All this cannot be accomplished without considerable expense, but still we must maintain our honor and our prosperity. The Oumeamies and other savages of the Bay des Puans have expressed much joy to me on learning that Sieur du Lhu was posted at Detroit, but 1 am very sorry to hear that Tonty has learned on the road that these same savages had quarrelled with the Illinois, which would prevent the Illinois attacking the rear of the Senecas, as we had projected. It would, in truth be an afflicting circumallies devouring one another instead of uniting with us to destroy the common enemy. But it is useless to be vexed at it. Nothing remains but to be prepared for everything that may happen, and rely only on ourselves. If God give us the advantage, the people will rouse to our

stance to see our

aid.

My lord ought to place no reliance on the changeable disposition of a people without discipline, or any sort of subordination.

The King must be the master in this country to effect any sort of good, and success cannot be secured without expense.

The M. de Denonville.

M.

DE DENONYILLE TO THE MINISTER. [

From the same. ] Quebec, 16th Nov. 1686.

My Lord,--Since my letters were written a very intelligent man whom I sent to Manat, who has

conversed and had

Colonel

has despatched

much

intercourse

to winter with the Senecas

with Colonel Dongan, reports to

me that the said

Manat among whom are some Frenchmen, whence they will depart, at the close of the winter, under the escort