[7]
[7] A few, by Champlain's advice, accepted the offers of the
English to remain under their protection in the possession of their
habitations and clearings. They were to enjoy the same privileges
as the English themselves. A number of the French traders also
remained, but betook themselves to the west and into the Huron
country, where they lived with the Indians until the country was
restored to France, about three years subsequently. Louis Kirke was
left in command at Quebec.
Cardinal Richelieu, the prime minister of Louis XIII, founded the society
called the "Company of the One Hundred Associates." It was established,
not merely to put an end to the various obstacles and evils under which
the colony languished, but also to place its future upon a strong and
durable basis. Its organization was completed in the year 1627, and the
first expedition under its auspices was entered upon in 1628, but proved
an entire failure, owing to the English having then the control of the
St. Lawrence, and capturing or destroying the vessels sent out under M.
de Roguemont. Then occurred, as we have described, the surrender of
Quebec and the other stations, and their occupation by the English under
the Kirkes. The existence of the new company, and its government of the
affairs of the colony can scarcely be said to have commenced,
practically, until the year 1632, when New France was, by treaty with
England, restored to the French authorities.
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