I am sometimes asked why I chose Quebec as the site for the habitation. With a look at one of my maps of the region, an observer will quickly note its strategic advantage in commanding this place where the St. Lawrence River narrows. The site also is blessed with a high cliff from which cannon can command passage through the narrows. This allowed us to stop the illicit traders from passing upriver to trade with the Natives. I had my men construct three two-story buildings and a warehouse joined by a single external gallery for defence. Outside a moat and a palisade protect us more from Europeans than from natives. The harshness of the climate and safety are the chief
concerns in building a fort in New France. The new
fireplaces are ill-equipped to deal with the cold of
a winter in New France. I continue to use a brazier [a metal pan for
holding burning coals or charcoal] for warmth, although getting coal
to fuel it is a difficulty. It is also difficult to keep enough candles
and oil lamps to light our buildings during the long winter evenings. One thing I miss in New France is the ability to paint the ceilings, furniture and walls. It brings so much light and bright colours into the dark interior of our dwellings. As I noted in one of my journals with regard to the habitation
at Quebec: “I employed the
workers to build in stone and wood and everything was so well managed that
in a short time we were able to support a lodge for the few workers, part of
whom began to build a fort, for checking the dangers which might develop since
without it there was no security in a country situated so far from all help.” Quoted
in H.A. Innis, The Fur Trade in Canada. P. 34 |
