he first of the Canadian
gentry to enter his service, and as the Chevalier carried out his new
allegiance with the strictest sincerity, time only added to his esteem
and he became the favourite Councillor of Governor Dorchester.

The same principles of honour, dignity, and good sense marked his
feeling in the present difficulty with young Lecour. The reply ran: that
the terms of the proposed letter were a surprise to him, that he was
anxious to serve his young friend and especially to place in his hands
the means of rectifying any injury done to him by unfortunate remarks or
rumours, but that it was impossible to grant the letter requested, and
he offered the following substitute:--

"AT QUEBEC, _the 3rd October, 1788_.

"MONSIEUR,--It is with great pleasure that I consent to testify in
your favour against the injurious rumours concerning you which some
persons have assumed to base upon my authority and that of my
family. After conversing about your papers and yourself with Judge
Panet and other persons of position, I am, equally with them, of
opinion that you have proven the falsity of the said rumours, and
that you are not the person to whom they relate, your father being
of great possessions in the country about St. Elphege, and of
repute throughout the whole Province as an honourable man.

"J. G. C. DE LERY."

Germain tore the answer into pieces in a passion. "Not the person to
whom they relate!" he cried, "Who am I then, and what shelter would this
precious epistle give me against the son?" Stepping to his escritoir he
wrote back the following fiery note:---

"_To Monsieur de Lery, Chevalier of St. Louis, at Quebec._

"MONSIEUR,--After having employed all honourable means to induce
you to grant me that satisfaction which you owe to me, I hereby
notify you that you can avoid dishonour only by one of two
alternatives: either by signing the letter sent you by me,
unaltered in any particular; or by being present this day at four
of the clock at the place called Port St. Louis, to render account
on the spot of the reports which you have been purposely spreading
against my honour, and to accord to me in your person the
satisfaction they deserve. I shall expect your answer at once upon
your reading this, and if by mid-day I have not received it, I
shall prove to you my exactitude to my word.--I am, sir