Chapter II: Part 2

Twice, at least, his life was in danger, from the machinations of mutineers. The first time, the plot was discovered in time, and, having received an order to join La Salle with all his force, he delivered the criminals to the latter. And again, being left in charge of the Fort St. Louis, with 34 men, Joutel was disturbed by a plot to kill him or deprive him of his office—from which once more his life, which ultimately proved so valuable to the party, was preserved.

His Journal, here printed, is valuable from its exactness of detail, and the fact that, in many places, it corrects the careless or misleading statements of others, and it is remarkably free from the egotism which disfigures or weakens the narratives of some early travelers in America. Parkman, comparing it with other accounts written by survivors of the expedition, says emphatically, “It gives the impression of sense, intelligence and candor, throughout.”

No shadow of complicity in the murder of La Salle attaches to Joutel. That he did not more strongly assert himself in the critical emergencies which succeeded that tragical event, was due, probably, to a combination of circumstances. The mutineers who had accomplished the deed were overwhelmingly dominant, and the lives of the whole party trembled in the balance. Joutel was no coward; but the situation in which they found themselves called for the exercise of that prudence which is ofttimes the better part of valor. Neither was he ambitious, so that, when the little band of seven who sought to separate themselves from the assassins, finally started upon their long and perilous journey toward the North, we find, as if by common consent, that the Abbe Cavelier figures as the nominal leader. Undoubtedly, this was due partly to the respect felt by Joutel for the aged ecclesiastic by virtue of his sacred office, as well as by his own life-long association, at Rouen, with the family of Cavelier; and also by motives of policy in thus securing for the party the _prestige_ of being headed by a La Salle—a “name to conjure with” amid the savage tribes through whom they must pass.

Yet, undoubtedly, it was mainly to Joutel’s prudence, courage, and practical knowledge that the little band of survivors—after their marvelous journey of over 800 miles through trackless wilds, and amid innumerable dangers from flood, disease, and savages—finally reached Quebec, and ultimately their beloved France, in October, 1688.

The motives previously alluded to as influencing Joutel in waiving his right to the leadership of the party, on its return to civilization, may, probably, sufficiently account for (even if they do not fully condone) his connivance (as also that of Father Douay) in the concealment, for over two years, of the fact of La Salle’s death—a deception undoubtedly originating with the Abbe Cavalier, who desired thereby to get possession of property which might otherwise have been seized by creditors of his deceased brother the Sieur Robert La Salle, the explorer. Parkman says (_note_ to p. 207, vol. ii, _La Salle’s Voyages_, Champlain edition) that “the prudent Abbe died rich and very old, at the home of a relative, having inherited a large estate after his return from America.”

Joutel appears to have spent the rest of his life at Rouen, where Charlevoix says he saw him in 1723; and speaks of him as a very upright man, and evidently the only trustworthy member of La Salle’s party. Of Joutel’s _Journal_ he also speaks in the same strain.[26]

+--------------------------------------------------------------------+ |+------------------------------------------------------------------+| || A || || JOURNAL || || Of the LAST || || VOYAGE || || Perform’d by || || Monſr. de la Sale, || || TO THE || || GULPH of MEXICO, || || To find out the || || Mouth of the _Miſſiſipi_ River; || || || || CONTAINING, || || An Account of the Settlements he endeavour’d to make on the || || Coaſt of the aforeſaid _Bay_, his unfortunate Death, and the || || Travels of his Companions for the Space of Eight Hundred || || Leagues acroſs that Inland Country of _America_. now call’d || || _Louiſiana_, (and given by the King of _France_ to M. || || _Crozat_,) till they came into _Canada_. || || ---------------------------------------------------------------- || || _Written in_ French _by Monſieur_ Joutel, || || _A Commander in that Expedition_; || || _And Tranſlated from the Edition juſt publiſh’d at_ Paris. || || ---------------------------------------------------------------- || || With an exact Map of that vaſt Country, and a Copy of the || || _Letters Patents_ granted by the K. of _France_ to M. _Crozat_. || || ---------------------------------------------------------------- || || _LONDON_, Printed for _A. Bell_ at the _Croſs-Keys_ and || ||_Bible_ in _Cornhill_, _B. Lintott_ at the _Croſs Keys_ in _Fleet-|| || ſtreet_, and _J. Baker_ in _Pater-Noſter-Row_, 1714. || |+------------------------------------------------------------------+| +--------------------------------------------------------------------+ ]

[Decoration]

THE
_French_ BOOKSELLER
TO THE
READER.

_The Manuscript of this Journal hapning to fall into my Hands, and having shewn it to some Persons well vers’d in these Affairs, they were of Opinion it deserv’d to be printed; especially at this Time, when travels are so much in Request, and in regard this is now seasonable, on Account of the Description it gives of the famous River_ Missisipi _and of the Country of_ Louisiana, _where it is intended to make great Settlements. Besides, this Relation is uncommon, curious and ingaging, both in Regard to the Honour and Advantage of the Nation, for as much as it contains the Attempts and the bold and glorious Undertakings of our_ French _Adventurers, who not satisfied, like others, with discovering the Borders and Coasts of unknown Countries, proceed to penetrate into the Inland, through a thousand Dangers and Hazards of their Lives. Is it not very commendable in them, to make us fully acquainted with that great remaining Part of the World, which for so many Ages continued unknown to our Forefathers, till about two hundred Years ago_ Christopher Columbus _discover’d it, and_ Americus Vespusius _going over soon after, gave it his Name, causing it to be call’d_ America? _One of those whom I desired to peruse this Manuscript, has a little polish’d it, pursuant to the Orders I receiv’d; and he having been a considerable Traveller, was a proper Person to judge of and put it into a Dress fit to appear in publick. The Letter he writ to me, being not only instructive, in Relation to the Journal, but of Use as a curious Supplement to it, I thought the inserting of it would be acceptable. It is as follows._

_SIR_,

I Return you your Manuscript; the Reading of it has reviv’d the Satisfaction I once took in my Travels; it has oblig’d me to read over again those of several Persons, who have writ of _Canada_, and carry’d me in Imagination through those vast, barbarous and unknown Countries, with much more Ease and less Danger than was done by the Hero of this Relation. He certainly deserves that honourable Title, and having read his Adventures, I could not forbear saying with the Poet

_Illi robur & æs triplex
Circa Pectus erat_.

For what an extraordinary Strength, what a Vigour of Body and Mind was requisite for him to project, to undertake and to go thro’ with so unusual, so bold and so difficult an Enterprize. A Discovery of above eight hundred Leagues of barbarous and unknown Countries, without any beaten Roads, without Towns, and without any of those Conveniencies, which render Travelling more easy in all other Parts. All the Land-Carriage is reduc’d to walking afoot; being often without any other Shoes but a Piece of a Bullock’s Hide wrapp’d about the Feet; carrying a Firelock, a Snapsack,[27] Tools and some Commodities to barter with the Natives. It is true that accidentally and but very rarely a Horse is found to help out a little.

If they must venture upon the Water, there are only some wretched Canoes, made either of the Barks of Trees or of Bullocks Hides, and those they must often carry or drag along the Land, when the Falls of the Rivers obstruct making use of them. All the Bed is lying on the bare Ground, exposed to the Inclemencies of the Air, to be devour’d by Alligators and bit by Rattle Snakes; without Bread, Wine, Salt and all other Comforts of Life, and this for some Years. The Diet altogether consists in a poor Pap or Hasty-Pudding made of the Meal of _Indian_ Corn, Fish half broil’d or ill boil’d, and some Beef or wild Goats Flesh, dry’d in the Air and Smoke. Besides, what a Trouble is it to invent Signs to be understood by so many several Nations, each of which has it’s peculiar Language? All this an Adventurer must resolve with himself to go through, who designs to make Discoveries in _Canada_; and it would be hard to believe this, did not all those who write of it exactly agree in this Particular.

However that Country is good and pleasant, at least towards the South, which is what is here spoken of. The Temperature of the Climate is admirable, the Soil excellent for Tillage, and it is extraordinary fertil in all Sorts of Grain and Fruit; which appears by those the Land produces of it self in great Plenty. The Hills and Woods produce Timber for all Uses and Fruit Trees, as well of cold as hot Countries. There are Vines which want but little Improvement; there are Sugar-Canes, large Meadows, and navigable Rivers full of Fish. It is true they are infested with Alligators, but with a little Care they are to be avoided; as may the Rattle-Snakes, which are extraordinary venomous, but never bite unless they are hurt. There are thousands of wild Bullocks, larger than ours, their Flesh good, and instead of Hair, they have a Sort of curl’d Wool extraordinary fine. There are Abundance of Deer, wild Goats and all Sorts of wild Fowl, and more especially of Turkeys. As there are Poisons and Venoms, so there are immediate and wonderful Antidotes.

We must not look there for rich and stately Cities, or lofty Structures, or any of those Wonders of Architecture, or the Remains and ancient Monuments of the Vanity of great Men; but we may there admire Nature in its beautiful Simplicity, as it came from the Hands of its Creator; without having been alter’d or depraved by Ambition or Art.

But is so vast and so beautiful a Country only for Beasts, Birds and Fishes! O inconceivable Wonder! There is an infinite Number of People, divided into Nations, living in Cottages made of the Barks of Trees, or cover’d with Reeds or Hides, when they are not abroad at War, or Hunting, or Fishing, almost naked, without any other Bed but a Bullock’s Hide, or any Houshold-Stuff but a Pot or Kettle, an Axe and some Platters made of Bark. They take their Sustenance, as it comes in their Way, and like the Beasts; they have no Care, do not value Wealth, sing, dance, smoke, eat, sleep, hunt, fish; are independent, make War, and when an Opportunity offers, take Revenge of any Injury in the most cruel Manner they are able. Such is the Life of those Savages. Tho’ there be some in the Southern Parts, not quite so stupid and brutal as those in the North, yet they are both Savages, who think of Nothing but what is present, love Nothing but what is obvious to the Senses, incapable of comprehending any Thing that is Spiritual; sharp and ingenious in what is for their own Advantage, without any Sense of Honour or Humanity; horribly cruel, perfectly united among themselves to their Nation and their Allies; but revengeful and merciless towards their Enemies. To conclude, their Shape, tho’ hideous, shews they are Men; but their Genius and Manners render them like the worst of Beasts.

[Sidenote: _La_ Hontan’s _forged Discourse with a Savage, wherein he renders himself ridiculous_.]

A modern Author, who has liv’d in _Canada_, and in other Respects has writ well enough, has perhaps fancy’d, he might distinguish himself, and be thought more understanding than other Men in discovering the Genius of those People, by assigning more Ingenuity and Penetration to the Savages, than is generally allow’d them. He sometimes makes them to argue too strongly and too subtilely against the Mysteries of Christian Religion, and his Relation has given just Occasion to suspect, that he is himself the Libertine and Talking Savage, to whom he has given the artful Malignity of his Notions and Arguments.

[Sidenote: _The Natives of_ Canada _brutal_.]

As for the Genius of the Savages, I am of Opinion, we ought to believe the Missioners; for they are not less capable than other Men to discover the Truth, and they have at least as much Probity to make it known. It is likely, that they, who have for an hundred Years past, wholly apply’d themselves, according to the Duty of their Function, to study those poor Images of Men, should not be acquainted with them? Or would not their Conscience have check’d them, had they told a Lye in that Particular? Now all the Missioners agree, that allowing there are some Barbarians less wicked and brutal than the rest; yet there are none good, nor thoroughly capable of such Things as are above the Reach of our Senses; and that whatsoever they are, there is no relying on them; there is always cause to suspect them, and in short, before a Savage can be made a Christian, it is requisite to make him a Man; and we look upon those Savages as Men, who have neither King nor Law, and what is most deplorable, no God; for if we rightly examine their Sentiments and their Actions, it does not appear that they have any Sort of Religion, or well form’d Notion of a Deity. If some of them, upon certain Occasions, do sometimes own a First or Sovereign Being, or do pay some Veneration to the Sun. As to the first Article, they deliver themselves in such a confuse Manner, and with so many Contradictions and Extravagancies, that it plainly appears, they neither know nor believe anything of it; and as for the second, it is only a bare Custom, without any serious Reflection on their Part.

A miserable Nation, more void of the Light of Heaven, and even that of Nature, than so many other Nations in the _East Indies_, who, tho’ brutal and stupid as to the Knowledge of the Deity, yet are not without some Sort of Worship, and have their Hermits and _Fakirs_ who endeavour by the Practice of horrid Penances, to gain the Favour of that Godhead, and thereby shew they have some real Notion of it. Nothing of that Sort is to be found among our _American_ Savages, and in Conclusion, it may be said of them in General, that they are a People without a God.

Our _French_, who are born in Canada all of them well shap’d, and Men of Sense and Worth, cannot endure to have their Savages thus run down. They affirm they are like other Men, and only want Education and being improv’d; but besides that we may believe they say so to save the Honour of their Country, we advance nothing here but what is grounded on the Report of many able and worthy Persons, who have writ of it, after being well inform’d on the Spot. We are therefore apt to believe, that there is a Distinction to be made at present between two Sorts of Savages in _Canada_, _viz._ those who have been conversant among the Europeans for sixty or eighty Years past, and the others who are daily discover’d; and it is of the latter that we speak here more particularly, and to whom we assign all those odious and wretched Qualities of the Savages of _North America_; for it is well known, that the first Sort of them, as for Instance, the _Hurons_, the _Algonquins_, the _Iroquois_, the _Illinois_ and perhaps some others are now pretty well civiliz’d, so that their Reason begins to clear up, and they may become capable of Instruction.

[Sidenote: _Strong Women._]

Amazing and incomprehensible, but at the same Time adorable Disposition of Divine Providence! We see here a vast Tract of the Earth, of an immense Extent, of a wonderful Soil for Tillage and Fertility in all Sorts of Fruit and Grain; of an admirable Temperature as to the Air, which appears by the very numerous Inhabitants being scarce subject to any Diseases, and in that the Sex, which among us is weak, is there Strong and Vigorous, bringing forth their Children with little or no Pain, and suckling them amidst Labour and Fatigues, without any of those Miseries they are liable to in our Countries. Yet that vast and beautiful Country, describ’d in this Journal, so much favour’d with Worldly Blessings, has been for so many Ages destitute of the Heavenly.

The infinite Numbers of People inhabiting it are Men, and have scarce any thing but the Shape; they are God’s Creatures, and do not so much as know, much less serve him. Those who have the Courage and Boldness to travel through the Countries of such Savages, and those who read the Relations of such Travellers, ought to take Care how they make any rash Reflections upon this Point, or pry too deeply into it; for they may chance to lose themselves in their Thoughts. The shortest and the safest Course is, in such Cases, to adore the inconceivable Profoundness of the Creator’s Wisdom; to give a Check to all our Enquiries and Curiosities, with the Apostle’s Exclamation, _O the Depth of the Riches both of the Wisdom and Knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his Judgments and his Ways past finding out!_ And never ceasing to return Thanks to his Goodness, for having so abundantly supply’d us with his Light and Grace, to conjure him to impart the same to those poor distress’d _Americans_, and that he who is Almighty, will of those Stones make Children of _Abraham_. This all Christians are oblig’d incessantly to pray for, because as Brutish and Stupid as those Savages are, they are still our Brethren, since like us descended from _Adam_ and _Noah_.

How much are we then oblig’d to those bold Travellers, who undertake new Discoveries, who to the Hazard of their Lives, at their own Expence, and with such extraordinary Toils, go to find out for us, not only numerous Objects of our Curiosity and Admiration, which were before unknown to us, but who also discover to us a numerous Kindred, which is not ever the less such, for having been so long unknown to us. What if it be brutal and indocible, it will be the more Meritorious to Labour at Civilizing of and making it capable of receiving the Lights of Reason and of Faith. We can never sufficiently express our Gratitude to those who apply themselves to the making of new Discoveries; the more Difficulties that attend them, the more we are beholding to those who undertake them. Supposing that Avarice, Ambition, a restless Temper, or a desperate Fortune, are very often the Occasions of such Undertakings; yet God, who can draw Good out of Evil, makes all those Passions subservient to his Glory, and the Salvation of his Elect, and if long Travels do not commonly make Saints of the Travellers, it is their own Fault. However, they at least prepare the Way to the Sanctification of so many Barbarians, beating a Road for the Missioners, who go to instruct those People. Thus all the World is beholden to them; the Savages for the Knowledge of God that is procur’d them; and we for finding by their Means an infinite Number of People before unknown, who will join with us in Serving and Glorifying the Creator of the Universe.

Granting that the said Travellers are not sometimes exact, or agree among themselves in their Relations, their Descriptions and their Maps; this must be an unavoidable Fault in Discoverers; but even that is advantageous to the Publick, for as much as their Successors are excited to examine those Points more strictly, to correct, explain and ascertain those Mistakes.

In acknowledgment therefore of the Service done us by those Illustrious Adventurers and to make them some Sort of Amends for their Sufferings, let us transmit their Names to Posterity in our Writings; let us applaud their Actions when we read them, and let us commend their Relations. This here, most certainly deserves to be read and commended, for it is Curious, Extraordinary and Tragical. It is also, as has been said before, ingaging, at this Conjuncture, when there is a Design of making Settlements in those Countries, it mentions, the Consequence whereof may be most Honourable and Advantageous to the Nation. The Travel thro’ that Country is one of the greatest and most full of Difficulties that has been perform’d; the Relation of it being made by an Eye Witness, and in a natural, plain and particular Manner, deserves to be credited; but being only a Journal, it is not capable of admitting of Ornaments or Embellishments. The Reader will be pleas’d to excuse the Repetition of the same Words in it, on Account of the Impossibility of doing otherwise, and will think it enough that the Barrenness of the Narration is made Amends for by the Curiosity of the Subjects. I am of Opinion the small Notes I have added will not be displeasing, because they explain some Particulars, which are not very intelligible to such as are not us’d to read many Travels.

After having said the Good and the Bad of this _North America_, mentioning the Beauty and Excellency of its Climate and the Brutality of its People, and recited the infinite Hardships, those who design to travel must resolve to undergo, I am of Opinion it will be proper to say something of the late Monsieur _de la Sale_, who is the principal Person, and as it were, the Hero of this Relation, tho’ having been murdered by his own Men, he fell the unfortunate Victim of the Discovery here treated of. It is also convenient to make known what went before that, which is contain’d in this Journal, and the present happy Consequence of that fatal Enterprize. Here follows what I have of my own particular Knowledge, and by what has been written.

[Sidenote: _Account of Monsieur_ de la Sale.]

_Robert Cavelier_, commonly call’d Monsieur _de la Sale_, a Native of _Roan_, of a good Family, having been educated in Piety and Learning, went over very young into _Canada_ and took Delight in Trade, but more in Projects of new Discoveries up the Inland of those vast Countries. Intending to settle there and make that his Country, he purchased an Habitation in the Island of _Mont-real_, where has been built the second Town of _Canada_, sixty Leagues above _Quebeck_, which is the Capital, being also a Bishoprick, and the Residence of the Governor, the Intendant and the supreme Council. There are but only those two Towns in the Country, besides some Villages. They are both seated on the great River of St. _Laurence_, which coming from the S. W. is form’d or increased by the Waters of five prodigious fresh Water Lakes, running out one into another, and through them it passes to run down to discharge itself in the Ocean, at a very spacious Mouth, making Way for the Ships that design to penetrate into _Canada_.

Many Discoveries had been made to the Northward, before Monsieur _de la Sale’s_ Time; because there being Plenty of very good Furs, the Traders of _Quebeck_ and _Mont-real_, by Means of the Adventurers call’d _Wood-Men_,[28] from their traveling thro’ the Woods, had penetrated very far up the Country that Way; but none had advanc’d far towards the South or South-West, beyond Fort _Frontenac_, which is on the Lake _Ontario_, the nearest this Way of the five great Lakes. However, upon the Report of the Natives, it was supposed, that great and advantageous Discoveries might be made. There had been much Talk of the rich Mines of St. _Barbara_, in the Kingdom of _Mexico_, and some were tempted to give them a Visit.

[Sidenote: _His Character_.]

Something was known of the famous River _Missisipi_, which it was supposed might fall into the South Sea, and open a Way to it. These Conjectures working upon Monsieur _de la Sale_, who being zealous for the Honour of his Nation, designed to signalize the _French_ Name, on Account of extraordinary Discoveries, beyond all that went before him; he form’d the Design and resolv’d to put it in Execution. He was certainly very fit for it, and succeeded at the Expense of his Life; for no Man has done so much in that Way as he did for the Space of twenty Years he spent in that Employment. He was a Man of a regular Behaviour, of a large Soul, well enough learned, and understanding in the Mathematicks, designing, bold, undaunted, dexterous, insinuating, not to be discourag’d at any Thing, ready at extricating himself out of any Difficulties, no Way apprehensive of the greatest Fatigues, wonderful steady in Adversity, and what was of extraordinary Use, well enough versed in several Savage Languages. M. _de la Sale_ having such extraordinary Talents, whereof he had given sufficient Proofs upon several Occasions, gain’d the Esteem of the Governors of _Canada_; and Messieurs _de Courcelles_, _Talon_ and _de Frontenac_ successively express’d the same, by often employing him in Affairs for the Honour and Advantage of the Colony.

[Sidenote: _Is made Proprietor of Fort_ Frontenac.]

The Government of the Fort of _Frontenac_, which is the Place farthest advanc’d among the Savages, was committed to him, and he going over into _France_, in the Year 1675, the King made him Proprietor of it, upon Condition he should put it into a better Condition than it was, which he did, as soon as return’d to _Canada_. Then came back again to _Paris_, full of the new Informations he had gain’d touching the River _Missisipi_, the Country runs through, the Mines, especially those of Lead and Copper, the navigable Rivers, and the Trade that might be carried on of Furs and the fine Wooll of those wild Bullocks, whereof there are infinite Numbers in the Forests. Being also furnish’d with better Accounts of that Country, than the Fables that were then publish’d, by the Name of a Voyage of the Sieur _Joliet_, he was well receiv’d at Court, and dispatch’d with the necessary Orders for proceeding on his Discoveries.

[Sidenote: _His Reputation makes Enemies._]

The great Reputation Monsieur _de la Sale_ had gain’d, and his mighty Projects, occasion’d a Jealousy in some and Envy in others. His own Countrymen thwarted his Designs; but he surmounted all those Obstacles and return’d into _Canada_, about the Year 1678, with the Chevalier _Tonty_, an _Italian_ Gentleman, a Person of Worth and that had serv’d, whom he gain’d to his Enterprize. He also pick’d up in the Country forty or fifty Persons fit for that Expedition, and among them were three Recolets, whom he carry’d over to try what might be done as to Christianity among the Savages; he was well acquainted with, and had a just Esteem for the Virtue, the Capacity and the Zeal of those good, religious Men, who alone first undertook the Mission into that new World, and who being seconded by others, have carry’d it on there, with so much Edification.

[Sidenote: _Source of the_ Missisipi.]

[Sidenote: Islinois _River_.]

Monsieur _de la Sale_ having spent two Years in going and coming, still thwarted by those who envy’d him in the Country, to such a Degree, that had it not been for an Antidote, he must have dy’d of Poison given him by some Villains, could not order his Affairs and begin his Expedition till the Year 1682. He set out at length, and to the End his Discovery of the _Missisipi_ might be compleat, he caus’d Father _Hennepin_, a Recolet, with some others, to travel to the Northward, that they might find out the Source of that River, and they found it, about the 50th Degree of North Latitude. For his own Part, he proceeded to the Westward and found the River of the _Islinois_, which he call’d the River of _Seignelay_, and following its Course, came into the _Missisipi_, where the other discharges it self. He then concluded he had no more to do, but to run down to its Mouth, whether in the South Sea or the Gulph of _Mexico_. All along its Banks he found many Savage Nations, with whom, by Means of his Presents, he enter’d into Alliances, and gave the Country the Name of _Louisiana_, to honour the Name and Memory of our August Monarch, in whose Reign those Discoveries were made. At length, the Course of the _Missisipi_ convey’d Monsieur _de la Sale_ to its Mouths, as falling into the Gulph of _Mexico_ in two Streams, and he arriv’d there in the Month of _April_ 1682 or 1683, for the Dates of those who have writ concerning it, make either of those Years. He stay’d there some Days, to take Observations and place some Marks which he might know again, when he return’d. Being satisfied with having found some Part of what he sought, he return’d the same Way he had gone, and came again to _Quebeck_ in _Canada_, in order to go over to _France_, and thence to make a Tryal to find that Mouth of the _Missisipi_ by the Gulph of _Mexico_, which he had already discover’d by the Way of _Canada_, and to secure it; for he thought it much more advantageous to know it by the Way of the Sea, than to go thither by Land, because the Voyage through _Canada_ is much longer and more troublesome, and can be perform’d but once a Year, whereas by the Way of the Bay of _Mexico_ it is not longer, but is much more commodious, and may be perform’d in all Seasons, either going or coming. He was also sensible that the said Mouth being once discover’d by Sea, afforded an easier and safer Communication with _Canada_, running up that noble River, the Navigation whereof is not interrupted by Falls, nor Torrents for above sixty Leagues towards its Source.

These Considerations mov’d Monsieur _de la Sale_ to take another Voyage into _France_, where his Expedition having been commended and his new Project approv’d of, the King order’d him Vessels to return and carry on his Enterprize, the Particulars whereof are to be found in this Journal. That Affair, so well begun, seem’d to promise very advantageous Consequences; but it miscarried through the Perfidiousness and Villany of that noble Adventurer’s own People.

[Sidenote: _The other Part here mention’d is at the End of the Journal_.]

This is what I have judg’d might serve as an Introduction to your Journal, if it shall not be thought to dishonour it, you may place it before the said Journal, and that which follows at the End of it, which will shew how far that great Enterprize of the Discovery of the _Missisipi_ has been carried.

THE
PREFACE.
Written by
Sieur _de MITCHELL_,
Who Methodiz’d this Journal.

_Notwithstanding the late Monsieur_ de la Sale’s _Voyage had a most unfortunate End, as to his own Person, yet that will not hinder Posterity, from ever allowing him the Title of a most renowned Traveller_.

_The History of his Enterprize will be acceptable to future Ages, for laying before them, the extraordinary Genius, the invincible Courage, and the undaunted Resolution of such a Man, who could contrive and execute the Means for discovering the remaining Part of the World._

_And in regard that the Particulars of the Discovery of those large and immense Provinces, will always be the Object of curious and understanding Persons, it is not to be wonder’d, that after what has been writ by Father_ Hennepin, _a Recolet, the Chevalier_ Tonty _and some others, we here now publish an Historical Journal of the last Voyage Monsieur_ de la Sale _undertook into the Gulf of_ Mexico, _to the Country of_ Louisiana, _to finish what he had projected at his former Voyage, had not the Treachery of his own Men cut him off_.

_This Journal of Monsieur_ Joutel, _whereof Monsieur_ Tonty _makes mention in the Book that has been printed of the last Discoveries in_ America, _Folio 319, has this peculiar, that it exactly contains what hap’ned to Monsieur_ de la Sale, _Day by Day, in that fatal Voyage, since his Departure from_ Rochelle _to his death, and till the Return of his Brother Monsieur_ Cavelier _the Priest, Monsieur_ Cavelier _his Nephew, the Reverend Father_ Anastasius, _the Recolet, and the said Sieur_ Joutel, _who in Order to return to_ France, _took that long Journey by Land, from the Gulf of_ Mexico _to_ Canada, _being a Tract of above 800 Leagues_.

_Many Adventures of all Sorts, most of which are Tragical, will please the curious Reader; and above all he will admire the Protection of Divine Providence, in Conducting and Preserving that small Company throughout those vast Regions, and among so many barbarous Nations._

_We do not here pretend to Criticise upon the Work of Father_ Hennepin, _or that of Monsieur_ Tonty; _but even their own Favourers cannot take it ill, that this Author does not sometimes say as they do; that he plainly delivers what he saw, and that he exposes to publick View all the Truths he was an Eye Witness to, without magnifying or inventing_.

_It is nevertheless true, that they may be all excus’d as to some Particulars; Father_ Hennepin _and Monsieur_ Tonty _may have seen some Things, that did not come to the Knowledge of Monsieur_ Joutel; _but there is a Fact of great Consequence in the History of Monsieur_ de la Sale, _which must not be pass’d over in Silence_.

_It is, that Monsieur_ Tonty, _in his Book affirms, that Monsieur_ de la Sale _at length found the Mouth of the_ Missisipi, _and Monsieur_ Joutel _asserts the contrary, and says, that is so far from being true, that during his last Progress towards the_ Cenis, _when the said Sieur_ Joutel _was with him, and had never been parted, Monsieur_ de la Sale’s _principal Care was to enquire of all the Nations they pass’d through, where the_ Missisipi _was, and could never hear any thing of it; that this is evidently made out, because if Monsieur_ de la Sale _had found the Mouth of that River, he would infallibly have taken another Way, and other Measures, and all the Appearances are on this Side, as may be seen in this Relation_.

_However, this must be said in Behalf of Monsieur_ Tonty, _that he deliver’d it upon the Report of Monsieur_ Cavelier _the Priest, and Brother to Monsieur_ de la Sale; _which Monsieur_ Cavelier _might have Reasons to give out they had discover’d the_ Missisipi, _upon the same Views as oblig’d him to conceal his Brother’s Death_.

_Now in regard we shall see Monsieur_ de la Sale, _for some time ranging along the Coasts of North America, to find out the Mouth of that River, it will be proper to inform those who have not seen his first Voyage, and shew them how it hap’ned that his Search prov’d in vain, and he was oblig’d to land in another Place_.

_After Monsieur_ de la Sale _had discover’d that vast Continent, which is a Part of_ North America, _from_ Canada, _by the Way of_ Montreal, _going up the River of St._ Laurence, _then through the Country of the_ Iroquois, _the_ Islinois _and others, all which he call’d_ Louisiana, _his Design was to find a shorter and a safer Way, than that he had Travell’d by Land_.

_For this Reason it was, that having upon his first Discovery found the great River, call’d by the Barbarians_ Missisipi _or_ Mechasipi, _according to Father_ Hennepin, _and to which he gave the Name of_ Colbert, _guessing by its Course that it fell into the Bay of_ Mexico, _he resolved with himself to find out the Mouth of it_.

_In short, he ran down that River, with more Danger and Toil than can be imagin’d, found it parted into two Streams and follow’d that which was most to the Northward, to the Place where it is lost in the Sea. He took the Latitude that Mouth lay in, and found it was between 28 and 29 Degrees North, as Monsieur_ Joutel _affirms he heard him say. He left Marks there, return’d the same Way to_ Canada _and thence into_ France, _well pleased with his Discovery, which would have been very glorious, had he succeeded in his second Voyage_.

_But whether he did not take his Measures right, when he made his Observations ashore, or whether that River disgorges it self at a flat Coast, and only leaves some inconsiderable Mark of its Channel for such as come by Sea; it is most certain, that when he came into the Bay of_ Mexico, _he sought for the same Mouth in Vain, during the Space of three Weeks, and was oblig’d to go ashore to the S. W. of the Place, where it really was_.

_Monsieur_ Tonty, _in his Book, Fol. 192, tells us, that he was present when Monsieur_ de la Sale _took the Latitude of the Mouth of the_ Missisipi, _at his first Voyage, and says it was between twenty two and twenty three Degrees North; but that is a Mistake, which must be assigned either to the Printer, or Transcriber, for in the Map the said Monsieur_ Tonty _has added to his Book, he places the said Mouth in about twenty six Degrees and a Half of North Latitude, and there is Reason to believe he errs in that too_.

_Monsieur_ Joutel _and some others are of Opinion, that the Mouth of that Branch Monsieur_ de la Sale _went down, is in the Bay of the_ Holy Ghost, _and actually between the twenty eighth and twenty ninth Degrees of North Latitude, as Monsieur_ de la Sale _found it. As for the other Channel, the same Sieur_ Joutel _believes it is farther towards the S. W. and about the Shoals they met with about the 6th of_ January, 1685, _between the twenty seventh and twenty eighth Degrees of North Latitude, when they were sailing along the Coast of the Bay of_ Mexico, _and that those Shoals were the Marks of a River discharging it self there, which they neglected to inquire into. If that be so, Monsieur_ de la Sale _was very near it, and even pass’d along before both the Mouths, but unfortunately, without perceiving them, which was the main Cause of his Death and the Ruin of his Enterprize_.

_To conclude, it must be granted, that as the Return of that small Number of Persons from a Country so remote and through so many Dangers, is a visible Effect of the Divine Protection; so it is also an Effect of Heavenly Justice to have preserv’d those Witnesses, and to have brought them Home into Monsieur_ de la Sale’s _Country, to retrieve his Reputation, which had been sully’d by his Enemies_.

_Monsieur_ de la Sale _would have been taken for a Dreamer, and even for an Impostor; his Enterprize had been condemn’d, and his Memory blasted; but God would not permit the Honour of a Man of such singular Merit to suffer; it pleas’d him to preserve and bring Home unquestionable Witnesses, who, by Word of Mouth and other undoubted Proofs of the notable Discoveries made by Monsieur_ de la Sale, _have stopp’d the Mouths of his Enemies, and made out the Truth of what has been asserted at the Beginning of this Discourse_, viz. _that Monsieur_ de la Sale _only wanted good Fortune to secure him the Title of a great Man and a renowned Traveller_.

[Decoration]

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Miscellaneous Poems and Translations by several Hands, particularly, the first Book of Statius his Thebais translated. The Fable of Vertumnus and Pomoua, from the 14th Book of Ovid’s Metamorphosis. To a young Lady; with the Works of Voiture. On Silence. To the Author of a Poem entitled Successio. The Rape of the Lock. An Ode for Musick on St. Cecilia’s Day. Windsor Forest. To the Right Honourable George Ld. Lansdown. An Essay on Criticism. An Epigram upon Two or Three. All written by Mr. Pope.

AN
HISTORICAL JOURNAL
OF THE
Late Monsieur _de la Sale’s_
LAST
VOYAGE
INTO
North America
To Discover the
River _MISSISIPI_.

[Sidenote: _It is Mr._ Joutel _that speaks in this Journal_.]

At the Time when Monsieur _de la Sale_ was preparing for his last Voyage into _North America_, I happen’d to be at _Roan_, the Place where he and I were both born, being return’d from the Army, where I had serv’d sixteen or seventeen Years.

The Reputation gain’d by Monsieur _de la Sale_, the Greatness of his Undertaking, the Natural Curiosity which all men are possess’d with, and my Acquaintance with his Kindred, and with several of the Inhabitants of that City, who were to bear him Company, easily prevail’d with me to make one of the Number, and I was admitted as a volunteer.

[Sidenote: _July 1684_]

Our Rendezvous was appointed at _Rochel_, where we were to imbark. Messieurs _Cavelier_, the one Brother, the other Nephew to Monsieur _de la Sale_,[29] Messieurs _Chedeville_, _Planteroze_, _Thibault_, _Ory_, some others and I, repair’d thither in _July 1684_.

[Sidenote: _Departure from_ Rochel.]

Monsieur _de la Sale_ having provided all Things necessary for his Voyage, surmounted all the Difficulties laid in his Way by several ill-minded Persons, and receiv’d his Orders from Monsieur _Arnoult_, the Intendant at _Rochel_, pursuant to those he had receiv’d from the King, we sail’d on the _24th of July, 1684_,[30] being twenty four Vessels, four of them for our Voyage, and the others for the Islands and _Canada_.

[Sidenote: _Persons that went._]

The four Vessels appointed for Monsieur _de la Sale’s_ Enterprize, had on Board about two hundred and eighty persons, including the Crews; of which Number there were one hundred Soldiers, with their Officers, one _Talon_, with his _Canada_ Family, about thirty Volunteers, some young Women, and the rest hired People and Workmen of all Sorts, requisite for making of a Settlement.

[Sidenote: _Ships._]

The first of the four Vessels was a Man of War, call’d _le Joly_, of about thirty six or forty Guns, commanded by Monsieur _de Beaujeu_, on which Monsieur _de la Sale_, his Brother the Priest, two Recolet Fryars, Messieurs _Dainmaville_ and _Chedeville_, Priests, and I imbark’d. The next was a little Frigate, carrying six Guns, which the King had given to Monsieur _de la Sale_, commanded by two Masters; a Flyboat of about three hundred Tuns Burden, belonging to the Sieur _Massiot_, Merchant at _Rochel_, commanded by the Sieur _Aigron_, and laden with all the Effects Monsieur _de la Sale_ had thought necessary for his Settlement, and a small Ketch, on which Monsieur _de la Sale_ had imbark’d thirty Tuns of Ammunition, and some Commodities design’d for _Santo Domingo_.[31]

[Sidenote: _Boltsprit lost._]

All the Fleet, being under the Command of Monsieur _de Beaujeu_, was order’d to keep together as far as _Cape Finisterre_, whence each was to follow his own Course; but this was prevented by an unexpected Accident. We were come into 45 Degrees 23 Minutes of North Latitude, and about 50 Leagues from _Rochel_, when the Boltsprit of our Ship, the _Joly_, on a sudden, broke short, which oblig’d us to strike all our other Sails, and cut all the Rigging the broken Boltsprit hung by.

[Sidenote: _Return to_ Rochfort.]

[Sidenote: _Aug. 1684_]

Every man reflected on this Accident according to his Inclination. Some were of Opinion it was a Contrivance; and it was debated in Council, Whether we should proceed to _Portugal_, or return to _Rochel_, or _Rochfort_; but the latter Resolution prevail’d. The other Ships design’d for the Islands and _Canada_, parted from us, and held on their Course. We made back for the River of _Rochfort_, whither the other three Vessels follow’d us, and a Boat was sent in, to acquaint the Intendant with this Accident. The Boat returned some Hours after, towing along a Boltsprit, which was soon set in its Place, and after Monsieur _de la Sale_ had confer’d with the Intendant, he left that Place on the first of _August, 1684_.

[Sidenote: Cape Finisterre.]

[Sidenote: Madera.]

We sail’d again, steering _W._ and by _S._ and on the 8th of the same Month weather’d _Cape Finisterre_, which is in 43 Degrees of North Latitude, without meeting any Thing remarkable. The 12th, we were in the Latitude of _Lisbon_, or about 39 Degrees North. The 16th, we were in 36 Degrees, the Latitude of the _Streights_, and the 20th, discover’d the Island _Madera_, which is in 32 Degrees, and where Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ propos’d to Monsieur _de la Sale_ to anchor, and take in Water and some Refreshments.

[Sidenote: _Difference between the Commanders._]

Monsieur _de la Sale_ was not of that Mind, on Account that we had been but twenty one Days from _France_, had sufficient Store of Water, ought to have taken aboard Refreshments enough, and it would be a Loss of eight or ten Days[32] to no Purpose; besides, that our Enterprize requir’d Secrecy, whereas the _Spaniards_ might get some Information, by Means of the People of that Island, which was not agreeable to the King’s Intention.

This Answer was not acceptable to Monsieur _de Beaujeu_, or the other Officers, nor even to the Ships Crew, who mutter’d at it very much, and it went so far, that a Passenger, call’d _Paget_, a _Hugonet_ of _Rochel_, had the Insolence to talk to Monsieur _de la Sale_ in a very passionate and disrespectful Manner, so that he was fain to make his Complaint to Monsieur _de Beaujeu_, and ask of him, Whether he had given any Incouragement to such a Fellow to talk to him after that Manner. Monsieur _Beaujeu_ made him no Satisfaction. These Misunderstandings, with some others which happen’d before, being no Way advantageous to his Majesty’s Service, laid the Foundation of[33] those tragical Events, which afterwards put an unhappy End to Monsieur _de la Sale’s_ Life and Undertaking, and occasion’d our Ruin.

[Sidenote: _Flying Fish._]

[Sidenote: _Sept. 1684_]

However, it was resolv’d not to come to an Anchor at that Island, whereupon Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ said, That since it was so, we should put in no where but at the Island of _Santo Domingo_. We held on our Course, weather’d the Island of _Madera_, and began to see those little flying Fishes, which to escape the _Dorados_, or Gilt-Heads, that pursue them, leap out of the Water, take a little Flight of about a Pistol Shot, and then fall again into the Sea, but very often into Ships, as they are sailing by. That Fish is about as big as a Herring, and very good to eat.

[Sidenote: _Trade Wind._]

On the 24th, we came into the Trade Wind, which continually blows from East to West, and is therefore call’d by some Authors _Ventus subsolanus_, because it follows the Motion of the Sun. The 28th, we were in 27 Degrees 44 Minutes[34] of North Latitude, and in 344 of Longitude. The 30th, we had a Storm, which continu’d violent for two Days, but being right astern of us, we only lost Sight of the Ketch, for want of good Steering, but she join’d us again a few Days after.

[Sidenote: _Ducking._]

The 6th of _September_, we were under the Tropic of _Cancer_, in 23 Degrees 30 Minutes of North Latitude and 319 of Longitude. There Mons. _de la Sale’s_ Obstructing the Ceremony the Sailors call Ducking, gave them Occasion to mutter again, and render’d himself privately odious. So many have given an Account of the Nature of that Folly, that it would be needless to repeat it here; it may suffice to say, that there are three things to authorize it, 1. Custom. 2. The Oath administer’d to those who are duck’d, which is to this Effect, _That they will not permit any to pass the Tropics or the Line, without obliging them to the same Ceremony_. And 3, which is the most prevailing Argument, the Interest accruing to the Sailors upon that Occasion, by the Refreshments, Liquors or Money given them by the Passengers to be excus’d from that Ceremony.

Monsr. _de la Sale_, being inform’d that all Things were preparing for that Impertinent Ceremony of Ducking, and that a Tub full of Water was ready on the Deck (_the French Duck in a great Cask of Water, the English in the Sea, letting down the Person at the Yard Arm_)[35] sent Word, that he would not allow such as were under his Command to be subject to that Folly, which being told to Monsr. _de Beaujeu_, he forbid putting of it in Execution, to the great Dissatisfaction of the inferior Officers and Sailors, who expected a considerable Sum of Money and Quantity of Refreshments, or Liquors, because there were many Persons to Duck, and all the Blame was laid upon Monsr. _de la Sale_.

[Sidenote: Hispaniola _Island_.]

On the 11th of _September_, we were in the Latitude of the Island of _Santa Domingo_, or _Hispaniola_, being 20 Degrees North, and the Longitude of 320 Degrees. We steer’d our Course West, but the Wind flatting, the ensuing Calm quite stopp’d our Way. That same Day Monsr. _Dainmaville_, the Priest,[36] went aboard the Bark _la Belle_, to administer the Sacraments to a Gunner, who died a few Days after. Monsr. _de la Sale_ went to see him, and I bore him Company.

The 21st,[37] the Ketch, which we had before lost sight of, join’d us again; and some Complaints being made to Monsr. _de la Sale_, by several private Persons that were aboard the Flyboat, he order’d me to go thither to accomodate those Differences, which were occasion’d only by some Jealousies among them.

[Sidenote: Sombrero _Island_.]

The 16th, we sail’d by the Island _Sombrero_, and the 18th had hard blowing Weather, which made us apprehensive of a Hurracan. The foul Weather lasted two Days, during which Time, we kept under a main Course and lost Sight of the other Vessels.

A Council was call’d aboard our Ship, the _Joly_, to consider whether we should lie by for the others, or hold on our Course, and it was resolv’d, that, considering our Water began to fall short, and there were above five Persons[38] sick aboard, of which Number Monsr. _de la Sale_ and the Surgeon[39] were, we should make all the Sail we could, to reach the first Port[40] of the Island _Hispaniola_, being that call’d _Port de Paix_, or Port Peace, which Resolution was accordingly register’d.

[Sidenote: _Cape_ Samana.]

The 20th, we discover’d the first Land of _Hispaniola_, being Cape _Samana_, lying in 19 Degrees of North Latitude, and of Longitude 308. The 25th we should have put into _Port de Paix_, as had been concerted, and it was not only the most convenient Place for us to get Refreshments, but also the Residence of Monsr. _de Cussy_, Governor of the Island _Tortuga_, who knew that Monsr. _de la Sale_ carried particular Orders for him to furnish such Necessaries as he stood in Need of.

[Sidenote: Tortuga _Island_.]

Notwithstanding these cogent Reasons, Mr. _de Beaujeu_ was positive to pass further on in the Night, weathering the Island _Tortuga_, which is some Leagues distant from _Port de Paix_ and the Coast of _Hispaniola_. He also pass’d Cape St. _Nicolas_, and the 26th[41] of the said Month, we put into the Bay of _Jaguana_, coasting the Island _Guanabo_, which is in the Middle of that Great Bay or Gulph, and in Conclusion, on the 27th we arriv’d at _Petit Gouave_, having spent 58 Days in our Passage from the Port of _Chef de Bois_, near _Rochel_.

This Change of the Place for our little Squadron to put into, for which no Reason could be given, prov’d very disadvantageous; and it will hereafter appear, as I have before observ’d, that those misunderstanding among the Officers insensibly drew on the Causes from whence our Misfortune proceeded.

[Sidenote: _Oct. 1684._]