PREFACE TO VOL. XLV

Following is a synopsis of the documents contained in the present volume:

XCIX. The new bishop, Laval, writes (August, 1659) to the father general, expressing his obligations to the Jesuits for the care and instruction he had received from them in his youth; and praising the excellent work done by them in Canada, among not only the savages but the French.

C. There is no formal Relation for the year 1659; but early in the following year appeared from the Cramoisy press a thin volume, containing three (unsigned) letters from Quebec, forwarded by Jerome Lalemant, the superior, which gave a brief outline of affairs in the Canada mission for the past year.

The first of these epistles (dated September 12, 1659) is mainly devoted to the coming of Bishop Laval to Canada. The joy of this event is shadowed by the treachery of the Iroquois, who-notwithstanding they had made "a thousand promises of peace, with oaths as solemn as can be expected from a barbarous nation"- have again commenced hostilities. The Mohawks have taken several French captives, whom they have tortured, and intend to burn to death,- although their own tribesmen who had been imprisoned at Quebec were kindly treated, and were set free without any injury to "even a hair of their heads." Even the Onondagas, forgetting

the labors of the Jesuits in their behalf, have tortured a French prisoner.

François de Laval, the new bishop, is "received as an Angel of consolation, sent from Heaven." He shows great interest in the savages, and at once begins ministrations to their spiritual needs. He administers the rite of confirmation to a hundred of the best Christians, Algonkin and Huron; and then makes a feast for them, at which he serves them with his own hands, as an example of humility.

The second letter (dated October 10, 1659), describes the piety and devotion manifested by the Huron and Algonkin converts; the blessed deaths of several are described. Laval is full of zeal for the spread of the gospel, and plans to send the Jesuits on missions to far-distant peoples. For such work some are already preparing, by learning the languages of those tribes.

In the third letter (dated October 16, 1659), is an account of the mission in Acadia. Three priests are laboring there; one of these, Jacques Frémin, has wintered with the savages, among whom he has gained several converts. Among these is a captive belonging to an Eskimo tribe, of which people and their customs some description is given. She becomes crazed, on one occasion, but is quickly cured by sprinkling with holy water. This occurrence converts from heresy the interpreter of the post. Bishop Laval has visited Gaspé and confirmed 140 persons.

CI. In this volume we give the Journal des Jésuites for the two years 1659-60. It is written by De Quen until September, 1659; thereafter by Jerome Lalemant. In March of the former year, the habitants

of Beaupré lodge complaint against a priest there, one Vaillant. By command of the governor, the matter is investigated, eighty-three witnesses being examined; and Vaillant is condemned to pay the costs. In the course of the summer, he returns to France.

Early in April, Oneida ambassadors come to Quebec, to secure the release of the Iroquois prisoners there, and to invite the Jesuits to return to Onondaga. Some of the captives are released, but the envoys are rebuked for the perfidy hitherto shown toward the French; and the Jesuits will not go back until there is some prospect of safety for them. On the seventeenth of May, Le Moyne goes on an embassy to the Mohawks, accompanied by the prisoners of that tribe released by the governor, two Algonkin envoys, and a Frenchman. Early in June, various bands of Iroquois are seen prowling about the French settlements; they even capture three Frenchmen. On the sixteenth, Bishop Laval arrives. Le Moyne returns from the Mohawk country July 3, accompanied by envoys from that tribe; they are allowed to take away their hostages from Quebec. Several trading fleets from the North come down, laden with furs.

August 7, the Abbé de Queylus arrives from Montreal; he is lodged in the fort. Notwithstanding the professions of the Iroquois that they desire peace, they again attack the French, late in August, capturing eight near Three Rivers; these they carry home, to burn them. News comes that the French prisoner at Onondaga has been burned to death; and that the Mohawks, having secured the release of their prisoners, intend to carry on war with the French and their allies.

A ship from France arrives September 7, bringing, among others, Jeanne Mance and three hospital nuns for Montreal. On the voyage, a contagious fever breaks out among the passengers, a half-score of whom die from it. Others, still ill, spread the disease after landing; and several deaths occur at Quebec-among them that of Father de Quen (October 8), who had contracted the malady while nursing the sick men. A dispute arises over the location of the seats in church occupied by the bishop and the governor; it is settled through the intervention of D'Ailleboust. De Quen is succeeded (September 8) by Jerome Lalemant, as superior of the Canada missions. Abbé de Queylus attempts to exercise authority as vicar-general; but Laval also has credentials conferring this dignity upon him, dated three days later than those of the Abbé, who is therefore compelled to desist. De Queylus soon afterward returns

to France.

An important consultation is held by the Fathers, on September 12. They discuss the question, whether to enlarge their chapel, or build a new one; decision of this is postponed until next year. The Indian colony at Sillery is to be consolidated with the French population there. The Jesuit house at Quebec narrowly escapes destruction by fire, October 31. On the next day, the Algonkin warriors return from an expedition against the Mohawks; they bring as a captive a little boy, whose life is ransomed by the Jesuits for 3,000 porcelain beads.

The Fathers decide to pay regularly the board of a child at the seminary, one year for each beneficiary. The first appointed to receive this charity is Joseph Dubuisson. An experiment is begun this year, in

sending a priest to winter at Tadoussac; Albanel is sent on this errand. The question of selling liquor to the savages is discussed at a meeting held at Laval's house. On St. Xavier's day, the Jesuits are unable to entertain any guests at dinner; "the principal reason for this was, that to invite the Bishop without the Governor, aut contra, would cause Jealousy, and neither will yield the first place to the other." Later, a hot dispute arises between these two dignitaries, as to precedence in being incensed in church. The Jesuits act as arbiters between them, and settle the dispute by a formal document drawn up for this purpose, and deposited in their archives. On New-Year's day, 1660, Lalemant and Dablon go to call upon the bishop and the governor. At the fort, they are honored by the soldiers with a salvo of musketry. To show their appreciation of this compliment, they send each soldier a rosary, a pot of brandy, and a livre of tobacco. The Jesuits, this month, make some concessions on their lands at Beauport. During the next two months, there is but little record of anything except ecclesiastical ceremonies. But on April 1st "a great sensation "' is caused by an act of Father Albanel's. At Tadoussac, he has married a Frenchman to an Indian woman, "without publishing any banns, and without giving notice of it to the relatives, or to monseigneur the Bishop or monsieur the Governor." At this time, there is great scarcity of wheat in the country; but the Jesuits have a considerable supply, which they sell at the former ordinary price," not being willing to take advantage of the distress of the country."

Excommunication is published, May 6, against those who give intoxicating liquors to the savages.