addition, De Maisonneuve undertook to inclose the young city with
palisades in the manner of a fort, as a barrier against the attacks of
the furious Indians. These attacks they might any moment expect, and
very justly feared, on account of the atrocities that were daily related
to them. The Governor of Quebec being informed of the proposed
fortification, or rather being assured that it was nearly completed,
determined to oppose it, but de Maisonneuve would permit no outside
interference. In order, therefore, that there might be no clashing of
interests, he returned to France the same year, leaving the command of
the garrison to M. d'Aillebout, with the title of Lieutenant-Governor.
This gentleman discharged the duties of his office to the entire
satisfaction of the people, securing both their esteem and their
property. On his arrival in Paris de Maisonneuve sought an interview
with the King, and related faithfully to him, as likewise to the members
of the Association, the exact state of things in Canada. Every one was
astonished at his success, and approved of his conduct. The King,
moreover, on learning the opposition policy of the Governor of Quebec,
gave De Maisonneuve a letter to place in the hands of that gentleman,
which read as follows:

"M. DE MONTMAGNI,--Being especially informed by the Montreal
Association, at present residing in Montreal, that their intention is to
establish a colony on that island, in order to labor more effectually
for the conversion of the savages, we strongly approve of their design,
and have given them permission to erect a fort on the said island, at
their own expense, which fort they are to furnish with artillery and all
other military supplies that may be needed to secure them from the fury
of the savages. We desire that _you_ render them all the assistance in
your power, and we have named M. de Maisonneuve governor and controller
of the enterprise, so that nothing may occur to prevent its success.