[72] [The ascription of an agreeable odor to the colors is found in the original. Perhaps the Fr. “couleurs” is a misprint for “fleurs.”] M. B. A.
[73] The original Fr. expression seems preferable: viz., “& Duhaut ayant dit ses raisons, & moy les miennes, ...”—and Duhaut having given his reasons, and I mine. C. C. edit.
[74] La Salle, now apparently convinced that in his approach by sea, he had missed the mouth of the Mississippi which he so eagerly sought, determined to retrace, by land, the long route to Canada, in order to secure supplies and succor for the little colony in Texas, and to report their state to France. In this design, he appears to have been even more reticent than usual; since few, if any, seem to have been informed of the real extent of the journey before them.
Almost at the outset of their undertaking, the little frigate Belle, which was to have accompanied them—as far as possible—along the coast—was lost, and all of her crew perished, except three or four, who were washed ashore, and rejoined Joutel’s party, only after three months’ absence.
[75] Fr. “alesnes”—awls.
[76] Compare p. 2, line 9.
[77] The 22d.
[78] Fr. “pierriers”—swivel-guns. C. C. edit.
[79] Should be Archevêque.
[80] Fr. “belles prairies”—meaning, in this case, fine or beautiful.