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

;1671.] CEREMONY AT THE SAUT. 51therefore deputed them to represent him and histribesmen at the great meeting. Their principalchiefs, with those of the Sacs, Winnebagoes, andMenomonies, embarked, and paddled for the placeof rendezvous, where they and Perrot arrived on thefifth of May. 1Saint-Lusson was here with his men, fifteen innumber, among whom was -J^ouis Joliet2and Indianswere fast thronging in from their wintering grounds,attracted, as usual, by the fishery of the rapids ormoved by the messages sent by Perrot, — Crees,Monsonis, Amikoue's, Nipissings, and many more.When fourteen tribes, or their representatives, hadarrived, Saint-Lusson prepared to execute the commissionwith which he was charged.At the foot of the rapids was the village of theSaute urs, above the village was a hill, and hard bystood the fort of the Jesuits. On the morning of thefourteenth of June, Saint-Lusson led his followers tothe top of the hill, all fully equipped and underarms. Here, too, in the vestments of their priestlyoffice,were four Jesuits, — Claude Dablon, Superiorof the Missions of the lakes, Gabriel Druilletes,Claude Allouez, and Louis Andre'. 8All around thegreat throng of Indians stood, or crouched, orreclined at length, with eyes and ears intent. A1 Perrot, Memoires, 127.2 Proces Verbal de la Prise de Possession, etc., 14 Juin, 1671. Thenames are attached to this instrument.8Marquette is said to have been present ; but the official act,juit cited, proves the contrary. He was still at St. Esprit.