La Salle and the discovery of the great West - North Central ...

1680-83.] VEXATION'S OF HIS POSITION. 331mean to withdraw, though I think it will be veryprofitable; for I am disgusted to find that I mustalways be making excuses, which is a part I cannotplay successfully. I am utterly tired of this business; for I see that it is not enough to put propertyand life in constant peril, but that it requires morepains to answer envy and detraction than to overcomethe difficulties inseparable from my undertaking."And he makes a variety of proposals, by which hehopes to get rid of a part of his responsibility to hiscorrespondent. He begs him again to send out aconfidential agent, saying that for his part he doesnot want to have any account to render, except thatwhich he owes to the court, of his discoveries. Headds, strangely enough for a man burdened withsuch liabilities, "I have neither the habit nor theinclination to keep books, nor have I anybody withme who knows how." He says to another correspondent,"I think, like you, that partnerships inbusiness are dangerous, on account of the little practiceI have in these matters." It is not surprisingthat he wanted to leave his associates to managebusiness for themselves :" You know that this tradeis good; and with a trusty agent to conduct it foryou, you run no risk. As for me, I will keep thecharge of the forts, the command of posts and ofmen, the management of Indians and Frenchmen,and the establishment of the colony, which willremain my property, leaving your agent and mine to