278 THE INDIAN OCCUPANCY 



delight at learning that the Huron language was common to 

 "some twelve other nations, all settled and numerous", one of 

 these twelve being the Wenrohronons, ( 1 ). 



Four years after this their occupancy of the Niagara Fron- 

 tier terminated. In 1639, Father I^alenient, writing from Oss- 

 ossane, in the Huron country, said: (2) "The Wenrohronons 

 formed in the past one of the associate Nations of the Neutral 

 Nation and were located on its boundaries, toward the Hiroquois, 

 the common enemies of all these peoples. As long as this Nation 

 of Wenrohronons was on good terms with the people of the Neu- 

 tral Nation, it was sufficiently strong to withstand its enemies, 

 to continue its existence, and maintain itself against their raids 

 and invasions; but the people of the Neutral Nation having, 

 through I know not what dissatisfaction, withdrawn and severed 

 their relations with them, these have remained prey to their 

 enemies; and they could not have remained much longer without 

 being entirely exterminated, if they had not resolved to retreat 

 and take refuge in the protection and alliance of some other 

 Nation." 



Accordingly they sent to the Hurons ambassadors, who 

 begged in the name of their nation that they be allowed to join 

 the Hurons. The Hurons heard the ambassadors in council and 

 after deliberation invited the Wenrohronons to leave their ancient 

 seat and remove to Huronia. 



The long and painful journey around L,ake Ontario was ac- 

 complished. Immediately upon the return of the ambassadors 

 with the welcome invitation, the people shouldered their belong- 

 ings and set out upon their journey. They crossed the Niagara 

 River and passed through the Neutral country to the head of 

 L,ake Ontario. When they neared the Huron villages they were 

 met by hundreds of Hurons who, moved by compassion, had 

 come to help the unfortunates. Slowly the worn out, emaciated 

 and plague stricken band of refugees was led to the Huron 

 country where a village was assigned to them. They were im- 

 mediately visited by the missionaries who healed their sick, com- 

 forted them in their misfortune, and preached the Word of God, 

 baptizing many, (3). 



1. Jes. Rel. 1635, Vol. 8, P. 115, Burrows ed. 



2. Jes. Rel., 1639, Vol. 17, P. 25, Burrows ed. 



3. Jes. Rel., Vol. 17, P. 25-27, Burrows ed. 



