Page:Joutel's journal of La Salle's last voyage, 1684-7 (IA joutelsjournalof00jout).pdf/193

 We were conducted to the House, whither all our Baggage was honestly carry'd by the Indians. There was a very great Throng of those People, both Men and Women, which being over, we came to the Relation of the particular Circumstances of our Stories. Ours was deliver'd by Monsieur Cavelier, whom we honour'd as our Chief, for being Brother to him, who had been so.

We were inform'd by them, that they had been Six, sent by Monsr. Tonty, when he return'd from the Voyage he had made down the Colbert or Missisipi River, pursuant to the Orders sent him by the late Monsr. de la Sale, at his Departure from France, and that the said Sieur Tonty had commanded them to build the aforesaid House. That having never since receiv'd any News from the said Monsr. de la Sale, Four of them were gone back to Monsr. Tonty, at the Fort of the Islinois.

In Conclusion, it was agreed among us, to go away as soon as possible, towards the Islinois, and conceal from the Indians, the Death of Monsieur de la Sale, to keep them still in Awe and under Submission, whilst we went away with the first Ships that should happen to sail from Canada for France, to give an Account at Court of what had happen'd, and to procure Succours. In the mean Time, the Chief of the Indians came to invite us to eat. We found Mats laid on the Ground for us to sit on, and all the Village met to see us.

We gave them to understand, that we came from Monsieur de la Sale, who had made a Settlement on the Bay of Mexico; that we had pass'd thro' many Nations, which we nam'd, and that we were going to Canada for Commodities, and would return down the River; that we would bring Men to defend them against their Enemies and then settle among them; that the Nations we had pass'd through had appointed Men to guide us, and we desired the same Favour of them, with some Canoes and Provisions, and that we would reward our Guides and pay for what they furnish'd us.