ed was led to the Chateau and
brought before the governor, who had staged for his reception one of
the impressive spectacles he loved to prepare. Surrounding Frontenac,
as Louis XIV might have been surrounded by the grandees of France, were
grouped the aristocracy of New France--the officers of the French
regulars and the Canadian militia. Nothing had been omitted which
could create an impression of dignity and strength. {126} Costume,
demeanour, and display were all employed to overwhelm the envoy with
the insulted majesty of the king of France. Led into this high
presence the messenger delivered his letter, which, when duly
interpreted, was found to convey a summary ultimatum. Phips began by
stating that the war between France and England would have amply
warranted this expedition even 'without the destruction made by the
French and Indians, under your command and encouragement, upon the
persons and estates of their Majesties' subjects of New England,
without provocation on their part.' Indeed, 'the cruelties and
barbarities used against them by the French and Indians might, upon the
present opportunity, prompt unto a severe revenge.' But seeking to
avoid all inhumane and unchristian-like actions, Phips announces that
he will be content with 'a present surrender of your forts and castles,
undemolished, and the King's and other stores, unimbezzled, with a
seasonable delivery of all captives; together with a surrender of all
your persons and estates to my dispose; upon the doing whereof, you may
expect mercy from me, as a Christian, according to what shall be found
for their Majesties' service and the subjects' security. Which, {127}
if you refuse forthwith to do, I am come provided and am resolved, by
the help of God in whom I trust, by force of arms to revenge all wrongs
and injuries offered, and bring you under subjection to the Crown of
England, and, when too late, make you wish you had accepted of the
favour tendered. Your answer positive in an hour, returned by your own
trumpet, with the return of mine, is required upon the peril that will
ensue.'

To this challenge Frontenac at once returned the answer which comported
with his character. When Phips's envoy took out his watch to register
the hour permitted by the ultimatum, Frontenac rejoined that he
required no time for deliberation, but would return his answer by the
mouth of the cannon. The ground which he assigned for the invasion of
New England wa