hey might be French ships. There was no one in Fort St.
Louis at the time he received this news, as every one had gone out in
search of plants which were used as food; he therefore sent for Father
Le Caron and the Jesuits to consult with them as to what measures should
be taken. In the meantime the English fleet was steadily approaching,
and at length drew up at a certain distance from the city. A shallop was
then sent out from the admiral's ship, carrying at her mainmast a white
flag. Champlain caused a similar flag to be run up over the fort, and
Kirke's emissary came ashore and presented to Champlain the following
letter:--

"Monsieur:--In consequence of what our brother told you
last year that sooner or later he would have Quebec, if not
succoured, he has charged us to assure you of his friendship as we
do of ours; and knowing very well the extreme need of everything in
which you are, desires that you shall surrender the fort and the
settlement to us, assuring you of every kind of courtesy for you
and yours, and also of honourable and reasonable terms, such as you
may wish. Waiting your reply, we remain, monsieur, your very
affectionate servants,

"Louis and Thomas Quer.

"On board the _Flibot_, this July 19th, 1629."

Champlain immediately prepared his answer, the terms of which had
previously been agreed upon by the fathers. Kirke's representative did
not understand a word of the French language, but he had a fair
knowledge of Latin. Father de la Roche d'Aillon was therefore requested
by Champlain to act as interpreter, and he asked the following
questions:--"Is war declared between France and England?" "No," replied
the English representative. "Why, then, do you come here to trouble us
if our princes live in peace?" he was asked.

Champlain then requested Father de la Roche to go aboard the English
vessels to ascertain from the chiefs what they intended to do. The
interview between Father de la Roche and Louis Kirke was courteous, but
the answers of the latter were far from being satisfactory. "If
Champlain," said the English captain, "gives up the keys of the fortress
and of the habitation we promise to convey you all to France, and will
treat you well; if not we will oblige him by force." Father de la Roche
tried to obtain fifteen days' delay, or even eight days, but it was of
no avail.

"Sir," said Louis Kirke, "I