The Making of Illinois

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1913. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER III. JOLLIET AND MARQUETTE. The St. Lawrence River, flowing eastward, empties the waters of the Great Lakes into the Atlantic Ocean, directly opposite the continent of Europe. This noble stream was discovered in 1534 by Jacques Cartier, who took possession of the entire country drained by it, for the King of France. By the middle of the seventeenth century, the French were making extensive plans to occupy this territory and establish a great empire. Treaties were made with the Indians, and a thriving trade in furs was carried on with the remote tribes dwelling on the distant shores of the Great Lakes. A chain of trading and military posts was established which served to overawe the savage, and for many years prevented the advance of the English. The strongly fortified cities of Quebec and Montreal became centers of military power and commercial operations in the New World. Among the bold spirits who laid the foundations of New France in America, none are more worthy of honor and admiration than the early Catholic missionaries. These men, actuated by a religious enthusiasm, boldly explored the trackless wilderness and planted their humble missions among remote and savage tribes. This spelling is given in an autograph letter now in the possession of the Chicago Historical Society. Marquette also uses it in his Journal. Jacques Marquette was among the most zealous of these devoted men. Born of an honorable French family he early consecrated himself to the service of the Church, and in 1666, was sent by the Jesuit Order to the Indian missions upon the St. Lawrence River. A store-house and cluster of log cabins constituted a trading post at the mouth of the Saguenay River. Here the young priest was stationed and devoted himself so zealously to the stu...