what I have, I must attack one after the other, and endeavour to raise another army, which it is impossible to effect at first. 'Tis true, were all done at once it would be much better, and promote our expedition and dishearten our enemies considerably.

am very sorry, My lord, to witness all the expence necessary for the support of Fort Cataracouy,

merely with a garrison of fifty men. so that it might support itself.

It is very unfortunate that the lands thereabout are not better,

am not yet sufficiently well informed of the environs to be able

to write you with sufficient accuracy all that could be effected there ; notwithstanding

it is of

great

consequence to preserve that Post at the entrance to the Lake, though the Posts in this Country do not command the passages so completely that the Savages cannot avoid them, two or three leagues either above or below.

Yet that Post, and one at Niagara would render us entire masters, and keep

the Iroquois in great check and respect, and give us immense advantages in our trade with the

and Outtawas ; that road being shorter, and much less difficult than the one we take, in which there is an infinitude of portages and rapids, much more dangerous than those on the

Illinois

Cataracouy side.

The letters I wrote to Sieurs du Lhu and de la Durantaye, of which I sent you copies, will inform you of my orders to them to fortify the two passes leading to Michilimaquina. Sieur du Lhu is at that of the Detroit of Lake Erie, and Sieur de la Durantaye at that of the portage of Taronto. These two Posts will block the passage against the English, if they undertake to go again to Michilimaquina, and will serve as retreats to the Savages our allies, either while hunting or marching against the Iroquois.