re
leaving France, all the difficulties in connection with his command were
removed, and the king wrote him a very gracious letter, in which His
Majesty expressed his esteem for his loyal and faithful subject.

The new administration of the Duke of Montmorency created
dissatisfaction amongst the merchants of the society, which in fact had
only changed its name of the "Company of Rouen" to the "Company of
Montmorency or of de Caen." The associates forming the old company had
hoped that Champlain would have been placed in the shade, especially
when they learned that he intended to fortify Quebec and settle in the
country. No action, however, was taken until the new company had
commenced its administration. Champlain remained in ignorance of these
facts until the arrival of the vessels in the spring of 1621, when he
received letters from M. de Puiseux, _secretaire des commandements du
roi_, from the intendant Dolu, from de Villemenon, intendant of the
admiralty, from Guillaume de Caen, one of the members of the new
association, and from the viceroy, which last is here given:--

"Monsieur Champlain: For many reasons I have thought fit
to exclude the former Company of Rouen and St. Malo from the trade
with New France, and to assist you and provide you with everything
necessary, I have chosen the Sieurs de Caen, uncle and nephew, and
their associates: one is a good merchant, and the other a good
naval captain, who can aid you well, and make the authority of the
king respected in my government. I recommend you to assist him and
those who shall apply to you on his part, so as to maintain them in
the enjoyment of the articles which I have granted them. I have
charged the Sieur Dolu, intendant of the affairs of the country, to
send you a copy of the treaty by the first voyage, so that you may
know to what they are bound, in order that they may execute their
engagement, as, on my part, I desire to perform what I have
promised.

"I have taken care to preserve your appointments, as I believe you
will continue to serve the king well.

"Your most affectionate and perfect friend,

"Montmorency.

"From Paris, February 2nd, 1621."

The letter of Louis XIII was also satisfactory:

"Champlain: I have perceived by your letters of August
15th, with what affection you work at your establishment,