Libr@rsi

PREFACE TO VOL. XLIV 15
that they might massacre the former and enslave
the latter.
Another letter from Ragneneau, addressed to Le
Jeune, gives the particulars of the daring retreat
made by the Onondaga colony. Upon learning of
the plots against them, they construct boats in which
to escape. A great feast is made for their savage
hosts; when these, gorged to repletion, are overcome
by sleep, the French stealthily depart (March
20), and set out upon their long and dangerous voyage
to Quebec. In the rapids of the St. Lawrence,
they are almost engulfed, and three men are drowned.
After many perils and hardships, they reach Mont-
real, April 3.
From various letters received, the editor compiles
a ''journal of what occurred between the French
and the Savages." This account begins with an
historical sketch of the mission at Onondaga, from
its inception in 1655; then follows a resume of the
alternate raids and embassies of the Iroquois, and
the dealings of the French with them — mainly a
repetition of what has already been narrated thereon
in the Relations and Journal des /^suites. The writer
describes various matters in detail — among them
the proceedings of a council held early in January,
1658, with Mohawk envoys to Quebec. They bring
letters from Le Moyne, who is wintering in their
country. He writes that the Mohawks have sent all
their young warriors on hostile expeditions against
the Algonkin and Montagnais tribes north of the St.
Lawrence ; he also relates the sad fate of the Hurons
who were carried away from Quebec, who are now
reduced to abject slavery by their captors. About
this time, secret councils are held in all the Iroquois