THE OHIO VALLEY-GREAT LAKES ETHNOHISTORY
ARCHIVES: THE MIAMI COLLECTION
It is noted that the following work from the Miami Archives should be read and
considered within the historical context in which it was composed and printed.
The opinions expressed and the language used do not reflect the opinions or
standards of the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, but are, rather,
indicative of thought in that historical moment during which the document was
published.
Memorandum Addressed to the Comte de Maurepas
(author unknown, ca. 1700)
"Project for a new post on the strait (Detroit) between Lakes Erie and
Huron,"
In: Ministere des Colonies, Amerique du Nord, Postes des Pays d'en Haut,
C. 11, Vol. 14, 1693-1704, Vol. 3, Fol. 34 and in English Translation
of Margry, Volume 5, pp. 323-324.
pp. 323, 324.
Memorandum addressed to the Comte de Maurepas.
Lamothe maintains that, in this matter, it is a question of reconciling two parties, one of whom is right and the other is not wrong. These two parties are the Farmers and Canada.
Without dwelling upon various important considerations, or the very substantial arguments which might be put forward on both sides, he wishes to allay the anxiety of the Farmers and to heal their malady, if it is unavoidable. If it is not likely, or if it is fictitious, they may have recourse to some other physician.
It is a question, then, of removing the cause of the trouble, which consists in the fact that Canada supplies a certain kind of merchandise for which the Farmers say they cannot find a sale, and there is no sufficient consumption, both because the quantity is too great and the quality is bad.
Thus far, Lamothe has never been known to undertake anything in which he has not succeeded; and this encourages him to make the following proposals and to pledge himself to carry them out successfully, provided the Court will grant him the honour of its support. He is well aware that he has enemies, but he treats them as a good traveller does the curs that bark after him, pursuing his course without deviating or stopping for their noise. He has never undertaken to please everyone; and it is sufficient for him if his superiors are satisfied with his conduct.
Firstly, he pledges himself to prevent any beaver-skin coming down from the Outaouas, from 1700 to the end of 1702, a period of three years.
Secondly, that three-fourths of the beaver-skin which comes down shall be fatted or semi-fatted, provided the price to be given for both kinds is fixed at 6 francs per livre.
Thirdly, that the settlers of Canada will find this trade profitable, and will be or should be, satisfied.
Fourthly, he will gather together the Farmers the means of making large profits through this trade.
Fifthly, he will gather together into one single post all the tribes which are now scattered; this will form an important town, which will bring the English and the Iroquois to reason in the future, and will be strong enough to destroy both of them with the help of Montreal.
Sixthly, he will cause the Indians to become civilized and tractable, so that, in ten years time, most of them will speak only the French language and, by this means, these heathens will become children of the Church and, consequently, good subjects of the King.
To prove the first, second and third proposals, we must begin by restoring and re-establishing the twenty-five licenses, that is, to give permission for twenty-five canoes, with three men each, to take goods to the post which is to be established, which should be at the Strait of Lake Huron. This step will divert the attention of the Coureurs de Bois, and calm their fury.
It is necessary that each man who goes up to the post should find a reasonable surety, who will bind himself to pay the sum of 1000 or 1500 livres in case the man should break the conditions of his license or attempt to go and trade beyond the post.
It will follow that those to whom the licenses are granted by the Governor-General will trade with them themselves or by others. If they go themselves, they will take care not to. . .
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