Letter 92

From Quebec. To her son. 14 -27 September 1645.
Peace between the French and the Iroquois and other nations of Canada. Indian method of making a treaty. Remarkable vision seen by an Indian and followed by many conversions.

My very dear Son,

As I know you won’t see the Relation for some time, I must tell you of the wonderful favours the Lord has worked for us this year regarding His New Church to which He has at last given peace. Last April some Algonquins from Three Rivers joined together to go hunting, chasing Iroquois more than wild beasts. The leader of this expedition of six or seven was Pieskaret, an Indian Christian, who last year brought back two Iroquois prisoners, as is told in the Relation. They had not gone far when they encountered the Iroquois, a party of fourteen. Against these they fought valiantly, killing nine, another wounded tried to escape by swimming and was drowned, two others fled, only two were left, fighting fiercely and blindly. Among the Algonguins was an excellent Christian called Bernard. He wanted to take prisoners alive. He said to the enemies: “Brothers, what are you doing? Don’t you see we can easily take your lives? Don’t get yourselves killed. Give yourselves up. You won’t be put to death. Take courage. We’ll give you into the hands of people who will not harm you”. At these words the two, who thought themselves within inches of death, began to breathe freely. They surrendered, trusting the good faith of him who spoke so kindly.

The Algonquins then scalped the nine dead, according to custom, and wanted to treat their prisoners of war to the usual welcome: a beating with sticks which is not quite a caress, cut off an ear, break the fingers, burn the skin, pluck off the nails: these are amusements. The executioners laugh when the victim moans. He must sing during the ordeal, otherwise he is regarded as a coward and unfit to live. The two prisoners feared such treatment and Pieskaret, the mortal enemy of the Iroquois, had no pity for them. But good Bernard, more enlightened by the light of our holy Faith, said to him: “I am a Christian, and it seems cowardly to ill-treat people, who, trusting our word, have placed themselves in our hands and under our protection. We’ll get far more honour if we present these prisoners safe and sound to the French than if they were mutilated”. Pieskaret saw the force of the reasoning, and decided to permit no one to harm them. So it was not done.

The Indians at Three Rivers and Sillery received them like brothers. They were brought to St. Joseph’s residence where Pieskaret wanted to make a present of them to the Governor of New France. The Christians welcomed them with a fine arquebus salvo, and Pieskaret, getting to his feet, declared his intention of seeing the Governor, who on being told, returned to the residence in a few days to meet him. The Assembly was held in the house of the Rev. Fathers where the Governor had got a great feast prepared. All good Indian meetings begin and end with a Feast.

All being assembled there was a rather long silence, then Pieskaret made an eloquent speech, explaining to the Governor that he went to war with the purpose of bringing him prisoners, as he had promised a long time before. Now he was presenting these two, hoping by means of them, peace might be made, so that all the nations of these regions might be as one people. It was his one wish, though the Iroquois did not think so. Yet it was true that he and the other Algonquins sincerely desired peace. The Governor accepted and praised Pieskaret and Bernard in the situation.

Bernard knew the Iroquois language, having been at one time a prisoner in that country. He spoke to the prisoners. These accepted the death sentence for all the evil done to the French, to the Algonquins and Hurons and above all to the Fathers. He told them they had no reason to fear, but rather to rejoice that they were no longer captives but free. They belonged to a great Captain who would let no one harm them. One of the prisoners was able to understand his speech. He showed the greatest joy, and taking the arquebus flung it over his shoulder, saying peace was made, there was no need to speak of war anymore if they would send back to his own country the Iroquois imprisoned in Three Rivers since the year before. He is an important person, highly respected by his own people; without doubt he would bring news that would lead to peace.

The Governor had paid a big price to the Upper Algonquins for this captive whom they had tortured till he was nearly dead, and it was difficult to heal his wounds. Now he was free among the French whom he praised so highly to the newcomers that they considered themselves happy to have fallen into such good hands, and out of the power of Pieskaret and the other Algonquins. The Governor agreed and gave orders that the prisoner be sent back to his own country, laden with gifts and all that was necessary for the journey. He went alone by canoe. They did not risk a French escort, knowing the barbarity of the Iroquois. The Governor sent the other two to Three Rivers, telling Pieskaret he appreciated his valour, and esteemed more than ever his friend, and as he had acted so honourably in his place, he would give concrete evidence of how agreeable his conduct had been. He gave Pieskaret a lot of presents like arquebuses, powder, lead, stoves, hatchets, blankets, cloaks, and such things that the Indians treasure as the French do gold, pearls and precious stones. The conquering warriors were delighted with the Governor and he was doing it all for the Faith and the country.

On May 21 the ex-prisoners left promising to be back in two months, and to speak so well of the French that his people would believe they wanted to be friends. He kept his word. The double journey took only forty days. At the beginning of July three Iroquois and a Frenchman, dressed as an Indian, appeared before Fort Richelieu. The Frenchman was immediately recognised as M. Couture [lay volunteer missionary with the Jesuits]. He had been taken with Fr. Jogues and the Iroquois kept him among them. He had won the esteem and reputation of a leader; his voice was decisive in their Councils as they had such respect for his wisdom and prudence - even Barbarians honour virtue. The Iroquois envoy as soon as he reached his homeland found Couture and gave him the letters he had brought. The two together sought out the Chief Men of the Nation, and reported the message they had from the French both by word of mouth and in writing. The leaders of the villages assembled to deliberate on peace proposals with the French and their allies. They decided to make peace and to send two of their Head Captains with Couture and the Iroquois Envoy. The people did not like to let their chiefs go, but these said they did not fear risking their lives in the effort to become friends with the French and their allies.

So the four deputies arrived at Fort Richelieu. The French were delighted to see Couture; they embraced and kissed him. Their joy was redoubled when he told them the Iroquois were sincerely seeking peace. This was a joy for the whole country, for nobody could leave the Forts above us [Three Rivers, Fort Richelieu and Montreal] any more than they could a prison, without being at the mercy of the Iroquois. As soon as they landed, the commander of Fort Richelieu invited them to board a shallop to be conveyed to Three Rivers with a French escort.

July 5, Couture disembarked from a canoe at Three Rivers. He was welcomed as one back from the dead. The joy was intense. They did not expect him to survive a barbarous captivity. He interrupted the felicitations to point out the shallop with the three Iroquois delegates sent to make peace with the French and their allies. One of the three was the ex-prisoner sent home by the Governor to thank the Iroquois for freeing two French prisoners whom he would return when he had heard their peace proposals. The two would be on the negotiating team. The first and most intelligent of the delegates was called Kiotsaton, meaning hook; the other Aniougan. The shallop with the three Indians approached and the French with the two Iroquois went to welcome them. Kiotsaton made a sign that he wanted to speak. He stood up in the shallop all covered with bead collars. “Brothers”, he said, “I left my own country to come to visit you and here I am at last in your land. They told me when I was leaving that I was looking for death and would never see my homeland again. I have taken the risk for the sake of peace, seeing such good dispositions for equal treatment and making all the nations as one. I have come to hear what the French, the Hurons, the Algonquins think, and to tell you the opinions of our people”. His speech was greeted with a volley of small shot from the shallop and an answering cannonade from the Fort.

The Iroquois ambassador having stepped ashore was conducted to the house of the commander of Three Rivers where he was warmly welcomed. Having smoked and eaten a few prunes, he said: “I meet with much kindness among the French. Since my arrival I see nothing but rejoicing. I see that He who is in Heaven wants to end this business favourably. Men’s thoughts and minds differ so much that agreement is not easy, it is Heaven that will re-unite all”. A canoe was sent for the Governor to tell him of the arrival of the ambassadors. In the meantime ambassadors and prisoners were completely free, and the people were rivaling each other entertaining them. One of the Fathers was in a native hut to which he had been invited. The Iroquois said to Couture who was with the priest: “These people here seem peaceful and gentle. Get the Father to tell them that I am glad to meet them, that soon we’ll be visiting each other without fear and exchanging houses, their houses will be ours and ours theirs”. Noel Negabamet, our excellent Christian, replied, “Your words are very welcome. You know well we don’t cut the throats of those who come as delegates bringing good news. You are not children. Speak to us sincerely; tell us what you really think. As for our sentiments, they are those of the Governor. We are one with him”.

On another occasion, the Commander, having given them plenty to eat told them they were as safe as in their own country, they had nothing to fear, they could believe they were in their own houses while they were in those of the French. Kiotsaton turned to the interpreter and said, “this captain is a big liar”. After a pause he added, “He says I am here as in my own country, my own house. It is a lie. I am badly treated in my house, here I have plenty. In my country I’d die of hunger, here I have a feast every day.” This man was always ready with an answer, showing his power of repartee at all the meetings. Finally the Governor arrived at Three Rivers from Quebec and on Wednesday, July 12, gave audience to the ambassadors. In the courtyard of the Fort great sails were stretched to shade them from the sun. At one side sat the Governor with his retinue and Father Vimont, Superior of the Mission; at his feet, sitting on a long seat of bark were the five Iroquois. They had chosen this position to show their respect and love for the Governor. Opposite were the Algonquins, the Montagnais and the Attikamek. The two sides were occupied by French and a few Hurons. In the centre was on open space where the Iroquois had planted two posts with a cord stretched between them on which, as they said, to hang and attach the words they were bringing us, that is the gifts they had for us, for with them everything speaks, actions as well as words.

The gifts consisted of thirty thousand porcelain beads, made into seventeen collars. Some of them they were wearing, the rest were in a bag beside them. All having assembled and taken their places, the big Iroquois [that’s what I call him, he was so big and tall], stood up, looked at the sun, cast his eyes over the assembly and taking a bead collar in his hand began his address, loud and clear. “Outoma [a literal translation of the Governor’s name, Montmagny, Mount Magnus], they used it for all subsequent Governors], lend me your ears. I am the mouthpiece of my country. When you hear me, you hear all the Iroquois. Our hearts have only good intentions. We have many war songs in our nation, but we have rejected all. To day we have only songs of joy”. Thereupon he began to sing and his compatriots answered. He walked up and down the open square, gesticulating like an actor on the stage. He looked at the sky, he looked at the sun, he rubbed his arms as if to call forth martial vigour. The song finished, and it was long. He held up the collar. It was a present for the Governor to thank him for saving the life of Tokhiuhenchiaron last Autumn and preserving him from the teeth of the Algonquins. Cleverly, he slipped in a complaint. The man had been sent home alone. If his canoe had been overturned or submerged by wind and storm, in a word if he had died on the way, they would be a long time waiting for his return and for news of the peace. “You would be blaming us for your fault”. That said, he fixed the collar on the cord between the posts.

He took another and put it on Couture’s aim saying: “This is the collar that the prisoner brings you. I would not say to him while we were still in our country, ‘go my nephew, take a canoe and return to Quebec’. My mind would not be at ease. I would be constantly thinking of him and asking myself is he lost? I’d have no sense if I were to act like that”.

“The man you sent back to us made the journey with the greatest difficulty”. And he began to mime the difficult encounter in a way that no actor in France could match. He had a stick in his hand. He placed it on his head to show how the prisoner had to carry his baggage piece by piece along the portages, and when he came to the rapids and falls. He walked from end to end of the courtyard many times to demonstrate the difficult treks of the lone traveler. Sometimes he nearly fell over a stone; sometimes he staggered on a muddy and slippery path. Next moment he was paddling a little canoe, moving from side to side to steady it when it was in danger of overturning. Pausing to rest in midstream, the canoe was swept back to the starting point. He lost courage, he began again. His inimitable acting was accompanied by an explanatory commentary. “If’, he said, “you had helped him over the waterfalls and the bad patches, it would have been bearable. Even to stop, smoke your pipe and watch him till he was out of sight would have been a consolation, but I don’t know how you could think of sending a man alone amid such dangers. It is not what I did with Couture. I said to him, ‘come, my nephew, follow me. I will bring you to your own country at the peril of my life’. That was what the second collar symbolised”.

The third signified that the Governor’s gifts to the Iroquois he had sent home, together with some gifts of their own, had been distributed among the Allied nations to mollify their anger and induce them to send gifts to all, to bury the war hatchets and take the oars from the hands of those who had embarked to make war. He named all the allied nations to which he had sent gifts and included the Dutch, though these had not responded. The fourth was to assure us that the thought of their people, killed in the fight in spring when the two prisoners were taken, no longer stirred up anger and vengeance. They had put down their arms. “I passed the place”, he said, “where the Algonquins massacred us. I passed quickly with eyes averted, lest the sight of their blood and their unburied bodies inflame my anger.” Then he struck the ground and listened, then continued, “I hear the voices of my ancestors killed by the Algonquins. They see that my heart is still capable of vengeance. They cry to me lovingly, “Grandson, calm yourself. Don’t give way to anger. Don’t think of us. You cannot bring us back from the dead. Think of the living, that is the important thing. Draw them back from fire and sword that could bring them where we are. A living man is worth more than many dead men”. Having heard that voice I went ahead and came as far as you to set free those you are still holding.

The fifth gift was given to clean the river and clear it of enemy canoes that could trouble its waters and impede navigation. He made thousands of gestures as if to stay the tide and calm the river from Quebec to the land of the Iroquois. The sixth is to level the falls and rapids and to hold back the strong currents in the rivers that must be navigated to get to our country. “I have seen people perish in the seething waters. This is to appease them”. Then gesturing with arms and hands, he seemed to calm the raging torrents.

Taking the seventh he said, “this is to calm the great St. Louis Lake and make its surface as smooth as ice, to allay the anger of wind and storm water”, and having prepared a safe passage by his gestures, he fastened the collar on the arm of a Frenchman and drew him to the centre of the stage to show that the French canoes could go safely to Iroquois ports.

The eighth prepared the overland route. The onlookers would have said that he was cutting down trees, lopping off branches, pushing back the forest, filling holes. There he said, “The way is ready and clear”. He prostrated on the ground to see the level of the land and to ascertain that there were no stones or logs to impede the foot traveler. All is ready now. The smoke from our settlements can be seen as far as Quebec. All obstacles are removed.

The ninth was a pledge that the French would always, day and night find a fire burning to welcome them to the Iroquois houses and to hearths as clean as their own.

The tenth was given to bind us all closely together. He entwined his arms with a Frenchman on one side and an Algonquin on the other, displaying the necklace which was extraordinarily beautiful, and proclaiming: “This is the knot that ties us inseparably, nothing can part us even if a thunder bolt falls from the sky, if it cuts off this arm that holds you, we’ll seize you immediately with the other”. The eleventh invited the French to eat with them. “Our country”, he said, “abounds in fish and venison; you see only stags, elk and beaver. Leave the stinking pigs that run around near your houses and that eat only unclean things. Come share our good food. The way is clear. There is no danger any longer”.

“The twelfth”, he said, raising his voice, “is to clear the air of clouds so that it can be seen clearly that our hearts and yours hide nothing, that the sun and the truth light up everything”. The 13th reminded the Iroquois of their good intentions. “Three days ago, no better three years ago, you filled a sack with beads and other presents to come here to try to make peace. Who made you abandon the idea”? The 14th invited the Hurons to resume their former trade routes by the Ottawa and the St. Laurence. They were making lengthy detours through the frosts to avoid the Iroquois. The 15th attested that they always intended to bring back Frs. Jogues and Bressani but Fr. Jogues had been stolen from them, and they had freely given Fr. Bressani to the Dutch who had asked for him (for a ransom, added Fr. Jogues in an undertone).

The 16th to welcome themselves when they returned, to protect them, to stay the hatchets of the Algonquins and the French cannon balls. “Six years ago”, he said, “we came to bring back prisoners and to offer friendship, but we heard only the hiss of arquebus and the roar of cannon. That made us retreat, and as we have courage for war, we decided to return in spring and let you see us in action. So we came and took Fr. Jogues”. The 17th belonged by right to Houatkeniate, one of two Iroquois prisoners. He normally wore it in his own country, and it was very beautiful. His mother, who acted as aunt to Fr. Jogues in the land of Iroquois, now sent it to her son, that it might be given to the man who had saved her son’s life. The Big Iroquois added, “I am going now to my own country, to spend the Summer playing and dancing and rejoicing in the peace, but I fear that while we are dancing the Hurons will come and pinch us.

That is in outline of what went on at the Assembly, as well as it could be pieced together from the interpreter’s interventions, but he got little chance to speak. All agreed that the Big Iroquois was eloquent and a first rate actor, though he had never learned the rules in a book. The meeting concluded with Iroquois, Algonquins, Montagnais, Hurons and French all dancing together. The remainder of the day was spent rejoicing. On July 13, the Governor entertained all the Nations gathered at Three Rivers in order to unite them and banish mutual distrust. The Iroquois Ambassador was pleased. He sang and danced and urged the Algonquins and Hurons to obey the Governor and follow the intentions of the French. The following day the Governor bestowed fourteen gifts on the Iroquois, in return for theirs. Each was accepted with marks of satisfaction. Then when the interpreter had explained the Governor’s intentions, peace was concluded on condition the Iroquois would cease hostilities against the Hurons and laid down the hatchet until the Huron elders had spoken. These were not present at Three Rivers.
The Governor’s gifts were presented by Couture. He spoke Iroquois and emulated the manner and gestures of their ambassador.

The first gift was to thank Him who made heaven and earth for being everywhere and seeing even into our hearts, and because he is now uniting all the peoples in mind. The second for bringing back our three prisoners and clothing them for the journey, so that they would not be cold or ashamed to return naked to their village. The third to thank the Iroquois for preserving the life of Couture, treating him well and repatriating him. The forth erases the thought of the dead and the memory of all past evils. The fifth to make the river smooth, the lake calm, the road level so that smoke might be seen from the domestic fires of French and Algonquins. The sixth to attract the canoes of the Mohawks to come to see us, to fish in our rivers for brill, sturgeon and beaver, to hunt the elk in our forests. The seventh to assure them that when they come, we will always give them fire for their stoves. The eight to testify our satisfaction with their affiance with us and with the Algonquins, and that we will all eat together in peace. The ninth that they will wait till the Hurons and the Iroquois confer, as well as the upper Algonquins. The tenth to assure them that the French will get the Hurons to come as soon as possible, and that they will lay down their weapons as well as the Mohawks and that we wish to be friends with the Oneidas, a little nation dependent on the Iroquois. The eleventh to thank them for the return of Fr. Jogues and to express the hope that we may soon see Fr. Bressani.

The 12th is a collar for Houatkeniate. The 13th asks for the return of little Teresa of the Hurons and the young Frenchman captured by the Iroquois. The 14th to assure them that the French would regard all the allies of the Iroquois as their friends and relatives.

When the Governor’s interpreter had finished, Pieskaret stood up to offer his gift. It was a stone, he said, he was putting on the grave of the dead so that nobody would disturb their bones, that is remember them to avenge their death. Noel Negabamat stood up then and presented some elk skins to make shoes for the Ambassadors, so that they would not hurt themselves on the way home. He presented three elk skins and continued his speech. He would bury and cover the slain to take their memory and the sorrow from the hearts and thoughts of their relatives. His heart was at one with that of his elder brother, the Governor, his gift was part of the Governor’s. To conclude, the canon was fired three times to clear the air of war, and to rejoice in the blessing of peace.

When the ceremony was over, a disruptive Huron approached the Iroquois ambassador trying to make him distrust the French, but the Iroquois answered. “One side of my face is painted and daubed, the other side clean. I do not see well on the painted side, that is the side of the Hurons. On the other side, the French side I see clearly. He said no more, the other was silenced.

In the evening, before the Iroquois left for home, they were invited to the Jesuit Residence by the Superior. Suitable gifts were presented; each was given a pipe and tobacco. The big Iroquois made a speech. He said, “When I left my country I risked my life, voluntarily exposing myself to death. I am indebted to you that I am still alive. Thanks to you I still see the sun. Thank you for treating me so well. Thank you for your eloquent speech. Thank you for clothing us from head to foot. Thank you for the fine gifts. Nothing remained but to fill our mouths and this you have done with food we like very much. Now I say Good-bye. If we die on the way or are drowned in the lake, the trees will bring news of you to our country, and the elements will waft the tale of how well we have been treated. I even believe that some spirit has gone ahead of us, and that there is already joy in the Iroquois country over the good receipts you have given us”.

Next day, July 15, at about 10 A.M., the Big Iroquois seeing all his people had got into their boats, and the Hurons and the French standing at the water’s edge said, “Adieu, my brother, I am your relative, I go to bring good news to my country”. Then addressing the Governor he said, “Sir, your name is great in the whole land. I did not expect to return safely. I risked my head in coming to your ports, and instead of forfeiting my life I go home laden with honours and favours. “My brothers”, he said to the Hurons, “obey the Governor and the French. Their intentions are good, you could not do better than follow their advice. You’ll hear from us soon, wait for me”. Thereupon, a salvo of arquebus from the Indians and of cannon from the Fort terminated the proceedings. May God in His goodness draw Glory from it all.

I take up my pen again September 27, to tell you the sequel to this affair. The Iroquois leaving here were accompanied by two Frenchmen as a mark of trust. With this escort they were welcomed in their own country. The peace was ratified by all with unparalleled satisfaction. The Iroquois were back here by September 18. They made a new treaty with the Hurons and the Algonquins from the Isle, and what gave us greatest joy, they asked for fathers to instruct them in the Faith. Those who have already shed their blood there may be entrusted with this Mission, but it is not yet certain. Peace with these barbarians can be regarded as a miracle from Heaven, for humanly speaking, it was hopeless on account of the obstacles by their way of working. We owe it all to God. By means of this he is opening a door for the Gospel to get to all the Nations. You can judge our ineffable joy at this great grace as we foresee the Kingdom of God extending to embrace all the infidels of our America. We, who have seen and experienced the persecutions inflicted by the infidels, feel doubly relieved that the heavy yoke so contrary to God’s glory, is lifted. Ask God for the peace to last, for the devil, about to be chased from his empire, will do his utmost to trouble it, and the last state will be worse than the first.

Our neophytes are keenly aware of this great favour from God and He has poured extraordinary graces on them. The effects can be seen in continual acts of virtue. One of them following a vision, granted him by Our Lord, has caused great conversions and voluntary public penances, such is their horror of their own past sins. The visionary continues to preach, to tell his compatriots what he has seen. Our Lord appeared to him, showed him His sacred wounds, showed him the Glory of the Blessed and the pains of the damned, and the good reason He has for chastising people who do not make good use of the Blessing of Redemption. Many secrets were revealed to him concerning the state of deceased Indians and the dispositions of some still living. He spoke of all with wonderful zeal, reproached the Indians and told them what he had seen written about them in a book Our Lord showed him. As they could not give the lie to their own consciences, they gave themselves up to penance. This all happened in a place where many nations were assembled [the Mission compound at Tadoussac]. These Indian traders, hearing what was going on, were so touched and astounded that they were moved to tears and many were converted.

Frs. Poncet and Bressani, two excellent Missionaries, are gone to the Hurons. Fr. Bressani, who suffered so much at the hands of the Iroquois, has sent material to make robes for his persecutors. We have made them and they have been sent. He loves them ardently and longs to be sent to bring them the Word of Eternal Life in return for the temporal life they wanted to deprive him of, for he suffered a thousand deaths in pain and agony, both interior and exterior. Oh! How good it is to belong to Jesus, and to imitate the example of this Divine Prototype. One learns to return good for evil, a hundred fold when possible. We are hoping that Iroquois girls will be brought to us when our Captive, Fr. Bressani, is returned. If the great priest brings us these little harpies who helped to torture him, we’ll cherish them, for they have helped this great servant of God to gain such precious crowns, we want to share his sentiments, and show our enemies that the only vengeance we know is to return good for evil.

From Quebec. September 1645.
Kelly, Sr M. St. Dominic, O.S.U. Marie of the Incarnation 1599 - 1672 Correspondence, (translated from the French edition by Dom Guy Oury Monk of Solesmes), Irish Ursuline Union, 2000, p. 91 - 98.