[i]

[ii]

COUNT FRONTENAC.
From a Statue at Quebec.

[iii]

HEROES OF THE
MIDDLE WEST
The French

BY
MARY HARTWELL CATHERWOOD

GINN AND COMPANY
BOSTON · NEW YORK · CHICAGO · LONDON
ATLANTA · DALLAS · COLUMBUS · SAN FRANCISCO

[iv]

Copyright, 1898
By MARY HARTWELL CATHERWOOD
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
317.8

The Athenæum Press
GINN AND COMPANY · PROPRIETORS · BOSTON · U. S. A.

[v]

PREFACE.

Let any one who thinks it an easy task attempt to cover the Frenchdiscovery and occupation of the middle west, from Marquette and Jollietto the pulling down of the French flag on Fort Chartres, vivifying men,and while condensing events, putting a moving picture before the eye.Let him prepare this picture for young minds accustomed only to themodern aspect of things and demanding a light, sure touch. Let himgather his material—as I have done—from Parkman, Shea, Joutel,Hennepin, St. Cosme, Monette, Winsor, Roosevelt—from state records,and local traditions richer and oftener more reliable than history;and let him hang over his theme with brooding affection, moulding andremoulding its forms. He will find the task he so lightly set himselfa terribly hard and exhausting one, and will appreciate as he neverbefore appreciated the labors of those who work in historic fields.

[vi]

[vii]

CONTENTS.