Crusaders of New France: A Chronicle of the Fleur-de-Lis in the Wilderness; Chronicles of America, Volume 4 — John Shaqi
Crusaders of New France: A Chronicle of the Fleur-de-Lis in the Wilderness; Chronicles of America, Volume 4Munro, William Bennett
History
Crusaders of New France: A Chronicle of the Fleur-de-Lis in the Wilderness; Chronicles of America, Volume 4
Munro, William Bennett
Canada -- History -- To 1763 (New France); New France -- Discovery and exploration
It is true that in New France there were conditions which no amount
of experience in the Old World could train a man to handle. Nor was
Frontenac particularly fitted by training or temperament for all
of the duties which his new post involved. In some things he was
well-endowed; he had great physical endurance, a strong will, with no
end of courage, and industry to spare. These were qualities of the
highest value in a land encircled by enemies and forced to depend for
existence upon the strength of its own people. But more serviceable
still was his ability in adapting himself to a new environment. Men
past fifty do not often show this quality in marked degree, but
Frontenac fitted himself to the novelty of colonial life exceedingly
well. In his relations with, the Indians he showed amazing skill. No
other colonial governor, English, French, or Dutch, ever commanded so
readily the respect and admiration of the red man. But in his dealings
with the intendant and the bishop, with the clergy, and with all those
among the French of New France who showed any disposition to disagree
with him, Frontenac displayed an uncontrollable temper, an arrogance
of spirit, and a degree of personal vanity which would not have made
for cordial relations in any field of human effort. He had formed his
own opinions and was quite ready to ride rough-shod over those of
other men. It was this impetuosity that served to make the official
circles of the colony, during many months of his term, a "little hell
of discord."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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