ABSTRACT
The springtime season being passed in the voyage of the Armouchiquois, Monsieur de Monts did temporize at Sainte-Croix for the time that he had agreed upon, in the which, if he had no news from France, he might depart and come to seek some ship of them that come to Newfoundland for the drying of fish, to the end to repass-in France within the same, he and his company, if it were possible. This time was already expired, and they were ready to set sails, not expecting more any succour nor refreshing, when Monsieur du Pont, surnamed Gravé, dwelling at Honfleur, did arrive [1605] with a company of some forty men for to ease the said Monsieur de Monts and his troup, which was to the great joy of all, as one may well imagine; and cannon-shots were free and plentiful at the coming according to custom, and the sound of trumpets. The said Monsieur du Pont, not knowing yet the elate of our Frenchmen, did think to find there an assured dwelling and his lodgings ready; but, considering the accidents of the étrange sickness whereof we have spoken, he took advice to change place. Monsieur de Monts was very desirous that the new habitation had been about 40 degrees, that is to say, 4 degrees farther than Sainte-Croix; but, having viewed the coast as far as Malebarre and with much pain, not finding what he desired, it was deliberated to go and make their dwelling in Port Royal until means were had to make an ampler discovery. So everyone began to pack up his things: that which was built with infinite labour was pulled down, except the store-house, which was too great and painful to be transported, and in executing of this many voyages are made. All being come to Port Royal, they found out new labours: the abiding place is chosen right over against the island, that is at the coming in of the river l'Equille, in a place where all is covered over and full of woods as thick as possible may be. The month of September did already begin to come, and care was to be taken for the unlading of Monsieur du Pont his ship, to make room for them that should return back into France. Finally, there is work enough for all. When the ship was in a readiness to put to sails, Monsieur de Monts, having seen the beginning of the new habitation, shipped himself for his return with them that would follow him. Notwithstanding, many of good courage (forgetting the griefs and labours passed) did tarry behind, amongst whom were Monsieur Champlain and Monsieur Champdoré, the one for geography and the other for the conducting and guiding of the voyages that should be necessary to be made by sea. Then the said Monsieur de Monts hoisted up sails, and leaveth the said Monsieur du Pont as his lieutenant and deputy in these parts, who wanting no diligence (according to his nature) in making perfect that which was needful for to lodge both himself and his people, which was all that might be done for that year in that country. For to go far from home in the winter and after so long a toil, there was no reason. And as for the tillage of the ground, I believe they had no fît time to do it; for the said Monsieur du Pont was not a man to be long in reel, nor to leave his men idle, if there had been any means for it.
