his youth and birth prevented him from doing more than
belongs to the duty of a subaltern. But De Chastes, as
governor of Dieppe, at a time when the League seemed
everywhere triumphant, gave Henry aid which proved to be
the means of raising him from the dust. It was a critical
event for Champlain that early in 1603 De Chastes had
determined to fit out an expedition to Canada. Piety and
patriotism seem to have been his dominant motives, but
an opening for profit was also offered by a monopoly of
the Laurentian fur trade. During the civil wars Champlain's
strength of character had become known at first hand to
De Chastes, who both liked and admired him. Then, just
at the right moment, he reached Fontainebleau, with his
good record as a soldier and the added prestige which
had come to him from his successful voyage to the West
Indies. He and De Chastes concluded an agreement, the
king's assent was specially given, and in the early spring
of 1603 the founder of New France began his first voyage
to the St Lawrence.

Champlain was now definitely committed to the task of
gaining for France a foothold in North America. This was
to be his steady purpose, whether fortune frowned or
smiled. At times circumstances seemed favourable; at
other times they were most disheartening. Hence, if we
are to understand his life and character, we must consider,
however briefly, the conditions under which he worked.

It cannot be said that Champlain was born out of his
right time. His active years coincide with the most