=Source.=--_The Jesuits in North America_, by Francis Parkman,
1867--not itself an original contemporary source, but based mainly
on a MS. _Histoire de Montreal_, by Dollier de Casson.
In many of its aspects, this enterprise of Montreal belonged to the
time of the first Crusades....
On the seventeenth of May, 1642, Maisonneuve's little flotilla--a
pinnace, a flat-bottomed craft moved by sails, and two
row-boats--approached Montreal; and all on board raised in unison
a hymn of praise. Montmagny was with them, to deliver the island,
in behalf of the Company of the Hundred Associates, to Maisonneuve,
representative of the Associates of Montreal. And here, too, was
Father Vimont, Superior of the missions; for the Jesuits had been
prudently invited to accept the spiritual charge of the young
colony. On the following day, they glided along the green and
solitary shores now thronged with the life of a busy city, and
landed on the spot which Champlain, thirty-one years before, had
chosen as the fit site of a settlement. It was a tongue or triangle
of land, formed by the junction of a rivulet with the St. Lawrence,
and known afterwards as Point Callière. The rivulet was bordered by
a meadow, and beyond rose the forest with its vanguard of scattered
trees. Early spring flowers were blooming in the young grass, and
birds of varied plumage flitted among the boughs.
Maisonneuve sprang ashore, and fell on his knees. His followers
imitated his example; and all joined their voices in enthusiastic
songs of thanksgiving. Tents, baggage, arms and stores were
landed. An altar was raised on a pleasant spot near at hand;
and Mademoiselle Mance, with Madame de la Peltrie, aided by her
servant, Charlotte Barré, decorated it with a taste which was the
admiration of the beholders. Now all the company gathered before
the shrine. Here stood Vimont, in the rich vestments of his office.
Here were the two ladies, with their servant; Montmagny, no very
willing spectator; and Maisonneuve, a war-like figure, erect and
tall, his men clustering around him--soldiers, sailors, artisans,
and labourers--all alike soldiers at need. They kneeled in reverent
silence as the Host was raised aloft; and when the rite was over,
the priest turned and addressed them:
"You are a grain of mustard-seed, that shall rise and grow till its
branches overshadow the earth. You are few, but your work is the
work of God. His smile is on you, and your children shall fill the
land."
The afternoon waned; the sun sank behind the western forest, and
twilight came on. Fire-flies were twinkling over the darkened
meadow. They caught them, tied them with threads into shining
festoons, and hung them before the altar, where the Host remained
exposed. Then they pitched their tents, lighted their bivouac
fires, stationed their guards, and lay down to rest. Such was the
birth-night of Montreal.