Champlain is, therefore, entitled to be regarded
as its founder, and the date last mentioned as that of its foundation.
During the autumn the works were continued, Champlain himself
superintending them with indefatigable activity. Pontegrave returned to
France with the results of the season's traffic at Tadoussac.
Champlain's experience, previously acquired at Port Royal, doubtless was
of service in giving effect to his forethought and energy as regards
preparations for the winter; for it is recorded that the thirty persons
composing his party were comfortably protected from the ordinary rigors
of the climate.
On the return of spring Champlain's activity of disposition did not
suffer him to await the coming of Pontegrave from France. He set out
at once up the St. Lawrence. Meeting parties of Indians belonging to
Algonquin and Huron tribes, he entered into friendly communication with
them. Between these tribes and the Iroquois, or Five Nations, a state
of warfare subsisted. Champlain, on his part, desired to secure the
friendship of those natives who were to be the more immediate neighbors
of the French on the St. Lawrence, while the Algonquins and Hurons were
equally solicitous about forming an alliance with the Europeans for the
sake of aid against their enemies. An understanding was soon established.
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