We had hop’d to ford that River, as Monsieur _de la Sale_ had done, when he return’d from that Country; but it was so swollen, that there was no doing it, and we were forced to make a Canoe of Bullocks Hides. Whilst we were employ’d at that Work, the _Indians_ swam over and went to give Notice to the _Cenis_ of our Arrival.
We found the Country pleasant enough about that River, tho’ the Land did not seem to be any of the best; but still it was delightful to the Eye, well planted with fine Trees of several Sorts, among which, is one that Monsieur _de la Sale_ had nam’d _Copal_, being very beautiful, the Leaves of it between those of the Maple and the lime[96] Trees in Resemblance, and from it comes a Gum, of a very agreeable Scent. In the same Place we saw a great Tree, on which the late Monsieur _de la Sale_ had caus’d Crosses and the Arms of _France_ to be carv’d.
[Sidenote: _The Author sent to the_ Cenis _for Provisions_.]
The Hunting of Bullocks had fail’d us, and we had seen none from the Place where our late Leader had been murder’d. Thus our Provisions began to fall short, and it was resolv’d on the 29th, to send some Men before, to the Village of the _Cenis_, to know, whether they had any _Indian_ Corn, and were willing to barter for it. I was appointed, with the Surgeon _Liotot_, the _Teisieers_, and _Hiens_, who was a Buccanier, Monsieur _de la Sale_ had taken up at _Petit Gouave_, to go with him upon this Expedition. I was very unwilling to undertake that Journey, with a Murderer and two of his Companions, of whom I was suspicious; but it was very requisite to obey, and _Duhaut_ having all the Effects in his Possession, alledging, that a great part of them belong’d to him, he gave us some Axes and Knives to barter for _Indian_ Corn, as also for Horses, if any were to be had, and accordingly we pass’d the River.
We found the Country made up of several little Hills, of an indifferent Height, on which there are Abundance of Wallnut-Trees and Oaks, not so large as what we had seen before, but very agreeable. The Weeds which had been some Time before burnt by the Natives, began to spring up again, and discover’d large green Fields very pleasing to the Sight.
[Sidenote: _A Man clad like a Spaniard._]