Chapter III: Part 3

As soon as we had dropt Anchor, a _Piragua_, or great Sort of _Canoe_, came out from the Place, with Twenty Men, to know who we were, and hail’d us. Being inform’d that we were _French_, they acquainted us, that Monsieur _de Cussy_ was at _Port de Paix_ with the Marquis _de St. Laurent_, Lieutenant General of the _American_ Islands, and Monsieur _Begon_ the Intendant, which very much troubled Monsieur _de la Sale_, as having Affairs of the utmost Consequence to concert with them; but there was no remedy, and he was oblig’d to bear it with Patience.

The next Day, being the 28th, we sang _Te Deum_, in Thanksgiving for our prosperous Passage. Monsieur _de la Sale_ being somewhat recover’d of his Indisposition, went Ashore with several of the Gentlemen of his Retinue, to buy some Refreshments for the Sick, and to find Means to send Notice of his Arrival, to Messieurs _de St. Laurent_, _de Cussy_, and _Begon_, and signify to them, how much he was concern’d that we had not put into _Port de Paix_. He writ particularly to Monsieur _de Cussy_, to desire he would come to him, if possible, that he might be assisting to him, and take the necessary Measures for rendering his Enterprize successful, that it might prove to the King’s Honour and Service.

In the mean Time, the Sick suffering very much Aboard the Ships,[42] by Reason of the Heat, and their being too close together, the Soldiers were put Ashore, on a little Island, near _Petit Gouaves_, which is the usual Burial-Place of the People of the pretended Reformed Religion,[43] where they had fresh Provisions, and Bread baked on Purpose, distributed to them. As for the Sick, I was order’d by Monsieur _de la Sale_, to provide a House for them, whither they were carry’d, with the Surgeons, and supply’d with all that was requisite for them.

[Sidenote: _Nov. 1684_]

Some Days after, Monsieur _de la Sale_ fell dangerously ill, most of his Family were also sick. A violent Fever, attended with Lightheadedness, brought him almost to Extremity. The Posture of his Affairs, Want of Money, and the Weight of a mighty Enterprize, without knowing whom to trust with the Execution of it, made him still more sick in Mind, than he was in his Body, and yet his Patience and Resolution surmounted all those Difficulties. He pitch’d upon Monsieur _le Gros_ and me to act for him, caus’d some Commodities he had Aboard the Ships to be sold, to raise Money; and through our Care, and the excellent Constitution of his Body, he recover’d Health.

[Sidenote: _Ketch taken by the Spaniards._]

Whilst he was in that Condition, two of our Ships, which had been separated from us on the 18th of _September_, by the stormy Winds, arriv’d at _Petit Gouave_ on the 2d of _October_. The Joy conceiv’d on Account of their Arrival, was much allay’d by the News they brought of the Loss of the Ketch, taken by two _Spanish Piraguas_; and that Loss was the more grievous, because that Vessel was laden with Provisions, Ammunition, Utensils and proper Tools for the settling of our new Colonies; a Misfortune which would not have happen’d, had Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ put into _Port de Paix_, and Messieurs _de St. Laurent_, _de Cussy_, and _Begon_ who arrived at the same Time, to see Monsieur _de la Sale_ did not spare to signify as much to him, and to complain of that Miscarriage.

Monsieur _de la Sale_ being recover’d had several Conferences with these Gentlemen, relating to his Voyage. A Consult of Pilots was called to resolve where he should touch before we came upon the Coast of _America_, and it was resolved to steer directly for the Western Point of the Island of _Cuba_, or for _Cape_ St. _Antony_, distant about 300 Leagues from _Hispaniola_, there to expect the proper Season, and a fair Wind to enter the Gulph or Bay, which is but Two hundred Leagues over.

The next Care was to lay in Store of other Provisions, in the Room of those which were lost, and Monsieur _de la Sale_ was the more pressing for us to imbark, because most of his Men deserted, or were debauch’d by the Inhabitants of the Place; and the Vessel call’d _l’ Aimable_, being the worst Sailer of our little Squadron, it was resolv’d that should carry the Light, and the others to follow it. Monsieur _de la Sale_, Monsieur _Cavelier_ his Brother, the Fathers _Zenobius_[44] and _Anastasius_, both Recolets, Monsieur _Chedeville_ and I imbark’d on the said _Aimable_ and all sail’d the 25th of _November_.

We met with some Calms, and some violent Winds, which nevertheless carry’d us in Sight of the Island of _Cuba_, on the 30th of the same Month, and it then bore from us _N. W._ There we alter’d our Course and steer’d _W._ and by _N._ The 31st, the Weather being somewhat close, we lost Sight of that Island, then stood _W. N. W._ and the Sky clearing up, made an Observation at Noon, and found we were in 19 Degrees, 45 Minutes of North Latitude: by which we judg’d that the Currents had carry’d us off to Sea from the Island of _Cuba_.

[Sidenote: _Dec. 1684_]

[Sidenote: Cayman _Island_.]

[Sidenote: _Island of_ Pines.]

On the first of _December_ we discovered the Island _Cayman_. The 2d we steer’d _N. W._ and by _W._ in order to come up with the Island of _Cuba_ in the Northern Latitude of 20 Degrees 32 Minutes. The 3d we discovered the little Island of _Pines_, lying close to _Cuba_. The 4th, we weather’d a Point of that Island, and the Wind growing scant, were forc’d to ply upon a Bowling, and make several Trips till the 5th at Night, when we anchor’d in a Creek, in 15 Fathom Water, and continued there till the 8th.

During that short Stay, Monsieur _de la Sale_ went Ashore with several Gentlemen of his Retinue on the Island of _Pines_, shot an Alligator dead, and returning Aboard, perceiv’d he had lost two of his Voluntiers, who had wander’d into the Woods, and perhaps lost their Way. We fired several Musquet Shots to call them, which they did not hear, and I was order’d to expect them ashore, with 30 Musquetiers to attend me. They return’d the next Morning with much Trouble.

[Sidenote: _Alligator eaten._]

[Sidenote: _Wild Swine._]

In the mean Time, our Soldiers, who had good Stomachs, boil’d and eat the Alligator, Monsieur _de la Sale_ had kill’d. The flesh of it was white and had a Taste of Musk, for which Reason I could not eat it. One of our Hunters kill’d a wild Swine, which the Inhabitants of those Islands call _Maron_. There are of them in the Island of _Santo Domingo_, or _Hispaniola_, they are of the Breed of those the _Spaniards_ left in the Islands when they first discover’d them, and run wild in the Woods. I sent it to Monsieur _de la Sale_, who presented the one Half to Monsieur _de Beaujeu_.

[Sidenote: _Island of_ Pines.]

That Island is all over very thick wooded, the Trees being of several Sorts, and some of them bear a Fruit resembling the Acorn, but harder. There are Abundance of Parrots, larger than those at _Petit Gouave_, a great Number of Turtle Doves and other Birds, and a Sort of Creatures resembling a Rat, but as big as a Cat, their Hair reddish. Our Men kill’d many of them and fed heartily on them, as they did on a good Quantity of Fish, wherewith that Coast abounds.

[Sidenote: _The Capes_ Corrientes _and St._ Antony.]

We imbark’d again, as soon as the two Men who had stray’d were return’d, and on the 8th; being the Feast of the _Conception_ of the Blessed Virgin, sail’d in the Morning, after having heard Mass, and the Wind shifting were forc’d to steer several Courses. The 9th we discover’d Cape _Corrientes_, of the Island of _Cuba_; where we were first becalm’d; and then follow’d a stormy Wind, which carried us away five Leagues to the Eastward. The 10th we spent the Night, making several Trips. The 11th, the Wind coming about, we weather’d Cape _Corrientes_, to make that of St. _Antony_; and at length, after plying a considerable Time, and sounding, we came to an Anchor the 12th, upon good Ground, in fifteen Fathom Water, in the Creek form’d by that Cape, which is in 22 Degrees of North Latitude and 288 Degrees 35 Minutes of Longitude.

We stay’d there only till next Day, being the 13th,[45] when the Wind seem’d to be favourable to enter upon the Bay of _Mexico_. We made ready and sail’d, steering _N. W._ and by _N._ and _N. N. W._ to weather the said Cape and prosecute our Voyage: But by that Time we were five Leagues from the Place of our Departure, we perceiv’d the Wind shifted upon us, and not knowing which Way the Currents sate, we stood _E._ and by _N._ and held that Course till the 14th, when Monsieur _de Beaujeu_, who was aboard the _Joly_, join’d us again, and having confer’d with Monsieur _de la Sale_ about the Wind’s being contrary, proposed to him to return to Cape St. _Antony_, to which Monsieur _de la Sale_ consented, to avoid giving him any Cause to complain, tho’ there was no great Occasion for so doing, and accordingly we went and anchor’d in the Place from whence we came.

The next Day, being the 15th, Monsieur _de la Sale_ sent some Men ashore, to try whether we could fill some Casks with Water. They brought Word, they had found some in the Wood, which was not much amiss, but that there was no Conveniency for rowling of the Casks; for which Reason Rundlets were sent, and as much Water brought in them, as fill’d six or seven of our Water Casks.

[Sidenote: _Mistake in Monsieur_ Tonti’s _Account of the Voyage_.]

The same Men reported, that they had found a glass Bottle, and in it a little Wine, or some other Liquor, almost dead. This was all the Provision we found in that Place, by which it appears, how much Monsieur _Tonti_ was misinform’d, since in his Book, _Pag._ 242, he says, we found in that Island several Tun of _Spanish_ Wine, good Brandy and _Indian_ Wheat, which the _Spaniards_ had left or abandon’d; and it is a meer Invention without any Thing of Truth.

The 16th, the Weather being still Calm, the Men went ashore again for five or six more Casks of Water. I was to have gone with them, had not an Indisposition, which I first felt in the Island of _Pines_, and afterwards turn’d to a tertian Ague, prevented me. Therefore I can give no Account of that Island, any further than what I could see from the Ships, which was Abundance of that Sort of Palm-Trees, in French call’d _Lataniers_, fit for nothing but making of Brooms, or scarce any other Use. That day we saw some Smoaks, far within the Island, and guess’d they might be a Signal of the Number of our Ships, or else made by some of the Country Hunters, who had lost their Way.

The next Night preceding the 17th, the Wind freshning from the _N. W._ and starting up all on a sudden, drove the Vessel call’d _la Belle_ upon her Anchor, so that she came foul of the Boltsprit of the _Aimable_, carrying away the Spritsail-Yard and the Spritsail-Top-Sail-Yard, and had not they immediately veer’d out the Cable of the _Aimable_, the Vessel _la Belle_ would have been in danger of perishing, but escap’d with the Loss of her Mizen, which came by the Board, and of about a hundred Fathoms of Cable and an Anchor.

The 18th, the Wind being fresh, we made ready, and sail’d about Ten in the Morning, standing _North_ and _N._ and by _W._ and held our Course till Noon; the Point of Cape St. _Anthony_ bearing _East_ and _West_ with us, and so continu’d steering _North-West_, till the 19th at Noon, when we found our selves in the Latitude of 22 Degrees 58 minutes _North_, and in 287 Degrees 54 Minutes Longitude.

Finding the Wind shifting from one Side to another, we directed our Course several Ways, but that which prov’d advantageous to us, was the fair Weather, and that was a great Help, so that scarce a Day pass’d without taking an Observation.

The 20th, we found the Variation of the Needle was 5 Degrees _West_, and we were in 26 Degrees 40 Minutes of North Latitude and 285 Degrees 16 Minutes Longitude. The 23th it grew very cloudy,[46] which threaten’d stormy Weather, and we prepar’d to receive it, but came off only with the Apprehension, the Clouds dispersing several Ways, and we continu’d till the 27th in and about 28 Degrees 14 Minutes, and both by the Latitude and Estimation it was judg’d, that we were not far from Land.

The Bark call’d _la Belle_ was sent out to discover and keep before, sounding all the Way; and half an Hour before Sun-set, we saw the Vessel _la Belle_ put out her Colours and lie by for us. Being come up with her, the Master told us, he had found an Owzy Bottom at thirty two Fathom Water. At eight of the Clock we sounded also, and found forty Fathom, and at ten, but twenty five. About Midnight, _la Belle_ sounding again, found only seventeen, which being a Demonstration of the Nearness of the Land, we lay by for the _Joly_, to know what Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ design’d, who being come up, lay by with us.

The 27th, Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ sent the _Chevalier d’Aire_, his Lieutenant, and two Pilots to Monsieur _de la Sale_, to conclude upon the Course we were to steer, and it was agreed we should stand West North West till we came into six Fathom Water; that then we should run West, and when we had discover’d the Land, Boats should be sent to view the Country. Matters being thus agreed on, we sail’d again, sounding all the Way for the more Security, and about ten, were in ten or eleven Fathom Water, the Bottom fine greyish Sand and owzy. At Noon, were in 26 Degrees[47] 37 Minutes of North Latitude.

The 28th, being in eight or nine Fathom Water, we perceiv’d the Bark _la Belle_, which kept a Head of us, put out her Colours, which was the Signal of her having discover’d Something. A Sailor was sent up to the Main-Top, who descry’d the Land, to the N. E. not above six Leagues Distance from us, which being told to Monsieur _de Beaujeu_, he thought fit to come to an Anchor.

[Sidenote: _Jan. 1685_]

There being no Man among us who had any Knowledge of that Bay, where we had been told the Currents were strong, and sate swiftly to the _Eastward_, it made us suspect that we were fallen off, and that the Land we saw must be the Bay of _Apalache_, which oblig’d us on the 29th to steer _W. N. W._ still keeping along the Land, and it was agreed that the _Joly_ should follow us in six Fathom Water.

[Sidenote: _Currents._]

The 30th, the _Chevalier d’ Aire_ and the second Pilot of the _Joly_ came aboard us to confer and adjust by our Recknings what Place we might be in, and they all agreed, according to Monsieur _de la Sale’s_ Opinion, that the Currents had set us to the _Eastward_, for which Reason we held on our Course, as we had done the Day before to the _N. W._ keeping along the Shore till the first of _January 1685_, when we perceiv’d that the Currents forc’d us towards the Land, which oblig’d us to come to an Anchor in six Fathom Water.

We had not been there long, before the Bark _la Belle_ made a Signal that she had discover’d Land, which we descry’d at about 4 Leagues Distance from us. Notice was given to Monsieur _de Beaujeu_, who drew near to us, and it was resolv’d to send some Person to discover and take an Account of the Land that appear’d to us.

Accordingly a Boat was man’d, and into it went Monsieur _de la Sale_, the _Chevalier d’ Aire_ and several others; another Boat was also put out, aboard which I went with Ten or Twelve of our Gentlemen, to join Monsieur _de la Sale_ and the Bark _la Belle_ was order’d to follow always keeping along the Shore; to the End that if the Wind shou’d rise, we might get aboard her, to lose no Time.

[Sidenote: _First Landing._]

Some of those who were in Monsieur _de la Sale’s_ Boat, and the foremost,[48] went ashore and saw a spacious plain Country of much Pasture Ground; but had not the Leisure to make any particular Discovery, because the Wind freshning, they were oblig’d to return to their Boat, to come aboard again; which was the Reason why we did not go quite up to the Shore, but return’d with them to our Ship. All that could be taken Notice of was a great Quantity of Wood along the Coast. We took an Observation and found 29 Degrees 10 Minutes of North Latitude.

The Second, there arose a Fog, which made us lose Sight of the _Joly_. The next Day, the Weather clearing up, we fir’d some Cannon-shot and the _Joly_ answer’d, and towards the Evening we perceiv’d her to the Windward of us. We held on our Course, making several Trips till the Fourth in the Evening, when being in Sight and within two Leagues of the Land, we came to an Anchor to expect the _Joly_, for which we were in Pain.

[Sidenote: _Monsieur_ Joutel _believes here was one of the Mouths of the_ Missisipi. _See the Pref. and what follows._]

The Fifth, we set Sail and held on our Course _W. S. W._ keeping along the Shore till about Six in the Evening, when we stood away to the _Southward_ and anchor’d at Night in six Fathom Water. The Sixth, we would have made ready to sail, but the Pilot perceiving, that the Sea broke astern of us, and that there were some Shoals, it was thought proper to continue at Anchor, till the Wind chang’d, and we accordingly staid there the Sixth and all the Seventh. The Eighth the Wind veering about, we stood out a little to Sea, to avoid those Shoals, which are very dangerous, and anchor’d again a League from thence. Upon Advice, that the Bark _la Belle_ had discover’d a small Island, which appear’d between the two Points of a Bay, Monsieur _de la Sale_ sent a Man up to the round Top, from whence both the one and the other were plainly to be seen, and according to the Sea Charts we had with us, that was suppos’d to be the Bay of the _Holy Ghost_.

The Ninth, Monsieur _de la Sale_, sent to view those Shoals. Those who went reported there was a sort of Bank, which runs along the Coast; that they had been in one Fathom Water and discover’d the little Island beforemention’d, and as for the Sand Bank there is no such thing mark’d down in the Charts. Monsieur _de la Sale_ having examin’d the Recknings, was confirm’d in his Opinion, that we were in the Bay of _Apalache_, and caus’d us to continue the same Course.

The Tenth, he took an Observation and found 29 Degrees 23 Minutes North Latitude. The eleventh, we were becalm’d, and Monsieur _de la Sale_ resolv’d to go ashore, to endeavour to discover what he was looking for; but as we were making ready, the Pilot began to mutter because five or six of us were going with Monsieur _de la Sale_, who too lightly alter’d his Design, to avoid giving Offence to brutish People. In that Particular he committed an irretrieveable Error; for it is the Opinion of Judicious Men, who, as well as I, saw the rest of that Voyage, that the Mouth of one of the Branches of the _Missisipi_ River, and the same whose Latitude Monsieur _de la Sale_ had taken, when he travell’d to it from _Canada_, was not far from that Place, and that we must of Necessity be near the Bay of the _Holy Ghost_.[49]

[Sidenote: _Monsieur_ de la Sale’s _Mistake_.]

It was Monsieur _de la Sale’s_ Design to find that Bay, and having found it, he had resolv’d to have set ashore about thirty Men, who were to have follow’d the Coast on the Right and Left, which would infallibly have discover’d to him that fatal River, and have prevented many Misfortunes; but Heaven refus’d him that Success, and even made him regardless of an Affair of such Consequence, since he was satisfy’d with sending thither the Pilot, with one of the Masters of the Bark _la Belle_, who return’d without having seen any Thing, because a fog happen’d to rise; only the Master of the Bark said he believ’d there was a River opposite to those Shoals, which was very likely, and yet Monsieur _de la Sale_ took no Notice of it, nor made any Account of that Report.

The Twelfth, the Wind being come about we weigh’d and directed our Course _S. W._ to get further from the Land. By an Observation found 25[50] Degrees 50 Minutes North Latitude, and the Wind shifting, and the Currents, which set from the Seaward driving us ashore, it was found convenient to anchor in four or five Fathom Water, where we spent all the Night.

The Thirteenth, we perceiv’d our Water began to fall short, and therefore it was requisite to go ashore to fill some Casks. Monsieur _de la Sale_ propos’d it to me to go and see it perform’d, which I accepted of, with six of our Gentlemen who offer’d their Service. We went into the Boat, with our Arms, the Boat belonging to the Bark _la Belle_ follow’d ours, with five or six Men, and we all made directly for the Land.

We were very near the Shoar, when we discover’d a number of naked Men marching along the Banks, whom we suppos’d to be native Savages. We drew within two Musket Shots of the Land, and the Shore being flat, the Wind setting from the Offing, and the Sea running high, dropt our Anchors, for Fear of staving our Boats.[51]

[Sidenote: _Savages came to the Boat._]

When the Savages perceiv’d we had stopp’d, they made Signs to us with Skins, to go to them, shew’d us their Bows, which they laid down upon the Ground, and drew near to the Edge of the Shore; but because we could not get Ashore, and still they continued their Signals, I put my Handkerchief on the End of my Firelock, after the Manner of a Flag, and made Signs to them to come to us. They were some Time considering of it, and at last some of them ran into the Water up to their Shoulders, till perceiving that the Waves overwhelm’d them, they went out again, fetch’d a large Piece of Timber, which they threw into the Sea, plac’d themselves along both Sides of it, holding fast to it with one Arm, and swimming with the other; and in that Manner they drew near to our Boat.

[Sidenote: _Carryed Aboard._]

Being in Hopes that Monsr. _de la Sale_, might get some Information from those Savages, we made no Difficulty of taking them into our Boat, one after another, on each Side, to the Number of five, and then made Signs to the rest to go to the other Boat, which they did, and we carry’d them on Board.

Monsieur _de la Sale_ was very well pleas’d to see them, imagining they might give him some Account of the River he sought after; but to no Purpose, for he spoke to them in several of the Languages of the Savages, which he knew, and made many Signs to them, but still they understood not what he meant, or if they did comprehend any thing, they made Signs, that they knew nothing of what he ask’d; so that having made them smoak and eat, we shewed them our Arms and the Ship, and when they saw at one End of it some Sheep, Swine, Hens and Turkeys, and the Hide of a Cow we had kill’d, they made Signs that they had of all those Sorts of Creatures among them.

[Sidenote: _Return Ashore with Gifts._]

We gave them some Knives and Strings of Beads, after which, they were dismiss’d, and the Waves hindring us from coming too near the Shore, they were oblig’d to leap into the Water, after we had made fast about their Necks, or to the Tuft of Hair they have on the Top of the Head, the Knives and other small Presents Monsieur _de la Sale_ had given them.

They went and join’d the others who expected them, and were making Signs to us to go to them; but not being able to make the Shore, we stood off again and return’d to our Ship. It is to be observed, that when we were carrying them back, they made some Signs to us, by which we conceiv’d they would signify to us that there was a great River that Way we were pass’d, and that it occasion’d the Shoals we had seen.

The Wind changing, the same Day, we weigh’d Anchor and stood to the Southward, to get into the Offing, till the 14th in the Morning, when we were becalm’d. At Noon, we were in 28 Degrees 51 Minutes of North Latitude. The Wind freshned, and in the Evening we held on our Course, but only for a short Time, because the Wind setting us towards the Shore, we were obliged to anchor again, whereupon Monsieur _de la Sale_ again resolved to send Ashore, and the same Persons imbark’d in the same Boats to that effect.

[Sidenote: _Goats and Bullocks._]

We met with the same Obstacles, that had hinder’d us the Day before, that is, the High-Sea, which would not permit us to come near the Shore, and were obliged to drop Anchor in fourteen Foot Water.[52] The Sight of Abundance of Goats and Bullocks, differing in Shape, from ours, and running along the Coast, heighten’d our Earnestness to be Ashore. We therefore sounded to see whether we might get to Land by Stripping, and found we were on a Flat, which had four Foot Water, but that beyond it there was a deep Channel. Whilst we were consulting what to do, a Storm arose, which oblig’d Monsieur _de la Sale_ to fire a Gun for us to return Aboard, which we did against our Inclination.

Monsieur _de la Sale_ was pleas’d with the Report we made him, and by it, several were encouraged to go Ashore to hunt, that we might have some fresh Meat. We spent all that Night, till the next Morning, in Hopes of returning soon to that Place; but the Wind changing, forc’d us to weigh and sail till the Evening, when we drop’d Anchor in six Fathom Water. The Land which we never departed from very far, appear’d to us very pleasant, and having lain there till the 16th, that Morning we sail’d _W. S. W._ We weather’d a Point, keeping a large Offing, because of the Sea’s beating upon it, and stood to the Southward. At Noon, we were in 28 Degrees 20 Minutes of North Latitude, and consequently found the Latitude declin’d, by which we were sensible, that the Coast tendered to the Southward. At Night we anchor’d in six Fathom Water.

The 17th, the Wind continuing the same, we held on our Course _S. W._ and having about Ten discover’d a Sort of River, Monsieur _de la Sale_ caus’d Ten of us to go into a Boat, to take a View of that Coast, and see whether there was not some Place to land. He order’d me, in Case we found any convenient Place, to give him Notice either by Fire or Smoke.

[Sidenote: _Second landing._]

We set out, and found the Shoals obstructed our Descent. One of our Men went naked into the Water to sound that Sand Bank, which lay between us and the Land; and having shewn us a Place where we might Pass, we, with much Difficulty, forc’d our Boat into the Channel, and six or seven of us landed, after ordering the Boat to go up into that which had appeared to us to be a River, to see whether any fresh Water could be found.

As soon as we were landed, I made a Smoke to give Notice to Monsieur _de la Sale_, and then we advanc’d both Ways, without straggling too far, that we might be ready to receive Monsr. _de la Sale_, who was to come, as he did, soon after, but finding the Surges run high, he return’d, and our Boat finding no fresh Water, came back and anchor’d to wait for us.

We walked about every Way, and found a dry Soil, tho’ it seem’d to be overflow’d at some Times; great Lakes of salt Water, little Grass, the Track of Goats, on the Sand, and saw Herds of them, but could not come near them, however we kill’d some Ducks and Bustards. In the Evening, as we were returning, we miss’d an English Seaman, fir’d several Shots to give him Notice, searched all about, waited till after Sunset, and at last hearing no Tidings of him, we went into the Boat to return Aboard.

I gave Monsieur _de la Sale_ an Account of what we had seen, which would have pleas’d him, had the River we discover’d, afforded fresh Water: He was also uneasy for the lost Man; but about Midnight we saw a Fire Ashore, in the Place we came from, which we suppos’d to be made by our Man, and the Boat went for him as soon as it was day on the 18th.

After that, we made several Trips, still steering towards the _S. W._ and then ensued a Calm, which oblig’d us to come to an Anchor. Want of Water made us think of returning towards the River, where we had been the Day before. Monsr. _de la Sale_ resolved to set a considerable Number of Men Ashore, with sufficient Ammunition, and to go with them himself, to discover and take Cognizance of that Country, and order’d me to follow him. Accordingly we sail’d back, and came to an Anchor in the same Place.

All things necessary for that end being order’d on the 19th, Part of the Men were put into a Boat;[53] but a very thick Fog rising, and taking away the Sight of Land, the Compass was made use of, and the fog dispersing as we drew near the Land, we perceiv’d a Ship making directly towards us, and that it was the _Joly_, where Monsr. _de Beaujeu_ commanded, which rejoic’d us, but our Satisfaction was not lasting, and it will appear by the Sequel, that it were to have been wished, that Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ had not joyn’d us again, but that he had rather gone away for _France_, without ever seeing of us.

His Arrival disconcerted the Execution of our Enterprize. Monsr. _de la Sale_, who was already on his Way, and those who were gone before him, return’d Aboard, and some Hours after, Monsr. _de Beaujeu_ sent his Lieutenant, Monsr. _de Aire_, attended by several Persons, as well Clergymen as others, among whom was the Sieur _Gabaret_, second Pilot of the _Joly_.

[Sidenote: _Commanders at Variance._]

Monsieur _d’ Aire_ complain’d grievously to Monsieur _de la Sale_, in the Name of Monsr. _de Beaujeu_, for that said he, we had left him designedly; which was not true, for as I have said, the _Joly_ lay at Anchor A-head of us, when we were separated from her; we fired a Gun to give her Notice of our Departure, as had been concerted, and Monsr. _de Beaujeu_ answer’d it; besides that, if we had intended to separate from him, we should not have always held our Course in Sight of Land, as we had done, and that had Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ held the same Course, as had been agreed, he had not been separated from us.

There were afterwards several Disputes between the Captains and the Pilots, as well Aboard Monsieur _de la Sale_, as Aboard Monsieur _de Beaujeu_, when those Gentlemen return’d, about settling exactly the Place we were in, and the Course we were to steer; some positively affirming we were farther than we imagin’d, and that the Currents had carry’d us away; and others, that we were near the _Magdalen_ River.

[Sidenote: _They pass the Mouth of the_ Missisipi.]

The former of those Notions prevail’d, whence, upon Reflection, Monsieur _de la Sale_ concluded, that he must be past his River, which was but too true; for that River emptying it self in the Sea by two Channels, it follow’d that one of the Mouths fell about the Shoals we had observ’d the sixth of the Month; and the rather because those Shoals were very near the Latitude that Monsieur _de la Sale_ had observ’d, when he came by the way of _Canada_ to discover the Mouth of that River, as he told me several Times.

This Consideration prevail’d with Monsieur _de la Sale_ to propose his Design of returning towards those Shoals. He gave his Reasons for so doing and exposed his Doubts; but his ill Fortune made him not be regarded. Our Passage had taken up more Time than had been expected, by Reason of the Calms; there was a considerable Number of Men aboard the _Joly_, and Provisions grew short, insomuch that they said it would not hold out to return, if our Departure were delay’d. For this Reason Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ demanded Provisions of Monsieur _de la Sale_; but he asking enough for a long Time, Monsieur _de la Sale_ answer’d, he could only give him enough for a Fortnight, which was more Time than was requisite to reach the Place he intended to return to; and that besides he could not give him more Provisions, without rummaging all the Stores to the Bottom of the Hold, which would endanger his being cast away. Thus nothing was concluded, and Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ return’d to his own Ship.

[Sidenote: _Third Landing._]

In the mean Time, Want of Water began to pinch us, and Monsieur _de la Sale_ resolv’d to send to look for some about the next River. Accordingly he order’d the two Boats that had been made ready the Day before, to go off. He was aboard one of them himself, and directed me to follow him. Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ also commanded his Boat to go for Wood. By the Way we met the said Sieur _de Beaujeu_ in his Yaul, returning from Land, with the Sieur _Minet_, an Ingenier, who told us, they had been in a Sort of salt Pool, two or three Leagues from the Place where the Ships were at Anchor, we held on our Way and landed.

One of our Boats, which was gone ahead of us, had been a League and a half up the River, without finding any fresh Water in its Channel; but some Men wandering about to the right and left, had met with divers Rivulets[54] of very good Water, wherewith many Casks were fill’d.

We lay ashore, and our Hunters having that Day kill’d good Store of Ducks, Bustards and Teal, and the next Day two Goats, Monsieur _de la Sale_ sent Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ Part. We feasted upon the rest, and that good Sport put several Gentlemen that were then aboard Monsieur _de Beaujeu_, among whom were Monsieur _du Hamel_, the Ensign and the King’s Clerk, upon coming ashore to partake of the Diversion; but they took much Pains and were not successful in their Sport.

In the mean Time many Casks were fill’d with Water, as well for our Ship as for Monsieur _de Beaujeu’s_. Some Days after Monsieur _d’ Aire_ the Lieutenant, came ashore to confer with Monsieur _de la Sale_, and to know how he would manage about the Provisions; but both of them persisting in their first Proposals and Monsieur _de la Sale_ perceiving that Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ would not be satisfied with Provisions for 15 Days, which he thought sufficient to go to the Place where he expected to find one of the Branches of the _Missisipi_, which he with good Reason believ’d to be about the Shoals, I have before spoken of, nothing was concluded as to that Affair. Monsieur _d’ Aire_ return’d to his Captain, and Monsieur _de la Sale_ resolv’d to land his Men; which could not be done for some Days, because of the foul Weather; but in the mean Time we kill’d much Game.

During this little Interval, Monsieur _de la Sale_ being impatient to get some Intelligence of what he sought after, resolv’d to go himself upon Discovery, and to seek out some more useful and commodious River than that where they were. To this Purpose he took five or six of us along with him. We set out one Morning in so thick a Fog, that the hindmost could not perceive the Track of the foremost, so that we lost Monsieur _de la Sale_ for some Time.

[Sidenote: _Account of the Country._]

We travel’d till about three in the Afternoon, finding the Country for the most Part Sandy, little Grass, no fresh Water, unless in some Sloughs,[55] the Track of abundance of wild Goats, Lakes full of Ducks, Teals, Water-Hens, and having taken much Pains return’d without Success.

The next Morning, Monsieur _de la Sale’s_ _Indian_, going about to find wild Goats, came to a Lake, which had a little Ice upon it, the Weather being cold, and Abundance of Fish dying about the Edges of it. He came to inform us, we went to make our Provision of them, there were some of a prodigious Magnitude, and among the rest extraordinary large Trouts, or else they were some Sort of Fish very like them. We caused some of each of a Sort to be boil’d in salt Water, and found them very good. Thus having Plenty of Fish and Flesh, we began to use ourselves to eat them both, without Bread.

[Sidenote: _Feb. 1685_]

Whilst we liv’d thus easy enough, Monsieur _de la Sale_ expected with Impatience to know what Resolution Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ would take; that he might either go to the Place, where he expected to find the _Missisipi_, or follow some other Course; but at last, perceiving that his Affairs did not advance, he resolv’d to put his own Design in Execution, the Purport whereof was to land one hundred and twenty, or one hundred and thirty Men to go along the Coast and continue it, till they had found some other River, and that at the same Time the Bark _la Belle_ should hold the same Course at Sea, still keeping along the Coast, to relieve those Ashore in Time of Need.

He gave me and Monsieur _Moranget_, his Nephew, the Command of that small Company, he furnish’d us with all Sorts of Provisions for eight, or ten Days, as also Arms, Tools and Utensils we might have Occasion for, of which every Man made his Bundle. He also gave us written Instructions of what we were to do, the Signals we were to make; and thus we set out on the Fourth of _February_.

[Sidenote: _Men sent by Land to discover._]

We took our Way along the Shore. Our first Day’s Journey was not long, we encamp’d on a little rising Ground, heard a Cannon shot, which made us uneasy, made the Signals that had been appointed, and the next Day, being the 5th, we held on our March, Monsieur _Moranget_ bringing up the Rear, and I leading the Van.

I will not spend Time in relating several personal Accidents, inconsiderable in themselves, or of no Consequence, the most considerable of them being the Want of fresh Water; but will proceed to say, that after three Days March we found a great River, where we halted and made the Signals agreed on, encamping on a commodious Spot of Ground till we could hear of the Boat, which was to follow us, or of our Ships.

But our Provisions beginning to fall short, and none of our Ships appearing, being besides apprehensive of some unlucky Accident occasion’d by the Disagreement between Monsieur _de la Sale_ and Monsr. _de Beaujeu_, the Chief of our Company came together to know what Resolution we should take. It was agreed, that we should spare our Provisions to endeavour to go on to some Place where we might find Bullocks; but it was requisite to cross the River, and we knew not how, because we were too many of us, and therefore it was decreed to set some Carpenters there were among-us at Work to build a little Boat,[56] which took them up the eleventh and twelfth of _February_.

The 13th, we were put out of our Pain by two Vessels we discover’d at Sea, which we knew to be the _Joly_ and _la Belle_, to whom we made our Signals with Smoke. They came not in then, because it was late, but the next Day being the 14th in the Morning, the Boat, with the Sieur _Barbier_ and the Pilot of the Bark _la Belle_ come up, and both sounded the Mouth of the River.

[Sidenote: _A fine River._]

They found on the Bar, from ten to twelve Foot Water, and within it from five to six Fathom; the Breadth of the River being about half a Quarter of a League. They sounded near the Island, which lies between the two Points of the Bay, and found the same Depth. The Boat of the _Joly_ came and sounded on the other Side of the Channel, and particularly along the Shoals, I know not to what Purpose. The same Day, Monsieur _de la Sale_, for whom we were much in Pain, came also, and as soon as he arrived, he caus’d the Boat to be laden with such Provisions as we stood in Need of, but the Wind being contrary, it could not come to us till the next Day, being the 15th.

That same Day, Monsr. _de la Sale_ came Ashoar to view the Place and examine the Entrance into the River, which he found to be very good. Having consider’d all Particulars, he resolv’d to send in the Bark _la Belle_ and _l’ Aimable_, that they might be under Shelter, to which Purpose, he order’d to sound, and to know whether those two Vessels could both come in that same Day. Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ caus’d also the Place to be sounded, and lay Ashoar on the other Side of the River, where he took Notice there were Vines which run up the Trees, like our Wall Vines, some Woods and the Carcasses of Bullocks, which he supposed to have died with Thirst.

The 16th, the Pilots of the _Joly_, _l’ Aimable_ and _la Belle_, went again to sound, they found the Entrance easy, and gave it under their Hands. The 17th, they fix’d Stakes to mark out the Way, that the Vessels might come safe in. All Things seem’d to promise a happy Event.

The 18th, the Chevalier _d’ Aire_ came ashore, to confer with Monsieur _de la Sale_, who being desirous to have the Fly-boat _l’ Aimable_ come in that Day, order’d the most weighty Things in her to be unloaded, as the Cannon, the Iron and some other Things. It was my good Fortune that my Chest stood in the Way, and was also unloaded, but that Unlading could not be done till the next Day, being the 19th. That being perform’d, the Captain affirm’d it would go in at 8 Foot Water.

[Sidenote: _A Company of Savages._]

The 20th, Monsieur _de la Sale_ sent Orders to that Captain to draw near the Bar, and to come in at high Water, of which a Signal should be given him; he also order’d the Pilot of the Bark _la Belle_ to go aboard the Flyboat, to be assisting when it came in. The Captain would not receive him aboard, saying, he could carry in his Ship without his Help. All these Precautions prov’d of no Use; Monsieur _de la Sale_ could not avert his ill Fate. He having taken Notice of a large Tree on the Bank of the River, which he judg’d fit to make a Canoe, sent 7 or 8 Workmen to hew it down, two of whom return’d some Time after, in a great Fright, and told him, they had narrowly escap’d being taken by a Company of Savages, and that they believ’d the others had fallen into their Hands. Monsieur _de la Sale_ order’d us immediately to handle our Arms, and to march with Drums beating towards the Savages, who seeing us in that Posture, fac’d about and went off.

Monsieur _de la Sale_ being desirous to join those Savages, to endeavour to get some Information from them, order’d Ten of us to lay down our Arms and draw near them, making Signs to them, at the same Time, to come to us.

[Sidenote: _Their Friendly Behaviour._]

When they saw us in that Posture and unarm’d, most of them also laid down their Bows and Arrows and came to meet us, caressing us after their Manner, and stroking first their own Breasts and then ours, then their own Arms and afterwards ours. By these Signs they gave us to understand that they had a Friendship for us, which they express’d by laying their Hands on their Hearts, and we did the same on our Part.

Six or seven of those Savages went along with us, and the rest kept three of our Men, in the Nature of Hostages. Those who went with us were made much of, but Monsieur _de la Sale_ could learn nothing of them, either by Signs or otherwise; all they could make us understand was, that there was good hunting of Bullocks in the Country. We observ’d, that their _Yea_ consisted in a Cry, fetch’d from the Bottom of the Throat, not unlike the Call of a Hen to gather her Chickens. Monsieur _de la Sale_ gave them some Knives, Hatchets and other Trifles, with which they seem’d well pleased, and went away.

Monsieur _de la Sale_ was glad to be rid of those People, because he was willing to be present when the Flyboat came in; but his ill Fate would not permit it. He thought fit to go himself along with those Savages, and we follow’d him, thinking to have found our Men in the same Place where we left them; but perceiv’d on the Contrary, that the Savages had carried them away to their Camp, which was a League and half from us, and Monsieur _de la Sablonniere_. Lieutenant of Foot, being one of those the Savages had taken with them. Monsieur _de la Sale_ resolved to go himself to fetch him away, an unhappy Thought which cost him dear.

[Sidenote: _Their Camp._]

As we were on our Way towards the Camp of the Savages, happening to look towards the Sea, we saw the Flyboat _l’ Aimable_ under Sail, which the Savages who were with us admir’d, and Monsieur _de la Sale_ observing it narrowly, told us, those People steer’d wrong, and were standing towards the Shoals, which made him very uneasy, but still we advanc’d. We arriv’d at the Camp of the Savages, which stood upon an Eminence, and consisted of about Fifty Cottages made of rush Mats, and others of dry’d Skins, and built with long Poles, bow’d round at the Top, like great Ovens, and most of the Savages sitting about, as if they were upon the Watch.

We were still advancing into the Village, when he heard a Cannon Shot, the Noise whereof struck such a Dread among the Savages, that they all fell flat upon the Ground; but Monsieur _de la Sale_ and we were too sensible it was a Signal that our Ship was aground, which was confirm’d by seeing them furl their Sails; However we were gone too far to return; our Men must be had, and to that Purpose, we must proceed to the Hut of the Commander in Chief.[57]

As soon as we arrived there, Monsr. _de la Sale_ was introduc’d; many of the _Indian_ Women came in, they were very deform’d[58] and all naked, excepting a Skin girt about them, which hung down to their Knees. They would have led us to their Cottages, but Monsr. _de la Sale_ had order’d us not to part, and to observe whether the _Indians_ did not draw together, so that we kept together, standing upon our Guard, and I was always with him.

[Sidenote: _Their Entertainment._]

They brought us some Pieces of Beef, both fresh and dry’d in the Air and Smoke, and Pieces of Porpois, which they cut with a Sort of Knife, made of Stone, setting one Foot upon it, and holding with one Hand, whilst they cut with the other. We saw nothing of Iron among them. They had given our Men, that came with them, to eat, and Monsr. _de la Sale_ being extraordinary uneasy, we soon took Leave of them to return. At our going out, we observ’d about forty Canoes, some of them like those Monsr. _de la Sale_ had seen on the _Missisipi_, which made him conclude he was not far from it.

[Sidenote: L’ Aimable _cast away_.]

We soon arrived at our Camp, and found the Misfortune, Monsr. _de la Sale_ had apprehended, was but too certain. The Ship was stranded on the Shoals. The ill Management of the Captain, or of the Pilot, who had not steer’d by the Stakes placed for that Purpose; the Cries of a Sailor posted on the Main-top, who cry’d amain, _Loof_, which was to steer towards the Passage marked out, whilst the wicked Captain cry’d, _Come no nearer_, which was to steer the contrary Course; the same Captain’s Carelesness in not dropping his Anchor, as soon as the Ship touch’d, which would have prevented her sticking aground; the Folly of lowering his Main-Sheet and hoisting out his Sprit-Sail, the better to fall into the Wind, and secure the Shipwreck; the Captain’s refusing to admit the Pilot of the Bark _la Belle_, whom Monsieur _de la Sale_ had sent to assist him; the sounding upon the Shoals to no Purpose, and several other Circumstances reported by the Ship’s Crew and those who saw the Management, were infallible Tokens and Proofs, that the Mischief had been done designedly and adviseably, which was one of the blackest and most detestable Actions that Man could be guilty of.

This Misfortune was so much the greater, because that Vessel contain’d almost all the Ammunition, Utensils, Tools and other Necessaries for Monsr. _de la Sale’s_ Enterprize and Settlement. He had need of all his Resolution to bear up against it; but his Intrepidity did not forsake him, and he apply’d himself, without grieving, to Remedy what might be. All the Men were taken out of the Ship; he desir’d Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ to lend him his long Boat, to help save as much as might be. We began with Powder and Meal. About thirty Hogsheads of Wine and Brandy were saved, and Fortune being incens’d against us, two Things contributed to the total Loss of all the rest:

The first was, that our Boat, which hung at the Stern of the Ship run A-ground, was maliciously stav’d in the Night, so that we had none left but Monsieur _de Beaujeu’s_. The second, that the Wind blowing in from the Offing, made the Waves run high, which beating violently against the Ship, split her, and all the light Goods were carry’d out at the opening, by the Water. This last Misfortune happen’d also in the Night. Thus every Thing fell out most unhappily, for had that befallen in the Day, Abundance of Things might have been saved.

Whilst we were upon this melancholy Employment, about an hundred, or an hundred and twenty of the Natives came to our Camp, with their Bows and Arrows. Monsieur _de la Sale_ order’d us to handle our Arms, and stand upon our Guard. About twenty of those _Indians_ mix’d themselves among us, to observe what we had saved of the Shipwreck, upon which, there were several Sentinels,[59] to let none come near the Powder.

The rest of the _Indians_ stood in Parcels, or Pelotons. Monsr. _de la Sale_, who was acquainted with their Ways, order’d us to observe their Behaviour, and to take Nothing from them, which nevertheless did not hinder some of our Men from receiving some Pieces of Meat. Some Time after, when the _Indians_ were about departing, they made Signs to us to go a Hunting with them; but besides that, there was sufficient Cause to suspect them, we had enough other Business to do. However we ask’d, whether they would barter for any of their Canoes, which they agreed to. The Sieur _Barbier_ went along with them, purchas’d two for Hatchets and brought them.