1675-80.] THE KING INTERVENES. 49 



Duchesneau lost temper, and became abusive. 

 Auteuil tried to interpose in behalf of the inten- 

 dant. Frontenac struck the table with his fist, and 

 told him fiercely that he would teach him his duty. 

 Every clay embittered the strife. The governor 

 made the declaration usual with him on such occa- 

 sions, that he would not permit the royal authority 

 to suffer in his person. At length he banished 

 from Quebec his three most strenuous opponents, 

 Villeray, Tilly, and Auteuil, and commanded them 

 to remain in their country houses till they re- 

 ceived his farther orders. All attempts at com- 

 promise proved fruitless ; and Auteuil, in behalf 

 of the exiles, appealed piteously to the king. 



The answer came in the following summer: 

 " Monsieur le Comte de Frontenac,'' wrote Louis 

 XIV., " I am surprised to learn all the new troubles 

 and dissensions that have occurred in my country 

 of New France, more especially since I have clearly 

 and strongly given you to understand that your 

 sole care should be to maintain harmony and peace 

 among all my subjects dwelling therein ; but what 

 surprises me still more is that in nearly all the dis- 

 putes which you have caused you have advanced 

 claims which have very little foundation. My 

 edicts, declarations, and ordinances had so plainly 

 made known to you my will, that I have great 

 cause of astonishment that you, whose duty it is 

 to see them faithfully executed, have yourself set 

 up pretensions entirely opposed to them. You 

 have wished to be styled chief and president on 

 the records of. the Supreme Council, which is con- 



