| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Monadnock Hiker |
Posted - May 13 2021 : 6:34:22 PM
https://www.mohicanpress.com/mo08016.html
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Huronia's fertile soil, numerous waterways, and population density was described by Father de Brebeuf:
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The Huron country is not large. Its greatest extent can be covered in three or four days. It is a beautiful and largely flat land. It is surrounded and criss-crossed by a number of very beautiful lakes or rather seas. - From this we know the one which lies to the north and northwest as the fresh-water sea (la mer douce). We cross it on the way from the Bissirinians.
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The soil is sandy for the most part but not in all places. However, it brings forth in quantity very good Indian Corn and is - we can say - the granary for most of the Algonquins. There are some twenty villages with about 30,000 persons, speaking the same language (not too hard if one has an instructor). This language has its distinctions of gender, number, persons and moods. In a word it is true, even sophisticated language contrary to what many think.
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On the simplicity and scarcity of food.
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The ordinary meal is only a little Indian corn, crushed rather crudely between two stones, or sometimes left whole, and then taken with fresh water. This is not very appetizing. Now and again there is fish, but only by chance, except when one meets another tribe where one can buy it.
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Though the Huron were of the Iroquoian linguistic family and were culturally similar, the family connection ended there. The relationship between the two was inherited hostility. The Five Nations were a rapidly growing super power, gaining strength through their confederacy, subjugating neighboring tribes, and instilling fear throughout the northeast. Continual wars erupted until the Iroquois finally crushed the Huron confederacy in 1648-49 (Father de Brebeuf was martyred in 1649 during a particularly brutal killing at the hands of attacking Iroquois). Though not annihilated, many surviving Huron were absorbed into the Iroquois Confederacy while others fled into exile. This victory is known as the "dispersal". - The following, written in 1635, shows the degree in which fear of the enemy was an ever present consideration.
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Last year, 1634, when we reached Three Rivers, the now established trading post, we were beset with some difficulties and perplexities. In the first place, there were only 11 Huron canoes to accommodate 10 extra of us, who were planning to go with them to their home. And we were in serious doubt about any other (Huron) coming down this year because of the great defeat suffered last spring in battle with the Iroquois (called Sonontrerrhonons) and the fear they had of encountering a new force. - This made us hesitate whether to take advantage of the present opportunities or wait for a better one.
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Following the Iroquois victory of 1648/49, the Hurons were found primarily in two locations; at Lorette near Quebec ( known as Lorette Hurons), and Michigan, where Antoine de Lamathe Cadillac later established a trading post called Fort Ponchartrain. Fort Michillimakinac (Huron for 'turtle'), shortened to Fort Makinac, situated at the confluence of Lakes Huron and Michigan was inhabited by over 7,000 French, Ottawa, and Huron during the early years of the French and Indian War. The Michigan Hurons continued to spread into the western Great Lakes region (Detroit). These Huron refugees came to be known by their own name, Wyandot. It was from these two regions, Detroit and Quebec, Huron warriors were recruited to aid in New France's war with England. This was Huron Land.
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Some great stuff Rich - thx. |
| 3 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| richfed |
Posted - May 15 2021 : 2:35:38 PM
Thanks, MH! I think Elaine wrote that particular page. |
| Monadnock Hiker |
Posted - May 14 2021 : 11:32:34 AM
The entire link is a really good read - it's just too much to "copy & paste". ... What I like about it is the quotes/written history from the missionaries who were actually there. - Not some characters ideas/interpretation of what "life then" was like "back then". ... Not to mention, the strength, endurance etc., etc. of what they (the Hurons) could accomplish - with a REALLY SCARCE diet. |
| Fitzhugh Williams |
Posted - May 14 2021 : 07:16:32 AM
I remember when I first got into reenacting, which was probably 20 years ago, the goal was to go to a primitive event with only some parched corn and beef jerky to eat. I got over that pretty quickly. |
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