urrendering courteously, you may be
assured of all kinds of contentment, both for your persons and for
your property, which on the faith that I have in Paradise, I will
preserve as I would my own, without the least portion in the world
being diminished. The Basques whom I send you are men of the
vessels that I have captured, and they can tell you the state of
affairs between France and England, and even how matters are
passing in France, touching the new company of this country. Send
me word what you desire to do, and if you wish to treat with me
about this affair, send me a person to that effect, whom, I assure
you, I will treat with all kinds of attention, and I will grant all
reasonable demands that you may desire in resolving to give up the
settlement. Waiting your reply, I remain, messieurs, your
affectionate servant,

"David Quer.

"On board the _Vicaille_, July 18th, 1628, and addressed to
Monsieur Champlain, Commandant at Quebec."

Champlain read that letter to Pont-Grave and to the chief inhabitants.
After mature deliberation, it was resolved that Champlain should answer
Kirke with dignity and firmness, but should not give any idea of the
poor state of Quebec. "We concluded," says Champlain, "that if Kirke
wished to see us he had better come, and not threaten from such a
distance. That we did not in the least doubt the fact of Kirke having
the commission of his king, as great princes always select men of brave
and generous courage."

Champlain acknowledged the intelligence of the capture of Father Noyrot
and de la Tour, and also the truth of the observation that the more
provisions there were in a fortress the better it could hold out, still
it could be maintained with but little, provided good order were kept;
therefore, being still furnished with grain, maize, beans and pease,
(besides what the country could supply) which his soldiers loved as well
as the finest corn in the world, by surrendering the fort in so good a
condition, he would be unworthy to appear before his sovereign, and
would deserve chastisement before God and men. He was sure that Kirke
would respect him much more for defending himself than for abandoning
his charge, without first making trial of the English guns and
batteries. Champlain concludes by saying that he would expect his
attack, and oppose, as well as he could, all