THE TOBACCO NATION.--THE NEUTRALS.


A CHANGE OF PLAN.--SAINTE MARIE.--MISSION OF THE TOBACCO NATION.--
WINTER JOURNEYING.--RECEPTION OF THE MISSIONARIES.--
SUPERSTITIOUS TERRORS.--PERIL OF GARNIER AND JOGUES.--
MISSION OF THE NEUTRALS.--HURON INTRIGUES.--MIRACLES.--
FURY OF THE INDIANS.--INTERVENTION OF SAINT MICHAEL.--
RETURN TO SAINTE MARIE.--INTREPIDITY OF THE PRIESTS.--
THEIR MENTAL EXALTATION.


It had been the first purpose of the Jesuits to form permanent missions
in each of the principal Huron towns; but, before the close of the year
1639, the difficulties and risks of this scheme had become fully
apparent. They resolved, therefore, to establish one central station,
to be a base of operations, and, as it were, a focus, whence the light of
the Faith should radiate through all the wilderness around. It was to
serve at once as residence, fort, magazine, hospital, and convent.
Hence the priests would set forth on missionary expeditions far and near;
and hither they might retire, as to an asylum, in times of sickness or
extreme peril. Here the neophytes could be gathered together, safe from
perverting influences; and here in time a Christian settlement, Hurons
mingled with Frenchmen, might spring up and thrive under the shadow of
the cross.

The site of the new station was admirably chosen. The little river Wye
flows from the southward into the Matchedash Bay of Lake Huron, and,
at about a mile from its mouth, passes through a small lake. The Jesuits
made choice of the right bank of the Wye, where it issues from this