Part 7

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

[Sidenote: _Feb. 1685_]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: _A fine River._]

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: _A Company of Savages._]

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

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

[Sidenote: _Their Friendly Behaviour._]

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

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

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

[Sidenote: _Their Camp._]

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

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

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

[Sidenote: _Their Entertainment._]

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

[Sidenote: L’ Aimable _cast away_.]

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

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

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

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

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

Some Days after, we perceiv’d a Fire in the Country, which spread it self and burnt the dry Weeds, still drawing towards us; whereupon, Monsr. _de la Sale_ made all the Weeds and Herbs that were about us, be pull’d up, and particularly all about the Place where the Powder was. Being desirous to know the Occasion of that Fire, he took about twenty of us along with him, and we march’d that Way, and even beyond the Fire, without seeing any Body. We perceiv’d that it run towards the _W. S. W._ and judg’d it had begun about our first Camp, and at the Village next the Fire.[60]

[Sidenote: _Odd Salutation._]

Having spy’d a Cottage near the Bank of a Lake, we drew towards it, and found an old Woman in it, who fled as soon as she saw us; but having overtaken and given her to understand, that we would do her no Harm, she return’d to her Cottage, where we found some Pitchers of Water, of which we all drank. Some Time after we saw a Canoe coming, in which were two Women and a Boy, who being landed, and perceiving we had done the old Woman no Harm, came and imbraced us in a very particular Manner, blowing upon our Ears and making Signs to give us to understand, that their People were a hunting.

A few Minutes after, seven or eight of the _Indians_ appeared, who, it is likely, had hid themselves among the Weeds when they saw us coming. Being come up they saluted us, after the same Manner, as the Women had done, which made us laugh. We staid there some Time with them. Some of our Men barter’d Knives for Goats Skins, after which we return’d to our Camp; Being come thither, Monsieur _de la Sale_ made me go aboard the Bark _la Belle_, where he had imbark’d Part of the Powder, with positive Orders not to carry, or permit any Fire to be made there, having sufficient Cause to fear every thing, after what had hapned. For this Reason they carry’d me and all that were with me, our Meat every Day.

During this time it was that _l’ Aimable_ opening in the Night, the next Morning we saw all the light Things that were come out of it floating about, and Monsieur _de la Sale_ sent Men every Way, who gather’d up about 30 Casks of Wine and Brandy, and some of Flesh, Meal and Grain.

When we had gather’d all, as well what had been taken out of the Ship-wreck’d Vessel as what could be pick’d up in the Sea, the next Thing was to regulate the Provisions we had left proportionably to the Number of Men we were; and there being no more Bisket, Meal was deliver’d out, and with it we made Hasty Pudding with Water, which was none of the best; some large Beans and _India_ Corn, part of which had taken wet; and every thing was distributed very discreetly. We were much incommoded for want of Kettles, but Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ gave Monsieur _de la Sale_ one, and he order’d another to be brought from the Bark _la Belle_, by which means we were well serv’d.

We were still in want of Canoes. Monsieur _de la Sale_ sent to the Camp of the _Indians_ to barter for some, and they who went thither observ’d, that those People had made their Advantage of our Ship-wreck, and had some Bales of _Normandy_ Blankets, and they saw several Women had cut them in two and made Petticoats of them. They also saw Bits of Iron of the Ship that was cast away, and return’d immediately to make their Report to Monsieur _de la Sale_, who said we must endeavour to get some Canoes in Exchange, and resolv’d to send thither again the next Day. Monsieur _du Hamel_, Ensign to Monsr. _de Beaujeu_, offer’d to go up in his Boat, which Monsieur _de la Sale_ agreed to, and order’d Messieurs _Moranget_, his Nephew, _Desloges_, _Oris_, _Gayen_, and some others to bear him Company.

[Sidenote: _Indiscretion of an Ensign._]

No sooner were those Gentlemen, who were more Hot than Wise, landed, but they went up to the Camp of the _Indians_, with their Arms in their Hands, as if they had intended to force them, whereupon several of those People fled. Going into the Cottages, they found others, to whom Monsieur _du Hamel_ endeavor’d to signify by Signs, that he would have the Blankets they had found restor’d; but the Misfortune was, that none of them understood one another. The _Indians_ thought it their best Way to withdraw, leaving behind them some Blankets and Skins of Beasts, which those Gentlemen took away, and finding some Canoes in their Return they seiz’d two, and got in, to bring them away.

[Sidenote: _March 1685_]

But having no Oars, none of them knowing how to manage those Canoes, and having only some pitiful Poles, which they could not tell the right Use of, and the Wind being also against them, they made little Way; which the Sieur _du Hamel_, who was in his Boat perceiving, and that Night drew on, he made the best of his Way, forsook them and return’d to the Camp.

[Sidenote: _The_ Indians _take Revenge_.]

Thus Night came upon them, which oblig’d those unexperienc’d Canoe Men, being thoroughly tir’d, to go ashore to take some Rest, and the Weather being cold, they lighted a Fire, about which they laid them down and fell asleep; the Sentinel they had appointed doing the same. The _Indians_ returning to their Camp, and perceiving our Men: had carry’d away two Canoes, some Skins and Blankets, took it for a Declaration of a War, resolv’d to be reveng’d, and discovering an unusual Fire, presently concluded that our men had halted there. A considerable Number of them repair’d to the Place, without making the least Noise, found our careless People fast asleep, wrap’d up in their Blankets, and shot a full Volley of their Arrows upon them all together on a Sudden, having first given their usual Shout before they fall on.

[Sidenote: _Sieurs_ Oris _and_ Desloges _kill’d._]

The Sieur _Moranget_ awaking with the Noise, and finding himself wounded, started up and fir’d his Piece successfully enough, some others did the like, whereupon the Natives fled. The Sieur _Moranget_ came to give us the Alarm, though he was shot through one of his Arms, below the Shoulder, and had another slanting Wound on the Breast. Monsieur _de la Sale_ immediately sent some arm’d Men to the Place, who could not find the _Indians_, but when Day appear’d, they found the Sieurs _Oris_ and _Desloges_ dead upon the Spot, the Sieur _Gayen_ much hurt, and the rest all safe and sound.

This Disaster, which happen’d the Night of the 5th of _March_, very much afflicted Monsieur _de la Sale_; but he chiefly lamented Monsieur _Desloges_ a sprightly Youth, who serv’d well; but in short, it was their own Fault, and contrary to the Charge given them, which was to be watchful and upon their Guard. We were under Apprehensions for Messieurs _Moranget_ and _Gayen_, lest the Arrows should be poison’d. It afterwards appear’d they were not, however Monsieur _Moranget’s_ Cure prov’d difficult, because some small Vessel was cut.

The Consequences of this Misfortune, together with the Concern, most of the best Persons who had follow’d Monsieur _de la Sale_ were under,[61] supported the Design of those who were for returning to _France_ and forsaking him, of which Number were Monsieur _Dainmaville_, a Priest of the Seminary of St. _Sulpice_, the Sieur _Minet_, Engineer and some others. The common Discourses of Monsieur _de la Sale’s_ Enemies tending to discredit his Conduct, and to represent the pretended Rashness of his Enterprize, contributed considerably towards the Desertion; but his Resolution prevailing, he heard and waited all Events with Patience, and always gave his Orders, without appearing the least discompos’d.

He caus’d the Dead to be brought to our Camp, and bury’d them Honourably, the Cannon supplying the Want of Bells, and then consider’d of making some safer Settlement. He caus’d all that had been sav’d from the Shipwreck, to be brought together into one Place, threw up Intrenchments about it, to secure his Effects, and perceiving that the Water of the River, where we were, roul’d down violently into the Sea, he fancy’d that might be one of the Branches of the _Missisipi_, and propos’d to go up it, to see whether he could find any Tokens of it, or of the Marks he had left, when he went down by Land to the Mouth of it.

[Sidenote: _Debates between the Commanders._]

In the mean Time, Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ was preparing to depart: The Chevalier _de Aire_ had many Conferences with Monsieur _de la Sale_ about several things, the latter demanded of Monsieur _de Beaujeu_, particularly the Cannon and Ball which were aboard the _Joly_, and had been design’d for him; which Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ refus’d, alledging that all those things lay at the Bottom of the Hold, and that he could not rummage it without evident Danger of perishing; tho’, at the same time, he knew we had Eight Pieces of Cannon and not one Bullet.

[Sidenote: _Mr._ de la Sale _much wrong’d_.]

[Sidenote: _Mr._ de Beaujeu _leaves him_.]

I know not how that Affair was decided between them; but am sure he suffer’d the Captain of the Flyboat _l’Aimable_ to imbark aboard Monsieur _de Beaujeu_, tho’ he deserv’d to be most severely punish’d, had Justice been done him. His Crew follow’d him, contrary to what Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ had promis’d, that he would not receive a Man of them. All that Monsieur _de la Sale_ could do, tho’ so much wrong’d, was to write to _France_, to Monsieur _de Seignelay_, Minister of State, whom he acquainted with all the Particulars, as I was inform’d, when I return’d, and he gave the Packet to Monsieur _de Beaujeu_, who sail’d away for _France_.[62]