I have heard, the same as you, that some Frenchmen disguised as Indians had been there; if I can discover some one, you may be sure that I will deal promptly with them.  You may have heard that the man LENOIR, resident of Montreal, having gone to England three years ago without leave, I have kept him in prison till he had settled the fine he was condemned to pay, and which I transferred to the hospitals.  I add that a part of the interest you have in the Indians not going to Chouaguen, I have another on account of the trading carried on for the benefit of the King at Niagara and at fort Frontenac which that English post has ruined.  By all means you may rely on my attention to break up English trade.  I fear I may not succeed in this so long as the brandy traffic, although moderate, will find adversaries among those who govern consciences.

[Sidenote:  Foreign trade; Beaver at trade at Labrador.]

I will do my best to prevent the beaver which is traded at Labrador and the other posts in the lower part of the River to be smuggled to France by ships from Bayonne, St Malo and Marseille.  This will be difficult as we cannot have at those posts any inspector.  I will try, however, to give an ordinance so as to prevent that, which may intimidate some of those who carry on that commerce.

It is true that the commandants of the upper country posts have relaxed in the sending of the declarations made or to be made by the voyageurs as to the quantity and quality of the bundles of beaver they take down to Montreal.  M. the General and I have renewed the necessary orders on this subject so that the commandants shall conform to them.

[Sidenote:  Asks for continuation of gratuity received by Mr. Michel, even to increase it.]

M. Michel, my subdelegate at Montreal has received the bounty of 500 livres you have requested your agent to pay to him; he hopes that you will be pleased to have it continued next year.  I have the honor to pray you to do so, and even augment it, if possible.  I can assure you, gentlemen that he lends himself on all occasions to all that may concern your commerce.  As for myself, I am very flattered by the opinion you entertain that I have at heart your interests.  I always feel a true satisfaction in renewing you these assurances.

I am, respectfully,

[Sidenote:  Thanks for the coffee sent.]

GENTLEMEN, M. de La Gorgendiere has delivered to me on your behalf, a bale of Moka coffee.  I am very sensible, gentlemen, to this token of friendship on your part.

I have the honor to thank you, and to assure you that I am very truly and respectfully, etc.

(signed) HOCQUART.

APPENDIX E

MEMORANDUM RE CANADA

(No locality) 1697

All the discoveries in America were only made step by step and little by little, especially those of lands held by the French in that part of the North.