CHAPTER XVI.
1716-1761.
SEARCH FOR THE PACIFIC.
The Western Sea.—Schemes for reaching it.—Journey of Charlevoix.—The
Sioux Mission.—Varennes de la Vérendrye.—His Enterprise.—His
Disasters.—Visits the Mandans.—His Sons.—Their Search for the Western
Sea.—Their Adventures.—The Snake Indians.—A Great War-Party.—The Rocky
Mountains.—A Panic.—Return of the Brothers.—Their Wrongs and their Fate.
CHAPTER XVII.
1700-1750.
THE CHAIN OF POSTS.
Opposing Claims.—Attitude of the Rival Nations.—America a French
Continent.—England a Usurper.—French Demands.—Magnanimous
Proposals.—Warlike Preparation.—Niagara.—Oswego.—Crown Point.—The
Passes of the West secured.
CHAPTER XVIII.
1744, 1745.