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MICHIGAN AS A PROVINCE 1 - 5
The attention of the superior of the order was soon attracted to the opportunities which were open to the members in New France. Henry de Levy, the governor of the colony, highly approved the order, and in 1625 brought over five missionaries at his own expense. Breboeuf, Lallement and Masse were among the best known of them. Following soon after came Fathers Le Jeune, de Noue, Daniel, Davost, Gamier, Jogues, Raymbault and others. Their first great task was to learn the language of the savages, and this could only be accomplished by living among them. Accordingly they plunged into the forest, and sharing the life of the wandering natives performed their holy offices as circumstances permitted. Unfortunately the harsh rivalries among the different tribes ground the inoffensive missionaries as between the upper and the nether millstones.
The case of Father Jogues is an illustration. Mention has been already made of the fact that Jogues and Raymbault established a mission among the Hurons at Sault Ste Marie in 1641. In the following spring
Jogues left the mission to go to Quebec to procure clothing and other necessaries. About mid-summer he set out upon his return. In the party were a number of Indian traders who were returning with the proceeds of their bargains with the Quebec merchants. Beside the missionaries were two young laymen attached to the mission. There were twelve canoes, the Frenchmen occupying the leading one while the Hurons straggled along behind. While they were proceeding up the river in a spot thickly studded with islands, they were suddenly attacked on all sides by a band of Iroquois who were lying in wait for them and who swarmed out upon the river with war-whoops and shooting. The Hurons leaped ashore and fled in a panic, leaving their baggage and weapons. The Frenchmen stood their ground and were speedily overpowered. Jogues was knocked down and beaten with war clubs until unconscious.
MICHIGAN
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