c) The Missions [text pp. 232-234]

  • Part of the French plan for New France was to convert the Hurons to Christianity.
  • At first, France sent an order of Franciscan friar i.e., the Recollets.

- The Recollets were used to doing mission work in European Christian cities.

- They were, however, not as well equipped to do mission work with the Huron, so in general they failed.

  • The French then sent another religious order: the Society of Jesus i.e, the Jesuits (known to the Hurons as the “Blackrobes”).

i] Jesuits were successful because

  • They were prepared to make any sacrifice needed to convert the Hurons.
  • The lived among the Hurons and adapted to Huron customs.
  • The learned the Huron language and even wrote hymns and taught catechism in Huron.
  • They even tried to convert the Iroquois, but they were often killed for their efforts (e.g., St. Isaac Jogues & St. Jean de Brébeuf).

ii] Jesuits were not as successful because

  • Many Hurons did not want to give up their culture to convert to Catholicism.
  • Several Hurons became Christian only to get trade privileges from the French.

- French law said only Catholic Hurons could have guns.

- Meanwhile, the Dutch and the English were giving all Iroquois guns.

  • Jesuits baptized infants who were dying of small pox.

- For the Jesuits, baptizing infants before they died guaranteed them heaven.

- All the Hurons saw was a Blackrobe pouring water on a child who died very soon after.

  • The Huron nation was divided.

- Some Hurons supported the Jesuits and converted either for genuine or financial reasons.

- Other Hurons wanted nothing to do with them.

  • This division hurt the Hurons in the longrun; they were weakened at a time when

- the Iroquois were fully supported by the English by this time.

- the Algonquin grew disenchanted with the French and left the French-Huron alliance.

  • So many Hurons blamed the Jesuits for this, which made their work even more difficult.

iii] Other effects of the Jesuits

  • Jesuits provided an intimate link between the French, the Hurons, and the Métis.
  • Jesuits also wrote journals about life among the Hurons as reports to their superiors in Québec and Paris; these were called the Jesuit Relations, and they provide a good primary source.
  • They founded which attracted French settlements in deeper territory e.g., Ste. Marie among the Hurons (text p. 233).

Assignment

1. Look at the picture of the mission Ste. Marie among the Hurons in Fig. 8-13 on p. 233. What do you think was the mission’s role in the social and economic elements of New France?

2. [Think question] Read the excerpt of the Jesuit Relations reporting on the baptism of the Huron chief the Great Sagamore. What does Fr. Bertrand see as advantages to this event?

A LETTER MISSIVE IN REGARD TO THE CONVERSION AND BAPTISM

of the grand Sagamore of New France, who was, before the arrival of the French, its chief and sovereign.

Containing his promise to secure the conversion of his subjects also, even by

strength of arms.

Sent from Port Royal, in New France, to Sieur de la Tronchaie, dated June 28, 1610.

PARIS,

JEAN REGNOUL, Rue du Foin,

near Saint Ives.

1610.

With permission

A Letter Missive in regard to the Conversion and Baptism of the Grand Sagamore of new

France, who was, before the arrival of the French, its chief and sovereign.

Sir and Brother,

I did not wish the ship to depart without giving you some news of this country which I believe will be acceptable, as I know that you are a good Catholic. The Grand Sagamore, whom we call in our language Grand Captain of the Savages, and chief of all, was baptized on last saint John the Baptist's day, [4] with his wife, children, and children's children, to the number of twenty; with as much enthusiasm, fervor, and zeal for Religion as would have been evinced by a person who had been instructed in it for three or four years. He promises to have the others baptized, or else make war upon them. Monsieur de Poutrincourt and his son acted as sponsors for them in the name of the King, and of Monseigneur the Dauphin. We have already made this good beginning, which I believe will become still better hereafter. As to the country, I have never seen anything so beautiful, better, or more fertile; and I can say to you, truly and honestly, that if I had three or four Laborers with me now, and [5] the means of supporting them for one year, and some wheat to sow in the ground tilled by their labor alone, I should expect to have a yearly trade in Beaver and other Skins amounting to seven or eight thousand livres, with the surplus which would remain to me after their support. am very sorry that did not know before my departure what know now; if had, should have left no stone unturned to bring with me two or three farmers, and two hogsheads of wheat, which is a mere trifle. I assure you it is delightful to engage in trade over here and to make such handsome profits. If you wish to take a hand in it, let me know your intentions by the bearer, who desires to return and traffic here in pursuance of what he has seen. [6] shall say no more, except to pray God to give you, Sir and Brother, a long life and perfect health. From Port Royal, New France, this 28th of, June, 1610.

Your very affectlonate Brother and servant,

BERTRAND.