the Hudson's Bay Fur Company--Radisson the Storm-centre of
International Intrigue--Boston Merchants in the Struggle to capture the
Fur Trade


Henceforth Radisson and Groseillers were men without a country. Twice
their return from the North with cargoes of beaver had saved New France
from ruin. They had discovered more of America than all the other
explorers combined. Their reward was jealous rivalry that reduced them
to beggary; injustice that compelled them to renounce allegiance to two
crowns; obloquy during a lifetime; and oblivion for two centuries after
their death. The very force of unchecked impulse that carries the hero
over all obstacles may also carry him over the bounds of caution and
compromise that regulate the conduct of other men. This was the case
with Radisson and Groseillers. They were powerless to resist the
extortion of the French governor. The Company of One Hundred
Associates had given place to the Company of the West Indies. This
trading venture had been organized under the direct patronage of the
king.[1] It had been proclaimed from the pulpits of France.
Privileges were promised to all who subscribed for the stock. The
Company was granted a blank list of titles to bestow on its patrons and
servants. No one else in New France might engage in the beaver trade;
no one else might buy skins from the Indians and sell the pelts in
Europe; and one-fourth of the trade went for public revenue. In spite
of all the privileges, fur company after fur company failed in New
France; but to them Radisson had to sell his furs, and when the revenue
officers went over the cargo, the minions of the governor also seized a
share under pretence of a fine for trading without a license.

Groseillers was furious, and sailed for France to demand restitution;