tory is more than fifteen
hundred leagues in length, lying between the same parallels of
latitude as our own France. It is watered by one of the finest
rivers in the world, into which empty many tributaries more than
four hundred leagues in length, beautifying a country inhabited by
a vast number of tribes. Some of them are sedentary in their mode
of life, possessing, like the Muscovites, towns and villages built
of wood; others are nomadic hunters and fishermen, all longing to
welcome the French and religious fathers, that they may be
instructed in our faith.

"The excellence of this country cannot be too highly estimated or
praised, both as to the richness of the soil, the diversity of the
timber such as we have in France, the abundance of wild animals,
game and fish, which are of extraordinary magnitude. All this
invites you, monseigneur, and makes it seem as if God had created
you above all your predecessors to do a work here more pleasing to
Him than any that has yet been accomplished.

"For thirty years I have frequented this country, and have acquired
a thorough knowledge of it, obtained from my own observation and
the information given me by the native inhabitants. Monseigneur, I
pray you to pardon my zeal, if I say that, after your renown has
spread throughout the East, you should end by compelling its
recognition in the West.

"Expelling the English from Quebec has been a very important
beginning, but, nevertheless, since the treaty of peace between the
two crowns, they have returned to carry on trade and annoy us in
this river, declaring that it was enjoined upon them to withdraw,
but not to remain away, and that they have their king's permission
to come for the period of thirty years. But, if your Eminence
wills, you can make them feel the power of your authority. This can
furthermore be extended at your pleasure to him who has come here
to bring about a general peace among these people, who are at war
with a nation holding more than four hundred leagues in subjection,
and who prevent the free use of the rivers and highways. If this
peace were made, we should be in complete and easy enjoyment of our
possessions. Once established in the country, we could expel our
enemies, both English and Flemings, forcing them to withdraw to the