326 LAHONTAN. 



The first edition of tlie Letters, published at the Hague in 1703, 

 was inscribed to the King of Denmark, Frederick IV., who it would 

 seem exhibited sympathy for Lahontan's case, probably through the 

 representations of M. de Bonrepeau, the French ambassador. The 

 English translation, published soon after in London, is dedicated to 

 the Duke of Devonshire, who appears to have patronized Lahontan 

 when in England after his visit to Denmark. The following is the 

 text of the Dedication: "To his Grace, William, Duke of Devon- 

 shire, Lord Steward of Her Majesty's Household, [Anne has just 

 succeeded William III.,] Lord Lieutenant of the County of Derby, 

 Chief Justice in Eyre of all Her Majesty's Forests, Chaces, Parks, 

 &c., Trent-north; one of the Lords of Her Majesty's Most Honour- 

 able Privy Council, and Knight of the Most Noble Order of the 

 Garter. My Lord, Since I had the honour to present the King of 

 Denmark with the first part of this Book, I presume to make a pre- 

 sent of the latter to your Grace. In making the first dedication, I 

 had no other inducement than a due regard to the benefits I received 

 from his Majesty's favour; and the same motive in reference to your 

 Grace has prompted me to make this acknowledgment of the unde- 

 served favours you kindly vouchsafed me. I did not dare to launch 

 out into the praise of his Danish Majesty, who has a just title to all 

 sorts of encomiums, by reason that the little French I had has been 

 forgot among a sort of people that take panegyrics to be afii'onts. 

 It is with the same view, my Lord, that I decline the pleasure of 

 publishing those distinguishing qualities that place your Lordship at 

 the head of the most accomplished grandees of the world, and the 

 most zealous patriots of their country. I am, with all gratitude and 

 veneration, your Grace's raost humble and most obedient servant, 

 Lahontan." 



Frederick TV., of Denmark, was a contemporary of Charles XIL, 

 of Sweden, and was engaged in several unsuccessful conflicts with 

 that warlike monarch. Lahontan may have hoped to obtain employ- 

 ment in his armies. The Duke of Devonshire addressed, was the 

 first Duke and the fourth Earl, of the county named. Through his 

 interest Lahontan may have hoped for some professional work under 

 Marlborough, on the continent. The battle of Blenheim had lately 

 been fought. In regard to the appearance of his letters in print, 

 Lahontan makes the following declaration in the preface to the Eng- 



