French Pathfinders in North America

In an earlier volume, "Pioneer Spaniards in North America," the probable origin of the native races of America has been discussed. Let us restate briefly the general conclusions...

Mistakes of the Earliest European Visitors as to Indian Society and Government.--How Indian Social Life originated.--The Family Tie the Central Principle.--Gradual Development o...

Dissensions arose among these, and they made war upon one another. Then, according to their legend, Hayawentha, or Hiawatha, whispered into the ear of Daganoweda, an Onondaga sa...

A singular and picturesque story is that of New France. In romantic interest it has no rival in North America, save that of Mexico. Frenchmen opened up the great Northwest; and...

Jacques Cartier enters the St. Lawrence.--He imagines that he has found a Sea-route to the Indies.--The Importance of such a Route.--His Exploration of the St. Lawrence.--A Bitt...

The Expedition of Captain Jean Ribaut.--Landing on the St. John's River.--Friendly Natives.--The "Seven Cities of Cibola" again!--The Coast of Georgia.--Port Royal reached and n...

René de Laudonnière's Expedition to the St. John's.--Absurd Illusions of the Frenchmen.--Their Bad Faith to the Indians, and its Fatal Results.--The Thirst for Gold, and how it...

How the Cod-fishery led to the Fur-trade.--Disastrous Failure of the First Trading-posts.--Champlain's First Visit to the New World.--His Second, and the Determination to which...

Champlain's Motives in returning to America.--How the Monopoly of the Fur-trade affected the Men engaged in it.--Fight with Free-traders at Tadoussac.--The Founding of Quebec.--...

Unselfishness of the Better Class of Jesuits.--Their Achievements in Exploration.--The Great Political Scheme of which they were the Instruments.--Indian Superstitions.--Danger!...

Jean Nicollet's Voyage on the Wisconsin.--Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette are sent by Count Frontenac to follow the Course of the Mississippi.--On the Wisconsin.--The "Great...

Who were the Coureurs de bois.--Radisson's Experiences as a Prisoner among the Iroquois.--He plays the Indian Warrior.--Escapes to the Dutch.--Makes his Way back to Canada.--He...

La Salle's Early Association with the Jesuits.--His Domain in Canada.--He starts on an Exploring Expedition.--Disappears from View.--The Favor of Frontenac.--La Salle's Extraord...

La Salle leads an Expedition to seize the Mouth of the Mississippi.--A Series of Mishaps.--Landing at Matagorda Bay.--Fort St. Louis of Texas.--Seeking the Mississippi, La Salle...

His Birth and Early Experiences.--His Description of Niagara Falls.--His Great Fraud.--His Real Achievement.--Captured by the Sioux.--Given to a Master.--Superstitious Fears of...

Vérendrye's Experience as a Fur-trader.--As a Soldier.--He returns to the Forests.--His Plan for reaching the Pacific.--Tremendous Difficulties in his Way.--He reaches the Manda...