1684-1687.
Hays writes to Lord Preston -- Godey sent to Radisson's
lodgings -- La Barre's strenuous efforts -- Radisson returns to
the English -- He leaves for the Bay -- Meets his nephew
Chouart -- Fort Bourbon surrendered to the Company --
Radisson's dramatic return to London.
[Sidenote: Lord Preston informed of the return of Radisson and
Groseilliers.]
Lord Preston, who, in the year 1684, held the post of Ambassador
Extraordinary of King Charles II. at the Court of Versailles, was
advised of the return to Paris of the bushranger Radisson in these
terms:--
"My Lord: It has just reached our ears and that of his Royal
Highness the Duke of York, Governor of the Honourable Hudson's
Bay Company, that the person who has caused all the recent
trouble in the Hudson's Bay regions whereby our merchants have
suffered so much at the hands of the French, is at this moment
in Paris. As it is much in the interests of the nation as of
the Company that there should be no repetition of these
encroachments and disturbances, it might be advantageous for
your Lordship to see this Mr. Radisson who, it is believed,
could be brought over again to our service if he were so
entreated by your Lordship. His Royal Highness, together with
the other Honourable partners, are convinced from his previous
conduct that it matters little to Mr. Radisson under whose
standard he serves; and that, besides, he is secretly well
disposed toward us, and this in spite of his late treacherous
exploits which have given great offence to the nation and
damage to the Company."
[Illustration: CAPTAIN GODEY'S VISIT TO RADISSON.
(_See page 112._)]
This private note was signed by Sir John Hays and Mr. Young on behalf
of the Company. On its receipt by Lord Preston, he at once sent his
attaché, Captain Godey, to seek out Radisson and make overtures to
him. On the third floor of a house in the Faubourg St. Antoine,
surrounded by a number of his relations and boon companions, the
dual traitor was discovered, deeply engaged in drinking healths and in
retailing his adventures to the applause of an appreciative circle.
Upon the walls and mantelpiece of the apartment, and such meagre
furniture as it boasted, were disposed numerous relics and trophies,
bespeaking a thirty years' career in the Transatlantic wilderness.
[Sidenote: Radisson's appearance in Paris.]
"Radisson himself," remarks Godey, "was apparelled more like a savage
than a Christian. His black hair, just touched with grey, hung in a
wild profusion about his bare neck and shoulders. He showed a swart
complexion, seamed and pitted by frost and exposure in a rigorous
climate. A huge scar, wrought by the tomahawk of a drunken Indian,
disfigured his left cheek. His whole costume was surmounted by a wide
collar of marten's skin; his feet were adorned by buckskin moccasins.
In his leather belt was sheathed a long knife." Such was the picture
presented by this uncouth, adventurous Huguenot, not merely in the
seclusion of his own lodgings, but to the polished and civilized folk
of Paris of the seventeenth century. What were the projects harboured
in this indomitable man's mind? In spite of his persistent intrigues
it is to be doubted if he, any more than Médard Chouart des
Groseilliers, was animated by more than a desire to pursue an exciting
and adventurous career. Habitually holding out for the best terms, he
does not appear to have saved money when it was acquired, but spent it
freely. When he died he was in receipt of a pension from the Company,
so far insufficient to provide for his manner of living that they were
forced to pay his remaining debts.
Unabashed by the surroundings thus presented to him, Captain Godey
announced himself, shook hands with the utmost cordiality with
Radisson, and pleaded to be allowed to join in the convivial
proceedings then in progress. The better to evince his sincerity,
without further ceremony he accepted and drank as full a bumper of bad
brandy and applauded with as much heartiness as any man of the party
the truly astonishing tales of their host.
Godey was the last of the guests to depart.
"Look you," said he, when he and Radisson were alone together, "you,
monsieur, are a brave man, and it does not become the brave to harbour
vengeance. Nor does it become a brave nation to think hardly of any
man because of his bravery, even though that nation itself be a
sufferer. You know," he pursued, "what is said about you in England?"
Radisson interrupted his guest by protesting with warmth that he
neither knew nor cared anything about such a matter.
"It is said, then," answered Godey, "that you have been a traitor to
the king, and that there is no authority or defence for your conduct.
You and Groseilliers, whilst professing friendship for the English
Company have done them great injury, and endangered the peace between
the two crowns."
"I am sorry," rejoined Radisson, "but all that I and my brother-in-law
have done, is to be laid at the door of the Hudson's Bay Company. We
wished honestly to serve them, but they cast us away as being no
longer useful, when now they see what it is they have done, and how
foolishly they have acted in listening to the counsels of Governor
Bridgar. We really bear them no ill-will, neither the Company nor his
Royal Highness."[19]
[Sidenote: Godey's report.]
The gallant emissary reported the tenor of this conversation forthwith
to his master, and both were agreed as to the sort of man they had to
deal with. Godey expressed himself convinced that there would be
little difficulty in inducing Radisson to return to the Company's
service. On this advice Preston at once wrote off to Mr. Young,
telling him not to further press the Company's memorial to the King,
nor to seek to have the French Court take cognizance of, and award
recompense for, the wrongs done the English interests. "Radisson has
done this thing out of his own head, and he is the one man competent
to undo it. He is, I learn, well-disposed to the English, and there is
no reason, if proper overtures be made him, why he should not do more
for the English interests in that region than he has yet done."
At the same time La Barre, the French Governor, was urged to make the
most strenuous efforts to retain the advantages for the French by the
two adventurers. A royal despatch of August 5th, 1683, and signed by
Lewis himself, had already been sent, in these words:--
"I recommend you to prevent the English as much as possible
from establishing themselves in Hudson's Bay, possession
whereof was taken in my name several years ago; and as Colonel
d'Unguent,[20] appointed Governor of New York by the King of
England, has had precise orders on the part of the said King to
maintain good correspondence with us and carefully to avoid
whatever may interrupt it, I doubt not the difficulties you
have experienced will cease for the future."
Lewis was by no means desirous of rendering the position of his fellow
monarch over the Channel uncomfortable. He was disposed to yield in a
small matter when he had his own way in most of the large ones. Had
Charles yielded to French representations about Port Nelson he would
have given great offence to his brother the Duke of York. Indeed,
there is little doubt that had the Company not boasted members of such
distinction, or the patronage of royalty, the French would have at
this juncture forced their demands and overwhelmed the English
possession. Radisson appears to have got wind of the situation and
this was, perhaps, to him a greater argument for returning to the
service of the power likely to be most permanent in Hudson's Bay. He,
however, hung about idle in Paris for some weeks, in a state of
indecision. Had M. de Seignely exerted his full powers of persuasion,
he might have induced our bushranger to remain in the service of
Lewis. But no such inducement was offered. There is some reason to
believe that M. de Seignely undervalued Radisson; but in any case the
apathy of the Court influenced his actions.
The bushranger was, on the other hand, exhorted to return to his first
engagement with the English, Lord Preston assuring him that if he
could in reality execute what he proposed, he would receive in England
from his Majesty, from his Royal Highness, from the Company, and from
the nation, "every sort of good treatment and entire satisfaction."
The Duke's especial protection was also guaranteed. Radisson, none too
punctilious, at length made up his mind as to the course he would
pursue.
"I yielded," says he, "to these solicitations and determined to go to
England forever, and so strongly bind myself to his Majesty's service,
and to that of those interested in the nation, that no other cause
could ever detach me from it."
[Sidenote: Radisson decides to join the English.]
But in order that he might have an excuse for his conduct, the very
day that he arrived at this decision he is found writing to the French
Minister demanding a certain grant in the north-west of Canada as an
alternative to a former proposal that "in consideration of his
discoveries, voyages and services he should be given every fourth
beaver, trapped or otherwise caught in those territories." M. de
Seignely had no suspicion of the depth of Radisson's duplicity. The
minister thought him "a vain man, much given to boasting, who could do
much harm, and had therefore best have his vanity tickled at home."
Up to the very eve of his departure, April 24, 1684, he was a daily
attendant on the minister or his subordinates of the Department of
Marine and Commerce. He was not always favoured with an audience; but
when listened to spoke vaguely of fitting out and equipping vessels
for trade on voyages similar to those he had already undertaken. His
_naiveté_, to use no harsher term, is remarkable.
"In order," says he, "that they should not suspect anything by my
sudden absence, I told them I was obliged to take a short trip into
the country on friendly family matters. _I myself made good use of
this time to go to London._"
He arrived in the English capital on the 10th of May, and immediately
paid his respects to Mr. Young. The project for regaining possession
of York Factory was canvassed. Radisson estimated that there would be
between fifteen and twenty thousands beaver skins in the hands of his
nephew, awaiting shipment. The partners appeared more than satisfied,
and Radisson met with a most cordial reception. He was assured that
the Company had entire confidence in him, and that their greatest
regret was that there had been any misunderstanding between them. They
would, it was declared on their behalf, make all amends in their
power.
For a few weeks the Hudson's Bay bushranger found himself a lion. He
was presented to the King in the course of a _levee_. Charles listened
with the greatest assumption of interest to the adventurer's account
of himself, and to his asseverations of loyalty and good will.
Radisson in the evening was taken to the play-house in the suite of
his Royal Highness, and there by his bizarre attire attracted almost
as much attention amongst the audience as the play itself.
"To the Duke's Play-house," writes John Selwyn to his wife, "where
Radisson, the American fur-hunter, was in the Royal box. Never was
such a combination of French, English and Indian savage as Sir John
Kirke's son-in-law. He was not wont to dress so when he was last here,
but he has got him a new coat with much lace upon it, which he wears
with his leather breeches and shoes. His hair is a perfect tangle. It
is said he has made an excellent fortune for himself."
[Sidenote: Radisson's departure for Hudson's Bay.]
After a number of conferences with the partners, Radisson finally
departed from Gravesend on May 17. Three ships set sail, that in which
Radisson was embarked being named the _Happy Return_. The elements
being favourable, the little fleet reached the Straits more speedily
than usual. The chief figure of this expedition, who had never borne a
part in any joint enterprise without being animated by jealousy and
distrust, found here ample scope for the exercise of his
characteristic vices. During nearly the entire period of the voyage he
evinced a perpetual and painful apprehension that one of the other
ships carrying officials and servants of the Company would, with
malicious intentions, arrive before him.
His first concern on awaking in the morning was to be assured that the
companion vessels were in sight, and although the _Happy Return_ was
the most sluggish sailor of the trio, yet to such good purpose were
plied the bushranger's energies and promises that her commander's
seamanship made her a capital match for the others.
But just before their destination was reached contrary winds, currents
and masses of floating ice brought about a separation, and Radisson
began to be assailed more than ever by the fear that the English
servants would arrive on the ground, overwhelm his nephew and the
other French without his assistance, and thus frustrate all his plans
for claiming sole credit. And in truth this fear was very nearly
justified. Twenty leagues from Port Nelson the ship got blocked amidst
the masses of ice, and progress, except at a raft's pace, became out
of the question. In this dilemma, Radisson demanded of the captain a
small boat and seven men. His request being granted, it was launched,
and after undergoing forty-eight hours' fatigue, without rest or
sleep, the entrance to Nelson River was reached. Imagine Radisson's
surprise, as well as that of his companions, on beholding two ships at
anchor, upon one of which, a complete stranger to them, floated the
Royal Standard of England.
[Sidenote: The presence of the French made known.]
It was the English frigate which had entered at Port Nelson. The other
ship was the _Alert_, commanded by Captain Outlaw, having brought out
the Company's new Governor, William Phipps, the previous season.
Radisson boldly headed his boat for this vessel, and when he drew
near, perceived Bridgar's successor, with all his people in arms, on
the quarter-deck. The Governor, in a loud voice, instantly demanded to
know who Radisson was. Upon his making himself and his allegiance
known, they decided to permit him to board the Company's ship. The
bushranger first made it his care to be informed how the land lay, and
he was inwardly rejoiced to learn that the Governor and his men had
not dared to land, out of fear for the French and Indians, who were
considered hostile to the English interests. This was precisely the
situation Radisson most desired; a thought seems to have struck him
that after all, his nephew, Chouart, might prove intractable, and by
no means so easily won over as he had anticipated. It therefore
behooved him to act with adroitness and circumspection. Taking with
him two men, Radisson proceeded up country in the direction of the
abandoned York Factory, hourly hoping that they might discover
something, or at least they should make someone hear, or see a
friendly Indian, by firing musket shots or making a smoke. The attempt
was not fruitless, as he tells us, for after a while they perceived
ten canoes with Indians coming down the river. "At first," he says, "I
thought some Frenchmen might be with them, whom my nephew might have
sent to discover who the new arrivals were." Upon this supposition
Radisson severed himself from his comrades, and going to meet the
savages he made the usual signs to them from the bank, which the
Indians at first seemed to respond to in no amiable spirit. Albeit, on
addressing them in their own tongue, he was immediately recognized,
the Indians testifying by shouts and playful postures to their joy at
his arrival. He quickly learned from them that his nephew and the
other Frenchmen were above the rapids, four leagues from the place
where they then were. They had expected Groseilliers would accompany
Radisson, and when they expressed surprise that this was not the case,
Radisson did not scruple to tell them that Groseilliers awaited him at
a short distance.
"But what," asked Radisson, "are you doing here? What brings you into
this part of the country and in such numbers?"
The savage leader's sudden confusion betrayed him to Radisson. The
circumstance of the Indians voluntarily seeking trade with the English
greatly simplified the situation.
"Look you," said he, heartily, at the same time calling to Captain
Geyer, who was in ambush hard by, "I am glad to find you seeking trade
with the English. I have made peace with the English for the love of
our Indian brothers; you, they and I are to be henceforth only one.
Embrace us, therefore, in token of peace; this (pointing to Geyer) is
your new brother. Go immediately to your son at the fort yonder and
carry him these tidings and the proofs of peace. Tell him to come and
see me at this place, while the others will wait for me at the mouth
of the river."
It should be mentioned that the chief of this band had previously
announced himself as young Chouart's sire, according to the Indian
custom. He now readily departed on his mission.
Radisson passed an anxious night. The sun had been risen some hours
before his eyes were gladdened by the sight of a canoe, in which he
descried Chouart. The young man's countenance bore, as well it might,
an expression of profound amazement; and at first hardly the bare
civilities of relationship passed between the pair. Chouart waited
patiently for his uncle to render an explanation of the news which had
reached him. Silently and slowly they walked together, and after a
time the prince of liars, traitors, adventurers and bushrangers began
his account of his position.
Radisson states that his nephew immediately acquiesced in his scheme.
A memoir penned in 1702, the year of Radisson's death, by M. Barthier,
of Quebec, asserts that the young man received with the utmost
disgust, and flatly declined to entertain, his relative's proposals.
He expressed, on the other hand, the greatest grief on hearing the
news; for he had begun to believe that it was through their efforts
that the dominion of the king had been extended in that region. Now it
appeared that this labour had all been in vain. It was only his love
for his mother, Radisson's sister, which prevented an open rebellion
on the part of Chouart against the proposed treachery.
[Sidenote: Chouart surrenders to Radisson.]
No rupture took place; the stronger and more crafty spirit prevailed.
Chouart surrendered on the following day his command of the fort. He
had, he complained, expected a far different fate for the place and
his men. The tattered old _fleur de lis_ standard brought by the _St.
Anne's_ captain from Quebec was lowered and the English emblem, with
the device of the Company, run up in its stead. All the forces were
assembled and amidst cheers for King Charles and the Honourable
Adventurers, the Company's Governor took formal possession.
But the French bushrangers and sailors watched these proceedings with
melancholy dissatisfaction, not, perhaps, as much from patriotic
motives as from the frailty of their own tenure. They could no longer
be assured of a livelihood amongst so many English, who bore
themselves with so haughty a mien.
Radisson proceeded to make an inventory of all the skins on hand,
together with all those concealed in _caches_ in the woods. The
results showed 239 packages of beaver, or about 12,000 skins, together
with merchandise sufficient to barter for seven or eight thousand
more. Instructions were now given by Radisson, the Governor remaining
passive, to have all these goods taken in canoes to the ships.
It now only remained for the bushranger to accomplish one other object
before setting sail with the cargo for England. Radisson speaks of
himself as having a secret commission, but no authority can be found
for his statement. It involved the retention in the Company's service
of his nephew and the other Frenchmen; but even assuming that Radisson
were armed with any such instructions, the plan was not likely to
enjoy the approval of Governor Phipps, who, if he were at the outset
of his term of office determined upon any one thing, it was that Fort
Nelson should be cleared of Frenchmen. Exactly how this was to be
arranged was not quite clear, especially as there was yet no open
rupture between the two authorities. But for such a rupture they had
not long to wait. They were destined on the very eve of his departure
to be involved in a quarrel.
[Sidenote: Dispute between Radisson and the Governor.]
Some years before an Assiniboine chief named Ka-chou-touay had taken
Radisson to his bosom and adopted him as his son with all the
customary ceremonies. This formidable chief, who had been at war with
a neighbouring tribe at the time of his adopted son's arrival in the
country, now put in an appearance. Instead of the joy Radisson
expected it was with reproaches that he was greeted. Ka-chou-touay
informed him that a brother chief of his, named La Barbé, with one of
his sons, had been killed while expostulating with a party of English.
The consequences of this rash action might be so grave that Radisson
felt it to be his duty to resort to the Governor and demand that his
servants should be punished for the crime, or else he would not be
answerable for the consequences. The Governor does not appear to have
taken Radisson's demand in good part, declining altogether to
intervene in the matter. The other now proceeded to commands and
threats. He asserted that as long as he remained in the country the
Governor was his subordinate, which greatly angered that official and
high words passed.
The task the Governor had set himself was by no means easy, especially
if he wished to avoid bloodshed. But the plan of overpowering and
disarming the French was finally accomplished through strategy. All
were escorted aboard the ship, even to Chouart himself, and on the
fourth of September sail was set.
On this voyage Radisson's state of mind rivalled that which he had
experienced when outward bound. His late anxiety to be the first upon
the scene at Port Nelson was paralleled now by his desire to be the
first in London. If happily, the Company should first hear an account
of what had transpired from himself, he felt convinced full measure of
justice would be done him. If, on the other hand, Governor Phipps'
relation were first received there was no knowing how much prejudice
might be raised against him.
Great as was his impatience, he managed to hide it with adroitness, so
that none save his nephew suspected the intention he shortly executed.
The captain, crew and Company's servants left the ship leisurely at
Portsmouth. Those going up to London lingered for the coach, but not
so with Radisson, who instantly made his way to the post-house, where
he hired a second-rate steed, mounted it and, without the courtesy of
an adieu to his late comrades, broke into a gallop, hardly restrained
until London bridge was reached.
[Sidenote: Phipps' letter to the Company.]
His arrival took place close upon midnight, but late as was the hour,
he took no thought of securing lodging or of apprising his wife of
his advent. He spurred on his stumbling horse to the dwelling of Mr.
Young, in Wood Street, Cheapside. The honourable adventurer had
retired for the night, but, nevertheless, in gown and night-cap
welcomed Radisson with great cordiality. He listened, we are told,
with the greatest interest and satisfaction to the bushranger's tale,
garnished with details of his own marvellous prowess and zeal for the
Company. Nor, perhaps, was Radisson less satisfied when, on attaining
his own lodging, he pondered on the day's exploits. He slumbered
little, and at eleven o'clock Young was announced, and was ushered in,
declaring that he had already been to Whitehall and apprised the Court
of the good news. His Majesty and his Royal Highness had expressed a
wish to see Radisson, the hero of these great doings, and Young was
accordingly brought to escort the bushranger into the Royal presence.
It was a triumph, but a short-lived one. Radisson had hardly left the
precincts of the Court, his ears still ringing with the praises of
King and courtiers, than the Deputy-Governor, Mr. Dering, received
Phipps' account of the affair, which was almost as unfair to Radisson
and the part he had played in the re-capture of Port Nelson, as
Radisson's own account was flattering.
On the receipt of the report, a General Court of the Adventurers was
held on September 26th. By the majority of members the bushranger was
hardly likely to be accorded full justice, for great offence had been
given by his presentation at Court and the extremely informal manner
of his arrival. Despite the friendliness of Hays, Young and several
other partners, Radisson was not again granted a position of authority
in the Company's service.
In the meanwhile young Chouart, being detained in England against his
wish, decided to write to Denonville and propose to accompany his
uncle to Port Nelson and make his escape and gain Quebec by land. The
Governor forwarded this letter to Paris and demanded permission to
promise fifty pistoles to those who would seize the traitor Radisson
and bring him to Quebec. The minister complied. But in March, 1687,
he had had no success. "The misfortune," says the minister, "that the
man Radisson has done to the colony, and that he is still capable of
doing if he remains longer amongst the English, should oblige
Denonville and Champagne to make every effort to seize him and so
judgment will be held out." Radisson did, it is true, make another
voyage to Hudson's Bay, but his sojourn was of brief duration, and a
plot set on foot to seize him failed.
Not long afterwards, "Peter Raddison" is found to be in receipt of a
pension of ten pounds a month from the Company, which he continued to
enjoy for many years to the time of his death at Islington, in 1702.
FOOTNOTES:
[19] As an example of the absurd legends current some years later, and
perpetuated, I am sorry to say, to a later day, it would be hard to
match this, from La Potherie:
"He (Preston) promised to Godey, one of his domestics, to create him
perpetual secretary of the Embassy, providing he engaged Radisson in
his party. Godey, the better to succeed, promised Radisson his
daughter in marriage, whom he (Radisson) espoused." (La Potherie, Vol.
I, p. 145.) Godey was _aide-de-camp_ to Preston; he may have had a
daughter, but Radisson certainly did not espouse her, inasmuch as he
was already married to Sir John Kirke's daughter, who was still
living.
[20] This is M. de la Barre's quaint fashion of spelling Dongan.