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Transcriber's Notes:
The original text of this edition used tall-s. These have been replaced
with ordinary 's'. The original footnotes have been converted to endnotes
and placed at the end of each chapter. The original numbering has been
retained. The number 176-1/2 and presence of two notes numbered [283] are
both original.
THE
PUBLICATIONS OF THE PRINCE SOCIETY
Established May 25th, 1858.
CHAMPLAIN'S VOYAGES.
VOYAGES
OF
SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN.
TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH
BY CHARLES POMEROY OTIS, PH.D.
WITH HISTORICAL ILLUSTRATIONS,
AND A
MEMOIR
BY THE REV. EDMUND F. SLAFTER, A.M.
VOL. II.
1604-1610.
HELIOTYPE COPIES OF TWENTY LOCAL MAPS.
Editor:
THE REV. EDMUND F. SLAFTER, A.M.
PREFACE.
Champlain's edition of 1613 contains, in connection with the preliminary
matter, two pieces of poetry, one signed L'ANGE, Paris, the other MOTIN.
They were contributed doubtless by some friend, intended to be
complimentary to the author, to embellish the volume and to give it a
favorable introduction to the reader. This was in conformity to a
prevailing custom of that period. They contain no intrinsic historical
interest or value whatever, and, if introduced, would not serve their
original purpose, but would rather be an incumbrance, and they have
consequently been omitted in the present work.
Champlain also included a summary of chapters, identical with the headings
of chapters in this translation, evidently intended to take the place of an
index, which he did not supply. To repeat these headings would be
superfluous, particularly as this work is furnished with a copious index.
The edition of 1613 was divided into two books. This division has been
omitted here, both as superfluous and confusing.
The maps referred to on Champlain's title-page may be found in Vol. III. of
this work. In France, the needle deflects to the east; and the dial-plate,
as figured on the larger map, that of 1612, is constructed accordingly. On
it the line marked _nornordest_ represents the true north, while the index
is carried round to the left, and points out the variation of the needle to
the west. The map is oriented by the needle without reference to its
variation, but the true meridian is laid down by a strong line on which the
degrees of latitude are numbered. From this the points of the compass
between any two places may be readily obtained.
A Note, relating to Hudson's discoveries in 1612, as delineated on
Champlain's small map, introduced by him in the prefatory matter,
apparently after the text had been struck off, will appear in connection
with the map itself, where it more properly belongs.
E. F. S.
BOSTON, 11 BEACON STREET,
October 21, 1878.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE
CHAMPLAIN'S DEDICATION OF HIS WORK TO THE KING
ADDRESS TO THE QUEEN REGENT
EXTRACT FROM THE LICENSE
VOYAGE 1604 TO 1608
FIRST VOYAGE AS LIEUTENANT, 1608 TO 1610
SECOND VOYAGE AS LIEUTENANT, 1610
LOCAL MAPS:
Port de la Hève
Port du Roissignol
Port du Mouton
Port Royal
Port des Mines
Rivière St. Jehan
Isle de Sainte Croix
Habitation de L'Isle Ste. Croix
Quinibequy
Chouacoit R.
Port St. Louis
Malle Barre
L'Abitation du Port Royal
Le Beau Port
Port Fortuné
The Attack at Port Fortuné
Port de Tadoucac
Quebec
Abitation de Quebecq
Defeat of the Iroquois at Lake Champlain
INDEX
THE VOYAGES
OF SIEUR DE CHAMPLAIN,
Of Saintonge, Captain in ordinary to the
King in the Marine.
OR,
_A MOST FAITHFUL JOURNAL OF OBSERVATIONS
made in the exploration of New France, describing not only the countries,
coasts, rivers, ports, and harbors, with their latitudes and the various
deflections of the Magnetic Needle, but likewise the religious belief of
the inhabitants, their superstitions, mode of life and warfare; furnished
with numerous illustrations_.
Together with two geographical maps: the first for the purposes of
navigation, adapted to the compass as used by mariners, which deflects to
the north-east; the other in its true meridian, with longitudes and
latitudes, to which is added the Voyage to the Strait north of Labrador,
from the 53d to the 63d degree of latitude, discovered in 1612 by the
English when they were searching for a northerly course to China.
PARIS.
JEAN BERJON,
Rue St. Jean de Beauvais, at the Flying Horse,
and at his store in the Palace,
at the gallery of the Prisoners.
MDCXIII.
_WITH AUTHORITY OF THE KING_.
TO THE KING.
_Sire,
Your Majesty has doubtless full knowledge of the discoveries made in your
service in New France, called Canada, through the descriptions, given by
certain Captains and Pilots, of the voyages and discoveries made there
during the past eighty years. These, however, present nothing so honorable
to your Kingdom, or so profitable to the service of your Majesty and your
subjects, as will, I doubt not, the maps of the coasts, harbors, rivers,
and the situation of the places described in this little treatise, which I
make bold to address to your Majesty, and which is entitled a Journal of
Voyages and Discoveries, which I have made in connection with Sieur de
Monts, your Lieutenant in New France. This I do, feeling myself urged by a
just sense of the honor I have received during the last ten years in
commissions, not only, Sire, from your Majesty, but also from the late
king, Henry the Great, of happy memory, who commissioned me to make the
most exact researches and explorations in my power. This I have done, and
added, moreover, the maps contained in this little book, where I have set
forth in particular the dangers to which one would be liable. The subjects
of your Majesty, whom you may be pleased hereafter to employ for the
preservation of what has been discovered, will be able to avoid those
dangers through the knowledge afforded by the maps contained in this
treatise, which will serve as an example in your kingdom for increasing the
glory of your Majesty, the welfare of your subjects, and for the honor of
the very humble service, for which, to the happy prolongation of your days,
is indebted,
SIRE,
Your most humble, most obedient,
and most faithful servant and subject,
CHAMPLAIN_.
TO THE QUEEN REGENT,
MOTHER OF THE KING.
MADAME,
Of all the most useful and excellent arts, that of navigation has always
seemed to me to occupy the first place. For the more hazardous it is, and
the more numerous the perils and losses by which it is attended, so much
the more is it esteemed and exalted above all others, being wholly unsuited
to the timid and irresolute. By this art we obtain knowledge of different
countries, regions, and realms. By it we attract and bring to our own land
all kinds of riches, by it the idolatry of paganism is overthrown and
Christianity proclaimed throughout all the regions of the earth. This is
the art which from my early age has won my love, and induced me to expose
myself almost all my life to the impetuous waves of the ocean, and led me
to explore the coasts of a part of America, especially of New France, where
I have always desired to see the Lily flourish, and also the only religion,
catholic, apostolic, and Roman. This I trust now to accomplish with the
help of God, assisted by the favor of your Majesty, whom I most humbly
entreat to continue to sustain us, in order that all may succeed to the
honor of God, the welfare of France, and the splendor of your reign, for
the grandeur and prosperity of which I will pray God to attend you always
with a thousand blessings, and will remain,
MADAME,
Your most humble, most obedient,
and most faithful servant and subject,
CHAMPLAIN.
EXTRACT FROM THE LICENSE.
By letters patent of the KING, given at Paris the ninth of January, 1613,
and in the third year of our reign, by the King in his Council, PERREAU,
and sealed with the simple yellow seal, it is permitted to JEAN BERJON,
printer and bookseller in this city of Paris, to print, or have printed by
whomsoever it may seem good to him, a book entitled _The Voyages of Samuel
de Champlain of Saintonge, Captain in ordinary for the King in the Marine,
&c._, for the time and limit of six entire consecutive years, from the day
when this book shall have been printed up to the said time of six years. By
the same letters, in like manner all printers, merchant booksellers, and
any others whatever, are forbidden to print or have printed, to sell or
distribute said book during the aforesaid time, without the special consent
of said BERJON, or of him to whom he shall give permission, on pain of
confiscation of so many of said books as shall be found, and a
discretionary fine, as is more fully set forth in the aforesaid letters.
VOYAGES
OF
SIEUR DE CHAMPLAIN.
VOYAGE IN THE YEAR 1604.
CHAPTER I.
THE BENEFITS OF COMMERCE HAVE INDUCED SEVERAL PRINCES TO SEEK AN EASIER
ROUTE FOR TRAFFIC WITH THE PEOPLE OF THE EAST.--SEVERAL UNSUCCESSFUL
VOYAGES.--DETERMINATION OF THE FRENCH FOR THIS PURPOSE.--UNDERTAKING OF
SIEUR DE MONTS: HIS COMMISSION AND ITS REVOCATION.--NEW COMMISSION TO SIEUR
DE MONTS TO ENABLE HIM TO CONTINUE HIS UNDERTAKING.
The inclinations of men differ according to their varied dispositions; and
each one in his calling has his particular end in view. Some aim at gain,
some at glory, some at the public weal. The greater number are engaged in
trade, and especially that which is transacted on the sea. Hence arise the
principal support of the people, the opulence and honor of states. This is
what raised ancient Rome to the sovereignty and mastery over the entire
world, and the Venetians to a grandeur equal to that of powerful kings. It
has in all times caused maritime towns to abound in riches, among which
Alexandria and Tyre are distinguished, and numerous others, which fill up
the regions of the interior with the objects of beauty and rarity obtained
from foreign nations. For this reason, many princes have striven to find a
northerly route to China, in order to facilitate commerce with the
Orientals, in the belief that this route would be shorter and less
dangerous.
In the year 1496, the king of England commissioned John Cabot and his son
Sebastian to engage in this search. [1] About the same time, Don Emanuel,
king of Portugal, despatched on the same errand Gaspar Cortereal, who
returned without attaining his object. Resuming his journeys the year
after, he died in the undertaking; as did also his brother Michel, who was
prosecuting it perseveringly. [2] In the years 1534 and 1535, Jacques
Cartier received a like commission from King Francis I., but was arrested
in his course. [3] Six years after, Sieur de Roberval, having renewed it,
sent Jean Alfonse of Saintonge farther northward along the coast of
Labrador; [4] but he returned as wise as the others. In the years 1576,
1577, and 1578, Sir Martin Frobisher, an Englishman, made three voyages
along the northern coasts. Seven years later, Humphrey Gilbert, also an
Englishman, set out with five ships, but suffered shipwreck on Sable
Island, where three of his vessels were lost. In the same and two following
years, John Davis, an Englishman, made three voyages for the same object;
penetrating to the 72d degree, as far as a strait which is called at the
present day by his name. After him, Captain Georges made also a voyage in
1590, but in consequence of the ice was compelled to return without having
made any discovery. [5] The Hollanders, on their part, had no more precise
knowledge in the direction of Nova Zembla.
So many voyages and discoveries without result, and attended with so much
hardship and expense, have caused us French in late years to attempt a
permanent settlement in those lands which we call New France, [6] in the
hope of thus realizing more easily this object; since the voyage in search
of the desired passage commences on the other side of the ocean, and is
made along the coast of this region. [7] These considerations had induced
the Marquis de la Roche, in 1598, to take a commission from the king for
making a settlement in the above region. With this object, he landed men
and supplies on Sable Island; [8] but, as the conditions which had been
accorded to him by his Majesty were not fulfilled, he was obliged to
abandon his undertaking, and leave his men there. A year after, Captain
Chauvin accepted another commission to transport Settlers to the same
region; [9] but, as this was shortly after revoked, he prosecuted the
matter no farther.
After the above, [10] notwithstanding all these accidents and
disappointments, Sieur de Monts desired to attempt what had been given up
in despair, and requested a commission for this purpose of his Majesty,
being satisfied that the previous enterprises had failed because the
undertakers of them had not received assistance, who had not succeeded, in
one nor even two years' time, in making the acquaintance of the regions and
people there, nor in finding harbors adapted for a settlement. He proposed
to his Majesty a means for covering these expenses, without drawing any
thing from the royal revenues; viz., by granting to him the monopoly of the
fur-trade in this land. This having been granted to him, he made great and
excessive outlays, and carried out with him a large number of men of
various vocations. Upon his arrival, he caused the necessary number of
habitations for his followers to be constructed. This expenditure he
continued for three consecutive years, after which, in consequence of the
jealousy and annoyance of certain Basque merchants, together with some from
Brittany, the monopoly which had been granted to him was revoked by the
Council to the great injury and loss of Sieur de Monts, who, in consequence
of this revocation, was compelled to abandon his entire undertaking,
sacrificing his labors and the outfit for his settlement.
But since a report had been made to the king on the fertility of the soil
by him, and by me on the feasibility of discovering the passage to China,
[11] without the inconveniences of the ice of the north or the heats of the
torrid zone, through which our sailors pass twice in going and twice in
returning, with inconceivable hardships and risks, his Majesty directed
Sieur de Monts to make a new outfit, and send men to continue what he had
commenced. This he did. And, in view of the uncertainty of his commission,
[12] he chose a new spot for his settlement, in order to deprive jealous
persons of any such distrust as they had previously conceived. He was also
influenced by the hope of greater advantages in case of settling in the
interior, where the people are civilized, and where it is easier to plant
the Christian faith and establish such order as is necessary for the
protection of a country, than along the sea-shore, where the savages
generally dwell. From this course, he believed the king would derive an
inestimable profit; for it is easy to suppose that Europeans will seek out
this advantage rather than those of a jealous and intractable disposition
to be found on the shores, and the barbarous tribes. [13]
ENDNOTES:
1. The first commission was granted by Henry VII. of England to John Cabot
and his three sons, Lewis, Sebastian, and Sancius, March 5, 1496.--
_Rymer's Foedera_, Vol. XII. p. 595. The first voyage, however, was made
in 1497. The second commission was granted to John Cabot alone, in
1498.--_Vide Hakluyt_, 1600, London, ed. 1810, Vol. III. pp. 25-31.
2. Cortereal made two voyages under the patronage of Emmanuel, King of
Portugal, the first in 1500, the second in 1501. In the latter year, he
sailed with two ships from Lisbon, and explored six hundred miles or
more on our northern coast. The vessel in which he sailed was lost; and
he perished, together with fifty natives whom he had captured. The other
vessel returned, and reported the incidents of the expedition. The next
year, Michael Cortereal, the brother of Gaspar, obtained a commission,
and went in search of his brother; but he did not return, and no tidings
were ever heard of him.
3. Jacques Cartier made three voyages in 1534, 1535, and 1540,
respectively, in which he effected very important discoveries; and
Charlevoix justly remarks that Cartier's Memoirs long served as a guide
to those who after him navigated the gulf and river of St. Lawrence. For
Cartier's commission, see _Hazard's State Papers_, Vol. I. p. 19.
4. Roberval's voyage was made in 1542, and is reported by Jean Alfonse.--
_Vide Hakluyt_, 1600, London, ed. 1810, Vol. III. p. 291. On an old map,
drawn about the middle of the sixteenth century, Roberval is represented
in a full-length portrait, clad in mail, with sword and spear, at the
head of a band of armed soldiers, penetrating into the wilds of Canada,
near the head-waters of the Saguenay. The name, "Monsr. de Roberual," is
inserted near his feet,--_Vide Monuments de la Géographie_, XIX., par
M. Jomard, Paris.
5. For the narrative of the voyages of Frobisher, Gilbert, and Davis, _vide
Hakluyt_, Vol. III. Of the fleet of five vessels commanded by Sir
Humphrey Gilbert, in 1583, the Ralegh put back to England, on account of
sickness on board; the Golden Hinde returned safely to port; the
_Swallow_ was left at Newfoundland, to bring home the sick; the
_Delight_ was lost near Sable Island; and the _Squirrel_ went down on
its way to England, some days after leaving Sable Island. Thus two only
were lost, while a third was left.
There must have been some error in regard to the voyage of Captain
Georges. There is no printed account of a voyage at that time by any one
of this name. There are two theories on which this statement may be
explained. There may have been a voyage by a Captain Georges, which, for
some unknown reason, was never reported; or, what is more likely,
Champlain may refer to the voyage of Captain George Weymouth, undertaken
in 1602 for the East Ind. Company, which was defeated by the icebergs
which he encountered, and the mutiny of his men. It was not uncommon to
omit part of a name at that period. Of Pont Gravé, the last name is
frequently omitted by Champlain and by Lescarbot. The report of
Weymouth's voyage was not printed till after Champlain wrote; and he
might easily have mistaken the date.
6. The name of New France, _Novus Francisca_, appears on a map in Ptolemy
published at Basle in 1530.
7. The controlling object of the numerous voyages to the north-east coast
of America had hitherto been to discover a shorter course to India. In
this respect, as Champlain states above, they had all proved
failures. He here intimates that the settlements of the French on this
coast were intended to facilitate this design. It is obvious that a
colonial establishment would offer great advantages as a base in
prosecuting searches for this desired passage to Cathay.
8. For some account of this disastrous expedition, see _Memoir_, Vol. I.
9. _Vide Memoir_, Vol. I.
10. It will be observed that Champlain does not mention the expedition sent
out by Commander de Chastes, probably because its object was
exploration, and not actual settlement.--_Vide_ an account of De
Chastes in the _Memoir_, Vol. I.
11. In Champlain's report of the voyage of 1603, after obtaining what
information he could from the natives relating to the St. Lawrence and
the chain of lakes, he says they informed him that the last lake in the
chain was salt, and he therefore believed it to be the South Sea. He
doubtless enlarged verbally before the king upon the feasibility of a
passage to China in this way.
12. The commission here referred to was doubtless the one renewed to him in
1608, after he had made his searches on the shores of New England and
Nova Scotia, and after the commission or charter of 1603 had been
revoked.
Champlain is here stating the advantages of a settlement in the
interior, on the shores of the St. Lawrence, rather than on the
Atlantic coast.
13. In this chapter, Champlain speaks of events stretching through several
years; but in the next he confines himself to the occurrences of 1603,
when De Monts obtained his charter.