his first voyage to the St Lawrence, which he ascended
as far as the Lachine Rapids. From 1604 to 1607 was
actively engaged in the attempt of De Monts to establish
a French colony in Acadia, at the same time exploring
the seaboard from Cape Breton to Martha's Vineyard.
Returned to the St Lawrence in 1608 and founded Quebec.
In 1609 discovered Lake Champlain, and fought his first
battle with the Iroquois. In 1613 ascended the Ottawa to
a point above Lac Coulange. In 1615 reached Georgian Bay
and was induced to accompany the Hurons, with their
allies, on an unsuccessful expedition into the country
of the Iroquois. From 1617 to 1629 occupied chiefly in
efforts to strengthen the colony at Quebec and promote
trade on the lower St Lawrence. Taken a captive to London
by Kirke in 1629 upon the surrender of Quebec, but after
its recession to France returned (1633) and remained in
Canada until his death, on Christmas Day 1635. Published
several important narratives describing his explorations
and adventures. An intrepid pioneer and the revered
founder of New France.

Into some such terms as these would the writer of a
biographical dictionary crowd his notice of Champlain's
career, so replete with danger and daring, with the
excitement of sailing among the uncharted islands of
Penobscot Bay, of watching the sun descend below the
waves of Lake Huron, of attacking the Iroquois in their
palisaded stronghold, of seeing English cannon levelled
upon the houses of Quebec. It is not from a biographical
dictionary that one can gain true knowledge of Champlain,