[17] (p. [241]).—This recommendation was the "passport" given to the Jesuits by Richelieu (see vol. [v.], note [2]).
[18] (p. [257]).—Le Jeune's expectations were somewhat too sanguine. The Company of New France (see vol. [iv.], note [21]) was expending enormous sums on its Canadian enterprise; but these were directed more to the extension of its own commerce than to the development of the country. The reasons for its policy are thus concisely explained by Faillon (Col. Fr., vol. i., pp. 333, 334): "Unfortunately, this Company, although numbering over one hundred members, taken from the magistrates and wealthy merchants of the Kingdom, had only about 300,000 livres of capital,—each of the members being obliged to put in 3,000 livres. These funds were moreover, diminished not only by the losses that the company suffered at the hands of the English, in its first equipment, but by the indemnity demanded by De Caen for the abandonment of his pretensions to New France. But, as most of these Associates were unacquainted with business, there was formed, within the company itself, another and private company, which took charge of the trade, and established a fund of 100,000 francs for its own interests. Thus Champlain put 3,000 livres into the funds of the general company, and 800 livres into those of the other. This active association was obliged to pay the salary of the Governor, and furnish him with provisions; to support garrisons in the country, and furnish all military supplies; and to be responsible for keeping the storehouses in repair. In order to cover its expenses, it had exclusive possession of the trade in peltries, which had been transferred to it by the larger company, on condition that the surplus of profits should belong to the general association. The result was that the entire management of affairs was in the hands of merchants, who became by this arrangement the prime movers of all the company's operations; and it was difficult for them to enter into views so pure and disinterested as those that the other Associates had entertained in its formation." Cf. Merc. François, vol. xix., pp. 837, 838.
[19] (p. [263]).—Information regarding the establishment of these missions (excepting that at Miscou), has been given in notes to preceding volumes.—See vol. [iv.], notes [20] (N. D. de Récouvrance), [24] (Three Rivers), [30] (Ihonatiria), [46] (Ste. Anne); and vol. [vi.], note [7] (N. D. des Anges). At the end of the present Relation (1635), Le Jeune gives Perrault's description of the island and people of Cape Breton. The mission of St. Charles was established for the benefit of the Frenchmen who occupied the important post of Miscou, an island at the entrance of the Bay of Chaleurs, much frequented by fishermen. Turgis and Du Marché were sent thither in 1634; the latter returned to Quebec at the end of a year, but Turgis remained until his death, May 4, 1637.
[20] (p. [265]).—For account of Marquis de Gamache, see vol [vi.], note [9]. The other missions were supported by the Company of New France, in accordance with the terms granted it by the royal edict; see Merc. François, vol. xiv. (1628), p. 237.
[21] (p. [297]).—Bissiriniens: the Nipissings, also called by the French "Nation des Sorciers" (see vol. [v.], note [19]).
[22] (p. [303]).—François Derré (or De Ré), sieur de Gand; one of the Hundred Associates, and commissary general of the company as early as 1635. In 1637, having obtained certain lands adjoining those granted to the Jesuits at Sillery, he donated them to the mission; in 1640, he had charge of the notarial record-office. His death occurred in May, 1641.
Transcriber's Note.
Variable spelling and hyphenation have been retained. Minor punctuation inconsistencies have been silently repaired.