Pursuant to arrangements, Emery de Caen, furnished with instructions from
the Government of France, and with an order signed by the King of
England, superseded Thomas Kirke at Quebec on July 13,1632. On landing
with the priests who were sent out on board De Caen's vessels, it was
found that much injury had been done in the place. Fire, violence, and
wilful neglect had been instrumental in destroying nearly all the
buildings, including those of the Jesuits and Recollets. It was also
found that the old friends of the French--the Montagnais and other
Indians--had been much corrupted by the traders with whom they had held
intercourse during the three preceding years. The fort itself remained
uninjured, and afforded shelter to all while the work of reconstructing
habitations and a place of worship was carried on.
In the mean time Champlain made preparations in France for carrying out
colonists, merchandise, ammunition, and provisions. The company furnished
him with three vessels, well equipped, and armed with cannon. With these,
having on board about two hundred persons, he arrived at Quebec on May
23, 1633, and landed amid manifestations of great joy on the part of the
French inhabitants, more especially of those who had remained in the
country after his forced departure.
From the moment of his return to Canada until his decease, Champlain
occupied himself diligently in providing for the material progress of the
colony, and at the same time cooeperated heartily in all measures for
securing its religious welfare, and for converting the savages.
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