of seeing the two other French Men, who had forsaken the late Monsieur de la Sale, when he first travell’d into that Country, that I might enquire of them, whether they had heard no talk of the Missisipi River, for I still held my Resolution of parting from our wicked Murderers.

As soon as they were gone, I gave a young Indian a Knife, to go bid those two other French Men come to me, and whilst he was going I drove on my little Trade for Provisions, and had frequent Visits from the Elders, who entertain’d me by Signs, with an Account of their intended War; to which I still answer’d, nodding my Head, tho’ very often I knew not what they meant. It was some Difficulty to me to secure my small Merchandize, especially at Night, for the Natives were covetous of them.

This Care, which kept me from Sleeping sound, was the Occasion, that one Night I heard some Body moving near my Bed, and opening my Eyes, by the Light of the Fire, which never goes out in those Cottages, perceiv’d a Man stark naked,The Author meets another French Man among the Indians. with a Bow and two Arrows in his Hand, who came and sat down by me, without saying any Thing. I view’d him for some Time, I spoke to him, he made me no Answer, and not knowing what to think of it, I laid hold of my two Pistols and my Firelock, which the Man perceiving, he went and sat by the Fire. I follow’d, and looking steadfastly on him, he knew and spoke to me, throwing his Arms about and embracing me, and then made himself known to be one of the French Men I had sent for.

We fell into Discourse, I ask’d him for his Comrade, he told me, he durst not come, for Fear of Monsieur de la Sale. They were both Sailors, this Man, who was of Britany, was call’d Ruter; the other, of Rochelle, Grollet. They had, in that short Space of Time, so perfectly enur’d themselves to the Customs of the Natives, that they were become meer Savages.French turn’d savage. They were naked, their Faces and Bodies with Figures wrought on them, like the rest. They had taken several Wives, been at the Wars and kill’d their Enemies with their Firelocks, which had gain’d them Reputation; but having no more Powder nor Ball, their Arms were grown useless, and they had been forc’d to learn to shoot with Bows and Arrows. As for Religion, they were not troubled with much of it, and that Libertine Life they led, was pleasing to them.

I acquainted this Man with the unfortunate Death of Monsr. de la Sale, his Nephew and the rest, at which, he was surpris’d and concern’d, at least in outward Appearance. I ask’d him, whether he had not heard talk of the Missisipi; he told me he had not; but only that there was a great River forty Leagues from thence towards the N. W.[105] where the Natives said there were many Nations along its Banks. That made me believe, it was the very River we were in Search of, or at least that it must be the Way to come at it. I gave him to eat, and we went to Rest.

The next and the following Days, I continu’d trading, and the Elders their Visits, and their Discourse by Signs, concerning their intended War. Some of them gave me to understand, that they had been among the Spaniards, who are nevertheless about two hundred Leagues from them. They spoke some Words of broken Spanish, as Capita, instead of Capitan, a Captain, and Cohavillo instead of Cavallo, a Horse, and so of some others. Ruter, the French Man return’d to his Dwelling, I gave him some Strings of Beads for his Wives, and desir’d him to send the other French Man to me.

Indian Maid brought to the Author. In the mean Time my being alone, as to any Person I could converse with, grew very irksome to me, and I know not whether an old Man did not perceive it; for he thought it would be proper to bring a Companion, to divert me, and at Night I was surpris’d to see a young Maid come sit down by me, and to hear the old Man tell me, he had brought her to be my Wife, and gave her to me; but I had far different Thoughts to disturb me. I spoke not one Word to that poor Maid; she stay’d some Time expecting I would take notice of her, and perceiving I did not stir, or speak one Word, she withdrew.

French Men like Indians.Thus I continu’d, without hearing any News, till the Sixth of April, when the two French Men, I have spoken of, came both, in the Indian Dress, each of them having only a Clout about him, some Turky Feathers on their Shoulders, their Heads and Feet bare. The latter of them whose name was Grollet, had not consented to have his Face mark’d like the other, nor to cut his Hair after the Indian Manner; for those People cut off all theirs, except a small Lock on the Crown of the Head, like the Turks, only some of them have small Tresses on the Temples.

I repeated to them the Narrative of Monsieur de la Sale’s unfortunate Story. They confirm’d what I had been told before, that the Natives had talk’d to them of the great River, which was forty Leagues off, towards the N. E. and that there were People like us, that dwelt on the Banks of it. This confirm’d me in the Opinion, that it was the River so much sought after, and that we must go that Way to return to Canada or towards New England. They told me, they would willingly go with us. I desired them to keep it secret, which they did not, for being inform’d that Monsieur Cavelier and the others were coming, they went to meet them, and I was again left alone.