138 DENONVILLE AND DONG AN. [1687 



In spite of all his pains, it was whispered abroad 

 that there was to be warf and the rumor was 

 brought to the ears of Dongan by some of the 

 Canadian deserters. He lost no time in warning 

 the Iroquois, and their deputies came to beg his 

 help. Danger humbled them for the moment ; 

 and they not only recognized King James as their 

 sovereign, but consented at last to call his rep- 

 resentative Father Corlaer instead of Brother. 

 Their father, however, dared not promise them 

 soldiers ; though, in spite of the recent treaty, he 

 caused gunpowder and lead to be given them, 

 and urged them to recall the powerful war- 

 parties which they had lately sent against the 

 Illinois. 1 



Denonville at length broke silence, and ordered 

 the militia to muster. They grumbled and hesi- 

 tated, for they remembered the failures of La 

 Barre. The governor issued a proclamation, and 

 the bishop a pastoral mandate. There were ser- 

 mons, prayers, and exhortations in all the churches. 

 A revulsion of popular feeling followed ; and the 

 j>eople, says Denonville, " made ready for the 

 march with extraordinary animation." The church 

 showered blessings on them as they went, and daily 

 masses were ordained for the downfall of the foes 

 of Heaven and of France. 2 



i Colden, 97 (1727), Denonville au Ministre, 8 Juin, 1687. 



2 Saint- Vallier, Etat Present. Even to the moment of marching, 

 Denonville pretended that he meant only to hold a peace council at Fort 

 Frontenac. " J'ai tou jours publie que je n'allois qu'a l'assemble'e gene'- 

 rale projetee a Oataracouy (Fort. Fro»tf»ac). J'ai toujours tenu ce dis- 

 cours jusqu'au temps de la marche." Denonville au Ministre, SJuin, 1687. 



