Chapter VI: Part 6

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

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

[Sidenote: _His Character._]

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

[Sidenote: _Barbarity towards the dead Body._]

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

[Sidenote: _Murderers return to the Camp._]

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

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

[Sidenote: _The Author sav’d by a Friend._]

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

[Sidenote: Duhaut, _the Murderer, usurps the Command_.]

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

[Sidenote: _March continued._]

[Sidenote: Cenis _River_.]

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

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

[Sidenote: Copal _Tree_.]

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

[Sidenote: _The Author sent to the_ Cenis _for Provisions_.]

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

[Sidenote: _The Country describ’d._]

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

[Sidenote: _A Man clad like a Spaniard._]

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: _The_ Cenis _meet the French in solemn Manner_.]

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

[Sidenote: _A French Man among the Indians._]

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

[Sidenote: _Indian Entertainment._]

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

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

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

[Sidenote: _Huts and Families in them._]

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

[Sidenote: _Manner of Building._]

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

[Sidenote: _Their moveables._]

[Sidenote: _Beds._]

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

[Sidenote: _Tillage._]

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

[Sidenote: _Instrument for Tilling._]

[Sidenote: _Women sow._]

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

[Sidenote: Indians _disfigure themselves_.]

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

[Sidenote: _Women._]

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

[Sidenote: _They do the Work at Home._]

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

[Sidenote: _Their Behaviour._]

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

[Sidenote: _Habits._]

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

[Sidenote: _Manners._]

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

[Sidenote: _Religion._]

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

[Sidenote: _Ceremonies._]

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

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

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

[Sidenote: _Tabacco._]

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

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

[Sidenote: _Nation, what is meant here by it._]

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

[Sidenote: _Names of Nations._]

The _Spicheats_, _Kabayes_, _Thecamons_, _Theauremets_, _Kiabaha_, _Chaumenes_, _Kouans_, _Arhau_, _Enepiahe_, _Ahonerhopiheim_, _Koienkahe_, _Konkone_, _Omeaosse_, _Keremen_, _Ahekouen_, _Meghty_, _Tetamenes_, _Otenmarhem_, _Kouayon_ and _Meracouman_. All these Nations are on the North of the River called _la Maligne_. Those that follow, are on the West and North-West of the same River.

The _Kannehouan_, _Tohaha_, _Pehir_, _Cagabegux_, _Onapien_, _Pickar_, _Tokau_, _Kuasses_, _Chancres_, _Teserabocretes_, _Tsepehoen_, _Fercouteha_, _Panego_, _Petao_, _Petzare_, _Peisacho_, _Peihoun_, _Orcan_ and _Piou_.[103] This last Nation borders upon the _Cenis_, at the Entrance into whose first Village I left my Reader, to give an Account of the Inhabitants, and thither I return, to proceed with my Relation and our Journey to the Village, the _French_ Man who liv’d among the Natives was to conduct us to.

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

[Sidenote: French _Entertained by the Natives_.]

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

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

[Sidenote: _Apr. 1687_]

[Sidenote: _A Horse sold for an Ax._]

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: _The Author meets another French Man among the Indians._]

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

[Sidenote: _French turn’d savage._]

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

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

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

[Sidenote: _Indian Maid brought to the Author._]

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

[Sidenote: French _Men like_ Indians.]

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

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

[Sidenote: _The Murderers resolve to return to the Habition of_ St. Lewis.]

The 8th, three Men came to me, one of which was the _French_ Man of _Provence_, with each of them a Horse, sent by our People to carry away all the Provisions I had got together, having taken a Resolution, as those Persons they had sent told us, to return to the Dwelling of St. _Lewis_, about the Bay of the same Name, from whence we came; designing, as they pretended, to build a Boat there, to carry them over to the Islands of _America_; an impracticable Notion, for all our Carpenters were dead, and tho’ they had been alive, they were so ignorant, that none of them would have known which Way to go about that Work; besides that, we were destitute of all Necessaries for that Effect. However we must obey, and set out with our Provisions. The Rain having detain’d us the 9th on the Way, we could not come up to them till the next Day, being the Tenth.

Father _Anastasius_ gave me the Confirmation of that Design, and farther told me how roughly they had been treated by those Murderers since my Departure. I know not what it was that mov’d them to it, but they had resolved to separate themselves from those Villains, and that we should eat apart, _viz._ Monsieur _Cavelier_ the Priest, F. _Anastasius_, young _Cavelier_ and I, which was very agreeable to us, because at least we could talk freely, which we durst not do before; but at the same Time they allow’d us no more Provisions than would suffice to keep us from starving, without giving us Share of any Flesh, tho’ they often kill’d.

[Sidenote: _The Author and others resolve to part from the Murderers._]

Our Tyrants still holding their Resolution to return to their former Habitation, thought they had not Horses enough, and therefore deputed four of their Number, one of which was the _French_ Man half turn’d _Indian_, to return to the Village of the _Cenis_ and endeavour to barter for some. At the same Time we agreed together to let those Gentlemen know, that we were too much fatigued to return with them to the said Habitation, and were resolved to remain in the Village of the _Cenis_. Monsieur _Cavelier_ undertook to be our Speaker, and to desire _Duhaut_, who was Master of all, to give us some Axes, Knives and Strings of Beads, Powder and Shot, offering to give him a Note of his Hand for the same.

[Sidenote: _Design of the Murderers._]

To conclude, Monsieur _Cavelier_ made the Proposal to _Duhaut_, disguis’d it the best he was able, and _Duhaut_ took till the next Day to return his answer. He consulted with his Companions, and acquainted us, that they would deal handsomely by us, and give us half the Effects and all the Axes, intending to make the most Speed they could, to get to our former Dwelling, and to put in Execution what they had before design’d, as to the Building of a Bark. But in Case they could not succeed, for want of Necessaries, they would immediately return to us and bring F. _Zenobius_ along with them, who would be serviceable to us, because, having been with Monsieur _de la Sale_ upon his first Discovery, he understood the Language of the Nations about the _Missisipi_ River. That whilst they were upon that Journey, we should take Care to gather a Stock of Provisions, and that if they succeeded in building the Bark, they would send us Word, that we might repair to them. Monsieur _Cavelier_ approv’d of all they said, tho’ we had other Designs. However it prov’d we were all Mistaken, for Providence had order’d Affairs otherwise.

[Sidenote: _May 1687_]

We stay’d there some Time, expecting those who were gone to the _Cenis_, they staying longer than was requisite for that Journey. The overflowing of the River was their Pretence, but the true Reason was the Women, who as I have said, are not so forward as to offer themselves, but on the other Hand will not be over difficult in complying for some little Present, and those who were sent did not grudge their Time. In the mean while the Posture of our Affairs changed, as follows.

[Sidenote: _Murderers change their Mind._]

One of our half Savage _French_ Men, whom I had acquainted with our Design to go find the _Missisipi_, communicated it to _Hautot_,[106] telling him all the particulars he had before acquainted me with; whereupon _Duhaut_ chang’d his Mind, as to the Design of going to the Habitation of St. _Lewis_, resolving to follow our intended Way and execute our Project. He imparted his Thoughts to his Companions, who were of the same Opinion, and all of them acquainted us, that they were ready to put in Execution the Enterprize we had form’d.

This Change troubled us very much, there being nothing we coveted more than to part with those Miscreants, from whom we could at a long Run expect no better Usage than they had afforded our Commander and his Friends. However, it was still requisite to dissemble, there being no other Remedy at that Time: But God’s Justice provided for and rescued us. We continued in that Camp all the remaining part of _April_, expecting the Persons that had been sent to the _Cenis_, and _Duhaut_ intending to begin to put in Execution his Design of going to find out the _Missisipi_, with us, made us advance towards the River that was near, in order to pass it as soon as fallen, and repair to the Village of the _Cenis_.

[Sidenote: _Murderers differ in Opinion._]

We staid three Days longer in that Post, at the End whereof, he we call’d _Larcheveque_, one of those that had been sent out, cross’d the River. He was _Duhaut’s_ Creature, and an Accomplice in the Murder of Monsieur _de la_ _Sale_. He inform’d[107] _Duhaut_, that one they call’d _Hiens_, who was also one of our Messengers, and had stayed on the other Side of the River, had heard of _Duhaut_ and the rest altering their Resolution, and that he was not of their Mind. _Hiens_ was a _Buccanier_, and by Birth a German. Monsieur _de la Sale_ had brought him from _Petit Gouave_, and he was also accessory to the late Murders.

[Sidenote: Hiens _kills_ Duhaut, _and_ Ruter Liotot.]

After we had been some Days longer in the same Place, _Hiens_ arriv’d with the two half Savage _French_ Men and about twenty Natives. He went immediately to _Duhaut_, and after some Discourse, told him, he was not for going towards the _Missisipi_, because it would be of dangerous Consequence for them, and therefore demanded his Share of the Effects he had seiz’d upon. _Duhaut_ refusing to comply, and affirming, that all the Axes were his own; _Hiens_, who it is likely had laid the Design before to kill him, immediately drew his Pistol, and fired it upon _Duhaut_, who stagger’d about four Paces from the Place and fell down dead. At the same Time _Ruter_, who had been with _Hiens_, fired his Piece upon _Liotot_, the Surgeon, and shot him thro’ with three Balls.

These Murders committed before us, put me into a terrible Consternation; for believing the same was design’d for me, I laid hold of my Fire-Lock to defend my self; but _Hiens_ cry’d out to me, to fear nothing, to lay down my Arms, and assur’d me he had no Design against me; but that he had reveng’d his Master’s Death. He also satisfy’d Monsieur _Cavelier_ and Father _Anastasius_, who were as much frighted as my self, declaring he meant them no Harm, and that tho’ he had been in the Conspiracy, yet had he been present at the Time when Monsieur _de la Sale_ was kill’d, he would not have consented, but rather have obstructed it.

_Liotot_ liv’d some Hours after, and had the good Fortune to make his Confession; after which, the same _Ruter_, put him out of his Pain, with a Pistol-Shot. We dug a Hole in the Earth, and bury’d him in it with _Duhaut_, doing them more Honour than they had done to Monsieur _de la Sale_ and his Nephew _Moranget_, whom they left to be devour’d by wild Beasts. Thus those Murderers met with what they had deserv’d, dying the same Death they had put others to.

[Sidenote: _More Mischief prevented._]

The Natives, _Hiens_ had brought with him, having been Spectators of that Murder, were in a Consternation, and that Affair was of dangerous Consequence to us, who stood in Need of them. It was therefore requisite to make the best of it, giving them to understand, that there had been Reason for so punishing those dead Persons, because they had all the Powder and Ball, and would not give any to the rest. They remain’d satisfy’d with that Excuse, and he who was called _Larcheveque_, and who was entirely devoted to _Duhaut_, being Abroad a hunting since the Morning, and not knowing what Misfortune had hapned his Protector, and _Hiens_ being resolv’d to make away with him, Father _Anastasius_ and Monsieur _Cavelier_ took so much Pains, that they disswaded him from it, and I went out and met _Larcheveque_, to give him Notice of that Disaster, and to inform him, how he was to behave himself. Thus I requited him for having come to give me Notice of Monsieur _de la Sale’s_ Death. I brought him to _Hiens_, who declar’d he design’d him no Harm, and _Larcheveque_ gave him the same Assurances on his Part. Thus all Things are again compos’d, and nothing remain’d, but for us to set out, but first to know what we were to do, and which Way to direct our Course.

Hereupon, _Hiens_ took upon him to speak, and said, he had promis’d the Natives to go to the War with them, and design’d to be as good as his Word; that if we would expect his Return, we might by that Time consider which Way he would move,[108] and that in the mean Time we might stay in the Village among the _Cenis_. This was resolv’d on; we loaded all our Effects on our Horses, and repair’d to the same Place and the same Cottage, where we had been before, the Chief of it assigning us the one Half to lodge and lay up our Baggage.

[Sidenote: _Six French Men go to the Wars with the Natives._]

When the Day for setting out for the War was come, _Hiens_ departed with the Natives, four of our Comrades and the two half Savage _French_ Men going along with him; so that there were six of them, and each took a Horse. _Hiens_ left us all the Effects, and desir’d we would stay for him, which we promis’d, not knowing how to avoid it, considering, that the _Indians_ might have done us Harm, and even have obstructed our Departure. Thus we resign’d ourselves to Providence, and remain’d six of us together, _viz._ Father _Anastasius_, Monsieur _Cavelier_, his Nephew young _Cavelier_, young _Talon_, another Youth of _Paris_, and I. There also remain’d some old Men, who could not go to the War, and the Women. We were also join’d by two other _French_ Men, who had been left on the other Side the River, being the _Provencal_ and one _Teissier_.

[Sidenote: _Bewailing the Memory of Men kill’d._]

During our Stay, and our Warriors being abroad upon that Expedition, the old Men often visited us, and told us News from the Army by Signs, which we understood nothing of. We were from Time to Time alarm’d, seeing the Women weep, without any visible cause. The late Monsieur _de la Sale_ had often told us, that the Women bewail’d those that were to be kill’d; but we were inform’d, that they did so, when they call’d to Mind some who had been slain in the former Wars; which dispell’d our Apprehensions. However we were uneasy, because those old Men and Women examined us every Morning and Evening when we perform’d our Devotions.

We laid hold of that Opportunity to give them to understand, that we paid our Duty to one God, the only Supreme Sovereign of all Things, pointing to Heaven, and endeavouring in the best Manner we were able, to signify to them that he was Almighty, that he had made all Things, that he caus’d the Earth to produce, it’s Fruits to prosper, and the Growth of it, which maintain’d them to thrive; but this being only by Signs, they did not understand us, and we labour’d in vain.

[Sidenote: _Women rejoice at Victory._]

The 18th, we were surpriz’d to see several Women come into our Cottage, their Faces all besmear’d with Earth, and they set up their Throats, singing several Songs as loud as they were able,[109] whereof we understood not one Word. That done, they fell a Dancing in a Ring, and we could not tell, what to think of that Rejoicing, which lasted full three Hours; after which we were inform’d, they had receiv’d Advice of the Victory obtain’d by their Warriors over their Enemies. The Dance concluded, those in the Cottage gave some Bits of Tobacco to those without.

The same Day, about Noon, we saw him that had brought the News, who affirm’d they had kill’d at least Forty of their Enemies. After the Rejoicing, all the Women apply’d themselves to make ready their Provisions, some to pound _Indian_ Corn, others to boil Meal, which they call _Grouller_, and others to bake Bread, to carry to the Warriors. They all set out the 19th to meet them, and we thought it in policy convenient to send Meat to our Men which was done by the _French_ Man of _Provence_, who went with the Women.

[Sidenote: _Account of the Battle fought by the_ Cenis.]

That same Day, at Night, the Victorious Army returned, and we were informed, that their Enemies whom they call _Cannohatinno_, had expected them boldly, but that having heard the Noise, and felt the Effects of our Mens Fire Arms, they all fled, so that the _Cenis_ had either kill’d or taken Forty Eight Men and Women. They had slain several of the latter, who fled to the Tops of Trees, for want of Time to make their Escape otherwise; so that many more Women had perish’d than Men.

[Sidenote: _Barbarity of the Men towards a Woman taken._]

They brought Home two of those Women alive, one of whom had her Head flead for the Sake of her Hair and Skin. They gave that wretched Creature a Charge of Powder and a Ball, and sent Her home, bidding her carry that Present to her Nation, and to assure them, they should be again treated after the same Manner, that is, kill’d with Fire Arms.

[Sidenote: _Of the Women._]

The other Woman was kept to fall a Sacrifice to the Rage and Vengeance of the Women and Maids; who having arm’d themselves with thick Stakes, sharp Pointed at the End, Conducted that Wretch to a By-Place, where each of those Furies began to torment her, sometimes with the Point of their Staff, and sometimes laying on her with all their Might. One tore off her Hair, another cut off her Finger, and every one of those outrageous Women endeavour’d to put her to some exquisite Torture, to revenge the Death of their Husbands and Kinsmen, who had been kill’d in the former Wars; so that the unfortunate Creature expected her Death Stroke, as Mercy.

[Sidenote: _Inhumanity._]

At last, one of them gave her a Stroke with a heavy Club on the Head, and another run her Stake several Times into her Body, with which she fell down Dead on the Spot. Then they cut that Miserable Victim into Morsels, and oblig’d some Slaves of that Nation, they had been long possess’d of to eat them.

[Sidenote: _Cruel Trophies._]

Thus our Warriors return’d Triumphant from that Expedition. They spar’d none of the Prisoners they had taken, except two little Boys, and brought Home all the Skins of their Heads, with the Hair, to be kept as Trophies and glorious Memorials of their Victory.

The next Day all those Savages met in their Chief’s Cottage, whither all the abovemention’d Heads of Hair were carry’d in State. Then they made extraordinary Rejoicings in that Cottage, whence they went to the Huts of the other Prime Men, to perform the same Ceremony. This Rejoicing lasted three Days, our _French_ Companions, who had been the Cause of their Victory, being call’d to it, and highly entertain’d, after their Manner. It will not be disagreeable to the Reader, that I here particularly describe that Ceremony, which after having been perform’d in the Cottages of the Chief Men, was repeated in ours.

[Sidenote: _Ceremony of Rejoicing._]

In the first Place, the Cottage was made very clean, adorn’d, and abundant of Mats laid on the Floor, on which the Elders, and the most considerable Persons sate; after which, one of them, who is in the Nature of an Orator, or Master of the Ceremonies stood up and made a Speech, of which we understood not a Word. Soon after that Discourse was ended, the Warriors arriv’d, who had slain any in Battle, marching in their proper Order, each of them carrying a Bow and two Arrows, and before every one of them went his Wife, carrying the Enemies Head of Hair. Two little Boys, whose Lives they had spar’d, as has been said before, one of them who was wounded being a Horseback, clos’d the procession; at the Head whereof, was a Woman carrying a large Reed, or Cane in her Hand.

As they came up to the Orator, the Warrior took the Head of Hair his Wife had brought, and presented it to him, which the said Orator receiv’d with both his Hands, and after having held it out towards the four Quarters of the World, he laid it down on the Ground, and then took the next, performing the same Ceremony, till he had gone over them all.