CHAPTER XII. 



1639, 1640. 

 THE TOBACCO NATION. THE NEUTRALS. 



A Change of Plan. — SAiifTE Marie. — Mission of the Tobacco 

 Nation. — Winter Journeying. — Reception of the Mission- 

 aries. — Superstitious Terrors. — Peril of Garnier and 

 JoGUES. — Mission of the Neutrals. — Huron Intrigues. — 

 Miracles. — Fury of the Indians. — Intervention of Saint 

 Michael. — Return to Sainte Marie. — Intrepidity op the 

 Priests. — Their Mental Exaltation. 



It had been the first purpose of the Jesuits to 

 form permanent missions in each of the principal 

 Huron towns ; but, before the close of the year 

 1639, the difficulties and risks of this scheme had 

 become fully apparent. They resolved, therefore, 

 to establish one central station, to be a base of 

 operations, and, as it were, a focus, . whence the 

 light of the Faith should radiate through all the 

 wilderness around. It was to serve at once as 

 residence, fort, magazine, hospital, and convent. 

 Hence the priests would set forth on missionary 

 expeditions far and near; and hither they might 

 retire, as to an asylum, in times of sickness or 

 extreme peril. Here the neophytes could be gath- 



f 138 I 



