from the English. In the maritime strife of Spain and
England this expedition has no part that remains memorable.
For Champlain it meant a first command at sea and a first
glimpse of America.

The record of this voyage was an incident of no less
importance in Champlain's fortunes than the voyage itself.
His cruisings in the Spanish Main gave him material for
a little book, the Bref Discours; and the Bref Discours
in turn advanced his career. Apart from any effect which
it may have had in securing for him the title of Geographer
to the King, it shows his own aspiration to be a geographer.
Navigation can be regarded either as a science or a trade.
For Champlain it was plainly a science, demanding care
in observation and faithfulness of narrative. The Bref
Discours was written immediately upon his return from
the West Indies, while the events it describes were still
fresh in mind. Appearing at a time when colonial secrets
were carefully guarded, it gave France a glimpse of
Spanish America from French eyes. For us it preserves
Champlain's impressions of Mexico, Panama, and the
Antilles. For Champlain himself it was a profession of
faith, a statement that he had entered upon the honourable
occupation of navigator; in other words, that he was to
be classed neither with ship-captains nor with traders,
but with explorers and authors.

It was in March 1601 that Champlain reached France on
his return from the West Indies. The next two years he
spent at home, occupied partly with the composition of