318 AN INTERLUDE. [1691-93. 



deserve all the attention that I hear ne has given 

 it in the midst of so many important events, and 

 therefore I must needs ascribe it to your kindness 

 in commending it to his notice. This leads me to 

 hope that whenever some office, or permanent 

 employment, or some mark of dignity or distinc- 

 tion, may offer itself, you will put me on the list 

 as well as others who have the honor to be as 

 closely connected with you as I am ; for it would 

 be very hard to find myself forgotten because I 

 am in a remote country, where it is more difficult 

 and dangerous to serve the king than elsewhere. 

 I have consumed all my property. Nothing is left 

 but what the king gives me ; and I have reached 

 an age where, though neither strength nor good- 

 will fail me as yet, and though the latter will last 

 as long as I live, I see myself on the eve of losing 

 the former : so that a post a little more secure and 

 tranquil than the government of Canada will soon 

 suit my time of life ; and, if I can be assured of 

 your support, I shall not despair of getting such a 

 one. Please then to permit my wife and my friends 

 to refresh your memory now and then on this 

 point." l Again, in the following year : " I have 

 been encouraged to believe that the gift of two 

 thousand crowns, which his Majesty made me last 

 year, would be continued ; but apparently you 

 have not been able to obtain it, for I think that you 

 know the difficulty I have in living here on my 

 salary. I hope that, when you find a better oppor- 

 tunity, you will try to procure me this favor. My 



1 Frontenac au Ministre, 20 Oct., 1691. 



