oved successful even beyond
expectation, for after a long cannonade they captured without material
loss the whole fleet which had been sent out by the Company of New
France. Ships, colonists, annual supplies, building materials--all
fell into the hands of the enterprising Kirkes, who then sailed for
England with their booty. Alike to Champlain and to the Hundred
Associates it was a crippling blow.

Thus, but for the war with England, Quebec would have seen its
population trebled in 1628. As it was, the situation became worse than
ever. Lewis Kirke had been careful to seize the cattle pastured at Cap
Tourmente and to destroy the crops. When winter came, there were
eighty mouths to feed on a scant diet of peas and maize, imperfectly
ground, with a reserve supply of twelve hundred eels. Towards spring
anything was welcome, and the roots of Solomon's seal were esteemed a
feast. Champlain even gave serious thought to a raid upon the Mohawks,
three hundred miles away, in the hope that food could be brought back
{126} from their granaries. Finally, on the 19th of July 1629, Lewis
Kirke returned with a second summons to surrender. This time only one
answer was possible, for to the survivors at Quebec the English came
less in the guise of foes than as human beings who could save them from
starvation. Champlain and his people received honourable treatment,
and were promised a passage to France. The family Hebert, however,
decided to remain.

We need not dwell upon the emotions with which Champlain saw the French
flag pulled down at Quebec. Doubtless it seemed the disastrous end of
his life-work, but he was a good soldier and enjoyed also the comforts
of religion. A further consolation was soon found in the discovery
that Quebec might yet be reclaimed. Ten weeks before Champlain
surrendered, the two countries were again at peace, and the Treaty of
Suza embodied a provision that captures made after the treaty was
signed should be mutually restored. This intelligence reached
Champlain when he landed in England on the homeward voyage. It is
characteristic of the man, that before going on to France he posted
from Dover to London, and urged the French ambassador that he should
insistently claim Quebec.

{127}

As a result of the war Canada and Acadia were both in the possession of
England. On the other hand, the dowry of Henrietta Maria was still,
for the most part, in the treasury of France. When one remembers t