Part 10

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.