rn in Heaven;
at least we can say that his death was full of blessings. I am sure
that God has shown him this favour in consideration of the benefits he
has procured for New France, where we hope some day God will be loved
and served by our French, and known and adored by our Savages. Truly
he had led a life of great justice, equity, and perfect loyalty to his
King and towards the Gentlemen of the Company. But at his death he
crowned his virtues with sentiments of piety so lofty that he
astonished us all. What tears he shed! how {136} ardent became his
zeal for the service of God! how great was his love for the families
here!--saying that they must be vigorously assisted for the good of the
Country, and made comfortable in every possible way in these early
stages, and that he would do it if God gave him health. He was not
taken unawares in the account which he had to render unto God, for he
had long ago prepared a general Confession of his whole life, which he
made with great contrition to Father Lalemant, whom he honoured with
his friendship. The Father comforted him throughout his sickness,
which lasted two months and a half, and did not leave him until his
death. He had a very honourable burial, the funeral procession being
formed of the people, the soldiers, the captains, and the churchmen.
Father Lalemant officiated at this burial, and I was charged with the
funeral oration, for which I did not lack material. Those whom he left
behind have reason to be well satisfied with him; for, though he died
out of France, his name will not therefor be any less glorious to
posterity.

[1] Gabriel Hanotaux, member of the French Academy, is the author of
the most authoritative work on the life and times of Richelieu.

[2] Alexander had received grants from the British crown in 1621 and
1625 which covered the whole coast from St Croix Island to the St
Lawrence.

[3] At this period the largest interest in European politics was the
rivalry between France and the House of Hapsburg, which held the
thrones of Spain and Austria. This rivalry led France to take an
active part in the Thirty Years' War, even though her allies in that
struggle were Protestants. Between 1627, when the Company of New
France was founded, and 1632, when Canada was restored to France, the
Swedes under Gustavus Adolphus had won a series of brilliant victories
over the Catholic and Hapsburg forces in Germany. After the death of
Gustavus Adolphu