Chapter V: Part 5

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

[Sidenote: _How the Bark was lost._]

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

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

[Sidenote: _June 1686_]

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

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

[Sidenote: _Encounter with the Natives._]

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

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

[Sidenote: _The Sieur_ Barbier _marries_.]

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

[Sidenote: _Accidents concerning the Recolets._]

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

[Sidenote: Duhaut _Endeavours to occasion a Mutiny_.]

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

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

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

[Sidenote: M. de la Sale_’s Discoveries_.]

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

[Sidenote: _His Return._]

[Sidenote: _Sept. 1686_]

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

Monsr. _de la Sale_ ask’d me, as soon as he came, whether the Sieurs _Clerc_, _Hurie_, _Duhaut_ the younger and two others were come, because they not being able to endure the Fatigue of the Journey, he had given them Leave to return, and hearing they were not, he concluded the Savages had killed them. We were also inform’d, that the Sieur _Bihorel_, had stray’d and was lost, so that there had been no News of him since; that one of Monsr. _de la Sale’s_ Servants had been dragg’d down to the Bottom of the Water and devour’d by an Alligator, and that four others had deserted and abandon’d Monsieur _de la Sale_, when he was about the Country of the _Cenis_.

[Sidenote: _M._ de la Sale _resolves upon a third Expedition_.]

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

[Sidenote: _Oct. 1686_]

[Sidenote: _Two Men kill’d._]

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

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

[Sidenote: _Nov. 1686_]

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

[Sidenote: _Dec. 1686_]

[Sidenote: _Controversy about Privilege._]

We spent some Time longer after this Manner, during the which, there arose a Controversy about the Privileges the King grants to the First-born of the _French_ Colonies in _America_. The Sieur _Barbier’s_ wife was with Child, and he claim’d the Privilege granted for that Child. The Widow _Talon_ had a Child born in the Passage from _France_ to _America_, and alledg’d, that her Child, tho’ born before our Arrival, ought to be preferr’d; but the Sieur _Barbier’s_ Wife miscarrying, the Dispute was not decided.

[Sidenote: _Jan. 1687_]

Monsieur _de la Sale_ being recover’d of his Indisposition, Preparations were again made for his Journey; but we first kept the _Christmas_ Holy-Days. The Midnight Mass was solemnly sung, and on _Twelve-Day_, we cry’d, _The King drinks_, (_according to the Custom of_ France) tho’ we had only Water: When that was over we began to think of setting out. Monsieur _de la Sale_ gave the Command of the Settlement to the Sieur _Barbier_, directing him what he was to do and observe in his Absence.

[Sidenote: _Who were left in the Settlement when M._ de la Sale _departed_.]

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

[Sidenote: _Persons that set out with M._ de la Sale.]

We set out the 12th of _January_, in the Year 1687, being seventeen in Number, _viz._ Monsieur _de la Sale_, Monsieur _Cavelier_, the Priest, his Brother, Father _Anastasius_, the Recolet, Messieurs _Moranget_ and _Cavelier_, Nephews to Monsieur _de la Sale_, the Sieurs _Duhaut_, the Elder, _l’Arcleveque_,[79] _Hiens_, _Liotot_, Surgeon, young _Talon_, an _Indian_, and a Footman belonging to Monsieur _de la Sale_. We carried along with us Part of the best Things every Man had, and what was thought would be of Use, wherewith the five Horses were loaded, and we took our Leaves with so much Tenderness and Sorrow, as if we had all presaged, that we should never see each other more. Father _Zenobius_ was the Person who express’d it to me most significantly, saying, He had never been so sensibly touch’d at parting with any Body.

[Sidenote: _The Way they travell’d._]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: _Natives entertain’d._]

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

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

[Sidenote: _A fine Country._]

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

[Sidenote: _Thick Woods._]

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

[Sidenote: _Wild Fowl._]

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

[Sidenote: _An Indian Village abandon’d._]

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

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

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

[Sidenote: _Buskins of raw Hides instead of Shoes._]

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

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

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

[Sidenote: Hebahamo, _Indian Nation_.]

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

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: _Feb. 1687_]

[Sidenote: _Village inhabited._]

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: la Maligne _River_.]

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

[Sidenote: Indian _Rats_.]

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

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

[Sidenote: _Portable Canoe._]

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: _A Village._]

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

[Sidenote: _Monsieur_ de la Sale _well receiv’d by the Natives_.]

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

[Sidenote: _Names of Nations or Tribes._]

The _Spicheats_, _Kabayes_, _Thecamons_, _Theauremets_, _Kiahoba_, _Choumenes_, _Kouans_, _Arhan_, _Enepiahe_, _Ahonerhopiheim_, _Korenkake_, _Korkone_, _Omcaosse_, _Keremen_, _Ahehoen_, _Maghai_, _Thecamenes_, _Otenmarhem_, _Kavagan_ and _Meracouman_. These are the Nations that lay on our Road; those on the West and North West of the said River were the _Kannehonan_, _Tohaka_, _Pehir_, _Coyabegux_, _Onapien_, _Pichar_, _Tohan_, _Kiasses_, _Chanzes_, _Tsera_, _Bocrettes_, _Tsepehoen_, _Fercouteha_, _Panego_, _Petao_, _Petzares_, _Peisacho_, _Peihoum_ and _Orcampion_.[89]

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

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: _Account given by a Native._]

The 20th, Monsieur _de la Sale_ sent Monsieur _Moranget_ and some others to the Village of those Natives, to try whether they could barter with them for some Horses. In the mean Time two Savages came to us, one of them being the same that was with us the Night before, and they express’d much Friendship for us. That particular _Indian_ told us, his name was _Palaquechaune_, that they were Allies to the _Cenis_, that their Chief had been among the _Choumans_, with the _Spaniards_; that the _Choumans_ were Friends to the _Spaniards_, from whom they got Horses, and added some farther Particulars, which the others had before signify’d to us; so that we had good Reason to judge we were not far from _North Mexico_.

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

[Sidenote: _M._ Moranget_’s Account_.]

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: _Three lost_ French _Men heard of_.]

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

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: _Mar. 1687_]

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

[Sidenote: _River of Canoes._]

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

[Sidenote: _Provisions hid, spoilt._]

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

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

[Sidenote: _Discontent occasion’d by Monsr._ Moranget.]

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

[Sidenote: _Conspiracy to murder Monsr._ de la Sale.]

This passionate Behaviour, so much out of Season, and contrary to Reason and Custom, touch’d the Surgeon _Liotot_, _Hiens_ and _Duhaut_ to the Quick, they having other Causes of Complaint against _Moranget_. They withdrew, and resolv’d together upon a bloody Revenge; they agreed upon the Manner of it, and concluded they would murder the Sieur _Moranget_, Monsieur _de la Sale’s_ Footman and his _Indian_, because he was very faithful to him.

[Sidenote: _Bloody Murderers._]

They waited till Night, when those unfortunate Creatures had supp’d and were asleep. _Liotot_ the Surgeon was the inhuman Executioner, he took an Ax, began by the Sieur _Moranget_, giving him many Strokes on the Head; the same he did by the Footman and the _Indian_, killing them on the Spot, whilst his Fellow Villains, _viz._ _Duhaut_, _Hiens_, _Teissier_ and _Larcheveque_ stood upon their Guard, with their Arms, to fire upon such as should make any Resistance. The _Indian_ and the Footman never stir’d, but the Sieur _Moranget_ had so much Vigour as to sit up, but without being able to speak one Word, and the Assasins obliged the Sieur _de Marle_ to make an End of him, tho’ he was not in the Conspiracy.

[Sidenote: _Consult to murder Monsr._ de la Sale.]

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

[Sidenote: _He goes to seek them._]

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

[Sidenote: _Is murder’d._]