The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. 8: Quebec, Hurons, Cape Breton, 1634-1636
History
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. 8: Quebec, Hurons, Cape Breton, 1634-1636
Canada -- History -- To 1763 (New France); Indians of North America -- Canada; Jesuits -- Missions; Jesuits -- North America
49 (p. 215).--The war here referred to was a part of the Thirty Years'
War. Gustavus Adolphus, the leader of the Protestant alliance, was
killed at the battle of Lutzen, Nov. 16, 1632. Richelieu had, in
1631, formed a treaty of alliance between France and Sweden; this
was renewed in 1633, with Oxenstiern, the successor of Gustavus; and
France, in accordance therewith, gave moral and financial support to
the Protestants in their struggle against Austria and Spain. Finally,
in May, 1635, France, having formed an alliance with Holland, declared
war against Spain, and the allied armies invaded the Netherlands; while
other French armies were sent into Lorraine, Germany, and Italy. Thus
scattered, and often under inefficient commanders, the armies of France
could accomplish little; and for years the war continued with but
slight advantage for either side. Not until Oct. 24, 1648, was the long
conflict ended by the treaty of Westphalia.
50 (p. 217).--The death of Champlain, who had long been governor of New
France (see vol. ii., _note_ 42), occurred Dec. 25, 1635. His successor
was Charles Huault de Montmagny, a chevalier of the military order
of St. John of Jerusalem, more commonly known as Knights of Malta.
His commission was dated March 10, 1636; but Sulte (_Can.-Français_,
vol. ii., p. 59) notes that certain official "acts" of the Hundred
Associates, dated at Paris Jan. 15, 1636, mention Montmagny as
"governor for the said company, under the authority of the king and of
the cardinal duke of Richelieu, of Quebec and of other places on the
river St. Lawrence." This would imply that the Associates had appointed
him to this post in anticipation of Champlain's death, or possibly to
supersede the latter. He arrived at Quebec on June 11 following.
The praises lavished by the missionaries upon Montmagny seem largely
justified by his conduct as governor, and by the opinions of other
historians. He was a man of great personal courage, executive ability,
good judgment, and profound piety. He was a warm friend and supporter
of the Jesuit missions, as also of the new religious colony founded
at Montreal, which he escorted thither in May, 1642. Montmagny's
commission was renewed June 6, 1645. Eleven months later, he received
from the Company of New France a concession of land at Rivière du Sud,
1½ leagues along the St. Lawrence, and four leagues in depth; also of
two islands in the same river, Île aux Oies and Île aux Grues.
Recalled to France, Montmagny left Canada Sept. 23, 1647. He remained
at Paris at least four years; Ferland (_Cours d'Histoire_, vol. i.,
p. 363, _note_) cites a MS. of Aubert de la Chesnaye as stating that
Montmagny spent the last years of his life with a relative at St.
Christopher's, W.I., but thinks there is no proof of the correctness of
this assertion.
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