The site chosen was that now known
as "Durham Terrace," where, subsequently, when Champlain's design was
practically carried out, the famous Fort St. Louis stood--the residence
and official head-quarters of many governors of Canada.
[4] According to the custom of the ladies of that time, Madame
Champlain wore a small mirror suspended from her girdle. The
untutored natives who approached her were astonished at perceiving
themselves reflected from the glass, and circulated among
themselves the innocent conceit that she cherished in her heart
the recollection of each one of them.
Champlain might have now enjoyed a period of comparative repose but for
two causes of anxiety which soon pressed themselves upon his attention.
The first of these was his knowledge of the cruel state of war subsisting
between the Iroquois and the natives of Canada. In 1620 the former made
incursions in considerable force, and, although few or none of them at
that time approached Quebec, they pressed hard upon the Algonquins higher
up the river, and lay in wait for his former allies, the Hurons, whom
they slaughtered without mercy as they descended with the products of the
chase for the purpose of trading with the French at Three Rivers, Quebec,
and Tadoussac. The injury to French interests, apart from the necessity
for being always on the alert to defend themselves in case of attack from
these barbarians, may be imagined.
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