142 ‘The French in Prince Edward Island

day and asks querulously why he should be the only one who could not get it.”

De Bonnaventure seems to have been a good officer, a patriotic Frenchman, zealous for the welfare of his new colony. He was a practical man with not too much education, as his letters attest. It is doubtful whether Isle Saint Jean could have been better served under the circumstances; but at times the problems were too much for his patience, and occasionally he allows himself to complain bitterly to his superiors of Ile Royale. Although in general he is optimistic and well balanced, the following extracts show him in a less genial mood.

The habitans to the number of 45 whom I have placed between Point Prime and Point a la Framboise have this winter asked me to make a parish which request I have granted. The chaplain went there to say mass and re- mained with them 15 days. On his return they have not seemed satisfied with him nor he with them. It is abso- lutely necessary that you [Desherbiers] come here. I have no place to lodge you or feed you but with sheer money one can prevent oneself dying of hunger.”

The habitans of the Riviére du Nord Est have asked permission to make a parish on the said river. As it appears to me a division that suits several and as I could wish that the whole river acknowledge this parish, I have put off deciding until I receive your orders.”

I try to smooth out everything as well as I can by such suavity as I can muster and a little punishment

22 C11 IV, Vol. 80, pp. 81-44.

23 [bid. 24 Ibid.