The Founder of New France : A Chronicle of Champlain — John Shaqi
The Founder of New France : A Chronicle of ChamplainColby, Charles W. (Charles William)
History
The Founder of New France : A Chronicle of Champlain
Colby, Charles W. (Charles William)
Canada -- History -- To 1763 (New France); Champlain, Samuel de, 1574-1635
Sagard, the Recollet missionary, says
the company treated Hebert so badly because it wished to discourage
colonization. What it wanted was the benefit of the monopoly, without
the obligation of finding settlers who had to be brought over for
nothing.
A man of honour like Champlain could not have tricked Hebert into the
bad bargain he made, and their friendship survived the incident. But a
company which transacted its business in this fashion was not likely
to enjoy long life. Its chief asset was Champlain's friendship with the
Indians, especially after his long sojourn with them in 1615 and 1616.
Some years, particularly 1617, showed a large profit, but as time went
on friction arose between the Huguenots of La Rochelle and the Catholics
of Rouen. Then there were interlopers to be prosecuted, and the quarrels
of Conde with the government brought with them trouble to the merchants
whose monopoly depended on his grant. For three years (1616-19) the
viceroy of Canada languished in the Bastille. Shortly after his release
he sold his viceregal rights to the Duke of Montmorency, Admiral of
France. The price was 11,000 crowns.
In 1619 Champlain's company ventured to disagree with its founder, and,
as a consequence, another crisis arose in the affairs of New France. The
cause of dispute was the company's unwillingness to keep its promises
regarding colonization. Champlain protested. The company replied that
Pontgrave should be put in charge at Quebec. Champlain then said that
Pontgrave was his old friend, and he hoped they would always be friends,
but that he was at Quebec as the viceroy's representative, charged with
the duty of defending his interests. The leader of Champlain's opponents
among the shareholders was Boyer, a trader who had formerly given much
trouble to De Monts, but was now one of the associates. When in the
spring of 1619 Champlain attempted to sail for Quebec as usual, Boyer
prevented him from going aboard. There followed an appeal to the
crown, in which Champlain was fully sustained, and Boyer did penance by
offering a public apology before the Exchange at Rouen.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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