SOME OLD FORTS BY THE SEA. 73 
Stumps peep up amidst the pure snow, and a log hut here and there tells us of some 
habitant more adventurous than the others. Above one of the loftiest roofs floats the 
banner of France. 
When we think that these rude works were almost alone in the American wilderness 
we can have some conception of the ambition and courage of the French pioneers. If we 
enter the spacious dining hall, which is situated in one of the principal buildings of the 
quadrangle, we find a pleasant and novel scene. A large fire of maple logs blazes on the 
wide, hospitable hearth, and as the bell gives the summons for the noon-day dinner, we 
see a procession of some fifteen or sixteen gentlemen march gaily into the hall and lay a 
goodly array of platters on the table. At the head is probably Champlain, the steward of 
the day, according to the rules of “ L'ordre de bon temps,” with his staff of office in his 
hands, and the collar of his office around his neck. Each guest bears a dish, perhaps 
venison, or fish or fowl, which has been provided by the caterer for the day. 
The faithful Acadian Sachem, old Membertou, and other chiefs and braves, sit squatted 
before the fire, and nod approvingly as they see this performance repeated day after day. 
A bounteous feast is enjoyed, and many witty jokes, songs and stories go around the board, 
for the company comprises men of courtly demeanour; heroic daring and scholarly culture, 
who know well how to console themselves during their banishment to this Acadian 
wilderness. 
The next scene is one often witnessed in the early times of French colonization. 
Wherever the French adventurer found himself, he never failed to show his christian 
zeal. One of the first acts of Baron de Poutrincourt, after he had established himself at Port 
Royal, was to have old Membertou and other Indians admitted within the pale of the 
Roman Catholic Church. Ona fine June day the converts, to the number of twenty-one, 
assemble on the shore in front of Port Royal, and then follow the religious ceremonies 
under the direction of Priest LaFlèche. The “ gentleman adventurers,” the soldiers, the 
habitants, appear in all their finery. The rites are performed with all the pomp of that 
church which, above all others, understand so well how to appeal to the senses of the 
masses. A 7e Deum is chanted, and the cannon send forth a volley in honour of the first 
baptism of the savages of Acadia. The Indians received the name of the first nobility in 
France, and were rewarded by presents from the zealous Frenchman, who were mightily 
pleased with their religious triumph. Similar scenes were often enacted in later times, 
at Hochelaga, on the Ottawa, by the western lakes and rivers, and on the borders of the 
gulf of Mexico. 
The next episode is one of gloom and misfortune. On a bright summer’s day, in 1613, 
a ship sailed up the basin, to the astonishment of the habitants who were busy in the 
fields. Was it the long-expected ship from France ? Had their friends beyond the seas 
at last recollected the struggling colony and sent soldiers and supplies to its assistance ? 
No! The Red Cross of England floated from the masthead of the stranger. The farmers 
fled to the forest, to warn the commandant and his soldiers, who were absent on some 
expedition ; and the fort became an easy prey to Captain Samuel Argall, a rough sea- 
captain, authorized to destroy the French settlement by Sir Thomas Dale, governor of 
Virginia, then rising into importance as the first English plantation on this continent. 
When Argall destroyed Port Royal, both France and England were fairly entering 
Sec. II., 1883. 10. 
