Cockles, Dogs, dead Caryon, and the Skins wherewith they Clothe
themselves. When they have eaten their fill, they tabering on their
Bellies, cry, _Tapoue Mikispoun_, that is, _Verily I am satisfi’d_. They
give their Sick a speedy Cure, either immediately killing them, or
inhumanely exposing them to the Woods, to be devour’d by ravenous
Beasts, but if they die suddenly, they in howling tone pronounce _Ove,
Ove_, thereby to chase the Souls of the Deceas’d out of their Huts; they
stick the bodies on Woodden Prongs, cover them with Bark, and lay their
Clothes and Arms by them; all what remains of the Funeral Feasts is
burnt, whereas at other times, what e’re is brought on their Table they
eat, though ready to burst. They make the first Proofs of their Valour
by undergoing a most prodigious Torment, in this manner; Two by consent
tie their naked Arms together, on which they suffer burning Sulphur to
be pour’d, till the flesh starts from the bone; if either of them
shrink, or pull back his Arm, he is accounted by them ever after as an
ignominious and base Coward. They call God _Atahocan_, and believe that
one _Messou_ first drowning the world by a general Deluge, restor’d it
again after a wonderful manner, _viz._ _Messou_ hunting with Wolves,
they scented a Deer which being closely pursu’d, leap’d into a
neighboring Pool, the Wolves following it, were drown’d; _Messou_ coming
thither, stood amaz’d at a Bird, which inform’d him, that the Wolves
were pluck’d down, and held fast in the bottom by horrible Monsters,
whereupon he diving, the Pool immediately began to swell, and at last
the whole surface of the Earth to be overflow’d. _Messou_ afterwards let
a Raven flie to fetch a Clod of Earth, but in vain, for all the Land lay
drown’d in Water; at last a Rat diving to the bottom, brought a lump of
Earth, out of which _Messou_ restor’d the World; shot Arrows into Trees,
which became fruitful Branches. Here also reside an innumerable many
_Sorcerers_, call’d _Pillotoa_’s, which sometimes being possess’d with a
Frenzy, scourge themselves in a terrible manner, insomuch that the Blood
runs down by their sides: These People are held in great esteem, for
they boast themselves to have their Original from Heaven upon this
occasion, _viz._ _Ataensic_, a certain great Queen or Goddess, residing
above the Stars, had a sick Husband, who Dreamt that he should be
restor’d to his former health so soon as he could but taste of the
Fruits which grew on a Tree, whereby the Family of Heaven were kept
alive, but that the Tree must needs be cut down, which _Ataensic_
obeying, gave onely two blows, when the Tree, to her great amazement,
fell out of Heaven down to the Earth; there being by this means nothing
more left to eat in Heaven: _Ataensic_ follow’d the fallen Tree, and
being big with Child, bare a Daughter, which growing up to years, was
Deliver’d of two Daughters, _viz._ _Taoviscaron_ and _Jouskeha_, the
eldest of which slew the youngest: By these Fables we may discern their
obscure knowledge of _Noah_’s Flood, _Eve_’s Fall, and _Cain_’s Murder.
No less ridiculous is that which they believe concerning the Creation,
_viz._ That the Waters were inclos’d within a Frog, which _Jouskeha_
causing to be cut open, all Streams and Rivers issuing out, had their
Original from thence: This done, _Jouskeha_ open’d a Pit, out of which
came all sorts of Beasts; they ascribe a Bodily shape to the Soul, as
also Immortality, but that they live together in a great Village towards
the West; from which removing sometimes, they knock at the Doors of
their former Friends in the Night, and sow deserted Grounds: That the
Journey towards the Village in which the Souls reside is very strange;
the Highway thither beginning at a Rock nam’d _Ecaregniendi_, where they
first Paint their Faces, which done, they go to a Hut inhabited by an
old Man, nam’d _Osotrach_, who takes the Brains out of the Souls Head;
after which they walk to a broad River, which they cross on a narrow
Plank or Bridge, on which a Dog encountring, forces them to leap into
the Water, which carries them down to the foremention’d Village. They
acknowledge one _Oki_ for the Governor of the Sea, and seasons of the
Year: They also Religiously Worship the Rock _Tsankchi Arasta_, which
they believe some ages ago was once a Man, but afterward Transform’d
into a Rock, in which a _Dæmon_ resides, who can make their Journies
either successful or dangerous, wherefore they offer him Tobacco. Their
opinion of Thunder is likewise very ridiculous, for they say that the
Devil endeavoring to vomit a horrible Serpent, by straining to evacuate
the same, rents the Clouds, and occasions Thunder. Lastly, They relate
of a Dwarf call’d _Thakabech_, who climb’d on the top of a Tree, which
by his blowing thereon grew so high, that it touch’d the Clouds, and
_Thakabech_ easily stept into them, where he found all sorts of delight
and pleasure; but having a Sister on Earth, descended again along the
Tree, and fetching his Sister, conducted her above the Stars; mean
while, _Thakabech_ going in the Night to see if he had taken any thing
in his Net which he had pitch’d, found it full of Fire, and observing
the same very narrowly, saw that he had taken the Sun, but durst not
approach the same, by reason of its great heat; but making a Mouse, sent
her to gnaw the Net in pieces, and set the Sun at liberty. Every twelfth
year they keep an extraordinary great Funeral-Feast; for on the Set-time
they flock from all parts to the appointed place, every one carrying
thither the Bodies or Bones of their Deceas’d Friends, wrapt up in
Clothes, and hang them over their Meat, which they eat singing; such
fond and Superstitious Conceits make up the Religion of these poor
deluded People.
SECT. V.
Accadia, or Nova Scotia.
_Nova Scotia_, or _New Scotland_, formerly call’d _Accadia_, is commonly
accounted a part of _New France_, (_viz._ that part which lying on the
South side of the River _Canada_, and shooting South-Easterly into a
bosom of the Sea, forms it self into a _Peninsula_, between the Gulph of
St. _Lawrence_, and the Bay _Francoise_) nevertheless, because of the
different concernments of this part of the Countrey, in regard the right
of claim to several places in this district, most especially of all
_Nova Francia_ besides, hath been long in dispute between _Us_ and the
_French_, it will be most convenient to Treat of it apart; and because
the Series of Affairs, from its first discovery, till of late years,
appears faithfully represented on the _English_ part, in a Remonstrance
Address’d to the King and Council by Sir _Lewis Kirk_, and his Brother
_John Kirk_ Esquire; it will not be amiss (onely adding some few things
upon occasion) to follow exactly the Narration of Affairs, deliver’d in
the said Remonstrance to this effect.
“1. The whole Tract or Space of Land in _America_, lying on either
side of the River _Canada_, which a long time since were known by
the Names of _Nova Francia_, and _Nova Scotia_, were at first
discover’d and found out by the _English_, in the time of _Henry_
the Seventh, King of _England_; which Expedition was first
undertaken at the Command and Charges of that King; afterwards
further’d and carry’d on by the favorable Aspect of Queen
_Elizabeth_; so that in process of time, for many years together,
the said Tract of Ground, with absolute Priviledge of free Commerce,
fell under the Jurisdiction and Power of the Crown of _England_:
Neither was it unto any other _Christian_ Princes, or their Subjects
more clearly known or discover’d, untill about the year 1600. some
of the _French_ understanding the benefit arising by Traffique in
the River of St. _Lawrence_, having formerly seiz’d upon that Tract
of Land, situate on the North side of the said Floud or River
_Canada_, did afterwards, in _Anno 1604._ (_under the Conduct of_
Peter de Gua, _Lord_ of Monts, _who in the year 1606. was follow’d
by_ Monsieur de Pourtrincourt) Possess themselves of _L’Accadie_,
lying on the South side of the said River, naming the whole _Nova
Francia_, challenging to themselves for many years, at least _de
facto_, the Possession thereof, with sole liberty of Commerce there.
“2. In _Anno 1621._ King _James_ of _England_ looking upon the
Possession gotten there by the _French_, as upon an Invasion, did by
his Letters Patents Grant unto Sir _William Alexander_ a _Scotchman_
(_Created afterwards Earl of_ Sterling, _by King_ Charles _the
First_) _L’Accadie_, by the Name of _Nova Scotia_; who in the year
1622, and 1623. _after Sir_ Samuel Argal _had driven out_ Biard
_and_ Masse, _and demolishing their Fort, carry’d them Prisoners_ to
Virginia; having obtain’d the Possession thereof, they Planted a
Colony therein, and kept Possession for about two years after, until
such time, as upon the Marriage of his Majesty King _Charles_ the
First, with the Lady _Henrietta Maria_, the said _L’Accadie_, or
_Nova Scotia_, was by Order of the King of _England_ return’d into
the Possession of the _French_.
“3. Afterwards a War arising between his Majesty King _Charles_ the
First, and _Lewis_ the XIII. _Anno 1627._ and _1628_. Sir _David
Kirk_ and his Brethren and Relations of _England_, did by vertue of
his Majestie’s Commission, send to Sea (at their great charge) first
three, afterwards nine Ships, with Warlike Preparations for
recovering of the Possession of the said Lands, lying on either side
of the said River _Canada_, and to expel and eject all the _French_
Trading in those Parts, wherein they had good Success; and in _Anno
1627._ did there seize upon about eighteen of the _French_ Ships,
wherein were found a hundred thirty five Pieces of Ordnance,
design’d for relief of the _Royal Fort_ in _L’Accadie_, and
_Quebeck_ in _Nova Francia_, under the Command of _Monsieur de
Rocmand_, and _Monsieur de la Tour_, Father of _de la Tour_,
Governor of the said _Royal Fort_, whom, together with the said
Ships and Guns, they brought into _England_; and in the year 1628.
they Possess’d themselves of the whole Region of _Canada_ or _Nova
Francia_, situate on the North side of the River, together with the
Fort or Castle of _Quebeck_, Sir _Lewis Kirk_ being then constituted
Governor of the place, the _French_ being then either expell’d or
convey’d into _England_, and the Arms of the King of _England_ being
publickly there erected, and every where plac’d; and before the year
1628. it was brought to pass by the said Sir _William Alexander_,
(assisted both by the advice and charge of the said _Kirk_) that in
the parts of _L’Accadie_, or _Nova Scotia_, on the South side of the
River _Canada_, the whole place, with the Forts thereon built, being
by him subdu’d, presently came under the Power of the King of
_England_; that Region on the South side falling into the Possession
of the said Sir _William Alexander_, and that on the North side,
into the Possession of the _Kirks_.
“4. On _March 29. 1632._ a Peace being concluded between King
_Charles_ the First, and _Lewis_ the XIII. it was amongst other
things on the part of the King of _England_ agreed, That all the
Forts, as well in _L’Accadie_ as in _Nova Francia_, should be
restor’d into the Possession of the Subjects of the _French_ King,
which was exactly perform’d on the part of the _English_, though to
the great damage of the _Kirks_; but on the part of the _French_,
although it was agreed, as in the fourth and fifth Articles of Peace
is set down, (to which reference is had) yet nothing was ever
perform’d of their parts; so that the _Kirks_ did thereupon suffer
loss, to the value of five thousand Pounds _Sterl._ which were to be
paid them by _Monsieur de Cane a French-man_, but remain unpaid to
this day.
“5. _Anno 1633._ the King of _England_ taking notice, that although
the Forts and Castles, according to the League, were deliver’d up
into the Possession of the _French_, (especially such as had been
erected during their Possession thereof) yet that his _English_
Subjects were not to be excluded from Trade or free Commerce, in
those Regions that were first Discover’d and Possess’d by his
Subjects, did, with the advice of his Council, by his Letters
Patents, Dated _May 11. 1633._ upon consideration had of the
Expences, which the said _Kirks_ had laid out upon the reducing of
that Countrey with the Fort of _Quebeck_, to the value of
50000^{lb.}; and also of their ready obeisance in resigning up the
same on his Royal Command, Grant unto Sir _Lewis Kirk_, and his
Brother _John Kirk_ and his Associates, for the term of thirty one
years (not yet expir’d) full Priviledge, not only of Trade and
Commerce in the River _Canada_, and places on either side adjacent,
but also to Plant Colonies, and build Forts and Bulwarks where they
should think fit.
“6. By vertue of which Commission, Sir _Lewis Kirk_ and his Brother
_John Kirk_, and his Associates, in the Moneth of _February_ next
following, _viz._ in 1633. set forth a Ship call’d _The Merry
Fortune_, Laden with Goods of a considerable value, consign’d to
those parts, where during her Trading there, without any just
offence given; and in time of Peace, she was by the _French_
forceably seiz’d on, and carry’d into _France_ and her Lading, as if
she had been lawful Prize, Confiscated; whereupon the _Kirks_
suffer’d loss, to the value of twelve thousand Pounds. And although
the Lord _Scudamore_, Ambassador in _France_, by the King of
_Englands_ special Command, and the said _John Kirk_ being there in
Person, by the King’s Command, did often earnestly urge, that the
Moneys due to the said _Kirks_, and the said Ship, with her Lading,
might be restor’d, which for no other cause had been seiz’d upon and
sold, but only for that by the King’s Commission she was found
Trading at _Canada_; yet he could obtain nothing, but after some
years fruitless endeavors return’d into _England_ without
accomplishing his desires.
“7. In the year 1654. _Cromwel_, although an unjust Usurper of the
Government, yet upon consideration of the Premises, taking a just
occasion for requiring the Possession of _L’Accadie_, sends forth
several Ships under the Command of one _Sedgwick_, who by vertue of
the Authority granted him by _Cromwel_, assaulted and subdu’d the
aforesaid Forts in _Nova Scotia_, and restor’d them into the
Possession of the _English_: And although in the year 1655. a League
of firm Peace and Amity being concluded between _Cromwel_ and the
_French_ King, the _French_ Ambassador did often urge the
Restitution to the Possession of the _French_; yet for the same
causes aforesaid, which had mov’d _Cromwel_ to seize upon them, it
was thought fit still to retain the Possession of them; and although
according to the purport of the twenty fifth Article of the Peace,
Commissioners on both sides were to be appointed for the deciding
and determining that Controversie; yet nothing was done therein,
neither did the Commissioners ever meet within three Moneths, as in
the twenty fourth Article of the Treaty was provided and agreed: So
that now the case is very clear, that the Possession to the
_English_ remains firm and just, and that the Forts and Bulwarks
before specifi’d, are without all peradventure under the Power and
Jurisdiction of the King of _England_.”
Since the Restauration of his present Majesty, the _French_ Ambassador
representing unto the King the Pretensions of the _French_ unto the
several Forts and other places in _Accadie_, and urging the
non-performance of the Articles of Agreement between _Oliver Cromwel_
and the _French_ King, mov’d the King of _England_, _As a profess’d
Enemy to all Violence_, for a Restitution of all the Forts and other
places which were then in the possession of the _English_: Not long
after which, whether upon the Ambassadors request, or upon other
important Affairs intervening, or upon what other ground soever it were,
the _French_ were suffer’d to re-enter on the foresaid places, and do
yet keep Possession of them, till such time as the _English_ claim under
the just Title of the _Kirks_, shall meet with some fit occasion of
being reviv’d.
That which we suppose gives the _French_ so much the more confidence in
their claim of this Country, is their presumption upon the Expedition of
_James Quartier_, whom they will have to be the first Discoverer, if not
Possessor, not onely of the Isle of _Assumption_, but also of this Coast
of _Nova Francia_, not taking notice it seems of _Sebastian Cabot_,
under _Henry_ the Seventh.
The chief places of Note in this Countrey, are, 1. _Port Royal_, a
Colony of _French_, said to have been Planted there by _Monsieur de
Montz_ in 1604. by report, capable of receiving a thousand Ships; and in
1613. (the _French_ being driven out by Sir _Samuel Argal_, Governor of
_Virginia_, who took Prisoners _Biard_ and _Masse_, and demolish’d the
Fort at _Port Royal_) given by Patent, as aforemention’d, to Sir
_William Alexander_; afterwards by him sold again to the _French_; then
in the time of _Oliver Cromwel_ re-taken by Major _Sedgwick_; lastly,
re-possess’d by the _French_. 2. St. _Luke’s Bay_, or _Portua Mouton_.
3. _Gaspe_, or _Gachepe_. 4. _The Haven of Passepay._ 5. The _Bay de
Toutes Isles._ 6. _The Fort de la Heve._ 7. _The Cape of Sable._ Within
the Southern Point _Forchu_, lies the Isle _Longu_, which boasts of a
Silver Mine.
The most noted People of the ancient Inhabitants of _Accadie_ were the
_Iroquois_, lying most South-Westerly upon the Sea Coast, who us’d to
drive a great Trade in Beavers and other Commodities.
Westerly before the River _Chovacoet_ lies _Bacchus Isle_, full of
Vineyards.
[Sidenote: Remarkable manner of living.]
The Inhabitants thereof differ very much from other Salvages, for they
shave all the Hair from the Crown of their Head, wear long Locks behind,
pleited together, and stuck full of Feathers, Paint their Faces black
and red, and go arm’d with Clubs, Bows, Pikes, and Arrows pointed with
Fish-bones: They Till their Ground very handsomly, and divide their
Fields with Hedges; they Plant Tobacco, Vines, Cabbages, _Maiz_, and
divers Colour’d Beans; the stalks of the _Maiz_ serve in stead of Poles
for their Beans to run up upon.
Beyond _Cape de Rocher_ lies the brave Harbor _Beauport_, which is
secur’d from all Winds by an Isle which lies in the midst of it. The
Countrey Manur’d in most places, and Fruitful, feeds store of Men and
Cattel.
The Haven of _Malabar_ is surrounded in a manner with little Huts,
cover’d with Mats, which in the Middle of the Room have a hole for the
Smoke to go out at. The Southern shore is Sandy, and very dangerous.
For the more full exemplification of what concerns this part of _Nova
Francia_, we shall conclude with an account of all Material Passages
relating to the _French_, from their own Narrations as followeth.
[Sidenote: _Quartier_’s Expedition.]
[Sidenote: Scurvy, when known.]
[Sidenote: Exploit of _de la Roque_.]
The first discoverer of this Coast was _Jaques Quartier_, sent out
_Anno 1534._ by the _French_ King, _Francis_ the First, in which
Expedition he spent five Months; and going from thence to St.
_Male_, discover’d the Inlet _Lawrence_, _Terreneuf_, and
_Natiscotec_. The following year prosecuting his Voyage, he Sail’d
into the great River _Canada_, and Winter’d near St. _Croix_, where
he lost divers of his Men by the Scurvy, a Distemper till that time
altogether unknown; and such was his condition, that none of his Men
had escap’d with life, had not the Inhabitants taught him to cure
the same with the Bark and Leaves of the Tree _Annedda_; with which
many recovering, _Quartier_ Weigh’d Anchor, and treacherously
carry’d the King _Donnacona_ with many of his Nobles, Prisoners to
_France_; but most of them dying, _Quartier_ brought only a few of
them back with him in his third Voyage, six years after the first,
when arriving in the Haven St. _Croix_, he cast up a strong Fort,
which he nam’d _Charlesbourg Royal_, where he staid a whole Winter.
_Joan de la Roque_, whom the _French_ King had made Governor of
_Quartier_’s new-discover’d Countries, Sailing thither with three
Ships, met with _Quartier_’s Fleet near _Terreneuf_; from whence he
was then going home, because he saw no hopes of subduing the
Salvages with so small a Force as he had brought with him from
_France_. But _de la Roque_ endeavoring to make a further discovery
of _Canada_, Sail’d up the River _Saguenay_, where spending both
time and Money, he was Commanded home by the _French_ King, and the
fruitless Expeditions lay dead till about 1604.
[Sidenote: Of _de Monts_.]
[Sidenote: Of _Poutrincourt_.]
When _Peter de Monts_ obtaining Letters Patents to Trade for Furs in
the foremention’d Countries, Sail’d with two Ships beyond _Accadie_,
up St. _Lawrence Bay_, where he Landed on the Isle St. _Croix_,
where of ninety seven Men, with which he staid there a whole Winter,
he lost thirty five; but having fresh Supplies sent him from
_France_, he remov’d to _Port Royal_, where leaving forty Men, he
return’d home; these forty being reduc’d to twenty three, and in
great want, walking along the Sea-shore in a despairing condition,
espy’d a Ship coming up with full Sail, which upon nearer approach,
prov’d a _French_ Vessel, of which _Poutrincourt_ was Commander, who
receiving his wretched Countrey-men with great joy, took them with
him to _Port Royal_, being sent thither on purpose to settle a
Plantation in _Accadie_: Meanwhile the Letters Patent granted to
_Monts_, being call’d in, the first Planters in _Port Royal_ were
forc’d to desert the same, and return home; and also _Poutrincourt_
returning, came back again three years after to _Port Royal_, where
finding the Houses standing as he had left them, he Manur’d the
Countrey all about, and endeavoring to Plant _Christianity_ among
the Natives, Christen’d among others an _Accadian_ Lord, who was
above a hundred years old; all which _Poutrincourt_ Sailing back to
France, related at the Court.
[Sidenote: Remarkable Transactions of some _Jesuits_.]
The _Jesuits_ being also inform’d thereof, obtain’d leave of the
Queen to send _Peter Biard_ and _Euemond Masse_ thither, on
pretence, that _Henry_ the Fourth had himself promis’d them the same
Priviledge in his Life time. But the Merchants at _Diep_, which were
concern’d in the new Plantations with _Poutrincourt_, opposing the
going over of the foremention’d _Jesuits_, express’d themselves very
violent against them, and laid to their charge the Blood of the late
King, which they said was yet reaking in _Paris_: _What assurance_
(alleadg’d they) _had their Goods which were in the Custody of Men
inclin’d to the_ Spaniards? _Must the_ Christian Religion _be
promulgated? There are so many Orders of_ Monks _which may easily
produce two Men; but if the Queen was resolv’d to send_ Jesuits
_thither, they desir’d restauration of the Monies which they had
disburs’d_: To which _Biard_ and _Masse_ harkening, gather’d up the
demanded Monies, under pretence of being requir’d towards the
Preaching of the _Christian Religion_ amongst these remote
_Heathens_; by this means getting great Sums, they bought out the
foremention’d Merchants, so that the new Plantations fell half to
the _Jesuits_, who setting Sail, and arriving at _Port Royal_,
turn’d all things topsiturvy, and so thwarted _Poutrincourt_ in his
designs, that he was forc’d to complain to the _French_ Court of the
_Jesuits_ oppression, whose aim it was to get all things into their
own Possession; whereupon they Excommunicated _Poutrincourt_’s Son
(who serv’d in his Father’s place at Court), and gain’d the Duke
_Guereheville_ in _France_ to be of their Party, by promising him,
that he should share in the new Plantations for a contracted Sum of
Money: After this they receiv’d all sorts of Arms and Ammunition,
with several Brass Guns, of the then King _Lewis_ the XIII. and
other gifts Collected and gather’d out of their several Societies,
for two new _Accadian_ Apostles. _Gilbert du Thet_, a subtile man of
the same Order, transported their Necessaries.