Anecdotes of the American Indians, illustrating their eccentricities of character
History
Anecdotes of the American Indians, illustrating their eccentricities of character
Indians of North America -- Anecdotes
he should want, GOD would forgive them; and as a token of it, the moon
would put on her usual brightness. They gave him thanks, and promised
compliance; and whilst he remained on the island there was no more want
of provision.
[Illustration]
ADVENTURES OF JAMES CARTIER IN CANADA.
After spending some time in exploring the northern coast, to find an
opening to the northward; in the beginning of September, 1535, he
sailed up the river St. Lawrence and discovered several islands; one of
which, from the multitude of filberts, he called Coudres; and another,
from the vast quantity of grapes, he named Bacchus, (now Orleans.) This
island was full of inhabitants who subsisted by fishing.
When the ships had come to anchor between the N. W. side of the island
and the main, Cartier went on shore with his two young Savages. The
people of the country were at first afraid of them; but hearing the
youths speak to them in their own language, they became sociable, and
brought eels and other fish, with a quantity of Indian corn in ears,
for the refreshment of their new guests; in return for which, they were
presented with such European baubles as were pleasing to them.
The next day, Donacona, the prince of the place, came to visit them,
attended by twelve boats; but keeping ten of them at a distance, he
approached with two only, containing sixteen men. In the true spirit of
hospitality, he made a speech, accompanied with significant gestures,
welcoming the French to his country and offering his service to them.
The young savages, Taignoagni and Domagaia answered him, reporting all
which they had seen in France, at which he appeared to be pleased.
Then approaching the Captain, who held out his hand, he kissed it,
and laid it round his own neck, in token of friendship. Cartier, on
his part, entertained Donacona with bread and wine, and they parted
mutually pleased.
The next day Cartier went up in his boat to find a harbour for his
ships; the season being so far advanced that it became necessary to
secure them. At the west end of the isle of Bacchus, he found “a goodly
and pleasant sound, where is a little river and haven; about three
fathom deep at high water.” To this he gave the name of St. Croix, and
determined there to lay up his ships.
Near this place was a village called Stadacona, of which Donacona
was the Lord. It was environed with forest trees, some of which bore
fruit; and under the trees, was a growth of wild hemp. As Cartier was
returning to his ships, he had another specimen of the hospitable
manners of the natives. A company of people, of both sexes, met him on
the shore of the little river, singing and dancing up to their knees in
water. In return for their courtesy, he gave them knives and beads; and
they continued their music till he was beyond hearing it.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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