Page:The Red Man and the White Man in North America.djvu/453

Rh with or distrustful of any great success in his labors among the Indians, because they were persuaded that the conversion of the heathen was to be deferred until after “the coming in of the Jews.” Now if these heathen were at the same time dispersed and degenerate Jews, Eliot, of course, would find his side greatly cheered and strengthened. But this was rather a bon bouche for Puritans than for the Jesuit, and it is hardly likely that Druillettes had any special views about it or would care to discuss it.

As to Druillettes' errand, this is to be said. There seem to have been a hope and purpose that the union of the four New England colonies, in 1643, should have been more comprehensive, embracing the French and the Dutch, each colony to retain its own language, religion, and habits, but all to be confederate for protection, thrift, and commerce. Hutchinson says proposals had in 1648 been made to D'Ailleboust, Governor of Canada, for a free commerce with Massachusetts. These were received with pleasure, and correspondence was continued till Druillettes was sent on his mission in 1650. The prime condition exacted by the French was that the English should combine with them in hostilities against the Iroquois, as common enemies. Here we note the working of the complications of the rival relations of the European nationalities with our aborigines. The Dutch had already armed the Iroquois at the cost of the French. Massachusetts was safe from that foe, and did not wish to open a war. Plymouth was willing to comply with Druillettes' proposal; but neither that colony nor Massachusetts could act in the matter without the consent of the Commissioners of the Four Colonies. Druillettes came the next year with Councillor Godefroy to confer with them, but he did not succeed in the purpose of his embassy. In the records of the Commissioners there is no recognition of the priestly character of the envoy. He is referred to as “Mr. Drovilletty,” bearing a letter “to the honored