During these altercations, it was impossible for me, as the time of my departure was very near at hand, to do anything for the habitation at Quebec, for repairing and enlarging which I desired to take out some workmen. It was accordingly necessary to go out this year without any farther organization. The passports of Monseigneur le Prince were made out for four vessels, which were already in readiness for the voyage, viz. three from Rouen and one from La Rochelle, on condition that each should furnish four men for my assistance, not only in my discoveries but in war, as I desired to keep the promise which I had made to the Ochataiguins [29] in the year 1611, to assist them in their wars at the time of my next voyage. As I was preparing to set out, I was informed that the Parliamentary Court of Rouen would not permit the publication of the commission of the King, because his Majesty had reserved to himself and his Council the sole cognizance of the differences which might arise in this matter; added to which was the fact that the merchants of St. Malo were also opposed to it. This greatly embarrassed me, and obliged me to make three journeys to Rouen, with orders of his Majesty, in consideration of which the Court desisted from their inhibition, and the assumptions of the opponents were overruled. The commission was then published in all the ports of Normandy. ENDNOTES: 25. For a brief notice of the Count de Soissons, _vide_ Vol. I. note 74; also note by Laverdiere, Quebec ed., p. 433. 26. This Commission, dated October 15, 1612, will be found in Champlain's issue of 1632. _Vide_ Quebec ed., p 887. 27. Henry de Bourbon. _Vide_ Vol. I. p 113, note 75. 28. Champlain was appointed lieutenant of the Prince de Conde on the 22d day of November, 1612. _Vide_ issue of 1632, Quebec ed., p. 1072. 29. Ochateguins, or Hurons. CHAPTER II. DEPARTURE FROM FRANCE.--WHAT TOOK PLACE UP TO OUR ARRIVAL AT THE FALLS. I set out from Rouen on the 5th of March for Honfleur, accompanied by Sieur L'Ange, to assist me in my explorations, and in war if occasion should require. On the next day, the 6th of the month, we embarked in the vessel of Sieur de Pont Grave, immediately setting sail, with a favorable wind. On the 10th of April we sighted the Grand Bank, where we several times tried for fish, but without success. On the 15th we had a violent gale, accompanied by rain and hail, which was followed by another, lasting forty-eight hours, and so violent as to cause the loss of several vessels on the island of Cape Breton.