fictitious glory

This is a letter by Buteux to the father general, dated at Three Rivers, September 21, 1649. The little settlement of Three Rivers is so slightly defended that the French are in daily peril of their lives. Christophe Regnaut was one of the donnés in the Huron mission, although he did not witness this tragedy, he obtained full particulars of it from the Christian Hurons taken captive by the Iroquois, who were present throughout the horrible torments inflicted upon the unfortunate Jesuits. He relates these in detail, and then describes the condition of the martyrs' remains. Abraham Martin is imprisoned on a scandalous charge connected with the poor girl, but his trial is postponed till the arrival of the vessels. A few weeks later the second execution of Justice took place. September 20 - 22, Father Bressani arrived from the Huron country, with two bands of Indians, and the French traders and soldiers come down. Bringing 5,000 livres' weight of beaver skins. Bressani sets out on his return to the Huron mission but a few days later he comes back with his Huron companions, who probably through fear of the Iroquoi refuse to go beyond the river Des Prairies. When the last vessel returns to France it conveys an Iroquois captive. This year's trade amounts to 100,000 livres. A number of Hurons come down to three Rivers and Quebec to spend the winter; they are aided by the Jesuits with food, blankets, and more. Early September a reinforcement arrived consisting of four additional missionaries and a lot of Frenchmen besides. This gave the Fathers new courage and they even strive to extend their labors to more distant tribes.