Part 8

Having lost the Notes I took at that time, and being forc’d to rely much upon Memory for what I now write, I shall not pretend to be any longer exact in the Dates, for fear of mistaking, and therefore I cannot be positive as to the Day of Monsieur _de Beaujeu’s_ Departure, but believe it was the 14th of _March_, 1685.

[Sidenote: _A Fort built._]

When Monsr. _de Beaujeu_ was gone, we fell to Work to make a Fort, of the Wreck of the Ship that had been cast away, and many Pieces of Timber the Sea threw up; and during that Time, several Men deserted, which added to Monsieur _de la Sale’s_ Affliction. A _Spaniard_ and a _French_ Man stole away and fled, and were never more heard of. Four or five others follow’d their Example, but Monsieur _de la Sale_ having timely Notice, sent after them, and they were brought back. One of them was condemn’d to Death, and the others to serve the King ten Years in that Country.

[Sidenote: _Monsr._ de la Sale _goes to discover up the River_.]

When our Fort was well advanc’d, Monsr. _de la Sale_ resolv’d to clear his Doubts, and to go up the River, where we were, to know whether it was not an Arm of the _Missisipi_, and accordingly order’d fifty Men to attend him, of which Number were Monsr. _Cavelier_, his Brother, and Monsr. _Chedeville_, both Priests, two Recolet Fryars, and several Voluntiers, who set out in five Canoes we had, with the necessary Provisions. There remain’d in the Fort about an hundred and thirty Persons, and Monsr. _de la Sale_ gave me the Command of it, with Orders not to have any Commerce with the Natives, but to fire at them if they appear’d.

[Sidenote: _Returns._]

Whilst Monsr. _de la Sale_ was absent, I caus’d an Oven to be built, which was a great Help to us, and employ’d my self in finishing the Fort, and putting it in a Posture to withstand the _Indians_, who came frequently in the Night to range about us, howling like Wolves and Dogs; but two or three[63] Musquet Shots put them to Flight. It happen’d one Night, that having fir’d six or seven Shot, Monsieur _de la Sale_ who was not far from us, heard them, and being in Pain about it, he return’d with six or seven Men, and found all Things in a good Posture.

[Sidenote: _Sets out again._]

He told us he had found a good Country, fit to sow and plant all Sorts of Grain, abounding in Beeves and wild Fowl; that he design’d to erect a Fort farther up the River,[64] and accordingly, he left me Orders to square out as much Timber as I could get, the Sea casting up much upon the Shore. He had given the same Orders to the Men he had left on the Spot, seven or eight of whom, detach’d from the rest, being busy at that Work, and seeing a Number of the Natives, fled, and unadviseably left their Tools behind them. Monsieur _de la Sale_ returning thither, found a Paper made fast to a Reed, which gave him Notice of that Accident, which he was concern’d at, because of the Tools, not so much for the Value of the Loss, as because it was furnishing the Natives with such Things as they might afterwards make Use of against us.

[Sidenote: _Apr. 1685_]

[Sidenote: _A Spanish Vessel appears._]

About the Beginning of _April_ we were alarm’d by a Vessel which appear’d at Sea, near enough to discern the Sails, and we supposed they might be _Spaniards_, who had heard of our Coming and were ranging the Coast to find us out. That made us stand upon our Guard, to keep within the Fort, and see that our Arms were fit for Service. We afterwards saw two Men in that Vessel, who[65] instead of coming to us, went towards the other Point, and by that Means pass’d on, without perceiving us.

[Sidenote: _Plenty of Fish taken._]

Having one Day observ’d, that the Water work’d and bubbled up, and afterwards perceiving it was occasion’d by the Fish skipping from Place to Place, I caused a Net to be brought, and we took a prodigious Quantity of Fish, among which were many _Dorado’s_ or Gilt-Heads, Mullets and others about as big as a Herring, which afforded us good Food for several Days. This fishery, which I caused to be often follow’d, was a great Help towards our Subsistance.

[Sidenote: _Rattle Snake bites Mr._ le Gros.]

About that Time, and on _Easter-day_ that Year, an unfortunate Accident befell Monsieur _le Gros_. After Divine Service he took a Gun to go kill Snipes about the Fort. He shot one, which fell into a Marsh; he took off his Shoes and Stockings to fetch it out, and returning, through Carelessness trod upon a Rattle Snake, so call’d, because it has a Sort of Scale on the Tail, which makes a Noise. The Serpent bit him a little above the Ankle, he was carefully dress’d and look’d after, yet after having endur’d very much, he dy’d at last, as I shall mention in its Place. Another more unlucky Accident befell us, one of our Fishermen swimming about the Net to gather the Fish, was carry’d away by the Current, and could not be help’d by us.

[Sidenote: _May 1685_]

[Sidenote: _Salt found in Pools._]

Our Men sometimes went about several little Salt Water Lakes, that were near our Fort, and found on the Banks a Sort of flat Fishes, like Turbots asleep, which they struck with sharp pointed Sticks, and they were good Food. Providence also shew’d us that there was Salt made by the Sun, upon several little Salt Water Pools there were in divers Places, for having observ’d that there grew on them a Sort of white Substance, like the Cream upon Milk, I took care every Day to send and fetch that Scum off, which prov’d to be a very white and good Salt, whereof I gather’d a Quantity, and it did us good Service.

[Sidenote: Indians _come to the Fort_.]

Some of our Hunters having seen a Parcel of wild Goats running as if they were frighted, judg’d they were pursued by the _Indians_, and came for Refuge to the Fort, and to give me Notice. Accordingly some Time after, we discover’d a Parcel of Natives, who came and posted themselves on an Eminence, within Cannon Shot, some of them drew off from the rest and approach’d the Fort by the Way of the Downs. I caused our Men immediately to handle their Arms, and wet Blankets to be laid on our Huts, to prevent their being burnt by the Fire the Savages sometimes shoot with their Arrows. All this Time those who had separated themselves from the rest, being three in Number, still drew nearer, making Signs for us to go to them; but Monsieur _de la Sale_ had forbid me having any Commerce with them; however, since they had neither Bows nor Arrows, we made signs to them to draw near, which they did without hesitating.

We went out to meet them. Monsieur _Moranget_ made them sit down, and they gave us to understand by Signs, that their People were hunting near us; being able to make no more of what they said. Monsieur _Moranget_ was for knocking out their Brains, to revenge their having murder’d our Companions, but I would not consent to it, since they had come confiding in us. I made Signs to them to be gone, which they did as fast as they could, some small Shot we fir’d into the Air making them run, and a Cannon Shot, I pointed towards the rising Ground, where the rest were, put them all to Flight.

These Accidents made us double our Guards, since we were at open War with that crafty Nation, which let slip no Opportunity to surprize us, and therefore Penalties were appointed for such as should be found asleep upon Sentinel; the Wooden-Horse was set up for them without Remission; and by Means of such Precautions we sav’d our Lives.

[Sidenote: _June 1685_]

[Sidenote: _Second Settlement._]

Thus we spent the rest of the Month, till the Beginning of _June_. In the mean Time, Monsieur _de la Sale_ had begun to make another Settlement, in the Place he before told us of, looking upon it as better, because it was further up the Country.[66] To that Purpose he sent to us the Sieur _de Villeperdry_ with two Canoes and Orders for the Sieur _Moranget_ to repair to him, if he were recover’d, and that all the Men should march, except 30 of the ablest to make a good Defence, who were to stay with me in the Fort. The rest being seventy Persons, as well Men and Women as Children, set up with the Sieur _Moranget_; and we being but a small Number remaining, I caused the Fort to be brought into a less Compass, to save posting so many Sentinels.

[Sidenote: _A Conspiracy discover’d._]

[Sidenote: _July 1685_]

Our little Company began to take Satisfaction in the Ease of getting and the Nature of our Provisions, which a greater Number has more Difficulty to be supply’d with, and which we had Plenty of, by Means of Hunting and Fishing, those being our principal Employments, and we liv’d well enough contented, expecting to be remov’d. However there were some Malcontents, who resolv’d to desert; but finding a Difficulty to put it in Execution, for that they could neither get Arms, nor Powder nor Ball, because the Sieur _le Gros_ and I kept all lock’d up, and were very vigilant, that none might be lavishly spent, they took the cruel Resolution to rid themselves of us.

That bloody Massacre was to begin by me, when I was asleep, and then to proceed to the Sieur _le Gros_, who lay in the Magazine, or Warehouse, and was in no Condition to defend himself, because his Leg was still swollen, and put him to much Pain. The Execution was to be by stabbing. One of the Conspirators reveal’d this to the Sieur _Devault_, a Hunter, who immediately came and acquainted me. I did not just then take Notice of what I had been told; but in the Evening, when they return’d from hunting, I caused one to be secur’d, who presently confess’d all. His Accomplice was also seiz’d, and it was very troublesome to secure them till the Time when we should remove.

About the Middle of _July_, the Bark _la Belle_ came and anchor’d near us. An Order was brought me from Monsieur _de la Sale_, directing me to put aboard it all the Effects that were in our Fort, to make a Float of the Timber I had caused to be squar’d, if Time would permit, if not to bury it in the Ground. Every Man set his Hand to the Work, with all possible Diligence, and our two Prisoners were put aboard, as was also Monsieur _le Gros_ and his Surgeon, with all our Effects.

The Float was begun with immense Labour; but the Weather proving very Stormy, and holding very long, I was oblig’d to cause what had been done to be taken in Pieces, and to bury the Timber in the Sand, the best we could, that the Natives might not find it.

[Sidenote: _The First Fort abandon’d._]

We then set out towards the Place where the _Indians_ had been encamp’d, when Monsieur _de la Sale_ went the first time to see them. We found no Creature, and lay there that Night, and so proceeded along the Sea Coast, without any Accident, to the Camp of the Sieur _Hurie_, which was a Post in the Way, where Monsieur _de la Sale_ had order’d all our Effects to be laid up. It had no other Inclosure but Chests and Barrels; but there was nothing to fear from the _Europeans_.

[Sidenote: _Ill posture of the 2d. Settlement._]

We spent the Night at that Post, and two Canoes coming thither the next Morning, I went aboard one of them, with Part of my Company, and join’d Monsieur _de la Sale_ the next Day, at the Place where he had resolv’d to make his new Settlement. I gave him an Account of all that had happen’d, and was amaz’d to see Things so ill begun and so little advanc’d. As for the Plantation, the Seed and Grain put into the Ground, was either lost through Drought, or eaten by Birds or Beasts. There were several Dead, and among them the Sieur _de Villeperdry_; many sick, and of that Number Monsieur _Cavalier_ the Priest; no Shelter but a little square Place stak’d in, where the Powder was and some Casks of Brandy; many other Inconveniences there were, which made all Things appear in a miserable Condition.

[Sidenote: _Hard Labour._]

It was requisite to think of building a large Lodgement, Monsieur _de la Sale_ design’d it, but the Difficulty was to get proper Timber for Building. There was a little Wood, where a good Quantity might be had, but it was a League up the Country, and we had neither Carts nor Horses to carry it; however Monsr. _de la Sale_ sent Workmen thither, with others to guard them. The Trees were cut down and squar’d, but the Carpenters were so ignorant, that Monsr. _de la Sale_ was forc’d to act the Master Builder, and to mark out the Pieces for the Work he design’d. Some of those Pieces of Timber were dragg’d to the Camp, over the Grass and Weeds the Plain was cover’d with; afterwards the Carriage of a Gun was made use of; but all cost so much Labour, that the ablest Men were quite spent.

[Sidenote: _Aug. 1685_]

[Sidenote: _Carpenter lost._]

This excessive Toil, the poor Sustenance the labouring Men had, and that often retrench’d as a Penalty for having fail’d in doing their Duty; the Uneasiness Monsieur _de la Sale_ was under to see nothing succeed as he had imagin’d, and which often made him insult the Men, when there was little Reason for it; All these things together afflicted very many so sensibly, that they visibly declin’d, and above thirty dy’d. The Loss of so many Men was follow’d by that of the Master Carpenter, who was returning one Evening with me; but I happening to step aside to kill some wild Fowl, when I came to our Habitation I found him not, and it was never known what became of him; an Accident which added to our Vexation, for tho’ he had but little Skill at his Trade, yet we stood in Need of him.

Notwithstanding all those Disappointments, enough Timber was carry’d or rather dragg’d, to build the House Monsieur _de la Sale_ designed, and he was himself the Architect. He mark’d out the Lengths, the Tenants and Mortises, and made good the Defect of the Workmen and calling to Mind that I had bury’d several Pieces of Timber at our first Habitation, which might be of Use, he order’d me to take two Canoes and 20 men, to go fetch them, in the Bark _la Belle_, which was with us.

Being come to the Place, we found the Natives had discover’d our Timber, and carry’d away some Planks, to pick out the Nails there were in them, which they value very much, to point their Arrows. We labour’d to make a Float, loaded the Bark _la Belle_ with the rest of the Planks and other Effects, and set out again. Some of the Natives appear’d whilst we were at Work, but seeing us advance towards them, with our Arms in our Hands, they fled.

[Sidenote: _Second Settlement._]

[Sidenote: _Sep. 1685_]

We return’d safe to Monsieur _de la Sale_, who was glad to see us, tho’ we had lost one of the Canoes, for want of its being well made fast to the Float; but the Timber we brought was a mighty help towards carrying on his Design, and much fitter than that we had hew’d in the Wood, with so much Labour; so that this Timber occasion’d the raising another Structure contiguous to the former. All was cover’d with Planks, and Bullocks Hides over them. The Apartments were divided, and all of them well cover’d. The Stores had a Place apart, and that Dwelling had the name of St. _Lewis_ given it, as well as the Neighbouring Bay.[67]

[Sidenote: _Mr._ le Gros _dies and others_.]

The Sieur _le Gros_, who had remain’d aboard the Bark _La Belle_, ever since the first Voyage she made to our former Habitation, was carry’d ashore to the new One, and his Leg still swelling, the Surgeon was apprehensive of a Mortification, and advis’d him to consent to have it cut off. He did so, tho’ with Regret, the Operation was made, but a Fever follow’d immediately, and he liv’d but two Days, dying on the Feast of the Decollation of St. _John Baptist_, much lamented by all Men, and particularly by Monsieur _de la Sale_, to whom he was very serviceable, by reason of his general Knowledge, and his particular Fidelity towards him. Monsieur _Carpentier_, Son to the Master of the Works and the Sieur _Thibault_, both of Roan, and some others, dy’d about the same time.

[Sidenote: _River of Bullocks._]

Monsieur _de la Sale_ being desirous to take a Progress, to find his fatal _Missisipi_ River, and only expecting the Recovery of his Brother Monsieur _Cavalier_, who was to bear him Company, he began to make some Preparations towards it, and in the mean time, took some small Journeys of four or five Leagues about, but could learn nothing further, than that it was a very fine Country, hem’d in on one Side by a small Mountain, which appear’d at about Fifteen or Twenty Leagues distance; beautify’d with very fine Trees, and water’d by many little Rivers, whereof that, on which we had built our Habitation was the least. We call’d it _la Rivière aux Bœufs_, that is the River of Bullocks, by reason of the great Number of them there was about it. These Bullocks are very like ours, there are Thousands of them, but instead of Hair they have a very long curl’d Sort of Wool.[68]

Monsieur _de la Sale_ Studying all Ways to find out the River _Missisipi_, imagin’d it might fall into the adjacent Bay, and resolv’d to go view all the Coasts about it, and to make use of the Bark _la Belle_. Accordingly he order’d me to repair to the said Bark, with five Men and a Canoe, into which he put his Cloaths, and other Effects in several Chests.

That short Voyage was very troublesome to us, by reason of the foul Weather, with contrary Winds and Storms, which had like to have overwhelm’d us, and what was still worse, we did not find the Bark, where we had left her. We went on a League further, to no Purpose, and Provisions beginning to fall short, because we had been six Days on the Way, instead of three, we resolv’d to return to the Place from whence we came.

[Sidenote: _Boat of the Bark lost._]

Monsieur _de la Sale_ seeing us return at a distance, came to meet us. Our Report troubled him for the Bark, which he stood in need of, so that he resolv’d to go himself to seek her, imbark’d in a Canoe, and sent me another Way, in another. After having wander’d about all that Day, the next Night and the Day following, we at last perceiv’d her, where she lay under Shelter in a little Creek, having been in Danger of Perishing by the foul Weather we had been in, and had lost her Boat, which was not well made fast.

[Sidenote: _Oct. 1685_]

The Bark was also discover’d by Monsieur _de la Sale_, who was on the other side, which made him draw near and land, whence he sent his Canoe to the said Bark, and Monsieur _Moranget_ who commanded it, went aboard to meet him. The Loss of the Boat troubled Monsieur _de la Sale_, I sent a Canoe to bring him, but to no Purpose; however the Trunks were put aboard the Bark.

[Sidenote: _What Stores they had._]

[Sidenote: _Nov. 1685_]

Monsieur _Cavalier_ the Priest, being recover’d Monsieur _de la Sale_ prepar’d to set out with all Speed. He was pleas’d to Honour me with the Command, during his Absence, and left me an Inventory of all that was in our Habitation, consisting of Eight Pieces of Cannon, two Hundred Firelocks, as many Cutlaces, an Hundred Barrels of Powder, three Thousand Weight of Ball, about three Hundred Weight of other Lead, some Bars of Iron, twenty Packs of Iron to make Nails, some Iron Work and Tools, as Hatchets and the like.

As for Provisions, all that were left me amounted to twenty Casks of Meal, one Cask and a half of Wine, three Quarters of a Cask of Brandy, and for living Creatures some few Swine, a Cock and a Hen; which is very short of what has been Publish’d by the Author of a Book entitled, _The first Establishment in New France_: but the Reason of it is, that he compiled his Work upon the Credit of Relations, which were as false as to the Point of the Ammunition and Provisions, remaining in our Habitation, when Monsieur _de la Sale_ set out that Time, as concerning the Fort well condition’d, and the Magazines or Storehouses under Ground, which are all imaginary, there being Nothing but the House I have mention’d, pallisado’d, with some old Stakes.

Monsr. _de la Sale_ farther order’d me not to receive any Men of those he took along with him, unless they brought an Order from him in Writing; nor to hold or admit of any Communication with the Natives, but rather to fire upon them, and some other Particulars he thought fit to be observ’d. He had made himself a Coat of Mail with small Laths, to secure himself against the Arrows, which he took along with him, he also took the Canoes, and promis’d to send me one back. Five Cannon Shot were the Signal of his Departure.

[Sidenote: _Monsr._ de la Sale _goes out to discover_.]

[Sidenote: _St._ Lewis_’s Bay_.]

He took his Way along the lower Part of the River, to march by Land along the neighbouring Bay, which was call’d of St. _Lewis_, the Canoes keeping within Sight. I was left in the Habitation with thirty four Persons, Men, Women and Children, and of that Number were three _Recolet_ Friars, the Sieur _Hurie_, who was to command in my Absence, one of the Sieurs _Duhaut_, the Sieurs _Thibault_ and a Surgeon.

Our Provisions being very small, and it being requisite to spare them, for the Sick, we were oblig’d to apply our selves to Fishing and Shooting. Both of them at first prov’d very unsuccessful, especially the latter; because we were not yet well vers’d in them, and Monsieur _de la Sale_ had taken our Huntsman along with him; but at length, Necessity made us more expert. We kill’d Beeves, some of which I caus’d to be dry’d, and they were a considerable Help to subsist us.

[Sidenote: _Hunter dies with Cold._]

Some Days after, the Canoe Monsieur _de la Sale_ had promis’d me, arrived with three Soldiers, who brought us the News of the Loss of the Huntsman Monsieur _de la Sale_ had taken along with him, and who had been found dead with Cold in a Ditch, where he had lain down to rest after hunting, which troubled us all very much. They also inform’d us, that Monsr. _de la Sale_ advancing towards some Dwellings the Natives had abandon’d, after a small Resistance, some of whom had been wounded as they fled, they had taken and brought a Girl and a Woman, who was shot thro’ the Thigh, of which she dy’d.[69]

[Sidenote: _Dec. 1685_]

The Canoe was a great Help to us to carry what we kill’d, which being brought to our Habitation, found Employment for all Persons, some to flea, others to cut up, and others to dry it. At other Times, I set some of our men to throw up a Trench about our Habitation.

[Sidenote: _Jan. 1686_]

[Sidenote: Duhaut _returns from Mr._ de la Sale.]

Thus we spent our Time, till about the Middle of _January, 1686_, when being all, one Evening, in our Mansion, the Sentinel came in to acquaint me, that he heard a Voice towards the River; some men ran thither immediately, and found a Man in a Canoe, crying, _Dominick_, which was the Name of young _Duhaut_, who was with us. The Sight of that made me apprehensive lest some Disaster was befallen Monsr. _de la Sale_. I drew near, and perceiv’d it was _Duhaut_ the Elder, that was return’d.

I ask’d, him whether he had any Letters from Monsieur _de la Sale_, he answer’d he had not. It gave me some Uneasiness, considering I was forbid admitting any Man without an Order in Writing, and I was almost resolv’d to secure him; but the Account he gave me of the Occasion of his returning wholly clear’d him. I admitted him, and he told me the whole Matter as follows.

Monsr. _de la Sale_, having staid some Time on the Sea Shore, near the Place where the Bark was at Anchor he resolv’d to try the Anchoring Places of the Coasts round about, to know how near the Bark _la Belle_ might come. To that Purpose he sent the Pilot with 5 of the best Men to sound.

[Sidenote: _Six Men killed by Natives._]