The Marquis of Beauharnois and afterwards M. de la Jonquiere, Governor General of New France, were very desirous that we should "occupy it, especially at a time when English jealousy irritated by a war of many years, sought to ;

;

;

alienate from us the Tribes of Canada.

This establishment was as if the key of the Colony, because the English, French and Upper Canada savages could not pass elsewhere than under the cannon of Fort Presentation when coming down

from the South; the Iroquois to the South and the Micissagues to the North were within its reach. Thus it eventually succeeded in collecting them together from over a distance of one hundred

The officers, interpreters and traders, notwithstanding, then regarded that establishment as chimerical. Envy and opposition had effected its failure had it not been for the firmness of the Abb6 leagues.

[Vol. I.]

Oswego.

EARLY SETTLEMENT AT OGDENSBURGH.

Picquet supported by that of the Administration.

This establishment served to protect, aid, and

comfort the Posts already erected on Lake Ontario.

The Barks and Canoes for the Transportation

of the King's effects could be constructed there at a third less expense than elsewhere because timber is in greater

quantity and more accessible, especially when M. Picquet had had a sav.

there for preparing and manufacturing the timber.

inill

erected

In fine he could establish a very important settlement for the French Colonists and a point of reunion for Europeans and savages, where they would find themselves very convenient to the hunting and fishing in the upper part of Canada.