It was an Algonquin killed him on his way to war as we have d remarked on the 3 November. Nothing more was necessary to excite these furious men, who had They were desirous, however, already concluded on the death of some and the captivity of others. for their people detained by the French.

:

to act in concert with the Mohawks, Avho could,

no more than the others, reconcile themselves to

the detention of their people, believing it very unjust.

Our poor French were, meanwhile, much astonished at receiving no certain news either from Quebec, Three Rivers, or Montreal. These barbarians had entirely cut oif all communication, so that Mons r de Dailleboust's orders were not delivered to Mons Du Puis, who commanded the soldiers, nor a letter to any of the French whomsoever. 1'.

.

OF THE RETURN OF OUR FATHERS AND OF OUR FRENCHMEN FROM THE COUNTRY OF THE ONNONTAGUES. [

From the Same. ]

Though it be true that the Iroquois are subtle, adroit and great cheats, I nevertheless cannot persuade myself that they possess so much intelligence, so much tact, and that they are such great politicians as to have had recourse to the ruses

and intrigues imputed to them to destroy the French,

the Hurons, the Algonquins, and their allies.

They urged for many years with incredible persistence ; with evidences of especial affection and even with threats of rupture and war, if their friendship were despised and their demand rejected they insisted, I say, and solicited that a goodly number of French should accompany them into their country, the one to instruct, the others to protect them against their enemies, as a token of peace