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Ill
IIISTOUICAI, Cni.MlCTIONS
lip
I. () I I S I A \ A,
rMMUAi'lN.i ill W^l A lldNs vl'
M A \ V KAUi; \ \ I) VAIJAiMJ: I) o ( (' M K \ !' S
iiixAriNc. Ill riii:
\.\TrR.\l., ClVir, AND POLITICAL
ISTolJ V OF Til AT STA'l'lv
i:uMi'ii.i;n wirii
IIIS'l'oinCAL AM) IJKMiUAlMllCAL Xo'l'KS,
l\TK(»lil("Hn\.
15. F. F1{K\('II,
Mfmhrr i,J 11," /.niiciii Ilixtunnil Sin'iihj : vf II, i Ai,in,,;i)i As-si,niili„n lor iHf
A,li;uic),iri,l ,,f S,'irw,' ; //„ii,ii,ii,, M,„i'l„r „/■ il„- llishiriviil S>i,-i, li/'.'f
t'n,,i.-iii!i-,iniii : ('iini.PLKT()\ »k COM PAW,
3frt' OrUiU,.<:, J, Pi.M.l. : J.,il,,h'll. .lolIN TllAl'MAN ; /'.///v. (I.M.ICNAM iV l.i).
1851.
iJNTKiinn acci'i'iliiig in Ai't oi' ('oii'-'ri's.-', in ilic year Kil. liy
It r. iMUiNcir.
Ill ill. Clcrk'.-t Oflii-i- n| till' |li^l|■il■l Ciiiirl nl iln- S iiuIktu |)itri<'t 'if Nrw-V'irt,
iiciN 1. ri!nw. riiiNT!:!:.
I'.i Anii-st.. Nt'W-Vnik.
Ill
1 II i; M i:m II i; li.s
KOI- IS I A X A II I sTm I; I (• A I. S<»C [ j, | y
i
I II I .■- \ II 1. V M K
io rrii}irrtfiillii lir^initrii,
iiiA.iAMiN r ri!i:\t II
f
^
CONTENTS.
fAoa
Sirttiofr uf tlic Ifc.ti, II A Kullanl ].], \) I'lvsiilmt of tlii. I,oui,si:iii;i Hi.,.
tidiral SiH'iciy,
A 'rniiisliiliim .if |.:i II;iiiP('.s Ilistoiiciil J.piiriial of tlic Kstulili-sliimiit «.f
till' Fn iich ill r,oMi>i.iiiii. with XolcH.iii .Map|ii('tto ami Jdlii't, ll.crvillo,
Hii'iiviilf. Saint Dciiy.s ].r Smiir, 'I'onl.v. Cn./, it Law, .Maiigny, (Sir., A-c.
A Tiiiiislatioii (.f till' Li'itcfs Patent giaiitcd t.. M. Ci-d/.at, . ,
A Translation of tlu' Letters Tateiit j,'raiite-tui;kal sociktv, and latl jiDiiE
OF Tin; sri'iacME coujrr of i.orisiANA.
i
3lAssAriiisi"iTs and A'irginia have been, from early times, distin-
guished as tliu inirsing-inothers of eminj'nt lawyers, judges, and
statesmen. Among these an Otis and a Henry, a Story and a Mar-
shall, a Parsons and a Wythe, a Webster and a Lee, an Adams and
a Jefferson, a Hancock and a ,^Iadison. a Bullard and a IJarbonr.
do honor not only to the judicial bencii, but to the states that gave
them birth. When the second part (,f this work made its a])i'iear-
ancc last year, the subject of this memoir was then livin--. and I
should be doing injustice to the memory of a friend, so distinguished
in the annals of Jurisprudence, were I to close this volume without
taking some notice of his recent death and public life.
The lion. IIi:m;v A. IJi i.i.aiu). LL. I)., late Judge of the Su-
preme Court of Louisiana, Avas burn in (iroton. 3Iassachusetts. on
the^ nth September. 17 8S. At an early age he was sent to Harvard
University. Cambridge, where he graduated at the age of nineteen.
In the following year he commenced the study of the law, and at
the same time, several of the modern languages, particularly the
French. Spanish, and German, which he spoke ami read with ereat
fluency. From J}oston he proceeded to Philadelphia, and entered
the law ctr.ce of Peter A. IJrowne. E...p, L]. D., then one of the
most eminent lawyers of that city, but who has since retired from
the bar. to devote himself to j.hilosojdiical and .^cientifh' investiga-
tions, which do honor to his hijihly eultivatec
and 1
1:1s given him a hiirh rank
ily cultivated and gifted
among the sarans of Europe.
mind.
6
lllSTdKK.'AI, (OLLKcriUNS OK I.OIISI.WA.
(;;
( I
In this city, lio liccamc acqimintod with TilirhiiKiii. Piiponcoau.
Dallas. Jiiiiiu'v. and the Tii2;crsolIs, whoso w ritiiiLts ami forensic
oloiiucnce, aro still the thonio of every |i(n.
From I'hiladelphia yoiin,ir IJiiUard fallowed the onward niareh of
empire to the West, and joined in an expedition to republieanizo a
part of Mexieii. After several hair-breadth oserpes. In; iiiially rc-
t'.irned to Xatchitoehes. where he opened a lawoifiee.
At that time a jiraftisinjij lawyer in the v/estern district of Louisi-
ana was compelled to ride a circuit cnibraciiiir Opelousas, Avoyelles,
Alexandria. Natchitoches, Ouachita, and ('i)neordia. a distanci! prob-
ably of three hundred miles. The practice was lucrative, and the
bar of Louisiana luimbered then more men nf talent and learning
than ha.s appeared at any Rubse(|ucnt period.
The nanus of Livln,uston. Porter, Wilson, Johnson. ]5rent. Bowcn,
Bronson. Lewis. ]\Iatliews, Mazurean. Thomas, and IJullard, would
lia\'e done honor to any country : ami of these only Thomas and IJron-
son still survive. In 1S:!(). ,Judij;e JJuUard was elected t(j Congress,
and in l.'-^li-i he was appointed District Judge. In \>'M. he was
elevated to the Supreme Dench, taking the place of Judge Porter,
who was elected to the Senate of the United States. While in
Congress, he spoke on several occasions, and was listened to with
the most marked attention. Ilis nu^st elaborate speech was on the
Tariff bill, in ISIJ-i. He remained on the Supreme IJcnch from 1834
to 18 U). with the exception of a few months in \b'-VJ. when he filled
the office of Secretary of State, and resumed the practice of his pro-
fession, lie kept up to the last his habit of reading the classics and
the best writers on French jurisprudence, the lloman and civil law.
His conversation was that of a full man without the slightest ap-
proach to pedantry. It may well be said of him, that
■' lie was a scliolar, ami a wisi; aii'l good one ;
Exceeding wise, fair-spoken, and penaiading."
As a speaker, he had the advantage of a face of great beauty, which
the ravages of the gout could not destroy ; a musical voice, and a
brilliant eye. When excited, he spoke with great feeling, force, and
eloquence. His last public speech, in New Orleans, was at the bar-
meeting, called together by tin; death of the Hon S. S. Prentiss, on
which occasion he pronounced one of the most beautiful eulogies that
we have on record. His opinions while on the bench, are models of ju-
dicial rhetoric, brief, perspicuous, and pointed. As a writer he had
few eijuals ; he wrote without effort, yet with a critical accuracy that
defied correction
MKMOIK Of IIOX. lir.VKV A 111,1,1, Mil).
would
Besiilo-t his rcportt'd dueisioiis. while on tlic honch. h(; dolivcroil
ni'Uiy hMitnrt's ;ind addrossfs, whl(!h iiii^'ht, well he CDinirircd with
sitiiihir produi-'tiotis in ;iiiy l;inii;ii,iL;('. [ii IS 17. ho was appointiMl
ProtV'ssdr of tlio (Vivil Law, in the rnivcr.slty of Loiii-iaii;!. whore
lio (h'liviTinl two courses of locturcs to a hiri^'o rhiss. [ii ls,'»0, ho
was olocteil to lill a vacaui'v in (Joii^rcss. oocasiontd by tho appoint-
ment oftho Ffon. (' M. Oonrail. to the post of Soorotary of W'ar. ITo
did not spcik much during this session, (though we know h(! liad
prepared himself do i^o on the California bills.) being prevented
by ill health. His thorough knowledge of the Spanish laws, and
their system of land-titles, would have enabled liiin to give O.ngress
much valual)le information which is now lost. During the session
he argui'd .■several imjtoi'tant cases b^firc; tln' .'Supreme Court, and
was li.'-tcneil to with (■a'j;i'r atleiilion. His health gradually de-
clined, until he reichcd .\\ w ( )ihaiis. in Ajiril. JS.'il. where, after a
lingering illness of three weeks, he died from gout in the stomach.
At an adjourned meeting of tiie niember.s of the bar. at which the
Hon. V. lioselius presided, the following resolutions were unani-
mously adopted and ordered to be publisheil :
The Comiiiiltee aiiiMiiiitcilhy tlic ."Mciiiln'i.s lit' the l!,ir at \cw Orleans, ti>
present t') an .■uijoiu-iied niurtiii^-. ri'solntiniis cvpri'ssivc dl'diu- fiTliiii^s on the
nielaiieholy occasion of the (leatli of thi' lion. Hiairy .-\. Ijullanl, re.xpcctfullv
begl cavi' to i'e|)ort th(> followin;; :
Whereas the I>ar of Louifiiana has .siL^jtain-il ,i,'rri(t lo^s in tla ilrjith ofadis-
ting;iiisl)eil member of its hixly, wiio,;^ liriihant tali'Mt.^. varied attainments.
public services, and private wo.-tl\, deserve a iiennaiient leeonl of the resiiect
and esteem of his cornpeer.s ;
Wliereas a manifestation of the rrgard and admiration ent-rlained liv tlie
living for departed worth, is at once a partial dischar^.- of a del)t of i^natiinde
to the illustrious dead, and an incentive to the honoralde andiitiou of the sur-
vivors ; therefore it is
1, Hcs'i/rn/, That we decjily deplore this alHietive dispensation of Providence
which has removed from us. in the midst of his n>efnlness, and in the fulness of
hisliune. our distini^uished brother Ibnry Adams Bnllard.
•J. U xnlvi',1. Thar as a, jurist be was learned and profound without iie,l;intrv.
and as a schol.ir, acc()m[)lished ana relined without ostentation ; and has lel't on
record imperishable memorials of a superior mind.
;',. Jt'fdlvcl, That with hi.> iiUeniom'se with his Invtliren of the Y,:\y he was
courteous, urbane, and strictly bnnorable; and
4. R'SiiIvkI^ That towards tlu' youu'.^'-er niendiers of the profcs.sion he was
from the g:cnerons impulses of his nature, kiiul. considerate, and cncolna;,^n■^
5. licfdlvnL That the T5ar of New Orleans deeply deplore the death of ,ru(r>(e
BulKard, whofullillcd well and wi.seiy thedutiivs of .Indge of the Supreme Court o|
Louisiana, .Secretary of State, and Representative in the Con^srss of the
United States, and Professor of the Roman Law in the University of Louisiana
I
8 IllSl'oKICAl- C()M-i:('TI()\S OK LOUISIANA.
(i. li'f'ilci il, 'I'liMl ill liis (lentil A\(' lam. tit ilic loss ot'diic iM'oiir liriglitcst or-
iiiirii('ir> ii|i' st .siliiiliir.s, iilili'>t iMwyiTs. iiii'l iiinst uscCiil citi/rns.
7. A'. «'//•"/, 'I'liiit ill (inliT to t •stily tii'ir iirolouiiil .s 'iisi' of liis piiblii: scr-
vici's ;iii(I iiiivalc vir lus. tlic iiirinhcis dt'tlic iSar (iC New DiKaiis will wear
iirain' oiitlic left arm I'or the spari' ol'lliiity (la\s.
s. If.filvri!. 'I'liat as 11 I'urtliir tcsliimaiial nl' tlicir rcsiicct, llic Attonicy (Gen-
eral, iiiid U. S. District At unicy iTSiiectivcly he n'((iicsti'(l to iiri'stiit a. co)iy of
tliesi' rcsohitioiis to tin* Suiiniiic Court, ainl to tlii' U. S. District and Circuit
Courts ill tills city, and to niovo that they he cutcrcilon rcconl on tlicir minutes.
It. 11 .■■■lir-'/, That the Sjcrctary of this in'ctiui^ W solicit. mI to transniil
coincs of these resolutions to the family of the deceased, and to the newspapers
for ]iul)lieation.
10. Ri-fnlvcil, That th(! llejio-ter of tlu! tU'cisioiis of the Supreme Court be
rol-^. Vasiiuoz d'AjIlon in I'rjO. Pauiflle do
* y\. lie la llariii'. a Frfiicli oilinT df (li>tiiiili.,n. faiiir tn r-imi-iaiia in 171S,
to M'ttli' a cdloiiy (.11 liril liivir. He ivarlicil tlic jxiiiit of bis ilr^l inatidii at
the i-icM' d' the sain.' year, an 1 in the in.nitli iif .lanuary. ITl'.i. lie Imilt a fort
nrar llir ]iivsciit town ol' Xairhijo.-lirx iVoin wlicncc ]„■ \v,.iit to cxiij,,]-,' tliu
laovinoc o|'l\.\;is. Ai tiir villa-c nl'XMts<).,s, in X. lat. :) P :;o'. Ijr Imilt a lort
as a si'jn nCtlH' Jiii'i>ilictiun ui' I'linu'c Al'tiT cxiilurinir ihr r.iuntry to tin- IJio
Grande, lie rctni'ncil to Xrw Orleans in 1721. to report hiniM'ir to P.ienvilk-.
Ill the I'ollowiny Au-ust ]v was ordered to take possession of the eonnlrv on
the Coioi'ado. Tlie loree hi' tool; witli him was too liehh' to eU'eet asettle-
nu'iit there on aeeount o|' the hi.stility oftli.' Indians, .'ind h,' was oMi-ed to
return to Xew Orleans at tlie dose of tile year. In IT.:: h.' \.eni t<, 1-' ranee, and
there wrote a Journal of ihe lirsi estahlishnient of the l"n neh in I.ouisiana.
A copy of this valuahle nianu-eiipt, iVoui wliicii tliis translation is made, is
dui.o.siled in the lihrary of the Ameriean I'hilo-dpliieal Soei, ly at J'hiladeliihia,
with this endorsement :
■■Journal Histi.a-i(|ue eoneernant reiaMissemeiit des Fi'.iiii,Mis a la Louisiaiie
life des memoirs de .Mes-ieurs d li.ei'ville vl de BieiiviH,. eomniandans pour
le Uoiau dii pMvs et sur les dee,,uvertes et rrehrr.-he- de .Al. IJenard de la
Ilariie nonnne au Commandenant de ia Uaye St. Ihrnai'd.
•■I'ar.M nKNAiii) la: i.\ Huii'i;. Presented to the A
Sueiety by Wiuta.iM D.uujv.
nii'riian I'ldlosoji
diical
i
10
iiisToiiirAi, rf)i,Lr;>-Tio\j4 of I.oI•I?' 1
1 !
N.'irvficz ill \'>-l'>. ;m(l Tli'rnfinuo dc Soto in I. "»:!'.).* took possession
of it in tlin niiiiH' <>{' liis Catholic Miijcsty. It is no doiilit trne tlioy
paid it a Iiiisty visit. 1nit tlioy noitlicr »'stii1i]isli(Ml posts, pliintcd colo-
nii's. nor aci|nirril riirlits superior to the Froncli. wlio woro tin; first
to nialvo cxiiIoratioMs. Imild forts, and plant oulunics in all that part
of Florida at'tcrwards callcil jioui^iana.
IJy tlic conmiMnd of Charles tlio Ninth. Jean Kihaut built, in
l.")fi->. the fortress of Charlesfort. at tin; mouth of the river C.diouitas,
or iSaint l''iS]iiit. to tli(j east of St. Joseph's 15ay. and ststtled a eolony
there, llene liaudonicre aftorward.s huilt another in Pensacola IJaj-,
which he called JMu-t Carolin, and took po.ssession of tiie country in
the name of Ids King. M. do La Sallo arrived in Canada in PwS,
and suhsccpiently explored the Mississippi river to its mouth t He
afterwards returned to France and lifted out an expedition, hy ord(n' of
theKinj.'. to make further discoveries liy tlietiulfni' .Mexico, and plant a
Colony there. IIo end)arked accordiuirly in I'Wl for the Mississippi
river, hut hy sailin;.' too far to the west, he missed its nioutli. and landed
in a hay whieji he called St. liOuis, where he built a fort and establislied
a colony on the banks of the CJuailaloupc river, in the month of
February. lf)S"). From thence ho went in searcli of the Mississippi
river by land a .'second time, and while engaired in this undertaking,
lie was inhumaidy murdered by one of his compaiuons. The colony
left by him wei'c in part killed by the Indians, and the remainder
carried oif by a detacliment of Spaniards frnm the new kingdom of
Leon, under the command of Dan (Jregorio Salinas ]>aronas.
On the -^Ith September. lOltS, two frigates, Lc Jiddinr. of thirty
gun,s and two liumlred men, commanded by M. (VIborville :| and
Lr 21(1 liii. of thirty :.;'uns. commanded by ^L le (
0111 to ti
le S
urirero,
■wi
til two store-ships, were fitted out by order of the Iviug. and sailed
from liochefort to |plant a c(doiiy on the INFississippi. On the tth
December, tluiy arrived at Capo Francois, St. Domingo, where they
found M. le 3laripus do Chatoauiiiorant, who commanded the frigate
* An accoiuit nC llii'^ exjicdition. ti-aiislated fri)tn tlic Piirtti'.''Ut'se, is lmbli^llell
ill tlie secouil viilinin' oi' (lie Historical C'lllcctinns ol' LouisiaiiM.
tTlie lir.'st cx|ili)ratioii ol' this river was iiiuilc in Ifij:! liy Fatiicr I\rarqucttc
and tlie Siciir .lulict. A translation of Fathci' Maniurtti's iiitcrc>tin"j jmu'iial
will lie I'liund |iriiiti'ni.--iana. lie ivas the third of the t'lcvcn sons of Charles
Li'nioync. Baron Lnn^iicil, of Canada, all of whom hchl coiniuissioiis in the
service of his majesty, viz. : —
I
i:- 1' Mii.isiiMRNT OF Tin; rKi;\:':iin- C/fiH'S f,( iiiinnir, l]aroii ilc I,nii:;iiiil.^(r\r(1 in CMiKula a^ ('aptuiu
of Maiilii' aliil was wnllliilnl ili the attacl; <>{' III.' I''.iiL;li--li nii (Jiirlirc in Iti'.H).
lie \va- ( Tf ii"i| li> Irtlri's |iati'nt lianiii F-iiiii:ii''il,"
U. S"iir Jir/nis Iriihunn lir Siml HIliu . a Caiitaili of .Mariiir, \\a-> killfd
ill an aitacl< o.i tlic Miii;li>li in Carolina.
;!. S'lii, l,'iih'ihii (ll'j'.rfilli:, til'.' iiio>t iliUNtrioiis of tlic ln'oilicrs, and
(I'ovi'iiior of Louisiana.
■I. .SV' .'• /'■/"/ I,- III ell lie '!r M'lri-'iur. (.'aiiiain of .Marine wlio was killed in
an i'X|M'iliii,in ai:aiii>t ilie Iroi|Mois.
a. Si'i.r [y iiiiiiini i/i S' rii: II II ^i'r\ri\ iiihler lii.s lirotlier d lln'rville. at New >, A-/ j
» k
•*
Orlean-i. and died iJovenior of lloehesn'r 17-il.
i;. ,s'.(., f,' iii.'inii: Iii( iirili' i\n olliecr of Marine, was killed liy tlie
Iroiiniiis. wiiu >iii I'oiiiided and liiiriit tiie hoiiM' in wliieli lie and others were
stationed.
7. S • 'I r I, iihiijiir ih' ('huhniiiiiiL, was an ollicer of IMarine. ainl died (io-
Vernof of Civeline.
s. S^i I' ■ Iji iiiniiiir ly Afsiu mi. an oHieer in the Marine, an(l died in Si. Do-
mingo, "here his iiioilier (1 Iberville left iiiin on at'coiint of siekness in 17"1.
'.'. .l"''.,/' L Niiiini' ,s'f'"C("''. (Governor of I, oiiisjana. and clied at Diloxi. 1700.
10. S" I'l- !,■ i::i'llili liii iirill' . Ule^seeolid UoVal Kleliell (;o\ei-no|- ol' Louisiana,
served his eminlry upwanls of forty years, and died in I'aris Mareli 7, K'o.
11. Sfur.lini Hiip/i.-i'i- fy i/iiiiiiii i/i C'KiJ'diij^uii, captain of a coiii|jany uf
Inlaniry. and w.is killed in l^ouisiana.
'I'hi'ie ap|iears to have lieeii two hrotliers who tool; tlie name of TJieiivillc,
and tuo ot' the name (if Chateaiiinii'. Tliere were also t\vo sisters, one of
V
name of L.hateaiiinie
le .s^iellf de Xoyail ,1111
wliom iii.nii'il the .s^i.'Uj'de Xoyaii .iiiil the other the .^ieiiTde la Ciiassii'^ne. y ^*JP
both distiiiLriiislie(l oilir'ers, and rendered eminent serviees to their country in -0 ^
(he settlement of r-oiiisiana. The only known representative of this illu.strioiis
lainily. is the li.iion (Irani, of Loniiuie! in Lower t'anada, wlio tliroui;h the I'c-
liiaie line in
hi'l'iled the b:
I'roiii the time of J-a Salle's departure fmni !•' ranee in IHSL w ith his colony for
tlie Mis^is-ippi the iealou--y of i'.imlaii 1 was awakened airainst tin.' extension
of the l'"r''neli dominion in .\oith America. 'I'liey ciinnvneed lii>t to c.xcilo
the fro(|nois a',zainst the Frcncli seltleiiieiits on tlic St. Lawrence, and then lo
IV an>l .\i
make open ileiiionstratioiis a;;ainst them liy sea in llii'lson s l!a
In li'i^-ii .M. d Ibei'vilie Was sent bv .'NL l).-non\ille. (ioveriior o| Canada.
to::;eilier w
ilii his brollii r. St, Ilelenc on an expedition to lliid
ll:iv under
tlie Command of .M, de Troyes, In li'i>>7 be was ap|ioiiitcd CoNcnior o|' Hud-
sons 15;iy. iiiid in the followiii;,' year he captiiretl some Knulish siiips. In lii'.tl,
lie captured Fort IJourbon. where he lost his brotlier Lemoync Chateau^uc.
He al'terwards distini,Mtishcd hiniselt' in several na\al ciiira^cinents with the
Kn.Ldisli, ami in lCi'.i7 sailed for F
The Kiiii: of France up to this period
bad done nothing' to coloni/e Tjoiiisiaiia. His attention was now. lio\\ever.
turned to this subject, and lie appointed M d lliervilie. who had been latelv
made a Kni-lit of the Order of St. Louis for his galla
Bay. to conduct a colony to Louisiana.
lit conduct ill Hudson's
12
IltHTniurAI, for, LECTIONS OF I.OJISI.WA.
wlioliiid suiiioycarH before surprised and pillaged tlictnwn di' \'i raCruz.
Oil tlie •/'•J 1 tlu'V I<.'ft till! Capo to rendezvous at h'i>u:(nir. wlieif tliey ar-
rived oil tile •-'."til. Outlie l.>t of .Fan.. liV.l'.i, liie licet set s.iil aL'aiu,
-iT,
Olllllc'JIIll S-|itrliilMT, 9% lir srt s:lil IVoiO'tI
lyT"
tl'SllIKl
'iriH'iii' wmi r.' IP II I'.'Mii's iiiKi
two llUliill''''! iMl'ilihls. iircdiilpMiliril liy his brol lirr.-. SiiiVollc Mijil l!i ii^ illr. to
tali(lll 1)1' Ijuiii>i;iii;i iiiiil I'stabli^li a enlipiiy on tlie liiiiiks ci' ilic .Mi.s-
si~si|iiii.
Iiillir t) Lnnniii'^' iit'.T;inniii'y, lii'.i'.i lie rraclinl tlir Cliiiinlrlciir Nl.'^ .'Nplorcd
till.' cIniiiiu'I liciwccii Siiip iimt ('ill l>liiiiiN iiii'l o:i tin' 'JTlli !■'' I'ni.ii'y. lie
set (I'.lt I'll 'III Slii|i InI.iikI wlnvr 111' liiel liilrlril tin- cnluiii^t^ In i \; 'Imit tin.'
iiHMitli III' til.' .Missis^i|i]ii riviT in tu-o Imrijcs iln' one eiiiiiiiininlfil li\' liiiii>rir,
ami till' (itliiT by IJimvilli'. 'rbri'c ijays brmiLrlit tliciii In tlir jiali/.i', which
tliry ciiii'icil nil till' si'C'iiiil 111' .Maich. li'i'.i'.i, 'i'lii-y pi'iicccilcil ii]i ili.' ri\i'r, ami
al'icr smiic iJays >|iciit in c.\|ili)iiiii;- tlic country ainl holiliir.' iiitcrcniii-M- v\itli tlio
[mliaii tribes n-ai' tlic inuutli of the K '1 Ivivr iribcrvillf return ■'! \viili liis
]i.iriy Ihvi'U'jIi |ias< .Mancliac ainl lai;cs .Maiircpas ainl I'liiitch.irti'.iiii to Siiiii
Islaml. lie al'iiTMaids built a I'lrt nl' I'our iiisiiuus uiioii the iioi-th'ust slinrc
el' I'ilcixi. wlicrc lie cstalilislicil a colmiy. ami ^avc the eoiiiinaml of it to his
brother Saiivollc. Durlnu: the I'ollow iii:^ suiiiiiu'r the cis^iiipi. with a party of (.'anadian l^'reiieh iVoiii the llliimi-. lb I'omid
d'lberv ille at his lu'wiy erected fort, makiiii;- ananL.''eiucnts to settle colonies on
the lower .Mi-sissippi. 'J'hc appearance ofde 'I'liiity his knowled;j:e ol' t'le Indian
laiu;uaL:es and cu- 1 on is. and his aci|UaiiitMiiee willi the Indian ti ilns ..n the .Alis-
sissippi rendered him a valuable acipii'-iiion to the new colony. With his aid,
{licrcl'ore he ascended the river and e.Nplorcd the country as i'ar up a-- the Xat-
ehc/,, and loniied a iVielidly alliance with this tribe. He selected the lilull' on
which the City ol' Xatchc/ is now built, as the site of the I'uturc ca|iital of the
province and ordered a fort (Rosalie) to be built, whose frowning'- bastions are
still to be seen by the )iassiii;:- traveller, tlii'owiii;,^ their dim shadow- owr tiie
I'ather of waters at tiie hour of twiliirht.
DIberville and ili> Touty aiiaiii returned to liiloxi. while llieiiville s. t out w itli
M. St. Denvs and a few Canadians and Indians, and ascended Red Ri\er as far
as the Valasec xillaji^cs. about thirty miles above the iiresent town lU' Xatchi-
toches. I'roin wheiire he afterwards returneil to Biloxi. and found that d Iberville
liad sailed for I'rance for additional supiilics. In 171'- war was ibelared by
Kn^daud ai,Miiisl I'rance iiiid Sjiain. 'i'he KiiiL' of France ordered the heud-
((Uartcrs of the (Governor to be removed to .Mobile. Dauphin I-laml was
used us a eonvenieiit station for the lleet, and for many years it was an
I
\
■$
r:si' Aiti.isiiMi'.NT oi' 'I'lir. riii;\(ii i\ muisi \\.\.
in
I riiCruz.
r tlii'v ;ir-
lil MLi'MlIl.
■livillc, ti»
I" till' Mis-
i I'Xpliircd
iniiiry. lio
\i>|Mri> tilt'
iv liiiiiM'ir,
li/i'. whifli
I'ivci'. ami
M- with tlic)
■ 1 Willi his
in til Sliii)
.■;ist shnrc
■ f it to his
il MVci'cly
!■ youthful
I'.aily in
il s^ ttlrrs.
nMfrs. the
ic kui'lt for
liiL' liay of
liiu' time,
le lifesellt
ill 1"! the
II. I'.'unil
iihinics (in
'tlic Imliaii
■u the ,Mis-
iili his iiiil,
- I he Nat-
H' Mutl' ell
• ital el'tllO
I -lions ai'o
- ovef tiie
et out with
liver as far
of Xatehl-
il flicrville
l.clareil liy
the heail-
Maud was
it was an
i
'^
ami oil ilie •i'ltli iirrivi'd at the I-hiiiil of .St. Itusii, Here they fouiid
tlie S|i:iiilaiils had cstiihlishcil themselves fur more than a month jiro-
vioiisjv , ami t'eariiif: a .sur|iris(> from tlie I'reiieli, tlie Sji:nii>h Coin-
inamlaiit of this jiort. l>oii Andre de la l!iole. iH»tilieil M d Ilierville
that lie e iidil Hot piTinit liim to eiiti'r the port, in coiisecjuenee of
\vliieli. lie was eomiiLdled to continue his vnyaL'e to I)aMiiliin Island,
wiiere lio arrived on tlie olst. 31. ile IJienviile. tlieii a lieutenant,
found liere a larL'e i|Uantity of hones of savai.'es. who had heeii killed
hy their eiiemie.s, from wliitdi cireum-stanco it took tlio name of 3Ias-
saere l-land.
( >u the I'ltli of ]'\d)ruary. .'NI d'lliorvillo ancliored off the pa?>s,
hetwc'ii Horn anil Ship Island, wliieli he named: and finding' it
diilieult to enter tiiis ehaniiel, ho sailed four leairiU'S further to the
west, wh're he discovered the Cliaiideleur Island.s. He aiuhoroJ
IniiKM'taiit jiort. 'I'he wlioli' coloi.y as yit diil not tiiiniber iihh li ■.\\.(i\\-.
thirty I'aiiiili.'S. hrsiih's soldiers. The cliinate had cut oil' many o|' the lir.st
i'inli:raiits aiid lamiiic ami Indian hostility iiow liireateiied llu' ririt which has ever ^ince animated her
and the towns of Peiisacola and St. Aiiiriisline, tlien in the hands of Spain,
bcim,' threaieiied liy the English, she sent both men and amnnmition to theii'
assistance.
The year ITO:! rolled slowly jiway. and d'Ibervilh' was not iiermitteil to ro*
tiirn. lie sent, however, his broihef Cliateaui;iie with suiipliesat the imminent
risk of beiui;' ca])tured by the Knulisli, who at that time occupied most ot' the
avemies to the (Jiilf of Mexico. In 17'U, he was about to sail for the fmiilh lime
to carry supplies to tliu colonists^ when he was taken serioit-ly ill at liochelle. and
was detained in Franco. Finally, in 17'''i, he sailed again for Louisinii:i with a
lavi;e Ih-et. with which he nieditati'd an attack on Charleston, in South Carolina,
lie reacheil St. Domimjoin safety, and took on board a rcinfoieement of men tVoiii
the garrison there. Hut as he was about to set sail for Charleston, lie was attack-
ed with the yellow fever, wliieh luit an end to Ids life on the Otli of .Inly. ITfW.
Thus perislied the bolil and jjerseverinj; Ibuniler of the province of Louisiana,
a martyr to the glory of France, as Cavalier de la Siiilu. had been a few years
before. He left a widow, " Daiue Bethuue," and four cLildrcu to mourn his loss.
jli'll
^^Hi
L
ii
IIIHTUIIICAI. Ct)l,M;cTli>Xrf Ol' I.OLISI.WA.
nhrcast of tliom ami Sliiji Island, iind ordcri'il tlic cIkiiiiu'I hotwocn
Sliiji ami Cat Islands to hr sniindcd. M. dc CliatcMiiimi-iut unly re-
mained lure !i short time, and al'tiTwards rc'turm;d \o Ciiir l-'rancois
with y\ dc (Inivo. without takini^ any furthor part in the i xpi'ditiou.
On the lltli M, d'lhorviUe sent a iidiiccii In the mainland, north
of Ship Island, wlu^ro they disi-ovcri-d a bay and a party "f Indians
ill caimcs. wild instantly tied. On tho I'^ith they (•aptnr<'d a woman,
who. Ii;ittcri'd l>y thidr kind trrntniiMit. inTsnadrd Iut nation to ap-
jiroai-h tlicm. Thi'y wcro the l»ilo\is. ul'tcr whuni the li.iy was called.
On the I 1th .M. d'l herville tmdc four oil lio;ird his ship, and hd't his
brothel' llieiiville a hosta;.'e until their return. On the siime day
fi^lity I) iyaii;ouhi Indians, who wero goini; on an e.xpedition to li^dit
the Mcdiileans, arrived at the bay. Tliey inforiiu'd us that tiiey lived
on the banks uf a great rivt'r (tho Mississippi) to the we.>f
On the ■■i'tth .^I. d'lbervilleand BienviUe eiul)arkod in two feluccas,
with l''alher Anatasc and thirty men each, to explore the mouths of
the .^Ii.^^issippi river. On the '-id ol'^lareli they entered a \i\v<^v river,
which l-'atlier Anastaso. who had aeeompanied .^l. de la S;ille. recogniz-
ed as the 3Iississippi from the appearance uf its turbid wateis, On
the /til. having advanced forty leagues up the river, they perceived
at some taiice three caimes lilled with Indians, who all lied except
one mall, to whom they ga^ e some presents, and learned from hiin
that tliev lieloiofed to the ]>avai!oula nation. They met several
canoes of Indians belonging to the Ouacha nation, living near the
fork of the .Mississippi, who told them that they did not li\e far from
the Cliitimachas nation, (hi the 1 ith they arrived at thi' Hayagoula
and Monuoulaeha nations, numbering about eight hundred warriors
They found hero several cloth (doaks. wdiich had been given them by
M. de la Salle. These nations received them very kindly, and gave
tlieni some chickens to eat. which they said had come from a. --hip that
had been wrecked upon the coast about four years before. 31. d'Iber-
villc was still uncertain whether it was the Mississii)]ii. having
met with no Indians which had been described by M. de la Sallo,
until it was told him that the Tangipaos had been destroyed by
the (^linipissas, and that they had taken the name of the Mon-
goulacl'.as. It was here, whi'e looking for Father Anatase's breviary,
they found several prayer books in an Indian basket, in which were
written tin- names of several Canadians who had accompanied the late
31. de la Salle down the river ; together with a letter addressed to him
by Chevalier de Tonty, informing him '• that having learned of his de-
parture from France to form a settlement on this river, ho had
descended it as far as the sea with twenty Canadians and thirty
.'II
4
■»'
M
I
1
i
rHT.\iit.MiiMi:\ !• (»!• Tin; iRr.vcii in r.niisivxA.
15
i
i
('linoiuiiiii>i." li'iiM tlic lu'iirlibiirliiiuil nf tliu ( )ii,iliar!u'. 'I'liis discovery
now ffliivfil tliriii tVuiu all ddiilits of tlir rivtr tlnv w> re in. iiml tlicy
ii«c'i'rtaiiii'(l (III- inniilh ut' the Missis.-ippi to Itc in iiImmii twi'Uty iiiiio
(IcLTi'i's imrtli latitiitli!. A cnat of mail wax al>o fmiiiil licro, wliicli
till' liiiliaiis sai'l liail oiii-i- lie'lnii^'cd to I'lTilinainl dc Soto. M.
(I lliiT\ illi' iiia'if llicM' Imllaii.s souk,' prusciit'^. ainl llirii tnol< a. ;,'uiilo
to (•iiniluit him tn tlif iininnas. On the l.'^t li ln' passfil |l,ituii-K()ui;o,
ii, '',ir from a stream wliirli ni.aila'il tlie Imuinlary "f tlif ' uiitiiig
ground Ii''t\vicii llic llmima.s and l>aya,i:oulas. As lio advanct-'il uj)
tlio ri\i'r. Ii'' lanic tu a |.oint alinut twidvi; Ira^iruts roiiml. wlicro ln!
onliTcd ilir trcis to lir Irllcd. and cro.-srd over In t he hiIilt sidr with
Iiis jiciMuui'. 'riic Mississijiiii afterwards iiiailo a |iassau'o tlirouj.di lliis
placo. and ever sincu it lias ^'cmi; liy tlio iiamu' (d' I'uinf ('miptr. On
tlic 'iMli 111' anivid at a liLMid of the river callfil ••l)et(inra la Croi.v,"
where the I loumns have a |ioi'tap'. 'I'lie lIioiiiia> eniidiieted him to
their viihiL'e. aluMit tun and a half h a:;iies inland, whei'e he was Well
rei-eived and snioki'd the ealiunet with tlieni. This viUaire nuinliered
aliiMit three hundred and lifty warriors, (»ii tlii' '.lA M. d'lliervillo
took lave (if till' IJiiuma-i. after nialdn;/ tlu' chiefs some presents. On
the '.ilth he arrived at a very narmw and shallow sireani wliieh led to
the lakes. Here he nnlered iM de IJienviilo to doeciid thi' rivir witli
the ])iseayans to Shi[i l>land. while ho [lassed tliroiiLrh the lakes to
thedulf On the •^.')th .^I. de Bienville rejiaired to the vitlage.s of
the IJayaji'oulas and Mon.iroulaehas to ]iriieiire ]irovi>iiiiis. afirr whieh
he jiroeeedi'il on his vnyaire. On the 'j'.ith he hd't the ri\-er. and mi the
oLst he arrived at Slii[i Island, where he found M. d 1 In rville. who had
passed through the lakes, to whieh he gave the names nf .'Nlanrepas
and iVuitehartrain. On the i'^tli April .^1. d'l hn \ ille set out to
vhsit a liay almut nine leagues i'rom Sliip Jslaiid. tu which he gave th,.
name of St. linuis. On linding the water very shallow tiiere. he eon.
eluded to fix his settlement at JJiloxi. Here he Imilt a fort with four
liastions. whieh he mounted with twelve cannons, and gave the ooiu-
mand of it to his brothers Sauvolle and Bienville: and having manned
it with a fiiree of thirty live men. lu^ set sail for T'lain-e on th(> 1th
]May, On the -idth M. lie IJienville cmharkrd in a feliicci with a
IJayagoula chief and twelve Canadians, to visit the Colapissa nation,
who lived on the right bank of lake Poiitehartrain, about eight
leagues iidand.
On the "i'id he arriv^'d at their landing: and on the 'Jild he re-
paired to the Colapissa village, whieh he found to contain upwards of
^hree hundroil warriors, all armed and waiting to attack him. lie
kept at a distance, and sent the IJayagouhi ehief to hold a parley with
10
IllSIOItli Al. • (iI.t.K.fTloVH nl l,(iri."*l,\\A.
/■ '
tlioiii, ntnl t(» ji»rirf;iiii tin'ir ulijcct. lie It'.'inicil IVnin tlicm timt two
days h( luri'. twn l'',ii;,'Ii.>liiiii'ii, witli Iwd ImiitL 1 ('liiiat'liiiH, litnl .xiir-
jiri.^rJ tlicir villiiL'c. juiil ciirrifil olV a ;.'riiit iiiiiulu r "t" flicir iiu'ii,
niitl tlit-y Ii'hI Mipii'i-cil tlii'iii to lio (if tilt! ^aiMc iKition Tlic nnya-
pmila cliiff liaviii;.' uiidcci'ivcil tliciii. ads i-i' 1 tluni t" C rin an aiLitito.
Till'}' ai'i'()rJlii;.'ly laid dnwii flicir arm-* ainl , ■••livoJ >[ d. JJionvilli:
pcaci'alily : al'lrr wMidi In- returned tn l»iliixi, u 'i'To lie arrived "H
tlif 'i'Mh. On ilir ',i||i June. M. dc niiiivillc sut on* with ti fidin-ca
and caiiiii' in vi«it I'asca^'nula river. I'lMir lc'aj.'iie.s (last of IJilcxl. At
its (■ntrariee lie fniind a liar witli six Feet of water. At ei;.'lit lea^'iii'S
U]i tlie river lie disenvered tlie viUaj^e- nf the l'a>eaL't i<\' .lidy. two liark eaimes 1'rniM the Illinnis arrived at
IJiloxi, briii^'iiiL' M .M do Martiirny and !),ivii)ii, Missiunarnvi, win)
had learned I'mni the iiuinnas that there were .wdnie Fren di settle,
lueiits on the sea-shnru. On the Nth these inissiunaries de|iarted
from l>ih>xi to taK'e |iiissessiiin <>[' the mi.^-inn h(iii.»e ul' the Tunieas
on the ^'a/llll river. On the Sth Anunst upwards of si'veu hundred
I^Iohile and Tniiiea Indians arrival at tin' I'urt. ()n the "Jlth M du
]}ienvillo set out in two hark canoes and live men. with jirovisiuns fur
tliroe weeks tu nialce discoveries. He ]ia>scil thron,i,di lake's .^lalu•e(las
and .i*onteliaitrain. and on the •^Jtli arrived at the ]iurta,L'c uf
3Ian(diae. ( )n the )ld Seiiteniher lie reaehed the l)aui;.'n-«i\v\.
r
I
from Ills kiii^iliiiii f'nr the |iir|in-i' nl' I'lrmiii);.' ii n |iiil>lli'. M. di:
IliciiN illi' inrnniM il (';i|it;ilii r>;iri' tli.it tliis was iiut tlic Mi..,si>^ij,|,i
rivir. Itiil a flijnndt mi; nt' ('iinmlii. wliidi In- hail taktii |iiissi'h-
'•iiiii 111' ill tliu nuiiii' lit" liN Kin;,'; tliat it ww'* i'artlnr to tin- west;
\vlii'ri'ii|Miii tlu! |'!iij:lisli caiitaiii .set sni! in m:ii'<'Ii nf it At'tiT
llii' i|rp;i|'ll|l t' llir Kli;.'li-ll \('>.'il. y\ ill' l»i>li\il|i' ill -.I'llldlil
tn tlir iiMiiitli ami t'oiiinl rliviii iVrt nf watrr mi tin' Idiv lie
tliiii r''a 'I'liilril it til till' l!;i\a;:iiiila ami M'mu"ularlia vilIa;,'i'S,
wliiTc in' ariivnl Mil till' l>t ( )('tiilirr. tdi tin' H'lh lir li'l't tlirsi;
villilj.'"'-. and aii'ivrd at tlu' |iiirta;ri' nt' llir TaiiL'i|i:ilin>. aiid mi tlio
lii'Xt day lit' ri'ii-i'i'iiiilii'r, a ••aliito w,, ■ lind at tim {'•>\\. amimiiifiiig
till' arrival ut' MM. d'lln'rvillf and (. >iirL'ri'i'. in tin' sliiii.s
KriiiiiiiiiH' 111" lift)', and till.! (iii'Diidi' of fmi , .irmis, witii many
official's and passc'ii^lcrM. aiaoit;,' wlimii wire MM I'l'.'iu'. J.i^mirdy,
ilautniiii-mi. JSiiisbriaiit. Siint Pi'iiis. and si\ty < lians, ^ M.
K' Siiriu' also caiiio iia-ornim* in tlir (Jirnmli' lit; li i "[uircj |
Ci'li'liiity liy Ids travels in ('.inuda: and was imw sent mi tli- |,irt of
^I. li lliiilli'i'. I''ariiirr (!i'in'r;il. tu iiiaK'i' a si'ttli'iiiciit nn tlii- Mi>/|?- '
si|i|'i. and tu work smin! intiii"* tliiM'i' wliirli lu' liad disrii\ irid .- uiic
yiars lnl'ipi'i!. v
M d'HitTvillo was infm'im'd ol' tin' nttiiniit of tin; l'liiuli>li to
lind till' Mississi|ijii, and lie rcMilvi'd to nial nun and arrivrd
in tlic river mi tin; I'ltli .lannary. lilMl. lie li;id jUi vimisly -I'lit M.
do IJii'iivilli' to till! l»aya,L;iiiilas t.) |irnrnro irnidi'S, and f" M'K'ft a
idaei! almvi; imiiKlatinn. 'Iln'y fmidui-trd liiiii t'l a ridgr of liigli
land, at a distaiu'O of about oiirlitrin leagues frmn tlie sea. l-'uur
days at'tiT. .^l iT 1 licrville ariivi'd tliere and emnnienei d luiildiiiL' a
fort. Oiitliu Itltli Feliniary. M. de Tmity deseended tlir .^l -i'^.siiijd
frmn Canada in a iiiruirue. tu diseuver wlietlier any .-ittlenieni had
been made. ' On the I'.Mh MM d llierville and IJieiiville. with M. i
J)Liiru(* and ten marines, arrivrd at the village of the J>ayagmilas. On
the saint; day, M le Sueur, wlm had M't mil on his jmiriiey to the
Scimi.K nation.'!!, also arrived there. -, <>ii the '2t')th MM. dllierville *
and Uieiiville returned to the Hayagoulas. and on the 1st IMareh they
set out for the Jloumas. for tlie]iiir|pii[' serving
him in the otiier world. Aecording to tlieir aeeount the nation num-
bered nineteen hundred Sun.s. and upwards of two liundnd tliousand
people. They kept up a constant fire in tJicir temple, whieh wa.s
attended by a priest, who oil'd'cd in il the lirst fruits of tlie chase.
After death they belit'Ved the souls of their warriors went to re-
side in the land of the bullalo. and those who n.id not taken any
scalps, went to reside in the eiumti'y of (he lak<'S, where li\ed only alli-
gators and iish. On the l-Jth 3I.M. d'lberville and Bienville set out
from the Natchez, and arrived at the village of the Tensas. Tins nation
was composed (jf about two hundred and lifty men. 'i'heir belief and
ceremonies were like those of tin; Natelu'/, On the liith their
temnle was struck by liii'litniui: and consumed. J)uring tiie conila-
gration. the wonuii th.rew in their eliildren to appease the (Jreat
Spirit, wlio they saiil was angry with them.
On the -i-Jd M. de iJienville set out with 31. de Saint Denys* and
iwonty Canadians and Indians, to visit the Yatase nation, on Ited
lliver. and watch the Spaniards, and on the same day, .AI. d'lberviUe
set out fir t!u' lleet. On the iTth he was informed that Don Andre do
lalviole. (iovernor of Peiisacola. had entered the harbor of Ship l.-land,
with a s!ii[i of twenty-four guns, one tender, and a .shallop, with the
design of l)reaking uj) theM''rench colony, lie was met by some of
the King's vessels and compelled to retreat ; not however without
first makiniT a lU'otest. and sending' it to 31. de Suruere. deelariiii'
tliat Louisiana was a part of 3Ie.\ieo. and belonged to his (.'atholic
3Iajesty.
On the loth April. 31. d'lberville reached his ship, and was in-
formed that the S[ianish (iovernor. on leaving Sliip Island. lof.t his
.ship on one of the Chandeleur Islands, where a part of his crew
saved tliemselvi'S. and were taken to Pensaeola. C)n the l>th 31. do
IJicnville arrived at IJilo.xi. C)nthev!>th lu' .set out for the Ouaeliita
village, situated on the river of that name whieh eniptie- into Ued
I
I
* 'J'liN (li>tiiiL,'ni,-lie'l ollicer eamt' to Louisiana ii: ceniiiany wiili M Ir .s;ueur,
the ge()l«i;;i>t W ho hail lieell sent to e.\aiiiilie some mines on tile \| i>sissi[ipi
and St. Pelers's livers, whieh hail been deseiiheil hy Dupiy anil Ileiiiieiiiii iu
IG^^O. In 171 1 M. St. Denys was iliNjiatelieil u|i i{iil River to e.xplore the country,
anil oli-.rrve the inoveniiiits ol' the Sjianiartls. lie found tliey had enisled the
Rio (Jrande. and estalihshed a fort called tlie Pi-i.-iiltn of St. .lolni the Hiifilist;
.and tlicy now for the lirst time claimed jurisdiction over the country, from the
i
■I
i:,>TAiu,isiiMr.\T 111' Tin: iri'vcii in i.nrisr \.\ a.
10
1
■3
-rrviiig
llivcr. -evci':il l'^;i;iU(\'* frmn its iiMnitli. Ifc \v;i< infrniu'il liy tlii-; ii;i-
:in;i. tli:\t six l('M,::'iU'^ to tilt' imrtli-t'iot then' w;is a ('iniriii> \il!;iLri\
r'nit-i-itiii'.' lit" ali'Mit line liuinlri'il inrii. < );i tin' ilitfh lie cru-si'il lie. I
lii\i r. a'iil i-'iiitiimcd liis JDunicy nn foot. On tli;- same day lu' met
■.vitli six Natrliit'iclics Indians, wliu wen; t:ilinehita. villure. wliere he ]ir'ietired
«oine ]'!'ii\ isioiis. and a ;i'iiide to (■.iiidii<-t, him to the \'atas-(,' nation.
On till' I -Ui he [.assed two small natimis called tin^ Xadasn the
■.i>'tli he -t..|'|l^■d at the' vi!la,Li;es nf the I )ah-hanois. a.hoi'.t three leau'iies
from Natejiitorhes. where he pure,'! asi d seiine corn. A few day^ after
he entered the Mis,-issi|iiii. and arrived at the llayatrouhi laition,
where he learned that they had cntiiely destroyed their iiei^iihhors,
the ^Ioni:;oida''has, He then proceeded into t!ie sea to meet his
hrother ien\ille took eommand of tin,' fort on the Mis-is-
sijijii. < Ml the ■i'.'tli he disjiatehed 31. ite Saint l>eii!S to exphire the
eonntry in the lied lliver, and to wateii the Sp;i.iiards. On
the ;!'ith 3!:iy. the I'lnilammee (d' twenty-six li'iihs. eonimaniled liy
^l. de la li'iiide. arrived at t*liip Island, .\mniiu'' the ]iasseii:iei-,s was
M. SaLian. a traveller from ('anada. who had ]ire-;'nted a eiemoir
to the mini>t'r. .M. de Tontehartrain. as.-iirin,u' him that he had
•■ravelled all over the .^^lssissi^l])i. and had fonnd mines of iiold on
itslian;;-: .and that the Indian.- had worked them. The minister,
[iiittinu.' I'l'Ui in his .statements, granted to 31. ^^at:';!!! some privileges,
Sueur,
i---i.-~sipiii
lejiili ill
eeuutry,
vsed the
iKiplist;
iVeui the
'M
Ri'i GiMa-ie [■> i; d liiver. I'eit the iM-eneli, iiiop.' eir'etuallv to linid the
eouiitry. i.^I.ilili-lie.l a |mi>i lai tlie .Saliiiie, ainl aiml'ier alinut lljirly mile^ west
■ if the [i) 'si.ait Iowa (if NaiMy.l.iehi.'s, wiiieli was keiit up I'ur iiiuny y( ai--. J)in'-
'a^- llie lir.st tiiirty years al'ler t!ie seitlei; .ail of Lniiisiiip.a. tiie Fivm i, (mvia--
'Mi'-s ki'i.t a \\;tlelil'iil l.i.ik upon Ihe' .Spaijianls, and .--eat >e\enil delaeliiueiits to
Irive tl.ela eilt of Texas.
In ITl'i he wa.s sent as an eiuaiy to iie^'otiate a I'luuniereia! tre.ity \vith
.Me-xieii; mil :e:;iiu in 171S. as th" a^'eiit of M. t'mzat with articles of mcr-
eliauili^e to exclKiiiire with the .Mexicans Inr sucli articles as woaM be ^l^r|'lll in
Loui>iaiia. But the Viceroy heiiii; now d( ad. ho was .sei/.ed as a simiij'jlei' and
-jiy. and .sent in ehaius to .Mc.vico, tVuni uhence laj afterwards iiajiiu hia
•scape, iiad retui'iiei] to Mobile in .^iiril, ITl'J.
I
!
I'l
M
20
iirsTfiUicAi. fo[.T,r.( Ti()\s or i.ot'isi.wa.
aiul f.i'i.lcnMl yi. (Ic Sauvollo tn ."^"I'lily liiin with twciity-tour jiirogue.?
aii'l Idle luiinlred ('aii.'idiaiis. tn ar('(iui|iaiiy liiin to tlic 3Iis>oui'i.
(»!i tliu ■ill] Au.iriist. M. (Ic S'aiivollc (licil at Hilnxi. and AI, sist tlicni tn liLiIit the
Chicachas. 'I'ho Chacta-' natimi cmitaiiiiMl fnrty \ illaircs. aiiilnvcr five
thousiaml warriors. On thiv^'tli OftuliiT. twenty ]\Fip))i leans ariived at
Fort IJihi.xi This nation was sitiiatiil ahuut one hunilrnl ami firty
leagues n]i that river, iiiii.1 containiil .-I'liiiit (our lunMli'eil n:en. Or.
tlie h^th i)eceiiihiT. a shaUn]! arrivei] tVum I'eii-aenla with tlie iie\\>
that y\yi il'IlierviUe aiel Seriiiaiy liad arrived thire with tlie Kiiig'.s
ships, the I't'iioinnice' ef (ifty ,l:uiis. and tlie i'almier cf I'Dity-four giin.s.
This news s]iread jny in the giirris'in. as it had thi'ii Im en liviiiL''
on corn for more tlian t'.iree months. It had lost hy si'-knc>s up-
* M. lie Dieliville vliei'ii'ileil in tlic ('i>n'lli;ni(l <>[' ili'' eelciiiy nl the ilire of
tWrliry. He W US el' i.lie 111' the i!lll^t|■illli-: so:i'i (if t'iiiirlrs LrliKiVi.r IJicinille.
wi.ii >cttl!'(| ill ("aiiiiila ill lii(i): all (if wip'Ui ilidl in tiie s-iviiT ni' tl;( \y cmiiti'v.
'I'l.e v-.iiiy ii(iiiiiiii,-~!iiitii.ii (if 31. lie l!iiii\ilK' \vas markcil hy ju uy ifalmisic.s
aii'l v']ijiii>itiiiiis. ceiniii'iii to ahno'-t .-ill lu-w siMJeniriits. The !ni-;iT.il>l.' faetiiiu
i>f T.,i S^illf, the (,\)iinuissary dl' tlir ('rewn :iiiil ih'' Curate de la A'ciiie jiU'^hed
theif ii,!i 'l'-iu's with sn iiiuch slice 'ss. thit Ih'-y liiiiilly caii^i'l him li' tu' i-.'inovcil
(Vi'iii I'llii'i' ill 17"7. M. de la Miiys wa-- aponiiitid in his .vfcad. I'lit died of
yelliiu f.\rr liel'nro \\r reached Louisiana. _M. de liieiixillc was unu- ei.iiliiiiiod
ill iillic'-. Ih- eiuhr.iced cv.ry oiijierdiiiiiy tn cmiciliate the iiaiiv,.' nil"-^ as lie
exiil"i\il the hays a,ii>i rivers upon the coa-(, and lo attacii tin in !■> I'.i' French
int'ii-t. The Sjianish (ioveiiior of i'cii>aiMla. failini: to i x|" ! (';■■ rreiieh liy
fofcv'. ( iiiitiniied to reiiioiistrate ai;aiiist llicir seltlcnicut-- in Loui'-':!;ia. The
Eii::li>h cxiiedilioi! to Leni-iana. eoininaiidcd hy ("apiain DaiT. (--eiiti)!;! hy Dr.
Coxe. in \ irtiiu of a yranl fi'om the 1aii;li>li iroveninient. of the iiroviiiee of
Caroliiia. i haviiii;- de]!arte(l. left the eoimlry once more free from the a])i)ri.dieii-
h'lou ef any aiinoya.uee except from the S|raiiiaiil>.
It. was !).licved in France thai rjoni.Mana iiics.nted a rich lieM forciiteriirise
aiMl >pc-!ilatioii, and a. :;rant. willi exclusive iiiivili' and the fur trade, as well as from tratfie' with thi.' ,'^panisli sctMi.iueiiti
in ^lexieoaiul the West Indies.
In 171- he appointed M. la Clothe Cadi h;e. (eiwrnor: and 31. de Bieiivillo,
.Lieutenant (loveriinr. in 1711 he sent 31. de St. Heiiy^ lo foiin a si tllcmeiit at
Xatehitoches. to exiilore the cotiiitry to the Rio (Jraiide. and ohscrve whether
the Spani.ir(ls had advanced across that ri\cr into Louisiana. la tlii' following:
year 3[. St. Oeiiys negotiated a commercial treaty with the Viceroy of Mexico,
and estahlishe i I'rieiidly relations helween the French of Lmiisiaiia and the
:spa ii lis.'ttlemeiits on the Rio Grande. 31. la 3Iotlie, the iiartncr of 31. Crozat,
h i\ leg tl'.tid. 3L de Bienville assumed once' nmre tlio reins of frovernment.
i
St
t;srAiii,i. of .>i.Nty meu. leaving o\A\ oiu! Iiuiulrcil and lil'ty persons in the
colony.
>I, <\i.' nienvillc I'L'Coivoil oriln's IfV lli',! i-lialinji to ovaouatc l^iloxi,
ami reuiove to ^[obile; rivcT. On tlie .jlii .Januarv. liCl, M. Je
5
«
III !7 hi lir cwiiilnctfil rtn ixj;.'i!i-i.>ii :iL';iiiisi tlic N';itil > •; huliaiis ;• nil after
liriMiiii'j;- tlicni til tiTiii^. lie liiiislii'il ilic r.ni (■■ Rnsali.'," i whidi li.ul li-' n mm-
nis nl' Si I.-iiis ami a myal jii'tinl. I'nticfilii.u i'l him
Iiv iiiraii t' ;;!i!'(' ii\ siicraLrr \]"Vn \>\avi\ itt tlir cm;!--! ot' r.niiisian.i whicli
lie (Iciiiaiiih'il of .\[. ri'iijiiary in \:ii|i. in lu' crri t<"l in his fii\'iir into a imhlo lief.
In till' Mi'ar, time. M. frnzat I'ailin.;- v> rcah'zc llie ;:i\'at pmliis he liail rdieil
up. Ill in lii.- tViAj uiiji till- Jn.lian.- ami tlie '''panianis, aH'l tlie cdliitiN- l;a\ing
biMUiiht liiiij into ilchi upwanls of VSj dki) livns. Uc iK-tiMnjiiird luahamluu tlio
whiile si-h"n.!>'. ami aeenrtliii'^'ly j.n tiiiuia.'il tin' ICin:; to i\ \..!;c his cliarliT m- to
permit l.iini to -iirrrnilcr i' td !;■■• Ci-.iw u. 'J'lie Kin:: e.ii,;p;itMl wiili ,hi> re.|Uest,
aii'l aeeeiit..'! tlio srrn'mliT of ili^ eharter in .\iiLjMi--t. 17J".
St) sdon ■!• hf.il he surremh.'n'il his riiart.T. hnwrvrr. tlaiii another company
'.vas f..riii .1 un^hr tlir i,.iim' of ih.' W. stirii Company, i-.ainocted witli l.:nv's
ilJank of Frane.'. ami sliarin.,^ iis pri\ ilri^cs. 'J'he eharcor coiifrrriMl upon this
■conijiany hail niueh nioreexicnsivi pin\i>rsaml privilrH-estlian were .crrantcd to .M.
•Ci-ozat. in 171'-^ ihrie of tlio conipaiiy'-- sliips an'i\T.l in liir port of .Moiii'. . wiih
tlini' foii.'pi.'iii.'N of ii:faiiii-y ami si.My-nine eo|oni-ts. lirinuin.'- to ,M. ilo liien-
■^'tll ■ 'I'" !• iiis'iou of (.oviTiior of thr proviiiee. ][•■ now resolved to remove
Mie hraii-iiuartcrs iVoni the stovilo iv-ioir; of J^iloxi^ Aloluli', and St. Loiii^ hav.
to the iiiorr f-rtili' eonniry of ih ■ .Ai i.>,i^,- ipoi rivci', In \ irw of this ol,j,i-t. ho
sel'ctrd a .>!'■■ foi- ii town, v.hieii is now oreupiv.'; Iiy lie' :',\->t liiunieipaiitv of
clie present eity of Xow ()r'r;,ns. !n l!,o ilumh lini;'. the .Spaniards had ipiielly
.idvanee.l from .Mexico to the oast si'le of iho Riof.lrande. M. dc IlioiiviJlo
watelieil wivii a Ji-alous eye tlieir ema'u.iehiiieni.- : liiii -neii was the feel.leness
of his foree. tliat it wts not iiniil she v. inter of 17)'.i--Jii lie was enal.led toehrek
their ad^j.iee i.nio llio country by di:-pateiiin,; .M, de la i/arjie to hniid a tori at
IVatcijiio.d^e's.
Daily etqieriuieuts hail sImiv.-ii io M. de IJienville tl,;;t the iVrtih' .-oi', of the
3rissis>ip|,i as w.dl a-; t lie climate, were wi'll a i! 'pied !,■ I'le cult ivai ion of sn-ar,
iMttui! tell, iceo, and rice ; Iiuf it was sou:; di.-.,-,,vered t!::;! /■'.nroiican coiistitu-
cions Were le:! adapted to the burniii-Mins o!' !.(iai,-iana. for tiicy sickei.-eil and
dieil. The lirsi pla.niatioiis ..i any exieiii wei-e i!i, lefore coinmcnced with
iie^roes, inipiiried into Louisiana from (Guinea, and for ' . veral years t'a' iiiipor-
taiion ot ne;;roes wa,-; erne ol' tiij lucr proHtalile i;;on..[io;ies of the ■■ AVe-teni
Coiiiiiaiiy."
In 17r.» the proviuee iietanie invol\eil in hos'iliiies v,;th the Span.iards in
eonse,pua:ee of the war hetweeii France ami Spain. 'J'lm .scttlcinent of Loui-
siana jiresented a eN> ill' I.dl-I.Sl \\A.
.r:i
I :i
Ml
i i
i!!
il
■I
i 1 11 1 1
IJicnullo tdiik up liis iii;ii'(-li fur Mciliilu river, k'uviiiglmt twenty irien
uihIlt tlie coimiiMiiil of M. ile Inii.-liriaut to iii;iii the iurt At
Dauphin I.slaiul, 31. lU: Uleuville had an interview with MM. ik
couiitvy liordcriii'.,' on tiic Rio (iiMiiile, Peiicr lieiii;;- ivNtiii-i (i ;it lii>t. (.migrant.'--
bejj'aii t'l ani\e in ^v<\it niiinlier.s iVniii Fr.uiee iiiiil f,'ii-tiMii \mi\ :i|,|p>'in'i'il iiiiKiHL; II, r lii(li:iii-
cnst i>r the Missisvii>|ii. wliieli snoii riin'iicil iiitu lidstilitics ;i;rMiii-'l the iMilmiist.'^,
mill tlicy wiTi' tliri'iit.'ii.'il with ('.■^teriniiiiitiiiu. Tlic lort.>f (il St. Pi'ler on iIm
I'azoii. ami rvo>aiir. o!i llie .Mi^.^l.^^i|l|li. wen- attarl;ril, ami ^o cniiiiilite was
the nia.^>acrr. that lull li-iV of llie eihimists ri'achcil l\rw Or'naiis to biMr tin
nu.'laia'l.uly iie\\s to t!;e (ioVel'llor.
[!i ih.' autiiiiiri o|' 17'Ji'i the (ei\-i'riiini'iit 111' Loiii^iaiin pa-M il mil of" the li.'iiul^
of "\r. liieliville. Ih' \\;i> Sllliefsecleil hy M. i'erief. le; ('olilIil.'niiiailt-GelHi'aJ (it
the rreviiiee nml .M. liieliville retin'il to Fraiiee to recruit lii'^ liealtii. 'J'he
preparation tor iiriKi>-\itiiiu' the X.itehex war eii;;aL''eil n liri.'e sli.ire of \i
Periel's aitelitioli iiif .M'N'eiai years, iiiilil thi.s \\\]\ iiatioli was eiilirely .^uliiliieii.
But it .Ml involved tl;.' ■ \\'e.-t>'|-n Coiniiany' in an eiioi-niiui ■ ih lit. a;iil fojlowin;'
so elosely iipoii tlie lailiire o, L.'iw's linaneial sehenies. liiat thi'\ ]" Jiiioncil tin.
Kill'/ to >.r,i-reii(lei' tlieir eliarii'i to till' Crown, wliiei' was aei'e]it''i| in 1 '-Vl.
In 17-It the ICini;- reaiipoiiitril .M. Uiiiixille (i'o\-irnoi' ami ('oiiiiiia;iihini-
General of f.oTiisiaiia. F.arly in autiinin he arriveil ;.t New Orleans aini enterei'i
ll|i(ili the iluties of his olMee. Hr still felt a tliii'st i'oi- militaiy fanie, and eovel-
C(l the honor ol' hniiiMin^' the ChieUa-aw (iHli.nis. \v1jo had idiordi T; the Xal-
C'liez an asylnta from the xiUl-i ai;ee of the French.
He ininii'diately oi'u'ani/ 'li an armv to niandi a:;.'iiiis|- Ih" ri)iclc:isa'>v nati'i!..
In the spriiiiroi' 17:l<'i he ariixed in their country and alraek'd tlieii- >' run :,^d mid-
He was reinilsed with consideiahle loss: and. lindiii": liiins.H' siinoiinded hy a
hrave and jiowerfiil iieojile, and witliout any lio|i,s of heiiiL.'' aMeto snlidiii
them, he retnrned (o \e\v Oilcans on ihe ;!lst oi' .^iay nmriilii'd with i'hi- ri •
.stilt of Ills carnpaiu:!!. In the lie^dniiinir of the year ]7-"7 ^i. liieliville pro-
posed to lead MiK/ther expedition a;;ainst llie riiieka'-aws hy \^ay of ilie Chich'-
as.'iw Bhill's, which ri.'ei\(d the s.iiictioii ol' the French l^Ii!lis|el•. 'I'lic sjiviiii
of 17-!'.i was li.xed on for the contemplated invasion. All thini;s heiiii;- ready,
tlic main party left Xew Orleans in a lie* t oi' lio,(t>, and -lowly i/icved no the
.stroiiL' eiinent of the .Mis-issippi iii/tll the la-t of.lnne. when il.ey n aeh-'d Fori
St. F'rancis.
He crossed (A'er to Fort As^niiiption. which \vas liiiill near the moutli ol'
Wolf River, jiiid remained there until the i'ollowin;;- ."March, when he liiaiched
into the (^hicUasaw country. 'I'iie Indians imnieiiialely sued I'or [leaec. and
taking; advanta:,'e of their al.irm. M. Ilieii'.ille entered info a treaty with theiii.
and feturneil to Xew Oi 'ea!!s. This campaiuii close I his miiiiaiy careev in Louis-
iana. He retn>'ned to Fi.'ince. nnder a cloud ot'eensiire from his (ioxermneiit al'tei
liaviii'j faithfully served Ids conntry for more than forty Vv'ars. diiriiii; whieji time
the Wealth .•ind popnlilioii of the lu-ovinee liad continned to tlo'arisli and inereasi;
under his paternal •joveriinunt. He died in Paris on tlie 7lh 3Iarcli. 17'.'T. auO.
was hufied with iii>.liui v houois iu the cemeterv of .Montuuu't.ie.
4
1
i
F.sTAni.isiiMrxT or Tin; FiiKxrii r\ Louisiana.
23
IlilUtll of
!iiiiii-hci;
ll'c. llilll
ill I tluTii,
in I.'>iii>-
;it ;il'ti.T
lii'-]i time
:i('lVili-i;
HcriiTiiv :ui(l ('liiitoiui.L'uc'.* wlin IkuI arrived tlnTr with a (Irtaclnnent
of sailors ami Wdrkmcii. to ImiM a maLM/iiU! for tlic r('L'r]ition of tlie
iTooils aii'l ]irovisioii,s wliii'li had lu'cu hroiiglit fruiu KraiK'c On the
liith 31. do liioiiville comiiioiicfd a sottleiiu'iit on the Moliile river,
ahoiit iML-'iitt'eii haii'iies frcim the sea. On the lOtli >I. le Sueur
returned from his expedition to the Suiou.x. with two liuiulrcJ thou-
sand |i(Minds wei,L'ht of copper ore.
The following is an extract taken from his Journal : —
•• [faving arrived in the eolony in Di-eeniber. Ui'i'J, with thirty
workmen, he set out for the Taneirois in -luni!. IJOO. He stopped
at the mouth of the 3Iissouri river, and from then(.'>> proceeiled to
the Illinois river, where he was joim.'il liy three Canadian travellers,
who hrouuht him a letter from Father .Marest, a Jesuit from the
mi-sion house of ' LTnimaeulee Coneeiitiou de la Sainte \'ierge aux
Illinois.'
'• At. twenty-two lcn,irues ahovo the Illinois, he passed a small river,
wh'cli he named the IJutlalo ; and on '.'oinir nine leairui'.s further
he met a party of Canadians descendinir the .Mi>sissi]i]ii. returning
to the Illinois. On the oOtli July, he met seventeen Seioux in seven
canoes. ^'oin<^ to aven;.;o the death of three Sei(Uix by the Illinois,
one of whom had been burnt, and the other two killed at 'I'aniai'ois. a
few days before his arrival at this village. He promised the Chief
of the Illinois to paeify the Seioux if tiiey should come to nnike war
on him, lie presented to tin; Chief of the party some merchandise
to imluce him to return to his nation, lie told him that the iving
of France did not wish them to make war. and if he would delist ho
.should be supplied with every thing necessary. The Chief aecepteJ
the presents, ami ]n-omised to oliey the King.
Imuui the :U)th July to the -.'."th August. M. le Sueur travelled
fit' two leagues to a .-tream. which he called 3IineHiver; to the
ri it of which, seven leagues inland, is a lead mine. This river is
only navigable for boats from Jamniry to June. I'rom the -i.'ith to
the "-iTth. he passed several small streams, ami noticed several lead
mines. I'rom the 'llth to the oOth, he travelled eleven leagues, and
met iive Canadians, one of wlnun was dangerously woumled in the
head. They were almost nakeil. .,nd without any ammunition.
They said that they came from the Seioux. and were going ti^ Tama-
rois ; and iit forty leagues above they were uiet by a party of Fuans,
Sai^uis, Ouiagamis, and Poutaonatamis. who were going to make war
* The Bi-otlicrs of JLM. de Bienville ami criberville, wljo afterwiuds died in
Loui.'-iaiia.
24
HISTORICAL COI.I.F.CTIi»\S or Lfil'ISIANA.
on tlio Scimix. who Iiad cruelly heat niul robboil them. Tlioy aftcr-
warils !•( sulvoJ t(j join our party.
•• ()ii tlio 1st Sciitcinlii'r. lie jinssod tlie Ouisconsin river.* wliicli i.s
about liiiU' a league wide at it.s nioutli. Uii a.sceiidinL' this river
about torty-(ive leagues, ho found a portage of more tlian a mile in
length, cviiisistinu' in jiart of marshy ground, from whieh a little
stream tnok its rise and llowed into the Puan bay. inhabited Ity
a great number of Indian tribes, who trade in furs to Canada.
From the ist to the i'th September, he travelled fourteen league.^,
and ]ia-.-ed a river which came from the northeast, called the (^hiin-
capous. after a tribe of Indians wlm had once lived on its banks.
From the "ith to the Uth. he made ten leagues and a half and
passed the Caehec river. On tlu! .sunc day he observed some eanoes
filled with Indians descending the river. The live Oanadians recog-
nized them to be tlmse who had rolibed them. Ife placed sentinels
in the woods to guard against a surprise, and when they got within
speaking distance, he told them that if they advanced any farther he
would iire upon them.
'• A little while after four of the Chiefs advanced in a canoe, and
a.skcd if they had forgotten that they were brothers, and why they
were alarmed.
'• jNl. le iSueur replied that after what they had done to the five
Frenchmen who Avere present, they had a right to distrust them.
Nevertheless, for the sake of trade, he wished to be at peace with all
nations, and would not punish them for the injuries they had done.
That the King, his master, wished all his subjects to navigate the
river without being insulted. They replied that they had been
attacked by the Scioux and lost all their baggage; and to take pity
on them by giving them some powder, so that they might be able to
return to their village.
" 31. de Sueur ordered some powder to be given them. On the
same day he travelled three leagues, and passed a little river from
the AVest and another from the Hast, which the Indians called Red
liiver. and whieh is always navigable.
" I'lum the 10th to the iltli, jM. de Sueur travelled seventeen
leagues and a half, passed the river liaisin, and also on the same
* It was t.y tliis river that [NT. le Siieiir I'er tlie first time I'litereil the Missis-
sip]ii river in liis:;, tu visit tlie iiMtimiv <•(' the Si'ioux. amon;:; wIkiih he resided
for ui)\\i)rils ol' si'veii ye.irs. It wnv jdso hy this river that Fatiiei' .M:ir(iuette
and the .Sieur .Toliet entered the Mississipiii (iVom the Hay of I'liaiis} to ex-
plore it tt its mouth, in lG7o.
ESTABMSIIMKN'T 01' THE FKRNCH IN LOUISIANA.
25
riioy after-
wliicli is
tins nvor
■n
1 a iiiil(! in
t
ell a little
I't
lal.itcil by
() Canada.
'11 IcMUMlC^,
tliL' (^Miiu-
■^
its banks.
half, and
\
ome canoes
ians recog-
l sentinel.-'.
got witliiu
1 farther lie
#
canoe, and
- «
d why tliey
to the five
ru.st tlieni.
ec with all
hail done.
.>
avigate the
had been
%
take pity
]}
be able to
i-*"
1. On the
i
river from
«
•alh'd lied
1
seventeen
the s;amc
tlu' 'Missis-
-^.
hi' resided
■ M;iniuette
uuis) to cx-
- :'^-
dav a great river coming from the North called the I?on-Seconr.^. on
ai'coiint of the great nuiiibi'r of bnfl'alo, deer, bear.s and roelmckg
found there Tliree leagues from the banks of this river is a lead
niiiu'. and at seven leagues above, on the same siile. he passed ano-
ther river, in the iieigliliorhood of which he discovered a co]iper mine,
from which he to(di sixty pounds of ore in a former voyage: but to
make it of any value, a peace must first be made between the Scioux
and the Oiitagamis. At a league and adialf further to the North-
West is a lake, si.v leagues long and more tlian a hjagtic in width,
called Lake I'epin. It is bounded on tiie West by a eliain of moun-
tains, on the Kast by a prairie, on tlie North-West by a second prai-
rie, imt far frmn whii h is a (diain of mnuntains, two hundred feet
high, and more than a half league in length, in which are several
caves, where tlie bears retire in v/iiiter. Some of them are forty feet
deep and about four or five feet high, the entrance to which is very
narrow, and filled with salt petre. It is dangerous, however, to
enter them, on account of the rattle-snakes, whose bite is very
poisonous.
•• At the distance of seven and adialf leagues. ]\r. le Sueur passed
another river, called lIiambouxate-C)nontal»a. which signifies lioches-
I'lates lliver. On the loth he passed a small river, and saw several
canoes descending, filled with Indians. He heard them make a noi.so
similar to that just bef)ro they arc going to fall upon their enemy;
and. having placed his men behind somi' trees, he ordered them not
to fire until the word of command was given. The chief of the party,
after making some observations, advanced with the calumet, (which
is a sign of [leace among the Indians.) and said that, not having seen
before any Frenchmen navigating the jMississippi in boats like theirs,
they took them to ije English, and raised the w;ir-cry.
•• >r. le SuiMir t(dd them that the King of France, of whom thev
had heard so much in Canada, had sent him to settle in the country,
and he wished all the nations who inhabited it, as well as those un-
der his protection, to live in peace.
•• On the IGth he passed a large river to the East, which was named
St. Croix, after a Frenchman who was shijiwrecked there. It comes
from the North North-West. Ascending it four leagues he came to
a small lake, at the entrance of which there is a large mass of copper,
imbedded in .sand*
■• From the KJth to the 19th he advanced thirteen and three ijuarters
* The miniM-alreg:ioii of Lake Sni)erior was faillifully explored and described
by emiueiit Freiicli engineers more than a century and a-hall'a'-o.
,,^
■»?
26
if a 1
IIISTonKWI. COI.I.KCTIONS OI' I.OirSIANA
CiV2U0.
1 raving now triivcllctl from tho Tainivrois,* two linn.
(Irctl aiul seven loajrues, lu- Uft tlic Mississipjii tn oiitiT Ft. PctiT's
lliver, wlicrn lio rcinaiiied till tiic Ist Octuliur. lie tlien entered
IJlne Kivor, (Minncsnta.) so called IVoin .some mines of bine earth
wliieh he fonnd on its hanks. At tiiis place he nn^t nine Heionx. who
told hini that this river came from the eonntry of the Hcioux of tho
"West, lie huiit a post here, hut hndin;.; that his estahlishment did
not please the Seioux of tho ]']ast as well as the neii.'hl)oring tribes
he had to tell them tliat his intentions were only to trade in heaver
skins, althongh his real i)nrpose was to explore the mines in this
eonntry, which he had discovered sonjo years before.
'• lie then presented tliein with some powder, balls, knives and to-
bacco, and invited them to come to his fort, as soon as it was con-
structed, and he would tell them tho intentions of the King his mas-
ter. The Seioux of the West have, according to the accounts of
those of tho East, more than a thousand huts.
" They do not use canoes or cultivate the land, but wander in tho
prairies between tho upper Mississip])i and the Missouri, and live by
luinting.
'' All tho Seioux say they have three souls, and that after death
the good one goes to a warm country, tiie bad one to a cold country,
and the third watches the body. They are very expert with their
bows. Polygamy is very common among them. They are extremely
jealous, and soiuetimcs fight duels for their wives. They make their
huts out of buffalo skins, sewed together, and carry them with them.
Two or three families generally live together. They are great
smokers. They swallow the smoke, but some time after they force
it vip from their stomach through their nose.
" On the od of October he received several Seioux at the fort,
among whom was 0/'(ica///(/jn. a chief of a village. Shortly after
two Canadians arrived, who had been on a hunting expedition, and
■were robbed by the Seioux of the East of their guns.
" On tho 11th. M. le Sueur finished tho fort which he named Fort
L'lluiller.
'• On the 2'2d. he sent two Canadians to invite the Ayavois and the
Octotatas to settle near the fort, because they were good farmers, and
ho wished to employ them in cultivating the land and working the
mines.
* Tho present town of Cahokia i.s built ui)on the site of this once important
Indian village. The Cahokia and Taniarois Villages joined each other; the
Jesuits had a Missionary cstablishniout there, and the French a Post.
■S
^^
if
f.st.\iii.ihiimi;n'i' ur nii; I'Ui'.vcir i\ Louisiana.
27
* two Iinri.
St. rotiT'.s
I'll entered
111 lie earth
H'iou.x. wlio
inu.x of tlie
ilmieiit (lid
riiirr ty\hoii
) ill he.iver
I1C8 ill tins
A'os and to-
t \va.s con-
iiy liis nias-
iccount.s of
iider ill tlic
md live by
after death
d coiintrv,
with their
extremely
iiake their
rt'ilh thein.
arc great
thej furcG
t the fort,
»rt!y after
ition. and
uncd Fort
is and the
luers, and
'i-king the
important
other; the
'• On tlie 'ilth. the two Caiiadiaiis retnrnt'd wlthunt liiiiii,' ahle to
find the mail wliii-h led to those triltes.
'■ ( )ii tlic •iiith. M. le SiiiMir .■(■iiairi'il to a iiKMintain. ami lillrd three
cannis with ;,'n'('ii and blue earth, .some of whieh he had .sent to I'aris
ill Iti'.Mi to bo assayed. 11*; alsobrmight away witli him some mineral
s|it'eimenM.
••On the [Hh Novemljer, eight Mantantmis .'^cionx. who had lioen
sent liv tliclr Chiefs, eamc to the fort to inform him that tiu; Men-
douaeantons had gone to the lake east of the Mississiinii. and they
wished to know what s;iti>fn('tioii lie wished of tliem. M le Sueur
rejilii'd that he only desired to have a talk with thi'in.
-On the 1st Deeember, they invited M. le Sueur to a great feast
whieh they liad prepared for him. Tiiey made a speech, and pre-
sented him with a slave and a saek of oats.
'• On the I'Jth. three Mendoncaton Chiel's. with a great many fol-
lowers, arrived at the fort to render some satisfaetion f >r the injuries
they liad eomiiiittcd on a party of Fren(;h. They hronght four hun-
dred pounds of beaver skins, and promised to n^turii next summer
after tliey had iiarvested tlieir oats, to ('(Uiic and establi>h themselves
near the fort. On the same day they departed for their village to
the east of the Mississippi. On the l.lth. two Seioux Maiitaiitous
came ( xpressly to warn .^I le .'^ueur that all the Srioux of the Ha.st,
and some from the West, had met for tiie purjiose of coining to the
fort, as they had been informed that the Christianaux and Assinopoils
had determined to make war upon them. These two nations lived
in a country more than eighty leagues to the east of the f irt. on the
upper Mississippi The Assinopoils speak the language of the Seioux,
and were originally a part of that nation ; but the}- had not for
some years lived on terms of friendship with this nation. The
Christianaux are accustomed to guns, with which they are furnished
by the Hudson IJay Cmnpany. and they go to war with the A.^sino-
poils, who arc their near neighljors. On the Itlth, the two Seioux
returned and reported that the Ayavois and Oetotatas had estab-
lished themselves on the Missouri, in the neighborhood of the Mahas.
'• On the "..JtUh, the Mantantous and Oujalespious arrived at the
fort, and pitched their huts under the trees."*
Ou the 18th Mareli. 170-2, ■M. d'Ibi:rvillc arrived at Dauphin
Island, in the frigate •• Palmier." which he brought into port without
any ditliculty, there being twenty-one feet or more of water at the
* The Inteiulant commissary of the colony, who was afterwards succeeded
by Piroii D'Artaguette.
t I
I 'I
ilii
i/;|
:i :|
M I
28
lIIriTorMCAt, COM.r.CTIONS or roiIfltANA.
pass. On tlio lOtli, M. do la Salle* arrivod with his family at For
Moliilc. which had jii.st Ih'cii liiiishcd. and thu head-([iiartrrs nf tho
colony ahoiit to bo roiiioved tlusrc; Iroiii dauphin (."Massacri') I.'-laiid.t
On the Mtli, M. do Tonty. who had boen siMit by M. d' Ibcrvilloona
miH.siiiii to tho Chaitas and (Miicachas. arrivod at Mobile. brinL'intr
with him some of tho )irini'i|ial Chiefs of thoso nations, to make a
treaty of peaeo. ]{y presonls and ontroaties 31. d' Iberville made
them a[ireo to live in peaeo to;:ether. On tho :i7th, 31. d' Ibervillo
retnrned to l>aupliin I,>^laiid. and from thenoo ho wont to Pensaeohi.
On the i:!th April. M. \)u<:\u' arrivecl with u transp(»rt ladeiied with
provisions. On tho iMst. .Al. d' Iberville and do Sori;;ny tlepartod
for iMiinec. On the J-Jth .M:iy. eiirht .Mibamon Chiefs arrived at
Mobile to oonsult with M. dc IJienville whether they should eoiitinuo
to war with tho Chit'aehas. Tomes, and Mobilians. lie athised tlioin
to make a peaoo. and iravo them sonii; pri'sents for this purpn.-^e. On
tho 'Jlth .Iiino. a 'Spanish shallop arrived from J'onsaodla. nn board
of which was Don Jose de Koblas. Capt.'iin of Infantry, and a son of
the nursi; of Count de .Montezuma. ])rin^Mng a letter from Francisco
Martin, (iovornor t)f Pensaenla. iiskin^ir to bo supplied with ;;omo pro-
visions, which M. do JJieiivillo ^rrantod.
Ou the iOth Au.LTust. .M. do Hienvillo was informed that M. St.
Denis and some Canadians had invaded the territory of our allies to
capture slaves, which he ordered to bo restored.
Ou the 1st October. M. I 'avion, missionary, and Father Limoge,
a Josi;it. arrived from the ^Fississippi. to jrivo notice that one of their
brethren and three l-'renclniien had beiMi murdered on tho Yasous
river, by two young Cnurois. who had acted as their guides.
On the llth November. l)on I'raneisco Martin arrived from Pcn-
sacola. with the news that franci! and Spain were at war with
England, and a.sked for a sujiply of arms and powder, which was
given him.
On tho r^^th, two shallops, with two Spanish oHicers, arrived at
the fort frem St. Augustine, i'lnrida, and brought a letter from Don
Joseph do Souniga y Serda. Governor (jf that place, informing .M. do
l)ienvill(( that it was besieged by fourteen English vessels and two
thousand Indians. IIo further reipiested that a small vessel might
be sent to tho Viceroy of Me.xico. informing him of what had hap-
pened. M. do IJienvillo sent him one hundred muskets and fivo
hundred pounds of powder.
* The juunial ut'^I. le Sueur ends hero. lIo leturned to France in April,
1702.
t The name of tliis i.sland was changed in compliment to the eldest born o
the King of France, prcsuniptivoheir to the Crown.
<$>
■%
K-TAIIMSIIMI-Nr OF Tlin rUr.Nfll IN LftLTIHIANA.
29
y at Tor-
VH of llio
I Maiul.t
villi! on a
ln-iuL'iiig
) )ii;il\0 a
II If iiKulo
lliirvillo
't'ii.-i:id of .^lay. the Mnglish living
among the Indians in Carolina, induced tho Alihannuis to dei-laro
war against the I'^reuch. and to usi! a stratag(!ni to get them in their
power. They sent two ('hiefs to Mohih; to notify the Freiuih and
the neighhoring Imlians of the (,'aliouitas tribe, that tho Knglisli
had left their villages, and they could obtain a iiuantity of corn for
themselves and their garrison. ]M. Labrie an I four Canadians were
accordingly sent to ])urchase a sup[)ly.
On the .")t!i. a Spanish shallo|) arrived at the fm't. with Don
Ilyacinthe lioipie Peres, an olhcer at Apalache.s. He was sent by the
(jlovernor of I'lorida to ask succor for the province of the Apalaches,
who were attacked by throe thousand Indians, composed of the
Cheraijui. Cahoiiita. Talapouche. Abicas. Alibamons. at tho head of
which were five Knglishmen and two negroes, lie reported that at
the ajiproach of these nations, the Apalaches had demanded of the
Spaniards arms to defend themselves with, which they refused. This
refusal had obliged more than two thousand of the Apalaches to join
their enemies, and to settle in (Jaridina. Two vilhagos ot the Apa-
laches, who were Catholics, joined the Spaniards, and retired to the
fm-t. where they made advantageous sallies. He further addeil that
those nations had made great devastation in tho province. Hero-
quested a detachment of Canadians and some ammunition to he sent,
but only a few guns and some powder were granted him.
I I
! I
80
IIIrtTnUICAI. cai'ohi with htters from I 'on
Amlre do hi Uioh^ (lovernor of tliat place, who jrave notice of tho
arrival of threo ships from N'era Crnz with provisions; and that
hcarin;^ tho garrison at Mol)ile was in want of some, ho olVereil to
furnish it. 'I'his iiows gavo ^'roat pleasure, as it had hceii olili;.'eil t.)
seek their jirovisions from tho Indians, or olso to live oil oysters and
fish. M. do IJoisl^riant was dispatelii'd to I'ensacola to purchase a
supply. On tho 'i-M July, l/O;!, M. ch' Hecanconrt arrived frouj
Vera Cruz, bringini; a Icttor from M. le due d'All»ukor(|Uc. th;inking
M. do IJionvillc for tho a.ssistunco ho hud given F(.irt St. Augustine,
Florida.
In tho month of August. t!io Chevalier do l*errot arrived at
Mohilo in tho shallop '• liH Jioire," commanded liy M. Dugue. ladened
with Jirovisions ami other articles for tho garrison, lie lirought
with him Hcvciitecu jiussongers, among whoju was iM. I'ailhiu, sor-
geant of a company raised liy M. do Chateauguo, l)rother of M. do
IJicnvillo, who was soon to arrive in this country by tho first ojiiior-
tunity, with a commission of second lit'utenant in tho navy. M. do
Paillou iiad foriuorly been an ollicer in Franco, and was onco aid-
major of tho colony On the samo day four Chicachas })rought the
news that five Fronohmeu had lu'eii killed by the Tongarois. a nation
living upon tho river Casipiinimbo, which oniptics into tho Ouahacho.
On tho Kith October, M. Dugue set sail from Dauphin Island for
the Havana, where ho hoped to find freight for France. On the vi'id
December. M. do IJienville set out fi'om Fort St. Louis. Mobile, with
forty soldiers and Canadians in seven peroguos. to punish tlio Aliba-
mons, a nation of four hundred warriors, for tho murder of the four
Frenchmen,
On the od January. 1701, ho discovered the fires of the enemy,
and soon after ten jieroguos filled with men. lie held a council with
M. do Tonty and M. do St Denis, who, (contrary to his opinion.)
thought they should wait till night to attack them. The Alibamons
were encamped on a bluiV difficult uf access. The night was very
dark. They took a road almost impracticable to travel, and wdu^rc
the enemy was posted. They fired and killed two Frenchmen, aucl
I
I
'4-
frtTAnt.ldllMr.NT n|' Till: rUF.NCII l\ LOUIillANA.
81
prnouro
(lit oil the
JiliilllinllS,
»' jduriuiy
•t ot'lll'lH'C)
ml liMi'i'ly
On tlic
frniii I 'nil
icr (it' tllO
iiml tliiit
(ilVcrcd to
(d.ligctl t.)
y8ti!r.s and
iir('li;ist' a
ivtil tVnin
tliMiiking
Vuyu.stiuc,
[irrived at
{'. liuloiiud
M lil'OUght
illdii, ser-
ol' M. dc
i\st oiijior-
M. dc
)ii('o iiid-
in.!.dit tlio
, ii nation
)ual)aclio.
.-laud for
u tho -i-id
))ili\ with
u' .\liba-
:' the four
10 cnoiiiy,
luioil with
ojiinion,)
ilibaiiions
was very
nd whore
uuen. aud
I
I
wniiiidcd iiiMthiT. and at'iirwardH rctroatcl. M. do IJioiiviHo ."link
their |iirn;;iii.s hidciiod with corn and on tho llthof tho saino iiinnth
retiirnod to the Curt at Moliihv On tho I Itli. a party nf fvotity
('iiioarhas hroii;;ht tivo soalps nf ihi- AliliaMiniiH. for taoh of whii'h
tlicv roooivod flvo inMuids id' hall^. and as nnn'Ii powdor a;rri>oahly to
a troaty iiiado with thoin. On tin! t'llh April. .^I. .ln^v do lloldo
arrived from l'ciisa<'ola. to ^rt M. do IJioiivillo to siiid a vo.s.'ol to
\'ora Cniz to infoiin tho Kin;,' of tho o.\troiiio niilforing of tho j.'ar-
risoii whioli was roihicod to throo hiindrod nion.
On tho -jOtli, loftors wcro roooivod from I'onsaoola. hrinL'in;.' aa
'looonnt of Don Andre do la Uicdle from Havana, with provisioun.
31. tie Uoi.-briaiit was sent to obtain sonio whrat from ihrm. On
tho '-i'^d. two Indians from I'oiisaeida broui.'lit a letter from Don
fJii/.man. informing:; M. do Uioiivillo that tlio Indian allies of tho
J']ii;.'li>h had returned to tlio Apalaehes, and kdlod t\voiity-i;ii,'ht of
his men, and beiiiiin;^ that ho would retulor him some assistance.
On the "^Ith. M Diieoiidray-(Juiinont arrived at Dauphin Island with
tho '■ I'oliean." of fifty ^uns, from I'ranoe, bringin,:; provi.sions and
other arti( les for tho oolony.
He also bron;,'ht s!\ty-five soldiers, boiii^ part of the two eompa-
iiies raise.d by M.M. do V^aiil^^'i^'U^l and ChateaugiU'. Ihu latter of
whom arrived in eumpany with .M. do la Vniito, a missionary, and
four other priests, sent by the Arehbishoi) of (^I'^^boo. under his or-
ders. There also arrived, in tho .'•anio ship, two ;:roy nuns, twoiity-
throo poor girls, and four familie.s of artisans. The girls were mar-
ried in the same month to diireront Canadians.
In the month of Sojitomber (1701), a groat deal of sicdincss pre-
vailed in the eoloiiy. M. Duooudrey (Juimont lost the half of his
crew, an*^ii, Carolina, had made them a present of twelve
slaves, taken f- jni the Taensas nation, to retain them in tlieir in-
terest.
On the 27th, three J^paniards brought tlie news that the fort at
Pcnsacola was entirely destroyed liy fire, together witli the barraeks,
houses and goods, and begged that a vessel might be sent to Verri
Cruz to report tlie disaster.
On the I Itli Decembor a French brig arrived from Havana, and
reported tluit an armament of several vessels were fitting out at
Carolina, to take pos.ses.sion of Mobile and tlie Mississijipi.
On the 21st, the chiefs of the Tonica nation eamc to the fort to
solicit the return of M. Duvion, the missionary, to tlie-r village,
which he had abandoned since tlie death of M. Foucault, the priest
who had been killed there by the Curoi.s. instigated by tlie English,
and in concert with the Yasous. M. de IJicnviile told them that ho
would not agree to it until the blood of the murdered Frenclimen
were avenged. That if tliey wished to have him, they must strike a
blow iipon the Curois and Yusous, and bring him all the iMiglish
that might be found among tliem. That to facilitate this enterprise
he would send a detachment of his troops to assist them. The cliief.3
were deliglited with the proposition, and promised to engage their
allies in this undertaking. M. de Bienville agreed to send M. de
Saint Denis, v.'ith twelve Canadians, to join 31. de Lambert, Ca])taiu
of the Canada Company, and brother of 31. de Mandeville. ojjiiici
bleu, who was descending the Mississippi river witli forty Canadians
from the Ouabache, where he had been commanding since the death
of 31. de Guchereau.
many montlis of jjrivatioii and siifli'riiii:. tliroiicli the treaohcry and desertion of
Lis iiu'ii. He siibsf(|iuntly Joiiicd .M.M. dc llHTvilK' and Bienville, ou then
arrival in the Gulf, niid was employed l>y them in various active services up to
tlio time of liis death. All tliat is ku'.iwn of his persoiml history aTid adven-
tures—for he has not been so f(irtuiiat<' as to liave hnd a biojjraplier to write
them — is recorded in ii report of his services to tlio Freiicli Government, and
published in tiie lirst volume of tlie Historical eulleclions of Louisiana. They
retlect tlie highest hmior upon him as a brave and generous ollieer. His
achievements in tlie exploitation of the Mississipiii Valley must always rank
him next to La Salle: and probably he contributed more to the suceesstul ox-
tension of the French jiossessions in North America than any oTie man. What-
ever doubt the failure of the lirst exi)edition of Do la Salle to the (iulf of
Mexico may have produced in Fiance, \vas afterwards removed by the infoiiua-
tion which he obtained of this country in his courageous eli'orts to Siive his
countrymen in Texas.
'is
I
•I
■ ■ Sf"
i
■ >^
d,^
nSTAIUJSIIMENT OK TIIF, rUEXCH IX I.OUIf^IAXA.
33
.'I-
1
.1
The Toiiica cliicfs. aft(M' liaviiig received some presents, set out
for the .Mississippi, and iiiiTeed to meet M Saint Denis at tlie Nat-
chez Tliey built pir<),irues, and after every preparation liad been
made fir tlie war. >I. do Saint Denis clninged his mind and refused
to go.
On tlie 21st January, 170."). M. do Chateaugue .set out for Vera
Cruz with li'tter.s from the (lovernment of Pensacola. On the '^Sth,
M. do Lambert arrived at 3Iobile from the Ouabacho with the Cana-
dians he fomnianded. on aceount of the war among the Inditms there,
leaving behind thirteen thousand bulFMloe skins behmging to ]\[. do
Guehereau. On the 1st February M. do Jjienville was informed
that the Chicachas had sold to the English many of tlie Chactas
families who had eomo to visit them ; and that this treaehery had
caused a rupture between the two nations. There were at this time
about seventy Chieaehas at ^Mobile, and they were afraid to return
to their nation. They begged 31. do J>ienvillc to send an escort
with them, which ho granted, and 31. do IJoisbriant was ordered,
with twenty-tive Canadians, to take command of this expedition.
Ho set out on tho '.ith, and arrived at a village of the Chaetas at the
end of tho month. The chiefs of this nation assured them that they
would not oppose tho return (if the Chicachas, but it was right to
reproach them fu- their treachery in presence of the French. Tho
great chief of tho Chactas stood in the middle of tho ]ila('e. with a
feather and a calumet in his hand. He invited tho (Jhiiadias to sit
around him and listen to his speech, which they did with their guns
cocked in their hands. The Chactas chief then ordered more than
three thousand of his warriors to sit in a circle behind the Chicachas.
Ho then commenced reproaching them for their perfidy. Ho said
the French could not know their treachery, and it was best for them
to dio. He then lowered the feather of his calumet, whirh he had
been holding up till then, and which was his signal to strike.
Several Chicachas were killed, and jM. do Boisbriant was wounded
by accident as he was retiring. He was carried by the Chactas on
a litter to >robilo, where ho arrived on the 10th March, accompanied
by more than three hundred of this nation. On the 20th March 31.
de Chateaugue returned from Vera Cruz with provision for tho
colony.
On tho 10th April, ton Chicachas arrived from tho Tonicas by
the 3Iississippi, to beg 31. de IJienville to reconcile them to tho
Chactas. On tho lOth August, 31. do IJionvillo was iiifirmed a
French corsair was en rc/(/r//r at Pensacola. On the Oth Seiitember,
ho was advised by letter from Don Guzman, Governor of Pensacola,
III
o
i'lir! ^^i
m
34
IIISTOIUCAI. CfirLRCTIOXS OF LOUISIANA.
that the Lc Rosaiir, of forty-six guns, commaiulod by M. Larideclie,
had been wrecked in port by a sudden gale of wind, which tlirew In ;
over. Her e(juipago was afterwards sent in a vessel coniinanded by
M. do Cliateaugui', to Vera Cruz. On the I8th, 31. do (!!iateaugu('
returned from Pcnsacola to 310n the IGth November, two canoes
with voi/(fg//ers, arrived from the [llinois. One of them was 31. Lau-
rain, who had been to the 3Iissouri river. Tie gave an account of
the nations who inhabited that country, as well as of some Spanish
settlements on the frontier of 3[exico. » On the *.tth December, 170."),
six Chicachas Chiefs came to solicit 31. de Bienville to make peace
between thcni and the Chactas. He accordingly sent a deputation
of three Canadians to the Chactas nation. On the ISth, 31. de
Bienville reconciled the 3Iobileans witli the Thomes, who were on
the point of delaring war. On the 'iOth, 31. de Chatcaugue arrived
in a felucca, which had been sent on a voyage of discovery.
On the 7th January, 170G, 31. Lambert brought the news that
the Chactas had been attacked by four thousand Indians, led on by
the English, who had carried off upwards of '!iree hundred of their
/ women and children. On the llith. Father Ciracio, a Jesuit, returned
from the Illinois severely wounded. He had much trouble in making
his escape, as that nation had declared war against the French, s On
the 21st, several Chactas Chiefs arrived, whom 31. Lambert had left
behind. They came at the reipicst of 31. de Bienville, to snjoke the
calumet of peace with the Cliicachas Chiefs, who had previously
arrived at the fort. On the 21st February, 31. de Boisbriant. who
went on an expedition against the Alibamons, returned to the fort
with several prisoners. Ou the 27th, a shallop arrived from Pensa-
cola, with the Commissary Don I'edro Garcia, to adjust the accounts
between the Spanish and the French commandants.
On the 5th 3Iarcli, two Chactas came to the fort to inform 31. de
Bienville, that notwithstanding the promise of peace, the Chicachas
had carried off from one of their villages upwards of one hundred
and fifty persons, and asked for assistance and some ammunition.
■ ■■ill
i -??
KSTAIILIHIIMENT OT TUR I'KK.Nt'H IV I,OUlf-l.\\ A.
35
Laudoclie,
throw Ik •
iiauded by
Iiatt'aiiguf'
k1 a small
able to go
on !«bore,
rd. This
to Mobile
Is sunk in
i^ensacola,
with 31.
ro canoes
i M. Lau-
;eouiit of
Spanish
lor. 170.'),
lice peace
ipiitation
I, M. de
wore on
! arrived
ows that
^d on by
of their
eturned
making
3h.v On
had loft
oke the
3viously
lit, who
the fort
Ponsa-
:;counts
I M. de
icachas
nndred
mition.
^3.
■ f.
On the Ith April, M. dc Chateaugue sailed for Havana with the orow
of the brigantine lost on the coast. On tho-2Stli May. tlio y 3Ij^le \oyan. brdthor-in-law of M.
de ]>iciiville. On the 11th Augu.sf/the frigate Kaglc and a brigan-
tine commanded by M. de Chateaugue. sailed for Havana. On the
'2.">th August. M, dc l}ienvillo was informed that the Tacnsas were
forced to abandon their villages by the Yasous and Chicachas, and
to rt'tire among the Hayagoulas ; and that not long afterwards the
Taensas attacked the Hayagcjulas, and had nearly exterminated
them ; a punishment they deserved for having destroyed their allies,
the IMongoulachas. The Taensas fearing the vengeance of the Cola-
pissas, Houmas, and other nations, the allies and friends of the
IJayagoulas. they did not dare to return to their ancient villages; but
invited the Chitimaches and Yaguonechitims living on the l;ikes. to
come and eat corn with them, by which they avoided a surprise.
On the 1st October, M. de Jiienville was informed that a party of
Huron Indians, who had gone to make war on the Arkansas Indians,
were surprised and burned alive.
On the 10th M, de Chateaugue arrived from Havana, and re-
ported that M. de Iberville had fitted out a fleet to seize upon Ja-
maica, and had taken on board at Martini([ue about two thousand
buccaneers, but hearing that the Knglish had been informed of his
intentions, and taken measures to prevent their negroes from revolt-
ing, he sailed for the islands of St. Christophers and Neuvitias. on
which he laid a forced contribution. He then sailed for Havana,
and took on board one thousand Spaniards to invade Carolina. Tho
fever broke out among his troops, of which he died, and eight hun-
dred men and several officers besides. On the ".iOth an English
trader, who had been captured by tho Tonicas. took revenge on them
by assembling together the Chicachas and Alibamons. and declaring
war. The Tonicas. not finding themselves strong enough to fight
them, abandoned their villages and joined the Houmas ; and whilst
there enjoying their confidence, the Tonicas rose upon them and
killed more than one half of the tribe; the remainder fled to tho
banks of the IJayou St. John, which empties into Lake Pontehartrain,
at a short distance oidy from the spot where New Orleans has since
been built, and established themselves.
On the 1st January, 1707, 31. Berquier, grand vicar of (Quebec,
arrived from the Illinois, and reported that 31. Saint Cosme, mis-
^
36
UISTORirAL COLLKCTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
li: III
sionarv at the Natclioz. who was dosconding to the aoa, liad boon
killoil liy tlu; Chitimaclios. >!. de Biciivillo sent presents to several
of the Indian tribes, and r(M|U('sted that they should immediately
dcelare war a<,'ainst them. In ^Mareli the Paseagoulas deelared war
against tlie Ouaclias ; and sliortly after tlie Indian tribes assembled
to make war ujion the Chitiniaches. Tliey were composed of the
Biloxi.s. ]}ayag()ulas and Natchez. Thoy nearly destroyed the Chiti-
niaches, and levelled their cabins to the ground. On the "iOth .\pril
letters were received from 31. de Cliateaugue that ]M. de Noyan,*
commander of the frigate Eagle, died at Vera Cruz. On the 10th
July M. de Chateaugue brought from Pensacola a largo (quantity of
bacon. prc.-;('nted to the colony by the A'^ice Roy of ^Mexico. On the
25th August 31. de Uienville received news that two hundred In-
di&iis. allies of the Englisli, had invested Pensacola, burned the houses
outside of the fort, killed ten Spaniards, and taken twelve slaves from
the Apalache and Cliactas nations.
On the KJtli November some Ouachas arrived at the 3Iol)ilc fort
with four scalps and a young slave, taken from the Abika nation.
They informed M. do Bienville tliat the Alibamons and Abikas
awaited the arriv'al of some English to go and attack Pensacola. Oq
the 20tli about two hundred Cliactas arrived with four slaves and
thirty scalps taken from the Cahouitas and Altaniaha nations. On
the 2 Ith 31. de Bienville was informed tliat Pensacola was invested
by the Indians and English, He took with him one hundred
Canadians and arrived there on the 8tli December, and found the
siege raised and the Indians and En2;lish retreated. 31. do Bien-
ville returned to 3Iobile on the lOtli.
On the 9th January. 1708, a French vessel arrived at Dauphin
island, and brought letters from 31. louche, of the island of Cuba,
informing 31. de Bienville that 31. Ducasse had arrived at St. Do-
mingo with a large fleet to convey several galleons to Spain. He
also annminced the birth of a prince of Asturias on the 27th August,
1707. On the 2 Ith the Governor of Pensacola sent word that a
vessel had arrived there, briniriiiir news that she had met the Re-
noniiHa'. a French frigate, upon which 31. lo Comte de Choiseul, the
new (lovernor of St. Domingo, with several families for the Isle a
Vaches. had embarked ; and that the Rciiomvicc had brought stores
for the colony. On tlie 10th February the Ecnontmer. commanded
by 31. Chilez, arrived at Dauphin Island, with provisions for the
colony. lie brought the news of the death of 31. de 3Iuys, who had
been a])pointed by tlie King Governor-General of Louisiana. la
^;1
%
* The brother-ill-law of ^I. do Bienville.
I
ESTAUMailMKNT OK Till: FRKNCH IN Lot'lSlANA.
37
liad been
to several
iinodiiitely
ilaretl war
assembled
■i-'d of tlio
tbo Chitl-
:Otli April
-Noyan,
tlio IGth
lantity of
Oil the
lulroJ In-
lie houses
avcs from
nbilc fort
i nation.
I Abikas
ola. Oa
ivos and
US. On
invested
hundred
uiul the
e Bien-
^auphin
f Cuba,
.St. J)o-
lu. He
August,
thiit a
:hc Re-
L'ul, the
Isle a
stores
landed
or the
10 had
a. lu
tliis vcs.', the frigate Jla/o/i ke out in Europe shortly after,
there was no possibility, till now. of reai)ing from that new Colony the advan-
tages that might have been exiiected from thence, because the jirivate men,
who are concerned in the sea trade, were all under engagements with other
Colonit's. which they have been obliged to follow: and \vhereas upon informa-
tion we have received concerning the disposition and situation of the said coun-
tries known at present by the name of the Province of Louisiana, we are of
opinion that there uuiy be established therein a considerable eonnuerce, so
much the more advantageous to our kingdom in that there has hitherto b'een a
necessity of fetching front tbreigners the greatest ])artof the commodities which
may l)e brought from thence, and because in exchange thereof we need carry
thither in)thing but commodities of the growth and mamifacture of our own
kingdom ; we have resolved to grant the commerce of the country of Louisiana
to the Sicur Anthony Crozat our Councellor, Secretary of the Household, Crown
I
'M
M
•if
'1^
f
ESTAnLISIlMENT OF TIIK IKF.XCH I\ LOUISIANA.
39
nations of
hi Fosse, of
l1 witli pro-
pihjIikIl'J at
3 la Motlic
Diielos. In-
l>as. ciniip-
irectorn ap-
. cliartur of
tcmbor.t
unciiTs wlio
>yal Clifirtor
ill Li)iiisiuna
ciU'h.suvL'ii-
ijitidii which
HOZAT.
ill who shall
1 to procure
Aitlistanding
roiii the bo-
,Miig and I'X-
)S:] j^ivo our
irc situated
Irxico: and
lad success
IVoni New
d us iiunic-
a Colony
possession,
wliich are
(1 and Now
lortly after,
the advau-
ivate men,
with other
)ii iufornia-
said coun-
we are of
nueice, so
•rto b'een a
ities wliich
iced carry
pf our own
Louisiana
)ld. Crown
At the time of tlic transfer there was in the colony four liuntlred
persons, inehuling twenty negroes and three hundred head «i cattle, v
The ol.jcct of M. Crozat was to open a trade with the Spaniards in
and Revt luie, to whom we entrust the exerutiou of this project. We an! the
moi<- rea.lily inclined hereunto 1-ecause his zeal and the sin,i,Milar Uiiowledi^e he
has aei|uire(| in maritime couuueice. eneourai;c us to hojie for as ^ood >uccess
as lie l;as hillierto had in the divers and suudi y enterprises he has i;c.ne ujioii,
and uhiij' have iirocuivd to our Uiii^dom i;ivat (puiutities of fjold and silver in
such conjunctures as have rcndi'icd them very acceptahle to us.
For these reasons heiuu; desirous to show our favor to him. and to regulate
the conditions uiion which we mean toi,Mant him the said commerce, after hav-
ing delilierat.il tins all'air in our Council, of our certain knowledge, full jiower
and rnyal autiioritf*w'e by tliese picsents. signed by our hand, have apjiointed
and do appoint liii' said .Sieiir Cm/at solely to carry on a trade in all the lands
l)o.vscs>(d liy us. and liouuded by New Mexico, and by the lands of the laiglish
of Carolina, all the ostal)lishmcnt, ports, havens, rivers, and principally the port
and haven of the Isle Daupliine, heretofore called Massacre; the river of St.
Lewis, heretofore called .Mississippi, from the edge of the sea as far as the Illi-
nois; toi;t'tlier with the River of St. Pliilii), heretofore called the .Missouri, anil
of St. .Firome, heretofore called Ouabaclie, with all the countries, territories,
laki's wiihin land, and the rivers which fall directly or indirectly into that part
of the river of St. Lewi.;.
The Articles.
I. Our pleasure is, that all the aforesaid Lands, Countries, Streams. Rivers
and Islands be and remain under the Govcriiiuent of Louisiana, wliich shall be
depeiiiicnt upon the General Government of New France, to which it is siUi-
ordinate ; and further, that all the lands which we i)o.s.scss from the Illinois be
united, so far as occasion requires, to the (ieiieral Government of Nrw Fraiu:o,
and become jiart tliereof reserving however to ourselves the liberty < A' enlarging,
as wo shall think tit, the extent of the government of the Country of Louisiana, y,
II. We grant to the said Siem- Cro/at for lifteeu successive years, to be
n'ckoiied from the day of enrolling these presents, a right and power to trans-
port all sorts of goods and merchandise from France into the said Country of
Louisiana, and to tralllc thither as he shall think (it. We forbid all and every
person and persons, company and companies, of what quality and condition so-
ever, and under any ])retenci' whatever, to traile thither, under penalty of con-
tiscatioii of goods, ships and other more severe punishments, as occasion shall
rci(nirc; and for this purpose we order our Governors and other ollicers com-
manding our troops in the said country forcibly to abet, aid and assist the direc-
tors ami agents of the said Sicur Crozat..
HI. We permit him to search for, open and dig all sorts of mines, veins and
minerals throughout the whole extent of the said country of Louisiana, and to
transport the profits thereof into any port of France during the lifteeu years;
and we grant in perpetuity to him, his heirs and others claiming under him or
them the property of, in and to the mines, veins and minerals which he shall
bring to bear, paying us, in lieu of all claim, the tiftli part of tlic gold and silver
which the said Sicur Crozat shall cause to be transported to France at his own
charges into what port he pLases, (of which fifth we shall run the risks of the
'HI
:
40
lir-STorUCAI, (•Ol-LKCXIONd OI' LOUISIANA.
t
%
Mexico, and to establish a coiiunercial depot at the Dauphin Ishind,
with lirigMiitiiies to ('oiivcy mei'chatidise to I'oiisaeola, TaiiipicK, Vera
Cruz, Tu>itan, and the coast of Cauipeaehy, in which lie would have
: 1
III
i' n
iilll
i:! ''
scii aiiil ol'wiif. ) mill till' triitli piii't (if wh.'it ('H'rits lie shall draw IVuiii tiie otlior
iiiiiu's, Veins mill iiiiiurals, wliiili (riitli lie shall traiisll'r ami foiivcy to uiir
niaj,M/.iiii's ill tin; said country of Louisiana.
Wi' likewise iieiinit liini to seari'li tor iii'eciniis stones ami ]ieMrls, ])aying us
the lil'tli |iait in the same inaiiner as is uientioiieil loi- the' ;,nilil ami silver.
We will that the saiil Sieiir Crozat. his heirs, or those claiinini: unih'i' him
the iierpetiial ri^lit, shall I'oii'cit tjie |iri>i)fiety of the saiil mines, veins ami
niiiieials. it' they (liseiiutimie the work duriiii; three years and that in sueli ease
the said mines. Veins ainl minerals shall he fully reunited to our domain, by
virtue of this present artiidi;, without the formality of any ]Miieess (jf law, but
only ail ordinaiu'e ol' re-union from the suhdeleiiati' of the inteiidaiit of Xew
Franc, \\lio shall he iiiu the said emmlry. nor do we mean that the said penalty
of I'lirf iture in default (jf not working for three years, be rciiutod aeomiuiiiatury
penalty.
IV. Till- said Sieur Cro/.at may vend all sueli merchandl.se, goods, wares,
commodities, arms and auuuiitioii as ho shall have cau.sed to be transported in-
to the said country ami (jovei'umeiit of Louisiana, as well to the Frencli, as
.savages who arc or .shall be there settled; nor shall any jiersoii or persons un-
der any pretence whatsoever bo capable of doing the like without his leave
('Xi)ri'ssed iu writing.
V. He may purchase in the said country, all sort.s of furs, skins, leather,
wool, and other commodities and ellects of the said country, and tronsport them
to France during the said lifleeii years: and as our intention is to favor, as
much as we can. our inhabitants of New France, and to hinder the lessening of
their trade, we forbid him tiviliicking for castor in the .said country under any
pretence whatsoever; nor to convey aii}' from thence into our kingdom or. ''eign
ccuntries.
VI. \\\'. grant to the .Sieiir Crozat, or those clain'Mig under him or them, the
pro]ierly of. in and to all settlements 'vbieh he shall erect or set up in the said
country for silk, indigo, wool, leather, mines, veins and minerals, as likewise
the jiroperty of, in and to the lands which he shall cause to be ctUtivated, with
the mansions, mills, and structures which he shall cause to be built thereou,
taking grants tluieoi' iVoni us which grants he shall obtain ui)on the verbal
process and opinion of our Governor and of the subdeli'gate of the iutendant of
New France iu the saiil country, to be by him reported unto iis.
We will that the said Sieur Crozat. his heirs, or tliosi- claiming umler him or
them, shall keei) in repair the said settlements, manufactories, lands and mills;
and in default thiM'eof during the three years, he and they shall forfeit the same
and the Slid settlements, manufactories, lands and mills shall be reunited toour
domain fully and amply, and in the same manner as i.s mentioned above iu the
third article concerning mines, veins and minerals.
Vlt. Our edicts, ordinances and customs, and the usages of the mayoralty
and shreevalty of Paris, shall bo observed for laws and customs in the said
country of Louisiana.
Vin. I lie isaid Sieiir Crozat shall bo obliged to send to the said country of
•■■■s
3
\mv
ESTAULISHMENT OF TIIK FnKN'CII IV LOUISIANA.
41
liiii Island,
iijiicK. \'ora
wuiild have
succcodc'd if tlio Sjinniards had not rcfu.siul sin(,'C the peace to open
their [mrts to the Fren.li, in order to gratify the Enylish,witli whom
thoy had made a commercial treaty.
M'
(•111 tlie otlier
>n\v\ to our
Is, i>ayiiig lis
silver.
J,' iiiii]t r liiin
s, veins nnd
: ill suelu'iiso
■ (loiiiaiii, by
s of law. but
lant of New
said jii'iialty
L'uiiiiuiiiatory
v llieiii, the
in the said
as likewise
ivaieil, with
lilt tliereou,
the verbal
intendant of
nder liini or
s .■iml mills;
it the same
liled toour
I'lvc in the
mayoralty
in tiio said
country of
■J
I
I
.i
Louisidiiii two shi[)s every year, which he sliall ciuiso to set out in the proper
season, in each of which ships he shall cause to be embarked, w thoiit paying
any iVei^'ht. twenty-live tuns of victuals, ell'eets nnd necessary ammunition, for
the maintenance of the garrison and forts of the Louisiana ; and in case we
should cause to he laden above the said twenty-live ttms in each .shii), we eon-
sent to pay tlie freight to tlie .said Sieur Crozat, at the common mercantile
rates.
He shall be obliged to convey our ollicers of Louisiana in the ships which
lie shall send thither, and to furnish them with .subsistence and acnptain'.s table
for thirty sols per day, which he will cause to be i)aid for each.
He shall likewise give passage in the said ships, to the .soldiers, which wo
shall please to send to the said country ; and we will cause the necessary pro-
visions tor tlieir subsistence to be furnished to him, or will pay him for them
at the same jirice as is paid to the Purveyor General of our Marine.
lie shall be furthermort' obliged to send on board each shii), which he shall
cause to set out for the said country, ten young men or women, at his own
election.
JX. We will cause to be delivered out of our magazines to the said Sieur
Crozat, ten thou.sand weight of gunpowder every year, which he shall pay us
for at tlie price that it shall cost us, and this for so long time as the present
privilege shall la.st.
X. The wares and merchandise which the said Sieur Crozat shall consign
to tJie said country of Louisiana shall be exempt from all duties of exportation,
laid or to be laid, on condition that his directors, deputies or cler.ks shall en-
gage to give, within the sjjace of a year, to be reckoned from the tlate thereof,
a t'ertificate of their unlading in the said country of Louisiana; under penalty,
in case of contravention, to jiaj" the quadru])ule of the duties, reserving to
ourselves the power of giving him a longer respite in such cases and occur-
rences as we shall think proper.
XI. And as for the goods and mercliandise which the .Sieur Crozat shall
cause to be brought from the said count v of Louisiana, and upon his account,
into the ports of our kingdom, and shall afterwards cause to be trans{iorted
into foreign countries, they sliall pay no duties either of importation or expor-
tation, and shall be deposited in tlie custom house, warehouses of ports where
they shall arrive, until they be taken away ; and when the deputies and clerks
of the said Sieur Crozat shall be minded to cause them to be transina'ted in
foreign countries, either by sea or land, they shall be obliged to give security to
bring, within a certain time, a certilicate from the last ollice, contaiiung what
they exported there, and another certificate of their unlading in foreign coun-
tries.
Xn. In case the said Sieiu" Crozat bo obliged, for the furtherance of his
commerce to fetch from foreign countries some goods and merchandise of for-
eign manufactures, in order to transport them into the said country of Louisi-
ana. He shall make us acquainted therewith, and lay before us states tliereof;
upon which we, if we think fit, will grant him our particular permission with
!,.
II !
'U inHToRICM, ror.I.KCTIONS or I.DtrrHfANA.
riir !irriv;il of M. di; la Motlii! ('jnlilliK! r'niild not Imt luivo pro-
diu'c'd a goiid oll'cct in lioui.siaiin, it' lit; liad only ni'tcd in cuncu'rt
witli yi. do IJicnvillc ; Imt licin;^ jealous of tin.' pojiularity of M. do
IJieiivillc. it ;:ave risi' to ropcatrd alti'i'i'ations lictwct'ii tlicni. out oi'
\?luch grew two partiua in the colony, and witieli exist tu tliin day.*
I'Xcinptions (Vditi diitii'S of iiii|ii>rtii(ioii and cxiiortiitioii, jn-ovidi'il tlic said
goods luid nicrcliundisc lie dl■|lo^it^d jil'trrwimls ill dur cilsIdiii liiiiisi' wiiri'-
liniiscs until tiii'V lie iiidi'ii in tlir sliipH (if tile siiid Siciir Crox.ut, wim slwiil bo
(liili^fd to hiiiij; in i<\n- \i;\v. to lie rccUdiicd iVoin tin' diiy of tlii" date iicri'ul'',
a c. itilii'ato of tlu'ir iinlailiiii,' in llic said I'omiiiy dl' liduisiana, uiidci' innaity,
in iMM' dl' cdntravi'iitidii, td pay i|iiadi'upli' tlic duties; ri'siTvintj to nurstdvcs,
in like nianiii'v, tiu' iiln'i'ly nf uianiiiij,' to llic .saidSicur ("vo/at u ldiij,'i'r respite,
iC ii lir iiiccssarv .
Xill. 'I'lic li'luccas, ( aiidcs, and otlnT vi'ssds luddni^in;; to us, and wjiicli
ai\' in till' said (tmnlry df Lduisjana, .sjiail mtvc t'dr Idadinj^.unldadinir and
tiunspdilini: tlir clli'iis i>|' ilu- said Sicur Ci'd/at, wlio sliaii lie ixiuiid td Ivccp
tin ni in j^ddd fdiulitidii. and alter llie expiralinu of tlie said lil'teen yiiiiH shall
nsti>re tiifiii. or a like nunilier dl' et(ual hulk and i^dodness, to our (iovernur in
the said emintry.
\\V. It' fdi- the eiiltures and ])lantatidns which the said Sieur Crozat is
niindi'd to make, he Ijnds it pfojier to have hlacks in tlu' said t'
Ldui-iana, he may send a ship every y<'ar to trade tin- them direetly upi>n tlio
t'd.ist dl'lJuinea. takini^ jn'iinissiou from the (iiiinea C^ompauy sotodo; he may
sell lhds(.' l)laeks ti> the inhaliitants df the Cdldiiy df Loiiisiaua, and we forliid
all dlher companies and peismis whatsdcver. under any iireteuei; whatsoevtT, to
inlrodnee blacks or trallie for them in the said eountry, nor shall the said Sicur
Cvd/.at carry any blai'ks elsewhere.
X\'. He shall imt send any sliijjs into the said country of LiMiisiana Iml di-
lectly frum France, and lu' shall cause the said shijis to rt'tnni tin'ther aj^ain ;
the whole under jiaiii df Cdiiliscatidii and Idil'i'itiiri' of the present privilei,''t!.
XVI. The said Sieiir t'ro/.at shall be oblif^cd after thi' expiration ol'tlie first
nine years of this grant, to pay the ollicers and tin; jjarrison which shall !»e in
said country duriiii;; the six last years of the continuance of this i)resent ])rivi-
k'se : the said Sieur Cro/.at may in that time propose and nominate the ollicers,
as vacancies shall Call, and such otlicer, shall be cdiitirmcd by us, if we ai)i)rovc
C)f them.
tiivcu at Funtainblean. the fdurteenth day of September, in the year of
tirace. 1712, and of our reign the 70th. (Siirned; LOUIS
By the King J'lIKLIPKAITX. &c.
Registered at Paris in the Parliament, the 2 Itli of September, 171-.
* On one side, says 'Gayarrd. the Historian of Louisiana," was the Gover-
nor, the Agamemndii of his party, backed by Marigny de Mandeville. Bagot,
Bldiidel. Latour. Villiers, and Terriiu!, scions of noble houses, and all of them
young and brilliant ollicers; ami the fanatic Curate de la Veiite, who stimu-
lated them to the contest. On the other side was de I5ienville, the Hector of
the op[>osition. Diudos. Boisbriant. Chatoiiiigue, Richebourg, du Tisue,
Serigny, and others of note and iutlucncc, who were at least fully a match for
tlieir antagonist.
"i;tr ':■'
.,ii m
KrfTAUl.ldnMKNT *)V Tin: I'lHINCII l\ r.MirirtI AVA.
43
it Iiavo pro-
. ill concert
ty (if iM. do
lu'iii. out of
this day.*
ilc'd tlic sni(i
liniiM' wan,'-
, who .sllllll ll(>
(I;ilc lirri'ut'
iiidcr pcimlty,
ti) ourselves,
i)iij,'ei' respite,
IS, iuid wliii'li
iiloMiliiii; ami
oiiml to Uei'i)
en years shall
r (I'ovi'nior in
eiir Cro/.at i^i
niiitry of (lie
tly upon tlio
[Olio ; he may
11(1 we lorliitl
liatsiH'ViT, to
hi' said Sii'ur
siaiia but di-
lither again;
pri\ ilei,'o.
>ii of the (irst,
'h sliall he in
in'sent jirivi-
tlie olliecrs,
we aiijuuvc
tlu' year of
LOUIS
UK. &c.
s tlio Govcr-
'ille, Bagot,
all of them
who stiniu-
e Hector of
du Tisiie,
match for
Iti tlie tuoiith of Aiiiriist, llaroii di; In l"'o.ss(' sailed for Franco. Tn
heceinl'cr. the fri,i,Mtc liOiiisiaiia. of twenty l'miis. coiniiiaiehul liy M.
]{eraii;."r. stopped at l>aiiiihiii Island. Slie l)eloiij,'iMl to M. Cro/at.
and was laden with provisioius for the colony. On the Kith, ii
f^reat luiiuher of ('liiofs of tlio (Jhactas and iieii^hhorin;; trihes caino
to cliaiiiit tho calumet of pcai'e liefore MM. de la Motlie (Jadillac
and l)'.\rta<,'uetto. The kind reception th(!y recuivod induced them
to reject tho olfcr.s of the l*]ii;,disli in ('arolina. In tlio niontli of
April, twelve Kn;^li«limeii, at tho head of two thousand Alihainoiis,
Albikas. Talajioo.sas. and Chicachas Indians, eaiiio to the (Jhaetiis
nation, and were well received by them.
On the SAd August, .M. ilu Saint Denis set out with thirty Ca-
nadians, to make a rcconnoisaiuii! of the Spani.sh missioiiH, in the
provin(!o of liastikas. near lied llivc^r. At the end of tho year 1714,
M. Dutinti, cusigfh' (/>' ( '(jii/jxi/nc, tA' ('aiuula. arrived at Mobile to
enter the service of M. Crozat. Hi; brought two .specimen.^ of
minerals from mines in the neighborhood of Ca.scaskias. which had
been given to him by .some Canadians. M. do la Motho (Jadillao
discovered that they contained a great deal of silver, and concluded
to visit tlieiii privately. He accordingly set out for tlie Tlliiioi.s in
the beginning of 171'). On his arrival there he in(|uired of the
Canadians who had given them to M. Dutini', where the mine was
to be found. They told him that the .specimens came from Mexico,
and that it was in jest they had stated to M. Dutine they canu! from
Cascaskias. Soon after, M. do la 3Iothe Cadillac set out to explore
the load mines fourteen leagues ia the interior, to the west of the
river. After the departure of M. do la Motho Cadillac, 31 do ]>ien-
ville was informed that the .English continued to keep up their estab-
lishments among the Chactas. Natchcs, Vasous. and other tribes of the
Mississippi; and believing that it was necessary to take prompt
measures to prevent tho trade of the colony from falling into their
hands he sent for the Chiefs of tho Chactas, who would only come to
him upon the assurance that 31. de la Motho was not at IicadMjuartcr.s.
M. de Bienville reproached them for deceiving him by telling
him that they only purchased their goods of him, and were all the
while buying them of the English. The Chiefs made him a promise
that in future they would drive away the English, whom they
afterwards pillaged of their goods, and brought three of them
prisoners to Mobile. About this period M. Voux, an English oHiccr,
passed through all the Indian villages in which were any English,
and went by land to Natchez. From thence he proceeded down the
river to make an alliance with the Houmas, Bayagoulas, Ouachas,
■ (■'I
1:1
M
!■ , 'i-
ii:! '
m ii
44
IIISTOnif'AI, COI,LF,CTIONS OF LOUIS tAN'A.
nnil ('olapisHa.H, anJ to soiitnl the inoiitlis of tlio Mississippi. M. d
la Loire ilcs llrsiiin, (JoiiiiniHsary of M. Crozat, iimiiediatoly son>
a jiiniguo and tun CaiiadianH to capture liini, tlicy overtook liini in tho
nei;,'iiborliood of Maiicliae. and carried liitii to .'Mol)il(! From tlionce
he was went to I'eiiHaeohi ; but winhin;; to return by hmd tn Carolina,
ho was killed on the road by a Thome Indian, who was huiitinj^.
In tho month of -July, 171 '>, a piro;,Mio with Alibamonn arrived at
the fort with a ('anadian and an Englishman ; they reportrd thatse^
veral of the Iniian tribes in Carolina iiad fallen uj)on tlic iliiglish in
their towns and had massacred them, including tiioso of I'urt ]{oyal.
This revolt cost tho English about eight hundred lives. M. do
Saint llelono was standing in a cabin of one of tin; Cliicachas
at tho time, with several Englishmen, who witnessed the niassacro.
As one of tho Chiefs was about to tell him to stand aside and not to
be alarmed, two young Indians who iiad slipped into th(; cabin, saw
him, and believing him to be an Englishman, shot him ,'lit with him Kcvfriil
minoriil specimens of little value, and in the following mnntli he
mailed for I'riinco in the •' l),iu|thine." In January. 17 lti, some
of the CIieraijuiH Iiidian.s who lived mu-thc'ist of Mobile, killed
M.M. de Jlaui.say and do Lonj^ueil. Some time after, the father
of the latter gentleman, the King'.s Lieutenant in ('anada. engaged
the Tro'iuois to .supri.se this tribe. Tlicy saeki'(l two of their villages
and obliged the rest to retreat towards New England. On the
10th Kcliruary, M. do (!hateaugue was despatched to Capo St.
I'raneais for provisions, at the same time M. do lloisbriant em-
barked for France. The tlute. /a J)'Uip/ii /it: hrnujiht M. d(> l^Iiiiville
the appiiiiitment of King's (Jomniandant. Jle was ordered to take
two eoiiipanies of Infantry, to place one at Natehez, and the other
on the Oiiabache, and to remove his head-(iuarters to Natchez.
IJut .M. do la Mothe (!adillac would not give him but thirty-five
men ; although he know that M. de la Loire des Ursins had brought
the news that five Frenehmen had been killed by the Natchez, and
ho had barely escaped by the advice of a chicif. who had given him the
means to save his life. IM. de Uienville set out accordingly, and ar-
rived at tlie fort on the Mississippi, whore he found MM. de Taillou
and de Uichebourg with the pirogues which bad been sent from Mo-
bile, laden with provisions and utensils to form the settlements at
Natchez and on the Ouabache. lie ordered them to proceed and join
him at tlie Tonicas, a post which had been established a short time be-
fore on the [Mississippi, about two Itiagues above the mouth of the lied
River, on the borders of a lake. He rejoined them on the i2th
March, and was there informed that the Natchez, had since the
departure of M. de la Loire, killed two Frenchmen and j)illiiged
six Canadians, who were descending the river. He was also told tliat
the Natchez had joined the Tonicas. M. de IJienville sent an inter-
preter to the Natchez to solicit some provisions and to bring the calu-
met of peace. Tiio Great Chief sent him nineteen persons, five
of whom were chiefs of the sun, and seven the chiefs of villages, to
make a reconciliation.
He also sent him the six Canadians whom they had pillngod.
On bi.'ing presented to M. de IJienville they offered him the calumet
of peace, which he refused to receive until satisfaction was rendered
for the Frenchmen they had killed. They were confounded at this
reply. The great chief of the Temple lowered his calumet, raised
his eyes and arms towards the sun, and invoked the mercy of
I :i i
u
1 /;' ," .
': '» i'
■in
if
:! ■:!:
II' -'.I
46
HISTOKICAL COLLECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
M. do Bienville. He then presented Lis calumet, which was again
refused.
M, de Bienville repeated to him that no reconciliation could take
place until he delivered up the white chief and his accomplices who
had committed the murder. At this proposition the chiefs said that
he was, like themselves, a chief of the sun, a man of valor, and could
not be given up. M. de Bienville now ordered them to be put in
irons and imprisoned.
On the 17th the chiefs proposed to M. do Bienville to send two
of their chiefs to the great chief at Natchez for the heads of the mur-
derers, which was granted. They soon brought him the head of a
chief, but, suspecting their fraud, he rejected it. They also brought
him another, and this he refused. Finally, to put an end to these
conferences, M. de Bienville told his prisoners that they could not
doubt that the brother of the great chief culled " The Arrow" was one
of the murderers. He had received the English into his village, and
had been a great disturber of the public peace. The chiefs at last
agreed to give up his head. The death of this chief restored peace ;
and it was now stipulated that the Natchez should furnish posts
and lumber to build a fort in this country for the safety of the
French. This work was commenced in June, under the direction of
M. de Paillou, who was appointed commandant,*
On the 12th June, the '• La Paix," of 12 guns, commanded by M.
Chapy. arrived at Dauphin Island with twenty passengers : and at
the end of July she sailed for France. On the 25th August, M. do
Saint Denis returned to Mobile from his voyage of discoveries. On
the 15th November (1714) he had repaired to the Assinays. west of
Natchitoches, and not finding any Spaniards there he returned to the
Natchez, where he reinforced himself with five Canadians. He then re-
ascended lied Ilivcr to Natchitoches, and marched to the Assinays,
where he took twenty Indians and some horses to conduct him to the
missionary establishment of St. John tlio Baptist, two leagues west
of tlie llio Bravo. Captain llaimond, the commandant of tliis post,
informed the Duke de I.iignares, Viceroy of Mexico, of the arrival
of M. de Saint Denis, and of his approaching marriage with his niece.
The Viceroy sent orders for M. de Saint Denis to repair immediately
to Mexico, where he arrived on the 25th June, 1715. He agreed with
M. de Saint Denis to accompany nine missionaries who were going to
t
* See the Mimoire ilc M. dc Ifir/u/Hnins siir la premiere guerre li:
I::: 1
48
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
intention of trading with the natives of New Leon. They arrived at
Natchitoches on the 2;jth November, where they purchased some
horses, and on the 25th December they reached one of the villages
of the Adayes. From the 29th December to the 4th January, 1717,
they travelled eighteen leagues through a country abounding in game.
On the Gth, they crossed the river Adayes and slept in the village of
the Ayiches, where they found a Spanish mission-house established,
consisting of two priests, three soldiers, and a female. The country
was interspersed with bcau*iful prairies, and watered by several
streams. From the 12th to the loth, they travelled nineteen leagues
and slept at the mission-station of Nachodochcs, where they found
four priests, two soldiers, and a Spanish woman. From the 18th to
the 21st, they travelled nine leagues to the Assinays or Cenis, where
they found two priests, one soldier, and a Spanish woman.
At ie Presidio, which was seventeen leagues farther on, they
met a captain, ensign and twenty-five soldiers. On the 22d, they
crossed two rivers, and at a distance of ten leagues farther, they
passed the last mission-station of the Assinays or Cenis, which con-
sisted of two priests and several soldiers, who furnished them with a
relay of horses. From the 23d to the 24th, they travelled eighteen
leagues to Trinity Eiver, where they rested. From the 2r)th to the
28th, they advanced twenty-four leagues to the riricfc dcs Irriipiais^
where they saw a great herd of wild Buffaloes. On the next day
they crossed the river, which has two branches, and slept at night in
a village of the same name. From the 20th to the 8tli April, they
travelled thirty-six leagues, and crossed a desert to the river Colo-
rfido. Here they were attacked by sixty Indians on horseback, who
were covered with Buffalo skins, and armed with bows and lances.
The conflict was soon ended ; but in their retreat the Indians threw
themselves upon their rear guard, and carried off' twenty-three mules,
one of which was loaded with all their wearing apparel.
On the 11th, they made nine leagues and forded the river Saint
Marks. On the next day they crossed two branches of the river
Guadaloupc. From the 13th to the 14th, they travelled thirteen
leagues, and forded the rivers St. Anthony and Madeline. From
the I5th to the I'.itli. they travelled twenty-seven leagues to the
riviere aiix Nolx. From the 20th to the 2l3t, they travelled to the
river Dcl-Nortc (Rio Grande); and two leagues to the west of
which they arrived at the Presidio^ where they found a captain, lieu-
tenant, and thirty Spanish soldiers. In tliis place was establi.shed
the missions of Saint Bernard and Saint John the Baptist. Their
bouses were built around a S(iuare, which formed their fortresa
'^ j;
i i^ll iM
ESTADLISHMENT OF THE FRENCH IN LOUISIANA.
49
Thcso missionary stations are situated about two hundred and four-
teen leagues from Natchitoches, in latitude 20o 10''. Here M3I.
Gravcline and Derbannc learned that the merchandise brought by
M. de Saint Denis had been seized by M. Ilaimond, Commandant of
the Post, and that he had gone to Mexico to have them restored to
him.
This news compelled them to intrust the goods they had brought
with them to the Franciscan fathers, who sold them by degrees to
the merchants of Bocade Leon. On the 1st September, they heard
of the imprisonment of M. de Saint Denis, which obliged them soon
after to set out for Mobile, where they arrived on tlie 2"')th October,
1717. They visited on their route a Spanish mission on the Adayes,
St. Mk-M-Archange de Lignares. which was founded on the "iOth
January, 1717, by the Reverend Father Augustin, Patron de Guz-
man of the order of Franciscans.
' In the month of Augnst, 1717, a company was formed in France
under the title of the " Western Company."* At this period tL re
* LKTTEIl.S PATENT GRANTED TO TFIE WESTERN COMPANY.
Louis, by tlic grace of God, of Franco and Navarre Kiii^, to all to whom
these our present lutturs shall come, Grketinij :
From tlie tiiuo of our acct'ssion to the crown, we have been successfully on-
gaged iu establishing good order in our finances, and in reforming the abuses
which long-protracted wars had caused in them; nor haveal to our court of parliament in Paris. And regarding criminal suits in
which the eomi)any shall be a party, either as plaintiff or as defendant, they
shall be determined by the ordinary judges, without allowing any encroach-
ment of the criminal over tho civil suit, which shall be determined as above.
XVII. We shall grant no letter or resi^ito, supersedeas or certioiari, to any
persons who shall buy goods of the company, and they shall bo conii)elled to
pay their debt by the means and in the way they have engaged to do it.
XVI If. "We promise to jiroteet and defend the said company, and to employ
the force fif our arms, if it be necessary, in order to maintain her in tho full
freedom of her trade and navigation ; as likewise to see that justice bt; done to
her for all the injury or ill treatment she may suffer from any natio!i whatever.
XIX. In case any director, sea captain, officer, clerk or agent, while trans-
acting business for the comjiany, should be taken prisoner by the subjects of
tho princes or states with whom wc may be at war, we promise to get them re-
leased or exchanged.
' XX. It shall not be allowed to the said company to make nse. for her trade,
of any other vessels but those belonging to her or to our subjects, fitted out in
the ])orts of our kingdom, manned with French crews, and they shall be bound
to retiirn to our ports ; neither shall it be allowed her to send the said vessels
direct from the lands granted her. to the coast of Guinea, upon i)ain of forfei-
ture of the present privilege, and confiscation of tho vessels and the goods
laden theroin.
in
of
rc-
ido,
in
ind
uls
foi-
ods
ESTABHSHMENT OF THE FRENCH IN LOUISIANA. bO
on the '.Hh February, 1718, wlioii throe ships of the " Wostorn Com-
pany," '• l>aupliiiie," " Vigihviit," and " Neptune," coninianded by
MM. Dupuis, Arnaudin, and IJeranger, arrived at Dauphin Island.
XXI. Wo allow nil vossols l)olon;;iii<,' to tlio siiiil conijiany, nnd tlioso of our
subjoots, who sliiill luivo rocoivod iiurmiNsion of lior or lior diivotois. to ohaso
and oapluro tlio vossoIm of our siilijoots wlio shall prosnino to tiado in tlio lands
grantoil to lior, oontrary to tho toiior of the prcsont lottors; and the ]ni/os shall
Lo awaiort from the said lands granted to her, other sorts of goods than those that
come from the French islands and colonies in America and are contained in our
said regulations, they shall ])ay the half oidy of the duty that goods of the
same sort and ([uality, coming from foreign countries must i)ay, whether the
said duty belongs to us or has been by us nuule over to private j)crsons; and as
for lead, cojipcr and other nuitals, we have granted and do grant, to the said
comjjany, entire freedom of all duties laid or to be laid upon them. Hut if the
said com|)any takes goods upon freight in her vessels, she shall be boiuid to let
the same be declared, by her captains, at the ollices of our farms, in the usual
form and the said goods shall pay the full duty. In regard to such goods aa
the conii)any shall import in those ports of our kingdom, named in tin.' loth
article of the regulations of the month of April last past, and likewise in those
of Nantz, Brest, JMorlais and St, Malo. Ibr her account, as well from the lands
granted to her as from the French islands in America, proceeding from the sale
of goods, the product! of Louisiana, and intended for re-exportation to foreign
countries, they shall be deposited in the custom hou,se, warehouses of the ports
at which they arrive, or in those of the comjiany, in the form hereabove pre-
scribed, until they be taken away ; aiid when the clerks of the said company
shall wish to send them abroad, by sea or land, as transit goods, which can
only take place through the ofHces named in our regulation of last month, they
shall he bound to take a pass {ucquil a caution) containing iin engagement to
bring back, within a certain time, a certilicate of the last frontier oi'^'ce they
pass, and another of their unlading in a foreign country.
XXIX, h' the company construct vessels in the lands granted to her, we
consent to pay to her, as a bounty, out of our royal treasury, the liist time the
said vessels enter into the ports of our kingdom, a sum of six livres per tun,
for all vessels not below two hundred tuns burthen, and of nine livres also, per
tun, for those not below two hundred and fifty tuns, which shall be paid on
delivery of certificates of the directors of the company in the said lands, show-
ing that the said vessels have been built there.
XXX, We give the said company leave to deliver special licenses to vessels
3els
ESTADM3HMENT OF TIIK FRENCH IN LOUISIANA.
55
M. Hubert, Director-General, with a salary of r),0()() livres per
anmiiii. Agreeably to the instructions of the Western (Jonipany,
M. do IJienvillc sent a detachment of fifty soldiers, under the com-
of our sulijocts to trade in the liiuds ji^ninted to her iimhT sneh eoiiditioiis as
slie niiiy think lit; and it is our pleiiMire tliat tlie said vessels, lu'iiiini; lieeiises
of the said eunipany, enjoy the siiine ri,L;hts i)rivile;ifesan(l iniimiMitiis, as those
of the eonipany, as well on the stores, nierehundise and j,'o(i(ls. ihut shall be
laden in tlieni, as on the merchandise and j^oods they shall tiring baeU.
XXXI. We sliuU deliver to the sai:'\
4 hi
■< ] It
" ■(
ir
50
HISTOniCAL COLLECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
inand of 31. do Cliatcaugue, to take possession of St. Joseph's IJay,
ami to construct u fort, which lie left in the coniniand of M. do
Clousy, Captain of Infantry. Twenty-iive of his men deserted soon
after with a Spaniard to St. Augustine, Florida.
ii !
Jlji
hotid rcpivscntiiig tlio intorest of a capital of one million, at four ])vr cent,,
agllin^t tlif (iniuico receipts tliiit sliuU he ilclivcri'd by tlii' trcasiiriTof our royal
treasury, in odicc this prosent year, who nIkiII reci'ivo from the Hiiiliafes of tlie eoiniiMtiv, iior her eir . Is. nor tlic salaries
of tlie iliicetoi's ollicers or iiL;eiits ot' llie siiiij coni|iaiiy, sluill he snhj'ct to dis-
trcNs hy any person or under any pretence wiiiilever, not even for our own
moneys aii'l iill'.iirs. exeeptiii;,' only tiiat the crciiitois oC the siiareliol'li'is shall
bo at iilii rty to attach ill the liamls ot' the tii asiircr and hook-keepi'r of the
said coiiipanv the nioiieys due to the s;ii(l sharelinldrrs, accoidini; to the ac-
counts ehis. (1 hy tiie eoiii|iany. to which tlic said creditors shall he boiiiid to
sutunit. without ohli<;inj,' tiic said directors to show tlieiu the state of tlic com-
pany's ell' c'ts iir render them nny aiu'ount neitiicr shall the said cnditors
establish any commissaries lU' sequcstrees of the siiid eU'eets, and all acts cim-
trary to tiie present edict shall be void.
XL\'. It is our jilcasurc tliiit llie cxi hequer bills, delivered in hands of the
treasui-er ot' our royul treasury for the said Wi'sti'iii (Joiupany, he brought by
liim to the town hall of our ;;ood city of Paris, where, in tliu i)rescnce of M.
Bi;;non eouneillor of state inviVllinary, late I'lcval tin, mdic/ui lu/a {UK[yitv),M_
Trudaine, councillor of state, present /''•' (•('/ '/(' iiiarchiiaih, Messrs.de ■Sorro,
le V'ertroys, Hailon and I'oiicot. who sjmird the exiliciiuer liills with them,
and of the municipal ollicers of iIm' said town hall \\\w shall or may wish to be
there, the said exchc(|ucr bills be imblicly burned, immediately after the deli-
very of each bond, and after the draft of a verbal process mi'iitinniiiji; tin;
registi'rs, nmiibersand sums, the inscription and disehari:e thereof on the said
registers, which veibal process shall In' siganl by the said Messrs, Pn.voLs du
mair/idiiils and other persons named in the present article.
XFA'I. The directors, or a majority of them, shall iioininatt! all the ag-ents
of the company, captains and ollicers si-rving on her vessels, military and judi-
cial oiliei'is and all others employed in the laiids i,Maiitcd to her, and they shall
be at liberty to dismiss them whenever they think lit ; and the said iiominationH
and dismissions shall be si;,Mied by no less than tlirce directors,
XF^Vll. 'l"he said directors shall not be troubled or constrained in their per-
sons or ell'icts for the all'airs of the eoiniiany,
XLVllI. They shall settle the accounts of the clerks and agents, as well in
France as in the granted lands ol' tlie company, and tlnise of the eorres|)ond-
ents, and the said accounts must be sigied by no less than three of the said
directors.
XLIX. True and exact books shall hv kept for the cash, invoices, sale ac-
counts. exi)ediiions and ledger, by double entry, as well at the general direction
at Paris as by the clerks and commissioners of the eonipany in the country and
lands granted to her; the s.aid books shall be eiuloised and signed by tin' direc.
tors, and they may serve as evidence before our couits of Justice,
L. We bestow in gift to >h(! said company tin; forts, warehouses, houses,
cannons, arms, gunpowder, brigantines, boats, canoes, and all other eflects and
ill
.1 ■ ; I
■>;■■•: 1,
Ii!
i III
1 ;.
58
IIIHToniCAI. COM.IXriONfl OK I.OL'IHIANA.
and whieli cDiiimuiiicatoH witli lake IViiitoliartniiii, by the bayou Saint
Jolm III! left fifty |)ersoiia tlioro to clour tlio laritl and buibl soino
liOUHus. In Marcli, tlio ships Dauphino, Noptuiif, and Vigilant rc-
I h
iiii i
ut«MisiIs wo possc'HH ttt prcHont in Louisiana, all of which Hhail be delivered over
to her "M our orchTs, whii:li Mimli iic (lis|mtchi'(l l)y our navy council.
LI. Wf bestow likewise in jfil't to the said eoni|iaiiy the v( -.selM, pDods atid
effects which M. Crozat delivered over tons, as exiiluined in tlie decree of our
council ol' the ii:!.l day of the present Mnnith. of whatever niiture they iniiy ho,
and whatever may he tlii'ir amount provided that in the course oC her charter
Bhu carry over to the lands granted to her, no less tiian hIx thousand white per-
sons, and three thousand ncfijroes.
Lll. ir alter the twenty (ive years of the charter we grant lierehy to the
said company shall have expired, wo should not think lit to grant her a pro-
longation llnri'oC all the islands and lands she shall have inhaliitcd or peo]iled,
as likewise the manoiial ri-hts, ((uit and other rents, due liy tlie inhahitants,
shall remain iter property forever, with liherly to dispose of them as she shall
think (it and wi; will never si'ck to rciover tiie said lands or islands for any
cause, occasion or prt'tence whatever, having given them up from this present
moment, on condition that tin; said company shall not sell the said lands to any
other persons tliau our snl)Jects ; and as to the forts, arms and ammunitions,
they sliall bi^ delivered up to us l)y the said company, to whom we shall repay
the value of the same according to an ecinitabh; valuation.
LIU. Wiiereas, in the settlement of the lands granted to thi! said company
by these ])resent letters, we have ehielly in view thi' glory of God, by procuring
the salvation of the Indian savage and ni'gro iidialiitants whom we wish to bo
instructed in the true religion, tlie said company shall be boinid to build
chiirclies at her expense in the places of her settlements, as likewise to main-
tain there as many ajiproved clergymeTi as may be necessary, either as vicars,
or under any other suitable title, to preach the holy gos|)el, celebrate Divine
service, and administer the sacraments under the authority of the bishop of
Qui'bcc. tiie said colony remaining as hiTctofore in his diocese, the livings of
the vi(' our (taid (.oloiiii'M. antlicntieated liy tiu! Inkinln".':. or
cliii'fs of tin- ooMiniis.sariat.
Wlu'rcforc, vn' do ordi-r onr trusty and ln-Iovcd rounciilorM, lioldinp our
court of p;ir.iainrnt audit udici', ami cdurt of aids in Paris, to let the present
letters lie read pulilislied and n-jjistered and tlieir contents lioldeii, obeyed and
executed, aceordinj; to tlii'ir form and tenor iiotwitlistandinj; any proclamation,
declaration rej^'ulation Jud"-nient or any thiui; (dse contrary to their contents all
of wliieli we lia\e made and do make void l>y these present letters, in thu copit'H
of which autlienti(;ated by one of our trusty and bidoved councillor secreta-
ries, faith shall hi,' had as in the orif^iiial : For sudi is onr pleasure. And in
order tiial this may endure Corever. we have attached our seal to these prt.'sent
letters. Given in Paris in the month of Aujjfust, in the year of our Lord ono
thousand seven hundri'd and seventeen, and of our reign the second.
(Si;,Mierdering on the lakes and bayous falling into
the Gulf of Mexico, are either merged into other tribes or have become extinct.
The Yasous, Chachoumas, Tatusas, Corois, Thioux and Samboukas, have all been
destroyed, except, perhaps, a few huts of the Yasous, which are still to be seen
upon the banks of the picturesque river which bears their name. The Natsous,
h
60
niSTORICAT- C0I-LECTI0N3 OP LOUISIANA.
i
fort at St. Joseph's Bay was abandoned, and soon after tlic Spaniards
took posses.-ion of it, and established themselves there. On the
lOth August, the ship la JPaix sailed for France. On the '2Gth,
m I
\'\\
Ill *-
' I.
:li ^^'
Nafrhiliirf.-s, find \inu/arnioiiaries as early as 1G7-, they were nearl>- allied to the Sauks and
Foxes.
The Mii^kfinecca or Crcds, inchnling. of course, the Si^yiniiolrf, Challa-
iiachcs and Apahirhrx occnpied an immense territory at the time De Soto
passed through their country, botindedou the W(!st by tlie Alibamons. south by
the (jiulf of Mexico, north by the Cherokees. and on the east by the Savannali
river. They were, without doul)t, the most warlike and powerful confederacy
in all this country, and constantly at war with other tribes. Subsc ; icntly to
their n'moval to the Indian territory west of the Arkansas, this nation could
only muster about twenty-tive thousand souls. The Creeks, Cherokees
Choctaws have good schools and churches established among them, and
live nnder a form of govermnent of their own. 'i\w. AUhammis and Coo-
$ada$, two small tribes that ibnni'riy lived on the banks of the Talapoosa
and Coosa rivers, are either become extinct or incorporated with the Muskho-
ESTABLISHMENT OP THE FRENCH IN LOUISIANA.
61
the sliips hi Duchcsse, la Vic/oirc, and /a ili^/^V?, connnaiKled by ^IM.
de Koussul, de la Salic, ct do Cliapy, arrived at Daui)hin I.sland.
They brought MM. de Kicheboiirg. a knight of Saint Louis;
gees. Tlie Abikas and Conchas, spi'iikiii!; a diiilect of the Cliicachas, and who
lived ni>rth of tlie Alilianions. arc all dcstioyid.
Till' MidDiics or I'lriu/i Ill's, a wiirlikc iiatimi. occiiiiicd tlie couiitr\" from tho
Scioto and Walmsli to tlic siiorcs of hike Mi('lii;.^iiii ; and tlic Jlliiinis. a kindred
nation composed of the 'rainaidi.s IVmias Cahoki.is. Kaskaskias and Metdii^a-
mis, occnpicd all the connlry lyin;,'- lictucen tin' Ohio and Mississijipi rivers,
and on hotii asides of tiu' Illinois. The .Mrichii.'aniias came from the west side
of the Missi.ssippi. They were reilueed hy wais with tin' Chieachais. Sanks and
Fo.xes and the Five Nations, and he^'s^'ed to he iiicnipdiated with tlu' Illinois.
The Miamies were a numiroiis natinn when lirst visiteil hy the French in K'pti'.t,
and eontinneil for a lonj;- time in alliance with them. They h.ive always ta-
ken an active part in all the wars ai^ainst the United States ainl were tinally
reduced to less than ona thousand souls. The I'loriuf and Kufkadins, the last
remnant of the irreat Illinois nation, now reside on the Indian reservation west
of the Mississippi. The I'iiniki.sdirf. ocenpietl a portion of territ(jry horderin";
on tli(; Ohio river. They were nearly .'dlied to the JMiamies, and allhoui'Ii a
numerous trihe. they were greatly reduced hy wars previous to their removal
to the Indian territory. The Kickajmiis ticcupied all the country between the
Illinois rivers. The remnant of this powerful tribe now reside west of the
Mississip])i river.
The I-Jriis Erigas or Cat Nations, were seated on tlie southern shore of the
lake which siill hears their iiam(.'. They were destroyed by the Iroipinis in
irioo. Till! Andastes. a iiiore fniniiilahlt' nation, were seated below the Faies,
and extuiuling to the Ohio. Alter many years of dLsastruus wars they were fi-
nally destroyed in 1G7~.
The H'l/aiuJiils or Vciulols were widl known to the French, wlio gave them
the nickname of Hurons. The .lesuits w ho established jjosts among them as
early as 1044. found them not onl.s moie warlike than the northern Algonqnins,
but more civilized. They occupied the i)eninsiih( between lakes Huron Erie,
and Ontario. In Kill) the Iroquois invaded their countries, and massacred
nearly all of the nation, except a part that lied to the Ottawas. and sought an
asylum in Canada, where they were pursued by their implacable enemies, even
iii';!er the walls of (Quebec. The immediate dominion of the Innpiois. where
the Mohawks, Oneidas. Oiiondagas, Cayngas and .Senecas were first vislt.'l by
the Jesuits, or the war parties of the French, stretched from the borders of
lake Champlain to Ontario, along the head-waters of the Ohio, Sus(piehanna,
and Delaware. In tho begiuniug of the scveiiteei.th century they amounted to
Airty thousand, and. from their gcdgraphieal po>ition .tiid their superior intel-
ligence, it made them umpires in the e. intent ot'the French for dominion in the
west. Their destruction has been almost exclusively the' result of wars among
themselves, or against other Indians nations.
The Wiiiiu ha. nil's, once a |)owerful and warlike people, held all the country
from the mouth of tJreen I5ay (,H'iy^^' 'l^'"' I'niints) to th(( lead of Lake Sii|)erior,
and are now a most miseralile ainl impoveii>lie(l nation scarcely numbering
four thousand souls. The Menomonies, Ottawas, and I'outaouatimies, like the
I! W'lil'
m\\-
ml
ifjlll
II ! '
III I!
m.
62
IlISTOniCAL COLLECTIONS OP LOUISIANA.
Grandprc, major of Mobile ; de Noyan and do Meleque, lieutenants ;
de L'Isle-Dumesnil and do la Patt le, ensigns; and Dauril, major of
New Orleans. M lo Gac, a sub-director ; seventy persons for the
concession of M. do la Iloussayc, and sixty persons for the concession
of M. de la Harpe, besides twelve or fifteen men each for some
smaller grants. The total niunber of persons brought over by these
vessels at this time exceeded eight hundred persons.
Winnebagoea, are tlie remnaiitH of ijowerfiil tribes, whoso territory once ex-
tended around the northern, eastirn and western shores of hike Micliigan, and
among wiioni tiie Freiicli missionaries labored for .sixty years or more to con-
vert them to Ciirislianity.
Sonthwest of the Meiionionies tlie restle.ss Snii/.s and Fcxrit. ev( r dreaded
by the French, held tlie passes fn)iii Green Bay and Fox river to the' Mississip-
pi. The largest portion of their territory lay oti the west .siile of the Mississip-
pi. Tiiey in part subjngated the loways. and admitted them into alliance with
them. They were always ])articnlarly hostile to the Freneli, and fre(|nently
attacked their posts. Sustained by the Ciiicachas and some of the Scioux
tribes, tiiey turned their arms against tlie Illinois, intercepted the communica-
tion between Canada and Louisiana, and finally compelled the Illinois to aban-
don their villages on the river of tliat name.
The AJissoiiris, a numerous nation, but now greatly reduced, occupied origi-
nally the iiountry at the junction of the river of that name with the Mississippi.
They were driven away by the Illinois in 1824. and have since joined the Ottocs.
Tlie OHiics and Onw/ian-s. after several eliaiiges now occupy tlie country on the
west side of the Missouri, above and below the river Platte.
The Panis or Pawnees consist of numerous villages on the river Platte, west
of the Ottoes and OmahawH. Tlu'V are a warlike people, and' hunt southerly
as far as the Arkansas. They were visited by French travellers as early as
1024. and now, although much reduced in numbers, they still occupy the same
country that they did then.
Northwest of the Sacs (Sauks)and Foxes (Rcnards), and west of the Chip-
peways, lived the Scioux or Dahcotas on both sides of the Mississippi.
The French discovered their wigwams in 1059, and gave them the name of
Dahcota. The eastern Dahcotas are composed of four tribes, and the western
of three, viz. : the Yanktons, Yanktoanaiis. and Tetons. These tribes still in-
habit the country west of the Mississippi, between that and St. Peter's rivers.
They carry on a constant predatory warfare against all the tribes living on the
Missouri or its tributary streams, from the Mandans to the Osagcs; while the
eastern Scioux or Dahcotas are continually at war with the Chippeways.
The Miiularccs consist of three tribes, who cultivate the soil and live in
villages situated on the Missouri. They are kept in a continual state of alarm
by the predatory excursions of the Assiniboins and Aricarees. The southern
Scioux. consisting of eight tribt's. originally occujiied a territory extending along
tlie Mississippi to the UKmth of the Arkansas. Three of their tribes, the Quap-
pas or Arkansas, the Osages, and the Kansas, who inhabit the country south of
tlie Missouri, were the first seen by the French in 107'5 and always remained
in alliance with them. It is i)robatile that the (iuajipas are the Pacahas des-
cribed by D^' Soto in his wanderings on that side of the Mississippi, aud the
Kappas so often described by the first French explorers.
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FRENCH IN LOUISIANA.
63
V In the beginning of October, M. de Boisbrilliant sot out to take
command in the Illinois; and at the same time M de la Ilarpi; em-
barked with fifty men for liis concession at Cadodaijuioa. on Red
River, with orders to establish a post there, and to ascertain the
number of Indian tribes in that country. X On the 31st October, the
ships, 1(1, Vicfoire, la Diic/tcssc. and At I\I(u'i'', sailed for France.
On tho 17th March, 1710, A; Coniie de Toulouse arrived with one
hundred passengers, among whom was M de Larchebault, director-
general, with a salary of five thousand livres per annum.
On the 2lth March. M. de Saint Denis arrived from Mexico. It
has been previously related that he set out from the Presidio du
Nord on the \'A\\ April, 1717, fur the purpose of recovering his
goods which had been seized oj Ca[itain Raimond. He arrived in
Mexico on tho od May. The Marijuis of VuUero, Viceruy of New
Spain, who had succeeded the Duke de Lignarus, received him cour-
teously, and promised they should bo restored to him. Soon after,
howover, Don Martin d'Alacorne, Captain General of the province of
d'Altekas, was informed at Saltillo that M. de Saint Denis had
passed through the province without reporting himself, and he wrote
to the Viceroy that he was a suspicious person, and the goods were
not owned by him, upon which information the Viceroy had him
arrested on the t^oth October. He remained in prison until Novem-
ber, when a royal decree was granted to release him on condition that
he should remain in the City of Me.vico. He obtained a release of
his goods by another decree, which he afterwards sold for a great
price. But the friend with whom he had deposited the proceeds,
scpiandered the whole of them. M. de Saint Denis was ordered to
be arrested soon after for having spoken indiscreetly of the Spanish
Government; but .wme of Ids wife's relations hearing of it assisted
him to escape f'-om the City of Mexico on the 25th September, 1718 ;
and on the 2ith March, 1719. he arrived at Dauphin Island.
On the 19th April, the Mardehal de VU/urs and le Phil/ippe^ com-
manded by 3IM. Mechin, arrived at Dauphin Island with one hun-
dred and thirty passengers, among whom were M de Serigny. knight
of Saint Louis, with a commission from the King to explore and
sound the coast of Louisiana, in company with his brother 31. de
Bienville; he was the bearer of the news of the war with Spain,
which had been declared by France on the Otli January. 1719, on the
refusal of his Catholic Majesty to sign the treaty of the triple alli-
ance. His first care was to call a council of war, composed of M. de
Bienville, Hubert, Larchebault, and le Gac It was agreed that
they should attack Pensacola. M. de Bienville repaired to 3Iobile,
1 1 ■
i
I
II
64
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONa OF LOUISIANA.
I'
I!
I 'I:
111 I!
m
il!
wliero lio assoiiil)I('(l four liiiiKlrcd Tndians and sonic Canadiana, with
whom li(! niarcliod l»y land to Poiisacola, wliilo ^l. do Soriirny cm-
barked on board the Mii.rcclidl dc Vi//ars. and with two otlicr vessels
he arrived before Pensacohv on the 1 Itli ]May. As soon as the
Spaniards saw tlioniselves invested the Governor surrendered the
town without ina1hinr, arrived at Pensacola
with merchandise and about thirty new recruits. On the Tith Au-
gust, a small Spanish fleet cd n posed of the ships Cointcdc Ton/oiise
and Mdr^chdl de ViHurs. with several brigs, appeared befure Pen-
sacola, commanded by Don Alphonse, brother-in-law (>f Calderon,
the Governor of Havana, who had seized the two French siiips in
which the Spanish troops had been sent to Havana. MM de
Chateaugue, commander of the fort, had p\it it in a state of de-
fence ; but most of the soldiers being deserters, they listened to the
councils of some Spanish deserters wlio had been left in the fort, and
together with the panic and insubordination among his troops, the
commander was compelled to surrender the fort on the Gth. Tlie
ship la I)iii.pJi,iii('. which was in the port, was burned ; MM. de
Chatcaugui', de llieh(;bourg. de la Marque, and de Larchebault. were
taken prisoners to Havana; and Matamoro was re-instated Governor
of Pensacola. As soon as y do Serigny received the news of the
Spaniards having invested Pensacola, he marched to its succor : but
being informed before he arrived of the surrender of the fort, he coun-
terniarehed. believing that the enemy would not confine their o))era-
tions to that place. He had no sooner reached Dauphin Island than
the Spanish fleet was discovered to be approaching.
The commander of the fleet sent a boat on board the PliiUippe,
a sh.ip belonging to the company, commanded by M. Dlourse, with the
following letter :
On hoard the Notre D.inio de Viuojne,
Wtli Aut'iist, 1719, 10 o'clock, A. M.
Sir:
I .scnil you my lin.it with an offioor to .sninnion yon to surrenilor. If you do
any (linniig' to ymir sliip I will treat yuu as an incrndiavy. and iiritlicr give you
nor M. (U: Cliateaugud and his garrison, who are in my power, any qtiarter. It
IS
ai
\
:
i
!
^■'*n
ESTABMSIIMENT OF THE FRENCFI IN LOUISIANA.
G5
is tlic order (if my Kins'. Pliillip tlio Fiftli, to treat all tlioso with rin;iir who
are found with arms in their liaiids. and with mercy thuse wlio surrender.
With assurances of my resi)ect,
I am, Sir,
Yours, &c.,
Anpomk DE MaN'UITA.
M. Dionrso sent tlio Spanish officer ashore to M. de Scrii^ny, who
was much otfeiuled at tliu cnnteiits of tliis letter, and wlio informed
the officer tliat lie disregarded his threats. At tiiis monieut more
than two hundred men assembled around M. do Serigny, well armed,
together with several Indian Chiefs in tiicir war dress, who only
waited the command of their officer to fight In the meantime fifty
men were sent on board to man the •■ PhiUi[ipo." After tlie depar-
ture of the Spanish ollieer 31. de Serigny made preparations to re-
sist the attack. Towards evening a vessel was seen to enter Mobile
bay, and during the night she captured a shallop ladened witli flour
and bacon. Slie afterwards jtroceeded to jd under " iMiragoii/ic" about
two leagues from Dauphin Island, from wliieh she took upwards of
twenty thousand livres worth of goods, belonging to several indivi-
duals, who had sent them there for safe keeping. She then attempted
to make a second descent upon the place, but M. de Bienville arrived
in time with a small force to keep her otV. in which nine were killed,
seven drowned, and eighteen i^/vv^c//!. deserters taken prisoners, seven-
teen of whom M. de IJienville ordered to bo shot. As it was not in
our power to prevent the enemy, they continued to hover :ibout Mo-
bile river. On the IGth, we discovered two ships coming from Pen-
Sacola, which wc knew to be the ]\Lir{ch,iiJ dc YUliirs and the Scinto
Christa, which they took from us on the coast of Cuba. They
took their station off Dauphin Island, and commenced to fire
on the '■'■ Pliillippcy which was returned by her and the batteries
from the land, until they were compelled to haul off. On the 20th,
the Spaniards made another attempt to land, and were beaten off
by the troops under M. Serigny. On the same day sixty Indians
arrived from Mobile, which increased their number to two hundred
and five. There v/ere besides on the island sixty Canadians, one hun-
dred and fourteen soldiers, nine officers, an
and /(/, Ma.ric. a storoship, arrived at Daupliin Island. MM. de
Villardo, director-general, with a salary of 5000 livres, came a pas-
senger in the V Union. On the 2d. MM. de Serigny, de Villardo,
and le Gac. repaired on board the Admiral's ship, and after several
conferences, it was agreed that they should immediately attack Pen-
sacola before the arrival of a squadron from Vera Cniz. Conse-
quently, the Admiral ordered that the ships /' U)Uon and /r Pliillippe
should join him, with a reinforcement of two hundred troops. On
the 15th, the squadron set sail for Pensacola, and on the same day
M. de Bienville set out in a shallop for Perdido river, wlicre four
hundred Indians awaited his arrival. On the Kith, he arrived before
Pensacola ;ind invested the fort. M. de Cliampmeslin seeing his sig-
nal, entered the port. The small forts and ships kept up a constant
fire for about two hours, and then surrendered. He gave them up to
the pillage of the Indians. M. de Cliampmeslin gave the command
of the largest fort to M. de L'Isle. The commander of the Spanish
squadron presented his sword to M. de Cliampmeslin, who afterwards
returned it to him ; but the Spanish Governor, Matamora. was not
so courteously treated. lie was disarmed by a sailor, and M. de
Champmeslin reproached him for his want of courage.
The French commander found about fifteen days' provisions in
the place. He immediately dispatched a vessel to Havana with three
hundred and sixty prisoners, so as to economize the provisions. On
the 18th, a Spanish brigantine, ladened with provisions, entered the
port from Havana, and was immediately seized. She brought the re-
port that the whole of Louisiana was in the possession of the
Spaniards.
On the 4th October, the company's shij) La. Dnchessc de NoaUIes.,
commanded by M. de Malvan. entered Pensacola laden with pro-
visions for the squadron. On the 14th a vessel arrived from St.
Joseph's Bay, and reported that a Spanish frigate of 2G guns was
lost in the bay of Apalacho, but the crew was saved. Ou the 2Gth M.
de Champmeslin ordered his squadron to get ready to sail the next
day. On the same day a ves-sel arrived from Vera Cruz and reported
that a Spanish fleet was daily expected. On the 21st the squadron,
consisting of twelve ships, after having fired a salute, put to sea, and
M. Terrise was left with a few troops to command the forts. On
the 23d the fleet anchored off Dauphin Island, and on the 25th they
set sail for France, followed by the Marechal dc Villars and Couite
de To u louse.
Oil the 29th December M. do Bienville received a letter from M.
Dutisue, dated Kaskaskias, November 22, 1719, with an account of
iiiiii
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FKENCII IN LOUISIANA.
67
his travels to the village of the Missouris by the river, and to the
villages of the Osages and the Panis by land, lie observed that the
water of the Missouri had a strong current, was muddy and filled
with floating timber. The country was beautiful and well wooded.
That two rivers, from the west, the Osage, and IJlue Kiver, emptied
into the 3Ii.ssouri. At a di.stance eighty leagues from the mouth of
the Osage are situated the villages of that nation, in the neighbor-
hood of which are a great rraniber of lead mines. In travelling west
he crossed very high mountains, and many streams falling into the
Missouri and Mississippi. Tiiat from Kaskaskias to the Osages is
one hundred and twenty leagues This nation is not stationary
like the Missouris, but spend the winter in hunting buffalo. They
are stout and well-made, and great warriors. The chiefs arc absolute
in their villages. Lead mines arc abundant in their country, but
they are unaciiuainted with the uses of it From the Osages to
the Panis villages is forty leagues in a northwest direction, and ho
passt'd over prairies and plains filled with buffalo. Tliey arc not
civilized, but are accessible by making them a few presents. In fif-
teen days he reached the Padoucahs, who are a very brave and war-
like nation. Here M, Dutisne erected the arms of the King, 27th
September, 1710. v
IJy the arrival of Lts deux Frcrcs at Dauphin Island, M de Cha-
teaiiguf' received a commission of Lieutenant from the King. 31. D'Ar-
taguettc. of Inspector-General, and M. Paillou, Major-General. They
also received the news that the Eastern and Western Company was
united in one by an edict dated 12th May, 1719. 31. D'Artaguette
was ordered by the administration of the colony, to remove the
colony from Dauphin Island to Biloxi and the 3Iississippi, as
it was impossible for the colonists to improve the sterile lands of
the coast, and it was the wish of the King to have the lands on
the river cultivated for the support of the colony. By this vessel
the colonists received the ordinances fixing the price of all merchan-
dise sold in Louisiana, viz. : five per cent, advance on the cost price
at New Orleans; ten per cent, at Natchez; twenty-five percent, at
Natchitoches; thirty per cent, at Yazoo ; and in 3Iissouri and Illi-
nois fifty per cent. Articles of merchandise not enumerated in the
tariff to be sold at a profit of fifty per cent on the cost.
> 31. Benard de la Harpe returned to Mobile from Ecd River on
the 20th January, 1720, after having established a post at the village
of the Cadodaquious.
It has been previously stated that he arrived in Louisiana in the
month of August, 1718, and set out for Red River with fifty men.
i^'
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I'iil
68
UI9TORICAL COLLECTIONfl OF LOUISIANA.
TIo roturned to Now Orloaiis in tlie fullowiiig October, and on the
lOtli DecciMibcr lie set out iigiun for Red River with a detachment of
troo])8, to establish a fort among tlie Cadi)da(iuious. AVIien he ar-
rived at Nateliitoches (where a fort is built), lie found M. IJlondel
in command, and father Manuel, at the mission of the Ada^'es, about
nine leagues distant. \j
At Natchitoclies he was informed that Don Martin de Alarconno,
commandant of the province of Lastekas, had arrived from the Jlio
(Bravo) del Norte, where he had established several missions, and a
post at Espiritu Santo Ray, in the vicinity of tlie rivers (iaudaloupe
and St. Maik. He then went to the country of the Assinays to es-
tablish a po^t anning the Oadoda(puons. On the Otli February, 1719,
M. de la Ilarpe proceeded to the Assinays to prevent the Spaniards
from making an establisiunent there. After a circuitous and very
difiicult navigation, he arrived at the Nassonites on the 21st April,
1719. having travelled one hundred and fifty leagues in a northwest
direction from Natchitoches. The Indians of this country, viz. : the
Nassonites, Natsoos, Natchitoches, Yatassees and Cadoda(piious,
having been informed of his arrival, prepared a great feast for
him and his officers, consisting of buffalo meat and smoked fish.
During the feast, as is the custom of the Indians, they kept a pro-
found silence, and after it was over M. do la Harpo informed the
chiefs that the great French King heard of the wars of the Chicachas
with them, and had sent him with warriors to live among them and
to protect them from their enemies. Ujion which a venerable old
Cadodav your poNitidii. indiici's um to writo to you and
oIKr my .services in tlicso districts, wliicli I comnmnd by tlic orders nl' the
Kiiif;. my master. Our iiroxiiiiity increases my desire to Imvo iiii interview
witli you, and it will depend npon you wiietiier I go to tiic Assiniiys to
see you. or open a eorrcs|iondtncc wiiidi may be eciuiiliy advantageous to both
of us.
Tlu' conversion of tin; heathen sliould occn])y tlie attention of ail good
Christians. I know tiiat some aid is iiidispeiisabK; to the success of the gospel
anion;: tliem. Your zeal is very great, but you must at times need iiel{).
Touched by thes(^ considerations, I now oiler yon tlu^ mean.s of olitaining it.
Inform your friends of New Mexico and Boca de Leon, that tlicy can procnro
at the Nassotiites or Natcliitoclies, all the goods they may need at a moderate
price, upon which 1 will allow you a conunission of two or three i)er ceiU. on
all sales that may be made, and thus you may have it in your power to estab-
lish your mis.sions upon a solid basis.
Receive. Reverend Father, the offers of a heart truly devoted to you, in
which charity has more a part than any other consideration.
I am, &c., &c.,
Dk la Hakpi:.
On the 12th May, 1719, a Nassonite Chief assured M. do la
Harpc that metallic ores were to bo found in the mountains, about
forty leagues to the north, and that he would conduct him thither.
As the road was then infested with ho.stile Indians, he took with
him nine soldiers and set out for the mountains. For the first three
days the guides behaved well, but on arriving in the prairies in sight
of the mountains, they perceived a smoke, and nothing could per-
suade them to go any farther. They returned the same night, and
if it had not been for the strict watch we kept, we should have
been surprised by a party of Osages. On the 20th, M, do la Ilarpe
sent a detachment to make salt from a spring about ten leagues in a
north-east direction from camp. On the j'ltli June, he dispatched
MM Mustel and Durivage, with six soldiers and some Indians, with
presents, to make discoveries, and with instructions how to behave
if they saw any Spaniards. On the 6th June, the corporal which
M. de la Ilarpe had sent to the Assinays, arrived with some Chiefs
of the Nadaco nation, bringing with him a letter from Don Martin
D'Allarconne, and one from Father Marcillo.
ESTADI-IflllMENT OK THE TRENCH IN LOUISIANA. ti
Dim Mar/ifi D Allarconnc to M. dc la Harjw.
Tri!*ity RivtR, May 2<), 1T19.
MoNSIEI'R,
I am very sensible of tlu' poUfonosH tliiit M. tic Biciivillo iind yourself have
liml the gooilness to .show inc. Tlie onliis I have received from tlie Kiitj,' my
muster arc to niiiiiitiiin a ^ikkI iiiKlt'istiiiiiliiii; with tiie Freiicli of T.oiiisiaiui;
my own iiicliiiations leail me e(|iially to oiler tlieiii all the seiviees in my power j
but I am eompelled to say that your arrival at the Nassonite village Mirprisos
me very much. Your (Jovernor eoiild not be ii;iiorant that (he pust you now
oeeu])y belimgs to my govermuent, ami that all the lands west of the Nassonitcs
are dependencies of New Mexico.
I I'ounsel you to give advict; of this to M d(! Bienville, or you will force nio
to oblige you to abandon lands that the French have no riglit to oecupy.
I have the honor to be. &c.,
D Al.LAliCONNE.
M
f ''1
Father Marcillo to M. dc la Harpc :
AssiNAVs, May 'JI, 1719.
MoN.SrElIR,
I am advised of your arrival anioii;-^ the Nassoiiites, and from the inl'iirnui-
tion I have received from our brothers at the Adayes, 1 (K'.sire to make your
ac(|Uiiintan('e.
The correspondence which you i)ro|)ose to opvn with me on the basis of
charity and friendship, meets with my warm approliation, aiul 1 shall write to
my frii'uds of your wishes. But as it is not j)roper for a I'riist to engage in
commerce. I propose that our correspondence shall be kept secret especially aa
I am on terms of friendshii) with Don Martin D'Allarcoime, who will not, I be-
lieve, remain long in this iirovince, as many coni[)laiiits have been made against
him for not executing the orders of the Viceroy.
Accei)t, Monsieur, the assurances of my respect and esteem,
Marcu.i.o.
On the 8th July, the Chiefs of the Nadaco nation, after having
sung the calumet of peace, returned to their village with the follow-
ing letter from M. de la llarpe to Don Martin D'Allarconno :
ii
M. de la ITarpc to Don Martin DAllarconne :
Nassomte, JiLY 8, 1719.
MONSIKUR,
The orders from his Catholic jMaJesty to maintain a good understanding
with the French of Louisiana, and tlie kind intentions you have youist'lf ex-
pressed towards them, accord but little witli your iiroceedings. Permit me to
inform you that i\I. de Bienville is perfectly informed of the limits of his
govennnent and is vi'ry certain that the |)ost of Nassonite is not a t Cliiistiiiii Miijrsty ; iiml sinrc tin- iiliovo
t'|H>i'li |)ci>MC'l' .N'fW Mexico. I be;; leave Ik n|iieseiit tn you
tliiit Doll Aiitoiiie (111 Miroir, wlio (iJMi-ovcnMl New Mexirn in lt',K:! never pene-
tiMtnl I iisl of that |ii'o\iiiee or the Kio Hravo. It was the Kreiieli w ho tirst
made alliances with the .savai;e trilies in this re^jioii ; ami it is natural to con-
cliule lli:it a river tliiit Mows into the .Mississippi, uud the lamls it waters, be-
long; to the KiiiL,' my master.
If vipii will do nie the pli asiire to foine iutothis (piarter, I will convinci! yoii
tliut I holil a post 1 know how to (hieuil.,
I hiivo tho honor to be, &c.,
I)i: I. A ITuti'c.
Oil tlic l^itli July, ilu' Cliief of tlu; Cimicniis arrived with six
Ituliiiiis. Tlieir villaf^i! is on tiu! hatik.s of flie Arkansas. Tin; Nas-
sonitcs evinced niiicli pleasure at tins arrival. 'I'liey sang tho
Cfthiniet and exeliaii^fcd presciit.s with iM. de la llarpe.
Oil th(! ■iltii. a nuIi'liiiKiis Indian came fmni Nat<'Iiitoclie.s to in-
form the Nassoiiite.s that tiie Fi'ciich wore at war with the Spaniards,
and tiiat his (!hief had sent him to jiersuinle tiiem to declare war
against the Froiicii ; tiiey replieil, that thoy would not in terfero in
their matter.s. So tho messenger rcsturned.
On the 'i'-ttli. M^I. M listed and Diirivago returned from their dis-
coveries witli two Indians of the (^iiideliaio nation. They reported
that at a distance of sixty leagues west-north-west from lied Uivcr
they met vvitii a party of Nuhodiches. l^iiidahos, Ilnaiiehes and
Tancaros. who had just been on an cxpeditii.'ij against the Kansas,
and liad destroyed eleven of their villages, near tlie sources of lied
Iliver, where tiie Spaniards iiad h(!en working some mines. These
tribes have no fixed abode, althoiigii they number about two thou-
sand men dispersed through tiie country. They build their cabins of
buffalo hides sewed togctiier. Tiio Tancaros are the most warlike
and tiie most savage of these nations Tliey cat one another, and
in war tliey neither spare women nor children. They are continually
at war with the Kansas.
Tlie Spaniards trade with the Kansas and give them sabres for
horses. Init never any firearms,' It would have been well if tho
English and French had followed this rule with other nations. On
the 1st August, the corporal who had been sent to the Assinays re-
turned witli the chiefs of that nation to assure M de la Ilarpe of
their neutrality in tho war with the Spaniards. Tiiey brought the
news that M. Blondel, commander at Natchitoches, had driven away
and pillaged the Franciscan fatliers at tho Adayes. The corporal
remained at the Trinity until the Spaniards departed.
EdTAni.lSllVIKNT OP TIIR FRKiyciC IS LOUIfllAVA.
73
M. Jc 111 Ifiirpo liiiviii;j; now notliing to fear frotii tlio Spaniurd*",
ho believed it to bo the interest of tlio coiiiimny to explore tlie country
\rliicli liiid lieeu pointed nut to liiiu in the nortliwest, and by this
mcuiiH to etfcot an entrance, by treating with the Indians, into Now
Mexicro.
K(»r this purpose he took with hini an escort of two ofli(!crs, three
soMiers, two negroes, and several Indians who spoke the language of
tlio <-()untry. and set out on the 1 1th August. On the '^lut he trav-
elled tbrtynine leagues througli a fine country, with sloping hills and
prairies abounding in ganie. lie met a party of Natsoo Indians who
had been on a hunting expedition, and hud killed forty six buftaloes
and cows. On tho 2.id he passed several prairies, and a little river
wliieh emptied into Ued River. He then entered into an extensive
prairie, surrounded by mnuMtaiiiH. On the '^tith lu^ had gone eigh-
teen leagues further, wluii he mcit with a party of Osage Indian?,
who seemed disposed to attack him, but yet snttered him to pass on.
Ou tho "^Zth he travelled six leagues further, over a beautiful prairie
country filled with deer and buffalo, and entered the mountains,
where he found a number of Indian huts. Travelling six leagues
further he met with a party of Kansas, who were encamped on the
banks of the Ouachita with forty warriors, and going in pursuit of
the Tancaros. On the -ifsth ho passed a beautiful prairie, inter-
spersed with hills, and a large herd of buffaloes followed by a pack of
wolves as largo as those of Franco. On tho 2'Jtli ho t-avolled tliree
leagues further, to a branch of tho Ouachita river, which had about
two feet of water in it. ( )n its banks he met a party of Nacodof^hes,
who were occupied in smoking meat.
On the 31st he travelled six leagues further, to a river which is
a branch of the Arkansas. On the 2d September he advanced fif-
teen leagues through prairies and over hills, when he catne to several
lead mines. Six leagues further on he met six chiefs of nations who
had come to meet him near a village called Imaham, lat. 37^ 45',
and to assure him of tlioir friendship. 31. do la Ilarpe told thera
that the groat chief of his nation had sent him to assure them of his
protection against their enemies, and his desire was that they should
be at peace with each other. These chiefs had brought Indian bread
and smoked beef, with which they regaled the party. Tho ehiefs
made 31. do la Harpe dismount from his horse one hundred steps
from the tent of the Tanearo chief, when two of the chiefs took him
to a spot and seated him on a buffalo robe. The principal chiefs
then surrounded him, and gave him their hands as a sign of their
friendship. These chiefs beIou",( dio the Tsacaros, Adayes, Ouachi-
5
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> 3
a HlSTOniCAL COLLECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
tas. Ositas, Asinays and Tayas. They number about four thousand
people, who live in tents, and are the allies of the Panis, a nation liv-
ing about forty leagues to the north. 'J'he Panis are at peace with the
Osages, a nation who are continually at war with the Kansas, the
Padoucas, the Arioaras, and other tribes. The old chiefs told M. dc
la Ilarpe that a white people (the Spaniards of New Mexico.) traded
for metals with the Padoucas, fifteen days' journey oft", in a west-north-
west direction, where the mountains furnish rock-salt. On the
4th September more than five thousand Liciians as.sembled to chant
the calumet of peace. The old chiefs of the Arkansas and Tayas
performed this ceremony and made speeches. Late at night M. do
la Ilarpe retired to sleep, and in the morning the chiefs came to
wake him up. They washed bis head and feet, painted his face blue
and red, and placed a cap of eagle's feathers upon his head. They
also threw buftalo robes and other presents at his feet, and presented
him with a Kansas slave, of about eight years of age, who had es-
caped out of seventeen prisoners, which they had eaten at a public
feast. M. de la Ilarpe thanked them for their favors, and regretted
it had not been in his power to have saved these unfortunate victims
of their vengeance.
M. do la Harpe concluded to leave three of his men in this
country, until the Governor of Louisiana decided whether it was ex-
pedient or not to establish a post here. But he afterwards changed
bis mind, as be was informed that the Indians abandoned their vil-
lages in the autumn to hunt buftalo. and in the following spring
they returned to sow Indian corn, beans, and other seed, to supply
them with food during the summer. The soil of this country is
black, light, and very fertile. It is adapted to the cultivation of
wheat, rye, and all kinds of grain. Also tobacco, which the Indians
put up in twists, and afterwards flatten between two large stones.
The rivers furnish a variety of fish, and thj prairies an abund-
ance ^f deer, bufi'alo, turkeys, ducks, and geese. The Indians build
their huts dome-fashion out of clay and reeds, and paint their
coats of arms on abide of leather, which they throw over the door.
The Tancaros are the most respected of all the tribes, and the chiefs
have the privilege of choosing their wives out of any of the villages.
In general they are more intelligent and much better formed than
those on the Mississippi river, but the fertility of their country makes
them idle and dissipated. The women have regular features, and de-
vote themselves to pleasure. During our stay among them, they
brought us dishes of meat and corn every day, and even disputed
among themselves which should give us the most.
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FRENPFt I\ LOUISIANA.
75
On the ISth, M. de la Harpe was invited by the chief of the
Canicon« to feast at his viUage, about two leasruos from the Taiicaros,
when ho met a great many chiefs, wlio professed a great deal of
friendship for him. The ('atiicons consist of a few families who live
in a very fertile country. They venerate the serpent, and worship
the Great Spirit under different forms. On the 10th M. do la Ilarpe
erected a cross there, and jilanted a post near it. on which he carved
the arms of the King. On the loth, he set out to return to the
Nassonis; antl on the 17th, he arrived at the Ouacluta river, where
he waited to procure guides to conduct him to the mountains. On
the 1st October, ho was surprised by a party of Kansas Indians, and
had only time to make his escape, by leaving his baggage behind.
His guide ran off", and he was obliged to make his way back, over
mountains, witiiout any compass, to the vilhigc of the Nadaf^os,
where he arrived, after much suff"ering. on the llUii October. On the
27th, he set out to return to New Orleans by the river ; and on the
21st November he reached the portage of tlie Natchitoches, where
be fell sick. He sent several Frenchmen from this place to the
Adayes for provisions, as his had nearly given out, and remained here
until the 4th December to recruit his healtii. The Indian doctors
bled him freely, and in two days after he embarked in a pirogue to
cross tlie lake : and on the 10th he reached Natchitoches, wiiere he
recovered his health. On the 3d January, 17'iO, he departed for
New Orleans, where he arrived on the 26th.
In the beginning of the year, the Chieachas massacred several
Frenchmen, and (at the instigation of the English) declared war
against the French, On the 2Sth February, the King's S(|uadron,
commanded by M. de 8aujou, arrived at Da\iphin Island. It con-
sisted of the PAcliiUe. si.xty guns, commanded by 31. de Saujon;
Ic Content^ sixty guns, by M. le Ro(;hambeau ; k Mcrcurc^ fifty-six
guns, by M. de Gabaret, on which was embarked two hundred and
eight passengers, among whom were a number of young women taken
from the public hospitals of Paris. On the 29th, M. de Bienville
received letters from M. de Boisbriant, informing him tliat he had
established a post on the Mississippi river, eight leagues below Kas-
kaskias. On the 25th April, the Council removed from office MM.
d'Avril, a major, and Val de Terro, a captain of infantry ; and on
the same day appointed 31. de Nojan, commander of the troops at
New Orleans.
On the 4th May, the King's squadron, commanded by 31. de
Saujon, sailed for France, on board of which, 31. do Villardo, one of
the Directory, embarked to render an account of the condition of the
|:
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III
76
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
:1^ I
colony ; and on the 4th June, MM. de Val de Terrc and de Bour-
mont embarked on board the Due de Noailics, to return to Franco.
Oil tlio 8th. the King's ships fAmazonc^ forty guns, and la Vic-
toiir, thirty guns, commanded by the MM. de Villiors and la laille,
arrived at Dauphin Island, with orders to cruise on the coast of
Cuba. Tliese ships brought the news of the treaty made with
Spain. The Council of Louisiana reciuested the King's officers to
furnish thorn with provisions for the colony, which they granted, and
soon afterwards thoy set sail for France.
On the 1st July, the King's ships le Comte de Tonlnuse^ sixty-
four guns, commanded by M. do Vatel ; and h S(tint Henri, seventy
guns, commanded by M. Douce, arrived at Dauphin Island to aid the
company. They brought with them from the Island of St. Domingo
a contagious fever, which carried off a great number of persons every
day. In the beginning of this month, the ship I'llerculc, sixteen
guns, arrived at Dauphin Island from Guinea, with a cargo of negroes
for the colony ; and the Comte do Toidouse, twenty guns, sailed for
France, with a part of the deserters from the regiment of La Motte.
On the Kjth, a brig arrived from Havana, on board of which was
MM. le Ulanc, Longueval, and de Chateaugue, with the troops that
had been surrendered at Pensacola. She also brought the news of
peace between France and Spain, and an accoun!; of the force of the
Spanish sijuadronat Havana. One of the French officers informed
M. de liicnville that the ship Murcdud d^Estres, thirty-six guns
commanded by M. de la Godelle, had sailed from France in 1718,
with troops and convicts for the colony, and had never been heard of.
It appears that the captain had mistaken the nioutli of the Missis-
sippi, and entered a large bay in N. lat. 29'=', where she ai chored,
and an epidemic broke out among the convicts, which produced
dreadful havoc. That MM. Billeisle. Legendre, Duclos, Allard, and
Corbet, thought it would be less dangerous for them to land, well
provided with arms and eight days' provisions, than to remain on
board in a contagious atmosphere. Their hope was to meet with
some friendly Indians, who would take them to th- French settle-
ments, which they conjectured could not be far off. In the mean time
the ship sailed away and was never more heard of
On the IGth the ships k Dkc d'Orkdns and Le Rnhia arrived
at Sliip I.^land with supplies for the colony. Towards the end of
this month M. de Paillou set out 'o prevail upon the Natchez and
the Yasous to declare war agniust the Chicachas. On the 3d August
le Comte de Toulouse and le Tleiui set sail for France, after having
distributed among the colonists a great number o/ supplies ; and
.U-^Xif^rfM^KfUS
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FRENCH IN LOUISIANA.
77
likewise, on the same day, the VUercuh and la l^rUuh departed
for France, on board of which M3I. la Ilarpe, d'Avril, and do Lon-
gueval embarked.
Copy of a Certificate given by M. de Bienville to M. dc la IIarj)c.
Ililo.xi, .Inly 1. 17J0.
" I, John Biqtti.st do Bienville, Kni,i,'lit of tlio Military Order of St. Louis,
and ConmianJing Genenil in the Province of Lonisiuiui,
"Certify, that the M. Benard de lu Ilarpe. eoniniander of the troops sent
to the Cadadoquioiis, Natsoos, Natchitoches and Nassonites. Indian nations on
Red River, and on tlie confines of the Province of Lastekas. ha.s. durin!:^ a resi-
dence of eighteen months among them, eondncted himself with great prndenco
and wisdom. Tliat he has discovered other trihes of Indians on tlie Red and
Arkansiis rivers, adjoining nations to tin; S[ianiards in New Mc'xico. and made
alliances with them in tlie name of the King. In faith of which 1 have signed
this curtilicate, and alli.vcd the King's seal.
ij
M. de Bienville to M. Law.
Biloxi, Auc;rsons, under tho care of 31. dc rEjiinas, for the concesKion of
the Marquis d'Ancenis, at tho Iloumas. On the 2Gth, the Marie,
■ :r.;'!i
|i ;,:,
„1|
ii'
4 !
dieu ct a I'cdification dcs ptnii'les tels que sont coux (lu'elle y a faite des R. P.
CapiK ines I't dcs R. P. Jcsuitrs dont Ic zt'lc ct la charittj ass'.iri'iit Ics scc^ours
spirittu'lles aiix habitants et donrR'ut uiu! f^randi; csiM'nuicL' de la convc^rsion des
sauvag'cs, ct vouhmt encore j»ar nn nouvel I'tahlissomcnt aussi pieux sf»ilao;cr
les imuvros maladcs ct pouvoir au iiifmo temps a I'lilvcaHon des Jcuncs (lllcs,
ellc a a<,'i'de ct acccpto tos otn-cs (|ui lui ont cttS faitcs par lea scx'urs Mario
Trandiepain, St. Augustin, et Marie le Boullanger Aiiijelique des Urselines d&
Roiicii. Assis'i'cs de soeiir Catlicrino do Bruscoly de St. Amanil, in-emiere
Superieure des Urselines de Franco, de so charter du soin de Tliopital de la
Nouville Orleans, aux comlitions snivantes:
I. La Comi)agnie entretiendra au dit liopital six Rcligicuses y compris la
superieure et leur accordera a cliacune cin(i cents livrcs ile gratification une
sois payee pour Icur faciliter les moyens de fiiire leur voyage. Ellcs auront leur
passage iiratidt et celni de (juatre servantes sni les vais.seaux de la Coniiiagnie.
II. Lorsquelles scrout arrivees a la Louisiainie dies seroiit miser en j)()sse3-
sion de riioi)ital en I'etat qu'il est savoir: la Maison etses deiK-ndences; le tout
parais.sant consistcr en une salle ([ui peut contenir 60 a 80 maladcs en un corpa
de logic ou sont etahlir recononue, Ics inlirmicrs ct les cuisines et un salle (juo
r on projettait de construire {)our les convnilcscens et qui doit etrc faite a present
et en un lieu separe pour traitcr les maladies secretes.
III. Ces six Rcligicuses s'arrangeri'Ut dans ce logenicnt du mieux qu'il leur
sera jiossible, en attemlant que la Coini)agnie leur salle construire le& batimens
conveiiables a leur etablissement cequi s'cxecutcra peu a [>cu suivant que le-
fomls dc I'hopital et ceux destiiuJe auxfbrtilicalions et constructions dc batiniens
de la colonic pourront le iicrmettrc.
IV. II seni au dit hoi)ital un emplaecnw'nt allc/. grand joignant la
maison, tant pour y conscruire les nouveaux batimcns dont en pourra avoir
besoin que poiu- y faire une basse cour ct un jardin pour les Rcligicuses.
V. Les negrcs et negresscs, bestiaux, meubler, lits lingcs ct utensilca
destines pour lusage du dit liopital ct tout ce dont it faudra le pouvoir encore
pour le service des maladcs seront reniis par Invcntairc aux dites Rcligicuses.
qui seront tenucs den compter a la Compagnic.
VI. La superieure destincra une Religieiises pour cconomc, la quelle, ca
cotte qualitiS, serachargte de tons les eflets. de I'liopital et dc tout cc qui y
sera fournir jiour la subsistance d( s maladcs. EUe destincra deux autrcs.
Religit'uscs pour etre continncllemc,-.,t occupie au service des maladcs ; une
autre pour tenir I'ecole des jcuncs tilles, et la sixieme scrvera d'aid- a celles
qui .'■e trouveront trop surcharges dans leurs tbnetioas et sera touJM'r?^ i lutc a
remplaccr celle de ses soeurs, qui par indisposition serait hors d'stat d'.igir.
VII. Les dites Religiiaisea ne pcnirront disposer d'ancunc fonds ni cffets
appartenant a I'hopital sans le contentement des administratenrs portt; par de*
claration prise en leur cunseil (pii si ticndra pour eet etlet toutcs fois et quand et
serajugea propre et (pii sera eumposc. savoir: —
Uu CoiuMiandant General de la Colnnie.
Du Premier Couseillcs du Conscil Superieure, qui pourra sc s'ali.?titucr vji
autre Conscillcs.
ESTAnLiailMENT OF THE FRENCH IN LOUISIANA.
81
2c Profond, t Alexandre^ and VArcntio'icr, sailed for France. On
the 3d Feb., 1721, the frigate hi HTndnr, commanded by M. dc Mar-
tounc, arrived at Ship Island with ouo hundred and forty-seven
Du Procurcur Gi'iicral tlu (lit Conseil.
Du Ciiit'; do la Nouvellf Orleans.
Du SuiK'riinirc dcs Mis.sions dcs .Tcsuitos.
De di'ux notiibli'.s habitans qui y seront clns par Ic Conseil Snperiouro en
npiiellant Ics adiniui.strateurs a rpvk'ction et ([ui scront changer tous les deux
ans ensorti (piil on rcste iin dus deux.
Et du Medecin entretenu par le RdI aunuel, Con.scil la Supeiii'ure do
riiopltal aura entree lorsfjuellu aura (luehiue chose a proposer, sans avoir pour-
tiint vuix deliberative.
VIII. II sera tcnu par los soins des dits adniinistratenrs un compte cxacto
des biens du dit ho|)ital et I'emploi en sera fait par leurs ordres. ainsi qui do
tout CO ((ui pourra le revenir par lege, donation, et ainendes, les (piehs ne pour-
runt jamais etre appli(iut'r aux Religieuses.
IX. La compagnie concedera, en propriete an dit hoiiital un terrain, do knit
nrjiots (Ic fniiUi: sur la i)rofondeur ordinaire, le long de (leuve. le jjhis pros (|u'il
so jionrra do la Nuuvelle Orleans, a Iin d y former un habitation (pii puijsc,
j)Ourvoir (bins la suite d I'entretion des Ursolines, a cause du dit hopital.
X. II serait aecorde par le Compagnie trois cents livres j)ar an ; a co lui qvi
prendra soiii a la dito habitation pendant les cinq premieres annot" "■•'• ae-
ment.
XI. Tant que la dito habitation ne sera point en ctat de pourvoir a I'ontre-
tien et a la subsistancc des-dites Religieuses, la comi)agnie lour accordera a
chaeime six cents livres \i&v an, pour toutes ehoses ; (pii conunonceront &. courir
du jour de leur arrivoe au jiort de rembar(|uement ; mais sitot quo la dito
habitation prodtiira suflisammeiit pimr fournir a leur.s depenses, cette pension
cossora de leur etre payee et les dites, Religieuses disposeront de tous les
revenus dc Tbabitation, comme do chose uni(iuement alfectee a leur en^retien
et a leur subsistunce.
XII. II sera I'ourni par la compagnie pendant chacun des cintj i)remieres
annees do lostablissement do la dito habitation Imit negros pieces d'liido, qui
seroiit par les dite . Ursulino jiayes dans li;s memos termos et aux memos cou-
ditiones regies i)ou' los babitans au luoyon do (juoi la compagnie eossera di lour
payer la Pension imiuello de tiOO li\res a obaeu'"' lors i • I 'xpiration dos dites
cinq annees ([ui commencoront a couri'' dn ji ur uc la livi.iison il.s liuit pre-
mieres negi'os.
XIII. Si par qiu'l qu'evencmcnt les Urs '.!i;ies cossfiioT-.t de ,)rf'"iJro soin do
rhoi)ital. ellcs seraiont obligees de ron.ijft'e ;i cjux au eolles (pai les romi)]ace-
raiont. I'lioiiital. I'liabitation. et t(uit ce qu olles auraient roeu par invontoirc.
Quant i'l ee (pii est do lours bai'des des meubles, bestiaux, negros, &c., (|u'ellos
auraient aeipiis elles on disposoraient conuno de elioso d elle appartonant
ct seiaient rrmboursi-es des batimons (prelios auraient fait eonstruirea leurs de
])our, soit sur le terrain do I'bopital soit sur I'liabitation, pourvu ((Ue les dites
con.^truitions eussent tte faites du contentemont do Conseil Suporieure. Ellos
seraiont au.ssi remboursee do la depouso des del'ricUes faite sur le terrain do
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ni3TOniCAL COLLECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
Swiss, commanded by Sieur dc Morveilleaux. IJy this vessel M. dc
Bienville received a letter from the "Western Company, dated Slat
October, 17"iO, in which they wrote to him, that it was with pain
rhiiliitiition ; le tout suivaiit restimation i|ui en scrait fiiitc no pouvaiit k's ditcs
Rflif^'ifuses, otru obligeus do remottro a lenrs Successseurs ((ue c:o <|u'l'11cs
iiuraiciit rcrii dc la Cniiipairiiii; ct do riin]>ital.
XIV. Na Coiiipairiiii; fcra fotirnir aux ditos Ruligiuusos tons cu iiui situ ne-
ccssairc pour la sul)!sistaiicc des nialadcs de I'liopital ft recononie s'cu cliarf,'era
on rocottc stir uu roi;istrc iiaraplu- paries Adiniiiistratours, on ouviiint nnonuipto
a cluujuc nature ile vivi-es ; dans le quel registi'o oUe jiortora tontos les euiisoni-
niatlons, jour i)ar jour; jxiur etro los dits coniptos, arretes par le.s Adniinistra-
tcurs a la (in do ohaon. et les rt'veiiuos dc
cette liabitatiou eu quolque chose qu'ls puissant consistor, appartiondi'out audit
MMMa
ESTAIlMSIlMnXT OF Till', FKF.NCrr IS LOLISfANA.
83
tlioy were informed of the (lisa<,'rccment between liini and the direc-
tors of the company, which had caused so much ci infusion in its af-
fairs; tliat tlie effect it had produced throughout France was very
unfavorable to its prosperity ; tluit his royal highness liad ]>ecn in-
formed of these disorders, and believed him to be the autiior of them.
Hut, notwithstanding tliese reports, tlioy now create him a l>rigadier-
general of tlie troops, and knight of the military ordi'r of Saint liOuis.
That it was in contemplation to appoint a direct(»r general for the
colony, in order to prevent any further difficulties from arising here-
after.
This letter made a deep impression upon 31. de Bienville, not-
withstanding the ai>[irobation of his prince, and the further honor;?
liopital. I\Iais il sera oin uit an comiite ijiutieiilicr ii la ditc lialiitation dans
Ie(|iiel elle .sera di'liitec do tout co ([ui lui sera I'mirni ]>ar la Conipatjiuo, credit
tec do ses i)riidiiits, alin (iiie, (juand le dit lKii)ital sera en etat do se posser des
cliarites de la Ceiiipiiijnie, il soit teiiu d(! piiyer a la dlte compaijnie les soinmes
«lunt il lui .sera redevable \nnu- la ditc lialiitation.
XXIV. Lorsqiio les IleiiKieuse.s le pourront I'aire comniodenient, elles pren*
droiit, si elles lejugent a i)roi)es, des (illes i)en.sionaires, sur le pied (juo la Su-
perieun; laura, rt''i,'li;, et le iiaymeiit des iieiisioiis sera reiiiis eiitre les mains do
la Deiiositaire des Relii^ieuses, mais aueuiies de eelles (jui seront detournees ni
ajjpliipiees au soin et i\ I'education des jiensionnaires,
XXV. Aassitot i|ue le.s reveiui I'iiabitation seroiit assez forts jiour I'entrc-
tien et la siilisi.staiiee des dites six reli^neuses, elles jidurreiit auf,^iiieiitt! leur
nombre, Si elles lo jugent ii jiroper, ii jjroportioii des dits revoiiu et le passage
seulement sera aceorde gratis a eelles ipi' elles seront veiiir de France ; inais
elles ne pourrunt ixiint reeevoir Ri'ligjeuso aueune (illo mn' dans le pays, sans
ia permission ct Tagrement dn Conseil.
XXVI. Si (iuel((ue Ri'ligieuse, ne pourant s'acconioder du pays, on pour
siueliprantre niison ])artieuliere. etait obligee do rejiasser en France, elle aura
son passage gratis pour elle et une servanto et la pension cessara du jour du
i'enibarquenie'nt.
XXVII. Si ijiieLjuc Religieuse devenait, par iiifirmetr-, liors d'etat d'agir,B
elle no fera plus partie du nombre (U's six <{ui doivent etre entretennes et ce-
pondant elle sera egalenient traitee pendant sa vie aux depens di; I'liopital au
casque les religieuses ne I'ussent pas '.'noorer en etat de se passer de ee seeours.
XXVIII. Lo present Traite sera adressc au Conseil Superieur, de la Lonisi-
anne pour y utre enri'gistre et, en cas de contestation sur les articles qa"il con-
tient, elles seront decidees par le dit Conseil au Jugenu'Ut du quel les parties
so sont soumises.
Fait ti Paris, en I'liotel do la Conipagnic de Jndes le Ultli Srptembre, 17-C.
Signe, I'Abbe Raguet. .T. ]\Iorin, Dartaguet Diron. Castanier, P. Saintard, Des«
h.ayer, Froninget et Lanide was three hundred and forty feet in length, tin; walls
were three feet thick and fifteen feet high. Within the walls were spacious
stone barracks, a spacious magazine, m'cU, &c. The cornices and casements,
port-holes or loo])s, were of solid blocks of stone. In 1770, the river broke
through its banks, and in two years afterwards, two of its bastions fell into the
river. It was then sullered to fall into decay, and it is now one of the most
beautiful and pictures(|ue ruins in the valley of the JNIississippi.
Four Ros.Ar.iK, at the Natchez, stood on the suimnit of a hill about six hun«
dred and seventy yards from the shore of the river, and about one hundred
and eighty feet above the surface of the water, overlooking ii 1 1'autiful cham-
j)aign country, and the river for many miles both up and down. It was an
irregular pentagon, witliout bastions, and built of thick plank. Thi^ buildings
within consisted of a stone house, magazine, houses for the oflicers and bar-
racks for soldiers. The diteli surrounding it was ])artly natural and partly
artificial, and in most jilaces niiU'teen feet from the bottom to thi; tof) of tho
rampart. iM. de Bienville named it Rosalie in honor of Madame la duchessoo
de Pontehartrain. By the sliding and caving in of the Jianks of the river, its
huge bastions became nearly all >li'Stroycd, still it is one of the most interesting
and pictures(|uc s])ots that the traveller can visit in the delta of the Mississippi®
The fort at Point Coupkk was a (luadrangle with four bastions, built with
stockades ou the west bank of the Mississippi river.
F.rfTAni-rSIIMENT OV TUK FRENCH IN I,Oi:ifi)ly','iiii iiicM^iircil iilimit one
liuiiilrcil ami i iirlity tVi't lom,'. iiii>iiiitct' tlie llliniiis. on ins lirst visit tn that eoniitry. It was seated on
the top of a sleep hluir. aliout two hundred feet liii,'li with a spacious esplanade,
and the river washiiijaf its Itasi;. M. de la SalK' likewise Imili a stoekmle fort at
St. Bernard s Day, Te.\as. in Id'-.'), (jainiiiii; jiosscssiou and jiiiisdiclion over all
the country iVoni the month of the Mississippi to the llio (iiaiide or Uio Bravo
did Nort<', of .Me.xieo.
Filler Sr. Lolls dk Caiu.oiikttk wis huilt in 171'.' liy tlie orders of M. do
Bienville, on the ri;;lit hank of Red River, in iV. lat. ;i:;° ■'>'>'. as a si^ru of the
jurisdiction of l''rance in that jiarl of Louisiana, since called 'I'l xas TIk.' lirst
Oi,i) Four Hii.oxi has been placed by .Miijor Stoddard, in his work on Louisiana,
on I'erdido bay the ancient boundary line ot' the French and Spaniards, about
twelves miles west of Pciisacola bay, where he says .M il lln i\ille erected a fort
with four bastions on which he mounted twelve cannons, and where it is said
some reiiiains of it may still be seen. But be this true or not, ;\I. d Iberville,
beforo lie sailed for Fiance in WM, built a fort upon the nortlic.isi shore of tlio
bay of Bilo.vi about (ilteeii miles north of Ship Island, of four baslioii.s. and
mountiMl with twelve cannons, (the remains of which are still to be .seen,)
which was the sign of the jurisdiction of France from the Kio IVrdido to tliu
Rio Bravo del \orte. and appointed M. de Saiivolle il^ coniniaiiiler. who kept a
journal or history of the colony lip to the day of his death and which is now
printed for the lirst time in this woi'k. The Bm.i/k tort, at the mouth of tho
Mississippi river, was built about the same lime on an i-land and mounted
with cannon to protect the French shiiis that am hoicd tin re. and to drive olf
the Spaniards, l-'irt Lmiisi/i: Malilli; .
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HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
Paris. Tlicy arc about two hundred feet high, and arc the continu-
ation of the ciiain of mountains whicli run tlirongh the country from
northeast to southwest. On the 2-M, M. do Bienville was informed
of the death of M. Blnndcl, commander of a post at Natchitoches,
The council dismissed M. de Saint Marc, captain of the Dronwdairr^
at the request of M. de la Tour, who made a complaint against the
captain for having acted badly during the voyage of the vessel.
On the 1st March, the Deux Frercs. commanded by M. Chenot,
and Ic Foudroytiiit^ by M. Fontaine, arrived with forty Germans
for the concession of M. Law, on the Arkansas.
On the 14th, the frigates la Mn/inc and Ic Chnmcaii, sailed for
France, having on board 31. Ic Gac, director of the company, whose
departure was but little regretted.
On the 17th, the frigate VAfricain arrived with one hundred and
eighty negroes, being the remains of two hundred and eighty which
had embarked on board in Africa. On the 23d, Ic Due du Maine,
thirty-six guns, arrived with three hundred and ninety-four negroes,
being the remains of four hundred and fifty-three who had Bailed
from Africa about the .same time.
On the Ith April, M. Berranger was sent to Cape Francais to
purchase corn for the negroes, who were dying with hunger at
Biloxi (Fort Louis). On the 5th April, 31. Semiars do Bcllisle*
arrived at Fort Louis. He was one of the five officers who had
landed from the le Marcdial d^Fsfrcs, west of the 3Iississippi, and
was left there. It was reported that she was lost on the coast. He
related that they were left upon the shore, and after more than two
months' wandering were reduced to the greatest extremity for food.
tions were erected at proper distances, and likewise five intervening redoubts.
The bastions wciv rc'siilarlj' constructed, each of them wa.s furnished with a
bamiuctte, rampart, i)iirapL't, ditch, covered way, and glacis. The curtains wore
wholly formed with jjalisades at a small disitancc from each other, and were
musket proof; thoy Imd a banquette within and ditch and glatis witliout. A
small redoubt or liivelin was placed in the centre of each bastion, and all the
latter were of snilieient size to admit of si.xtecn embrasures, four in each face,
three in each fliink. and two in the gorge facing the city. The whole of which
was mounted with heavy cannon ; the southwest ba.stion with a countergard
and traverses, and a small redoubt on the bank of tlie river. The two forts
(St. Charles and Conde) at the aiigle.s facing the river, likewise mounted with
heavy Spanish ordnance, constituted the defence of the city, when Louisiana
was coded to the United States.
* M. Semiars de Bellisle, knight of the military order of St. Louis, was one
of the bravest and mostaccomi)lisiied oflicers that overcame to Louisiana. He
served the colony in a military and civil capacity for upwards ^.f forty-five years,
and then retired to France, where ho died in 17G3.
ESTADLiailMENT OF THE FRENCH IN LOUISIANA.
87
That his companions, MM. Corbet, Allard, Duclos and Logcndrc
died from hunger. lie afterwards fell in with three Indiana upon
an island at the entrance of a bay, who stripped him and took him
to their nation, with whom he lived eighteen months. They took from
him his i)apers, which he kept in a tin box, and which afterwards fell
into the hands of the Assinays, who sent them to M. de Saint Denis,
the commandant at Natchitoches, who rescued him soon after.
On the 17th, M. de Pauger was ordered to proceed to the mouth
of the Mississippi to sound the ])asse.s. IIo found a bar of .soft mud
nine hundred toises wide, formed by the meeting of the tide of the
sea and the current of the river, which is here very .sluggish. It
appeared to him that some of the pa.S3CS might be closed up by sink-
ing some vessels, which would increase the velocity of the current, and
deepen the bar, on which only about twelve feet water could be found.
Ho proposed to establish a fort on the Lsland at the JJalize, where
ships drawing sixteen to eighteen feet might anchor in safety.
On the "JOth, the frigate Id Nercide, commanded by M. de
Chaboisoau. arrived with two hundred and ninety-four negroes, being
the remains of three hundred and fifty whicli had been put on board.
He reported that the frigate Ic Charles, with a cargo of negroes, had
been burnt at sea within sixty miles of the coast. '^ On the 2 1th, M. do
Boisbriant wrote to M. de Bienville from the Illinois that three hun-
dred Spaniards had left Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, for the
purpose of conquering the colony ; but only seventy had put their
threat in execution, who had arrived at the Kan.sas river, where
they encountered the Octotata and Panis Indians, who massacred
all except a priest, who made his escape on horseback.
On the 15th, V Elephant Ja Girondc, la hrh:ine. le Ducde Blaine,
les Deux Freres et lAj'ricain, ships of the con.pany, sailed for France.
On the 2Gth, the Drotnedaire, drawing thirteen feet of water, arrived
with supplies for the concessions of M. Law. On the 4th June, the
ship le Portefaix, commanded by M. Dufour, arrived with three hun-
dred and thirty German passengers, and M. Marigny de Mandcville
(Chevalier de Saint Louis), the commander of Fort Conde, Mobile,
M. Daran.sbourg (captain), and thirty Swedi.rovenunts
wertt made in the tinances of the kingdom, and measures adojited for establish,
ing upoti a lirmer basis the sinking credit of the country. In connection with
his brother, he set up a private bank under the form of the '• General Baidi of
Law &. Co.," and it j)roved to be so productive to the proprietors, that, about
the close of the year 1718, the Duke of Orleans resolved to i)atronize it. It was,
perhaps, this circumstance that led to the speedy develojjtnent of that sliipni'
f/oiis scheme, which had long occupied the mind of Law, generally known as the
Mississippi Sijslem. The object of the scheme was, to invest the whole of the
national trade, with certain revenues arising from ditterent sources, in the hands
of one great company, who might thus be enabled to extend their commercial
pn jects to an inde'hdte extent, and to extricate the French government from
the enonnous debt which Louis XIV. had bequeathed it. By the suggestion of
Law, such a comi)any was actually instituted, under the name of the ' Western
or Mississippi Company," and to this coiujiany was granted tiie whole province
ofLouisiana, of wiiich he was appointed director-general. Nothing was Cora while
talked of but this company, in which every body desired to hold shares. Hon-
ors were heaped upon him. and he was elected a memlier of the Academy of
Sciences. The .system of Law continued for a while to gain credit and fame,
because it gave a sudden rise to the value of i>roperty of every kirid. Thinking
men, however, soon jierceived that the necessary consequences of such a state
of things would be the (lestniclion oj all goveniincnt, the stiiimaluiii of trade, and
the dissulutinii oj all morals. The Companij speculated to a most c/iormous extent,
and gave out their paper without any regard to its soundness ; hence the cool and
rellectiug portion of the country drew from the bank enormous sums of gold
and silver, which finally left it without a dollar, and two thousand six hundred
millions of paper dollars in the hands of individuals unredeemed. All credit,
both public and |)rivate, was soon prostrated. Law was stigmatized and calum-
niated ; the peoi)le became infuriated, and he was obliged to leave the country.
He passed through Brussels and Venice, and safely reached London, where he
lived sunq)tuously until he heard of the confiscation of his property in France,
when he became embarrassed, and, failing in the attempt to recover it, he bade
adieu to England, and fixed his residence at Venice, where he died in compara-
tive indigence on the 21st March, 17-J, in the 68th year of his age. The fol-
lowing epitaph appeared soon after :
Ci git cet Ecossois celi-bre,
Ce calculateur saiis egal,
Qui, par Iks iiglesde I'algebre,
A mis la France k l'l)i){)i(al.
KSTABMflllMKNT OF THE FRENCH IN LOUlin of the circulating niciliuni tliroiiglioiit tlic province diirins; the
first tiirct' years of liis operations, and tiiir t'onsi'iiucnt siuIiUmi prostriition of all
business, at the time, involved the interests of tiie comiiany, and eml)arrassed
their opeiations for iidvancini!^ the popnlationand prosperity of the province. But
who Would have believed that in less than one hundred and fifteen years from
that time (18.'i5), the Valley of the IMissi.s.sippi would have been the theatre of
delusions almost as jjreut, midiT a new system of credit held out by banking
institutions and chartered monopolies a.s rotten and as baseluss as Law's Bank
of France'?
* It was soon found by oxi)criment that the F.uropean constitution could
not stand the labors of the field, but sickened and died under the burning suns
of Louisiana, and the chilling dews and fogs of night. The Western Company
was tlierefore compelled to introduce African negroes to cultivate the planta-
tions scattered on the bayous and rivers of the lU'lta of the Mississippi, and for
several years it furnished the agricultural interests of the colony with several
hundri'd annually, which was the origin of African slavery in Louisiana. And
as France and Spain, for the ne.xt half century, thus furnished their American
colonies with negroes for their plantations. Great Britain, true to her^system of
monopolies, encouraged by British legislation, and fostered by royal fav(jr, sup-
plied not oidy her own colonies with slave labor, but contendeil for the mono-
poly of supplying both France and Spain. In 17-1, M. de Bienville drew up
a code, containing all the legislation applicable to slaves in Louisiana, which
remained in force until 180:5. Its first and third articles seem to be strangely
irrelevant to the matter of regulating slaves, yet its intolerant spirit seems still
to govern the policy of one of the most enlightened nations (Great Britain) on
the face of the globe, in regard to the exclusion of Jews and Catholics both
from church and state.
BLACK CODE OF I.OllSKtNA.
L Decrees the expulsion of Jews from the colony.
II. Makes it imperative on masters to impart religious instruction to their
slaves.
III. Permits the exercise of the Roman Catholic creed only. Every other
mode of worship is ])rohibited.
IV. Negroes placed under the direction or supervision of any other person
than a Catholic, are liable to confiscation.
v. Sundays and holidays are to be strictly observed. All negroes found at
work on these days are to be contiscateil.
VI. We forbid our white subjects of both sexes, to marry with the blacks,
under tlie penalty of being fined and subjecteil to some other arbitrary puni.sh-
nicnt. We forbid all curates, priests, or missionaries of our secular or regular
clergy, and even our cha])lains in our navy to sanction such marriages. We
also forbid all our white subjects, and even the manumitted or free-born blacks,
6
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IIISTOUICAL COLIiKCTIONS OF LOUISIANA
Ifitli July, tlio frigate !(/ Vrmt.s, cotmnanik'tl by M. Duniouliii, ar-
rived at Sliip Isliiiid witii M. Duvergicr, Diri'ctor-deiieriil ; M. do la
lliiri»e, Coiuiuauder at St. Ueriiard's Bay ; M. de lu (irave, J)iicctor
to live iti a state of concu1)ina.;,rnders shall be branded with the mark of the llower
dc luce, and should there be aggravating circumstances, capital puni>hment
may be ajiplied, at the discretion of our judges. We command all our subjects,
be they ollicers or not, to seize all such otl'enders, to arrest and conduct them to
prison, although there should be no judgment against them.
XIV. Masters who shall be convicted of having permitted or tolerated such
ESTAnMrtllMENT OK TIIK FRENCH IV LOUISIANA.
01
of tlio Concessions of M. lo Miiniuis de Mezieres, DeniarclK-, and
Dufrenic. Slie brought tlie Cross of St. Dunis fir MM. do (Miau-
tcauguu and do Buisbriuui, and to MM. lilondel, Dutisue, liarnaval,
gathcriiif^s us afori'siiid, comiK'scd of oflitT slaves tliiiii tliuir own, shall be sni-
tenci'd. iiKlividually, to indonniily tlu'ir ncijLjlilior.s lur the (laniii<,a's occasioiu d
by .said ^atlieriiij^s, and to i>ay, for tlic lirst tiiin;. a (iuL- of tliirty livrcs, and
doulili' tliat sum on tlic rcpi'tition of tlm olloncc.
XV. VVu forliid ncji^roes to sell any ooiuinoditics, provisions, or product! of
any kind, without tiie written jn'rniis.sion of tlicir masters, or wifliout wearing
their known marks or hailfj^es, and any persons |)urehasini,' any fhini; finni ne-
groes in vioknce of tiiis article, siiall In- sentenced to pay a line of l')ili) livres.
XVI, XVII. XVIII, XIX, provide at len^'tli for the clotliinij of slaves and for
their subsistence.
XX. Slaves who shall not be properly fed, clad, and provided for by their
masters, may give information thereof to the attorney-general of the Superior
Council, or to all the other otiicers of justice of an inferior jurisdiction, and may
put the written exposition of tlieir wrongs into tiieir hands ; upon which infor-
mation, and even o.x oflieio, should the intbrmatiou come from another (juarter,
the attorney-general shall prosecute said masters without charging any costs to
the complainants. It is our will that this regulation be observed in all accusa-
tions lor crimes or barbarous and inhuman treatment brought by slaves against
their masters.
XXI. Slaves who are disabled from working, either by old age, disease, or
otherwise, be the disease incurable or n(»t, shall be fed and provided for by
their masters; and in case they should have been abandoned by said masters,
said slaves shall be adjudged to tin; nearest hospital, to which said masters
sliall be obliged to pay eight cents a day for the food and maintenance ol" each
one of these slaves; and for the payment of this sum, said hospital shall have a
lien oti the |)lantations of the master.
XXII. We declare that slaves can have no right to any kind of property, and
that all that they actpiire, either by their own industry or by the liberality of
others, or by any other means or title whatever, shall Ije the full property of
their masters; and the children of said slaves, their fathers and mothers, their
kindred or other relations, either free or slaves, shall have no pretensions or
claims thereto, either through testamentary dispositions or donaticjus inter vi-
vos ; which dispositions and donations we declare null and void, and also what-
ever i)romi.ses they may have made, or whatever obligations they may h.ivesni)-
scrilied to, as having been entered into by persons incapable of disposing of any
thing and of jiartieipating to any contract.
XXIII. Masters shall be responsii)ie for what their slaves havedone by their
connnand. and also tor what transactions they have permitted their slaves to do
in their shops, in the particular line of coninieree with which they weri; in
trusted ; and in ease said slaves should have acted without the order or antiiori.
zation of their masters, said masters shall be responsible only for so much as
has turned to their profit; and if siiiil masters have not ])rolited by the doing oi-
transaction of their slaves, the peculium which tin; masters have permitted the
slaves to own. shall be sulijected to all claims against said slaves, afterdedncti(m
made by the masters of what may bo due to them ; and if said peculium should
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IIISTOKICAL COI,l.ECTIO\a OF LOUISIANA.
and de Noyau, Captaiii'.sooniinissioiis. Tlic arrival of M. Duvorgior,
caused 8oinc eiiaiigus to bo iiiadu in the appoiiitmotit of officers, iiiueh
against the wishes of M. de Jtienvillc. M. do Chateaugue was not
mh
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consist, in wlioli- or in luirt, of nu'ribundiscs in wliidi tlir slaves liad permission
to trallic. tlic masters .siijili only come in for their share in common with the
other creditors.
XXIV. Slaves shall be incapable of all y)ublic function.^, and of being consti
tuted agents for any other jierson than their own masters, with jiowers to
manage or eondnct any kind of tradi' ; nor can tliey serve as arbitrators or ex-
perts; nor shall they be calleunishmint and reparation for such outrages and excesses
as thiir slaves may have sulfered from.
XXVI. Slaves may be pro.si^cnted criminally, without their masters being
made i)arties to the trial, except they should be indicted as accomj)lices ; and
said slaves shall be tried, at tir.st by the judges of ordinary jurisdiction, if there
be any, and on appial, by the Superior Council, with the same rules, formali-
ties, and proceedings observed for free persons, save the exceptions mentioned
hereafter.
XXVir. The slave who, having struck liis master, his mistress, or the hus-
band of his mistress, or their children, shall have j)roduced a bruise, or the
shedding of blood in the face, shall sutler capital ])unishment.
XXVIII. With regard to outrages or acts of violence committed by slaves
against free j)ersons. it is our will that they be punished with severity, and even
with death, should the case require it.
XXIX. Thefts of importance, and even the stealing of horses, mares, mules,
oxen, or cows, when executed by slaves or manumitted persons, shall make the
offender liable to corporal, and even to capital punishment, according to the
circumstances of the case.
XXX. The stealing of sheep, goats, hogs, poultry, grain, fodder, peas, beans,
or other vegetables, produce, or j)rovisions, when committed by slaves, shall
be punisheil according to the circumstances of the case ; and the judges may
sentence them, if necessary, to be whii)ped by the public executioner, and
branded with the mark of the flower de luce.
XXX I. In cases of thefts eoiiiinitted or damages done by their slaves, mas-
ters, besides the corporal punishment inflicted on their slaves, shall be bound
to make amends for the injuries resulting from tlie acts of said slaves, unless
they prefer abanduning them to the sufferer. They shall be bound so to make
their choice, in three days from the time of the conviction of the negroes; if
not, this privilege shall be forever forfeited.
XXXII. The runaway slave, who shall continue to be so for one month
from the day of his being denounced to the olTicers of justice, shall have his
ears cut off, and shall be branded w ith the flower de luce ou the shoulder : and
ESTAHI.ISIIMKNT OK TIIK I'UKNCIt IN LOUISIANA.
93
the loss disappointed, for ho had hoped his sorvioos would have enti-
tled him to the eoiMiuand of tlio iiiiiriiie. and M. do Loniio was morti-
fied at notbcin;^ promoted to a higher offieo. It was reported at thia
»«'i
on a Hi'cond ofn-nco of the same nafurc jiersistcd in durinj: om- innntli I'ldni tli»!
day (>(' liis licing (U'noiuu'i'd, ho sliall lie liaiiistniii<: ami In- inarkr<| with t\w
Howcr (Ic luce on the other shoulik-r. On the third olll iici-, he ^iiuil sntR-r
death.
XXXIFI. Slaves, who shall have made themselves liahle to the penalty ofthc
whi|>, the (lower do luee hrand, and ear enttiiij;. shall he tried, in the la.«enalty. in so doing, of being ilealt
with as guilty of extortion.
XXXVIII. Wo also forbid all our subjects in this (•olony, whatever their con-
dition or rank may be, to a()i)ly, on their own private aiitliority, the rack to
their slaves, under any preteiico whatever, and to mutilate said slaves in any
one of their limbs, or in any part of their bodies, imder the iienalty of the con-
fiscation of said slaves; and said masters, so oflending. shall be liahlt- to a cri-
minal prosecution. We only permit masters, when they shall think that the
case reiiuires it, to put their slaves in irons, and to have them whipped with
rods or rojies.
XXXIX. Wo command our officers tif justice in this colony to institute cri-
minal process against masters and overseers who shall have killud or mutilated
1^1
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IIISTonU'AI, COI.KKCTIONH Ol' I.OUIstlAN A.
tlmo tlint tlio Hliip (InioHtir. 1ii'Ioii;:iiijr ti» tlir WcMtcrii Coinpnny,
was ('ajituroil by n jiirato lu'nr tlu! i.slniiil of St |)iiiniii<;i). with iip-
Wurds uf tlirc'ti hundi'L'tl (jleniitiiis uii Itourd, and luilitar} Nii|iplioH
tlicir Nlavrs, wlicn in tln'ir power and uihIit llicir sn|((ivi,-inn iiiul to punish
sail! niui'iicr accorciln;; to tlic Htrocity <>(' llic circnin'-liinrcs ; inid in cum' tiio
ollt'nci' sliall ill' u juiiiiiinaliit' one, we permit llicni tn |iiiiilon s.iiil ina>>trrs and
overseers williout its lieinj; necessary to olitnin iVmn ns liiieis patent ofpiinlnn.
XL. Slaves sliiill lie Iii'ld in law as movaliles. ami as mh'Ii they sliall lie part
of tlie eoinniuiiity III' iiei|nests lietween lln^tlanl^ ami wile; tliey sliall nut lie
liable lo lie sei/.eil iimler any niorlKHfri' wliatever; aiel lliey shall he eipially
diviileil anion;; tlie I'll lieiis williiiiit ailniiltiii!; In mi any one of said heirs any
claim lonmleil on pieei|iiit oi* ri^clit of primnireniture nnluwiy.
XLI. Xlill. Are entirely relative to jiidieial furms ami pioeeeilin;,'s.
XfJII. IFu>i1iands and wives shall not he seized and sdld sepaialely when he-
•otis-in;; to the same niaster : and their ehildren. when under loiirteeii years of
afje. shall not he separated from their parents, and sneli seizures and sales shall
be null and voiil. The jiresent artiele shall apply to vnlimtary sales, and in ease
suoli sales should take plaee in violation of the law, the seller shall be deprived
of the slave he has illejjally retained, and said slave shall he adjudged to the
purchaser without any additional priee heiiiL' reipiired.
XLFV. Slaves, liiurleeii years old, annd from this aire up to sixty, who arc
settled on lands and plantations, and are at ]iresent working on them, shall not
he liable to seizure for debt, exeeiit for what may he due out of tlie iiurehase
money agreed to be paid for them, unless said ^jroiinds or ]ilaiitations should
also be distressed and any seizure and jndieial sale of a real est;ite. without In-
cluiling th(! slaves of the aforesaid ago. who are part of said estate, shall bo
deemed null and void.
XI.V. XLVf XI.VII XLVIII. XIJX. Are relative to certain formalities to
be observed in Juilieial proeei'dings.
L. Masters, when twenty-live years old. sliall have the jiower to iiianumit
their slaves, eitlier by ti staiuentary dispositions or by aets inter vivos. But,
as there may he mereenary masters disposed to set a priee on the liberation of
their slaves; and whereas slaves with a view toaeipiiro the necessary means to
piireha.se their freedom, may hi' teiiijited to eonimit theft or deeds of plunder,
no person, whatever may he his rank and eoiidition. shall he permitted to set
free his slaves, without obtaining from the Superior Council a decree of per-
mission to that etfeet ; whieh permission shall he granted without costs, when
the motives for thesetliiiij free of said slaves, as spccitii'd in the |)etitioii oftlic
master .shall ai>pi'ar legitimate to the tribunal. All acts for the emaneiiiation
of slaves, which, for the future, shall be made without this |ierniission shall he
null ; and the slaves, so freed sliall not be entitled to their freeilom ; they shall,
on the eontrary. continue to he held as slaves; but they shall he taken away
from their former masters, and eoiiliseated for the heiietit of the India Company.
LI, However, should slaved he ajipointed by their masters tutors to their
children, said slaves sliall be hold and regarded as being thereby sot free to all
intents and purposes.
LII. We declare that the acts for the eufraneliisement of slaves, jiassed ac-
cording to the forms above described, sliall be eijuivalent to an act of natural-
VIwni.IrtllMKNT (»K THE FKENCII IN LOUISIANA.
95
and cldfliiii;; duHtinod for tlic eolmiy. On tluvititli. tlio ship Ir l\>rlr-
fair I'ltiiriii'tl to Franco ; ami towards tlio ond of tlio immtli M do
Uioiivillf ii|>pointed M. do la IIarj»o to tlio coiuiiiaiid nf tlic It.iy of
St. Hcriiard ; and 31. do i'oyan to tlio coniniand of a oonijiany of
Infantry-
On tlio l.lth Ootobor, tlio frii.'ato Ir Muirrltdf d' ilstrns. coin-
niand'd l»y M. Priidlioinmo. arrived with oiio limidrod and ninety-six
ni-groos : and on tlic same day tlio /c jMouchc, l\[/jri//f, and P Jliron-
dc/lr. arrived with .sn))plies for tho colony.
Tiio orders of the company liaviiij; boon re issued for the iiir
mediate sottleinont of St IJ((rnard's Hay. the Council could not now,
under any pretext whatever, refu.**o to execute them. M. do
la Ilarpe accordingly demanded tho means of carrying them into
execution ; Imt all that he could (dttain was a small vessel eimimanded
by M. Heraiiger. with fifteen ipiarters of flour, fifteen of meat, and
Bome French brandy, for tho su])port of his detachment of twenty
Boldiers, and tho crew.
Copy of the order of Instructions.
"It is licrcby flccreed tliiit ."\[. df lii Hiir]H'. <'(iniinnii(Iiint of tlie Imy of St,
Beniiiril. sliiill eiulmrk in tlie packet SiihlUr, eonuiuiiwlcil liy M. lierani^er, with
i/.atiiiii, wln'n said slaves are not Imni in oiiv colony of Lo\iisiiiiia. niid tlicy slinll
enjoy all tlie risrlits niid jirivilcijcs inlici'eiit to o\ir sulijcets born in onr Uinirdom
or in any land or country under our dominion. We dcilare. tin re to re tlmt all
tnaniitiiitted slaves, and all free-liorn iiefjroes are incaiialiU- of reeeivini; dona-
tions, either liv testanieiitary di.s|iositioiis or by acts inter vivos from the whites.
Said donations shall lie null and void, and the objects so donated hhall be ap-
plied to the benefit of the nearest hospital.
Llll. We eomtnand all nianuniitted slaves to show tin' pro foiiiidest respect
to their former masters, to thi-ir widows and children, anil any injury or insult
offered by said niamitnitted slaves to their former masters, their widows or
children shall bu puidshcd with more severity than if it had been ofiered to
any other person. We. however, declare thcin ejveinpt from the dis(diarge Of
all duties or services, and from the ])ayment of all ta.\es or fees, or any thing
else whieli their former masters might, in their (piality of patrons, claim either
in relation to their persons, or to their personal or real estate, either during tho
life or after the death of said manumitted slaves.
LIV. We grant to manunutte(l slaves the same ri<,dits. ]irivileges, and immu-
nities whicii are enjoyed by fri'e-born j)ersoMs. It is onr ]dea>ure that their
merit in having aci|uired their freedom, shall iirodiice in their favor, not only
with regard to their persons, but also to their jiroperty, tlu' same elfci'ts which
our other subjects derivo from the hajijiy circumstance of their having been
born free.
Ill the name of the King,
BiKwir.i.K,
Dk i.a Chaise.
Fa/.ende, Brusle, Perry, March, 1724.
'I' Jii '.III
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96
lirstTOKK'AI. rol.I.KrTIONH OF i.oursiANA.
a (Iftucliiii lit III' iwi'iity siililii'i's imhIiI' tlii> coiuiniinil nf .M. ri)ci'ril t'.iiiliwiili til till' liiiy III' St. llrniaiil in tlic iirovim'f nl' I,uui>>iaii;i,
niiil t:iki- |iiiiti dl' it ill the imiiii' nl' the Kiiij; ami tlio Wi'^tfrti ('iiiii|iiiiiy ;
ami nIiuII plant tlirrc tin' uniiM of tlu.> Kiii^' in tlii' f^miinil ; and bnilil a t'ort n|uin
wliatfVir s|iiit a|i|iiar-i iiidst iiilvaiitau'i'iiiis to liini I'nr tin' ili'd'Hii- ol" tin- piact'.
" ir the Spanianls nr aiiv iitinr iiatiuii lias aln a^ly taken p()^^^'^^.^illll nl' it, M.
du la Harpu will iiirunii tluni tluit tiny have im ii;r|it tn tins I'lmntry un it \\M
taki'ii pi»M'H>tiuii !>(' liy M lie la S.illr ill tin- ii.iiiii' nl' the Kiiif; III' I'liiiicc. And
in case tlicy niakr any nppositioii .M. dc la Haipc will take |H>.s.s»',s>inii uf if liy
forcf in ronHirinity with tin- iinli in (if tlic Kiiij,' duti'd Kith N'nvcniln r I7IH.
" Hi- sliall iii)tir>' ail siiaiii;iTs tn ri'liic wlm may artiT\vaiil> iiiii\r niako
alliaiiri's with the linliiin natiuiis and di^t^ilMlll■ prisi'iilH union;; tluni ns ho
may di't;;i) iii'ci'dHary and indiN|H'nsalilt'— ki't'p sopantto accountH with ouch
nation -and a jmiriial ol' all that takes plaie dnriiij:; his coinnuiiid.
'• If iVoiii any iinliireseen eaiiM' theMe unleiM can not bo uxuculed, he w ill then
act as his lii'st jiiil toiiiid olovon and a half ffot of water at half tidu. Having
passed the bar ho discovered an island, and eiailod to the west, where
he found from fifteen to thirty feet of water.
(hi the '-i'-ith, he sent M. de Hellclsle in a sloop to explore the
country. lie returned on the same day. after having met with soino
of the native.s who wished to apiproaeli hini in their piro^iu-s, which
ho kept off for fear of being surprised. Tiitjy continued to follow
him, and he afterwards received them on board of tiie Sidili/r. After
showing thtMU the efiects of too cannon and small arms, he landed
them upon the island. On the next day M. do la Harpe sttnt word
to them by M. de Hellclsle, that his intention was to make an estab-
lishment in this bay, to live in peace with them, and to proteet them
against their enemies, to whieh tlioy rei)lieil tli;it they would consult
their companions. On the "-id September, the Sidililc saibd farther
up the bay. and on the same day, M. de la Harpe eml)ark('(l in a
canoe with 31. de ]Jelle-Isle and a detachment of six soldiers, to ex-
amine the country, and to fix on a suitable place for an establishment.
lie coasted along the bay from island to island, until he eame to a
river which flowed through a prairie, the lands of wliidi were very
rich. At a distance of three leagues farther, he arrived opposite tho
huts of some Indians in the evening, where he renuiined all night
In the morning he landed with MM. de ]{elle Isle and Devin. but the
Indians received him coldly, and the women set up a howling, whieh
they considered a bad omen. They asked him if he had brought
them any presents, to whieh M de IJelle-Isle rejdied they had not,
as they only came to seek their friendship. The Indians looked dis-
appointed, and said that when they Ciiiiie among strangers they
should not come empty-handed. During this interview the shijj's
boat anchored within pistol shot of the shore, with onbu-s to be upon
their guard for fear of being surprised. M. de la Harpe again in-
formed them of his desire to form an establishment on the bay,
which they opposed under the j>retext that they were afraid of the
whites, and re(iuested him to leave their country. The number of
Indians of both sexes assembled at this place was about two hundred
and fifty. After this interview was ended 31. de la Harpe returned
to the ship's boat, and cros.sed over to the south side of the bay. At
the bottom of this ba}' the country is beautiful, and inter.sjjcrsed
with forest trees and little hills and prairies as far a.s the eye can
see. The river which flows into the bay here cumes from a fine
t !
98
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
country, and \s about fifteen toiscs wide at its mouth ; and still fur-
ther to the west is another river, which appears to come from the
north-west. On the other siuo of tlie bay is a large river, navi-
gable for hloops, wliich flows tiirougli a high country, where (juarrics
of stone are found, and prairies as far as the eye can see, filled with
buffaloes and roebuck. M. de la llarpe was disappointed at not
being able to make a reconnaissance of this country, whieli from
appearances aftnnled every facility for establishing a post, and the
cultivation of the soil, besides being favorable to the i rying on a
trade with the Spaniards in Mexico
On the 5th October, M. de la Harpe returned on board of his
vessel, and .shortly after he saw six pirogues filled with unarmed In-
dians, and as tlicy api)roached him, he asked them the reason why
they had opposed his making an establislinient among them, and
they replied tliat it was because it was quite impossible for them to
live together in peace. M. do la Harpe seeing then that it was quite
useless to atti.nipt with his small force and without provisions, to es-
tablish a post among them, ho concluded to return to Fort Louis de
Mobile, being satisfied tiiat the bay he had been in was no other than
St. Bernard's. At the same time he resolved to capture .some of the
Indians, in hopes that by good treatment he might induce them to per-
mit him to .settle in their country, and to carry ou his plans ; he there-
fore landed again and pretended that he wanted m re water for hisvoy
age, and seized a dozen or more wlio informed hin» hat tliey had been
some time at war with the Assinays and Bidayes, lose country was
between them and the Assinays. They were the r st ferocious and
cruel of all the Indians, and frorjuently oat each otl r. Tiiey told M-
de la Harpe that the Spaniards liad sailed up this ha but tliey had had
no communications with them. On the 3d Octob , M. de la Harpe
again set sail with the Indians he had captured, -nd after having
suff'ered severely from bad Aveather and the want Ox provisions, he
arrived at Mobile in about two weeks after. Among the Indians he
brought to Mobile was the Cliief of the nation, and eight young men,
handsome, well made, and with agreeable features, which was some-
thing very rare to be seen among the people of this nation. M. de
la Harpe reported to M. de Bienville that in times past the Spaniards
had been at tliis bay, which was, without doubt, St. Bernard's bay.
That notwitlistanding his attempt to establish a post had failed, yet
his discoveries might hereafter be made serviceable to the company.
That tiie bay had at its entrance a depth of eight feet or more of
water; and the country was well watered, very fertile, and at some
future day the Council of Louisiana might, with a proper force, take
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FUENCH IN LOUISIANA.
99
possession of it and settle a colony tliero with ailvantage. The In-
dians wliieli he had brought with him, and who had suffered so much
from the want of provisiuns, set out some days after to go to tlieir own
country, which, although a very difficult undertaking, tliey were per-
mitted to do.
On the 4th, the Durnnre^ commanded by M. Gautier. arrived
with supplies for the concessions of St. Catharine and St. lleno.
M. de Bienville received by this ship a letter from the coinjmny, in-
forming him that his salary was raised to twelve thousand livres per
annum ; and that MM Duclie, le Chevalier Baillon, and Moreuu, had
received appointments from the company. On the Kith, M. do
Bienville received a letter from M. Kenard at Natchitoches, inform-
ing him that the Manpiis Aguayo, Covernor of the province of Las-
tekas, had arrived at the Adaycs on the I'jth August, with four hun-
dred horsemen and 30.000 dollars in gold, and materials to build a
fort there.
On the 13th November, the ship la Doiirc^ commanded by M. de
Marsay. arrived, having on board M. Desfontaines (director of the
concession of M. de Blane) and his wife. On the same day M. de
Lorme left Old Biloxi to occupy Fort Louis, which the Council of
Louisiana had previously agreed upon.
The commissioners continued the establishment of M. Law, on the
Arkansas, by appointing M. Dufresne director, with a salary of two
thousand livres, and with orders to ni-ike arrangements with all per-
sons who were desirous to cultivate the laud. On the 'iod. the com-
missioners ordered an hospital to be built of cypress boards, .'(evonty
long by twenty-one feet in width. On the '24th, the commissiimers
ordered an officer to be sent to the Arkansas river to find out whether
it was navigable to the Indian nations wliioh M. de la Ilarpe had dis.
covered in 1710. M. de Bienville appointed M de la irar]U! to take
command of this expedition, and to establish a post there for the
purpose of supplying the colony with cattle, as well as to protect all
the new settlements of that country.
Orders and Instructions to ill. de la Ihtrpc.
ti
Wo John Bai)tist de Hit'iivillc, Chevalier of the Order of St. Lduis, and
Coninianding-Geiieral of tlie Province of Louisiana, give ovdeis to M. de la
Harpe, Ci>iniiiandant of the liay of St. Bernard to .set out with a dttachinent of
sixteen soldirrs to the Arkansas, and there remain a sudieient time to eolleet
provisions; and further to take with him M. de Franelmme, to act as seeond in
command. That the said M de la ILirpe will ascend the head-wateis (>(' the
Arkansas, to e.Kauiiiie the quality of the land, and a.scertain what Indian tribes
1 ■ ■;
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t
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a
100
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OP LOUISIANA.
live there with whom he can make treaties of alliance, as well as to do all other
things whii'h he may jn(lg;e necessary to he done : kee]) an exact journal of his
route, mark the courses of the streams, their currents, and their islands, and
ascertain what mines arc in the country ; and if hy chance the Spaniards wish
to make any settlements there, to inform them tiiat all the countries lying on
these rivers are dependencies of France. That when the said Sieurde la Harpe
shall have performed all of these duties in a manner that reijuires nothing fur-
ther to he done, hi; will return to head-quarters, leaving M. de Franchomc at
liis post.
In faith whereof we sign these orders and affix the seal of our arms, at the
Fort Louis, this 10th December, 1721.
BiKNVILI.E.
I }
On the IGth December, M. de la Harpe set out on his voyage of
discovery. The directors furnished him with some merchandise, for
the purpose of buying corn and beans of tlie Indians for his suste-
nance. On the 7tli January, 1^2, the ship Saint Andre sailed for
France with forty passengers, jmiong whom was M. de Richebourg,
who had been ai)pointed commandant of New Orleans, but who re-
fused to serve under M. de Paillou, major-general of the province.
On the 13tli, MM. de la Tour and de Boispinel went to Ship Island
to select a site for a fort. On tlie 3 1st, Father Cliarlevoix, a Jesuit,
arrived from Canada by the river Mississippi, with orders from the
King to examine the state of the colony. Ho was cordially received
by every one. He stated that the council of Maine had desired him
to discover tlie western ,sea by the lakes of Canada, which he at-
tempted without success, and was compelled to take the route to New
Orleans. >Iany persons believed that he wished to impose upon
them, as he could, if he had wished, have found the sea to the west
of Canada. During his stay at New Orleans he effected a reconci-
liation between MM. de Bienville and Hubert. On the 1st March,
M. Duvergier returned to France in the ship Itt Soane. He took
with him charges against MM. de Bienville, dela Tour, de Boisbriant,
and Chatoaugui', besides other officers who had not had the good for-
tune to please him. About the last of March, the ship PAdnur
sailed for France with Father Charlevoix. MM. Hubert, Fabrey, De-
vens, Navarre, Chirurgier, le Comte, and many others, as passengers.
On the ;"»th April, the ship le Profnnd arrived with provisions for
the colony, of whicii they were in great need. On the 9th, the ship
la Bcllone^ commanded by M. de Beauchamp, and the brig PEsjji-
deuil^ Captain Bataille, arrived with M. Loubois, chevalier of the
military order of St. Louis, who was appointed to the command of
Fort Louis. M. de la Tour received by this ship the commission of
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FRENCH IN LOUISIANA.
101
Licutenant-Gonoral of the province, which so niortifiod MM. dc
Bienville and his brother de Chatciiugiie, that they felt themselves
disgraced by his promotion, nor did M. de IJoisbriant feel less so.
The following rules and regulations, dated iOth September, 1721,
were sent by the Coiumissiouers for the government of the colony,
viz. ; —
I. Les nugres seront vendus aiix liabitaiis a six cent soixaiitr livres d'lndie
picc(!. (.'oiiforniement a ce (lui a ete n'glt' par la coiniii^Miic. ]K»ur le paiement
des(Hi('llL's ils Ceront leiirs bilk'ts payables duns tiois iiiis. jxir jjarties egaks du
jour (le la deliverance, en tabac ou en riz, snivant ee (jui sera rt'glii par les di-
recteurs pur rapport a la aienient la j)reiniore annee,
les ntgres seront vendus an profit de la eonipa^^nie, apros un seal coniniandc-
ment de payer, et sera la vente des nei^res atlieliee, indii|Ueu et ]iubliee dans
toutes les habitations du ((uartier, un uiois (radvance ; si le i)r()dnit de la vente
desdits m'ifres no siillit pas pour le i)aienient de la conipai^iMe, le debiteur sera
eoutraint au iiaieuient du surplus, et sera eondnit en prison dans le ehel'-lieu ou
la residence du commandant du (puu-tier, i)our y denieurer jusiin'a parfait paie-
ment.
II. Le tabac bon en feuilles ou nui'ioques sera i)aye aux liabitans ii vingt-
cin(| livres le cent, poids de marc, et sera seuleiuent pris deux jiour cent de bon
poids ; il sera libre aux liabitans de le Iburidr en futailles t)u en cuisses suivant
leur coniniodite.
Les liabitans qui voudront le meltre en caisses s'assujetiront ii les faire de la
granileur convenable pour contenir (h'ux cents livres de tabac bien presse, et
afin ipi il n'y ait j)as de ditliculte sur la tare des caisses, il sera libre aux liabi-
tans d'en faire vider quartre caisses sur cent, le poids desfiuelles servira de
regie pour la tare des autres.
III. Le tabac et le riz seront livres par les habitans au conijitoir du Nouveau-
Biloxi de la Nouvclle-Orleaiis. de la Mobile et non ailleurs; le tabac sera rc9U
egaleiiient dans trois coinptoirs au prix de vingt-cincj livres le (luiiital.
IV. Le riz sera pave a douze livres le (juintal poids de marc, deux pour cent
de bon poids, et la menie cliose sera observee tant pour la tare des barils, que
pour eelle des casses de tabac ; il sera libre aux liabitans de les livrer en balles
de toile, au(|uel cas la tare d'mie balle de deux cents livres sera de deux livres.
Si les lial)itaiis trouveiit nioyen de k; livrer dans quekiue esiiece de jonc, ou
autre de la raljiiipie du pays pour eiiai;riier la toilo. la tare en sera veriliee sur
le poids (|ue peseront ((uatre de ces eiiiballagi's sur cent.
V. Nous exbortons les liabitans a ne ix.int iiegliger la f'al)ri(|Ue de la soie,
et a replanter des mfiriers sur leurs liabitations. pour qu'ils se imiltiplieiit, en
attemlant (juil y ait as.si'Z de inonde pour travailler a la suie, qu'ils doivent re-
garder coinine un objet considerable.
VI. Le surplus des autres marehandises du cril et culture de la colonic, et
colle de la traite coninie peaux de elievreuils, castors et autres seront vendus
dans les trois comptoirs cidessus, au prix ordinaire porte par le taril' de la com-
pagnic des Indes.
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102
HISTORICAL COLLUCTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
VII. Lc'S marchandises do Franco sorunt vendues aux habitans sur le pied
cl-apres ;
Savoir:
All Biliixi, li la Mobile ot a la Nouvollo-Orleans a cinq pour cent do benefice
sur la factiiro do France ; aux Natciies ot aux Yasons a. soixanto-dix pour cent
do benelico ; aux Natchitoclios ot aux Arkansas a (|uartro-vingts pour cent; aux
Illinois II cont ])our cent ; aux AHl)ani<)ns ii cin(i\ianto \nniv cent.
VIII. Lo vin sera vendu cent viiii,'t livros la bari(iue, ot le (juart d'eau-de-vio
a cent vingt livres, Ics donii-(ituirts ct aiicre ii projKJrtion.
Sur CO (|iio nous avons ctii inforines ([uo los couiniis do la compagnio out ci-
devant detourne les niarelianilises les plus recherclieos pour les survendre aux
habitans ii dcs prix bien i)liis forts et a lour prolit, (pio cimix regies par la com-
pagnics, nous lour avons defondu do f'airo auoun eoniniorco, nionio indiroote-
ment pendant lo temps (piMls seront employes au service do la com|)agnio ; otau
cas quo (|Ucl(pios-un d'ontro ouq controvionnent ii nos defenses, nous ordonnons
aux babitans de les denoncoraux dirocteur.s, (pii lour adjngeront la couHscation
des marebandisos, et de nous on doiuier avis on memo tonii)s.
IX. Afin ([Ue les babitans soient infornies des marebandisos que seront dans
les magasins de la coiupagnie, nous avons donne nos ordres pour (pio tons les
premiers Jours do cba(iuo mois il en soir aflicbe uno liste a la i)orte do la com-
pagnio du Nouvoau-Biloxi, do la Nouvolle-Orleans ot de la Mobile, et attendu
qu'il pourrait y avoir au Nouveau-Biloxi des niaroliandises (|ui no se trouve-
raiont pas a la Nouvollo-Orleans ni a la Mobile, la liste de cellos du Nouveau-
Biloxi sera envoyec a la Mobile et a la Nouvolle-Orleans paries premieres occa-
sions (|ui so trouveront dans lo commencement de cIukjuo mois.
X. II sera envoj'e des espiices do cuivrc pour payor la soldo des troupes etles
ddpensos journaliuros de la compagnio, les(iuelles auront un cours invariable,
savoir cellos do vingt au marc dix-lniit- deniers, cellos do (piarante au marc neuf
dcniers. et cellos de quatro-vingts au marc quatro deniers et domi.
Los liabitans ne doivent faire aucune dilbeulte de recevoir losditcs ospuces
dcs troupes et autres on paioment des marebandisos (piils lour vondront. parcc
que cos memos especes seront rogues dans les comptoirs de la compagnio en
paiement do toutes sortcs do marebandisos pour la meme valour sans aucune
distinction d'especosd'oret d'argent.
XI. Nousonvoyons des ordres pour divisor la colonic on neuf (luartiers, (jui
seront la Ncnivello-Orloans. le Biloxi, la Mobile, lo.s Alibamous, les Natcbes, les
Yasous, les Natcbitochos, les Alkansas, et les Illinois.
Les babitans seront iuformes par lo conseil de la Louisiane do quels quartiers
ils seront.
II y aura dans le chef-liou dc chaquc quavtier un commandant et un juge, du
jugeinent dosijuols les appellations seront porteesiui conseil sui)erieur etabli au
Biloxi.
Cot ordro est etabli pour (|ue les habitans soient fi j^ortee dc demandcr au
coniumndant dolour ([uartior la ])rotoetioM dont ils auront bosoin, et no soient
point eloigut's de leiu's babitations \)our fiiirojugcr lis alliiircs (pii pourraiont
naitre outre oux, et nous les exliortons d'eviter les iirnci-ilnri's. autant (pi'il lour
sera possible, do vivre tous en bonne union et eoneorde, et.se secourir mutuolle-
mont.
XII. Nous les exhort ons paroillcment a ofre jjIus reguliers &. romplir les de-
voirs do Chretiens qu'ils ne I'ont ete jusqu'fi present. Pour les mottre en etat
ESTABLISHMENT OP TUB FRENCH IN LOUISIANA.
103
d'y satisfairo, nous donnons I'ordro (lu'il soit etabli dcs cliapclles ct eglises en
nombre snlfisant, afln ((uu les liabitiius soiuru a portee d'allorauservicudivin ot
de rccevoir k's sacrenieiis.
Fait ii Paris, lo 27 Septcmbre 1721.
Signe, DoDUN, Ferrand et de MAHAnr.
Efat (Ins ilepenscs arrStces par messieurs Ics commissaires du roi, jwur la colonic de
la Louisiauc.
! r
Etat-Major..
M. de Bienville, commandant-general, .
M. de Boisbrillant, premier lieutenant do roi
M. de Cliilteaiigue, second lieutenant de roi
M. de Paillou, major-general ....
M. Diron, iaspectcur-geueral ....
liv.
12,000
5,000
4,000
2,000
3.000
26,000
liv.
720
1,080
720
1,080
720
1,080
1,800
7,200
liv.
I\I. de la Tour, lieutenant-general de la Louisiane ct ingi^uieur en chef 8,000
I\I. de Boispinel, chevalier de Saint Louis ...... 5 000
M. (le I'auger, id 5,OU0
31. de FramiuetChavillo 2.500
Dessiuateurs et piiiucurs ?> liOO
23.800
Comviandans dcs Posies..
M, de Richebourg, commandant de la Nouvelle-Orleans, par gratifica-
tion de la compagnie
M. de 3luiideville, capitaine-commandant au fort Conde do la Mobile
sans gratification
M. de la Harpe, commandant destine pour la bale Saint-Bernard, k 1,300
livres sans compagnie, reforme a
M. do Loubois, commandant au Fort Louis, du Biloxi, par gratification,
outre sa compagnie
M. de Saint- Denis, commandant de postc, sans compagnie, pour ses ap-
pointemens
M. do la Marque destine pour I'ile aux Vaisseaux, par gratification,
outre sa compagnie
]\L Marehand, commandant des Alibamons, pour ses appointemens
jNI. ce Bournion, commandant du Missouri
Appointemens dcs Ingenieurs.
■'];
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47,000
' I
' I
104
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
Appointcinens iks Dircckun ct Commis.
M. do Lornio. tliroctuur-gein'.ral . . • . .
M. GuilU't, din'cti'ur dos citiiiptos
M. Bioii soiis-dirrctcur (k'.scoinptes ....
M. Uoiijfcs sfcietairc du colonel
A[. Dalcourt. tn'ssiiiiiT .......
M. lioiiiicau. !riirdi'-nin<;asiii fjeiieral, nomine jiar Ic colonel
M. dfs Ursiiis dc la loin-, commis |)riiKi|)al au.\ Illinois
Pour autrcs eomniis et employes, ci . . . .
Appointancns tics Mnjars ilc Pastes.
M. de Bancs, dc la NonvcUc-Orleans . . , .
M. do Bcauchainp. dc la Mobile
He aux Vaisscau.K, vacant
M. de Terpuy, aide-major du Biloxi ....
llv.
12.000
r.ooo
3.000
1,500
2 240
2 240
2(M)0
28 020
07.000
llv.
900
• 900
900
900
3000
Pour I'cntrcticn ct appointcmcns dc la marine dc la Louisianc, ci .
Pour les auni6nii'rs et cliirurgicns h. 800 livre.s cliacun, ci . . .
Pour Ics gages, nourriture d'ouvriers ct deiienses des travaux des forti-
cations
Pour les presens des sauvages
Pour seize comgagnies d'infanteric
llv.
26 800
1,600
74,000
12 000
130,104
II est bon de fairc observer que toutcs ccs depenses se montcnt h .^75.204
livres jtrix de France, non compris la compagnic d'ouvriers suisscs, qui. forte de
deux cent dix honinies, doit coilter 52 000 livres, ni I'cntreticn des li6pitaux;
des gens de force. Ics depenses casuelles. et les frais des armemens de vaisscaux,
pour ai)porter les fonds h. la colonic, sur lescjuels il y a les cincjuante pour cent
d'augmentation pour marcliandises et vivres, prix qu'ellcs se vendent a la colo"
nie, faisant la sonime de 1^7,752 livres, (jui peiivcnt en i)artie suppleer ii I'ang-
mentation des depenses. On rcijut aussi lui reglement ])ar Icfjuel les capucins
dcvaient avoir Jurisdiction o
establishmont r)f M. le Blanc. Tiie cabins of the Yasous, Courois,
Offognula. and (Juspie, are dispersed over the country upon mounds
of earth made with their own hands, from which it is inferred that
these nations are very ancient, and were formerly very numerous, al-
though at the present time they hardly number two hundred and
fifty persons. From twenty five to thirty leagues farther to the north-
east tiie Ohoulas have a village, and at a short distance above them
lies the villnge of the Cliacchoumas.
31. de la ITarpe met a party from the garrison of the Arkansas
going down to New Orleans for their supplies, and he made them re-
turn witli him to the Yasous, because he had brouglit them with him.
On the otli February, he sot out from Yasous and travelled fifty-
four leagues to the first branch of the Arkansas river, which he en-
tered on tlio 27th February, although the current was running very
rapidly. On the ^iSth, he continued to sail up this river until he
came to White river, which comes from the northwest, from the
country of the Osagcs, and discharges itself into the Arkansas or
Sotoiiis. about four leagues from the 3Iississippi river, near the vil-
lage of the Sotoiiis, a part of which had been destroyed by the
Chickasas.
On the llth 3Iarch, he proceeded to the village of the Sotoiiis,
situated on the left side of the river, which the French named
Arkansas, and the Indians Nigette, which signifies red on account of
the color of the water. This village is situated in N. lat. 34° 45',
and contains forty cabins and about three hundred and thirty In-
dians. The banks here are about thirty feet above low water, and
when the river is high it is about eighty toises wide. 31. do la
Harpe found at this village 31. do la Boulay, wlio had been here since
the 27th of last September, with orders from 31. de Bienville to pro-
tect the convoys ascending or descending the 31ississippi river from
the Illinois with provisions.
The first care of 31. de la Harpe was to inform himself of the
course of the river and the nations along its banks, but he was un-
able to draw any information from the Indians, who appeared to be
dissatisfied with his coining among them. They told him that five
ESTABLISHMENT OF TlfE FRENCH IN LOUISIANA.
107
Frcnclinicn from M. Law's concession had ascended the river last
August to the Indiun nations, on the head waters of the river, to
puroiiase horses, and tiiey were killed on the route hy the Osugos
On the 2d, he proceeded with MM. Dufresne and Buuhiy to
the (concession) plantation of M. Law, situated north-northwest from
the Sotoiiis or Arkansas villages, and on the right of the river, a.s-
cending about two leagues and a half by the river and one and a half
by land This establishnieut is about a (juarter of a league inland,
in a northerly direction, and you cross a bayou to get to it. In high
water the land is overflowed to witliin a (juarter of a league of the
prairies, where it islocated. He found at this concession forty-seven
persons of both sexes, who had cominenced to cultivate the land,
which was partly sown in wheat. lie took an inventory of the effects
he found here, as the concession w^as nearly abandoned, and forwarded
it to New Orleans.
On the 3d, M. de la Ilarpe sent one of his pirogues to the village
of the Arkansas to purcha.>>e provisions and to fetch the Armorer,
who had been sent there for some corn, as he was much needed to put
the arms of his detachment in good order. M. lioulay ordered 8aii»t
Domini(iue, a soldier of the garrison who spoke several Indian lan-
guages, to accompany the expedition as interpreter.
The ArkaiLsas nation live on tlie banks of the Mississippi, near an
island, and is divided into three villages, viz. : the Ougapa or Kappa,
Toriman, and Tonginga, about a league distant from each other, and
containing together about four hundred persons. The principal
Chief is an Ougapa, and the Sotouis acknowledge him for theira.
Tliey have all sprung from one nation and speak the same language.
They render a kind of worship to snakes, and invoke them in their
sickness'. They reverence no particular divinity, but worship those
which they believe will ftivor them most in their war and hunting
expeditions.
On the 9th, the men whom M. de la Harpe had sent to the Ar-
kansas villages returned with an Indian pirogue. In this he placed
some articles and seven men, with orders to proceed up the river, and
wait for him at two days' journey on the road. On the 10th, afcer
making some preparations for his journey, he left the settlement with
his detachment, composed of twenty-two men and M. Defranchonjme,
ensign of the company at the post of Arkansas. As soon as the Indians
discovered their pirogue was gone, they followed him by laud with
several warriors to recover it from him ; and M. de la Ilarpe, not
wishing to have a rupture with them, returned it to them, and re-
mained at a cypress swamp until he could build another ; afterwards
■■H
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108
lllSTOnHJAL COLLKCTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
he ooiitinucJ his journey, and ninJo ninoty Icafiuos in a north-
west (lircction to ii l!ir<;o rock, wliicli lie called Iv Ittxher Frdnrnis,
whtTo lio arrived on tlio Uth April. Tliis rock is on tlio right of the
river aseending. and tbrnis three steep hills of one hundred and sixty
feet in height, near to which are several fine slato quarries. IIo as-
cended the western hill, from which he discovered a fine country. ' At
the foot of this rock is a water-fall, which forms an extensive and
beautiful basin.
The water of this river for a distance of thirty leagues is of a
reddish color, but afterwards it becomes clear and excellent to drink.
The c(mntry is elevated, and the banks in some places are seventy
feet high. The river was at this time low, aiid the sand-bars were
uncovered. It is usually from eight to ten feet in depth, and in high
water the width is from one hundred and fifty to two hundred toisea.
Tlie eye in every direction can see herds of buifaloes, red deer, stags,
bears, and turkeys.
]M. do la llurpe continued his explorations to the 17th April,
when he became short of provisions by the upsetting of one of his
pirogues. To this accident was added the dysentery, which attacked
several of his men, and prevented hin) from pushing his discoveries
any farther. From the appearance of the river he concluded it was
navigable in high water to the settlement of the Padoucas, and tho
Spaniards in New Mexico. The lands that border upon it arc of the
finest description, and would make magnificent settlements. The
river is filled with a variety of fi.sh and turtles; and the prairies with
beautiful flowers.
M. de la Ilarpc having ascended tlie Arkansas by water, one
hundred and fifteen leagues to this place, although it is not above
fifty or sixty by land, he laid up his pirogues to visit the mountains
to the west of the river. On the loth, ho commenced his march,
each one carrying his sack of corn on his back. On tho 10th, hav-
ing advanced two leagues, he came to high mountains, between which
are valleys and prairies, presenting beautiful views. Two leagues
farther he came to the borders of a river two hundred toises wide.
On the 2 1st, he embarked on board of his pirogue to return to the
settlement of M. Law, which he found had been abandoned by his
people, who had gone to New Orleans.
On the 4th, M. de la Harpe left the Sotoiiis (Arkansas) to re-
turn to Biloxi, which he reached on the 25th May, barely escaping a
surprise by a Chicachas war party. On the 2Gth, an English ship
of twelve guns, commanded by Captain Marshall, entered the harbor
with a cargo of merchandise for Tampico. He reported that the
ESTAUMHIIMEXT OF TrCF FURNcri IN I.Ol.'tsJIANA.
109
Sfiintc-Andrr, which had na\U'A from Sliip Island for rrnnco last
January, was obli^oJ to put into Ifavana. On tho •«i**tli. tlio Bhip k
I'lofiind Haih'd i'or Franco witli M. d»i N'oyan as a pas.s(!nj.'('r. And
on tlio .same day tho ship A/ Saintr licnc, bulon^rini.' to tlicooncesHion
of MM. do Kolys, also Hailed for Franco. On tho lUst, a Spanish
vessel arrived from \'ora Cruz, commanded by M. Kspinola. with
M. Alexander Wauchopp, who brouj^ht ii letter from the Manpiis of
Valero, Vicen»y of Mexico, to .M. de JJienvillc. on the .subject of tho
restitution of INsn.sacola. with all it.s artiMery and munitions of war,
taken at the tinio of it.s surrcuder to the French, and in conformity
with tho King's orders.
On tho 4th Juno, M. do Montmort, was sent in j)ursuit of
deserters, and returned without t.iking any. Ho landed at St. Jo-
seph's Hay, where ho found the ott'icers and passengers and a part of
the crow of the ship/'/bA>///", whii'h he brouglit back with him in two
shallops. Among the passengers were Father Charlevoix and MM.
Fabry and Hubert, and the Curate lo Veiite. This vessel had left
New Orleans about the last of March, and in the night of the Mth
April, siio was driviMi by the currents upon the island of Martyrs, at
the entrance of the IJahama channel, without being able to get any
relief Tho crow and passengers took the long boiit and arrived at
an island, where they rested ten days, and afterwards a part went to
tho Havana, and tho remainder sailed f(»r St. Joseph's Bay. On the
10th, MM. Wauchopp and Espinola took leave of M. do IJionviUe,
and embarked in a vessel for Vera Cruz. On the same day M. de la
Tour embarked in the vessel I' Avctiturier, to go to New Orleans by
the Mississippi river. On the llth, Hichard arrived at Fort Louia
from tho country of tho Mentos, on the Arkansas, where he had
been sent with a pirogue and six men the year before, by order of
M. lo Vens, director of the concession of M. Law, to purchase horses.
He reported that he was plundered on tho way by the Osages. He
afterwards witli difficulty reached the country discovered by M. de la
Harpe in 171'.), where he was well received at the Indian villages.
On the IGth. the ship /((, licllonc set sail for Cape Francais with
Father Charlevoix, MM. Fabry and Arcoite, and several other officers
of the colony, who were going to France. On tho 17th, the Council,
at the solicitation of M. de Lornie, appointed M. le Vens director
of accounts, with a salary of six thousand livres per annum. An
attempt was afterwards made to give him a voice in the Council,
which was opposed by MM. de Bienville and de la Tour. On the
5th, information was received that the ship I'Avcnturier had passed
the bar at tho mouth of the Mississippi. On the 0th, M. de Bienville
'I
rhi
iii|
.'
110
HISTORICAL COI.LKCTIOVa OF LOUISIANA.
■{3 a
rocclvod two lottors frnm M. Ho Graves. comtimntlMiit nt Fn/f Sfiint
I'intr t/rs \'iiS()i/s. inrdriniti^' him tliat tin' (Miicadias had cdiiio to
tlif villaj^o of tht! VaHoiiM, aiitl carrit'd off a i|iia)itity of provisiuns,
which had bocn Nont tlicro, and hud attarkod and woiiiidod the Her-
goant in w1ioh(> charpo thoy had hcicn phicod llo was also adviHcd
that two (jhachoiiiiias liad hci-n st'iit 1)y tlicir chicfN to inform hiir.
tliat fivo parties of ('iiicaclias had set out to make war upon the
Ynsous, ('ourois. and Offaj^oulas. and tliat tliese Indians hud sent in
their wonion and ehildron to the fort. On tlio l'2tli. the Swiss ('om-
puny, coinnianded l)y M, Brand, who liad eniharkcd on board the
transport Klizahetli. rose ntrainst th(! eaptain and forced him to sail
for Havana. M. do liienville on hcarin;^ this news armed tiie trans-
port Suhtilo, and ordered M. de hi Harpe, Pradel, Montij^ny, do
Bellu-Islo, and Saint Kstel>i'no, to po in pursuit of the deserters. On
arrivinj^ at St. Joseph's liay they found tliero tlie frigate /(i llnlhin-
fii/ise. twenty guns, commanded by J)on Juan Alberto, who. with
Don Joseph Primo de Kibera. the (Jovernor. refused to let them como
into port ; and. not having? been able to discover any truces of the
deserters, they returned to Fort Louis on tho oOtli,
On the r)th Aur^ust. M. do TJienville sot out for New Orleans ;
and on tho 1 Itli of the same month. M. Andriot, Major of Fort Tiouis,
died. On tho 11th, two convoys with provisions, one from Natchi-
toches and the other from Illinois, arrived at New Orleans. On the
18th, M. Desfontaines, director of one of the concessions of M. le
Blanc, embarked in a ship with M. Ic Blondel de la Tour, brother of
tho fjieutenant-Croneral, to go to New Orleans, when twenty men,
armed with guns, seized upon her and made their escape to
Havana.
On the 24th, a chief of the Koanatinos, living west of the Missis-
sippi, came to smoke the calumet of peace with M. de Bienville.
On the ~i7th, a pirogue arrived from the Illinoi.s, in which was
embarked M. de Noyan, Jr., a nephew of M. de Bienville and M.
Butisne. M. de Noyan brought letters from >IM. de Boi.sbriant and
Renaud, directors of the company of miners. These letters informed
M. de Bienville that the Indians brought him daily pieces of very
pure copper. M. llenaud wrote that he had been up the Illinois
to search for a copper mine, and that be had discovered a hill from
which he had obtained lead, copper and silver in small quantities,
but, learning that the Indians were at war, be was compelled to
return to fort Chartrcs. On the last of this month they burnt a
negro alive at New Orleans, who had killed a Frenchman. From
the ist to the 4th September, the ships la Loire, Ics Deux Preres,
I
EHTAIII.ISMMKNT OV TMK FIlKNCIl IIV LOUISIANA.
Ill
and PAlv-rnndrc arrived, comiimiKlt'd by MM ('licMiot, Ilutcjluiiio and
AukI >t luili'ti with iirovisioiis and iiii'r<-liaiHlisir to tiit; valiu; of '•()()•
000 livri'.- Tlii-y al>i» Itruii^lit i\\Tw ('a|iucliiiis, MM. (Jiiillit. a tli-
roct'ir, and d l''urmimt, wiio liad rt'Ct'ivfd tlio (tohh of St. liOiiiH.
M. liuw Imtf procured liim tliiH iioiior tu itiditci! Iiiiii to ri'tiini to tlio
col<;ny. for tfi«' purposo of trading.' with tho Indian nations on tho
MiHSl^ .''p|)i, and es|i('ci;illy to jnako a troiity with th(( Padmicas,
who are t(r" :illi intention of
his royal iii^^hness to give to M. de IJienvilh' full powers to preside
in tho couneil. and to execute its ral. hut should be pre-
sent at till! nieetinj^s of the eouneil. not only iis oominandant ireiieral)
but as lirst directiu". in order that he should share the blame or praise
of the failure or prosperity of the colony. On the ".tth, /n Loire and
Ics J)rit.r Fnrcs set sail for Nt-w Orleans, but afti'rwards returned to
Ship Island on account of the weather. On the I Ith. a violent hur-
ricane eoniMUMieed to blow in the niorniii;,' from the southeast to the
southwest, which damaged all the rice, corn and bean crops, and threw
down a great number of houses. l)otli at Fort liouis, l{ilo.\i, and New
Orleans. It sunk the ship I'J'J/nditle, throe transports, and as many
pirogues, and had likewise damaged tlio shijjs JVcjiiiinc and Santo
Chiistn.
On the Mill. M. de IJienvillo sent a pirogue with a letter to the
ship I'Afrnfnrirf, which was about to return to France, on board of
which were twenty-seven passengers, including M Hubert, who wrote
a letter to the companies informing them that the hurricane had de-
stroyed n'ore than one half of the crop of rice, and dtnianding of
them further sujiplies. On the '20th, they arrested the two thieves
who had pillaged the store-house at M. Law's concession On the
23d, M. do Bienville was informed that the ship Ic Droinidaitc had
rode out the hurricane at the mouth of the Mississij)pi. as well as
those at tSliip Island, without leeoiviiig any damage. On tho 2Jth,
several of the directors of the concessions informed the couneil that
they had successfully cultivated Indigo* on their plantations, and
reijuested that a vessel might bo dispatched to the Island of St. Do-
mingo for a supi)ly of seed, which they granted.
* Iiidij^o was cultivated for many yciirs in Louisiana until cotton and sugar
took its place, but it was always an uncertain crop to make.
'I' I
w
If
112
HlST^niCAIi COLLRCTIONS OF I.OUISIA\.\.
19 'Pii
B?:f I
mn
On the '2Stli Octolior. M. do Kolcrion reported that a trnnsport,
laden with jirovisions and nicndiandise lor tlic <.'arrirsons of Mobile
and Alihanion.s. had ln-on carrii'd oil' hy a part of the ennv. On the
29th, M. Diitisne arrived from the Natchez, and rehitod to iM. dc
liienville tliat a sergeant of the garrison there had an altercation with
some Natciiez Indians, and had killed a son of the iliicf On the
next day they attempted to cajitiire a wairgon of provisions, escorted
by a strong guard, and were rej)ulsed. Aft(>r\vards a party of eiglity
Indians attacked the French .settlement, and wer
e again repulsed,
but not until they had killed and scalped several of its inhabitants.
Two of the principal chiefs descended the river to New Orleans, to
bring the news to .>l dc iJicnvillc. wiiogavo them sonic presents and
sent them back with .^I. ile i'aillonx to Natciiez. On the ',U\ Novem-
ber, IMM. dc liormc and (Jiiiilct arrived at New Orleans. On the
12th. the Sieur I'rit was dispatched to Cape Franeais with pine
planks to |)nrclKise Indigo seed. On tin? KUh, the ship P Alcraiiflre
sailed from Ship Island to New Orleans. She crossed the bar at the
mouth of the .Mississijipi. drawing thirteen feet of water, and arrived
on tiie l.")tli at New Orleans.
About tiie last of November. 31. do Bienville fell dangerously
sick, and for a long time iiis life was despaired of. His illness was
attributed to the chagrin he felt on account of the m'gleet of those
whom he had served for upwards of twenty-three years, for not pro-
moting him to a higher rank. On the 12th December, M. de Bien-
ville received letters tVimi Peiisacola informing him that M. de Wau-
chopp had arrived there in tlic frigate la (irdiulc IIolIdiuLiisc from
Vera Cruz. On the next day he (lis]>atciicd M. de la llarpe to i'en-
sacola to restore to his Catholic majesty the garrison and effects at
that ))lace.* About the end of tiiis month, M. Diron d'Artaguette
* MKMoiiiK i/<.i/iiii a fairr cuntut'ilri rinijiortdncc dr lit coloii'ir dc la Louisiane,
(/ ht >iici ssiti iFtn cDiiti/nii r rLttib'issi iiK xt jior Jf. lioutnl di la JIarjx:
Pour pouvoir Jugerde I'tuiliti- ilc la coloniede hi Louisiane il faut connaitro
sa sitnatimi; lavoici: vv ((n'oii apju'lk' le ]iays de la Loui.siane est eolui do
rAnit'riiiue septeutrioiiiile (|ui est ciitri' lo.s Illinois an luu-il, et Ic golt'o dii Mexi-
que ail sml. ayant a V(st toiitcs Irs i-uloiiii's ana-lai.sos qui ticiuinit la cote de
cette partie di" lAict^iique dc|iiiis ^Aca(licJ^l^^iiis l!7'<''Jiis(|ii'aux
(Vol I litres (Ic 111 Nimvi'llt'-Aiiirk'tciTc, imx environs de ;!()7" dr loii'^'iiiide ; mais
cettc I teiidiie varie par-de-la les iis" dt; latitude, ear au dessns de ecite lianteiir
du p6le, nous avuus droit de nous tUeiidre ii I'ouest aiissi loin (pu; poiiiront uller
nos (leeoiivertes.
La iai'^enr lie la Louisiane est jilus assniee ; on pent la faire coiirir dejiuis
lc> 2'.} do latitude ((ui est celle de I'entive du lleuve, Jusi|u'au.\ 12" mIi' i|ui est la
liiiuteiir du '-BretaL*'ne et les seig-
neurs etats-gi'iu'raux ])ourroiit eencpii'rir a force diirmes. scion (prils auront
concerte, entre eux pour I'utilite de la navigation et du eonuneree de leurs su-
jets. les pays et les villes que les Espagnols ont dans les Indes. et que tout ce
(ju'ils pourront y prendre sera pour eux, et leur demeurera. Li's niemes vues
se justilieiit eneore au sujet de I'etablisseuient qu ils avaient projite de (iiire a
la cote deserte. dans U' continent de I'Am -rique lUL-ridionale, ipii s'eteud depuis
la riviere de la Plata situee aux ■]f>° di' latitude jusqu'au eaji des VIerges. ipii
oriue reutrcu du detroit dj Magellan aux '^'i", dans lequel continent sont les
1
1
ESTABLISHMENT OP THE FRENCH IN LOUISIANA.
115
to fortify themselves at Grand Tcrre. That they had entirely aban-
doned the bay of St. Joseph's, and iiad taken with them all the inhabi-
tants and troops to Ponsacola, and that tlie Manjuis Casa Fucrto had
succeeded the Manjuis de Valero as Viceroy of Mexico.
ports (If SMiiit-Jiilien-lc-Desire ct celiii des Lions, ct cola dans I'intontion d'avuir
c()iiiiiuiiiic;itiloye dauslaconipagnio des Indes en France,
par leipiel 11 fait coiuiaitre riniportaneo de I'etahlissenient de la Caroline, sa
sitaalion avantaj^euse et les droits (|ue les Anjlais ont sur les terres de I'ouest
de eette ]iattie dc rAnieri(iiic, suivaiit les eliartres aceonlees au.v eoncession-
liaires en ]0'ii et inOC). sous le rri^ne de Ciiarles II.
Pour Jui^ef de I'avantage i|u'oii pent tirer dii coinnierce de citte coli^nic 11
rcste Ji e.\pli(pier (|Uelles sont les niareliandises ((u'on en jiourra retirer, sans
(lue jiour eela il sorte aueuni! espece d'or on d'ari,'ent du royaunie.
11 est certain ar la Loiii-
siaiu! avc(! le Me.\i((Uc, (pic i)ar mer avec Ic l\'roii. L'exemplo de reseadrc M.
do Saint-Juan doit coiivaincre (lUc ces sortes d'entrcprises ik; so peuvv'iit faire
sans ris([uer Ic tout, et sans entrainer des iVais iiiiinensos ; an lieu (pi'en etablis-
saiit 1111 comptoir au port deeouvert i)ar ^I. de la ILu'iie. dans le fond du golfe
du .Mcxiipic. on pourrait avec facilitt-^ fairc un commerce considt-rablc, .sans
donncr ddndiragc aux puissances etrangt'ires. ct sans rien ris(|uer dans cos on-
troprises, parce (pu^ le comniercc nc se terait (pie dans de petits bfttiiuens, les-
qiiels dans (luatrc oil ciiKi Jours se reiidraient dans les endroits convenus avec
les niarcliauds. ct sur la nioindre alariue. s en reionrncraicnt dans aussi pen de
torn s et attendraient uue conjonctnre jilus favoraMe.
(^uant i'l ee (pic la colonic de la Louisiane jieiit iir()duir(\ en voici le di'tail ;
il y a iilusieurs mines de plomb abondantes pen (fdoii^necs du (leuve, et ce plonib
est facile a I'ondrc. Si la comiiai,'nie ibs minenrs ipidn a envoy('e aux Illinoisi
sous la direction rle M. Reiiaud avait pu y iHrc trausixirtee en arrivaiit a la co-
loide clle aurait fait certaiiiement des envois considerables de cc metal; mais
son sort ('•te ('-ijal ;'i eelni des aiitres eonipaguies (pil out dt*p(.'rl. ou le tcmi)s do
Itiurs i.iig.ig.is s'est (jcoulc iiuitilcmcnt.
,f
'■•I. ,11
i!!
i ,t:
I
116
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
On the 27th August, 1 722, M. do Bienville was informed that
the vessel which hjid been carried oft" by a company of Swiss had ar-
rived at Havana, and the Governor had refused to let them enter the
II y a (Ics mines de ciiivre ls, sont
des indications certaincs : aussi M. Reiiand, (pii a fait Teprenve de (pielciues
picrres n!i'tallii|ues tirt-esa I'enti'ee de la riviere des Illinois, y a trouve(|nel(Hie
argent (lu'il a rends en 1722 au conseil de la coni])agtne des Indes.
■^ On tirora de la Loiusiane des jjcaux de bccufs sauvagcs. dont la laine pent
servir; c'estce (pii ne souU're aucnTie dillieulte. puis([ne ^I. do Jueliereau, lieu-
tenant-general de lajnridiction dc -Mont-iieal. (pii avait etabli en ITOlinn jxistc
sur Ouahache, avec treiite-i|iiati'c Canadiens au noni d line coniiiagnie, y avait
rainasse, en pen d(^ temps <|nin/.e niilie jieaux de bccnfs. ainsi (juil est niar([Ue a
I'articlc du J|i,iosl'S avt'c opiiiiiltivte. dan-s la erainte (pio .s'eloii^iiant do la c6te,
ils lie so I'ussont trouves hors do sit'.iation do conunorcor avec los Espagiiols, ct
de rainas.sor dos piastres. Cost cos vue.s d'interct que toutes les depeuses sont
deveiuu's iiiiitilos. par les consomiuatioiis (pU! se soiit faites a I'ilo Dauphiiie, au
Vioux ot au Nduvoau-Biloxi, oil ils out laisse perir, a litijiiro du teiiip.s ot dans
les sable v uiio tres graiide (luantite d'efl'ots. Le.s travcrsiors, chaluupes, ba-
teaux I't pirciijiu'S out toUoineiit ete iiegligt's, (lue toute cotto niaiiiie s\st trouvec
absoliuueiit liur.s do service; los navires out ete si long-temps retoiiue a la cote
que la deponso dessalaires aaugmente, considorablonioiit : a quoi il faut ajouter
le guerre avec I'Espagno, qui a constitue dans des tVais (ramieiiu'iit, par rapport
a Pensaeolo, de sorte qu'ou no droit eoiupter 1 etablissoinent do cotte colouie
depuis 17i.'2, (iu"ou a pris le parti de faire outrer les vaissoaux dans le fleuve, et
d'otablir le oonii)toir principal a la Niuvollc-Oileans, a trcu. Y. uos dans la ri-
viere, oft los liabitaus sc sout fixes, tt lii ils travailleut a\e ; ^lucccs a la culture
des terres.
!
I i
\
*t.
HISTORICAL JOURNAL
OP
FATIIKR riEURE FRANCOIS XAVIKR WE CHARLEVOIX,*
IN LETTERS ADDRESSED
TO THE
DUTCHESS OF LESDIGUIERES.
TIIANSI.ATEO FROM TIIK FRKNCH.
Kaskaskias. Nov. 8, 1721.
As I have as yet seen in Louisiana only this post,t the first of
all by right of anti<]uity, I cannot judge of it by coniiiarison with
others. But it appears certain to me, that it has two advantages,
* Fatlicr Piirrc Francois Xavicr de Charlevoix, a Jesuit Priest and distin-
guished traveller and writer, was born at St. (iuentiii. Fraiieo. in l(i82. Ho em-
barked at Rtichelle in July, 1720, to visit tjie missions in Canada, where he
arrived in Sej)tember of tlie same year. From Quebt'c he proeeeded up the St.
Lawrence to the lakes, and from tlience lie descended by the Illinois to tlio
mouth of the Mississipjii river, touching at \e\v Orleans, which had just been
selected for the liead-(iuarters and capital of Louisiana, [n this journal Father
Cbarlevoi.t has j^iven us a most accurate and vivid di'scription of Louisiana; of
the Mississippi and its tributaries, the face of the coiuitry. tli • maimers and
customs of the Indian tribes and their villages ; of the missionary establish-
ments and colonial ])osts. and of ])ersoiis and thiiij;s as they existed at that day.
At New Orleans lie embarked for the Island of St. Domingo, where he ar-
rived in 1722, and from thence he returned to France. He afterwards travelled
in Italy, and for more than twenty years performed very impcu'tant trusts con-
fided to him by the Society of Jisnits. lie published a history of St. Domingo,
drawn up from the memoirs and Mss. of Father I'ers, who lived in that island
more than twenty-live years. A history of Xew France, containing a very full
account of all that transpired in this country for nearly a century ; a history of
Paraguay ; and a history of Japan, drawn up from memoirs and letters forward-
ed by the missionary fathers to the Society of Jesuits in France.
■f The Jesuits had here a tiourishing mission, aud the French a post. They
I M
\ I,
120
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OP LOUISIANA.
one of wliicli can never be disputed, iiiid the otiicr renders it at pre.
sent necessary to the whole province. The first arises from its
situation, which is near Canaihi, with whicli it will always have a
connuunication eipially useful to the two colonics. The second is,
that it may be made the granary of Louisiana, which it can supply
with plenty of wheat, though it should be (juite peopled down to the
sea.
The land is not only fit to bear wheat, but has hitherto refused
nothing that is necessary for the food of man. The climate is very
mild, in thirty-eight degrees, thirty-nine minutes Nortii latitude. It
would be very easy to increase flocks here. They might also tame
the wild butlaloes, from which they would obtain a great benefit in
the trade of their wool and hides, and for the sustenance of the in-
habitants.
The air is good here, and if we see some distempers, we may
attribute them only to poverty and dissoluteness, and perhaps in
some small degree to the lands newly turned up ; but this last incon-
venience will not contiime always, and the climate will not at all
affect those who hereafter shall be born here. Lastly we are assured
of the Illinois, more than of any nation of savages in Canada, if we
except the Abenaijuis. They are almost all Christians, of a mild
disposition, and at all times very afl^ectionate to the French,
I am here. Madam, one hundred and fifty leagues from the place
where I began this letter: I am going to finish it here, and trust it
with a traveller, who reckons to be at New Orleans much sooner than
I jbecause he will stop nowhere, and I must make some stay at the
Natchez. I liad depended on two things on leaving the Illinois ; the
first, that as I was going down a very rapid river, and on which I
was in no danger of being stopt by those falls and torrents so fre-
quent in tiie rivers of Canada, I should not be long in my journey,
though I had near four hundred leagues to go, because of the wind-
ings which tlie river makes. The second was, that my route being
all the way to the South, it would be quite unneces.sary to take any
divided it into two because tlicy thonglit it l)ost to form two villuges of Indians,
the most populous of which was on tlio banks of tlie Mississip])i, near Fort
Cliartres and the otlier about four leajjucs farlhor down, and about one from
the river. In the early settlement of the country, Louisiana was divided into
three grand ecclesiastical districts. The first was intrusted to the Capuchins,
and extended IVoin the mouth of the Mississi|)pi to the Illinois. The second to
the CarnidUc.i, who had jurisdiction over all that suction of country whicli ex-
tended from the Alibanions to Mobile ; and the third to the Jrauils, (who are
always in aihance of civilization,) the lmnicn.se wilderness of country washed by
the lakes, the Ohio, Illinois, JMisslssippi, and its tributaries.
list it
than
tlie
the
ich I
fre-
any
lians.
Fort
from
into
chins,
md to
Ii ex-
o are
edby
JOUUNAL OF KATIIEU CHARLEVOIX.
121
precautions against the cold; but I was nustakon in both. I found
myself obliged to sail still slower than I had ilone on the lakes,
whieh I was obliged to cross, and I suffered a cold as piercing as any
I had ever felt at Quebec.
It is true, that it was still fjuite another thing at the Kaskaskias,
which I had left a few days before ; for the river, as I heard on my
route, was soon frozen in such a manner that they went upon it in
carriages. It is notwithstanding a good half league wide at tliat
place, and more rapid than the Rhone. This is tlie more surprising,
as generally excepting, some slight frosts caused by the nortli and
northwest winds, tlie winter in this country is scarce!) perceivable.
The river was not frozen where I was, but I was all day in an open
pettiaugrc, and by conscijuence exposed to all the injuries of the air,
and as 1 liad taken no precaution against the cold which I did not
expect, I found it very severe.
If I could have made more way, I should have found every day
a sensible decrease of the cold ; but we must navigate the Missis-
sippi with prudence. We do not really hazard ourselves upon it in
canoes of bark, because the river always bringing down a great num-
ber of trees, which fall from its sides, or which are brought into it by
the rivers it receives, many of these trees are stopped in passing by a
point, or on a shoal ; so that every moment one is exposed to run
upon a branch or against a root hidden under the water, and there
needs no more to split these frail conveyances ; especially when to
shun an enemy's party, or for any other reason, we proceed in the
night, or set out before day.
Therefore one is obliged to use pettiaugros instead of canoes of
bark, tlial is to say, trunks of trees made hollow, which arc not sub-
ject to the same inconvenience, but which are very clumsy, and are
not managed as we please I am in one which is made of a walnut
tree, so narrow that it will not bear a sail ; and my conductors, accus-
tomed to the little paddles which they use in the canoes, find itdiflS-
cult to manage the oars. Add to this, if the wind is a little fresh
the water comes into the pettiaugrc, and this fre(|uently happens at
this season of the year.
It was the 10th of November, at sun-set, that I embarked on the
little river of Kaskaskias ; I had but two leagues to the Missis-
sippi, nevertheless I was obliged to encamp at about half way, and
the next day I could make but six leagues on the river. The leaves
fall sooner in this country than in France, and new ones do not ap-
pear till the end of May ; and yet it very seldom snows here, and I
have already observed that the winters here are generally very mild.
(
'I.
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122
iiirfrnmcAL coM.nrrioNs or i.orisrANA.
What thou can bo tho reason of this backwardness? I can sec no
other than the thicknoHH of tho forcst.s. which hin reeds, without dis-
coverin;^ themsidves ; the Freneli;iien tlioii;,'lit it was a bejir or .some
other beast, and they a|)|iro:icii('d. tliinkiii;.' to kill it ; but tin' moment
thoy prepared to land, the ('liie;ielias fired npon them and laid them
dead in tlioir pettiaiigro. I was very fortunate in not being seen iiy
them, for my people would lose no opportunity of going after game.
On the '2;td, after a very cold night, we had a very fine day ; fur
though the earth was covered with snow, the cold was to be borne.
The next day we passed before the mouth of the river of the Chica-
chas, which is but narrow, but it eonu-s a great way. Its mouth is
north and south. They reckon from thence to the Kaskaskias
eighty-si.K leagues; but the way would not bo half so much by land.
Nothing would be more pleasant than this navigation, if the season
was milder ; the country is charming, and in the forests there are a
numb(!r of trees always green ; the few meadows wo meet with also
preserve tlioir verdure, and a eonsidorablo number of islands well
wooded, some of which are pretty large, form very agreeable canals,
when; the largest ships may pass : for they say, that at above four
hundred and titty leagues from the sea they find in this river even
to sixty fathom water.
As to what concerns the forests, which cover almost all this great
country, there are iiorhajis none in the world that are comparable to
them, if wo consider either the bigness and height of tho trees, or
the variety and the uses that may be made of them ; for excepting
woods for dyeing, which re([uire a warmer sun and which are found
only between the tropics, we cannot say that there is any kind of
wood wanting here. There are woods of cypress that extend eight
or ten leagues. All tho cypress trees here are of a bigness propor-
tionable to their heij'ht. which exceeds tli.it of the hiiihest trees in
France. We begin to be acijuainted in Europe with that species of
evergreen laurel, which we call the tulip tree from the shape of its
flowers. It grows higher than our horse-chestnut trees, and has a
finer leaf The copalme is still bigger and higher, and they distil
from it a balsam which perhaps is not much inferior to that of Peru.
All the known species of walnuts are here very numerous, and also
all the woods that are fit for building and the carpenter's use, that
can be desired. IJtit in using them, care must be taken not to fix
upon those which grow on tho side of the river, nor where the inun-
Mi!
-iV
k —
'111
126
IIISTORICAfi COLLF.CTIOXS OF LOUISIANA.
dation of the river rcaolios, because liaviiig their roots continually in
the water, they will be too heavy, anil will soon rot.
At leii;j;th, I arrived yesterday, December the 2d, at the first vil-
lage of the Arkansas or Akanseas, about ten in the morning. This
village is built in a little meadow on the west side of the Missis-
sippi. Tliere are three others in the space of eight leagues, and each
makes a nation or particular tribe ; there is also one of the four
which unites two tribes ; but they are all comprised unde/ the name
of Arkansas. They call tlie savages which inhabit the village from
whence I write, Ouyapas. The Western Company have a magazine
here which expects some merchandises, and a clerk, who fares but
poorly in the mean time, and who is heartily weary of living hero.
The river of the Arkansas, which they say comes a great way,
runs into the Mississippi by two channels, four leagues distant front
each other. Tlie first is eight leagues tioni hence. This river comes,
as they say, from the country of certain savages, whom they call the
Black Panis, and I think they are the .same which are more com-
monly known by the name of Panis lliearas. I have with me a
slave of this nation. One goes up tlie river of the Arkansas with
difficulty, because there are many falls or torrents in it, and in many
places the waters are often so low that there is a necessity to tow
the pcttiaugres.
The separation of its two branches is made at seven leagues above
the second, and the smallest of its two mouths but onl}' at two leagues
above the first. It receives a fine river tliat comes from the country
of the Osages, and whicli they call La Riviere Blanche (the White
Eiver). Two leagues higher are the Torimans and the Togingas,
who make but one village. Two leagues higher arc the Sothouis.
Tho Kappas are a little further. Tiiis nation was very numerous at
the time of Ferdinand de Soto, and even when M. de la Salle liiiished
the discovery of the Mississippi.* Over against tlieir village wc see
the sad ruins of Mr, Law's grant, of which the company remain the
proprietors.
It was here that the nine thousand Germans were to be sent,
which were raised in the Palatinate, and 'tis a great pity they never
came. There is not perhaps in all Louisiana a country more fit, after
that of the Illinois, to produce all sorts of grain, and to feed cattle.
But Mr. liaw was ill-used, as well as the greatest part of the other
grantees. It is very probable, that it will be a long time before they
* Soo ail account of tliesc nations in a Jreiuoir of the Sieur de la Tonty. in
the first volume of the Historical Collections of Louisiana.
10 sent,
^y never
iit, after
cattle.
10 other
ore they
Tuutv. in
■'i
JOURNAL OF FATHER CHARLEVOIX.
127
will bo able to make such large levies of men ; they have need of thorn
in the kingdom, and indeed it is pretty connnon among us to square
our measures according to the success of such enterprises, instead of
observing what their miscarriage was owing to, in order to correct
what was before done amiss.
I found the village of the Ouyapas in the greatest tribulation>
Not long since, a Frenchman passing this way was attacked with the
sraall-pox ; the distemper was commuuicated presently to some sav-
ages, and soon after to the whole village. The burying-placo appears
like a forest of poles and posts newly set up. and on which tliero
hangs all manner of things: tliero is every thing which the savages
use.
I had set up my tent pretty near the village, and all the night I
heard weeping ; the men do this as well as the women ; tliey repeated
without ceasing Nihahani, as the Illinois do, and in the same
tone. I also saw in the evening a woman, who wept over the grave
of her son, and who poured ujton it a great <|uantity of sagamite.
Another had made a fire by a neighboring tomb, in all appcnvrance to
worm the dead. The Arkansas are i-eckoued to be the tallest and
best-shaped of all the savages ou this continent, and they are called by
way of distinction the fine men. It is tliought, and perhaps for this
reason, that they have the same origin as the Canscz of the Missouri,
and the Poutcouatamis of Canada.*
* The Arkansas nation, next to tlie Xatclioz, was prdbably the most civi-
lized of all the alitiri,!j;in(.'S ut' tmr cunntiy. At the time of De Soto's visit, tlu^y
i ved in mud-walled towns, fortilied with high circular towers. They worshii)iie(l
a Great Spirit which tliey called Cdwicvjichlt. and when it thundered they said it
was the Lord of Lile who s()oke to them. Tliey also worshipintd both the sun
and moon. From the jieeuliar structure of their l;uir tlii'ir
vt'u the
1 iiieau
us little
'coiumiy
lii'tates
•ir wise
ipilK'SS ;
irniiTal
golden
odiu'cs a
ppiiiuss,
aws. en-
is to the
of lifij,
ovc'i'c'ign
others,
which
la, vSce.,
JOURNAL OF FATHER CHARLEVOIX.
131
branch of the rivor of the Arkansas twenty-two leagues, but it is not
perhaps tun in a straight line, for the river winds much in the seventy
leagues we make to go from the village of the Ouyapas to the river
arc calle they .su[>i)ose
have a share in the rule and government (jf human alliiirs, as well as the ele-
ments ; that he can predict the result of an expedition ; and his intlueiice is so
great, that they liave been known fre([uently to stop and turn back an army,
when within a day's journey of tln'ir enemy, after a march of several hundred
miles; and indeed their predictions have surprised many i)eople. Tlu'y Ibivtcll
rain or drought, and pretend to bring ruin at pleasure, cure diseases, and exer-
cise witchcraft, invoke or ex[)el evil spirits, and even assume the power of di.
reeling thunder and lightning.
These Indians are by no means idolaters, unless their jmfling the tobacco
smoke towards the sun, and rejoicing at the upiKarunet' of the new moon may
be termed so. So far from idolatry are they, that they have no ima;;('s amongst
tluni. nor any religious rite or ceriMuony that I cmUd perceive ; but adore tlte
Great Si)irit, the giver and taker away of the breath of life, with the most pro-
n
lit
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132
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
of the Yasous or Yachoux, which I entered the 9th in the afternoon.
It has not snowed here, as in the country of the Illinois, and at the
river Ouabacho, but there has fallen a hoar frost, which has broke
found and respectful liomage. Tlicy believe in a future state, where the spirit
exists, whieh thej* call the world of spirits, where they enjoy ditferent iece of blue cloth, about eighteen inches
wide ; this they pass between their thiglis, and both ends being taken up and
drawn through a belt round their waist, the ends fall down, one before and the
other behinil, not ([uite to the knee; this flap is usually plaited and indented
at the ends, and ornamented with beads, tinsel lace, tfcc.
The leg is furnislied with cloth boots; they reach from the ancle to the calf,
and are ornamented with lace, beads, silver bells, &u.
The stillepica or moccasin defends and adorns the feet ; it seems to be an
i
i
JOURNAL OF FATHER CHARLEVOIX.
133
all the tender trees, with which the low points and the wet lands arc
covered ; one would think that some one had broken all their branches
with a stick.
imitation of the ancient busltin or samlal. very iiigenionsly made of deer-sivius,
dressed very soft, atid euridusly oriianieiitcd aeeonliiig to fancy.
Beside tills attire, tliey have a larj^^e mantle of tlie finest cluth tliey are able
to pureliase, always either of a searlet or blue color ; this mantle is fancifully
decorated with rich lace or fringe round the border, and often with little round
silver or brass bells. Some have a short cloak, just large enough to cover the
shoulders and breast ; this is most ingeniously constructed, of feathei.s woven
or iilaced in a natural imbricated manner, usually of the scarlet feathers of tho
llamingo, or others of the gayest color.
They have large silver crescents or gorgets, which being suspended by a rib-
bon round the neck, lie upon the breast; and the arms are ornamented with
silver bands or bracelets, and silver and gold chains, &c., a collar invests the
neck.
Tho head, neck and breast, arc painted with vermilion, and some of the
warriors have the skin of the breast, and muscular i)arts of the body, very cu-
riously Inscribed or adorned with hieroglyphic scrolls, (lowers, (igures of ani-
mals, stars, crescents, and the sun in the centre of the breast. This painting of
the tlesh, 1 understand, is i)erformed In their youth, by pricking the skin with a
needle, until the blood starts, and rubbing in a bluish tlnct, which Is as i)erma-
nentas their life. The shirt hangs loose about the waist, like a frock, or si)llt
down before, resembling a gown, and is sometimes wrapped close, and the waist
encircled by a curious belt or sash.
The dress of the females Is somewhat dillerent from that of the men : their
flap or petticoat is made after a dillerent numner, is larger and longer, reaching
almost to the middle of the leg, and is put on dillercntly ; they have no shirt or
shift, but a little short waistcoat, usually made of calico, printed linen, or fine
cloth, decorated with lace, beads, &c. They never wear boots or stockings, but
their buskins reach to the middle of the leg. They never cut their hair, but
plait it in wreaths, W'hich are turned up and fastened on tho crown with a silver
broach, Ibrming a wreathed top-knot, decorated with an incredible (juantltj- of
silk rilibons, of various colors, which stream down on every sldeahnnst to tho
ground. They never paint, except those of a particular class, when disposed to
grant certain favors to the other sex.
But these decorations are only to be considered as indulgences on particular
occasions, and the privilege of youth; as at weddings, festivals, dances, &c., or
when the men assemble to act the war farce, on the evening Immediately preceding
their march on a hostile expedition ; for usually they are almost naked, content-
ing themselves with the flap and sometimes a shirt, boots and moccasins. Tho
mantle is seldom worn by the men, except at night in the winter season, when
extremely cold; and by tho women at dances, when it serves the pur|)ose of a
veil ; and the females always wear the jacket, flap, and buskin, even children as
soon or before they can walk ; whereas the male youth go perfectly naked until
they are twelve or fifteen years of age.
The junior priests or students constantly wear the mantle or robi^, which is
white ; and they have a great owl skin cased and stufled very ingeniously, so
^
(i!
IS
11
134
mSTOUICAL COI.LBCTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
ft ' ' '
m
I
Tlio entrance of tlio river of the Yasous is nortliwest and south-
west, and is about u hundred perches wide : its waters are reddish,
and tliey say they give the bhjody-flux to tiiose who drink them ; and
Wfll cxciutud, as almost to rcprcsi-iit tlie living bird, having largo si)arUling
glass liciiils or buttons lixcil in tlic licfid for eyes : this ensign of wisdom and
top of llio liwid, at ovlior
timos till' imago sits on the arm. or is borno on the band. 'J'licse bachelors are
also distiiignisluible from the otlnT ]RM>i)If by tlu-ir taciturnity, grave and
solemn countenance, dignified stej), and singing to themselves songs and hymns
in a low sweet vi.ice. as they stroll about the towns.
These iieojik', like all other nations, are fond of mnsic and dancing : their
music is both vocal and instrumental ; but of the latter they have .scarcely any
thing worth the name ; the tamboiu'. rattle-gouril. and a kind of flute, made of a
joint of reed or the tibia of the deer's leg; on this instrument they perform
badly, and at best it is rather a hideous melancholy discord than harmony. It
is oidy young fellows who anuise themselves on this bowling instrunu'ut ; but
the tambour and rattle, accompanied with their sweet low voices, produce a ])a-
thetic harmony, keeping exact time together, and the countenance of the
musician, at i)ro])er times, seems to ex])ress the solemn elevated state of the
mind: at that time there seems not oidy a harmony between him and his in-
strument, but it instantly tonches the feelings of the attentive audience, as the
influence of an active and powerful sjjirit ; there is then an nnited universal
sensation of delight and i)eaceful imion of souls throughout the assembly.
Their music, vocal and instrumental, united, keeps exact time with the per-
formers or dancers.
They have an endless variety of steps, but the most common, and that
which 1 term the most civil, and indeed the most admired and practised amongst
themselves, is a slow shuflling alternate step; both feet move forward one after
the other, first the right foot foremost, and next tlu^ left, moving one aftc.T the
other, in opposite circles, i. e. first a circle of young men, and within a circle of
young women, moving together o])i)osite ways, the men with the course of the
sun, and the females contrary to it ; the men strike their arm with the open
hand, and the girls clap hands, and raise their shrill sweet voices, answering an
elevated shout of the men at stated times of termination of the stanzas ; and
the girls ])erform an interlude or chorus separately.
To accompany their dances they liave songs of different classes, as martial,
bacchanalian and amorous, which last, I must confess, are extravagantly libi-
dinous ; and they have moral songs, which seem to be the most esteemed and
practised, and answer the purpose of religious lectures.
Some of their most favorite songs and dances they have from their enemies,
the Chactaws ; for it seems these people are very eminent for poetry and music ;
every town amongst them strives to excel each other in composing new songs
for dances ; and by a custom amongst them, they must have at least one new
song for exhibition at every annual busk.
They have a variety of games for exercise and pastime : some particular to
the men, some to the female sex, and others wherein both sexes are engaged.
The ball play is esteemed the most noble and manly exercise. This game
is exhibited hi an extensive level plain, usually contiguous to the town : the in-
n
JOURNAL OF FATIIini ClIAKLEVOIX.
135
bosidos tliis, the air is very unwliolosduu'. I was oldigeJ tn <;o up it
tlirt'L' Irairucs to gtit to tlio fort, wliieli I found all in uiournin^^ for
the death of M. liizart, who couuuaudod liore. Every where tluit I
liabitiiiits of one town play against auotlior. in cousefiuciicL' of a eliallciiu;!'. wlin;
tlu' ymitli of bc.li sexes aro ofli'ii t'nj;iit;i'(l, iiiid .soiurtinu'S sliillf tlii.' ball fnmi tlii; opposite
party. al'ttT licing hurled into the air, niiilway lietwi'en two high pillars, whicli
are the goals, and the party who hears uH' the hull to their i)illar w ins the game,
each person has a racket or hurl which is an inipleiuent of a very curious con-
structidU, somewhat resembling a ladk' or little hnop-net, with a handle near
three feet in length, the hoop and handle of wood, and the netting i)f thongs of
raw hide, or tendons of an animal.
Tile foot-ball is liI;ewiso a favorite, manly diversion with them. Feasting
and dancing in the sijuare at evening ends all their games.
TIk y have besidi's feasts or festivals almost tor every niontli in the year>
whidi are ehietly dcdicati'd to hunting and agriculture.
The busk, or feast of lirst-lYnits, is their i)rincipal festival; this seems to end
the last, and begin the new year.
It conuuences in August, when their new crops of corn are arrived to per-
fect maturity; and every town celebrates the busk separately, when their own
harvest is ready.
If they have any religious rite or ceremony, this festival is its most solemn
celebration.
Wlien a town celebrates a busk, having jireviously provided them.selves with
new clothes, new pots, pans, and other household utensils and furniture, tliey
collect all their worn-out clothes and other (h's])icable things, .sweep and cleanse
houses, sijuares. and the whole * )wn, of their filth, v.hich, v ith all the remain-
ing grain and other old provisions, they cast tog'.'ther latiy one comnuin heap,
and consume it with lire. After having taken medicine, and fasted for three
days, all the (ire in the town is extinguished. During thi^, fast they abstain
from the gratilication of every appetite and ]>assion whatever. A general am-
nesty is i)roclaimed, all malefactors may return U> their town, and they are ab-
solved from their crimes, which are now forgotten, and tliey restored to favor.
On the fourth morning, the high i)riest, by rubbing dry wowl together, pro-
duces new fire in the public sijuare, from whence every liabitation in the town
is supplied with the new and luu'e flame.
Then the women go forth to the harvest field, and bring from thence new
corn and fruits, which being prepared in the best manner, in various dishes, and
drink withal, is brought with solemnity to tin.' square, where the pco|ile are as-
sembled, apparelled in their new clothes and decorations. The men having re-
galed themselves, the remainder is carried off and distributed amongst the fami-
lies of the town. The women and children solace themselves in their separate
fiimilies, and in the evening repair to the public s(iuare, wliere they dance, sing,
and rejoice during the whole night, observing a proper and exemplary decorum :
this continues three days, and the four following days they receive visits, and
rejoice with their friends from neighboring towns, who liave purified and pre-
pared themselves.
I
> 111.
:i!i:
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'1
; I
1.
1=
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136
lllSTOniCAl. COIiLECTIONd OF LOUISIANA.
met witli any Frcneliniori in liDuisiiinii, \ Iiad Iieard vory liigh culo-
giuins of this ofiicor, who was burn in Canada : his father was a Swiss,
and a majorat Montreal. At the Yasuus they told inu extraordinary
As to nu'cliuiiie arts or niaiuifiiL'turcs, at jiroseiit they liavo scarcely any thing
wortli oliscrvation. since tiicy arc siipiilicd with necessaries, conveniences, and
even snpi'rtiuities by tlie wiiite traders. Tlie men pcrCorni notliing except
erecting their mean hahitiitions, Corniing tiieir cimoes. stone jiipes, tiini))onr, ea-
gle's tail or stan(hird, and some otlier trilling matters ; tor war and hunting arc
their principal employments. The women arc more vigilant, and turn tiieir at-
tention to various manual employments; they make all their potti'ry orciirthen-
ware, moccasins, spin and weave the curious helts and diadems for men, fabri-
cate lace, fringe, embroider and decorate their apparel, &c., &c.
As to thuir marriage ceremoides, they are very simple, yet dilTer greatly in
the various nations and tribes. Amongst some of the bands in the Muscogulgo
confederacy, I was informed the mystery is performed after the following man-
ner: When a young man has fixed his afl'ections, and is determiiu.'d to marry,
he takes a cane or reed, such as they stick down at the hills of their bean vines
for their support: with this (after having obtained her parents' or nearest rela-
tions' consent) he repairs to the ha!)itation of his beloved, attended by his
friends and associates, and in the presence of the wedding guests, he sticks his
reed down upright in the ground; when soon after his sweetheart comes forth
with another reed, which she sticks down by the side of his, when they aro
married: then they exchange reeds, which arc laid by as evidences or ci'rtili-
cates of the marriage, which is celebrated with feasting, nnisic and dancing ;
each one of their relations and friends, at the wedding, contribute something
towards establishing the new family. As soon as the wedding is over, the town
is convened, and the council orders or recommends a new habitation to be con-
structed for the accomnjodation of the new tfimily ; every man in the town joins
in the work, which is begun and linished in a day's time.
The greatest accomplishments to recommend a young man to his favorite
maid, are to prove himself a brave warrior and a cunning, industrious hunter.
They marry only for a year's time, nnd, according to ancient custom, at the
expiration of the year they renew the marriage ; but there is seldom an instance
of their separating after they have children. If it should so happen, the mother
takes the children under lier own protection, though the father is obliged to con-
tribute towards their maintenance during their minority and the mother's wi-
dowhood.
The Muscogulges allow of polygamy in the utmost latitude; every man
takes as many wives as ho chooses, but the first is queen, and the others her
handmaids and associates.
It is common for a great man amongst them, who has already half a dozen
wives, if he sees a child of eight or nine years of age who plea.ses him, and he
can agree with her parents or guardians, to marry her and take her into his
house at that age.
Adultery is always punished with cropping, which is the only corporal pun-
ishment amongst them, and death or outlawry for murder, and infamy for less
crimes, as fornication, theft, &c., which produces such repeated marks and
reflections of ridicule and contempt, that it generally ends in voluntary banish-
JfH;il\.\I. OK KATIIKIl CIIAIU.F.VOIX.
187
thinrrs of his roliirion. liis jiioty. and his zoal, of which ho was tlio vic-
tim. Kvcry l)ii(ly rt'i^rcttcil jiiiii as their fatlior. and ovory one agrees
that in hising him tliis ('(doiiy has had an irrt'|iarabl(! hjss.
mnit ; ami tlicxc rciiri^'inlocs ami vagabonds aro giMicnilly the riillliuis who com-
mit ilcpicilatiiiiis ami niiirdiTH on llic rninticrs.
'I'Im' .Mnscognliji's l)niy tlicir (li't'casfd in tlio rartli. They dig a l'o\ir-.si|uaro
di'cji pit under the cai)in or eonch wliicli the deceased lay on in liis lioiiso,
lining llie grave with cypress bark, where they ])li'.ei' the corpse in a sitting pos-
ture, as il'it were alive: depositing with him his gun. tomahawk, piiie, and such
Other matters as he had the greatest value for in his litrtime. His eldest wilo,
or the t|uei'n dowager, lias tlw.' second choice of his possi's.sions, and the ri'maiu-
ing elli'cts are divided amongst his other wives and children.
The Cliuctaws pay their last duties and respect to tho deceased in a very
diirerent manner. As soon as the jierson is dead, they erect a seatlbld eiglileen
or twenty feet high, in a grove adjacent to the town, where they lay the eoiiiso,
lightly covered with a mantle: here it is .siii;'ere(l to remain, visited and pro-
tected hy the friends and relations, until tin,- flesh heeonies putrid, so as easily
to i)art iVom the hones ; then nndertakers, who make it their Inisiuess, carefully
strip the llesh from the hoiK.'s. wash and eleanse them, and when dry and puri-
fied hy the air, having jirovided a curiously wrought chest oreoflin, fahricated
of bones and splints, tlii'y place all the bones therein ; it is then deposited in
the bone-house, a building erectecl for that pur|)ose in every town. And wlien
this house is full a general solenm funeral takes place ; the nearest kindred or
frieiidsot' the deceased, on a day ai)i(ointe(l. repair to the boiie-housi?. take up
the respective codius, and following one another in older of seniority, the near-
est relations and comie.\ions taking nj) their respective corpse, and the niultitudo
following after them, all as one liimily, with nnited voice of alternate .MIelujah
and lamentation, slowly proceed to tiie jilaci' of general interment, where they
place the cotlius in order, forming a pyramid; and lastly, coverall over with
earth, which raises a conical hill or mount. Then they return to town in order
of solemn procession, concluding the day with a festival, which is called the
feast of the dead.
The Chactaws are called by the traders tlat.s, or tiat-lK'ads, all the males
having the fore and hind part of their skulls artilieially flattened, or compri'ssed;
which is elfected after the following maiuicr: As soon as the child is born, the
nur.se jirovidcs a cradle or wooden ea.se, hollowed and fashioned to receive the
intant, lying prostrate on its back, that part of the case where tin; head reposes
being fashioned like a brick mould. In this portable machine the little boy is
fixed, a bag of sand being laid on his ftU'chcad. which by continual gentle com-
pression gives the head somewhat the form of a brick from the temple ujiwards;
and by these means thiy have high and lofty foreheads, sloping off backwards.
These men are not so neat in the trim of their lieads as the Muscogulgcs are,
aud they are remarkably slovenly and negligent in every part of their dress, but
otherwise they are said to be ingenious, sensible aud virtuous men ; bold and
intrepid, yet quiet aud peaceable, and are acknowledged by the Creeks to be
brave.
They are supposed to be most ingenious and industrious husbandmen, liav-
iug large plantations or country farms, where they employ much of their time
9
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188
HISTORICAL COLLKCTIONfl OF I.OCIrtlANA.
IIo had clioMon a IkuI situation for liis fort, nnd lio was preparing,
when h»! ilied, to remove it a loajrue iiiglier in u very fine meadow,
where tlio uir is nioro heultliy, and where tliere i« a village of Ya-
in ngiicultinal iniprovt'nu'nts, after thu niannor of the white peoitlt ; by wliich
means tlieii' Icnitiii'ii.'.s uro nioi'i! pncrally cultivatiMl ami licttcr inliiiliiteil tliun
any otlier Imlian ri'imlilie tlml wc know iif. 'I'lii' nninlHT of tlicir inhaliitants
ia Nuid greatly to exceed tlie wliule AInseo{fnlf,fe confederacy, alllioiiKli their ter-
ritiuie.s are not a funitii part as exleiisive, It appeared to nie Ciuni <»i)servatioM,
and wliat inlcninatiim i eunid ^'et. tiiat the Indians entertained rational notions
uf tliu soul's iniinortality. and of a future state of social existence; and accord-
ingly, in order tu ineiileate morality, and |ironiote liuman happiness, they ap-
plaml praisewortiiy aetii'ns, as eoninu ndahie and necessary for the .support of
civil society, and mainlaining the (li;j;nity and strength of their nation or trilie,
as securing an excellent and tramiuil state and di'gree in the world of spirits,
after their decease. And they say the Great .Sjtirit liivors all good and brave
men.
The Muscogulge languagi! is spoken throughout the confederacy, (althoiigli
consisting of many nations, who have a speech peenliar to tliem.sclves,) as also
by their friends and allies, the; Xatche/,. Tlie Cliicka.saw and Chactaw, the
CreidvS or ^luscogulges say, are dialects of theirs.
This language is very agreeable to the ear, courteous, gentle and musical:
tlic letter 11 is not sounded in one word of their laii:;uage : the women in par-
ticular speali so line and musical, as to represent the singing of birds ; and when
lieard and not seen, one might imagine it to be the iirattling of young children.
The mill's s|peech is indeed more strong and sonorous, but not harsh, and in no
instance guttural, and 1 believe the letter R is not used to express any word, in
any language of the confederacy.
The Cheroliee tongue, on the contrary, is very loud, somewhat harsh, and
very sonorous, sounding the letter R frequently, yet very agreeable and plea-
sant to the ear. All the Indian languages are truly rhetorical or figiu-ative, as-
sisting their spi-ecli by tropes ; their hands, flexure of the head, the brow, in
short, every member, naturally associate and give their assistance to render
their harangues elo(iuent, persuasive and eflectual.
The pyramidal hills or artilieial mounds, and highways or avenues, leading
from them to artilieial lakes or jionds, vast tetragon terraces, chunk yards,
(chuidc yard, a term given by the white traders, to the oblong four scjuaru
yards, adjoining tlie high mounds and rotundas of the modern Indians. In the
centre of these stands the obelisk, and at each corner of the farther end stands
a slave post or strong stake, where the captives that arc burnt alive are bound),
and obelisks or jjillars of wood, are the only moiuunents of labor, ingenuity and
niagniticence, that I have seen worthy of notice or remark. The region lying
between Savannah river and Oaknuilge, east and west, and from the seacoast to
the Cherokee or Apalachian mountains, north and south, is the most remark-
able for tliese high conical hills, tetragon terraces and chunk yards. This
region was possessed by ihe Cherokees, since the arrival of the Europeans, but
they were afterwards dispossessed by the Muscogulges, and all that country
was, probably many ages preceding the Cherokee invasion, inhabited by one
nation or confederacy, who were ruled by the same system of laws, customs
leading
|li yiuils,
stiuare
In tho
Id stands
I bound),
luity and
|on lying
[icoast to
I remark-
is. This
L'ans, but
country
by one
1 customs
JOURNAL OF KATMK.a fll Ani.KVOIX.
189
j'ous, inixoJ with Ciiroas and Ofd^rouln.s, wliich may have Loon at
most two li\iii(lr(!(l men lit to boar arms. Wu live protty woll with
them, but do nut ]iut too mu(di oonfidoiico iti them, on account
and lane;iia|7(', but no nndcnt tliat tho Cherokcos, CrtH-ks, or tho nation they
coniincrcd. loiild rrndrp no aocoiuit for what iiiuposu tlicsc nionmnt'iit.s woro
raised. Tlio iiioiimlM nnd ciiliical yanls adjuiniiii: tliciii, .scciu to liavc hruD
raisiMl in \nivt Cor oriiiinu'nl and icrrration. and liUcwisi' to serve some otlier
pul)lle purpose, wiiico tliey are always so sitnated as to enninmnd the most ex-
tensive prospect over the town and country adjacent. Tlie tetragon terraces
seem to lie tlic Ibiiiidatioii of a I'ortrcss; and perliiips tlie {;reat |iyraniiilal
mounts served tlie pnr|io,se of look-out towers and liiu:li places for sacriliec. The
sunken area, called liy traders the chunk yard, very likely served the sanie coii-
venieiicy tli.it it has liecn aippro[iriated to by the more niod'rn and even pre-
sent nations of Indians, that is, the place where they burnt and otiierwise
tortured the unhappy ca|)tivcs that w<'rc condenuied to ilie; as the area is sur-
roniuh'd by a bank, and sonietiines two of tlicni. one iieliind and above tho
other, as scats to accoinnuidatc the s))ecfator.s at such tra;,Mcal scenes, us well
as the exhibition of i,^anics, shows and dances. From the river ISt. John's,
arc to be .scon high i»yramidal inimnds, with spacious and extensive avcmics,
loadini,' from them out of tlie town, to an aitilicial lake or pond of water;
tiie.se are eviilcntly desijjned in jiart for ornanu'nt or monuments of ma^niill-
ccncc, to i)erpetuatu the powi'r and grandeur of the nation, and not inccjusider-
able neither, for they exhibit scenes of power and grandeur, and must have
been public edilices.
The great mounds, highwa3-s, and artillcial lakes up the St. John's, on tho east
shore, just at the entrance cf the great Lake (ieorge, one on the opposite shore,
on the bank of the Little lake, another on Dunn's Island, a little below Char-
lotteville, one on the largo beautiful island just without the caiies of Cape
George, in the sight of Mount Royal, and a siiacious one on the banks of the
Moscpiito river near New iSmyrna, are the most remarkable of this sort that
occurred to me; but undoubtedly many more are 3et to bo discovered farther
south in the peninsula ; however I observed nujre westward after I left St.
John's on my Journey to the little St. John's, near the bay of Apalache.
But in all the region of the Muscogulgo country, southwest from the Oak,
mulge river (juite to the Tallajioosa, down to the city of Mobile, and thence
along the sea-coast to the Mississippi, I .saw no signs of mounds or highways,
excejit at Taensa, where were several inconsiderable conical mountains ; and
but one instance of tho tetragon terraces, which was at the Apalachicola old
town, on the west bank of that river; here were yet remaining conspicuous
monuments, as vast four-square terraces, chuidv yards, &c., almost diualling
those eminent ones at the Oakmulge llelds, but no high conical mounds. Those
Indians have a tradition that these remains are the ruins of an ancient Indian
town and fortress. It was not in the interior parts of the Chactaw territories,
and therefore I am ignorant whether there are any mounds or nninunients there.
To conclude this subject concerning the monuments of the Americans, I
deem it necessary to observe as my opinion, that none of them that I have seen
discover the least signs of the arts, sciences, or architecture of the Europeans
or other inhabitants of the old world, yet evidently betray every fc'gn or mark
of the most remote antiquity.
;.i'i
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I :
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■•'1:
I; i
I
if
140
HISTORICAL COLLECTIOlVD OF LOUISIANA.
of tlie connections which the Yasous have always had with the
English.
There are many caymans in this river, and I saw two, which were
at least from twelve to fifteen feet long Wc hear thcra seldom but
in the night, and their cry so much resembles the bellowing of bulls,
that it deceives one. Our French people nevertheless bathe in it as
freely as they would in the Seine. As I declared my surprise at it,
they replied that there was no cause for fear; that indeed when they
were in tlie water, they saw themselves almost always surrounded
with caymans, but they never came near them ; that they seemed only
to watch to seize them at the moment of their coming out of the riv-
er : and that then to drive them away, they stirred the water with a
stick, which they had always the precaution to carry with them, and
that this made these animals run away far enough to give them time
to get out of danger.
The company has in this post a magazine of expectation, as at the
Arkansas ; but the fort and the land belong to a society composed of
M. le lilanc, secretary of state, of M. le Compte de Belle-Isle, of 31.
le Marquis d'Asfeld, and 31. le Blond, brigadier engineer. The last
is in the colony with the title of director general of the company. I
can see no reason why they chose tlie river of the Yasous for the
place of their grant. There was certainly choice of better land, and
a better situation. It is true, that it is of importance to secure this
river, the source of which is not far from Carolina ; but a fort with a
good garrison, to keep under the Yasous, who are allies to the Chica-
chas, would be sufficient for that purpose. It is not the way to settle
a colony on a solid foundation, to be obliged always to be on their
guard against the savages who are neighbors of the English.
I departed from the Yasous the 10th; and on the 13th, had it not
been for a Natchc, who had asked his pa,ssage of me to return home, I
would have been lost in a gulf, which none of my conductors knew, and
which one does not discover till he is so far surrounded by it that it is
impossible to get out. It is on the left hand, at the foot of a great
cape, where they affirm there is a quarry of very good stone : this is
what they are most afraid of wanting in this colony ; but in place of
it they can make as many brick as they please.
On the 15th we arrived at the Natchez.* This canton, the finest,
* The Natchez Indians (.says Fathur le Petit, in his account of the la.st
Natchez war,) inhabit onu of the most Itcautiful and fortilo countries in the
world, and are the only ones on tliis continent which ajijjear to have any regular
worship. Their religion in certain ])oiMts is very similar to that of the ancient
Romans. They have a temple lilled with idols, which are diflereut figures of
1 finest,
regular
ancient
iures of
JOURNAL OF FATHER CHARLEVOIX.
141
the most fertile, and the most populous of all Louisiana, is forty
leagues distant from the Yasous, and on the same hand. Tlie land-
ing place is over against a pretty high hill, and very steep ; at the
men and animals, and for which they have the most pivifotind veneration.
Their temple in shape resemhles iiTi earthen oven, a humlred leet in circiinifer-
cnee. They enter it hy a little door about four feet liiirh, and not more tlian
three in l)readth. No window is to he .seen there. The areiicd roof of the edi-
fice i.s covered with three rows of mats, placed one upon tin' otlier. to prevent
the rain from injuring the masonry. Above, on the outside, are three lij^qires
of eagles made of wood, and painted red. yellow, and white. Before the door
is a kind of shed witli fohliiig doors, where the Guardian of the Teiiii)le is
lodged ; all around it runs a circle of palisades, on which are seen exi>osed the
skulls of all the heads wliich their warriors liad brought I)!U'k fnmi the battles
in which they had been engaged with the enemies of their nation.
In tiie interior of the Temple are some sliel ves arranged at a certain distance
from each other, on which are placed cane baskets of an oval shape, and in
these are inclosed the bones of their ancient chiefs, while by tjieir side are
those of their victims whom they had cau.^ed to be strangled, to follow their
masters into the other world. Another sejiarate shelf supports many tiat bas-
kets very gorgeously painted, in whicli tliey preserve tlieir idols. These are
figures of men and women made of stone or baked clay, the lieads and tiie tails
of e.Ktraordinary serpents, some stuffed owls, some pieces of crystal, and some
jaw-bones of large fish. In the year ir,<)!). tliey had there a bottle and the foot
of a .glass, which they guarded as very precious.
In this temple they take care to keep uj) a iier[)etual fire, and they are very
particular to prevent its ever blazing; they do not use any thing for it but dry
wood of the walnut or oak. The old men are obliged to carry, each one in his
turn, a large log of wood into tlie inclosure of the juilisade. The number of
the Guardians of the Tenijile is fixed, and they serve by the ((uarter. He who
is on duty is placed like a sentinel under the shed, from wlieiiee he examines
whether the fire is not in danger of going out. He feeds it with two or three
large logs, which do not burn exceiit at the extreniily and which they never
place one on the other, for fear of their getliiig into a blaze.
Of the women, the sisters of the great chief alone have liberty to enter with-
in the temple. The entrance is forbidden to all the others, as well as to the
common people, even wlien tliev carry sninetiiing there to feast to the memory
of their relations, whose boiuis repose in tlie temple. 'I'lirv uive the dishes to
the guardian, who carries them to the side of the basket in wliich are bones of
the dead; this ceremony lasts only during one moon. The dislies are after-
wards placed on the palisades which surround tin; temple, and are abandoned
to the fallow-deer.
The sun is the principal object of veneration to thesis people; as they can-
not conceive of anything wliich can bo above this heavenly body, nothing else
apiiears to them more worthy of their liomage. It is for the same riMson that
the great chief of this nation, who knows nothing on the earth more digiiilied
than himself, takes the title of brother of the sun, and the credulity of the jieo-
ple maintains him in the despotic anthority which he claims. To enable them
better to converse together, they raise a mound uf artificial soil, on which they
•f !' .
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,
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142
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
foot of which runs a little brook, tliat can receive only boats and
pettiaugrcs. From this first hill we ascend a second smaller one,
at the top of which they have built a kind of redoubt, inclosed with
build his cabin, Avhich is of the sanio construction as tlie temple. The door
fronts the east, and every morning the i^reat chief honors by his pn-sence the
rising of liis elder brother, and sahites him witli many houlin^s as soon as he
api)ears above the horizon. Then he s'ives orders that they sliall lifrlit his cal-
umet ; he makes liim an olferinj!; of tlic lirst tliree piitls which he draws; after-
wards raising his hands above his head, and turning from the east to the west,
he shows him the direction which he must take in his course.
There are in tins cabin a number of beds on the left hand at entering, but
on the riglit is only the bed of the great chief ornamented with dilferent i)ainted
figures. This bed consists of nothing but a mattress of canes and reeds, very
hard, with a .s(juare log of wood, which serves for a i^illow. Iti tiie middle of
the cabin is seen a small stone, smd no one should api)i-oiic)i the bed until he
has made the circuit of this stone. Those wlio enter salute by a howl, and ad-
vance even to the bottom of the cabin, without looking at the right side, where
is the chief Tiien they give a new salute by raising their arms above the head,
and howling three times. If it be any one ^vhom the cliief lioliis in considera-
tion, he answer's by a slight sigh and makes a sign to him to be seated.
He thanks him for his po'iteness by a new liowl. At every question which the
chief jjuts to him, he howls once before ho answers, and when he takes his
leave, he prolongs a single howl until he is out of his j)resence.
Wlien the great chief dies, they demolish his cabin, and then rrJse a new
mound, on which they build the cabin of liim who is to rejjlace him in this dig-
nity, for he never lodges in that of his predecessor. The old m(;n [)rescribe the
laws for the rest of the people, and one of their princii)li!S is, to have a sovereign
rcsitect for the great chief as being the brother of the sun, and the master of
the temple. Tliey believe in the immortality of tlie soul, and when they leave
this world they go, tlie>' say, to live in anotlier. tlnn'e to be recompensed or
punislied. The rewards to wlrcb they lock forward, consist principally in
feasting, and their chastisi-ment in the ])rivation of every pleasiu'e. Thus they
think that those who have been the faithful observers of their laws will be con-
ducted into a region of ]»lea ures. where all kinds of ex(iuisite viands will be
furnished them in abundance, that their
and not one of them would dare to refuse him his head, if he shoulil demand
it; for whatever labors he conmiands them to execute, they are forbidden to
exact any wages. The Fri'iich. who are often in need of hunters or of rowers
for their long voyages, never apply to any one but the great chief He fur-
ill
JOURNAL OF FATHER CHARLEVOIX,
143
a single palisade. They have given this intrenchment the name of a
fort.
Several little hills rise above this hill, and when we have passed
nislics all the men tlicy wish, and receives payment, witlioiit giviiifj any part to
those unfortunate individuals, who are not jierniitted even to ooinplain. One
of the i)rincii)al articles of tlieir religion, and partieuliirly for the servants of
the great chief, is that of honoring his funeral rites liy dying with him, that
they may go and serve him in the other world. In their lilindness they wil-
lingly suhmit to this law, in the foolish helief, that in the train of their chief
they will go to enjoy the greatest happiness.
To give an idea of this hloody ceremony, it is necessary to know that as
soon as an heir presumjttive has been born to the great cliief each family that
has an infant at the breast is obliged to jiuy him homage. From all these in-
fants they choose a certain number whom they destine for the service of the
young prince, and as soon as tliey are of a comi)etent age, they furnish tlu'ra
with em])loyments suited to their talents. Some pass their lives in hunting, or
in fishing, to furnish supplies for the table ; others are emi)loyed in agriculture,
while others servo to fill up his retinue. If he hnnnens to die, all these servants
sacrifice themselves with joy, to follow their dear master. They first put on all
their finery, and repair to the ])laee oi)^)osite to the temple, where all the peo-
ple are assembled. After having danced and sung a sulficiently long time, they
pass around their neck a cord of buffalo hair with a running knot, and imme-
diately the ministers ap])ointed for executions of this kind, come forwanl to
strangle them, recommending them to go and rejoin their master, and to nnder
to him in the other world services even more honorable than tliose which had
occui)ied them in this.
The ])rincipal servants of the great chief having been strangled in this way,
they strip the flesh otf their bones, particularly those of their arms and thighs,
and leave them to dry for two months in a kiml of tomb, after whi(;h they take
them out to be shut uj) in the baskets, which are i)laced in the temple by the
side of the bones of tlieir master. As for the other servants, their relatives
carry them home with them, and bury them with their arms and clothes.
The same ceremony is observi'd in like manner on the death of the brothers
and sisters of the great chi^'f The women are always strangled to follow the
latter. e.\cei)t when they have infants at tlu; breast, in wliich case they con-
tinue to live, for the purpose of nourishing them, Annblie i)lace, according
to the ordinary ceremonies, and as the law prescribes,
Tlieir irovermnent is hereditary; it is not. howevi'r, tin; son of the reigning
chief that succeeds his father, but the son of his sister, or the first ])rincess of
the blood. This jiolicy is founded on the knowledge they have of the licen-
tiousness of their females. They are not sure, they say, that the cliildrcn of
tlu! chief's wife may be of the royal blood, whereas the son of the sister of the
great chief must be, at least on the side of the mother.
The iiriucesses of the blood never espouse any but men of obscure family,
and they have but one husband, but they have the right of disinissing him
whenever it pleases them, and of choosing another among thos:j of the nation,
H
i I
muA
:(
144
HISTORICAL COLLKCTION3 OF LOUISIANA.
them, we see on every side great meadows, divided by little clumps
of treed, which have a very fine effect. The trees moat common in
these woods are the walnut and the oak ; and everywhere the lauds are
providod lie has not inado any otlior alliance among tlieni. If the husband has
been guiltj- of inlidelity. the piiiice^s may have his head cut olF in an instant;
but she is not herself subject to the same law, for she may have as many lovers
as she j)leases, without the husband having any power to conii)lain. In the
presence of his wife he acts with the most profound respect, never cats with
her, and salutes her with howls, as is done by her servants. The only satisfiic-
tion he has is, that he is freed from the necessity of laboring, and has entire
authority over those who serve the jirincess.
In former times the nati(ju ol' the Natchez was very lai'ge. It counted sixty
villages and eight himdred suns or j)rinees ; now it is reduced to six little vil-
lages and eleven suns. In each of these villages there is a temple where the
firo is always kept burning as in that of the great chief, whom all the other
chiefs obey.
The great chief nominates to the most important ofTiccs of the state ; such
are the two war chiefs, the two masters of ceremony for the worshiji of the
temple, the two ollieers who jireside over the other ceremonies which are ob-
senx'd when foreigners come to treat of peace, another who has the inspectiou
of the jiublic works, four others charged with the arrangement of the festivals
with which they publicly entertain tlie nation, and sucli strangers as come to
visit them. All these n/misters wlio execute the will of the great chief arc
treated with the same respect and obedience as if he [lersonally gavi' the orders.
Each year the peo[ilc! assemble to plant one vast fiidd witli Indian corn,
beans, pumi)kins, and melons, ami then again they collect in the same way to
gather the harvest. A large cabin situated on a beautiful prairie issetajiart to
hold the fruits of this harvest. Once in the snnuner, towards the end of July,
the peo[)le gather by order of the 'p'eat chief, to be jiresent at a grand feast
which he gives them. This festival lasts for three days and three nights, and
each one contributes wliat he can to furnisii it ; some liring game, others lish,
&c. They have almost constant dances, while the great chief and his sister
are in an elevated lodge covered with boughs, from whence they can see the
joy of their subjects. The princes, the |)riiicesses, and those who by their oflice
are of distinguished rank, are arranged very near the chief, to whom they
show their respect and submission by an infmite variety of ceremonies.
The great chief and his sister make their entrance in the jilaee of the as-
sembly on a litter borne by eight of their greatest men : the chief holds in his
hand a great sceptre ornamented with painted plumes, and all the peoi)Ie dance
and sing about him in testimony of the public joy. The last day of this feast
be cause's all his subjects to approach, and makes them a long harangue, in
which he exhorts them to fullil all their duties to religion; he recommends
them above all things to have a great veneration for the siiirifs which reside in
the temple, and carefully to instruct their chililren. If any one has distin-
guished himself by some act of zeal, he is tlieii i)ublicly praised. Such a ease
hap[)ene(l in the year 170:2. The temple having been stnu'k with lightning and
reduced to ashes, seven or eight women cast their inlants into the midst of the
flames to appease the wrath of Ileaveu. The chief called these heroines, and
■•
lli^i
lie as-
ill liis
' (lance
I'cast
iR', in
iiu'iids
■viilo in
ilistin-
a case
ig and
tf tlio
and
JOURNAL OF FATHER CHARLEVOIX.
145
excellent. The late M. d'Ibcrville, who was the first that entered
the Mississippi by its mouth, being come as high as the Nutchczi
found this country so charming, and so advantageously situated, that
gave them groat jjraises for the conrage with which thoy had made the sacri-
fice of tliat which they held most dear; he (iiiislied his panegyiie \>y exhorting
the ofhi'r women to imitate so beantifnl an cxann)Ie in similar eireiimstanccs.
The fathers of families do nut fail to carry to the temple the tfrst of their
frnits. their corn and vegetables. It is the same even with presents which arc
mad(! to their nation ; they are immediately ollired at the gate of the temple,
when the Guardian, after having displayi-d and jiresented them to tlie s])irit.s,
carries them to the honse of the great chief who makes a distrihntion of them
as he judges best, witliout any person testifying tlie least discontent.
They never plant tlieir lields without having first presented the seed in tho
tenii)le with tlie accustomed ceremonies. As soon as these peojile ai)proac]i
the temi)le, they raise tliuir arms by way of respect, and utter thrcr liowls,
after which they place their hands on the earth, and raise thamselvcs again
three times with as many reiterated howls. Wlien any one lias merely to pass
before the ti-iiiple, lie only pauses to salute it by liis downcast eyes and raised
arms. If a father or mother see their son fail in the jierformance of this cere-
mony, they will [)unis]i him with rejieated blows of a stick.
Such are the ceremonies .)f tlm Natehi'Z Indians with regard to their n-ligion.
Those of marriage are very simple. When a young man thinks of marrying,
he has only to address himself to the father of the girl, or if she have none, to
her eldest brother, and tliey agree on the price, which he jiays in skins or mer-
chandise. When a girl lias even lived a licentious life, they make no dilliculty
iu receiving her, if there is the least idea that she will change her conduct when
she is married. iVeitlier do they trouble themselves as to what family she be-
longs, provided that she pleases them. As to the relatives of the girl, their
only care is to inform themselves whether he wlio asks h.'-- i:' an able hunter, a
good warrior, and an excellent workman. These (qualities diminish the price
which they have a right to ask on the marriage.
When the parties have agreed, the future husband goes to the chase with
his friends, and when he has suftieient (.'itlier of game or of fish, to feast the
two families who have contracted the alliance, they assemble at the house of
the parents of the girl. They particularly serve the new married jiair. who
eat from the same dish. Tlie repast being ended, the bridegroom smokes tho
calumet towards the parents of his wife, and then towards his own jiarents,
after which all the giiests retire. Tlie new marriefl people remain together
until tlu? next day, and then the husband conducts his wife to the residence of
her father-in-law, where they live until the family has built for him a cabin of
his own. While they are constructing it. he passes tin; whole day in tlie chase
to furnish food, which he gives to those who an; eiiiiiloyed in this work.
The laws permit the Natchez to have as many wives as they choose, never-
theless the common pi'ople generally have but one or two. This, however, is
not the case with the chiefs ; their number is greater, because, having the right
to oblige the people to cultivate thi'ir lields, without giving them any wages,
the number of their wives is no expense to tlieni.
The marriage of the chiefs is made with less ceremony. They content
* f
H'
.■ :!
}^i!
146
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OP LOUISIANA.
be thought he could find no better situation for the metropolis of the
new colony. He traced out the plan of it, and intended to call it
Rosalii!, which was the name of Madam, Ic Duchesso do Pont-
thomsclvcs witli soiidiiig to fotch tlio father of the girl whom they wish to es-
pouse, iuiarties, which after having gone through with all the ceremonies I have
mentioned, immediately break off from their expedition, because they have
heard a dog bark in an extraordinary manner; in an instant their ardor for
glory is changed into a perfect panic.
[
is of the
call it
Pont-
,isli to cs-
luir wives,
to make a
tliey keep
;s of their
cir wives,
ty in lend-
ion results
, ]>i()vi(led
f any have
tlio party
rnanu'uted
hes(^ poles
,iio wish to
h (litlbrent
uakes after
md i)votes-
more than
ir the art of
which they
to the war
ill the War
ill in large
hundred,
1 two jiots
;n to throw
hey can bo
that each
is time, the
vluTo, after
jir bravery
d say that
very small
uperstitious
le execution
march. We
uies I have
they have
ir ardor for
JOURNAL OF FATIIRR CIIAULEVOIX.
147
cbatrain. But this project is not likely to be soon executed, though
our geographers have always roundly set down in their maps, the
town of llosalie at the Natchez.
When on the war-path, they march in sinii;le file : four or five men who are
the best walkers lead the way, and keep in iidvance of the army a ijuarter of a
league, to observe every thing, and give iinmciliate notice. They I'licani]) every
evening an hour before sunset, and lie down about a large fire, eaeli one witli
his arms near him. Before they encamp, they take the precaution to send out
twenty warriors to the distance of a half league- around the cami>. for the pur-
pose of avoiding all suri>rise. Tiu-y never post sentinids during the niglit, but
as soon as they have su|)in'd, they extinguish all tlie fires. At night the war
chief exhorts them not to give themselves up to a profound sleep, and to keep
their arms always in a state of readiness. He ajjpoints a plac: where they
shall rally in case they are attaeked during the night and put to (light.
As tlie war chiefs always carry with them their idols, or what tliey call their
Spirits, well secured in some skins, at night they suspend them from a small
I)ole i)ainted red. which they erect in a .slanting position, so that it may be bent
on the side towards the enemy. The warriors, before tliey go to sloep. with
tomahawlv in hand, })ass one after the other in a dance before these jjretended
Spirits, at the same time uttering the fiercest threats towards the side on which
are their enemies.
Wlien the war party is considerable, as it enters the enemy's conntry they
march in five or six columns. They have many s))ies, who go out on scouting
ex])editions. If they jjereeive that their march is known, they ordinarily adoj)!
the resolution of retracing their steps, leaving a small troop of from ten to
twenty men, who detach themselves, and endeavor to surprise some hundri'd at
a distance from the villages ; on their return they chant their songs w'th refer-
ence to the scalps they have taken. If they have taken any i)risoners, they
force them to sing and dance for some days before the tt-mple, after whith they
present them to tlie relatives of those wlu) have been killed. These relativcis
are dissolved in tears during this ceremony, and drying their eyes with the
scalps whieh have been taken, they contribute among themselves to recompense
the warriors who have taken these captives, whose lot is to be burned.
The Natchez, like all the other nations of Louisiana, distinguish bj- particu-
lar names thosi- who have killed a greater or less numbi'r of the enemy. The
old war chiefs distribute thesi' names according to the nu'rit of the warriors.
To deserve the title of a great mi'u-slayer, it is necessary to have taken ten
slaves or to have taken off twenty sealps. When a jierson understands their
language, the name of a warrior enables him to learn all his exploits. Those
who, for the first time, have taken a scalp or made a cai)tivc, do not sleep at
their return with their wives, and do not eat any mi'at ; they ought not to jiar-
take of any thing but fish and thickened milk. This abstinence lasts for si.x
months. If they fail to observe it, they imagine that the soul of hinr whom
they have killed will cause them to die through sorcery, that they will never
again obtain any advantage over their enemies, and that the sliglitest wounds
they may receive will prove fatal.
Tlii'y take extreme care that the great chief shall not in any way expose
his life when be goes to war. If, carried away by his valor, he should happen
i>
i i
i,
j
.1 . '
m
. t
' I;
:i
I- ! .
mi
■"I I
J'
.ism
148
HISTORICAL COLLECTIOXS OF LOUISIANA.
It is certain that wo must begin by a settlement nearer tbe sea ;
but if Louisiana ever becomes a flourishing eolony, as may very well
happen, I am of opinion that they cannot find a better situation for
Tt.
:il||l!
'
1
1
i
1
(
1
k
!■■'!
to 1)0 killed, the chiefs of tlio jjarty and tlio otlior jjrincipal warriors would* bo
put to dwith on tliuir R'tiini ; but executions of this kind nro almost without
example, on account of tlio precautions they take to preserve liim from this
evil.
This nation, like tlie others, has its nuMlieine men ; these are frenerally old
men. who, without study or any seieuco undertake to cure all complaints. They
do not attempt this by simidcs, orbydrujjs; all their art consists in ditlerent
jugy:lerios ; that is to say, tliat they dance and sing night and day about the
sick man, and smoke without ceasing, swallowing the smoke of the tobacco.
These jugglers eat scarcely any thing during all the time that they are engaged
in the cure of the sick, but their chants anil their dances are accomi)anied by
contortions so violent, that although they are entirely naked and should natu-
rally sutler from cold, yet they are always foaming at the mouth. They have a
little basket in which they keep what they call their Si)irits, that is to say,
small roots of dilferent kinds, heads of owls, small [larei^ls of the liair of fallow
deer, some teeth of animals, some small stones or pebbles, and other similar
trifles.
It appears that to restore health to the sick, they invoke without ceasing
that which they have in their basket. Some of them have there a certain root,
which by its .smell can put serpents to sleep and render them harndess. After
having rubbed their hands and body with this root, they take hold of these
reptiles without fearing their bite, which is mortal. Sometimes they cut with
a nint iho part atllicted with the malady, and then suck out all the blood they
can draw from it, and in returning it immediately into a dish, they at the same
time spit out a little piece of wood, or straw, or leather, which they have con-
cealed under the tongue. Drawing to it the attention of the relatives of the
sick man, '• There," say they, '■ is the cause of the sickness." These medicine-
men are always ])aid in advance. If the sick man recovers, thiur gain is very
considerable, but if ho should die. they are sure to have their heads cut otf by
the relatives or friends of the deceased. This never fails to bo done, and even
the relatives of the medicine-men And nothing at all of which to complain, and
do not testify anj' concern.
There is the same rule with some other jugglers, who undertake to jtrocure
rain or fair ^^eather. These arc commoidy indolent old men, who, wishing to
avoid the labor which is reiiuired in hunting, fishing, and the cultivation of
the lields, exercise this dangerous trade to gain a support for their families.
Towards spring, the nation taxes itself to i)urehaso from the.so jugglers favor-
able weather lor the fruits of the earth. If the liarvest prove abundant, they
gain a handsome reward, but if it is unfortunate, they take it from them, and
cut olf their heads. Tiius those who engage in this profession risk every thing
to gain every thing. In other respects their Ufe is very idle; they have no
other inconvenience than that of fasting and dancing, with a pipe in their
mouth full of water, and pierced like a watering-pot, which thoy blow into the
air on the side where the clouds are thickest. In one hand they hold the
sicioud, which is a kind of rattle, and in the other their Spirits, which they
I
'Ir
JOURNAL OP FATIIF.U CHAULEVOIX.
1-K)
r tlic Hca ;
very well
aatiou for
ost without
lu from this
I'iK'rally old
hiiiits. They
in diU'iTfut
ly al)out the
the tiiliiicco.
iu'e('ii;:,'iige(l
ompiviiic'il l)y
should uiitu-
Thcy liiivea
hat is to say,
iiaiv of fiiHuw
other siuiilar
thout ceasing
accrtaiu root,
[niless. After
)l(l of these
hey cut with
blood they
at the same
■y have con-
atives of tlie
■sc medicine-
gaiu is very
ads cut otf by
ue. and even
iomplaiu, and
ko to lu-ocure
10. wishing to
uUivation of
leir fimilies.
gglers favor-
juudaut, thoy
m them, and
k every thing
they have no
pipe in their
blow into the
they hold the
which they
tlic capital tlian in this place. It i.s not subject to the inundation of
tlic river, the air is pure, and the country very extensive ; tlic soil is
fit for every thing, and well watered ; it ia not too far from the sea,
stretcli out towards the clouds, uttering fiiglitful cries to invite them to burst
upon their fields.
If it is pleasant weather for which they ask. tliey do not n-ie these i>ip('s,
but they mount on the roof of their cabins, and with tiieir arms malce signs to
the clouds, blowing with all their strength, that it shall nut stop over their
lauds, but pass beyond. Wiien the clouds are di>sipated according to their
wish, they dance and sing about their Spirits, which they place reverent!} on a
kind of i>illow ; they redouble their fasts, and when the cloud has passed, they
swallow the smoke of tobacco, and hold up their jiipes to the sky.
Although they never show any favor to these charlatans, when they do not
obtain what they ask, yet the jirolit tlu'y receive is so great, when by chance
they succeed, that wc sei' a great number of these savages, who do not at all
fear to run the risks. It is to hi' observed, that he who undertakes to furnish
rain, never engages to procure i)leasaiit weather. There is another kind of
cliarlatans to whom this jirivilege belongs, and wh<;ii y(»u ask them the reason,
they answer boldly that their Spirits can givi' but the one or the other.
When (IK! of these Indians dies, his relatives come to mourn his death dur-
ing an entile day, then they array him in his most beautil'ul dresses, they paint
his face and his hair, and ornament him with plumes, after which they carry
him to the grave prepared for him. ])laciiig by his si(h' his arms, a kettle, and
some iirovisions. For the sjiaee of a month, his ridatives come at the dawn of
day and at the beginning of the niglit, to weep for half an hour at his grave.
Each oiK^ names his degree of relationshi|). if he wert; the father of a family,
the wife cries, " JNIy dear husband, ah I how 1 ri'gret you !" The children cry,
'• ;\ty dear father!" The others. ■ My uncle ! my cousin!" &c. The nearest
relations continue this ceremony for three months; they cut otf tlu'ir hair in
sign of grief, they abstain from i)ainting the body, and are never found at any
assembly for festivity.
When any foreign nation comes to treat of peace with the Natchez Indians,
they send their couriers to give notice of the day aiii witli violent luove-
nu'nts and cKtiaordinary contortions. Win.'n they have mturod the ciirlo, thoy
danci' ahout tiic chair on wliicli tlio chief is seated, they rub liini witii tlielr
cahnnets from liis feet even to his jiead. and after that f;o hack to lind those
wlio Ix'ionj; to their suite. Tlien tiiey till one of tlieir eaiuniets witii toltacco,
aud liolding tlio flro in one hand, tiiey advance altogether heforo the chief and
smoke it: they direct the first pnlf of smoke towards the heavens, tin; second
towards the earth, and the others around the hori/ou, after which they without
ceremony present the i>ii»e to the princes and to the other chiefs.
This ceremony having been linished, the ambassadors, as a token of alliance,
rub th(;ir hands on the stomach of the chief, and rub themselves over the wliolo
body: they then place their calumets before the chief on small forks, while the
person among the ambassadors who is particularly charged with the orders of
his nation, delivers an harangue which lasts for an entire hour. When he has
flnisiied, they make a sign to the strangers to be .seated on the benches ranged
near the great chief, who responds to them by a discour.se of eciual length.
Then the master of ceremonies ligiits the great calmnct of peace, and nuikes
the sti angers smoke, who swallow the tobacco smoke. The great chief in-
quires of them, whether they arrived safe, that is, whether they are well, and
those who arc arcnmd them go one after the other to discharge the same odice
of politeness. After which they conduct them to the cabin which has been
prepared for them, and where they are feasted.
The same evening at sunset, the ambassadors, with the calumet in their
hands, go with singing to find the great chief, and having raised liim on their
shoulders, they transport him to the (luarter in which their cabin Is situated.
They spread on the ground a large skin, on which they cause him to sit down.
One of them places himself behmd him, and putting his hands on the chief's
shoulders, he agitates all his body, while the others, seated in a circle on the
ground, chant the history of their distinguished deeds. After tliis ceremony,
which is repeated night aud morning for four days, the great chief returns to
his cabin. When lie pays his last visit to the ambassadors, these place a stake
at his feet, about which they seat themselves: the braves of the nation having
arrayed themselves in all their linery, dance around, striking tlie stake, and in
turn recounting their great exi)loits in war ; then follows the presentation of
presents to the ambassadors, which consist of kettles, liatchets, guns, powder,
balls, &c.
The day following this last ceremony, it is permitted to the ambassadors to
walk through the whole village, which before they were not able to do. Then
every evening they give them spectacles, that is to say. the men and women in
their most beautiful dresses assemble at the public place, and dance until the
night is fiir advanced. When they are ready to return liome, the masters of
the ceremonies furnish them with the provisions necessary for the journey.
Ifi
JOLUNAI. OK TATIIEIl CIIARI.KVOtX.
151
is near all
n to inako
3lerk hero,
those who
[iroiind each
ok'iil movc-
ciri'lu, they
witli tlieir
I liiid tliDso
itli tobacco,
10 cliicf ami
, this Second
hey without
I of alliance,
ur tlie whole
H, while the
he orders of
'hen he has
lelies ranged
(ual length.
and makes
at chief in-
e well, and
same ofHco
h has been
net in their
ini on their
is situated.
o sit down.
the chief's
cle on the
ceremony,
returns to
ICC a stake
ion having
ike, and in
ntation of
s, powder,
ssadors to
:lo. Then
women in
until the
masters of
urney.
I
Among a great mimbur of jjarticular grants, which aro already
in a condition of producing soinetliing, tliorc arc two of tlio first mag-
nitude ; that i.s to say. four leagues sijuarc : one belongs t' : ;■
5 ' ;i' : -
Iter, tliiit is, two (lays licfdrc tlic iiiiissncrc. Tlic next day, wliidi was t\w llrst
.Siiiiday of Advent, lie said muss in the |i.iiish, iind pn aelicd in the alisencc of
tlie C'uiv. lie was to liiive ntuini'd in tlie ai'ternoun to Ids mission anion;; tlio
Aliansas. Itut ho was dctninecl hy sdnie sielt persons, to wlioiu it was necessary
to administer tlie .Saeranients. On Monday, lie was alioiit to say mass, and to
carry tlie Holy ISacianient to one of those wick persons whom he hud eonl'essed
the eveniiif; liel'ore, wlieii tlie inassaere tiejjan ; a f;ii,Mntic chief si.t feet in liei;;lit,
Hci/ed him and liavini.-- thrown him to the ;;r(mnd. ent off his head with blows
of a hutcliet. The l''atliei' in fnllin;; only nttered these words, " Ah, my (ind !
ah, my (io(l I' M, ilii Codeic drew his sword to defend him, when he was him-
self killed by a musket hall from another Imlian whom ln' did not perceive.
These harharians spari'd hiit two of the Freiieh, a tailor and u earpi'nter,*
who were able to serve their wants. They did not treat biully either the iie^o-o
slaves, or the Indians who wi're willinjj to i;ive themselves up; hut they ripped
up the belly of every prei^iiaiit woman, ami kilkd almost ,ill those who were
nursing' their children, beeanse they were disturbed by their cries and tears.
They diil not kill tho other women, but made them their slaves, and treated
them with every indii,'nity dnrini; the two or three months that they were their
masters. Tho least miserable were those who knew how to sew, because they
kept them busy in making shirts, dresses, &.c, The others wcro employed in
cuttiuf; and carryinjj wood for cooning', and in poiindini; the corn of which they
make their siii;ninilc. But two thin<;js. above all, agjjravateil the grief anI. roiriciult, who aftervvnnlp wriiio a. .Imiriinl of all that passed in Louisiana from 1709
to ITii, wliicli is deposited in the Uibliotlu'tiue ilu Koi, Piiiis
n
JctUKNAt. Ol' lATIIi'.Il CIIAULI:VUIX.
153
I tlio com-
iiitiko to-
iimko nil
from tho
■UH till) first
UhMl'lirL' of
amuiii; th's
s iii'L'issary
msM, mill to
(I (Miiirissc'd
•till lu'i>,'ht,
with l>lo\V8
h, my ('ixl !
he was liiin-
pcrci'ivi'.
ciirju'iitiT,*
IT tlio negro
tlicy riiiiifd
e will) wcro
■s luid ti'iirs.
anil triatod
ly wtMv tlii'ir
ccauso they
■nipliiytd in
I'wliicli they
1(1' and lianl-
liosi' saiiu!
jodd i>r tliulr
|ii^', that tho
ts, and that
was soatod
iiiijht to Ills
thi-' iirinci-
• liu/zards,
I at tho post,
India Com-
liviT. They
lidcd among
V- jilut'cd for
liuy found a
Lg. dancingi
|he miMuory
in tho plot
lina fiom 1709
other is a lonjruo. [Iiilf way liotwcon tho two j^raiits is tlio grop.t vil-
lage of the Natchez I have oarofiilly vlHitoil all thoMo jihiees : uud
hero follows ail aceouut of what 1 fimiid iiio.st roiiiarkablo:
with thi'in, thoy iVlt at tiiiir oasc. aini did imt at all foar that they would draw
nil thrmsclvcs tlio vrii^'oaiici' wliii li was iinrilril liy tlnir ciiii'lty ami |ioi'liiiy.
Olio ni;,'ht, wlii'ii tlioy wok- |iluii,'nl in diiinkoiiiioss ami slci'ii, Mailamo ih'S
Noyers wished to make use Di'tho nonriKs to rovon;;o tho death oilier lui>l>atid
and the Kreiieh, Init >lio was lietiayeil iiv llie person to wlmm siu' oniiliiled her
dosi;,'ii, and oanie very near luiiii,' huriied alixi'.
Sonii! of tho Flench oMMped llie I'my ol' the Indians by taking refuge in tho
woodx, where they snll'ieil extieinely rnmi liiinj;er and the ell'icls of iho
weather. f)ne of tluni, on aiiiviin,' heie iiliived iis of a litiie ilisi|niitiiile wo
felt with regard to the post we (Mieiipy among the V'l; :((//.<, whieh is not iiioro
than forty or llfiy leagues aliove the Nalohe/, liy water, ami i.iily from lil'ieeii to
twenty hy land. Not lieiiig aiile longi r to emliivo the extn nie eold iVom w hiuh
he .suU'orod, he left tlio wooils miiler cover of night, to go ami waim liimsrjf in
tho house of a Freiieliman. Win n ho was near it ho heard the voicis of In-
dians, and ih.'lilierated wliether he should outer, lie ilelermilled. however, to
do so. preferring rather to juTish hy the hand of those Imrhariaiis, than to dio
of famine and cold. He was agreeaiiiy siirprised when he found these savages
I'agor to render him a service, to heap Ivimlmsscs upon him. to commiseiato
liitn, to eoiisolo him. to furnish him wil h provisions, elothos, and a huat to maku
his oHcapo to Now Orleans. These were the V'a/ous. who were retuiniiiir from
chanting tho ealumet at Ouniiis. The ehii f charged him to say to M. Perrior,
that he had nothing to fear on the part of tho Va/oiis, that ' tln^y would not
lose their spirit, ' that is, that they would always remain attached to the rreiieh,
and that ho would ho constantly on the watch with his triho, to warn tho
French hoats that wore desci'iiding tho river to ho on their guaid against the
Natcho/..
We helieved for a long time that the in'oniises of this cliiof were very sin-
cere, and feared no more Indian peiliily for our [lost among the Va/ons. lUit
learn, my Rovorend Father, the disposition of tlio.so Indians, and how little ono
is ahlo to trust their words, even whoiiaeoompaniod by the greatest demonstra-
tions of frienilship, .Scarcely had they returned to their own village, when,
loaded with the prosonls they received t'roiii the Natclie/. they followed
their example and imitated their treachery. Uniting with the Carnnjs,
they agreed together to exlermiiiate the Fieiieh. They began with F.ithor
Souol, the missionary of both tribes, who was then living in the midst of ihein,
in their own village. The fidelity of tho Ojniiouliis. who were then absent at
tho chase, has never boon shaken, and they now compose one village with tho
Tonikas.
On the 11th of December, Father Souol was returning in the ovcning from
visiting tho chief, and while in a ravine, received many musket-balls, and fell
dead on the spot. The imliaus inimoiliat(.'!y rushed to his cabin to phimk'r it.
His negro, who ooiiiposod all his liiniily and all his dofeiico. ariiu'd himself with
a wood-cutter's knilo, to prevent tho pillage, and oven wounded ono ol' ilio sav-
ages. This zealous action cost him his life, but, haiipily, less than a nioiith be-
fore he had received baptisir , and was living in a most Christian manner.
10
1?^
i
I.
i
mm
Mir
154
HISTORICAL COLLKCTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
The grant of the Maloiiis is woll situated ; it wants nothing to
inako an iin|irovenicnt of tlio land but negroes, or hired servants. I
should prefer the last : when the time of their service is expired, they
Tlii'sc Indians, who even to tliiit tiinc liad scinui'il sensible of llic alloction
wlii'.ii tlR'ir luissioiiary lunt' tlii'in, ii'iiroMclicd tlicinsi'lvi's for liis (U-atli as soon
as ilicy WL'i'f ( aiialiie of i-clli'ctioii ; hut rctui'iiiiii,'' aj^iiiu to tlii'ir natural ferocity,
thcv a year. IT^^O, and not
expecting to arrive at the resideni:e of Father Souel, of whose liite he was igno-
rant in time to say mass, he determint'd to say it at the mouth of the little
river of the Ya/ons. where bis party had cabined.
As ho was preparing for this sacred ollice. be saw a boat full of Indians land-
ing. They denumded from them, of what nation they were ? "Yazons, com-
rades of the French." they rei)lied. making a thousand friendly denu)nstrations
to t lie voyagers who accomiianied the mi.-sionary, and i)re.senting them with
))rovisions. While the Father was preparing bis altar, a tloek of bustards
pa>sed. and tin' voyagers lired at tberii the oidy two guns they bad, without
thinking vl' reloading, as mass had already commenced. The Indians noted
tlii>. and placed themselves behind the voyagers, as if it was their intention to
bear nias.s. although they were not Christians,
At the tinu' the Father was saying the Kijrk Elci.ion, the Indians made their
di>charge. Tiie missionary ijcrceiving hims(df wounded in bis right arm and
st'eing one of the voyagers killed ai his feet, and the tour others tied, threw
bim>elf on his knees to receive the last fatal blow, which he regarded as inevit-
able. In this posture be received two or three discharges. But aithough the
Indians tired while almost touching him. yet they did not intlict on him any
new wounds. Fnding himself then, as it were, miraculously escaped from so
many mortal blows, ho took to llight. having on still his jtricstly garments, and
williout auy other defence than an entire conlidenee in God, whose particular
protection was given him, as the event |)roved. He threw himself into the wa-
ter, and, after advancing some steps, gained the boat in which two of the voya-
thing to
ants. I
red, tlicy
I' iillbetiuii
th as soon
il li'roc'ity,
luc by tho
011(1,'' sail!
■ any."
.'(1 early 'n
and whoso
it tlio (:alii-
ab.siincc of
usi)it'ion of
massacred,
'oiir women
VL'S.
iisolf in Ills
ion had ce-
; all massa-
ioon as they
s missionary
[licir winter
matters re-
M), an little
attention tliey liavc at jirosent to guard tliis temple, proeceds from
its being deprived of wliut it contained most .sacred in tlie opinion of
these people. It is true, notwithstanding, that against the wall, over
against the door, tliere was a table, the dimensions of which I did
not taiio the pains to measure, because I did not suspect it to be an
altar. I have been assured since, that it is three feet high, live long,
and four wide.
I have been further informed that they make a little fire on it with
the bark of oak. and that it never goes out; which is false, for there
was then no fire on it, nor any appearance of there ever having been
any made. They say also, that four old men lay by turns in the
temple, to keep in this fire; that he who is on duty, must not go out
for the eight days of his watch ; that they carefully take the burning
ashes of the pieces that burn in the midst of the temple, to put upon
the altar; that twelve men are kept to furnish the bark ; that there
are marmosets of wood, and a figure of a rattle-snake likewise of
wood, which they set upon the altar, and to wliicli they pay great
honors. That when the chief dies, they bury him directly; tliat
when they judge his flesh is consumed, the keeper of the temple
tcikes the bones up. washes them clean, wraps them in whatever they
have most valuable, and puts them in great baskets made of canes,
which shut very close ; that he covers these ba.'^kots with skins of
roebucks very neatly, and j)laces them before the altar, where they
remain till the death of the reigning chief: that then ho encloses
these bones in the altar itself to make room for the last dead.
I can say nothing on tiiis last article, only that I saw some bmies
in one or two chests, but they made not half a luunan body ; that
they appeared to be very old, and that they wore not on the table
whicli tliey say is the altar. As to the other article, first, as I was
in the temple only by day, I know mtt what passes in it at night ;
second, tliere was no keeper in the ten) pie when I visited it. I very
well saw, as I said before, tliat there were some niarmosets or gro-
tesque figures ; but I observed no figure of a serpent.
As to what I have seen in some relations, that this temple is hung
with tapestry, and the floor covered with cane mats ; that they put
in it Avhatcver they have that is handsomest, and that they bring
every year hither the first fruits of their harvest, we must certainly
abate a great deal of all this. I never saw any thing more slovenly
and dirty, nor more in disorder. The billets liurnt upon the })are
ground ; and I saw no mats on it, no more than the walls. 31. le
Noir, who was with me, only told me that every day they put a new
I' if
ill!
< "'r. !:'1
;^i
i 1
'i'
f.-
'
\'.
1 . ■ t'
1
'1;
:,ti
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-:ps.
i ^ ■';»,'
fin
. ,j,..t.i..),;..^.;-.t«.-pY-,:--.,y>».»»~>»-... --Fg
i I
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t
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iiir ;
ill -III ..a?
11
lii^'l
Hiii)
ij
'i
:i
I
.1
162
IlIdTORICAL COLIiECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
billot on the fire, and tliat at tlio ])e^iiinlng of every moon tlicy made
a provision for the whole month. Hut he knew this only by report ;
for it was the first time he had seen this temple, as well as myself
As to what regards the nation of the Natchez in general, here
follows what 1 could learn of it. We see nothing in their outward
appearance that distinguishes them from the other savages of Canada
and Louisiana. They seldom make war, not placing their glnry in
destroying men. What distinguishes them more particularly, is the
form of their Government, entirely despotic; a great dependence,
which extends even to a kind of slavery, in the subjects ; more |iride
and grandeur in the chiefs, and their pacific spirit, which, however,
they have not entirely preserved for some years past.
The Ilurons believe, as well as they, that their hereditary chiefs
are descended from the Sun : but there is not one that would be his
servant, nor follow him int(} the other world for the honor of serving
him there, as it often happens among the Natchez.
Garcilasso do la Vega speaks of this nation as of a powerful
people, and about six years ago they reckoned among them four thou-
sand warriors. It appears that they were more numerous in the
time of 31. de la Salle, and even when 31 d'Iborville discovered the
mouth of the 3Iississippi. At present the Natchez cannot raise two
thousand fighting men. They attribute this decrease to some con-
tagious diseases, which in these last years have made a great ravage
among them.
The (Jreat Cliief of the Natchez bears the name of the Sun ; and
it is always, as among the Ilurons, the son of the woman who is near-
est related to him, that succeeds him. They give this woman the
title of Woman Chief; and though in general she does not meddle
with the Government, they pay her great honors. She has also, as
well as the Great Chief, the power of life and death. As soon as any
one has had the misfortune to displease cither of them, they order
their guards, whom they call AUouez, to kill him. " Go and rid me
of tliat dog," say they ; and they are immediately obeyed. Their
sulijects, and even the chiefs of the villages, never approach them,
but tliey salute them three times, setting up a cry, which is a kind
of howling. Tliey do the same when they retire, and they retire
walking backwards. When they meet them, they must stop, and
range themselves on both sides of the way, and make the same cries
till tliey are gone past. Their subjects are also obliged to carry
them the best of their harvest, and of their hunting and fishing.
Lastly, no person, not even their nearest relations, and those who
are of noble families, when they have the honor to eat with them,
I
JOURNAL OF FATHER CHARLEVOIX.
163
icy made
• report ;
n)si;lf.
ral, here
outward
f Canada
j^lory in
ly. is the
loiuk'ncc,
oro ]iride
however,
iry chiefs
lUl he his
f serving
powerful
'our tliou-
19 in the
vered the
raiso two
some c'on-
at ravage
5un
and
isnear-
onian the
t meddle
also, as
on as any
oy order
id rid me
Their
ic'U them,
is a Icind
ey retire
stop, and
anie cries
to carry
1 fisliing.
lioso who
ith them,
have a riglit to put their haud to the same dish, or to drink out of
the same vessel.
Every morning, as soon as the Sun appears, the Great Chief
comi;s to tlie door of his cabin, turns himself to the cast, and howls
three times, bowing down to the cartli. Then they bring him a calu-
met, which serves only for this jmrposc, he smokes, and blows the
smoke of his tobacco towards the Sun; then he does the same thing
towards the other three parts of the world, lie acknowledges uo
superior but the Sun, from which he pretends to derive his origin.
He exercises an unlimited power over his subjects, can dispose of
their goods and lives, and for whatever labors he recjuires of thcra,
they cannot demand any recompense.
When this Great Chief, or the Woman Chief dies, all their
Allouez, or guards, are obliged to follow them into the other world ;
but they are not the only persons who have this honor: for so it is
reckoned among them, and is greatly souglit after. The deatli of a
chief sometimes costs the lives of more than a hundred per.sons : and
I have been assured that very few principal persons of the Xiit(;hez
die, without being escorted to the country of souls by some of their
relations, their friends, or their servants. It appears l)y tiie various
relations which I have seen of these horrible ceremonies, that they
differ greatly. I shall here describe the obscijuies of a Woman
Chief, as I had it from a traveller, who was a witness of them, and
on whoso sincerity I have good reason to depend.
The husband of this woman not being noble, that is to say. of the
family of the Great Chief, his eldest son strangled him, according to
custom: then they cleared the cabin of all it contained, and they
erected in it a kind of triumphal car, in which the body of the de-
ceased woman, and that of her hu.'^band, were placed. A nioiiient
after they ranged round these carcasses twelve little children, wliich
their parents had strangled by order of the eldest daughter of the
Woman Chief, and who succeeded to the dignity of lier mother.
This being done, they erected in the p\iblic place fourteen scallblds,
adorned with branches of trees, and cloths on which they had painted
various figures. These scaffolds were designed for as many persons,
who were to accompany the Woman Chief into the otlier world.
Their relations were all round them, and esteemed as a great honor
for their families the permission that they had obtained to sacrifice
themselves in this manner. They apply .sometimes ten years before-
hand to obtain this favor; and the persons that have obtained it,
must themselves make the cord with which they are to be straiiuled.
They appear on their scaffolds dressed in their richest habits,
M
i I
\;!^:'h
- 'W
Ihlli
-rr:r^,-r^fr<,gf^-
I- y
ICA
IlIrtTORICAL COMiECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
hoMiii^ ill tlicir rii^'lit liiuid ii fjroat slicll. Tholr nearest relation is
on tlicir riij'lit hand, Iiaviiig umler tlieir left arm the cord which is to
serve fur the execution, and in thoir right hand a figlitin/,' clnb.
Fniiu time to time tlicir nearest relation makes the cry of death ;
and at this cry the fourteen victims descend from their scaflfolds, and
go and dance all together in the middle of the open place that is be-
fore the temple, and Ix'fore the cabin of the Woman Chief.
Tliut day and the following ones they show thorn great respect;
they have each five servants, and their faces are painted red. Some
add. that during the eight day.s that precede their death, they wear
a red rilihoii round one of their legs: and that during this time,
every body .>ut at ]iresent
the t(.'mple of the Natchez is the only one that subsists, and it is
held in great veneration among all the savages wdiich inhabit this
vast continent, the decrease of which nation is as considerable, and
has been still more sudden, than that of the savages of Canada,
witliout its being jiossibh; to discover tlie truu cause of it. Whole
nations have entirely disappeared within forty years at most. Those
■which are still subsisting, are but the siiadow of wdiat tliey were
when M. de la Salle discovered this country. I take my leave of
you. madam, for reasons which I shall have the honor to explain to
you soon.
Isr.w Oiu.EAN-s, January 10, 17112.
I am at length arrived in this famous city, which they have called
la NoKirUc OrlnniK. Those who have gi\ en it this name, thought
that Orleans was of the feminine gender; but what si;rui(ies that?
Custom has established it, and that is above the rules of (jramiuar.
li
JOURNAL OF FATIir.U CHAUM'.VOIX.
171
Til is city is the first, which one of tho^n-ctitcst rivors in the worhl has
seen r;iistMl on its hanks. If tlic ciirht hiuKh'cil linn houses, ami the
fivo )i:irisli(\s. wliich tliu ne\vspa)i('rs irave it soiiio two years atro. are
rediieeil at iiresent to a humlred barracks, placed in no very ,qrcat
order : to a great storehouse, built of wood ; tu two or thrco houses,
which wiiuld be no ornament tu a village of France; and to the half
of a sorry storehouse, which they agreed to lend to the lord of the
place, and which he had no sooner taken possession of. but they turned
him out to dwell under a tent ; what plcasiire, on the other side, to
see insensibly increasing this future capital of a fine and vast coun-
tr\'. and to be able to say. not with a sigh. lik(! tli(> hero of A'irgil,
speaking of his dear native place cunsunied by the fiames. and the fields
wiun-e the city of Tro}' had been,* but full of a well-grounded hope, this
wihl and desert jilaco. whicli tin! reeds and trees do yet almost wholly
cover, will be one day. and ]ierliaps that day is not i'ar oif.au djiulent
city, and the inetro[)olis of a great and ricii c(d(>ny.
You will ask me. nnidaui. on what I found this hope? I found it
on the situation of tliis <;ity, at tliirty-tliree leagues *'roia the sea. and
on the side of a navigable river, that one may conio up to this place
?n twenty-four hours : on the fruitfulness of the soil; on the mild-
ness and goodness of its climate, in :i(H nortli hititude ; on the in-
dustry of its iulial)itants; on the neighborhood of Mexico, to which
we may go in fifteen days by sea ; on that of the Havana, whicli is
still nearer ; and of the finest islands of America, and of the Hng-
lish colonies. Need there anything more to render a city llourish-
insr? Home and Paris had not such C(msiderable beiiinninirs. were
not built under such happy auspices, and their founders did not fiuw
on tlie Seine ami the Ty'ier the advantages we have f mud on the
^lississippi. in comparison of wliich. those two rivers are but little
brooks, l)ut before I undertaK'c to nieiition what there is lu.'re wor-
thy your curiosity, tliat I may proceed according to order. I ,'^hal! take
up my journal again where I broke it off.
T stayed at the Natchez iimk^Ii longer tiian T expected, and it was
the ai (iidoned condition in wlpcli T fuiml tlic I'rcnch, witli respect
to spiritual aids, that kept me there till after Cliristmas. The dew of
Leaven hath nut yet fallen on this fine country, whieii above all others
may boast of its portiori of the fatness of the earth. The late M.
d'Iberville had destined a Jesuitf for this ]iuriiose. who accompanied
liim in the second voyage he made to {.(uiisinna. with a design to es-
tablish Christianity in a nation, whose cunversiou. lie made no doubt)
'U i
n" 1
llii'^i^
* Et CampoH, uM Troja t'liit. t Father I'aul du Ru.
^/i^!BlBlK;;^r'^>6,ifc*igri*to^a5':i
i.l^A^tthaHl^*t^imm,-.
U ;l
|1
r
Hil
172
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
would bo followdl by tliat of all tlio rest. But this missionary pass-
ing' by tlio village of the 13ayagoulas, thought he found there more
favorable dispositions for religion, and while ho was thinking to fix
bis abode smiongst them, he was called to France by superior orders.
After this, an ecclesiastic of Canada * was sent to the Natchez,
and remained there a pretty long time, but ho made no proselytes,
though he had gained the good graces of the Woman Chief, who out
of respect to him, gave his name to one of her sons. This mission-
ary having been obliged to make a journey to Maubilo, was killed on
the way by savages, who probably only wanted his baggage, as it had
happened before to another priostf on the side of the Arkansas. Since
that time all Louisiana, above the Illinois, has remained without any
priest, except the Tonicas, who have had for several years an eccle-
siasticj, whom they loved and esteemed, and whom they would have
made their Chief, and who, notwithstanding, could never persuade
one of them to embrace Christianity.
lint it is something preposterous to think of taking measures
for the conversion of infidels, whilst the household even of the faith
are almost all without pastors. I have already had the honor of
telling you, madam, that the canton of the Natchez is the most
populous of the colony ; ncverthless. it is five years since any French-
man has heard mass here, or even seen a priest. I soon saw that
the privation of the sacraments had produced in the greatest part of
them that indifference for the exercises of religion^ which is the com-
mon effect of such privation, yet many showed a great desire to take
advantage of my presence, for regulating the affairs of their con-
scicMices ; and I thought it was my duty to help them to this comfort
without much solicitation.
The first proposal that they made to me was, that I would agree
to marry in the presence of the church, some inhabitants, who by
virtue of a civil C(jntract, drawn up in the presence of the command-
ant and the principal clerk, lived together without any scruple,
alleging, as well as tlicy who had authorized this concubinage, the
necessity of peopling the country, and the impossibility of having a
priest. I represented to them, that tliere was one at the Yasous,
and at New Orleans, and that tiic matter was worth the pains of
taking the journey. They replied tliat the contracting parties were
not in a condition to take long journeys, nor to be at the expense of
bringing a priest hither. In short, the evil was done, and there re-
mained nothing but to remedy it, which I did. Then I confessed all
* M. do S. Cosme. f M, Foucault. ^ M. Davion.
ir
JOURNAL OF FAT lER CHARLEVOIX.
173
who presented themselves, but the number of these was not so great
as I bad hoped.
Nothing more detaining mc at tlio Natchez. I departed from
thence the 2Gth of December, pretty Late, accompanied by ]M. de
Paugcr, the King's engineer, who was visiting the colony to examine
the places where it was fit to build forts. "\Vo went four leagues,
and encamped at the side of a little river, which we found on the
left. Wo re-embarked the next day two hours before it was light,
with the wind pretty high and against us. Tiie river in this place
makes a circuit of fourteen leagues ; and as we turned, the wind
turned with us, being beaten buck by the land, and by the islands,
whicli we found in great numbers, so tluit it was always in our faces.
Notwithstanding which, we went ten leagues farther, and entered
into another little river on the left hand. All niglit we heard a great
noise, and I thought it was the elleet of the wind that was grown
stronger ; but they assured me that the river had been very ([uiet. and
that the noise wliicli had waked me was made by tlie alligators that
dashed about the water with their tails.
The ^Sth, after having gone two leagues, wo arrived at the river
of the Tonicas, which appeared to me at first to be but a brook : but
at a musket-shot distance from its mouth, it forms a very pretty lake.
If the Mississippi continues to throw itself as it does on the othei
side, all this place will become inaccessible. The river of the Tonicas
has its source in the country of the Tcliact .3. and its course is very
mucli obstructed witli falls. The village is beyond the lake, on a
pretty high ground, 3'et they say tliat the air here is bad. which they
attriljute to tlie (juality of the waters of the river: but I should
rather judge that it proceeds from the stagnation of the waters in
the lake. This village is built in a circle, round a very large open
space, without any inclosure, and moderately pe(i]ded.
The cabin of the chief is very much adorned on the outside for
the cabin of a savage. We see on it some figures in relievo, wliich
are not so ill done as one expects to iiml them. The in.-ide is dark,
and I observed nothing in it but some boxes, which they assured me
were full of clothes and money. The chief received us very politely ;
he was dressed in the Frencli fashion, and seemed to be not at all
unea.sy in that habit. Of all the savages of Canada, there is none so
much depended on by our commandants as this chief lie loves our
nation, and has no cause to repent of the services he has rendered it.
He trades with the I'rench, whom ho supplies with horses and fowls,
and he understands his trade very well. He has learned of us to
hoard up money, and he is reckoned very rich. He has a long time
lii;:
"
t.
i.
^
7f
■il' ' %
k«::
17-1
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS 01' LOUISIANA.
left off the dress of a savage, and lie tukcs a pride in appearing al-
ways well dressed, aeeording to our mode.
Tlie other cabins of the vilhige are partly square, as that of the
chief, and partly round, like those of tiie Natchez. The place round
wiii<'h they all stand, is about a hundii.d paces diameter, and not-
witlistanding the heat of the weather was tliat day sullbcatiiig. the
young people were diverting themselves at a kind of truck, muck
like ours.
There are two other villages of this nation at a little distance
from this ; and tliis is all tliat remains of a people formerly very
numerous. I said before tliat they had a mis,sionary whom they
greatly loved; T have learned that they drove liim away not long
since, because he had burnt their temple, wliicih nevertlieless tliey
have not rebuilt, nor lighted their lire again; a certain proof of tlieir
little attacliment to their false religion ! They even soon recalled
the missionary; but they heard all he could say to them with an in-
difl'erencc, which ho could never conipier. and he has forsaken them
iu his turn.
From the bottom of the lake, or the bay of the Tonicas, if we
used canoes of bark, we might make a portage of two Iciigues, which
would save ten on the Mississijipi ; but tliis is not practicable with
pettiaugres. Two leagues lower than the river of the Tonicas, wc
leave on the rigiit hand the lied river or Ivio Colorado ; at the en-
trance of which, the famous Ferdinand do Soto, the con(jUeror of
Florida, ended his days and his exploits, or rather his rambles. This
river runs cast and west some time, then turns to the south. It is
scarcely navigable for pettiaugres, and that for no more than forty
leagues; after which we nuiet with impassable nmrshes. Its mouth
appeared to me to be about two hundred fathom wide. Ten leagues
higher, it receives on the right hand the Black river, otherwise called
the river of the Ouatchitas : which comes from the north, and has
water only for seven ininths in the year.
Nevertheless, there i re several grants situated here, which in all
appearance will nut grow very rich. The motive of this settlement
is the neighborhood of the Spaniards, which at all times has been a
fatal enticement to this colony. In hopes of trading with tliem, they
leave the best lands in the world uncultivated. The Natchitoches
are settled on the lied river, and we have judged it convenient to
build a fort among them, to hinder the Spaniards from settling nearer
us. We encamped the 20th, a little below the mouth of the lied
river, in a very fine bay.
The oOth, after having gone five leagues, wc passed a second point
•If
JOURNATi OF I'ATIIKR CIIAIU.KVOIX.
175
cut off. Tlio ]Mi.ssis8i]ipi, in tliis plueo, iiKikcs a ^reat wiiuliiig.
Soiiio Canadiiiiis. by dint of Iidllowiiig a little brook, which was be-
himl till.' |Miiiit. brouirht the waters of the river into it : which sjiread-
i)ig thcuiselvcs impetuously in this new channel, conipletely cut off
the point, and hath saved travellers fnurteen leagues of way. The
old bed of ihe river is actually dry, and has no water in it but in
the season of the Hoods : an evident proof that the Mississippi casts
itself here towards the east; and this deserves to be considered with
the greatest attention, in making settlements on either side of the
river. The depth of this new ch.anTicl has been lately sounded, and
they have let out a line in it of thirty fathom long, without finding
any bottom.
Just lielow, and on the same hand, we saw the weak beginnings
of a grant, which bears the name of St. ]Ieyne, and at the head of
which are Messrs. de Ooetlogon and Kolli. It is situated on a very
fertile Mcuse. to whom
it was ;.'rant((l. has dono iiotliini; hen; yet: nuverthuless he keeps
here a director, who has neither men nor merchandise.
On the ."ith we stopped to dine at a phico wiiich they call tho
Chapitonlas, and which is li'it three liairues distant from New Or-
IcaiLS, where we arrived at five in the evening. The ('hapitnulas, and
sonic neiglilioriiijr haliitatioiis. are in a ver}' good condition. Tiio
soil is frnitfnl, and it is fallen into the hands of people tliat are .-kilfiil
and lahori "s. Thoy are the Sieur du IJreuil and tlir(!e (Canadian
brothers, nameil (,'hauvins. The last have contributed nothing but
th(;ir industry, which was perfected by the necessity of laboring for a
subsistence. They have lost no time, they liave spared no pains, and
their e.xauiple is a lesson for tlio.>it' lazy peopU; whose p(jverty very
unju.'iloxi, and all the other posts which we possess near the
sea. The second is, that below this city the river makes a great
turn, which they have called le Detour aux Anglois (the English
Reach), which may cause a retardment, which they judge very advan-
tageous to prevent a surprise. These reasons are specious, but they
don't appear to me to be solid ; for in the first place, those who have
reasoned in this manner, have supposed that the entrance of the
river could receive none but sm.all vessels; therefore in this case,
* Bayouc in tho Indian language signiQcs a rivulet.
JOUKNAI- nl' rATllini CirAllLEVOlX.
179
(•()\in-
s tlio
whom
11 the
w Or-
is, Jiiul
The
skilful
uadiiiu
iig but
ig for a
lus. and
:y vi'vy
uudruil-
iil.le. I
Otliors
ell their
llr.st is,
ley hiivo
. John,*
(intehiir-
y say, it
I and la
near the
ii great
English
y advan-
i)ut they
,vli() have
e of the
his case,
wliat is tliere in ho feared from a surprise, if tins town is ever so lit-
tle fiuiillrd. as I su]i|ii)se in my turn it will bo S(»on .' ^\'ill they
come til atlacU it with boats, or with vessels which eannut earry
guns' On the other hand, in whatever jihieo the eity is situated,
must not the moutli of tiie river bo didV'uded by good batteries, and
by a fort, wdiich will at least give tiiiu! to receive intcdligence. and to
keeji themxdves ready to roecive the enemy ? In the scenml jdaeo,
what not'OHsity is there for this coiumunieation, which eainiof, ho car-
ried on but by boats, and with jiosts, whieh they cinnot sueeor if
they were ;ittaeked ; and from wddeh conseiiueiitly they can reeoivo
but weak succors, which for the most part are good for nothing; I
add. tliat wheu a V(,'sscl must go up the Kugli.sh IJeaeli. t!iey must
change thi'ir wind every moment, wliieh may detain tln-ni wdiolo
weeks to make seven (n* eight leagues.
A little lielow New Orleans t'.ui land begins to have Imt little
de]itii uu both sides of the Mississippi, and this goes on diminishing
quite to the sea. Tt is a ]ioint of land, which docs not appear very
ancient: foi' if we dig ever so little in it, we find water; and the
number of shoals and little islands, which wo have seen formeil with-
in twenty years ]iast in all the mouths of the river, leave no room to
doubt that this slip of land was formed in the same manmr. It ap-
pears certain, that when -^I. de hi Halle came down the Mississippi
quite to the sea. the nu)Uth of this river was not the same as it is at
present.
The more we a]i]iroach the sea, the more what I say appears evi-
dent: the bar has scarce any water in the greatest part of those little
outlets, whicdi the river has opened for itself, and which are so much
increaseil only by the means of the trees, which are brought down with
the current, one of which being stopped by its branches, or by its
roots, in a place where there is little depth, stops a thousand others.
I have seen heaps of those two hundred leagues from hence, one of
which alone would have filled all the wood-yards of Paris. Nothing
is capable of removing them, tlie mud wduch the river brings down
serves them for a cement, and covers them by degrees ; every inun-
dation leaves a new layer, and in ten years at most the reeds and
shrubs begin to grow upon tliem. Thus have been formed the greatest
part of the points and islands, which make the river so often change
its course.
I have nothing to add to what I have said in the bosinning of the
former letter concerning the present state of New Orleans.* The
* The follow inf; is a list of tiie lirst inluibitants to wlinni lots were as^ipjicd
for buil'liiig iiurposes iu tiie City of New Orleans, includiiiL: tliose apiirnpriateil
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Photographic
Sciences
Corporation
23 WEST MAIN STREET
Wr.BSTER,N.Y. 14580
(716) 872-4503
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180
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONg OP LOUISIANA.
1 1 ['
if.ri
Ml
im
truest idea that you can form of it, is to represent to yourself two
hundred persons tliat arc sent to buiUl a city, and wlio are encMinped
on the side of a great river, where they have thouglit of nothing but
'"or pul)lic unrjiosos. The miniluTs (l('sig;iiat(' treets
and S(iuares which were to compose the new city, and made known to all who
desired lot.s or places to build on. to ])resent tlieir apidication to the Coiuicil.
Each inhabitant who presented himself reci'ivcd ten toises (sixty feet French
measure) ti(.)nt by twenty toi,^cs in depth ; and as I'ach square was lii'ty toises
square, it is easy to conceive tliat each sipiare contained twelve inhabitants, of
which two lots in the middli' had ten toi,'-es front by twenty-five toix's in depth.
It was orilered that all who should obtain these building lots ('w/'/(/'''W''/(5)
should be obliged to inclose them with a jiicUet fence, and leave all around an
empty space, three feet wide, for the construction of drains to carry oil' tho
waters of the river in the season of its ovi'rllow, M. de la Tour tlioii-ht him-
self not only obliged to order these canals or ditches whieh connniuiieate with
each other, from scpiare to scpiare. but he caused likewise, in order to preserve
tho city from inundation, to be erected in front of it, and close to a small ele-
vation which leads to tiio river, a dyke or levi-e of earth, at the foot of which
he caused to be excavati'd a similar drain." ^l. le Page du Prat/, says, • that
when he arrived in Louisiana, in 171S, New Ork'ans oidy existed in name,
and that ,M, de Hienville had gone to the -Mississippi to lay out a city, and that
ho nturnid to l)aui)liin Island after he had landed tliere. That M. v ■ IJien-
ville had made choice ol'this spot, because, of all others, it was the most suita-
ble and most convenient place to commuiiieate, eitiier by tho river or by tho
JOURNAL OF FATHKR CHARLEVOIX.
ISl
self two
icampcd
iiing but
,1 in each
^. Tlioro
V M. tn'(.'t3
1 to :ill wlio
|tl„. C'.'uucil.
iVit French
lifty ti)isi'3
uibiiaiits, of
rs in ih'itth.
h//y,/(/''"""S)
In aroiiiul an
liny I ill' tho
111. u- hi hini-
liiruatc with
I to ini'scrve
la small ele-
|,,t of which
siivs. •• that
;hI in name,
lity. a\iil that
1m. (' • r»i«'n-
lllo^t suita-
lor or liv tho
to shelter themselves from tho injuries of the air. whilst they wait
for a jilan, aud have built tlieiii.«i'lves hou.ses. M. do Pauger, whom
I have still the honor to aeeonipany, has just now showed mo one of
lakes, with Mobile, wliich was tlim tlio hi-'ail-iiuartiis orcaiiitalof the colonj-."
Ho yivis a jilaii of tho city, which hi- lU'scrilas as liciiii; divicU'il into .sixty-live
Si|iiai'cs. cloven ill length on tho river, and .six in (lopth, with a lovi-o in front,
extending ahovo an.sunied that the City of Now ()r-
loan.s was not linally establislad nntil the year 17--: tho .sanio year in which
tlio seat of govornnioiit was roniovod thither, after a jilan signed by M. do
Pauger in 17-4. Tho laniis: on imcIi side of the city, both above and bolow it,
were afterwards laid out into plantations; and many of them since that ]iorioil
have boon divided otf into lots, whiih now make \\\> iho extensive plan of that
city. The old city was regularly Ibrtilied u|> to tho cession of Franco to the
United States, after whieh the Ibrtilioatioiis wore entirely deiiiolishod. The in-
habitants and others passed in and out by nu'ans of (bur largo gates. Tlii'y
Were (h-ti'iidod bj- military works anil mounted with heavy oannoii. They were
shut oveiy night at nine o'clock, and al'ter that no one was i)ormittod to walk
the htrools without permission I'roiu tho Governor.
1.
I'f Iticinille.
4!).
DWria^Mi'jtte.
f4.
DilliiMir;.'.
(1
1)|||JIVM||.
41.
L.'i/.uit.
(-.-).
(.'orps lie la (;arile.
3.
4.
(..Maiir ami DasfielJ.
Ilojnaril.
4J.
44.
K;.-iicl.
Il..-|iiial de la Coniiin^nie
wi.
', Mai.on lie lis Ca|iiiu
5.
<'lciv:intu>3.
4.-..
( iiiuriil (1(» I'rMiliiits.
>•'.
\'\r. TrciiaMicr.
C.
7.
Tniiwiclon.
Tl»-IIKlllt.
41-,.
47.
Triiiifaii.
.Mai. >M lie la Jesuits.
!NI.
: Carnero.
e.
l)u l'au;,'er.
4f<.
St. R.vne.
H.I.
IK.'a.-Ms.
0,
CI).
n,
. La fruniere.
J Dflery.
4!>.
iill.
51,
7St.
Dt'Maiii.v
Di.'iiioraiid.
' .Mitliel.
I'lJ,
2.-.'.
■ 1 'aruii.
1 Pa.M.al.
v:.
I)c Mandeville.
.V>
Fleiirian.
;i:i.
.Miinlaulian.
i:t.
UriMix Kreres.
I'l'tnc.-uilt.
liJ.
[ Morri.et.
ill.
'jii.
Lrii .riiiatiil.
LaiiJ.i>.
10.
Dau^-eviije.
t'liiiuvin.
JCiil.
/ \fiiilunie.
!l7.
!i;i.
Kivaro.
K. nar.l ilf Mas-acre.
17.
Duval.
t^l.'l.
'■ liriislu.
mil.
V\i-. St.,lBan.
21 J,
> UosarJ.
Dupuy Freres.
>St. .Martin.
I'll,
ijii.
J Mureau.
111.
20,
I fill,
2.>.-.
i;ii,
]3,V
(it,
Le I'ase.
/ St. Ililaire.
/ .
(ianurit.
71).
Hriiac.
117,
^(Iranil Cimrt.
37
3e
' Pelerin.
77.
7fi.
IK- Mi'/ieres.
Cliaiitilly,
',".17,
211.
.3!(,
)
W).
Aulrere.
Jl.-.
.Monta^'u,
234,
> Kolly Frerej.
Fl
O^anne.
IIU
I'lurn .
230
i
b3.
Rvvardi,
121.
Li\aiuiais.
I
i":
1«2
lll.STOUICAI, CdLKKCTloNrf OF I.oll.-I \\.\.
Ins (Irnwmi
It
IS very hue and vt-ry rei/ii
liar : Imt it will imt bo so
oasv to cxfciito it as it was to trace it mi jiiiiior.
We set out the ■2-2(1
jf ".lulv for IJiloxi. which is the lieadMiuarturs. I'.ctwccii New Or-
eaiis am
I the sea there an' no
little
de])tli : there are only some siua
ill private habitations, ami some
•iiia''a
ziiies for the ;;reat ''rants.
IJ.'himl one of these habitations, which is on the right, imnieai-
iitely below the Knglish Jleaeh. there was not long since a village of
theChaouachas. the ruins of which I visited. I found nothing entire
but the cabin of the chief, which was pretty much like the hou.-e of
one of (uir i)easants in France, only with this ditfcrence, that it had
no windows. It was built of branches of trees, the vacancies be-
tween which were tilled up with the leaves of lattanier: the roof was
of the same structure. Tiiis chief is very absolute, as are all tho--0
of Florida: he never hunts or shoots but for his diversion, for his
subjects arc obliged to give him part of their game, ll'v, village is
hi'
I '51,
r:
Riii-al.
i.>!
.1 ■ )
.'^''hiiuiU.
IT-.'.
1,. V...
1J4.
l'()ill|iHrt.
I7:t.
.lean I.OIlii.
IJ.-..
A'i-\;illilrc.
in,
I7.V
Ma-on.
IJi'i.
D.'nliTMillcH.V.
ir..
1 .:i^ 11:111'
i:ii.
I'.eh.ne.
I-Js.
Tr.MiJI.Iv.
177.
I,a. o^le.
i:'.i.
I.llifil.'.
17-^
'I'.atni.
i:ii>.
.And' III.
I7'.l.
Lalilie.
i:tl,
' 1 1
l-!l.
( lii-^T.Ier.
i:ii
.l;i>-aiulo.
1-1.
I.etlian^elier.
1:1:1.
|l'linilliiT>.
l-:i.
.\llirl n.
1:11.
»';i-iMiics I't Forges.
l-l
liiJMOl.
i;tii,
1 1.
li-."..
lie Itianme.
2S|.
; '!"-"
l-!l.
Si. .I.an.
i;iT.
HaiiiMiinl.
I'.i^'.
K.-i\ iiiont.
1:1s.
Vv IVrot.
I'.U.
( l.imlle.
140.
l.rvcMif
in.'.
S
1:1.
I'.MTirr.
111:1.
I'lirer.
U-l
.MiM.llll.
inl.
i'eni.
11:1,
^11.
I'.Ki.
r.'iMii't.
'il'.'.
' l.a I'nntaine.
l!«i.
Iliirin.ivelllure.
Ml.
Siiiiiiir. •
1117
.Iiil'i-oi'iir.
u.v
H cluT.
IW.
(illllh II.
llli.
.Mr:„..olle.
'JdK.
Ha-Hl.
HT.
Iliir.intye.
yiii.
l)„i;er.
IIS.
( loiMav.
'j(i:i.
(• Ir-eail.
lUl.
i:i'rii;»r*l.
an.
U lirr.
1..U.
n ca-.
'j(i."i.
JiilHIlel.
1.->I.
I'lait'iH'ur.
yiiii.
Carlos,
I.V.',
.Maei' Fniiicoise.
'.•1:1.
I'.iul.
l.i:t.
f , , .
'.'11.
Danpliin.
:ni.
li 1 1 ranee.
1:1. ">
V.t-uwr.
I.'ii,
1
iiiii.
Callaiil.
i.'ii;!
' 1 (Ill'-IILT.
yi7.
l'i:;Mev.
l.M,
H.'IM't.
S.'H.
l.a l'"orLM'.
I.lli.
l',.-.ll|l(l.
i!lll.
.Ii'aii S.iul/,.
l.'iT.
Ma.ic Miclicl.
'J-.'ll.
Sni-^uii,
It'.l.
Ilr K-l.
tl.t*
.Me-nard.
llvj.
D' Viiai'iiptte.
U.I.,
Ilc-ll.'l.
ii;:i.
S,.uli;i::iiu'rt'.
'.':ii>.
f ( '"inlois.
ir.i.
I,a Itivieiu.
:!i:i.
Hi.-..
Soyr.
c:!i
.MancTau.
iii:,
1 P. net.
'.':i,'.
S.-iiilnier.
Hi-.
'ji;t
.•\\ello.
]>>'.>
1 ..-'cairo.
•::v,.
CliiMina.
17(1
|)M|iai :.
y-17
Lalef.
210. I.f One.
•ill. I'lIM -111.
;il-;;.iaii,vr.
•Ji:i. U..niliaii.
■.'I.V |lll|.l.--lv
•riO. li.e-rl.ur,.
•J.'tl. OlhrrllX.
•:r,i. Hl,lrlie.
'.'.Vl, ll,(>--et.
•.'.") 1. I 111 !■(•<.
•,V>7. Killl^'et.
•Jli:t. T.iii--:iiiit,
•Jill. Caoui.
•Ji'.-i. Daii-eiiilie.
■JCIi, I I
■Jli7 \
•Jliil l!i)Mnl.iii
.>-.! tiarikie.
r.oiiiier.
I!ai!le^.
.'7:l. I
lloriluzat.
•J7 I. \
•J77. Merin.
'J7-. I„niier.
•-71I. l.,l'nlKTt.
•Jr^-. M.iielielerre,
•-'Si, ' V ,.,
.),- -\a\ier Clievi'S.
.„, . ruiiilier.
•-'II-.'. Coiirt.ibl.in,
•"I'l I
-I'Im! S II' i(r-:'i='»"»-
■-'•"■'• ' 11
:ii,!l ^I'i'e.'.
'J;i7, \'ine''iii-
;iliS, Fciuinier.
'JIO. l.air.iil.
31'.', (ieiiiUlioininc,
4:1,
.■|li,
,'-■.', )■ \ la Coiiipai'nic.
!••'•. I
130. J
TV
not Vic so
t the -^-i"!
New Oi-
tu,) little
iiiil some
. iiiniu'ili-
viUaLrc of
linn I'litirc
(. Ik.uso of
tliiit it liad
(MUfil'S 1)0-
lie vnof was
:c all tho otJuT side (if the rivor, lialf a loai:iir luwcr. aii liavi' (r;iiis|iiirtcil tliitlicr cvoii to tin; bmu's 'if tlu'ir doiul.
A little Im'Iuw tlu'ir new litiliitatimi the i'oa>.t is iiiiu-li iii;:!H'r than
any where heri'iilimit. ami it a]i|i<'ars to nio that they slinujil have
placed the I'ity tiiere. It wuuld lie but twenty leairue- tVinii tht; sea,
and with a muuIi wind, or a nindcrate southeast, a ship \vi>iil,l j/(.t up
in lil't'en iimirs. The ni,trlit of the "JiJd we (|\iitted thr lMi;it whieh
li.id hroULdi* us hither, and endiarked in a hriirantine. in whieli wo
fell down witli the stream all niu'ht. Tiie lU'.xt inorninu' liy day-
break we had passed a new eircuit. whieh the river iiiakr-. and which
they call thr l!ea(di(ifthe liakimine.s.
W V tound ourstdves soon after in tlie niiilst of the ]>nsses of tho
^lississiji]!]. where it reijuires the <:reatest attention to worli the ship,
that it nsav not be drawn into sonic one of them, IVoni whence it
wouhl \h' impossilde to recover it. liie greatest jiart are only little
rivulets, and some are even only separati^d by sand baidcs. whi( h are
almost h v.] with the water. It is the bar of the Missis-inpi which
lias so i:r.at]y multiplied tiiesc passes; for it is ea,-y to cMicfive by
ic manie r ni
tl
land-
res 1
aihl tlu
which I have said there are fori
b
licil cviry May new
river, endeavnrinir to escape by where it linds the least
stance, makes itscdf a jiassaire, sometimes one way and sometimes
another: fr^m whence it nii,Ldit happen, if care was not taken, that
no
of tl
ne of tlii^e passaiies would be jiraeticable for V'
esseis.
The niu'ht
■ t!i we anciioreil heyoiid tlie liar, over a,i;ainst It liaiise.
The cnnti'ary wind keeping;' us still here, we were williiiLr to make
some ailvantaire of this dcday. Yesterday, the "J-llh. 1m iiii^- Sunday,
I beiraii by singing a great mass in the island, which t'l.'y call la.
Balise. on aeclanil. wiii'-li is se|
tl
:ia-
rateil frmii it by a gutter, v.dure there is always water <)n the other
hand it i-: very low. exettiangres. Tiion
we turn to the southwest for tw<'nty fathom : we return to the west
for three hundred, then tn the west by-north the space of one hun-
dri'(l ; to the west-northwest as many, to tin; northwest eight hun-
dred ; then we tind on the left the pass of the south, which is two
hundred ami til'ty fathom wide, nine f.ithum \vatt;r at its entrance on
the side towards the river, and two feet only where it goes out to the
sea. Two hundred and fifty fathom farther is tiie jiass of the south-
west, nearly the same breadth : never less thmi seven or eight feet
water. Hereabout the country beirins to bo not so marshy, hut it is
tl
le
overflowed during four months of the year. It is bounded on
left liy a succession of little lakes, which are at the end of that of the
Chiti
dands de la Chandeh
liitimaclies : and on tiie riglit tjy the islands de la Lliandeleur
(Candlemas) : it is thought that bi:tween these islands there is a pas-
sage for the largest vessels, and that it would be easy to make a good
port here. (Jreat barks may go U[i from the sea to the lake of the
Chitimaehes. and nothing hinders from going thitiicr to cut down
the finest oaks in the world, with which all this coast is covered.
I think it would be best to stop all the passes but the principal
one. and nothing would be easier ; to etlect this we need only guide
the floating trees into them, with which the river is almost always
covered. From hence it would follow in the first place, that nothing
would enter the river, not even bnks and canoes, but by one passage,
which would defend the colony from surprises : in tho second place,
that all the force of the current of the river being united, its sole
mouth would deepen itself as well as the bar. I found this cnnjec-
ture on what had happened at the two ]ioiiits cut off. which I men-
tioned before. Then there would be nothing more to do than to pre-
serve the channel, and to hinder the floating trees from causing any
obstruction in it. which does not appear to me to be very diflicult.
As to what concerns the Itreadth of the river between the passes,
tliat is to say, for the four leagues from the island of Toulouse to the
12
'I
f
1|
If* '■
li,
180
IIIHTOKICAIi ('()IJ,i;( j'U>\r( ol' I.ni'Irfl \ \ A.
jm.x.s (if tlir .SDUtliwost, it is lU'Vur more than fifty ffitlidiii; Iml iiiiiiic-
diiitcly ahiivu this puss. th(^ Mississijijii iiisutisii,ly iccdvci?' its usual
broailth, which is ui'Vt.T Kss than a mile, and seldniu more tliaii two
miles. Its de]ith alsn inereases friMU the bar upwards. whi«di is the
reverse of all other rivers, whieh are enmnroiily tlie deeper the neiirer
they eomu to the sea.
It wouli] be here a proper plaeo, Madam, to entertain you with
the causes of the failure of those numerous grants whieh have made
so mueh noi.se in France, and on which so many persons had built
such mi;.dity hopes; but I had rather refer this to our lirst interview,
anil conliiie myself at present to cominunieatc to you my thoughts of
the metiiod that persons should pursue in settling in this country, if
the success of so many oft'orts. and of such largi! sums advanced to
no purpose, does not entirely disgust our nation.
it appears to mc that tin; haliitations ought not to l)e jdaeed on
the side of the river; but I would have them removed higher up the ■
country, at least a quarter of a league, or even half a league. I am
not ignorant that it is possible to bo freed from the inconveniences
of the common floods by making good ditches: but I think it is a
great inconvenience to build upon a soil where, if jou dig ever so little,
you immediately find water; and of conseciuenco one can have no
cellars. I am also of opinion that they vould be urcat gainers by
leaving the lands all open to the annual inundation of the river.
The mud that settles on them, when the waters arc gone oft, re-
news and enriches them ; one might employ a part of them in jiastur-
age. the other might be sown with rice, pulse, and in general with
every thing that rcipiires ricii and wet lands. In time we should see
on both sides of the Mississijipi nothing but gardens, orchards and
meadows, which would be suilicient to feed the ])eoplc, and would
supply matter for a useful commerce with our islands and the other
neighboring colonies In short, I think I could answer for it. having
lantled twice or thrice every day as I came down the river, that al-
most every where, at a little distance from the sides, we may find high
grounds, where we might build on a solid foundation, and where
wiieat would grow very well when they have given air to the country
by thinning the woods.
As to what concerns the navigation of the river, it will always be
difficult when we are to go up it, because of the strength of the cur-
rent, which obliges us even in going down to be very cautious, as it
bears upon points that run out, and upon shoals ; so that to navigate
it safely we must have vessels that have both sails and oars. More-
over, as we cannot go forward at night when it is cloudy, these voy-
.V
jiiniN'Ai. or lAiiir.i! ni.\iii,i;v(>i\.
is;
ml niiiiic-
ils u.-'vial
than two
icli is tilt'
111: iiruror
you witli
iiivs: uiiulf
lia.l Imilt
interview,
liouf^lits of
cniintry, if
ivaiict'd to
|)lat'cil on
;lior up tiie •
ruo 1 aui
iivuuioncort
ink it is ii
vor so little,
an have no
gainers by
river,
fono oft", rc-
1 in ]iaslur-
neral with
sliouUl see
eliarils and
antl would
.1 the other
)r it. having
er. that al-
ly find high
and where
the eountry
|ll always be
of the cur-
itious. as it
to navigate
lars. Morc-
I, these voy-
ages will hr always vi'rv trdluus and i'.\|)onsivo. at least till tlic Imr
ders lit' \\\,' river h.ive settlements near eaeli other, on tiw wiiuje ex-
tent nt'llie CiMnitry. that is. Iictweeii the Illinois and tlie sea *
Sueh. .^Ial^•^nl. is this cnnntry wlileji they have so nnieli talki d <>['
in l-'iMiiei' tur sunie years, and *>i' wliieh lew |ieii]ile lia\i' a jii»t iili a
We ha\'e nut been the first Knrii]M ans tu ai'K'nuwJeilge t'le guiMlness
of it and to iH'gleet it. Ferdinand d" Snln ran over it fur the sji.iec
of tiiree years, and his hisfuriant cmiiJiI nut forgive iiiin fur nut h.av-
ing inaile a solid setth'uient litMa'. •• Where <'on!tl lie go,'' says he.
•■ to ihi better?"
Imb'ed. I never lieanl liOiiisiana lightly spoken of. but by tlireo
sorts nf penple that have been in the enimtry. and whose testineoiy
is certainly to be rejected. The first are the mariners, wlnt. frciii the
road nf Ship Islaiol ur Isle Dauphin, eouhl see nothing but that
island ipiite covered with liarr<'n sanil. .iiid the still u\(tvo saiuly enast
of 15iloxi. and wlm suffered themselves tu be p(!rsuaded that the en-
trance nf the 3Iississippi w..s impa-.«.able I'ov ships nf a certain Imlk,
or that it was necessary to go fifty leagues up this river to find a
* Even after tlio ninutlis of ilie .Mi>-is'.i]) li witc siirveyeil, soiiiiilril. and
buovi'd. slii|is arriviiiy fruni l'.urii]ie [iri I'tiicil to aiielinr at ."Slii|i Islainl. tliaii to
oni'oiiiilcr the ilillicnll
Irs o
f ( rci>siiii; the liar ami :isc-(iiilipi;- llie river to .\'i'W
ans, w liicli soiiietiines lodk a niontli or more. S;e,iiii-tiii;> liail not liieii lieei
le onlv ic
actie.llile eliliancr I'l
rXc-s^elS
Orl.
tlniuj:lit of. 'i'lie soiitliea>l pass was ijn'ii t
drauiii:: fourteen feet nfua'i'r; ami to prrMMve a^ well as to iiii|prc)Vi> it a
Willi Imilt of piles was ilirowii up wliieli prcsi rvi d tli" elianiirl from the ex-
treme point of main land to tlir sea. A water hatterv, a military post, slorc-
lioiises a jHiwihr inai;a/ine. ainl chapel, were lniill npon the hank I'oinicil hy
these pilrs. A i^arrison of tifiy men was n.sually kept there, as well as pilots
and a frw sailors. This spot was known as l!ali/.i' foit. At Mrs; c siiiii trd on
the ccli;e of the shore, alioiil srvcn h\uiilrril vai'ds from the ( Mil .■■ • (hr de-
posits of earth by the I lui'int oi' the river have lieen so !,'real that ,i.iw stands
about nine miles from the sea-shore. 'J'he emrineer dc I'.iniri'r, to !iicica>e the
depth ot' that mouth or ehainiel ]iroposc d to im'losr it hctwi m two niolcs huilt
of drift- wooil eoverinu' an e.\t( nt of two thoirsnid four hnndred yards. This
plan wciuld doubtless hav<' impicivid the chamirl. but it was never e.\ii uied.
AltlioU'_di this channel has remained about the same I'vcr since, still it is
deeply to be rcirrettcd tliat scarcely any ell'orts have been made to in-
crease its de|ith. which wiuild not only have been of fjrcat advantaj^e
to commerce, but would have prevented much destruction of properly, and
valuable land and plantations from lieiiii; aiuiually iuuinlated. Kil'iy thoiisand
dollars a year, W jiuliciinislij laid out by the State, would iiisiu'c sixty or seventy
feet of water in tins elianmd. throuj;h which probably pass u|)wards of two hun-
dred millions of dollars anmially ; besides lessening the risk to merchants and
si lip-owners.
t Garcilasodo la Vega's History of the Conquest of Florida.
SI
p
188
III.STOIUCAI. COI.I.KCTIflNH Of LOUISIANA.
pliu'i! tliiit was Imbitalili'. Tlicy woiilil liavr Imcii ijiiitc of niiotlior
ojiiiiidii if tlu-y ciulil liavc iiil;ar!>e and other still richer, frnm which they flat-
tered themselves they could t'asily drive away tlie possessors; and
because these idle stories had gained credit with smue silly people,
instead of imjiuting to themselves tlie error, in whieli they were en-
gaged by tlu^ir foolish credulity, they have discharged their spleen
on the country, where they have found nothing of what had been
prom
ISO
d tl
lem.
0\ IJoAuo TUK AiHiLii. April o, 17J2.
The 20th, after liaving closed my letter, 1 embarked, and we pre-
pared to sail ; but after we had made one tack to the south, the wind
coming against us obliged us to return to our anchorage, and to re-
main there the two following days. The 'i'.ith we weighed anchor
early in the morning, but the wind was so weak and the sea ran so
high, that in twenty-four hours we made but fourteen leagues, which
was but half the way we had to go. The oOth we had neither the
wind miu-e favorable nor the sea more calm till towards four in the
afternoon, when a ^''ower of rain cleared up the weather, which was
very thick, and calmed the sea; but after au hour or two the mist
JfilllVM. oi" I'\rili;U CM \UI.I'.\ nl\.
ISO
(if iHHitlicr
ti) tliriii ill
•cd tliiiii so
ivt'ii (lilt of
111), wliftlicr
•iiif^flvt's in
Ills tumitry
riicy tl" not
li tlu'V iiro
isvlvcs very
i- ^tatf ; tlio
ig tlir^^o ad-
I iK.vdty in
•d. altriliuto
till! imaiitt-
srltliiiu: it.
h tliitt Luui-
mar tiic t'a-
ich tlif,y Hat-
essors ; and
illy lunple,
fv wrif on-
tlifir fiilt.'i'ii
it had been
•il r,, 1722.
and wo prc-
li, tlio wind
and to re-
ud anchor
sea ran so
iguL'S, which
neither the
four in the
which was
wo the mist
returni'd. and liccainc so thick tliat. iiui hciiii.' ahlc to src how to
steer iiiir vcs^ri. \\r canic tu an anclmr. The next day as the fog
did not di>|ier>e. M ih' I'auL'er and I wiiit into the hnat to gain tiie
road of ri>l(' anx \'ais>ii'aiix* (Slii|i Ishiiid); we visited there some
sliips of France, and we got hack to Hiloxi ahoiit four in tin- after-
noon.
All this coast is extremely flat : mereliant ships cannot come
* S'l'ii hiililil «11S ilhvays llie tilsl piiilil on llie I'l.a^l wliele vessels aiieliereil
on (■uinin^ I'liiiii I'raiiee. A I'l'it "iiN liiiilt l|ji'H'uilli eoiiM nieiil aecipiMiiii"|,i-
timis I'm- ll'oiipN llesiiles ^^a^elMlnse^ Uw the NluniJ^e ..l' ;; i^ all'l Mlppli' - Inr
the eiiliiiiy.
I'm- a imiliher df Vear^ Hilnxi was tln' ]iriliei|i;i| t'lelol-V el" llie eoni|Mliy
Ulltilllie head (|liarters Were reliinveij 111 .Mciliile. Il.re |lier\ ilie Imill a lull
a liarrailo liir llie tni(i|is. and slied> !'. ir the edlnniNis, iinill lliey emilil lie le-
liiii\eil III oilier |iiiiiils. (In jlier Uland a liii-|iital uas Imilt Inr llie aeciiiiiino-
dalioii of the >ii'k. The Iran^imrlalion oi' ihe eoliiiiisi> \v,i>. iieil'iirnied iiy IhmIs
of the coiniiniiy. wliieli stMiliiej IVoni 15ilo\i pj-Mil iliroii^li lakes i'oiiteliar-
traiii and .Maure|iaN and llayon Maneliae. At tin' millet of llie Iimv. a ]iii>t was
estalilislied whieh eoininniiiealed direelly wiih the upper jiart of llie ii\er hy
means of Niatiuns ranged all iiIdiij: ils eoni>e. at whiili Imats eii!))loyed in ear-
ryiiii; eoiropiindence and eoiiveyin^' Ironps emild ol>i;iin all thiir nl•ee^>i||■y sup-
plies. 'J'lie liii.its on llie river stiippi-d at Ihe poll of Mani li:li' whieh lielore
the head ipiarlers were renioved, u:is Minieiiini > e.iil. il \i\\ (Irlians. 'J'lio-e (if
Hiloxi only passed IVoiii Manehae to IJiloxi. Thirty iiiile- a d ly was considered a
good passa^-i' for lioiitsi;oinijj np the ri\ er Alississipin. 'J'he ^joNcrnnient ( I' I'raMee.
at this early period had reeoniniended the ii|ieiiiir^ ul' a road lis laml iVom
Bildxi to llie emintry of the Illinois to obviate the delays uhieh theoveiilow
of the rivi'r oeeasioned in the eorrespondenee lietwem ihi^e iwo points of the
colony. A hearer of dispatehes left eaeh of these points onee a iiionih.
llaiipliin Isliind ne;ir the eiitranee of .Mohile hay. was foi- many years an iiii-
portaiit post, li was re;;nlarly fiirtilied and served as a eoiivenient haihor for
the Freiieh ship|iiii^- in summer, 'riieie -.las a miliiary jiost at the mouth of
Baymi St. John, nine niile.s frmu .New Orleans, deiniilrd liy a hattery of six
iiUti^. "lie at Cat Island; one at the I5ali/.e; one nt Point ("oiipee ; one at
Natehe/. ; uUe nt .\a lehiloelies ; one oli llie Ark.ins:l>; one, -it the Va--oiis; one
atAltakapas: one at the Illimiis: and one on the Alali.ima. I'.aeh of these
posts was under the eoiuniand of a chief, who exercised Imtli civil and military
jurisdiction. The adniinistiation seat ot' the ci.lnny reiu.iiiii'il ni lliloxi until the
year 17--!. when (iovernnr liicnville reinoMd his head-ipuirteis to New ( )ili ans.
This transfer i:ave an impel us to New Orleans which I'mm a luiseraMe haiii-
let h,is now hecnme the thiid rreat coinniereiMl mart of the rnited . States, and
is doulitless destined. /'■/('/( the Tehuailtcpec route is opened lietweeu Ihf
Atlantic and I'acilic oceans, and the lines ot" r.iili'oads comiceiin:; the .Sniith
with the North are coiiipK ted. to he what Alex.indria in I'.irypt was in llio
times of the Ivomaiis. the j;i-eal inter-oceanic capital of the world. ,\lready
liur exports exceed that of any city in the Cniti cl .States, while wi'h well-
directed enterprise, and ciicouraLMnL' coasiuise and I'nreiL'U steam na\i^atiiin
with all parts ol' the woild. her innmrts may he made to I'xeceil in a very
t
190
III."' I'llUtC \f, Col.l.l'.iriMNS (»(' 1.1)1 HI \.\\.
IV,:'
t\ ■
I
.J^
ncui'iT it iIkiii lour l<'ii;.'iii's. iiin) llic .'•iiiiilli.st l>ri;::iiiliiit> tliaii two;
siikI t'Viii tlii^f iiri' tililijiffd in pi t'uitlu'r n|V wlnii llic wiml i.s nnrth
or iii>rtli\vt'>t. or cl-i' tlnv find tliciii.Ht'lvcs on ^rtiinnl ; ih it lia|i|»'iHMl
ilic iiiirlil 111 Inn- I ili'liiirkcil The ruml is tlic wliolc IniL'tli i>\' Sliip
li^Iiiiiil. wliii'Ii (StciMls a small lra;riir iVniii ra>t to Wot. Iiiit lias vrry
littli' linailtli 'I'd till' ca^t nt' tlii> inland is |)ni|iliin Islaini. t'lnnrrly
calli'd MassaiTc Island. wIh'Ic tlion' wa>i a tidiraldc jinrt. wliidi i\
irnst lit" wii.'l shut ii[i ill twd liiMirs. 11 little III. Ill' than ;i veil" ai'i'. by
lilliiii; tlio I'litiaiirc nf it witli sand. Tn tlic west nf Slii|i I-solvent and an
excellent sudorific, hut its principal quality is diuretic, The Span-
iunls use it in all I'lorida ; it is even their eoniniou drink. It hegan
to he used ill I'aris when I left it; hut we wt're then in a had lime
tew veiirs, her iircat rival in wcallli and eiitcTiuiM', tlie eiiy oC \c\v-York.
The ("illowiiii; talil<' will jrive soiin' iilea ot' liie cNliiit ol" cciiuilry walcnil l>y
mmici'oiis liiii,'e rivcis, which is now niiide iiv sl.iOiiliniit iia\ i;;aliiiii, in sniuo
measure tiitiularx to the cminiu rcc of New Oile.ias. vi/.,: —
Valley ol' the Ohio lltMKHIII s,|. milis.
.Missis>i|i|ii iiro]K'r, , , , I.^OIKIO
'• " ^Missouri. , , , . .'lOOOUd •'
" " Lower Mississijipi, . . . :;:;(! uiio "
Area in siiuare uiiU's,
l.lilO.(H)U
tliiiii two;
1 i.s iiiii-th
li.'l]>|ii'l|(Ml
til n( Sliip
it li;i« very
1. fiiriiiiTly
rt. wliicli a
•ar ;i_'n, by
I I-laii'l lie
llr. t|„. ]s-
iiiil. wliich
I'll titwiirtln
III' river nf
iris, 'riii'y
ijiiarti rs of
i; .-liips. imr
cs lliis. tlio
it is full of
is (if is to
oiiH' til ilis-
i\v lands, it
iiviiiir lirst
- M a. Tt
|iii(s and
llsi) iil-OWS
Iravt'S of
lit and nn
ic Sjian-
ic
It lit'gan
II had time
N'rW-Vulk.
wall rill l>y
imi. ill Miiiiu
jriiKNAi. Ill' r\riii:it ni \iM,r.V(ii\.
101
fur iHW trials; tln'v drnpiiid as siiddcnly as tln-y won- taki'ii up.
Ni'vcrtlicltss. I Ivimw tliat st'Voral jifrsons who liav usrd apalailiiiio
jiraiM' it irn-atly.
TliiTi' arc two Kinds, wliirli ditrrr mily in the >i/.i' of tlir IraM'S.
Tliux' (if tlic larirc s(irt arc iilmvc an inch Imi'.'. the others arc little
liiore than half that leiii.'lli. In >Iim|ic and »iili>taiiec they arc iihu'Ii
like the haves nf Imix. except tliiit they arc rnnnder at the ends and
of a hri'_ditcr ^recn. The naiiic of apalachinc which we have ;:ivcii
tills shriili. cMiiK's from the Apalaclics, a people of Fhiri'la. fmni wliuiii
tlie Spaniards h'anit its n>c. and this is their iiiaiiiier nt prcparinL' it.
'I'liey set on the lire in an earthen pot a certain ipiantity of h ascs.
find they let them parch in it till tlnir color licconies rcddl>h. then
tliey piMir water on them j.'eiitly till the p it is full. This water
takes the eohir of the leaves, and it froths when it i.* pound out. Iik»!
he( r. They drink it as hot as pos»ililc, and the savai.'es wmild .sooner
;ht and iiiorniii;;: they
think they should lie sick if they went without it. ami it is said tin;
Spaniards have tln( same notion.
Half an hour at'ter they have taken it. it licirins to paca -water with it. and this
pn.xliict'H [' the islands of America
which, however, is not necessary, unles.s they want to make large ta-
pcrs. I have seen candles made of it which gave as good a light and
i
Irfr
:fe.t>
tf.'
'11
1
;;
1
1
1
1
. ^
192
UISTORKAK (OM-ECTIOXH OI' I.OtllSI.WA.
*
which lasted as long as ours. Our uilissiimarics of tlic uelirhhorhood
of Acadia mix suet with it. which makes tiiciii a]it to run, because tho
8Uet (h)('s not mix well with tliis wax.
The Sicur Alexandre, who is here in tlie service of ilie company in
the quality of surgeon ar.d botanist, mixes nothing with it. and his
candles have not this fault; their light is snft and very clear, and th(?
smoke they make when they are blown out has a smell of myrtle very
agreeable. IJe is in hopes of linding a way to blanch tliem. and ^t
showed me a mass of it, which was aliovi! half blanched, lit; s;;ys that
if they would allow him five or six of those slaves who are least fit for
the common labors, to gather the grain in the season, he eouhl niako
wax enough to load a ship every year.
Ai thirteen or fourteen leagues from the IJiloxi. inclining to the
east, we find the river of the Maubile, which runs frnm tiie north to
the south, and the nmuth of wliicli is over against Dauphin Island.
It rises in the country of the Chicaehas, and its course is about a
hundred and thirty leagues. Its bed is very narrow, and it winds
much, which does not hinder it being very ra[)id : but there are
scarce any but the little petfiaugrc that can go up it when the waters
are low. We have on this river a fort, which has been i\ long time
the principal post of the colony ; yet the lands are imt ^ lod, but its
situation near the Spaniards makes it eonveni(,'nt for uding with
them, and this was all they smight for at that time.
It is reported that at some leagues beyond the fort 'ley have
discovered a quarry : if this be true, and tlie i[uarry abi) ids with
stone, it may prevent the entire desertion of this post, wl Ii many
inhabitants begin to forsake, being unwilling to cultivate y longer
a soil tvhich does not answer the pains they ^ako to iprove it.
Nevertheless. I do not believe that tiiey will easily resoh to evacu-
ate the fort of Maubile. though it sliould serve only to kcL^ in our
alliance the Tchactas. a numevous people, who make us a necessary
barrier against the Cljicaciias. and against the savages borderinii- on
Carolina. (Jarcilasso de la A'eg'^- '" '>>■'' history of Florida, speaks of
a village called iNIauvilla, which no doubt gave its name to tlie river,
and to the nation that was settled on its borders. Tliese Mauvilian.s
were then very powerful ; at present there are hardly any traces left
of them.
They are at jiresent engaged in seeking to tiie west of the Mis-
sissippi, a place fit to make a settlement which may bring us nearer
to Mexico; and they think they have found it at a hundred leagues
from the mouth of the river, in a bay whicii bears- the name some-
times of St. Magdalen, and sometimes of St. Louis, but oftener that
JOUKNAI. or FATIIEK CIIAKLEVOIX
10.",
S),
lil)orli()od
CllUSf tllf!
inpaiiy in
:. ami lii.s
•. ami tlio
yrtio v(!ry
11. ami ''t
s;^ys tliat
■a.^t tit for
mill luako
iig to tlio
[i north to
in Island.
,s alxiut a
it winds
there are
the waters
lon^r time
)d. but its
Uing with
'ley have
ids with
h many
y longer
iprove it.
to cvaeu-
c^ in our
necessary
lering on
speaks of
the river,
lanvdians
traces left
the Mis-
US nearer
d leagues
ime somo-
tencr that
of St. iJernard. It receives many rivers, some of wdiieh are lortty
large: and it was there that M. de la Salle landed when lie niissi'd
the muiith of the Mississiiipi, A hrigantine has hccn sent lately
thither to ri'connoitre it, Imf they found tliere some savages, who aj»-
pear little disposed to receive us. and whom they did imt treat in
such a manner as to gain tliem to us. I also hear that the Spaniards
have very lately prevented tliis design by .settling there before us.
There is in truth something more ])ressing and better to be done
than this enterprise. I know that conimer>e is the soul i>f eidnnies,
ami tliat they are of no use to such a kini:dnm as ours but fir this
end. ami to hinder our nelglibors tVinn growing too jiowert'iil : but if
they do not begin by cultivating tlie lands. e()Uimerc(\ after having
enriched some private jMrsons. will soon drop, and tlu> colony will not
be e.->talilislieil. The neigliborhood of tiie Spaniards may Iiave its
use.- but let us leave it to them to approadi us as mucli as they will,
we are not in a condition, and we have no need, to extend oursidves
fartlier. They are ]icaceable eiioiigli in this country, and they will
never be strong enongh to give us any uneasiness. It is not even
their interest todiive us out of this ciumtry: and if they do not
comprehend it yet. tiiey will witliout doubt soon be sensible that they
cannot have !i better barrier against tlie Knglisli than Louisiana.
TIr( heat was already very troublesome at the l>ilo.\i in tiu^ middle
of ]N'arch. and I judge tliat when tin; sun has onee heated the sand
on wliicli we widk iiere. the heat must be excessive. They say indeed
that without the breeze whieli rises pretty regularly every day be-
tween nine and ten in tin; morning, and continues till sunset, it would
be impossible to live here. Tlie mouth of the Mississippi is in
twenty-nine degrees latitude, and the coast of tlie IJiloxi is in tiiirty.
We had here in the month of February some c(dd weather, wlien the
wind blew from the north and nortliwest. but it did not last h-ng;
and it was even fiUowed by great heats with thunder and liglitning
and storms, so that in the morning we were in winter, and in the
afterno(ni in summer, with some small intervals of spring and au-
tumn between both. Tlie bree/.e comes generally from the cast.
When it comes from the south it is only a rcHcctcd wind, wliic li is
much less refreshing ; but it is still a wind, and when it falls entirely
there is no breathing.
Tii(( 'Jlth of 3Iarch I departed from IJiloxi. where I iiad been
stopped by a jaundice, which held mo about a month, and 1 returned
to New Orleans, where I was to embark in a pink belonging to tlio
company named the Adotir. I made this V(tyag(! in a pettiangro.
and I never yet made one more disagreeable. Five leagues from the
^
■
1 r
|1
i 1
t ?^s fl
104
lllSTOItrCAl< COLLECTION'S OF LOUIrilANA.
Hil'ixi. tin; west wind, wliicli in tlirco Iioiirs Itrouglit mo tliero. gave
placi! f(i ii sDntli wind so violent tliat I was oblijiod to stop. I had
s(',irc(! tinu! to sot up ii;y tent hct'irc wo were ovorflowed with a
dt'liiL'i' of rain, accompanied with tiinndcr.
Two litthi vessels tliat set out witli mo wcsre willing to take ad-
vantaire of the wind, wliieli carried them a jrreat wav in a few hours,
and I was very sorry that I could not do the same, but I soon heard
that their fate deserved rather pity than envy. The first was ii ;'on-
tiniial danger of being lost, and her passengers arrived at New Or-
li'ans rather dead than alivo. The other was run aground about
half w;iy, and five jiorsons were drowned in a meadow, of which the
storm had made a lake. The wind continued all night with the sanio
violence, and the rain did not cease till tho next day at noon. It be-
gan agiin at night, and continued till day with thune animals lay their u'j:'^^ ou the land. After I had rested my-
self a little at coming out of the lake, I pursued my way by laud,
and T arrived at Xcsw Orleans before day.
Tho Aildur was gone from thence, but not far, and T came up
with her the next day. the 1st of A|iril. The inundation was at its
height, and of eonse(^uence the river much more rapid than I found
lioro. fravo
ip. I liiid
red with a
talt with great vioh iice. We
got even into one of the smallest, and I could never yet conceive
how we could get out again. We came oil'. Iiowever, with the loss of
an anchor which we hift there. We had already lost two days be-
fore. HO that we hail only two remaining, Sm-li a bud beginning
made us a little thoughtful, but the youth and little skill of those
with whom they had trusted us gave us still more uneasiness.
The Adiiiir i.s a very pretty vessel of tluH'c hundred tons burthen.
It sailed from France with a very good crew, umler the conduct id' a
captain who understood his busimss. and a lieutiuiant who had a
very good character. The latter was left sick at St. Domingo. The
captain soon after his arrival at the J>ilo\i. i[U.irrelled with one of the
direetor.s of the eomp;iny. who displaced him. T) supply the |ilaees
of these two otlicers. they have cho>en a young man of St. .Malo. who
came three years ago to liouisiana. in the station of pilot's mate or
apprentice, and who since that time got the command of a sloop in
the road of the IJilo.xi. to go sometimes to la Maubile and ,'^onutimes
to New Orleans with provisions. lie ajijiears to have eviry thing
that is requisite to become a skillul miriner : he loves his business
and applies himself to it : but we should be vry willing to see
nothing of his little I'.xperience. especially in a navigation which is
att(;nded with great dilhculties.
lie has for his second an otlieer who came from France in the
quality of iLUsign; he also is a young man very lit to be a sul)altern
under principals of experience', who wmdd leave nothing to him but
the care of executing their orders, it would lie hard to hud a sea-
man of more courage in a storm, which he has been usi:d to from his
childhood in the painful iisheries of Newfoundlaml : and two or
three shijiwrecks from which he has hap[pily escaped, has given him
a eontidi'uce. which 1 shall be much surpri>ed if he does not come
into a liad plight by.
Our first jiilot appears a little more e.\perienced than these two
officers, and they depend much on the knowledge he has of the chan-
nel of liahauia. which he has passed ouee already. IJut this is but
little to be acquainted with this passage the most danger-us that
i ,
f
'■' I!-
106
lllSTOKirAI, COM.rcTIOVS Of KoriSIANA.
tliorc is ill tlic Ainoricaii sraH. and wlicro (lioy reckon shipwrecks by
tliDusands, Moreover. I am ;rri'afly a[i|irelioiisivo that a Certain self-
suffifiriil air wiiieh I oliservo in liiiii will jirodueo sonic fatal efioct.
lie has two siil)alteriis who are very frooil iiatiired t'elhtws ; \\i) have
fifty saihirs of ]ireta;»iie. a littUi iimtinoiis. bnt strong and vigorous ;
almost all have boon at the coil fishery, and that is a good school.
The sen men appear to be men of judgment and experience
111 spite of all these hiiidninees which T have mentioned, wo an-
chored on tlie outside the bar the ^Jd. at night ; we passed it the od,
and for want of wind we could go no farther. Yesterclay we were
again stopped all the day. and tiiis night we have had a storm from
the south, which imule us give thanks to the Lord that wc were not
at sea -^o ni'ar the coast. I hope, madam, to write you in a short
time from St. Domingo, whither our jiink is bouml to take in a cargo
of sugar, which lays there ready for us. T take the ailvantage of a
sloop whicli is going up to New Orleans, to st'iid this letter to you
by a ves.soi that is bound directly for France.
c c) i> p I v:
d'vnk
LETT HE YEN ANT DE LA ELOHLDE,
ENUOYKK A IIOIKX,
ET DF.rUIS AU SHKJNKUIl DKt r,|{()\;
KN.SKMIil.K
LE PLAN KT POUTUAICT Dll FOIIT
(^ri-: i,i:< ritA.Nrui.s v ont r.vicr.
Mon tros lionore pero csti'it iirrivi! en eeste trrre ilc la Xouuclle
Franco, en bonne prosjxTite ot santo (Dion niurcy) loi[Ucl ie prio tjuc
ainsi .soit-il do vous. Ic n'ay vonlu t'aillir i\ jirLiiilre la pl'inie on la
main, ot l:t. iaire courir sur le papior. jrxu- vous t'airo vn potit dis-
cours do I'islo de la Floride dicto la XuiiuoUo Franco, ot do la .sorte
• Tliis is an important ddcument. iH'cinisc it lixcs tin' iH'ctisi' tinii' ami place
of sottlciucnt of tlio lirst Frcncli cdldiiy in NCu- I'liUn'o. almnt forty yi;i in .iftor
its illsi'ovciy hy Voniz/ano, and uiirrccts tlio 'nistake tliat M ik- la UMipc lias
falK'n into by tixing on IV'nsacola hay as tin: plaoNsession, it was virtually aban-
doned by the Crown of .S|iaiu, as a vast wildrnn >s unlit for cou'iuest and un-
worthy of her arms. It was not thi'ielbre luilil the lluijiunots of Fiance, un-
der the patronage of Admiral Colig-ny, had iK d from the i)erseculioii and intoler-
anco of tho Catholic Church in the reign nl' Charles tlie Ninth, to found a I'ro-
tostant empire in New France (North America), that the Crown of .Spain jire-
tended to set upany title to it. Tiie French, therefore, are not only entitled to
the honor ol' building the (iist fort and cstabli>liiny; the first colony in that
country, but also for having e.xidorcd the ..Missi>>i]ipi and tin: couiiirio boicler-
ing on it, and tho Gulf of ^Mexico, which they afarwards coloni/ed and called
Louisiana.
108
iiisToiiKAi, roi,r,i:(TiuNri or i,oi;isia\a.
;!.
ct iiiaiiicn' (Ics suuiiii/fc^. Ii('i|iu'l vu' jiliiira prtulrc en gn', voiis sup-
plifit trt's liuiiililoiiiciit tii'nunir jiour excusu .si m* vous ('scri|it/, jilus
ainpliMiH'iit coiiniio (Icsircruis. ^lais la oauso a o.ste (|m' tiauailloiis
ioiiniflli'iiiciit ii iiostrc t'nrt. Icijiicl est dc; prcsdiit cu (IcIlViiccv
Ndiis ]iartisni('S dii llaiirc Ic wii do avril. l.'ifit. smiliz la con-
diiictc (111 sci.trniMir Kcim'; dc Jiatulnniiioro. frciitil-liniimio I'oiotcuin,
ayaiit chariri' do truis iiaiiircs do irucrro. doiit collo sur lai|U<'llo il
iiauiircoit }«( iioiiiiiu! /' Ysiiliriui. ds lloinfloiir, drtt est iiiaistrt; loan
JiUoas. diidict lion admiral : Tautro loijiud ostoit viH-adiniral tiavijrooit
lo ca[i[pituiiio Vassoiir. do Dioppo. lo(|iiol f^e noinnioit Ic Vilit linlo.
aiiiiucl ostiiis C'lnbannio. ft ay fait niovoyairo; Taiitro so ixiiiniio /c
Faitlniii. aiKiiiol iiaiii,Lfonit 1(! oapitaiiio I'iorro Maroliaiit, losniiolz tons
cu,sonil)lo (aiioo I'aydo. d(! nostro Ijon i)i(!U nn'auniis one) aiios tou-
siours nauigo cnsomlilo aiiec boau tops, sans s'o.^logiior run dol'autre
pl' do trois liouos. toUoniont ipio puuuous diro (ri'Udaiit graoo a J)iou)
'Axunv o.'^to dos plus liouroux nauigoas (pii fuiot ianuiis on nior. viiviit
la grand fanour ipio eo bon Diou a vs»; cnuors ni)us ipii sunmies
pauuros poolu^urs nous ayut conduiotz on bnnno prosporito sans
trouuor nul eraposclioinont sinon quo come passions par la coste d'An-
gletorro trouuasincs cnuiron dix liuiot ou vingt liunpios. quo nous
cstimos ostro Anglois. (|ui nons guottoions jionr nous jiiondro. ct los
ayus dosoouuorts nous nous niisuios on bataille j^iur los rooopuoir :
car I'o nous auoit diet aufit do partir ((u'il y auoit dos Anglois (jui
nous guottoiont ]iour nous prodro, ct los(|uollos liunjues nous ayans
doscouuors. ot nous voyiis toutos noz osoignos dosployoos ot nus hus-
ncs bastilbumoos tons prots u oondiatro. nous apjiorcoiisnics I'adniiral
nt lo vis admiral dosdiotos liurijuos (pii t'aisoiciit rogor losautros iiur-
quos ot puis s'on vindront droiot i\ nous, ot nous h eulx. ot u oosto
liouro nous ajiporoousun's q' c'estoiot liurquos do Fladros ausquollos
no' parlasmos, lo.^'ipu'llos nous diront ((u'ils all(»iont on brouago pour
cbargor du sol jianjuoy nous los laissasmos allor. ot prinsuits nostre
routto ius(|ues au vingt douxiomo iour do iuin. (|U0 nous soiiinios ar-
riuoz a lo vouo do la Nouvollo Franoo. autros t'ois apjiolor la l""l(iride,
ou nous sentismos vno donoour odorit'oranto do plusiours bonnes
chosos i\ cause du vont (jui vonoit do la tt'rro, ot voyans la torro fort
platto sans vne soullo niontaigno, fort droioto au log do la nior. ct
toute plaino do boaux arbros. ct tons bois tout lo long do la riuo do
la nior. le vous laisso a ponscr en quelle ioyo nous pouuions estro
tous. nicsnies tiuo sur Ic inidy nous ousnios cognoissance d'vne fort
belle riuioro. ou il print cnuie audit seigneur de Laudoniore y de-
scendre pour la recognoistre, ct dc faiet y alia acconipagno de douzc
soldats seullotnent, et si tost que ilz miront pied a, terre, troia roys
i,i/iTi!i; \ r.N.w'i' Dr. i..\ ri.dUiKi:. nc nki i r.i.i.i; rirwcK lO!'
, voiis sup-
friptz plus
trauuillons
iico.
iiiiz III con-
.I'nictfMiiri,
liiijui'lli' il
listn; lean
il iiavijriMiit
'i/if linh).
! luiiiiim' Ic
si[iic!/, tons
alios tou-
II (If lantrc
iL'i.' a J)itMi)
HUM', vciyat
iii MMiiincs
i»''rltt! sans
coste d'An-
'. i[Uo nous
idle, ct los
rcct'puoir :
Hirlois ((ui
"US avails
t iios lius-
'ailiiiiral
iitii's liur-
ot a ccste
IUS(pK'll0S
iiagc pour
ics iidstre
iiiiuii's ar-
il l''liiride,
S lioiUiOS
U'.YYv fort
la iiKT, et
I riuc do
ions estro
d'vne fort
lore 3' de-
de douze
rois rojs
aiU'i' plus do (jiiatro cons sauiiaiT's. vimlrrnt tmis salucr a Iciir nii"K'
Icdict .sL'igiifiir dc Jiaudonicrc. cii li' llatt it tons ain.-i ciuiiiii'' si oil
(idoroit viH' iniairi". Hn a]ipi(''- crla I'aict. lodirts rii\ s Ic niniriTt vn
pen ]ilus Ining. ('iiuin'ii vn traict d'arr. aiii|ii(l lltii aiinit vin' fort lullc
fouillce do laurior. ot la s'assiront fnus onsoniMo. on nioii>trant siiriie
d'auoir grad iojo do nostro ariiuoc. ot aussi l'ai>aiit sigiio (on nios-
traiit lodiot soiguour do L ludoniort! ot !i' S'llril) di^aiit (juo Iciliot
seignoiir cstroit frcre du Sidoil. ot ipi'il yroit I'airo iagiiorroauoo oul.\
cotro lours onnoniys. losipiols lis appdlot 'ryinaiigoua. on nous faisant
signos par troi.s inoliiiations do nuiot. tpi'll n'y auoit quo trois ioiir-
neos. CO (pio lodiot soiguour do L ludoiiioro lour proiuist ipi'il yroit
avo(; oulx. dot I'mi apros I'aatro. solun lour (jiialito. so louorot ot lo
roinoroioront. I'oii apros Icdiot soiguour voulut allor vno aiitro t'ois
plus auioiit ladioto riviOro. ot <.'n regardant siir vno potito dune do
sable, out cognoissanoo do la borno do piorro Idanolio. la oil lo.s ar-
nioyrios da roy sont on gravoos. hofuollo auoit osto plaiiteo par le
capitaiiio Ici'vii lliliaiilt.* i\i' JJioppo. au proniior voyage iju'il fict,
* Till Hni,nu'iiiits as has liccii ^laicil. \vcr«' tlio Protrstaiits of Franro. Uii-
dor tliL' iiatnuiairc of tlirir >ai;;i(ii us ^oid ili-.iiiiu:iii>liccl Icailcr, (;ii>|i.iril ilc ("o-
ligny, Ailmiral of Francr tiny litr('(l out an oxiiciliiion to roiiiiil a I'nitrsiaiit
Einpiro in Now France .\iiiciie:i.
On the ISili Felniiary I'lii.; lwoslii|is umler tlie coniinaml of .lean Riliaut
and Rene /,;iii(l(Hiniei-e. (lisIin;:ui^l;ell Fn ncli ollieers oC Marino, set sail iVoni
Dii'pin- lor the i)iirii"sc of iiiakini,' tlii' lii>t ]iernianent Kiiidpean settlianrnt in
tliose ifirioiis of roinaneo. 'I'iiey arrivecl un tlie eoast of Floiiila. tin' same
wliieli liad liecii previously (U'seril)i(l liy Vcra/./aiio in \')'l'-\ and entered fho
river St. .lolm's. wliieli they called ."May ii\"2d Ajiril. IGtU, M. Laudoniiiere sailed tVoin France in three ships,
with additional emigrants and aiil and succor for the colony, wliich he reached
on the lioth .Tune. On the :!Otli .Tune he entered the river May where he laiilt
a fort which lie called Carolina, in honor of Charles IX. It was Iniilf in the
form of a triau^de. "On tlie side towards the west, which was towards the
land, it was enclosed by a lireastwork and towers; on the side towanls the river
it was enclosed by a jialisadi; of timber ; on the south side it was defended by a
bastion, with a house for the ammunition. In the midst was a great court or es-
'! aiivos gens crier I't plenrer do notro departio : tellemont nn'il
y on out vn kMjVid so mist dans la banpio jiar toroo, et vint couelior
ii bord. et le veiidredy tut ronvoyo ii terro.
J'nis ayiit louo ruoro ot rogofvt la oosto iusrjucs an dimancbo (|uc
no (lesoouvrismes vno
boll
riuiore. on lainudlo lediet seiLMienr
Landuidere onno}a lo eapjiitaino Vassour. aeco|pa;:n6 do dis soMats,
lout I'on ostois
iin
ot .sitost (luo fousmos on terre trounasme:
'I'
au
tro roy au( c trois do ses tilz ot j)lns do dou.v co
s sauva<'e:
un
leur.s
fommos et leuis jietits onfans. U'ljuol roy ostoit tort aage, ot nous t'ai-
soit siifno auoir veu oimi li'Mioos. assauoir los on
itVis d
SOS onfans ius
fa
quos ii la oiii([UU'nio liirnoo. JiOijnel aprcs nous auoir taict assooir
sus du laurior. ijui ostoit au pros do luy. nous faii-t signc do li/inan-
goiia. aussi bion (pio los autros : mais au rosto los plus grands larron.s
du mondo, oar ils proncnt aussi bio du pied (pio do la main, nonobs-
tant qu'ils n'ayont ijuo dos poaul.K deuant lours parties liotouses, ct
toutcs painotos do noir, en fort beau compartiment : et les fommos
ont fi I'entour d'ollos uno cortaino mousse l)lanclio fort loguo. eouu-
rant fort mamoUos ot leurs parties liontousos. fort oboissantes a lours
niarys. non larronnessos comme les homes, mais fort enuiouses dcs
baguos et carcans pour pondro a leur col ; et vn lour ayat sunde la-
plaiiado, where was built a corp!. de. i:i;.") ,M. Rilimit returned ti> the
coleny with a hiri;e lleet. and relieved .M. [..andonniere ofliis I'oiiiniand. whoaf-
terwanls sailed tor France. Unrortiuiately Ii r this colony and the pcrniaiience
of French settlements in Florida. Rihaut's tleet was slii]iwrecked and dispersi'd
in a storm, 'i'lie Spaniards aCterward fell suddenly upon the ilefeiicek'ss colo-
nists, and committed the most crnid exeesscs. Thus was the French colony of
Florida or New France destroyed in its infancy liy an attack as cowardly as it
was detcstahle Cor its barharity. It was founded at a iieriod when, in cdusc-
qui'iice of discoveries anrt bones gons, estat la traflioipie
auuoc eulx fort aisoe, mostrant par signe (pi'ils baillcrot autant d'or
et d'argont <[' la grfxdeurdc ce iju'on lour baillora, soit basclics, scrpcs,
cousteux, ou carcans do petite vallour.
le n'ay voulu oublier a vous escrirc quo liier vendredy fut prins
vn grand cocodrille, de la mcsnio sorte d'vn lozard, mais a los bras
come line pcrsonne auec les ioineturcs, ot cinq doigtz aux pattos de
dcuant, et (|uatre a cclles de derriere: duquol la poau est enuoye en
Frace par les preses nauires <|ui s'en retournet : en la dicte riuiere
on no voit autres clioses quo cocodrilles, et en iettat la seine dans
leau pour pescher. lo pred des plus tcrribles poissons que iamais loa
ayt encores veu. Adieu.
(I
It ;
t, (Idllt os-
ist'ur, ft y
r apipitrto-
iiio d'ur et
t soixiiutc
as aniuoz
C, 81! tciuis
iir iot tou-
irAiiti^rny,
S laisSLTL't
:t seijriu'ur
Ics (pit'Uca
lis on trou-
isiint (
liriiit (|Mi (••iiii'ipit jar dica. c't'st a .nauDir i|iic la I'Moritlc jirDimttdit
It' siillisaiit cniitriiffiiit'iit (Ic tout CI' i|M(' riiuiiiiiic |iuiirr(iit ilcsinr en
la tcric. d'aiitMnt ijuc cc pays icccuoit dii cicl viio taiK'ur ct (Icinciirc
siti^iilicrc. (piaiiil il iic scroit tic jflncc no f,'('I«5 »lc la midc froiilurc dii
scfitciitrion. nc rusty ct l>riislu ilc Tardciir dii niidi ; ipic Ics cliani|i3
sans cstre laliourrz mi auciiiicrnct cxcrcc/,, jiniduiscnt asstz dc '|ii">y
Boiistcnir ct siiHisaiiiniciit cntrctciiir la vie dii jiciiph; ijiii y lialiitc-
rrtit ; iju'il .•^cinMc i|iic jMHir in i'airc vn pays de plus fcrtilcs ct ridics
do ttmto la rundcur dcs terrcs. nc scroit rc([uis sinoii <|u'lMtinincs dc-
li^rc-* ct iiidustricux i|ui cniplnyasscnt la Imntc vt frraissc dc la tcrrc,
u riitilitc pu ttiiit
lisiriT en
(Ifiiicurc
i)iiliirt' tlu
s cliiinijis
1, «k' i|unj'
y lialtitc-
I ot riclics
iniiiOM ' lu face luirbarc do Iti iiior, oliaiigoroiit iiicmiti-
noiit Iciir pri»pos, et so refifr^ft seorolcincnt sniiw pnsMor plus mitro,
Or, pour allor au dt i 'it o iKiUH attondioiis lo ciiiiiitiandoiii<>nt ot ooinodito do iinstro lion-
tonant du roy, ot vont fauorablo. lo niardi, 'il diidit niois. no' t'usiiica
UHsaillis do vents iinpotuoux. soiifHants d'vno jiart ot d'autro : dr sorto
<|uo los vajruos s'ontroroi'ontroyot d'vno t'aiNin indioiblo. ot ddniicrciit
telle frayeur \\ nos niariniors. ijuils no tr(iini(;ront autre roniodo ni
nioye propre, sinon coiipcr los cables, miittor los anor'ps et nou.s aban-
dtinnor au gro du vont, lo plus violent ijui fust, vii vent do nord ost^
leipud nous oliassa do tidlo vitosso. (|u'inooiitinont nous vuliisinos au
IIauro-d(( de la cliair toucli(''o do lour nmrsure douiet
come colle d'vn ladre. lis n'ostimont rion plus riolio ou plus beau
que plumes d'oisoaux do diiu'rsos coulours : ils out on grand prix,
potis calcules qu'ils font d'os de poissons. et autros piovros vordos ct
rouges ; lours viurcs sont racines, fruits, liorbos ot poissons de diuer-
SOS sortos, ot lo poissou lour est fort gras qu'ils sorissont. ot I'appol-
lent on lour langue boiiqutoic ; ils on tiront la graisse et s'eii soruont
au lion do bourro ou d'autre sausse : ils n'ont pas do bio. mais ils ont
le mil en abondance, et croist a la liautour de sept piods : il a son
tuyau gros come celuy d'vne canne, et son grain est gros comit vn
pois, I'ospy long come d'vn pied ; sa coulour est ainsi (|Uo colle de la
ift
Jl.
'm
t:|
i
II- jr
,;:.(
if.
I
m
208
lllriTitKICAI, C()I,I,i;CT10N.S Ol' l,OUI:>IANA,
cire rccoutc; lo nioyeii d'ou vsur est preiuierciiiont de Ic froisser cl
rcsoudro tii tariuc; puis apres lo duftont par niosliiigc, et en font Icur
migaii, (jiii rcssiMiiblo lo ris (jue Ton sort en ce pays ; ille faut niager
aussitust (ju'il est fait, pourco (ju'il se change iiieuiitiiient, et n'est
point de garde ; ils ont furt-u vigiies bastardes, ranipates i\ Tentour
des arbres, ainsi i[uo nous voyoiis en (juelipies contrees de ce roy-
autne; niais ils n'ont point I'vsage d'en tirer levin; leur boisson,
(ju'il sappellet cassuinrf, so fait d'lierbes eouiposees, et ni'asenible de
telle couleur nue la eoruoysc de ce pays; i'en ay gouste et no I'ay
point trouue fort estrange. (Jvfit au pays il nie senible niontueux, et
y a beaueoup de forests, ipii pent bien cstre cause do tant de bostes
sauuages, lesipiolles iisdisont porter grando nuisance u ccux (pii nese
dcMinent garde. le laisseray Ti dire beaueoup de clioses des aniniaux
estranges, desquels sculeniet i'ai ouy parler ; ee m'est assez de racon-
ter ici ce nuc i"ay veu et (pii nie sonible digne de menioire, pour la
posterite ; et singulierenient des eroeodilles ([ue I'on voit assez sou
uet sortir du sable pour aller ii leur proye. Nous en auons veu plu-
sieurs, niesnies vn niort, et auons njange de sa eliair, (|ui nous seinbla
tendre et blfulie connnc cello d'vn veau, ei (juasi de mesnic goust ; il
auoit este tue d'vn coup de lianiuebuuzade. porteentre deux escailles ;
que s'il n'eust este la frappe, ses escailles autroniont sont assez fortes
pour lo garentir de tous coups ; il auoit la guouUo fort grande, et les
maschoiieres renuersees d'vne horrible fac^on, desijuelles les dents
s'entretenoyet ainsi (ju'vn peigne, et pouuoit ouurir la guculle assez
grande pour deuorer vne genissc ; il estoit long do corps de douze a
treze pieds ; il auoit les iabos fort courtos a la proportion du corps ;
SOS ongles estragos et crucls, sa (pieuo forte et longue, on quoy gist
et cosistc sa vie et sa principale defense. Aussi ie n'ay veu en sa
gueuUo aucune apparecc de langue, si elle n'estoit cachee en son pa-
lais, car il auoit (coninie i'ay dit) la niaschoiiero do des.sous dossus,
chose nion.strueuse, et qui seulonient a rogarder pouuoit donner fray-
eur aux homes ; i'ay veu aussi vu serpent niort, assez pros du bois,
qui auoit este tue par Ivn de noz gens, duquel los sauuages vindrent
couppor la teste, et I'eporteret auec vn grand soin et diligece ; io n'ay
sou savoir la raison pouri^uoy il auoit ailos par losipioUes il pouuoit
aucuneiiict voltigor sur la terrc. Aucuns des nostres estiinoyont quo
les sauuages faisoyet cela par quelque superstition, et a ce que i'on
ay veu, ils no sont pas sans opinion de divinite, niosmes aussi ay ie
prins coniecture de quolques circostances que faeilement on les pour-
roit dresser, non seulonient a ciuilite et honnestete, niais aussi a
saiiictote ot religion, si lo decret du Seigneur le parniettoit ; car aus-
sitost (|ue la cloche du fort auoit soune pour faire los prieres, ils se
I
r (:',
5
u
I \ if.
DEKMKIl VOYAGK .\V\ INDKrf, OU .\()I I CI.LK FUAXCK. 209
tournoyciit en la plaoo, ct ITi coino nous dros.soyent les niaiiLs au eiel,
voire aiioo reuerenco ct attention. Oe temps, apres nostro coronal,
estoit apres pour .s'acipiittcr fidclement de su charge, etdonoit ordro
que la place fust tcllement reniparee ct niunic. nu'elle scrvist apres
de sauuegarde, si d'auenture les sauuages nous eussent voulu oourir
sus, lorstjue le lundi, troisieme de septembre. arriucret. pres de nostre
Cfjuippage. cinq nauires espaguols. L'adiniral se nionstrant a la
grandeur de (juatre cens tonneaux. la banpie de cent cin(juante, suiuis
de trois patenas qui vindret niouiller I'ancre a I'enfonseure de nos
quatre nauires, environ les neuf lieures du soir. La nuict ils parle-
nienterent ensemble, et sur ce (jue les nostresdeniandcront pounpioy
et a (juelle fin ils les ccrchoyent. respondircnt (ju'ils estoyent enne-
mis et que la guerre estoit suffisammcnt declaree. Lors les nostres
regardant fi la force des Espaguols. a leur enuie et mauuais vouloir,
deshabillerent et niircntles voiles liaut, ct les Espaguols firet cliasse
apres eux , niais ils ne les peurent auoir a la voile. Par quoy ils se
retireret en la riuiere des Daupbins : car la ils auoyet delibere de faire
descete, apres avoir comunique de nostre mine auec les sauuages. com-
nie Tissue deleur entreprise Ta fait finalement cognoistre ; et de ceste
riuiere enuoyereut de leursliomes parenibuscades, autant que ilspen-
serent cstre de necessite pour executer leur entreprise. Et auoiis de-
puis entendu des sauuages, ([u'ils estoyent en arnies enuiron six cens
honitiics ; tost apres trois de noz nauires reuenus a la railc. car la
lYiiiife, nostre admiralle, auoit este eniportee versTeau ; le capitaine
lean llibaut se delibera auce ces trois d'aller trouuer les Espaguols.
Apres auoir resolu en son conseil (pi'il estoit neeessaire de so nios-
trer contrc eux sur les eaux, sinon (jue nous vousissions encourir la
perte de noz vaisseaux. Car noz homes estans a terre. rie ne les
eust enqjcsche d'aborder noz nauires. de les crociier. (jui nous sem-
bloit vne perte intolerable, pour ce regard jirincipalement ; c'est a
sauoir (jue u'aurios pour I'auenir comodite d'enuoyer en France, pour
faire entendre a la maieste du roy, de I'estat de nostre entreprise.
Parijuoy le lundi. dixieme iour de septembre (130.')), trois heurc3
apres midi, le capitaine et lieutenant de roy voulut receuoir ses
homes, et apres les auoir cxiiortez de bien faire pour le seruice du
roy. s'embaniua ensemble auec eux ; prenant pour sa defense, non
sculeinent les soldats (ju'ils auoyent nouuellement amenez. mais
aussi les plus sigiuilez de ceux ([ui tenoyent la place auparauant,
uomenient I'enseigne, caporal et sergent du capitaine Ijauduniere.
Ce capitaine, ennuye de n"avoir entendu nouuelles de France, et
fasche d'estre prive de viures, vn pcu auparavat que nous fussions la
arrivez, pensoit a retourner, ct cependant ne se soucioit ijcaueop si
"i'if
ifi
ilJK
•iiH!;
210
HISTOItir.M, COM.ECTIONS OF T,OI'I?»IA\'A.
rl
ceux do sa cnni])n«riiio fiiisovi'^t rlio.«o.s aux saunages ; de •juoy l(>iir
h6iio aH'rctioii .so dostouriiiist dos Fraiu^ois : aiiis il los poriiiettoit
forcer et iiiiioiior pri.somiicrs dans le fort, proiidri; ct rauir lour mil
ot autros oliosos (jiio la ii('0(>ssito. LkjuoHo no |'Out ostro so'aiu'iino loy,
lour coniniaiidoit. Et d'autant (pio lo dosir do so voiigor est iiaturello-
niont ]ilai)fe an oieur do riioninic, mosmos aussi l'a|)])otit coniniuii a
tous aiiinianx do so defotidro, son corps et sa vie, ct do dostoiirnor los
Glioses ipii soniblent apportcM' (HU'l(ine nnisaneo; il no fant doutor (juc
ce sauiuifxes no coplota et prattiipia aueo rKspagnol, eoinine il sc
pourroit dcliiirer do ceste gent, de laijncUc il estoit ct cii son corps et
en SOS biens trauaillo. JiO mardy, onzienie de soptonibre, a liuict
liciiros dii matin on enuiron. lorsipio noz gi'ns estoyOt assez pros dos
Espagnols. so leua un tourbillo do vent ijni contiiiua long tenips. auoc
de grosses jd-iiyes, esclairs et tonnerros : de sorte i[u'i\ la fois I'air es-
toit eonimo en feu. et los parties etlVayocs dos menaces du eiel s'es-
earteront : los no«itr(>s trois nauires furent constraints de ponger ; ct
los autros. admiral ot har(|uo espignolo. de fairo le vet bon : et dura
la nialico do eo temps iusipies an vingt troisiemo iour de soptonibre.
Or los Espagnols deseedus ;\ terro curcnt assez de loisir do nous
espionr.er et mosmos de s'infornier dos moyes i.ju'iis tiondroyet pour
nous surpreiidre, estans l)ion aduertis(pie noz forces estoyent sur les
eaux. ot (jiio lo resto qui ostoit deinoure au fort, ostoit compose partie
do ni;ilades eiioor alterez do Fair do la mcr : partie aussi d'artisans,
dc feniiiies et petits enfans. le tout niontant au nombro de deux cens
(juarato aiiios. roconiandoes a la garde ct diligence du capitaino Lau-
dunioro ipii no so doutoit uucuncmet (ju'auouiie force peustvonir ])ar
terro pour le.s cndonimagor, Panjuoy la garde leua pour s'on allor
rafraisoliir. a cause dos mauvais tomjis qui auoient cotinue toute la nuiot
vn pou doiiat soloil levant, la pluspart dos nostres au fort dormans
et ou lours licts: lo guioliot ouuort. rEsptignol ayant tracasse bois,
cstags et riuioros. coduit par le suuungo. et arrive le ieudy viiigtieme
iour de soptemliro au iiiiitin. tonqis fort pliuiioux, ct entront sans
nulle rosistonco dans le fort, ot foTit vno linrriblo execution do la rage
et furie ([ii'ils auoyet conooue cotrc nostre nation ; c'estoit lors a
qui mioux osgorgortiit liomes. sains et nialados, feninies et jiotits
enfans. de sort (pi'il n'est possible do soger vu massacre qui puisse
estro esgalo a ooslui ci. on cruauto et barbaric. Aucuns des nostres
les plus liabiles sortaiis do Hours licts s'oscoulerct. et se sauuerent
de vistosso dans los n.iuiros qui estoyent on la riuierc. laissoz du co-
ronal a la garde do Taquos Kibaut. capitaino d'vn navire nomine la
Pr/'/f. et do Loys Hallard. son liontenant; les autros surpris sauto-
reut pardessus la pallisado. singulieroment le capitaiue Lauduuiere
i<
|:
?!' ■
\ '
ii
If
Ijkrmku vovakk ai'x in'df.s, ()i; N(iri,'Ki.i,K FU.wn;
211
it lors a
se sauna jiar la. auoo c.vWo. iiiii Ic seruoit a la (.'lianiljre. Ic fiis anssi
surprins allaiit a nia Ix'soii^'iie, lo fonrioir a la main : car surtant do
la caliano. jo rcncontray Ics (Mincinis, I't no trounay antri' nioyoii tlos-
clia|i])or. sinon tiuiriicr lo dos. ot nic liastcr a>i pnssiMo do santor
aussi jiardossus la jiallissado; car i'ostoyo anssi ]io\irsnivi do jtas a
pas d'vno ]iieijuo ot portizano. ot no say ooinciit autroniot, siiiDU do la
graoo do DIou, nios forcos so roiloublorot. do nmy, dis-ie. pnnro viol-
lard ([uo io suis. ot tout gris ; toutes fois io sautay Ic rajiart. a) ija'a
loisir io n'ousso pou fairo en rampant, car il ostoit eslovo do liuict a
neuf ,)iods. ot lors io mo liastay do mo saiiuor an bois : ot comnio i'os-
toyo assez pros do la rivo dn bois. a la distance d'vu bon trait d'arc,
ie n)0 rotournay vor.s lo f irt ot m'arrcstay vn jiou do tonips sur la
costo. ot d'autant pb.is liardimont. ])arco ipio porsonno no mo pour-
suiuo't. Et coinmo do cost ondroit. tout lo fort, niosmos la basse
court me fut dosconnerte, aussi vi-ie la vne horrible tuorio. (jui so
faisoit do uoz gons. ot trois onsoijriios do noz adiiorsairos ]>latoos sur
les rampars. Ayant don((nos perdu tout osporance do vnir nuz isvus
rallioz. io rosiiinav tons mos sons an Soiirnour. ot nic rocomniandat a
i,a misorieordo. grace ot f'aueur. io mo lan(;ay das le bois. car il me
soniblait ijuo ie no pourroyo trouuor cruaute jdus grade outre les
bcstos sauuagos, (]ue cello dos ennemis ; laijuollo i'anoye von so dos-
bordor sur los nostros. Or la inisore ot angoisso on lai|Uollo ic me
trouuay lors presso ot ensorro, no voyant plus en torre moyon de
salut. sino i[uo lo Seigneur do grace spociale ct pardossus touto opi-
nion d'liomme me doliurast : me faisoit iottor souspirs on saiiglnts. et
d'vne parole rompue do dostrosse. crior ainsi an Seigneur O Dieu
do noz pores, ct seigneur do misorieordo. i|ui nous as coujmande de
t'inuoiiuor, niosnus dn i)rofund dos onfors ot dos abysmos do mort,
promettant incotinont ton aide ot ton eocours. monstre moy pour
I'esporance quo i'ay on toy. (piol elicmin ie doy tonir, pour vonir a fin
de ccsto miserable vieillosse. plongo(! an gonffre de douleur ot d'anier-
tunie ; au nmins fay q\ie sontant I'offoct de ta mercy, I'assouraco (jue
i'ay do tos promossos concoui' on mon ca'ur. no me soit arraclioo. pour
I'approiionsion do la cruaute de cos bestos sauuagos et furiousos d'vn
costo. ot do tos cnncniis ot los nostros d'autro: cpii nous on voulont
pins, pour la momoiro do ton noui qui est inuoipie sur muis q' jiour
autre chose: Aido-nioy. mo Dion, assiste-nmy. car ic suis tant atHigo
quo plus n'en puis. Et coj)endant (jue ie faisois co discours. trauer-
sant le bois fort cspos et commo tissu de ronces et cspinos, au dossous
des hauts arbres. ou il n'y anoit chomin no scntier aucun. a peine
auoy-ie tracasse le cheniin do demic licure. (piaiid ie vins a entendre
vu bruit, come do pleurs et gemissemens d'hommes qui cstoyont a
h
i
i\
212
IIISTOUICAI, Corii des aiitres. lis t'urent done esgor-
gez et massacrez, et puis trainez au liord de la riiiiere, ou les autres
tuez au fort estoyent par moneeaiix. li; ne veiix pas iei me taire d'vn
cxemple d'extreme cruautu. laijues Kibaiit, capitaine de hi Pcilr.
tenoit les nauires Ti raiierc. ;\ cent jias pros de ccste bouelierie. ofi il
recent beaneoup dc ceiix (pii escliapperet de cestc tuerie. Or les
Espagnols ayant le eieiir gros [i cause de leiir victoire, et acharnez a
pactuer le rcste des Frain-ois. braipiercnt les canons du fort contre
les nauires et batteaiix ; mais a cause du temjjs pluuieux. et ipic les
caiiDiia aussi estoyent mal :i])prestez. ils ne feirent aucun dommage
ii iioz gens ; mais ils lireiit niarclicr vne trompctte jusipra eux
pour les snmmer de se reiidre. Et (jiiful ils veirent (|iie ccla
liC les iiitiinidi)it aucuneiiieiit. ils ciuioycrct nn de leurs lionimes
iusijiies aux nauires. iiiettaiit en auant Tautliorite dc J)on Pedro
de Malendez. coronal de lenr compagnie. pour comjioser auec
noz giMis. ;\ telle cundition (ju'ils (|uittassent les nauires et ([u'ils se
retirassent auec les batteaiix. lenrs bagiies sauues. aux autres nauires
qui estoyent bas a reiiili(iueliure de la riiiiere. distant du fort enuiron
deux lieucs ; a qiioy noz gens respnndirent (|u'il y eust aucune
guerre entre eux. (|ue depiiis six niois ils anoyent reeeus c(uninande-
nieiit du roi ])our faire ce voyaje, que tant s'en faut (pi'il fust entre-
pris pour faire tort ou exaction a aucun. (juand il leur cstoit expres-
seniet defemlu de sa maieste. et niesmes de son admiral, de ne faire
desccnte en aucune terre d'Espagnc. ni mesmes en approclier dc peur
de les offenser. Nous auos garde et obserue inuiolableitH't lo coiu-
niandemcnt du roy. et ne pouiiez dire contre nous (pie nous ayons
cste cause du massacre que vous auez fait de noz lionimes cotrc tout
vsage dc guerre, ce qui nous fait seigner le co-ur et de ijuoy pourrez
bien vous resscntir en tops ct lieu, (^hriiit au nauire tjue vous dc-
mandez. vous auriez plustost noz vies : et ois vous n'voudrez parfor-
cer. nous employerons le nioyen que Dieu et nature nous a donne
pour nous dcfendre. L'Espagnol retourne rapporta (jue noz gens no
se mouuoyent pour rien. ains qu'ils cstoyet deliberoz de so bien de
fendrc. Lors cesto furieuse troupe reictta sa colcre et .«anglant des-
pit sur les inorts, et les cxposerent en nionstre aux Fran(;ois (jui
restoyent sur les caux, et taschoyout a nauror le Ctt'ur de ccux dcs-
u
ill'-
.i.
! i>
i'iii
214
III.STOUKJAI, (.01. MICTIONS OT LOUISIANA.
quels lis no iMHiuoycnt, foiiinio ils ousseiit bion voiilu, dcsnicrnbrcr Ics
corps ; car, arracliaiit Ics yoiix ib'S iiiorts, los ficlmycmt au liout ilos
dagut's, et puis aucc eris, liourloiiieiis ot tduto gaudissurio, les iottoy-
cnt contro noz Fraurois vers I'eau. (^iiaiit a nous ijui doiiicurasnics
au bois, nous coiitinuasuios u trauersor. tiraus a nostrc iujreiuont au
plus prus do 111 nior. Kt coiunio il plcut ii Dion do conduire no/, pas
ot drossor noz voyos, jjientost nous paruiusnios a la croupi; d'vno
montagno, et de l;i conioucasnios u voir la mor. ,Mais il y auoit on-
cer graiido distance; ot ipii pis estoit. lo cliomin ([uc nous auioiis a
tonir so nionstroit inoruoillousonieiit estrange ot difficilo ; proniicre-
niot. la montagno do laipioUe doscedre il nous ostctit nocossairo, es-
toit de telle hauteur et si roide ([u'il n'ostuit possible ii lioninie, en
descendant, so tonir debout, et ianuiis n'eussions ose nous niettre a
desoondro sans I'osperace que nous anions de nous cdtrotenir jiar les
braclies dos buissoiis (jui estoyet tVi'i|uens sur le costau de la nioii-
tagne, ot pour sauuer la vie, n'ospargnant point les nuiins, lesiiuollcs
nous avions toutes gastees ot sanglantos, niosnios les iainbes et ([uasi
tout le corps descliiro. Or, doscondus que nous fusmes de la nion-
tagne, no' pordisines la veue de la nier, a cause d"vn petit bois (jui
estoit cotre nous planto sur vne petite ooUino. ot pour allcr au bois
il nous falloit trauersor vne grando j)roe toute de vase et do fVuulri-
erc, couuorto do roseaux et autros sortos d'liorbos fort estragos; car
le tuyan estoit dur conime bois, et los fueilles nous docoupoycnt
pieds et iainbes ius(juos au sang, estaus tousiours en I'eau iusquos au
fourc, et qui redoubloit nostre niisore et calaniite ; la pluyo toniboit
tellouiet du ciol sur nous (jue, come, on vn deluge, nous cstions tout
ce temps-la entre deux oaux ; et plus nous marcliions auant, aussi
nous trouuios I'eau profonde. Et lors, pensant bion ojstro au dernier
periodo de nostre vie. nous embrassasmcs Ivn I'autre, et d'all'oction
commune nous commeneasmes a souspirer et crior au Seigneur, accu-
sant noz peche:., et rocognoissans sur nous la rigueur de ses iugemons
Ilelas ! Seigneur, disiosnous. quo sommes-nous plus q' poures vor-
niisseaux de torre ? noz ames, toutes alterecs de douleur, so rondent
entre tes bras ; 6 Pero de misoricorde ot Dieu de cliarite ! deliure-
nous do CO pas de la mort ; ou si tu voux (ju'en cc desert nous tiri-
ons le dernier soupir de la vie, assistc-nous a 00 que la mort, de
toutes cboses la plus terrible, nous veiumt saisir, ne nous estonno
d'auantago, mais (jue nous demeurious formes ot stables au sons de ta
faueur et bien vueillancc quo nous auons taut ot tant esprouvee a
cause de ton Christ, pour doner lieu a I'esprit de Satan, esprit do de-
sespoir et de deffianco ; car, soit que nous niourions, nous protestos
niaiuteuat deuaut ta maieste, que nous voulous mourir a toy ; soit
I i
DRKxiKit vov.\i;i; Aix iNKi'.s, oi" Ndirni.i.r, rit.wn;. 215
ii
que Jious viiiiotis, co srra j^nir racniittT tcs miTia'illcH an milieu do
rasscmljlco do tcs soruitoiir.s. Noh priores t'uiti's, nous inari'liasuK's i"i
grand'jiL'ine droit au bois. t;it ijuo nous arrivasnics pros d'viu' grosse
riuiore ((' couroit au milit-u do eoste iircc; Ic canal ostoit assc/ (!S-
troit, niais fort profond, ct I'cau y coulloit dc grande vistcssc d'au-
tant ijuo tout lo champ {londoit vers la nicr. Co t'ut \uv autro
aupmontation de no/, an;.'oisses. car 11 n'y auuit liomnu; d<'s nostres
(|ui osast ontroprondre a passer la riuioro :"i nago ; mais on coste co-
fusii)n do noz ponsoos. (juiit fi troiiuor moyou do passer outro. il me
souum
t du )
101.-
(pio nous auios laisso dorriorc^ nous ; aprcs au'iir ex-
liorte nies frorcs u patieco et u cuntinucr :i hion osporor du Soignour,
ie rotournay au bois, ot y coupay vno loguo jiorolio. auoo vn lust d'vn
fo
(1
ormoir assoz L'nul (lui mo domcura on mam. lU
ri
loiiro (pio
fort
fut pris, ot rotournay aux autres (jui m'attondoyont en frrudo por-
ploxito. ( )r (;a, dis-ie, freros, essay 6s si J)iou, par lo moyon de ce bas-
ton, nous voudra donner iiuolijuc auantage a parfaire nostro chomiii.
Lors nous coucliasmcs la porelie dossus I'oau ; I'un dos nostros. ot
cliacun a son tour, la tonat par lo bout ot ontrat en I'oau. portoit la
porolie (plant a soy ; et au niiliou du canal, oouio nous on pordions la
vouo. le poussasmes do force asscz pres de Tautro riuo. oil il jirint
terre a I'aido dos Cannes ot autres herbes qui estoyet do I'autro bord ;
et, a son oxomplo, passamos ainsi vn a la fois ; mais ce no fut pas
sans grad jioril ot sans boiro boaucoup do coste oau saleo. voire ot
toUomont (jue nous, venans a I'autro bord. nous anions lo ciour tout
espoussote, et cstions ainsi afi'adis commo si nous oussions esto a
demi noyes. Apres quo nous fusmos rouonus ot (pie nous cusuies
repris courage, tedans touiours a ce bois (juo nous anions romanpie
proclio do la mor, le perclie mcsme no' fut neeossaire a passer vn
autro bras d'oau, qui no nous donna pas moins do fascliorio (|ue le
premier : nuiis, graces a Dion, nous lo passa mos et cntramos lo soir
niesme dedas le bois, oit donieuramos la nuict en grando crainto et
tremblomont. estans dobout contre Icsarbros. Et combion (pie nous
fussious trauailloz tant ct plus, si n'avios-nous pas volonto do dormir.
Car quel pourroit estre le repos dos osprits en telle frayeur. Mos-
mes no' vismes aussi enuiron lo poinct du iour vne beste grande connne
vn ccrf, a cinquante passes pres de nous. (|ui auoit la teste fort
grosso. los youx flamboyans et sans siller, los oroilles pcndantos, ayant
los parties de derrierc eminetos. Elle nous sembla monstreuouse a
cause do scs yeux fort estincoUans ot graus a lueruoillos ; bKjuelle
toutes fois ne s'approcha de nous pour nous faires aucune nuisance.
Le iour vonu nous sortismos du bois et reuisnios la mor. a bnjucdle
nous aspirions apres Dieu, commo au seul moye de sauuer noz vies ;
%
fr
I t
216
III.STOlMt'AI, Cf)l. I, ACTION'S OK I,(H!ISIA\A
innis nous t'u.siiic.s Jo rcolief fasclioz «t troiihlcz. car nous npperccus-
mos VII piiys dc inarcscs ot licux faiiircux. jiKmii d'oiui ct rnmicrt de
roseiuix. (•oiue cdui
uo
s iiuioiis pii.ssu lo lour prcoL'ui't. iNous
lunrcliiiiucs done nu tniucrs do coste jireo, ct nsscz pros do la route
quo iKMis aiiio.s u fairc. Nous upporceusmcs puriui los roscaux vno
troupo do '^i'A (|uo iious cstiiiiiuus cwtro do prirao faco noz oniioiuis,
(jui t'iisM(!iit lii vciuiH jiour nous ooupficr cliciniu ; iiuiis (jui'id nous
eusnu'S vcu do pros ((uo ils cstoyont dcsolcz ooninio nous, nuds ot
eft'ravoz. nous ontondisnics inoontinont (ju'ils estoyont do nos gtis ;
iiussi ostoit-eo lo (•a[iifaino Lauilunioro, sa fillo do clianilirc. lacijuoa
MoriiiU'S d(! Dioppo, I'l'i'icDis Duval do Roiion, lo fils do la couronno
do for do llduon. \igaiso do la Crotto. Nioolas lo nionuzior. la troni-
pctto du siour do liaudunioro ct nutros, (pii tons cnsonihlo faisoyot lo
nnnibro do vinirtsix lioinuic.s. Sur la doliboration do co ((uo nous
auions Ti faire, doux do nos gens niontoront au couppoau dt 1 vn doa
arbros lo jilus Iiaut. ot di's couvriront I'un do noz potis nau'ios. ([iii cs-
toit ciduy du oapitaino Maillard, aui[Uol ils donnoroiit lo f;i;;'ial, pour
lo{pu'l il flit aduorti (pio nous anions bohoin do son socoijrs. Lors
il nous fait arrivor sa petite banjuo ; niais pour approclier du riuago
il nous ostoit nocossaire de trauorsor dos roseaux ot autros doux
riuioros soniblablcs ii colics rjuo nous auions passoes lo iour precod»3t.
A juoi nous furot grandi'niont vtilos ot noccsiairos la pcrelie ([ue
i'avoyo ouupitoo I'autre niatin, ctdcux autrcs desquclles ceux du siour
de Lauduniore auoyont fait prouision, ct 'i'lsnios assoz pros do la
barque, niais lo cn'ur nous faillitet do faiui ot do travail, et fussions
domoiiroz la. tiinoji quo los niatolots nous oussont presto la main, ([ui
so nionstrert't fort soeourables, et nous portoront los vns apros Ics
autros iusques dodas la barque, ot nous rendiront tons au nauiro oii
nous fu.snios bien ct clieroment rocous ; ils nous donnoront pain et
can. et apres avoir nuiiige nous coninienrasnios petit a petit a reprc-
dro force et vigueur qui nous fut arguuiont trcs-oortain do rocognois-
tre lo salut du Seigneur, loiiucl nous auait sauuez cotrc I'cspcrance
d'vne infinite de dagers do niort, dosijuels nous auions cste onuiron-
nez etassicgez de toutes parts, pour luy en rcndre graces et louangos
a ianinis. Nous jtassasines ainsi toute la nuict, racontans les nier-
noilU's du Seigneur, ct nous consolasnics les vns les autros on la
souuenanco do nostro salut. Et Ic iour ostant vcuu, laquos llibaut,
oapitaino de Ic J'cr/c, nous aborda pour confcrer auecquos nous do ce
que nous jiourrios fairc, ot du nioycn quo nous pourrions tonir pour
sauuor le roste de noz homos et les vaissoaux, Et alors il fut romos-
tre Ic pcu dc viures que nous auions. noz forces ronipues, noz muni-
tions et apparats de defense saisis, rincertitudc de I'estat de nostre
ii .
i
aiijicrt'ous-
poiiuort do
I't. Nous
le l;i route
jscnux vno
z onticinis,
mad nous
IS, iiuds et
! iios f^ea ;
('. IllCiJUOS
I couronuo
•r. lii trom-
faisiiyi't lo
[) I [IK! nous
I. 1 vn dc8
'les. (jui ea-
i;:^M;il. pour
urs. Lors
• du riuage
itrcs deux
r procedot.
pcrclie (|ue
IX du sieur
pres do la
et fussiona
I main, ([ui
s a pros les
nauirc ou
nt pain et
it i\ rcprc-
recoj.'nois-
'esperancc
('; enuiron-
t louanges
IS k'S nior-
tres en la
es llibaut,
nous dc oe
tenir pour
fut renios-
noz munl-
dc nostre
DKUMi'.K vov.\<;k aijx ini)I:s, oi' \(ii rr.M.p. kranck. 217
coriiiial. Ill' saclnint s'il cstoit i'ScIioim' imi (pirlipu' cnstt''. au l*(/, ill) (juuy ciiucuii retcjiiriRT on son pa}M.
LI VII K .SK(;ONI>.
Novs aii("Ss (lit toit on luy, ((Uo anssi pour los fruiots do sini amiahlo aoooin-
tanco. taut il ostoit oomodo u drossor lo.s homos pour hs rondro vcr-
tucux ot somblahh's ii luy. Xuz gens alors ostans sauuc/ ii tcrro do
la furio dos ondes, sc trouuoront inoontinot on vno autre fasehorio :
car il la faim ((ui los tonoit ils n'auoyont auoun roniodo, sinon (ju'ils
lo prinssont tol tjuo hi torro lour [>rosont(iit, c'ost ii sauoir. horbos,
raoinos uu autrcs tollos ohosos. dosipiellos ils ponsassent appaisor lour
abbayr.nt cstomaeh. 11 n'y auoit aiissi do tjuoy satisfairo ii liur soif :
sinon dos vioillcs cisternos, on loan ostoit fort trouble, luosnioment
I'csciuno ([u'clle iottoit. poiuioit tant soulomont an ro^j:ardor fairo dcs
plus sains los plus mahides : iioiitmoins la rage do lour !:rande famine
los ompurtoit ii tout analer, combien (ju'il lour somblast fort estragc.
ct furont on tollo misorc I'ospacc do huiot iours entiors. liO nculi-
omo i(uir ils tiouuorot d'auonturc vno barque assoz petite, ot furont
do cola aueuncment rocrooz. esporus vue par oo moyeus ils pourroy-
ont fairo eutedre lour naufrago a ceux du fort. Or cntro eux ct Ic
fort, il y auoit distance do douzo lioi'ies par terre, ct cin(|uante par
mer, et east fallu qu'ils eussent traucrso la riuierc dcs Dauphins qui
S^
i:
iiy" ct do
ro iit'1'08-
Ills imoiis
'fslito (lu
it1i(>z par
iiiliiiiniU:
ilotoiidrc
IMS f.stoit
liiiairc en
stdit tort
■huMix. ct
rcilmiblii,
If d'ostre
L'iiii|iianto
ln'i'ducs ■
itaiiu) La
llOlllL' I'll-
't adri'HSo
If act'din-
udro vcr-
l tclTO do
ascdiorio :
lull i;rf, nu \<»L'itp,i,r,r. Kuwn;, 'Jll)
est fort jirdfiind*! ct larpc. oiiuirnn d'vii ^'raiid i|Miirt dc lii'iu', piiri|Uoy
Bans vaissuaii cu lour ostidt viio rlwiso iniiKissililo dc passer oiitro
Qiiiid done ils ciirciit rcctmiiro la liarc|iio. ils la caltadcrciit t amis, il ii'v a
iiKiycns do erttiiiuor la vio on telles miscrcs ct calainitcz la nmrt
niMis s(!r()it plus ii sunliaitter. (pio do viuro ostaiis eliar;,'ez do telles
fttlliotions, .siiKiii ipio niistrt; Imn l>icii nuus a dt'mo la t'ny do sa pmui-
donco. pour attondrcf lo scennrs ttd ((u'il luy plaira nous dnnncr. et
ccpendant o'est ii nous d'omployor tout nostrc eiitcndomont. si nous
pourros trouuer Tissue dc ces an;roisses. .lo suis d'aduis, (|u'il y en
ait iiuelijUes vns d'ciilrc nous. lesi|Uols par ceste | ■ titc lianpie tendot
par dcuors lo fort, fi tin d'auertir imz ^'cns ipiils nous vieiment don-
ncr (seccMirs on ceste extreme nooessitc. Kt sur le eliap iettaiit
grosses larines ooinMien<;a u inuoipier le noni do Dieu. so pro>ternant
a terre, et tons eeux aussi do sa copaiiuie. J^es pricrcs cstant t'aites,
lis coinniencerent u rc;rardor ipii seroit lo plus idoinc; fi tairc le
voya^rc ; et noiiicrent Thomas lo Vasseur de l>ic|ipe. n ipii lean Hi-
baut dOna cliargo, (|u'au plustost il list entedrc u no/, gens on (piel
de-^astre ils estoyet tomliez. ct allerciit aueei|ues luy, Vincent Simon,
Michel (Jouor et autres iusnu'au nondire dc seize. Xoz gens, eommo
i'ay dit ci deviit. cstoyent du costo do la riuierc au dela ku fort, et le
iour niosnio veircut dc I'autre costc vers le fort vnc trouppc d'iiomos
en armes. I'enseigiH! desployce. Apres ipi'ils eurent coltuu par I'oiee-
tures. autant ((u'ils en pcuret prendre, en telle distance de lieu. i|Uo
c'estoyent Kspagiiols. Xoz Francvii.s en telle aliysnie d'angoisso,
pour exti'cme rccours envoycret ;i nagi? (piei(|ucs vns de la (Mmpagnio,
pour k'ur faire ollre dc so rendrc Icurs vies sauvt'S. J>cs dch'guez
fureiit re('us de priuu; face asscz liumainemciit. iic eapitainc dc
coste conipagnie Kspagiiolo, loipiel se faisoit nomer N'allcmande. pro-
testa on foy dogentilliommo, cheualicr et elirestien. dc ya liieiivuci!-
lance enuers Ics l-'runcols. nicsmemcnt aussi ijue c'cstoit la fa<-o ([ui
auoit osto do tout temps prati(|uee en la guerre ipie IKspagnul vic-
torieux so cotcntast, ii rendmit du Francois jirineipalement. .-ans
passer jdus outre: exhortant en truehcnict. filiii <|'' tons fusscnt
pcrsuadez de ecsto belle jiromosso, ipie ianiais il nc voudroit t'airo
en cost cndroit, deipioy Ics nations so puisseiit en apres ressentir. et
prestement list ai'coustrer vnc banpio, en laiiuelle il eoiui'idu c[U 11 y
oust cinn homes Kspagnols ipii ontrassent dedu'is. et (ju'ils jiassassciit
outre Ti nos gens, ce ipi'ils iirent. Or estans passez, et la harangue
faito dc la part du capitaiue Vallouiande, le capitaiuo loan llihaut
M
II
(I
ft
1 1 !
I; ■'.
lir
'J- \
1 ^
'i'
1
r
i
fi
! ':
if- . ;
i '
I i]
220
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
entra des premitM-s en la barque avcc Ics autrcs, iusques au nonibro do
trento, (jui fut rcrou do Vallcniande assez liuinaiiieniet, niais les au-
trcs l<^squols cstoyeiit do sa coiiipagiiio furent nicnez assez loin arri-
cre do luy.ct lioz tous, deux deux, les mains derriero Ic dos.
Alors Ic reste dos nostrcsi passoit, trcntc a la fois, cepondant que
Valleniando faisoit entretenir do paroles feintes et siniulees co bon
capitaino lean Ilibaut. leijuol s'attijiidoit simplenient a la foy do ce
Valleniando, a laquello il s'estoit rendu. Or les nostrcs estans tous
passez furet ainsi lioz ensemble deux a doux. et cnninie ils ostoyont
tous ensemble, Francois et Espagnols, clieminoyet vers lefort; Ic
capitaine lean Ilibaut et autres nommeimcnt lo sieur d'Ottigny,
quand ils veiront ainsi les nostres estans couplez ensemble, commen-
cerent a changer do couleur, ot do rechef so recommai lerent a la foy
dudit sieur do Valleniando qui les asseuroit: lour disant, quo ces
liens esfoyent souleniet pour les mener iusques au fort en asseurance,
et quo la il leur tiendroit ce (|u'il auoit proniis : et come ils estoyont
assez pres du fort, il comiiie(;a a s'onquerir do ceux (jui ostoyont ma-
telots, charpentiers do naviro, canoniers et autres, lesquels seroyent
vtiles aux offices do la marine, lesijuels estans clioisis se trouuorent
le nonibre dc trcntc homes, et bicntost apres voici vnecompagnio du
fort, laqucllc conipagnio venoit a I'encontre do noz gens, lesquels on
faisoit niarclier arriere du sieur do A'^allcniado et dc sa conipagnio,
ainsi nomnie on foroit vn trouppeau do bestos lequel on ehasseroit a
la boucherio. lors a son dc phiffres, tabourins et trompes, la hardiesse
de ces furicux Espagnols so besbedessur ces poures Francois, lesquels
estoyent liez etgarottez: la c'estoit a qui donncroit Ic plus beau
cousp de pic(iue, do hallebardo et d'ospeo, do sorte quo on demye
heurc ils gagiierC-t lo champ et cniportorent coste glorieuse victoire,
tuans ceux-la vaillamment qui s'estoycnt redus, et lesi|uels ils avoyet
reccu a leur foy et sauuegarde.
Or durant cestc cruaute le capitaine lean Ribaut fait quelques
reniontranees a Valleniando, pour sauuer sa vie: mesmes le sieur
d'Ottigny so iettant a ses pieds, Tappelloit de sa promesse: niais
tout cela no leur servit de rien : car leur tournant le dos niarcha
quelques pas arriere d'eux, et I'vn de ses bourreaux frappa par derri-
ero d'vn coup de daguo le capitaine lean Ilibaut, tcUemcnt qu'il le
fist toniber par terre, et puis bien tost apres redoubla deux ou trois
coups, tant qu'il luy eust este la vie.
Voila quel a este le traiteinet (|ue les nostres (lesquels s'estoycnt
renuus sous ombre de bonne foy) ont rccu de I'Espagnol. Et pour
comblcr lour cruaute et barbaric ; ils ont rase la barbe du lieutenant
du roy, pour faire monstro de leur expedition, et I'ont bien tost
¥
6
DERN'IER VOYAGE AUX INDE3, OU NOUUELI.E FRANCE. 221
apres enuoyeo Ti Ciuilo, ainsi come aucuns do noz matelots, resoruci!
oL eiii[,1oyez pour co mcsnio voyage, nous out cos iours passez fiilelo-
ment racoote, nomniemcnt Cliristophc lo Breton du Ilaure de (liiice,
Ictjuel s'cst secrottcment retire do Ciuilo i"i la ville de Bourdcaux, et
s'est fait porter par les nauires de Bourdeaux Ti Dieppe, et pour le
tropliec de leur renomnieo et victoire, deiuenilirerent Ic corps de ce
bon et fidele scruiteur du roy, et firent de sa teste (^uatre (juartiers
lesquels ils Bchercnt en ^uatre picijues, et puis les plautorut aux
quatre eoings du fort.
I
[Tliis narrative is one of groat value and inii)(irta!iO(' to tlio historian, ami is
necessary to I'stalijisli Ilie claim of France to Florida. Louisiana was a part of
the vast territory of the new worlil, claimed liy the Spaniards under tlie iiaaie
of Florida, and by the French under that ot"New France. After the disastrous
expeditions of Narvaez and De Soto. Spaii virtually abandoned this wilderness
of territory as uuworthv of her arms, and for more than thirtv v<'ais she neg-
lected to conlirm her claim to its discovery by any one act of possession as re-
c'Ogniz('(l by the laws of nations.
Such was the stall of tliin<;s when the brave and intrepid commander, .lean
Ribaut, arrived in New France or Florida, (which had been jireviousiy dis-
covered and described by Vcra/zano. a French navigator,) to settle a colony
071(1 take possession by order of his King, Charles IX., in lotj'i. For two
years or more the French held peaceable possession of all this country, and
their occupancy gave to them an indisputable title. The legitimates of
France and Spain, Charles the Ninth and I'hilip the Second, were at this time
at perfect peace; but the latter, finding that the French had taken possession
of New France, dispatched Don Peilro Meleiidez de .\viles, a man of cruel ilis-
position and accustomed to scenes of blood, in 150.'). to dis[)ossess the French
and ilrive them from the country. He arrived on the coast on the lJ8th August,
l-'iiif) and having ascertained the strength and position of the French colony, he
deemed it his first duty to destroy the colonists.
About the same time, .lean Ribaut airived with succors and aid for the
colony, but his fleet was driven to sea by a storm, and his vessels wrecked,
Meleiidez landed his troojis near the present town of St. Augustine, and by a
rapid and secret march through woods and swamps he arrived before Fort
Carolina, and after a sjiiiited resistance it was takiii by storm, and the garrison
put to the sword, lie then decoyed the troojis of the French ex|)i'dition
which had been cast away on the shores of Florida, and most treacherously
massacred them on St. Matthew's day (the St. l5artliolomcw's of the Protestants
in America), not even sparing their brave conimaiider, Jean Ribaut. who was
dispatched by the dagger of an assassin. The whole nunilier of French who
fell in this carnage was about nine hundred. ."Many of the bodies were sus-
pended from trees with this in.scription : " X't as Faiicknicn. but us km/ics. '
M. Da Gourgues, a Fri'iich nobleman, litidiiig that liiii sovereign neglected
to call Spain to an account for this outrageous and cruel act, litted out at his
own risk and expense an expedition, in J.')!)? and sailed for Florida. He arrived
after a long voyage at the mouth of the river .May. and was saluted by the
Spaniards, who mistook him for one of their own nation. To conlirm them
■.',!.
llil;
n
222
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
in their error, ho returned tlic salute and passed on to the St. Miiry's, where he
landed. He tlKMV as.semhkd a body of tin? nativi's, who were strongly attached
to tiie French, and niarclied for the river St. John's. Tlie Siiaiiiunls iiad reliuilt
Fort Carolina, changing tiie name to St. Matheo, and constructed two other
forts nearer the sea. These were garrisoned by tln-ee hundred men. The
French and Indians surjjrised the forts, killed a great numl)er in tlie tssaidt,
and the rest he hung upon the trees. Having accomplished his object and
destroyed the forts, M. di^ G(nirgues returned to France. Ttie French made
no further attempt to e.stal)lish themsidves in this jiart of New France. But
after the discovery of the A!ississippi river they fitted out an expedition under
M. do la Salle to colonize Louisiana, J
I';
whero he
f attached
lail rebuilt
two otlier
lien. The
lu i.ssaiilt,
ilijrct and
nch made
mce. But
tiou under
JOURNAL IIISTORiaUE
L'ETARLISSEMENT DES FRANCAIS
w
A LA LOriSIANE
M. DE SAUVOLE.*
'/I i!
RiXiU'il que faiprh f^iir mon journcl dr cr qui a'' est pasti6 dc plus
rcmaniitahh drpuis Ic depart de M. d'' IbcrvUle, du, 3 Mai 1099
jusqit'cii 1701.
M. d'Ibervillo m'ayant donne lo commandcnicnt du fort qu'il a fait
construiro, j'ai fait travailler no.s gens pour so mcttre a I'abri des
injures du temps ; r" qui n'avait pu so fairo avant .sou depart prosse
* TIic Historical Journal of JVI. de Suuvole is a narrative of yreat interest
and value, ln'cause it gives tlie details of what took i)lace when tlii; first
colony of Louisiana was estublished. It should have preceded that of La Harpe's
Journal in this volunie. M. de Sauvole was one of the most accomplished otli-
cers that ever went to Lonisianu. lie was a poft an orator, and a suldicr. In
the high circles of society, where his birth and fortune entitled him to ai)pear,
he made a great sensation on aceonnt of iiis l)rilliaiit attainments as a scholar.
Although Ixjrn to fortune he preferred a lil'e of activity in the service of the
country toone of ease and retirement and when he heard that M. d'Iberville was
about to sail for Louisiana, he begged to join tlir expedition. Having loeatiid the
colony, and protected them by a fort. M, il<' Iberville set sail for Frances in the
beginning of 1009, U-aving Sauvole and Bienville his lieutenants, the first to
command the fort, and the other as general suiierinteiident of the colony.
In the course! of this year two missionaries tVom Canada, aceoinp.uiied by
sixteen Canadians, descended the Mississippi to its mouth, and saile(l along the
coast until tliey reached the colony at Bilo.\i. A communication with Canada
was afterwards kt'i)t open i»y Pass Manchae or Iberville and the lakes in the
rear of New Ork'ans. During the absence of M, d'Iberville, Bienville was inde
fatigable in making explorations to secure the jirosperity and perjietuity of the
\m
,-.^"
i
111
I ':
i <;: 1
II
I' i;.
;^i;
111'
224
HISTORICAIi COLLECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
par Ic peu dc vivrcs (|u'il avait. Lour log(Miient I'tant fini. jc lour ai
fait cl(iro Ic luagasin iju'il avait drossc : ousuitc, nous avoii.s fait un
HApital. ct nous nous soninics ilonne>: autaiit do jour (pio nous
I'avoiis pu autour du fort, on abattant lus ai])ro.s d'aloiitonr (jni etai-
ent d'lino grossour prodigieuse. Jc mo suis attaoln' dos lo com-
moneoniont a connaitrc lo fort ct Ic faiblo d'un Ciiacun. poiir iitablir
la disoiplino (ju'il faut toujour.s fairo observer. L'on no lo :^aurait
sans peine, surtout Ti dos gens raniasses dont la plupart n'en ont ja-
mais en la nioindre tointuro : notrc Auinonier a dit journellonicntj
coinnie dans nos vaisseaux. los prieres ordinaircs ct la niesse. M. do
Bionvillo ot Lovassour, ct M. Bordencau. notrc Aunionier. lour ont
donno tros bon oxoniple.
Lo 17 dc Mai, nous avons apporcu unc funu'c ;\ I'ouost du fort,
dc I'autro cote dc la rado. J'y ai envoye un canot [tour voir qui c'etait —
nos gens ont anione lo cliof dos Baiagoulas avcc trois autres ,'^auva-
ges. Jc lour ai fait la nioilleure reeoptiim (ju'il ma etc possible, et
fait mettrc la garnison sons los arnios : ce ipii n'a pas laissr dc los
effrayor. Comme c'etait la premiere dc lours visitos en co fort, j'ai
coniblo d'honneurs ce clief. et I'ai fait manger tout son saoul : c'ost le
plus grand do lours plaisirs. Ileureusement. cc jour la nos chas-
seurs avaient tue trois oliovrcuils. Lour aviiut mis uno eliemise u
chacun sur lour corps, jo lour ai fait voir le fort; ils ont etc surpris
qu'en si peu do tcnifis nous ayonscntasse do si gros.scs pieces do bois
les unes sur Ics autrcs ; nos canons ne les ont pas moins etonnes; ils
les ont trouvi's monstrucux, bion (ju'ils no soient quo dc 8. J'ai fait
tirer deux coups a ballo devant eux : ils no savaiont ou so mettrc
tant ils avaient peur. Ayant passe unc nuit tres tramiuillonicnt
parmi nous ; a une alarme pros (juc le sergent leur donna avoc sa
hallobarde, vcnant prendre I'ordro, et parlant au major a I'oroille ;
cela les fit revor profondeincnt : m'cn otant appcrcu, jc les rassurai
'! !
ii-
colony. But tlie condition of the colonists soon lucani.' chan_!j;e(l by tlu; inroads
of the cliniiite ui)on their coiisiitntions; and before 31. (I'lberville's return sick-
ness liiid made such riiviigus among tlicin tliat many died of malignant f 'vers,
probalily of what is now called the eontj'stivc and yrllow fever, so common to
Louisiana, among whom was the yoiitiil'ul eommaiidcf of l^iloxi the lamented
M. yanvojc. His career was short but brilliant. IJrloved by all the colonists
and followed to the grave by I heir tears and regiM ts his name will ever be con-
secrated with tho.se who saerilieed their lives to the glory of Franee and the
coloni/.atioii of Louisiana. Tlie pieturesciue iiiins of the old fort of Hiloxi. now
occupied by an Anglo-American family, wiih its bastions still throwing their
eveiung siiadows upon the jilaeid waters of the bay. mark tiic s[)ot where Iber-
ville and iJienville often met to drop a tear upon the grave of one ever
dear to the memory of Louisianians.
JOURNAL nn M. SiAUVor.R.
225
6
f
}
par des caressos. Lo leinlcniiiiii, au jioiiit du jour, ils in'avonorcnt
quo U'liis famines etaiont do I'autro cote, et (ju'ils seraiont ravis de
leur fairo voir Ic fort. I-o clief los voyant drbanjuor iiic fit signc do
fairo iiK.'ttro los soldats sous los ariiios, ot cliorolia dans lo tnrt. criant
hautoiiH'iit (juo sa foinino y ofait. ot (ju'il fallait lui fairo los inrinos
honiioiirs ija'a lui. Jo n'avais pas conipte que los siiuvairos y fussent
scnsiblos. A{)ros otro rosto trois ou quatre jours parnii nous, lis
partirout Je lour ai loniie doux do iios jeuiios garrons pour qu'ils
approuuont lour languo ; ils cuvorrout Tun aux Ilouuias ot gardoront
I'autro olioz eux. Co cliof s'appollo Autobotoauia. Cost lo sauvage
le plus ruso (juo jo counaissc, ot ((ui va lo plus u sos fius. II iii'a dit
que la oouvorturo (juo M. d'Ibervillo lui avait doniiro. avait ou le
memo sort (juo saiuaisou (pii avait etc bndee ; bion quo jo u'oii eru.5sc
ricn. jo lui ai doune un liabit rouge ou oapot : iiiais jo lui ai fait en-
tendre i(UO je no le lui donnais (pio pour (ju'il out plus do soin du
jeuno lionuno (jue je lui coiifiais. Jo donnai i^i eliacun dos autros de
petits presents, des rassades, dos coutcaux, quobjues liaolios ; ct Ics
engageai par lu a conduire M. de IJionville aux J"](juiiiipii-lias. aux-
quels j'onvoyai aussi un jjrosoiit d'un capot, d'un calumet, do rassades
et autros affaires propros agagnor j)aroil!csgons. Le cliof dos Baia-
goulas balanca long-temps s'il y irait ou non, me disant qu'il iic rr-
pondait pas (jue les autrcs ne tuassent nos gens. Je lui dis que nous
no craignions personne, et que .s'ils faisaiont ([uebiuo niauvaise
demarolio. j'irais les tuer tons. Voyant (ju'll ne pouvait plus so dis-
penser d'y aller. il s'y dotormina. II ne disait tout cola ini'on vue
d'avoir tout pour lui et pour no pas nous donner counaissance
d'aucune autre nation.
Le 20. M. de Bienville est revenu dos Coulapissas, c'est ainsi
qu'ils so noujuient, lis no'nt jamais oui parlor de M. do Ijusalle ni
do jM. de Tonty. II y a oti' bion rO(_u. lis no sont qu'u quatre
journoos do nous. lis m'ont envoyo doux calumets do paix ; nuilgre
cela, ils n'ont jamais approclio d'ici. II faut i|ue le chof dos Baia-
goulas los ait intimidi's. faisant croire (jue o'otait eux (jue nous cher-
chions. 31. d'Ibervillo et moi, lors(|uo nous los avons tant (jues-
tionnes sur 'a fourche de la riviere ot sur los Qalnipissas. lis ne
sont jias plus de cent cin(juanto liommos, mais tres bien faits.
Lo bio d'indo (jue nous avioiis some et autres lierbagos ont ete
bruli's i)ar I'ardour du soloil. 31. d'Iborville pent avoir avanoti rjue
tout y venait a nierveillc : il est vrai aussi que quand il piirtit. je lui
offris a manger d'une salade de laitues. bion qu'il n'y out (juo IS jours
qu'on I'avait somee. Mais la sijclieresse a ('te si grando. ijuo tons les
niarais out si'chi'. Le mois de Juin est le plus chaud, cost colui-la
i : I
jtJII
226
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
11 !■ '
<«1
ou nous avons eto en grando disctte d'can ; et sans Ic sccours d'un
petit ruissoau ({uo jo trouvai I'tant ;i la cliasf^c a uiio lieue ot demic
du fort, nous cusisioii.s eti' mal dans nos atFairos, n'on trouvaut pas
une goutte dans los autros endntits. II y a unc si grande (|uantite
do croeudilos (ju'on en voit a tout nioinont ; niais nous n'avons pas
lien de nous en plaindrc jusijuTi present ; nous en avons tue plu-
sieurs au pied du fort ; ils n'y rcviennunt plus si freijueninicnt. Les
serpens sont beaucoup plus dangereux. .T'en ai vu la prouve sur un
de mes chiens ipii etaiit niordu par un serpent a sonnettes no vecut
point un (juart d'iicure. li enfla si fort sur le champ, ([u'il ne put
branler de I'endroit. Ileureuseinent personne n'a eu ce nienie sort.
J'ai envoyu reconnaitre la baie de la Mobile le 9 Juin, et le
fort de Pensacola ; voir si los Kspagnols ne I'auraicnt point aban-
donne fautc de vivres, coninie huirs deserteurs nous I'avaient assure ;
ce qu'ils n'avaient point fait par le rapport de M. de Bienville (jui y
a etc; mes instructions le portant. je n'eusse fait nullc difficiilte d'y
envoycr dix honimes jusqu'a I'arrivee des vaisseaux, ou pour mieux
dire, nous nous y fussions tous transportes.
Je ne saurais occuper nos gens (jue deux heures le matin et deux
heures le soir, a cause du grand chaud, pour defricher et bruler au-
tour du fort, tant il fait chaud. La plupart de nos gens ont ete
atteints de la dissenterie. Les mauvai.ses eaux la leur ont sans doute
causee : encore, n'en trouve-ton pas quand on veut : a I'l'-gard du
terrain, il est assurement fort ingrat. Ce n'cst quasi que du sable
brulant — nos gens ont seme tres souvent, et infructucusement. Les
arbres sont sur pied perces de vers ; les traversic^'s en ont ete en-
dommages. Ca n'a pas ete sans peine si nous les avons roniis en
6tat, personne ne s'en etant drfir, et encore ra n'etait il pas trop bien;
j'avoue tres ingenuement tout contre moi sur ce qui vient en ma con-
naissance.
La riviere do la 3Iobile est peu de chose ; son terrain est bas et
sturile ; point d'eau ii son entree, 7 pieds seulement; encore Tentrec
est elle tres difficile.
Le 2.J de Juin, nos gens ont amene deux savages de la nation des
Biloxis (ju'ils ont trouve sur le bord de I'eau. lis n'ont pu parlor a
leurs femmes qui etaient avec eux et qui s'en sont enfuies. Je leur
ai fait le meilleur accueil (juo je I'ai pu, et douue quelques baches, un
sabre et un chapeau.
Le chef des Baiagoulas ni'a laisse ici un sauvage age de 22 ans
pour apprcndre notre languc : il a fort bien redressi' les autres sur
ce qu'il lour voyait faire (jui n'approchait point de notre maniere;
il nous i-opie de son luieux ; il serait fort fache de nous quitter.
aii'-rl
JOURNAL DE M. SAUVOLE.
227
J'iii onvoyi' roconnaitro la riviere dos Pascagoulas et Biloxis ^ui
est ii (k'ux ou eiiKj lioues d'ici ; sou terrain est bon a de\ix jipumecs
dc son cinliDUcliure ; il n'y a que deux piods d'oau u sou entri'e, et
a uu donii eablo 7 Ti 8 brasses; elle serpente beaucoup ayaiit fait IG
lieues. L'ou rencontre les villages dcs rascagoulas, Uiloxis et Moc-
tobis (jui ue sont pas 'iO eabanes en tout.
Juillet. — II est arrive deux eaiiots d'eeorco le lerdeoe niois, dans
lesquels il y avait deux niissionnaircs. lis etaient cu tout 18 liora-
mes. lis sont du seniinaire dc Quebec. L'nn est ctabli aux Taen-
sas, et I'autrc anx Tonieas. lis out ajtpris de nos nouvelles aux
Hounias. et sont descendus par le bas du fleuve a la nier. lis out ote
dix jours dans leur traversee ici, et sans le secours de (juebjues })luics,
ils soraient morts de soif indubitableniont ; car, la plupart lUaient tres
mal par la disette d'eau. Je leur ai fait tous Ics plaisirs qu'on pout
faire en pareil lieu, et les ai fait refraicliir par dcs bouillons dc oliev-
reuil (jui no Icur a pas uianijur. lis sont rcstes ncuf jours parmi
nous. Je les ai pries de prendre le parti de s'en aller, vu (juc nous
n'avions que peu de vivres. 31. de Montigny u qui jc lue suis adresse,
in'a dit (jue je lui faisais plaisir, qu'il n'osait commander aux gens
qu'il avait avec lui ; (pi'ils lui cusscnt voulu du mal, s'il leur en cut
parle lui-menio, (ju'il voyait bien que dix-huit hommes n'etaient ([uo
trcs !\ charge en paroille conjoiicturc. Si notre travcrsier quo j'avais
envoye a St. Domingue venait a nian(juer, la garnison en eut souf-
fert, ct jc no pouvais pas m'en dispenser. M. de 3Iontigny ni'a mar-
que envie de s'en aller etablir aux Natchez (jui est la nation la plu3
nonibreuse du bas du fleuve, ct la plus respcctee des autrcs sauvagcs.
Pour faeilitcr quelque acces pres do leur chef, jc lui ai reniis un ca-
pot rouge dont il lui ferait present, et quo c'est la plus pernicieuso boisson qu'il y ait tant pour la
sante que pour los discussions et querolles qui en proviennent : elle
ruine le corps, abrutit rhonime ; (piolquo precaution quo j'aie pu pren-
dre, il ne m'a pas ete possible do lour fairo boiro Icur ration journel-
lement ; ils la prennont pourtant de nu'-ine ; niais ils ont lo secret de
la caclier si secretement (|u'on no saurait la deterrer pour la boire
quand ils en ont assoz accumule. S'il etait possible d'envoyor du vin
suffisamment, ou assez de grain et de me'lasse pour faire de la biere,
ils s'en porteraient bien micux ; et cola nous oxempterait d'infliger
des punitionsque neeessite I'ivrosso. Le vin ne fait pas la ccntieme
partie do I'cffot quo produit I'oau de vie.
Aoiit. — Le commenceniont do ce mois a ete le plus beau tiu'on
puisse voir au mondo. II est arrive le 8 uno pirogue dans laijucllo
il y avait sept sauvages do la nation des Pascagoula.s parmi les(|uels
ee trouvait le clicf de cctte mcme nation : il s'appelle Chenoua. Ils
sont etablis sur la riviere de la Mobile. J'avais dans mes instruc-
tions I'ordro do faire boaucoup de caresses a ces nations, et de lour
donner un fusil ; ce que j'ai fait. lis vont indubitablement voir los
Espagnols ; car ce chef avait un de leurs mousquets. Outre le fusil,
!e lui ai donni; un sabre, un chapeau brode, un capot, un plumet, et
! ri
JOtJIlNAL DF: M. SAUVOLE.
229
III »iu'on
llKjUCllc
los(|uels
Ilia. lis
iiistruc-
dc leur
voir Ics
lo fusil,
uiuet, et
d'autrcs presents pour los .sions. lis so soiit si bicn trouvi-s pariiii
nous, <|u'il n'y a point do suuvages qui, aprcs Hro vcnus ioi, n'y
soiont rovonus plusieurs fois.
Lo 21 AoCit notro travorsior est revenu do St. Doniinfruo charpje
do vivros (|ii'il a pris au oap ; nous n'on avons pas ett; eonk'iits. II
s'ost trouve boaucoup do t'ariiio gAtoe. la niuitio d'oau do vie do nia-
dcro d'uno (luulito detestable, reiifonneo dans des barrils tres petits
qui, I'un dans I'autrc n'etaient renijdis (ju'a un quart pres ; olle
etait dims les plus niauvai.s f'uts dii nionde. Si lo cajiitainc du tra-
vcrsier, noninie Guion, n'oiit pas passe ;\ Leogand, nous eussions eu
quinze barrils do farino do nioiiis, (jue M. Ducasso lui a fait pren-
dre pour faire les six mois do vivros quo lo gouvornournous envoyait:
il peut s't'tre tronipe. Quant a I'cau do vie, il mo nianda (ju'il nic
I'envoyait nioitie do Franee, uioitie do Mad ''re, n'cn ayaiit point
d'autre.
Lo •2-2. j'ai envoye sonder les deux lacs par ou M. d'Iborvillo a
dcscendu et qu'il avait nomnies lacs Poiieliartrain ct Maurepas, cc
qui n'e.st plus. Par lo rapport qu'il ni'afait, il est impossible do faire
d'etabli.-isomentsur lours Lords, tant lo terrain y est bas et noye.
Lo 27, j'ai envoye deux canots d'ecorce commandos par M. do
Bienville avec six honimes lui conipris pour aller faire portage dans
lo flouvc IMicbassippi, et lo doseendre jusqu'a son emboucliuro. II a
trouve plus d'oau dans le i-lienal ou nous avons nionte que dans les
autres — il a monte aux liaiagoulasct aux ^uinipissas. 11 nommo los
Mongoulachas, Quinipissas, parcequc nous voulous faire rovivro cette
nation dontle chef est veritablemont un Quinipissas.
II a trouve ces deux nations tres affligeos do la perte do (luebjucs
homnie.s (juo les Iloumas leur ont tues, ayant ete chez eux le.s sur-
prendre dans le temps (|u'ils etaient u travailler dans leurs (.•liamps.
lis I'ont appris par le petit garcon (jui est cliez cux, du reste j'ignore
la cause do leurs diiierends.
En descendant lo fleuve, et ;\ 2ii lieuos do son emboucliuro, M.
do Bienville a rencontre unc frcgate Aiiglaiso de 12 canons a la quelle
il a fait opposition (coninie Tordre que je lui avais donne le portrait).
C'etait lo 15 Septembre. Lo capitainc do la fregate, nomine Barr,*
* Coxe, in his description of Carolann, culled liy the Spaniards Florida, and
by the French La Luiiisianc, states that this ship (in 1098) was the titst that
ever entered the Mississij)pi river fium the sea. lie further states that in the
year 1G78 a considerable ininiber of persons went from New England to make
discoveries, and proceeded as far as New Mexico, one hundred and lilty leagues
beyond the Mississippi, and after their return rendered an account of their ex-
pedition to Colonel Dudley, afterwards Governor of New England. That liis
' >i,
rr;
n I ■
n
m
1% t
i II
r
230
IIISTOIIICAI. COI.I.KCTIO.VS Ol' LOUISIANA.
lui avouii Itigenueiiioiit (jii'il n'avait eto rcoonnaitrc cotto rivii'ro (juc
pour y t'iiire uci etablii^.st'iiK'iit pour uiio coiii|ia;:uit; ; uiiiiH, voyaiit ijuo
nous iiiuis (Ml (Hioiis t'Uipart''S avaiit onx, ot nous croyaiit etaMis en
liaut, il a |iii.s lo parti de s'oii rotourncr, a«surant lus notrcH i^uou le
rcverrait I'anneo procliainc.
II (!st arrive 13 sauvages le dernier de Septoinhrc, de la nation des
Baiagoulas et Quiiii[»is8as.
liii rivirre de Mississippi n'a point de courant ou tres pou. I)c-
puis lo I Sitptembre jus(nrau 1") Novonibre, I'tau avait baisse de "-iO
pieds aiix iJaiagoulas {l\ son eniboueliuro il y en a d'avantage dans
ce temps lu),
Lc 17 Octobrc il est arrive unc pirosuo do Pascagoula dans la-
(juelle il y avait i:> sauvages; parnii eux, il y en avait un (|ui venait
do la nation dcs Cliactas ;* il nous a dit ij^uc cctte nation etait fort
fiitlier till' proprietary of Carolana, twenty-three years before, was possessed of
a jduiiial I'riPiu tlio nioutli of tlie Mfcliasi'ln' (Mississippi), wliicii liad been
writtrii many years belore. tipj^etlu'r witli a larj,'i' iiim|> witii the iiaiiies of the
rivers, iiations, and iiruduetions ot' tliis enmitry.
Tliat in Kl'.lS lie fitted out ati expeditinii at liis own expense, cunsistin^ of
twosiiips, armed witli twenty jjri'at ;;iiiis. sixteen patereroes. and an almndaiiee
of Muall arms, aiuiuiinition. stores and |)rovisions not only for tiie uso of those
on hoard, hut also for building a furtilieation and settling a colony, there behig
ill both ves.sels a great niiniber of volunteers, inelniling gentlemen and noble-
men.
One of tliesi! vessels, commanded by Captain Barr. entered the Missi-.si])pi
and aseeiided it above one hundred miles, and would have? established a colony
there liad tlu' captain of the other sliip doiu' his duty and not deserted him.
Ih', liowever. took jiosses.^ion of this coiiiil i\v in the name ot' his JNIujesty,
and left in several places tlie arms of (oeat 15iitain allix. 1 on hoards and trees
for a memorial thereof
* Tlie Chaetas and Chieaehas came fi-om the west, according to a tradition
preserved among them, ami are an otl'-shoot of the Chiclieniecs, who Avero
driven out of Mexico. After wandering many years, the Chaetas crossed the
]Missi^si]iiii, ami settled in the territoiy now embraced in southern 3Iississi[)pi
and southucstern Alaiiama while the Chieaclnis estal)lished themselves in
northern ,Alississippi. and all the westei'ii hall of Tennessee. 'I'hey s]ith sexes were
models of beauty and ligure. They marked their f ices and bodii's with curious
figures in blue indelible ink. and llattened tin ir heads by artificial means, hence
they were called '• Flalhiaila." No Indians excelled them in liosjiitality. They
Avere superior orators, spoke with good sense, and used most beautiful meta-
:
i!
I
JOURNAL I»n M. SAIVOI.n.
231
lurc tjuo
yaiit (|Uo
iiMis en
iju'ou lo
ition (les
3U. T)e-
.se do 20
igo duus
dai)s la-
ui veiiait
Jtait fort
:)s.so.ssi'(l of
liiul l)(.'on
in'.s i)t' tho
iisisting uC
almiHliincc
■;t' oC those
licrc bi'ing
iiml iiuble-
.Missi-.-sii)pi
cl a colony
1 liiiii.
s Majesty,
s and trees
a tnxilition
wlio were
rosscd tlie
,Missis.si[)i)i
iiisclvi's in
.■^lioke tho
the intoiia-
vcre still a
()C(Mi])ying
('hoeehii-
uilis of the
<'.\es were
ith oirious
ins. hence
ity. Tlicy
ul'ul nieta-
nonibroiiso ct avail l.'i villages ; il on parlo avoc lioaiiontip do vone-
ratiiiii ct (le oraiiite. Il nous a fait oiitondro i|Uo les Cliactas ct Ics
Anglais avaiont on allaire cnsoniblo ; cos dorniors allaicnt, dit-il, aux
Cliioa!>sas. ,Io cruis fort ition i|iio do la Caroline ils pouvaiont avoir
pas,-6 aux Cliieassas oil deux lioniiiios des lours sont otablis. selon lo
rapport do M. Davion, nn dos inissionnairos (pii ont 6t»'( ioi : eo niis-
sioniiairo avait eto aux Clucassas avoc oux ; ils otaient partis onsom-
blc dos Tunicas oil ils ont ote pour aclietor dos esclavos dostinos ii la
Carolino.
La IVoL'ato (ju'on a trouvoo dans lo Mississippi jiouvait Men avoir
doniH! roiidoz-vous i\ d'autros Aiiirlais pour so joindro an has du
flouvo. Cost a savoir s'il est vrai ijuo les Anjrlais et los Cliactas so
soiont liattiis. Co sanvajro avait sur liii uno oouvorto blouo (pi'il dit
avoir trouvoo prc'sd'un lioinino mort. Co (jiii mo lo fait croiro. c'ost
que les Cliactas sont enrages do co (^ii'ils acliotont do lours osolavos et
d'autros sauvagos.
I'lus j'ai connaissanco do oes cspecos de nations, plus jo suis
frappo do lour niisore. Si rosj)oir do trouvor i[ueliiuo iniiH; no sc
realise point, la cour no saurait etro reniboiirsoo des dopeiiscs ((ii'il
lui faut fairo, a nioins (jii'oUo no jiornu'tto la desconte du castor par
ici, eo ipii no sora pas ruinoux pour lo Canada; car il aura toujours
phors. Their s]ieechcs were concise, sti-oiiir. and full oC tire. 'I'lirv liad no
other ri'li^ion ilian that wliicli attaciicd to their t'lnn ral lites. 'I'hev had some
i(hM ol' a SiipriMMc l>eini;, Tiie French inissionaiics never snccecdnl in con.
Verting tJH'in to (.'iiristianity. 'I'liis once (loweri'iil and wailiivc nation has now
ahiiost disappeared iVoin tlie state ol' Mis>is>ip|ii. iiaviiiLC sold ont tlieir counli'V
aiivl einiL:rated to tlie Indian Territory west of the Arkansas, wjieie tiiey are
rapidly advancing in the arts of civili/,ition. 'i'liey have a re]inlilieaii constitu-
tion, a li'gislature. and a judicial system, and eveiy measure is tak' n hy the
general gov<'rnment to eivili/.e them.
The Cliicachas, a bravo and warlike nation were anioni; tlu' most lianu'hty,
eruel and insolent people among the southern Indians. They nnmlieiiil about
forty villages, and had numerous well cultivated lields. They det'eated |)e Soto,
D'Artaguette and IJienville in several |)ii< lied ^attle.^. ainl were tin' enemies
and constant terror of French vnijir^oe-
tiaus of Louisiana.
I
.•I I
i
I1ii
.':«■
H
■K 1'
.
232
inSTOIltCAt, COM.KCTIONs* OV I.OtriSIANA.
Hon Cdiirs fl l;i iiHMiK! al)Oii(l;iii('i), l/mi t'criiit bi'iiunnup dc tort par
li"i uux Aii^'liiirt. — Ijii laiiii' lit! linMit' est ciicnro mi iirtutlc ii lit; pas
nuglipT. Lt's Hiiuvam'c(s. cii poii do ti'iiips, cii fcniiotit di's uiiihm,
nil licti di' la laissor pcrdrc ijiiaiid ils out tiu'- ties lii'tcs; ils la dcscen-
draicnt pmir rioii ortage qui est a 22 lieues plus bas (juc Ics IJaiagoulas. dans
une riviere d'cau douce (|ue j'ai trouve avoir assez de courant, et
prcsijuc aussi large que la riviere de Kochofort. L'ayant montec a
une distance d'une lieue, j'y ai trouve un terrain qui m'a paru assez
proprc a un etablissement, quoiqu'il lie dure qu'uno licue et deniie
sur ses bords. Je I'ai monte a cinq lieues, et j'ai trouve tout inoude.
Je lui ai depoche un cauot d'ecorce (jue j 'avals mene avec moi, pour
lui rendre conipte de ma decouvcrte, et lui dire que j'attendais des
ordrcs pour y fairo travaillcr. II m'a fait repondre qu'il m'cn lais-
sait le maitre, mais qu'il ne lui paraissait point prudent d'abandonner
jni;R\.\r. i»k m. hauvoi.e.
;].'{
lo (crraiii i|iii' iiuiis (iccujiiniis prrs dc l;i riulo dii sunt hum vaisscaiix.
l'uiiii|iie inmiilla^'c dc ci'.s (|iiartic'rM; il ajou'ait ipic .>*i Jc iic riimmiB
ricMi, il t'tiiit il iiiopds du t'airo t'carrir iUm |iicu\ jmur t'oiistniiri' mis
di'ux liastions, cii ipic jf I'ais t'airu iiici's.sainiiu'iit. atiii (|iril vdic lo
travail ii smi ri'timr. .!•• n'ai iHiurtaiit jias lii'an('nu|i dc iii(nid(! : car
do is lioiiiiiioH taut Oiiiiadii'iis (|iio flibustiors nuil a lai.ssi'S iiialadtM,
iiyuiit aiiioiio li'H iiutroH. il ii'y on a (|U0 'i ijui so soittiit roiiiis. Mais
M. do Uoouiiard (|iti ooimiiaiido sum vaissoau on son alisoiioi' lu'ii
oiivoyo six cliar|ioiitiors (|uo j'ai joints n iios soldats. C'ot otlioiur
met uii si ;L,'raiid zoU' ot uiio t(dlo vigilaiico an servico, tiu'il tnuivo Ic
secret d'arnier 15 cliuloupos |ioiir lo dolmniuoiiieiit dea ofl'ots dostinos
pour hi coloiiio; il nous t'ournit outro cidii lo plus do niatolots (|u'il
peut pour nous aiilor i"i lialor los pioux pour nos lia>ti()ns.
M. d'lljorvillo luo niando onooro son liourouso otitroo dans hi
rivioro (|u'il a niontoo IS lieues. II a elioisi un terrain tiuoi(juo fort
bas ()ui n'ost pas inonde, par lo rapport d'un sauvagi; (]u'il avait,
apr«'S avoir donno dos ordros ot fait ooarrir des pioux pour uno
niaison uii il duit niottro six canons. II s'ost rendu aux IJaia'Mulas
d'ou sa Icttro est datoo. M. do Tonty ijui I'a joint u I'ondroit de
I'etaltlissoinont iju'il a fait, est de son voya;^o. II a doseondu des
Illinois oil jo lui avals oorit par los niissionnaires ot niar(|Uo a pou
pros lo temps quo nos vaissoaux pourraic iit arrivor. (M. do Tonty
est renionto aux Illinois, lui oi.'ino, ot .sos ^ens ont suivi 31. d' Iber-
ville. Des sauvages <[uc j'avais mcnos fi bord, sont vonus m'avortir
(|u'il vcnait trois butimonts Espagnols lo long de la ooto oucst.) M.
Lcsueur rosto aux Baiagoulas avoc ses 1"» liommes, ju.stju'au retour
dc M. d'Iberville. Jo souliaito ((uo son bonliour racoonipagno on
ccttc occasion p(tur lo bion du iioi, ot ((u'il trouvo do (pioi so d»!-
domnniger des dopenscs (|u'il a faites. 11 est certain (|u'il est impos-
sible do so donnor jilus de peine ((u'il no fait. Uion no lui est dilli-
cile ; s'il y a ijuohpio possibilito de fairo uno clioso. on y peut comp-
ter suremcnt. Jo suis outre de n'otre ]>oint do co voyage par los
lumiores que j'cii eusso pu tirer. J'ospore ijuo la cour mo niottra
u portee, I'annoc pioohaino, .si I'on otablit dans la riviere, do fairo
quelquo decouvcrte ; je no puis en fairo ici, tant les environs sont jiou
considerables.
J'osc me flatter quo les sauvages feront aveugleniont, tout co (jue
nous voudrons, (juoi'qu'ils soiont bion paresseux ; ils ont confianco
en ce que nous leur disons. J'ai mono lo chef do la .Mobile voir los
vaissoaux, depuis Ic depart dc M. d'Iberville. II restait oxtasio de
voir de si grandos maohinos; il s'ost montre fort satisfait de Tac-
cucil qu'on lui a fait. II avait avec lui deux Chactus et lo chef des
15
234
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF LOUISIANA.
■rp
Pascagouks. Ktant de rctour au fort, ils ont compte aux autves
qu'ils avaicnt 6t6 dans des vaissoaux qui allaiont jusqu'aux nues.
qu'il y avait plus de cinquante villages dans cliacun et du iiionde A
n'y pouvoir pas passer, et qu'on les avait fait descondrc dans iin en-
droit oil ils iront vu ni soleil ni luno ; ils sont partis pour aller chez
lesCliactas Icur apprendreces prodiges. Jc souhaitc qu'ils les amenent.
llcvenus des vaisseaux avoc M. d'Iborvillo, ofi j'avais ete pour
recevoir les ordrcs ; nous avons apperqu, avant d'avoir mis a terre.
notre petit traversicr en feu. II nous a ete impossible d'utcindre le
feu dejri trop avance ; en outre, il y avait plusieurs barrils de pou-
dre qui. en pcu de temps ont fait leur effet ordinaire. Cot accident
a ete cause par deux maladroits qui ayantete travailler Ti bord, y ont
laisse une mrclie alluuiee qui a occasione cetto perte : j'on suis incon-
solable, par le bosoin qu'on en pent avoir. Un nialheur n'urrive point
soul ; une de nos bissaiennos a deserte : son equipage utait de 9
lioninics que la lienonim(c avait fournis. Ce batimcnt avait charge
a bord. selon son ordinaire, et en etait parti le 1 1 mars apres iiiidi :
jc n'en fus avorti (jue le lendeniain par une clialoupo qui vint des
vaisseaux. et me demanda des nouvelles de I'autre qui etait parti
le veille. J'envoyais M. de Boisbriant apres, pour tachcr do la ren-
contrer, co qui a ete inutile. 31. Dejourdy a en lo nienie sort. Jc
ne doute pas qu'ils no soient alles aux Espagnols. Ils ont sans doute
tue leur patron : ils lo lui avaient jure, a cc qu'on m'a dit.
L'autre traversier est parti lo 18 pour Pensacola et pour les Apa-
laclies, par ordre de M. d'Iberville qui reclamera cos gens la. II
ecrit une lettre d'honnetete a cliaque gouverneur, et leur donnc avis
de rintention qu'on t les Anglais de s'etablir dans cos contrees. Jc
suis dans une grando inipatienco de la reception que ces messieurs lu
feront au traversier, et comment ils accueillcront uos hoanetes.
J'ai ecrit aussi au gouveneur de Pensacola.
Nos bastions soront bicn avances a I'arriveo de M. d'Iberville, car
les pioux sont entiercment eearris pour le deux bastions : colui de
I'ouost est a moitie fait, ses pioux sont extrCMncnient forts. Je ne
neglige pas un moment a les mcttre dans I'etat qu'il faudra. II est
niort, dans ce fort, -1 hommes qui avaient porte leur maladie do
France. Dopuis Tarrivee des vaisseaux. il en est niort trois de ceux
qui etaient arrives ici nialades.
A I'egfird des porlos, je n'en ai point vu do vcritables. Un lionime
do probite m'a dit en avoir vu une veritable (^ui venait de la riviei'c
des Colapissas (Pearl). II est certain qu'il y ou a beaucoup, selon
le rapport des sauvages.
Sauvole.
Fait au Four Bii.oxi. ce ler Avril, 1700.
JOUKNAL IJE M. 3AUVOLE.
235
I
I v')
villc, car
celui de
Je lie
II est
adie dc
de ceux
Siiiic de ce (pii s'cst pass^: dans h Fort dit Biloxi. drpuis Ic dtpurl du
traversicr pour St. Duniiniquc du 1(V J/r//, 1700.
Le 12 Mai les chefs d'aome et de la Mobile sont venus reolaiuer
notre protectiun contre les Conchas, les Piniscas et d'autres sauvages
(juc leur out tue 12 hoimnes. Je n'ai pas balance u cnvoyer du
monde, dans la necessite pressante oii je ine troiive fa\ite de vivrcs.
Je leur ai facilite par la le moyen de cultiver leurs terres. en les ras-
surant par un tel secours : outre ({ue nos gens y ont vreu as.se/. long
temps, avec (juehjues rassades, ((uehpies baches et d'autres petites
affivires 4ue je leur avals donnees. J'etais bicn aise aussi de ni'as-
surer le reste de ble d'indo ({u'ils avaient cluz eux. ((ui nra dure jusijuu
I'arrivreduvaisseau /'£■////i
. I;
iqu'ils
t nous
teries.
qu'on
MEMOIRE im M. I)E lUCIIKIJOUlU;,
st;u
LA PREMIERE GUERRE DES NATCHEZ.
i'S
Porn, bien faire connaitrc ce (|ui a donr.K lieu a cotto nation de
se declarer contro nous, il fuut reprcndro d'un peu plus liaut. En
1713. le roi ayant accorde la concession do la Louisiano a M. Cro-
zat, M. do Lamotlio Cadillac, son associe, y fut cnvoye gouvcrneur ;
et M. de JJienvillo, qui n'avait (jue le titre do lieutenant de roi, cut
ordrc de roster sous lui pour le uiettre au fait du pays. Mais le dit
sieur de Lamotho, ayant voulu so gnuvernor ;i sa fantaisie, alieiia si
fort l(!s sauvages, quo M. de IJionville avait niaintenus dans la plus
grande depeiidance pendant plus de trcize ans. (ju'ils se jetercnt tous
du cote dc's Anglais : lesquels, ravis do cos dispositions, leur envoy-
erent plusieurs traiteurs avcc (juantite de marchandises et etablirent
dos niagasins aux Cliactas, aux Cliickassas, aux Yazous et aux Nat-
chez, d'ou ils envoyerent des eniissaires parnii le petit nombre de na-
tions (|ui perseveraient dans notre alliance. II est aiso de juger par
la position de ces postcs, qui sont au milieu de la colonic, (ju'elle etait
sur le point de sa perte entiere. Aussi, lo sieur de Lamotho, qui sen-
talt ce danger, chargca M. de ]Jicuvillo de ramener los sauvages
dans notre alliance, et do trouver los nioyens de faire rctiror ies trai-
teurs anglais, qui etaient parnii eux. Ce qu'il fit en nioins d'un
mois. En effet, il fit piller tous Ies niagasins des traiteurs anglais-
qui lui furent auienes, et qu'il envoya a la Vera Cruz pour Ies eloig-
ner davantage. En meine temps, il so fit apporter Ies trte.s des
principaux chefs Chactas qui etaient alios a la Caroline inviter Ies
Anglais ix venir s'etablir chez eux.
Au mois d'octobre de cctte memo annee, M. de Lainothe revint
des Illinois, sachant tout ce qui s'etait passe. Comme il avait ete
mecontent de la mauvaiso reception que Ies Natcliez lui avaient faite
en montant. il crut devoir ii son tour leur eu temoiguer son mecon-
lili
.31^
242
IIISTORtCAL COL.LKCTIONH Ol" I.OUrSIANA.
i
IHu'^
ii
^ j;
m
■ .
m
m !
(
t,
\i
tcntoinoiit. Avfiiit abordc; cliez oux pour y ])rondro dos vivres, Ics
chefs s'oinpro.ssrront do lui donncr tout ce ((u'il souliaitait, lui pru-
sontc-ront lo (•alunict de la paix ct le priercnt d'oublicr leur fautc.
M. dc I.
(Ic Ijamotlu; so ronibaiNjua sans los vouloir ofoulor. los laissant
aiusi porsuadiis quo co gouvoniour avait rintontion do lour fairo la
guorrc.
M. do IJicuvillo ayant roru dans cc tonips de nouvollos provisions
du roi au coiiiiuaiidoincnt du Mississippi, Sa Majesto lui donna ordre
d'allor fairo plusiours otablissonioiits sur ce lleuvc ot do coniuioncor
par celui dos Natchez avec SO soldats. U lit aussitot travaillor Ti la
construction des pirogues m'cessaircs ot disposer toutes choses.
On apprit au niois do janvior 171 (>, par M. Davion niissionnaire,
quo (juatrc Canadions. qui niontaioTit aux Illinois, avaiont etc assas-
sinos j)ar les Natchez. Cetto nouvelle engagea M. do liienvillo ii
pressor son depart. II pria M. do Laniotho do fairo noinmer son
d'itachoniont avoc 80 honnnes, comnie il en avait I'ordre do 31. lo
cornto de Pontchartrain. Co quo 31. dc Laniotho rofusa. II fit
seulenient comniant la conipagnie dc 31. do llichcbourg, qui
n'etuit (juo do 34 homnies. 31. do Bienville engagea 31. Duclos,
coiniuissaiio ordonnateur, ot 3Iessiours Ilauzon ot Labarre, agens de
31. Crozat, dc so joindre a lui, pour repn'scntor a 31. do Laniotho
I'impossibilito d'entreprondro la construction d'un fort ct la guerre
coniro les Natchez, (jui comptaiont au nioins 800 honimcs. avec uue
conipagnie do 34 lionimos ! 3Iais tout fut inutile. 11 fallut done partir
avec cetto conipagnie a laquello on ajouta 15 matelots. On partit
dans huit pirogues.
On arriva le 23 avril aux Tonieas, a dix-huit lieues des Natclioz.
On apprit la (|uo los Natchez avaiont encore assassine un Francais
descendant des Illinois, ct devaiont en surprendre quinzo autres qui
etaiont attendus au nieme endroit. 31. Davion, niissionnaire di^s Tu-
nicas, avcrtit 31. de Bienville que les Natchez ignoraiont quo cos
meurtres fussent connus dos Francais, la chose etant tcnuo fort so
Crete parini cux. Le niissionnaire avcrtit on outre 31. de Bienville de
se tenir sur scs gardes contre les Tunicas, cjui avaient memo rocu
presents pour lo tuor. Toutes cos nouvollos avaiont du donner de
I'inquietudo a 31. de Bienville qui, bien loin d'en fairc paraitre. fit
assembler tous les Tunicas, ct, sans leur donner a connaitro co (ju'il
avait appris, leur dit que sa mission otait d'allor aux Natchez pour y
faire un petit etablissemont ot un magasin qut pftt fournir a cotte
nation ct autres, en troc de lours polleteries, les marchandises dont
ils pourraient avoir bosoin. mais quo, comnie scs gens etaiont tres
fatigues du voyage et comme 11 avait des raalades, il allait se camper
MEMOIRK KE M, I)E UICII EltOfJIU;.
243
dans urio ilo u un tiors de lieuo do lour villajrc pour so rojiosor (|uol-
<[\\c tomps ; niiiis ([u'ils lui fernicnt pliiisir d'ouvnyor poiidiint cc
temps li'i i|iiel(iu'un do lours j^ons ]»()ur avirtir Ics Nutohoz do son
arrivoo Co ((ui fut fait dans lo nioinont. I^o siour do l{icnvillo,
upros avoir ro(;u lo cahunot dcs Tunioas on fait fiimor ooux-ci dans
10 sion, s'on alia avoo .sa fiotito troupo canipor, sur I'ilo, oii il tit tra-
vaillor. dos lo londoniain 'il. h un petit rotninchonient d'uiu" cncointc
do ])i('ux. ot !i fairo construirc trois bara(|Uo,s: I'uno pour nitttro Ics
vivro.s ot munitions do guerre, I'autre pour corps dc garde, ot la troi-
sionio. pour ])rison.
Lo •>!' avril. il arriva trois Natchez, (pii etaiont onvoyos par lours
chefs a M. do IJionvillo au(p»ol ils presentoront lo calumet, nu'il re-
poussa en lour disant : (ju'iis pouyaiont fairo fumor ipiohpios-uns do
SOS s(ddats; ([uo pour lui. etant grand cliof dos Franeais. il no funic-
rait (|uc lorsipio des calumets lui seraicnt prosentos par Ics chefs So-
leils. Co discours doconccrta un peu cos trois guerriors. (Nipen-
dant 31. do Bienville, lour ayant fait donner a manger, aifecta do rirc
avoc eux, lour demanda dcs nouvollcs en particulicr do lours chefs,
temoignant de I'emprossemcnt pour los voir ot do rotonneinent do co
qu'ils n'otaiont pas doja vcnns lui ajiporter dcs rafraicliissemonts.
11 ajouta (ju'apparcmment los Natchez no so souciaient pas ipio los
Franrais fissent fairo un etablissemont choz cux : quo s'il croyait que
la choso fiit ainsi, il Ic forait aux Tunicas. lis ropondiront. avec
une satisfaction nmr(pioo. que toute lour nation ne dosirait rion de
mieux que d'uvoir un etablissemont Fran(-ais sur leur territoire et
qu'ils otaient persuades (|ue, dans cinq on six jours, des chofs do la
nation do manqucraient pas d'en venir tonioigncr lour joio.
Lc 28 avril, cos trois sauvages s'on rotournoront. .M. do IJien-
villc fit partir avoc eux, un joune Francais ([ui parlait parfaitemcnt
bion lour langue, auqucl il expliqua tout ce ([u'il fallait din- a ces
chefs et tout co ([u'il avait a lour repondro pour los engager a vcnir.
Ce memo jour, M. dc ]3ienvillo fit partir un Canadion. des plus
hardis et des plus adroits. d. Bienville lenr n'-peta. dun ton
ennuye de lours eerenioiiies, (pi'ils eussent a lui din; i|iirlle satisfac-
tion ils voulaient lui faire pmir les eini( Kran(;ais ipTils avaieiit assas-
sines. C(! disoours les etuurdit : ils baisserent la tete sans repondre.
Pour lors. M. de iJienville fit sij^ne d(! les saisir ct do les eonduire
tons dans la prison (ju'il avait fait jireparer pour eux. On les y niit
aux fers. Sur lo soir. on leur presenta du pain ot de la viand(\ Ila
ne voulurent point manner, lis cliantaicint tons leur chanson de
mort. li'uii des deux Fran(;ais ([u'ils avaient ameiie-^ avee eux. etait
le jeune interprete ipii avait etc' les inviter Ti venir. vt I'autre etait
un lialiitant des Illinois (pii. ne sacliant pas la gnern;. etait alie so
livrer entre leuvs mains, lis ne lui avaient fait aucun lort A I'on-
tree de la nuit, ^l. do Bienville fit venir dans san tente li. iri'and chef
dc la nation, (pi'ou apj)elle parmi eu.\ le (Jrand-Soleii. son frt're lo
Serpeiitl'i(|ue. et nn troisieiiie IVei-e. surnomme le I'etit-Snlcil.
CoiiiMH! ils etaicnt demi-morts. .M. (h; Bienville pour les rassurcr.
commeii(;a ])ar leur ])romettre ipiils ne voulaient point les faire mou-
rir; il leur dit ([u'il savait (pie se n'cfait jmint par Imr ordre ([u'on
avait assassinc les cini| Fran(;ais : <|u'il vmilait (pie pour satisfaction
on lui apportat non seiilcinent le> t(.''tes dcs meurtriers. mais encore
celles des diet's (pii en avaient doniK'- I'ordrc : (pi'il ne se eontenterait
pas do leurs clievelures. mais (pi'il voulait lours t('tes. afiii de les rc-
coniiaitre par leurs pi(p"ires: ipril leur donnait cette unit pour se
consulter sontHiont vivoniont la lionto d'otro anx
fors avoo (in(!l(|Uos-uns do lours valots.
JiO ',» niai. il la poiiito du jour, los trois cliofs froros doiiianderciit
a parlor i^i M. dc IJionvillo. Un los fit vcnir. ils le prioront do
fairo attention qu'il n'y avait porsonnc dans lour village ([ui eut as-
sez d'autoritt) pour cntroprondro do tucr los lioiunios dont il dc.'uian-
dait lostrtos: quo s'il voulait lo pcrniettre, Ic cliof Sorpont-Pi(|u6.
coninio lo niaitvo do la nation, irait aoooniplir cette dangorousc mis-
sion. Co i(uo M. do ]Jionvillo rofusa; ct il noninia Ti la place du
Serpent I'iiiuo, son frore cadet, lo Potit-Soloil, qu'il lit sur lo champ
partir dans une jiirofrue armoo do douzc s(dduts ct d'un oiricicr, ipii
lo nionorent a doux licues au-dossous du villiigo dos Natchez. Do
oet endroit. il s'cn fut par terrc, ot notro dct.achoniout rcvint lo leu-
domain matin.
Lo 10 mai. il arriva une pirogue dans la([uello il y avait deux
Canadions. lis avaiont licurcuscment vu. au-dessus dcs Natchez,
uuefcuillo do parchcuiiii qui losavertit dese luolier dcs Natchez. sani«
quoi ils seraient alios se livrer a oux.
Le 12 dc nuii, le (Janadien qui otait parti le 27avril avec un sau-
vage. pour allcr su-dcvant dcs Fran(;ais ipii doscondaient dos Illinois,
arriva avcc onzc Francais qu'il avait rencontres Ti sept li
MEMOIUE DK M. UK IlICIl KBOURO.
249
l)oiut
siours eaclaves qui appartcnaicnt aux Franrais (ju'on avait dies. lis
apporterent aussi bcaucoup di; Icurs offcts. ]ju noinbrc dos nuilades,
qui augtnentait tous les jours dans notro oanip, cngairea 31. do Bien-
ville a prcudrc le parti de terminer cotto petite guerre.
Lo ler de juin, il fit sortir du fort tons les chefs ot autres qui y
fitaient depuis un niois, a la reserve des quatro criniinels. II les fit
vcnir chez lui, ou ctaient les trois autres chefs, et leur dit : qu'il vou-
lait bien leur douner la vie ct leur accorder la pais, a condition "lu'ils
lui donneriiient parole qu'ils tueraient Ic chef de la Terre-lilanche
sit6t qu'ils le pourraicnt joindro et en apporteraient la tete u I'of-
ficier Francais qui scrait chez cux ; qu'ils conscntiraicnt des
a present ii co que les deux chefs de guerre ct les deux gucrricrs,
qui etaient actuellenient aux fera dans notre prison, fussent mis a
inort, peur reparation do Tassassinat qu'ils avaient conimis : qu'ils fe-
raient restitucr tout ce qui avait ete pille ; que pour cc (|ui so trou-
verait perdu, ils forceraient leurs gens u en payer la valeur en pelle-
teries et en vivres ; qu'ils obligeraieut leur nation a coupor deux
mille cinq cents pieux de bois d'acacias, de treizc pieds dc long et de
dix pouces de dianietre, et a charroyer le tout pres de la riviere Mis-
sissippi, au lieu (|uc leur serait par nous indi(jue, pour nous faire un
fort : qu'ils s'obligeraient, en outre, a nous fournir trois mille ecorces
d'arbres dc cypres, pour couvrir nos logcments, et ce, avant la fin de
juillet.
Tous ces chefs rcmercierent M. de Bienville, lui firent chacun
une harangue ou ils protestiu-ent de leur devouement aux Fran(jais
en disant qu'a I'avenir ils se eonduiraient de maniere a no plus meri-
ter de reproches de nous, qu'ils ' luaient de soleil, leur Dicu, de leur
avoir inspire d'engagcr leurs clu Is de guerre, meurtriers des Fran,
cais, 11 venir avee eux pour se livrer a nous ; que sanscela il leur au-
rait ete impossible do nous fairc satisfaction par la graiide autorite
que ces nialheureux avaient prise siir leur nation, et qu'il etait
juste que nous les fissions Tnourir avec les deux autres. lis repete.
rent ensuite tous les articles et toutcs les conditions auquels ils s'cn-
gageaient, promiront de les exeeuter fidelemcnt ct den fairc laeine
davantage.
Apres ces harangues finies, ces chefs demandant a M. de Bien-
ville, s'il voulait leur pernicttre qu'ils lui presentassent a fuiner dans
leurs calumets dc paix, il leur dit qu'il n'etait pas encore tcnifs;
qu'ii voulait auparavant (ju'ils allassent a leurs villages y faire iS.
sembler leurs guerriers ct leur cxplicjuer les conditions auxipielles il
leur accordait la paix, et qu'il enverrait avec cux un ofiicier et deux
soldats pour en etrc tenioins.
IG
250
IIISTORICAI, COF,l,GCTIONS OF liOUISIANA.
m>
Les quatro criiiiliicls, .so voyaiit souls dans cotto prison, so doute-
rcnt hum quo nous otions instruits do co (ju'ils avaient fait et redou.
bleront lours oris et lours oliants do niort. Le Serpont-Pii^ur, craig-
nant quo coux do sos gons qui dovai(Mit partir pour aller u lour vil-
lage, no fusscnt rapportor ([u'ou voulait fairo niourir cos grands
gucrriors, ot quo oola n'occasionnat uno rumour parnii la nation, par
la graiide estiuio qu'on avait pour oux, pria M. dc Bienville de faire
courir le bruit sculomont do Ics envoyer au bas de la colonic au gou-
vernour, qui dooidorait do lour sort, et lui-nirmo alia les trouver en
prison pour lour assurer qu'ils no niourraiont point et qu'ils dcvaient
€tre trancjuilles.
Lo 3 do juin, ie sicur de Pailloux, aide-major, fut commande avec
deux soldats, pour aller au village dcs Natchez avec tons les chefs
et autres, Ti la reserve du chef Serpent-ri([ue et do son frero. que M.
dc Bienville voulut garder pour otages. II donna ordro a M. dc
Pailloux, en oas que cette nation acccptat le traite dc paix. de roster
au grand village avec un soldat et de ronvoycr I'autrc avec les chefs
qui dcvaient revenir rendre compte de lour mission. II recommanda
aussi a M. de Pailloux d'examiner lo lieu lo plus convenable ;\ placer
notro fort, pros do la riviere, et d'en informer.
Le 7 juin. la pirogue, (i[ui avait et(' aux Natchez, rovint avec neuf
vieillards de cette nation et le soldat, par lequel lo siour de Pailloux
ecrivit qu'il avait vu toute cette nation assembleo ; qu'elle avait mar*
que uno gratido joie do ceque lours chefs avaient fait avec nous ; et
que tons ces Indiens etaieut tres disposes a executor tout co qu'on
leur deniandait. Lo dit sieur do Pailloux I'informait aussi qu'i
avait trouve pros de la riviere un coteau situe tres avantageusement
pour y construire notro fori. Lo nirnie jour, M. de Bienville rocut
les calumets qui lui furent preseutes par cos neuf venerablos vieil-
lards avec boaucoup do ceremonies. On les fit ensuite fuiner dans
le notro. Lo lendomain Seme de juin, M. de Bienville renvoya les
neuf vieillards chez cux. II pcrniit aussi au chef Petit-Roleil do par-
tir, niais il garda aupres de lui le Serpont-Pi(pie, et envoya en meme
temps, dans line pirogue, (juatre soldats porter au siour do Pailloux
des haches, beches, pioehes, cloux et autres ferrenicnts necessaires
pour la construction du fort.
Le 9, on fit casser la trte aux deux guorriers par des soldats.
Le 11, M. de llichobourg. capitaine. qui ctait malade, partit avec
trois soldats pour retourner a la Mobile.
Lo 12, M. de Bienville, ([ui retenait dcpuis quelque temps les
Canadian voyagours. leur permit d'aller a leur commerce au bas de
la colonic, leur fit remettrc les deux chefs dc guerre, et lour donna
, 1 1
»:. i I ■
MEMOIllt; DE M. DE RICHEBOURO.
251
mar-
is ; et
([u'on
qii'i
senient
rccut
vicil-
tlaiis
ya les
par-
meme
;iillous
ssaires
ps les
bas de
donna
I'ordre do Icur cassor la tetc, lorsqu'ils soraicnt oloigiu's do dix i\
douzo lieues. Coiunio on conduisait cos deux nuiUicuroux pour les
onibanpicr, I'un d'eux, lo Barbu, cos.sa pour un moment do chanter
sa chanson do mort et chanta cclle de guerro. II conta sos hauts
faits contro differcntcs nations, et le nonibre do chovelures qu'il avait
leveos. II nomma les cin([ Franrais qu'il avait fait tuor, ct dit qu'il
mourrait avec lo regret de n'en avoir pas tue davantago. Lc Ser.
pent-Pique, qui pour lors c'tait lc seul de sa nation parmi nous, I'e-
coutait attentivemcnt. et dit a M. do Bienville: Cost mon frere
niais jc ne lo rogrctte point. Tu nous defais d'un niechant lionnne.
(Joniuie le [Mississippi no baissait point, ot , line trcntaine d'honimes Yazous ct Offagoulas vinrerit
chanter le calumet a M. de Bienville, qui les rerut parfaitement bien
Le meme jours, les Natchez vinrent, au norabre de cinq a six cents
hommcs, sans armes, ct environ trois cents femmes, pour fairo une
danse publique devant notre fort, Les ches cntrcrent dedans, firont
fumer 31. de Bienville, et lui dirent que tous ccs gens etaient vcnus
danser a sa porto pour lui marquer leur joie d'avoir des Francais
^tablis parmi cux.
Le 28 aout, M. de Bienville, voyant que les choses etaient fort
tranquilles dans sa garnison, ct qu'il n'y avait rien a craindre de la
part des sauvagcs, donna au sieur de Pailloux dcs ordrcs et instruc-
tions sur ce qu'il y avait a faire. et prit le parti de descendre ji la
Mobile, pour rendre compte a M. de Lamothe Cadillac. Le 4 d'oc-
tobre, il arriva a la Mobile, ou il lui fut rcmis un paquet du conseil
de marine, dans bquel etait pour lui un ordre du roi, pour comman-
der en chef dans lu colonic, en I'absencc de M. do I'Epinay, nomme
a ce gouvernement a la place du sieur de Laraothe Cadillac, auqucl
1 n'eut point le desagrement de rendre compte.
Ainsi finit la premiere guerre des Natchez.
i1i
ulas vinrciit
itement bien
I a six cents
)ur faire une
Icdans, fircnt
etaient venus
les Francais
i etaient fort
•aindro de la
js et instruc-
scendre a ia
Le 4 d'oc-
st du conseil
our comman-
•inay, nomine
iillac, auqucl