The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. 2: Acadia, 1612-1614

The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. 2: Acadia, 1612-1614

Following is a synopsis of the documents contained in the present volume: IX. The indefatigable Biard presents, herein, a graphic recital of his work among the Acadian savages, and particularly his journeys into the wilderness. His report of a trip with a party of Port Royalists to French trading posts on the St. Croix and St. John rivers, to an Etchemin town probably on the site of the present Castine, Me., and to an English fishing station on the Kennebec, is full of interest. X. Herein, Biard sends to the general of his order a full report concerning: (1) New France, its physical characteristics, and its aborigines; (2) the circumstances attending the opening of the Jesuit mission in Acadia; (3) Flch's work previous to the coming of the Jesuits; (4) visits to savage tribes by Mass and himself, with descriptions of conversions and baptisms, and a statement of the conditions and prospects of spiritual work among the aborigines. XI. Lescarbot's Relation Dernire gives an account of Poutrincourt's voyage to New France, in 1610; of the conversion and baptism of the savage chief, Membertou, and others, by the priest, Flch; of Biencourt's return to France; and of the experiences of Poutrincourt at Port Royal. The writer praises Poutrincourt for his exertions in Canada in behalf of 2 both religion and civilization; and urges that he should be aided in his colonial enterprise, as a necessary basis for religious work in this portion of the New World. He gives a list of the sponsors of the baptized Indians, who included many of the French nobility and clergy. The life at Port Royal is pictured in some detail; its labors and privations are dwelt upon; and the customs of the natives described. Lescarbot does not fail, although cautiously, to exhibit his dislike of the Jesuits, and endeavors to show that their coming to Port Royal involved delay and expense to the colonial enterprise, thereby injuring Poutrincourt. Our author's closing chapter devoutly catalogues the "Effects of God's Grace in New France;" he describes how Providence cared for the colonists in their distress, saved them from shipwreck, kindly disposed the savages toward them and the Christian religion, and returned to the Frenchmen their ship, in time to prevent starvation. The rescue of Aubry is also mentioned. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 45256
Author: Thwaites, Reuben Gold
Release Date: Mar 29, 2014
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Editor: Thwaites, Reuben Gold, 1853-1913