ation of
this part of Radisson's life, I have lying before me: (1) Chouart's
letters--see Appendix. (2) A letter of Frontenac recording Radisson's
first trip by boat for De la Chesnaye and the complications it would be
likely to cause. (3) A complete official account sent from Quebec to
France of Radisson's doings in the bay, which tallies in every respect
with _Radisson's Journal_. (4) Report of M. de Meulles to the Minister
on the whole affair with the English and New Englanders. (5) An
official report on the release of Gillam's boat at Quebec. (6) The
memorial presented by Groseillers to the French minister. (7) An
official statement of the first discovery of the bay overland. (8) A
complete statement (official) of the complications created by
Radisson's wife being English. (9) A statement through a third
party--presumably an official--by Radisson himself of these
complications dated 1683. (10) A letter from the king to the governor
at Quebec retailing the English complaints of Radisson at Nelson River.

In the face of this, what is to be said of the historian who calls
Radisson's adventures "a fabrication"? Such misrepresentation betrays
about equal amounts of impudence and ignorance.

[4] From Charlevoix to modern writers mention is made of the death of
these two explorers. Different names are given as the places where
they died. This is all pure supposition. Therefore I do not quote.
No records exist to prove where Radisson and Groseillers died.

[5] See Appendix.

[6] State Papers record payment of money to her because she was in want.

[7] Dr. George Bryce, who is really the only scholar who has tried to
unravel the mystery of Radisson's last days, supplies new facts about
his dealings with the Company to 1710.

[8] Marquis de Denonville ordered the arrest of Radisson wherever he
might be found.

[9] Appendix; see State Papers.

PART II

THE SEARCH FOR THE WESTERN SEA: BEING AN
ACCOUNT OF THE DISCOVERY OF THE ROCKY
MOUNTAINS, THE MISSOURI UPLANDS, AND THE
VALLEY OF THE SASKATCHEWAN

CHAPTER VIII

1730-1750

THE SEARCH FOR THE WESTERN SEA[1]

M. de la Verendrye continues the Exploration of the Great Northwest by
establishing a Chain of Fur Posts across the Continent--Privations of
the Explorers and the Massacre of Twenty Followers--His Sons visit the
Mandans and discover the Rockies--The Valley of the Saskatchewan is
next explored, but Jealousy thwarts the Explore