Wilmont Kreis

Jesuits and Sulpicians: For residents of the United States, much of early French-Canadian religious history is confusing. Although there were missionaries in the early English Colonies most were Protestant and they did not hold the same prominence and clout as their French-Canadian counterparts. Uniquely Catholic, in the early days almost all in New France were Jesuits who preferred hard work to leisure. Although they provided priestly duties to the colonists, their primary goal was salvation of the natives and they seemed to be happiest when suffering in the wilderness. They held this role exclusively until the late arrival of a more gentlemanly sect from Montreal: The Sulpicians. More on them next week. Read More 

Notre-Dame de la Paix
In 1634-Return to the New World, the church, Notre-Dame de la Recouvrance burned to the ground. It took several years to rebuild it in stone and not until Christmas day 1646 was the new structure, Notre-Dame de la Paix open. Unseasonably mild weather made it a perfect day for the populous to celebrate the first mass in the new Church. Read More 

In response to Montmagny’s release of Iroquois prisoners, the tall and handsome Iroquois Chief, Kiotsaton, appears at the docks of Trois-Rivières. Commandant Champfleur hurries to the dock where he greets the great chief who turns out to be a man difficult to best in negotiation. They do settle on a temporary truce and to meet later to negotiate prisoner exchange and terms. As the Iroquois leave Trois-Rivières Champfleur hopes for good things to come. Unfortunately it will not be as easy as he hopes. Read More 

July 22, 2017: Indian hostilities. In early spring 1645, an Algonquin brave named Piskaret took six braves and canoed boldly down the Richelieu River where they ambushed a group of Iroquois fishermen, killing some and taking prisoners to Sillery near Québec. Here he put them in the protection of Governor Montmagny to negotiate a prisoner exchange with the Iroquois for Algonquin prisoners. The Governor hoped he could use this to negotiate a peace in the emerging hostilities between the two tribes. He could not have been more wrong. Read More 

July 15, 2017: Birth of Jeanne Langlois. In spite of the wild and frigid environment, birth rates, number of births per woman and general health along with longevity were far superior in the wilds of Québec than back home in good old France. Scholars attribute this to the lack of pollution and relative abundance of healthy food. At this time in Canada there were only a few sage-femmes (midwives) but they were aided by a number of talented natives. Young Jeanne presented in a breech position, but the skill of Félicity-Angel and help of young Marie-Nicole Langlois. Read More 

July 7, 2017: Françoise Ordeal. With the help and care of Françoise’s Indian friend along with Sister Marie-Forestier, a French Augustinian nursing nun who Françoise befriended when the first nuns arrived in Québec, she begins to improve with the use of poultices, wound lancing and potions. She has no memory of the attack, but learns there were other similar problems nearby. Read More 

I think it’s time to move on to Book Fourteen, The Beaver Wars. We have seen how Champlain and later Montmagny have urged the fledgling population of New France in fits and starts, struggling against the wilderness, hostile natives, and a disinterested French government. In spite of their valiant efforts, Québec lacks sorely for citizens, especially women. In The Beaver Wars, we will watch the colony began to grow with more immigrants, better government, some French interest, and an odd woman from France who will bring new women to become the mothers of Canada. Hang onto your hats! It starts now. Read More