a drawing by J. D. Kelly in the Chateau
de Ramezay, Montreal.

CHAMPLAIN'S ROUTE, 1615-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . " 106
Map by Bartholomew.

{1}

CHAPTER I

CHAMPLAIN'S EARLY YEARS

Were there a Who's Who in History its chronicle of Champlain's life and
deeds would run as follows:

Champlain, Samuel de. Explorer, geographer, and colonizer. Born in
1567 at Brouage, a village on the Bay of Biscay. Belonged by parentage
to the lesser gentry of Saintonge. In boyhood became imbued with a
love of the sea, but also served as a soldier in the Wars of the
League. Though an enthusiastic Catholic, was loyal to Henry of
Navarre. On the Peace of Vervins (1598) returned to the sea, visiting
the Spanish West Indies and Mexico. Between 1601 and 1603 wrote his
first book--the _Bref Discours_. In 1603 made his first voyage to the
St Lawrence, which he ascended as far as the Lachine Rapids. From 1604
to 1607 was actively engaged in the attempt of De Monts to establish a
French colony in Acadia, at the same time exploring the seaboard from
Cape Breton to Martha's Vineyard. Returned to the St Lawrence in 1608
and founded Quebec. In 1609 discovered Lake Champlain, and fought his
first battle with the Iroquois. In 1613 ascended the Ottawa to a point
{2} above Lac Coulange. In 1615 reached Georgian Bay and was induced
to accompany the Hurons, with their allies, on an unsuccessful
expedition into the country of the Iroquois. From 1617 to 1629
occupied chiefly in efforts to strengthen the colony at Quebec and
promote trade on the lower St Lawrence. Taken a captive to London by
Kirke in 1629 upon the surrender of Quebec, but after its recession to
France returned (1633) and remained in Canada until his death, on
Christmas Day 1635. Published several important narratives describing
his explorations and adventures. An intrepid pioneer and the revered
founder of New France.

Into some such terms as these would the writer of a biographical
dictionary crowd his notice of Champlain's career, so replete with
danger and daring, with the excitement of sailing among the uncharted
islands of Penobscot Bay, of watching the sun descend below the waves
of Lake Huron, of attacking the Iroquois in their palisaded stronghold,
of seeing English cannon levelled upon the houses of Quebec. It is not
from a biographical dictionary that one can gain true knowledge of
Champlain, into whose experience were crowded