It was occasion’d by a Flux which troubled Monsieur _de la Sale_, who having told me he could not perform that Journey, as long as he continued in such condition, I offer’d to undertake it for him, if he would allow me his _Indian_, and about fifteen Men; but he answer’d, That his Presence was requisite among the _Islinois_, and that it was requisite his Brother should go to _France_. Thus he refus’d my Offer, and could not shun the ill Fate of that Journey. [Sidenote: _Dec. 1686_] [Sidenote: _Controversy about Privilege._] We spent some Time longer after this Manner, during the which, there arose a Controversy about the Privileges the King grants to the First-born of the _French_ Colonies in _America_. The Sieur _Barbier’s_ wife was with Child, and he claim’d the Privilege granted for that Child. The Widow _Talon_ had a Child born in the Passage from _France_ to _America_, and alledg’d, that her Child, tho’ born before our Arrival, ought to be preferr’d; but the Sieur _Barbier’s_ Wife miscarrying, the Dispute was not decided. [Sidenote: _Jan. 1687_] Monsieur _de la Sale_ being recover’d of his Indisposition, Preparations were again made for his Journey; but we first kept the _Christmas_ Holy-Days. The Midnight Mass was solemnly sung, and on _Twelve-Day_, we cry’d, _The King drinks_, (_according to the Custom of_ France) tho’ we had only Water: When that was over we began to think of setting out. Monsieur _de la Sale_ gave the Command of the Settlement to the Sieur _Barbier_, directing him what he was to do and observe in his Absence. [Sidenote: _Who were left in the Settlement when M._ de la Sale _departed_.] There remain’d in that Habitation, the Fathers _Maximus_ and _Zenobius_, Recolets, Monsieur _Chedeville_, the Priest, the Marquis _de la Sablonniere_, the Sieur _Barbier_, Commander, his Wife, a Surgeon and others, to the Number of twenty, among whom were seven Women, or Maids, and only the Sieur _Barbier_ marry’d; which is much short of the Number some have given out remain’d in the Dwelling, without any Ground; for the Truth is, there were no more, and particularly no Natives, Monsieur _de la Sale_ having absolutely forbid holding any Communication with them. As for Beasts, they amounted to seventy, or seventy five Swine, great and small, which was a good Stock; for Fowl, eighteen or twenty Hens; some Casks of Meal, which was kept for the Sick; Powder, Ball, and eight Pieces of Cannon, without any Bullets. [Sidenote: _Persons that set out with M._ de la Sale.]