of the King's effects could be constructed there at a third less expense than elsewhere because timber is in greater
quantity and more accessible, especially when M. Picquet had had a sav.
there for preparing and manufacturing the timber.
inill
erected
In fine he could establish a very important settlement for the French Colonists and a point of reunion for Europeans and savages, where they would find themselves very convenient to the hunting and fishing in the upper part of Canada.
M. Picquet left with a detachment of soldiers, mechanics and some savages.
He placed himself
at first in as great security as possible against the insults of the enemy, which availed him ever since.
On the 20 th October 1749, he had built a Fort of palisades, a house, a barn, a stable, a redoubt and an oven. He had lands cleared for the savages. His improvements were estimated as thirty to forty thousand livres, but he introduced as much judgment as economy. He animated the workmen and they laboured from three o'clock in the morning until nine at night. As for himself his disinterestedness was extreme.
He received at that time neither allowance nor presents he supported himself From the King he had but one ration of two pounds of bread and one ;
by his industry and credit.
half pound of pork, which ridges,
made the savages say, when they brought him a Buck and some Part-
"We doubt not, Father, but that there have been disagreeable expostulations in your stomach,