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John Nicolet.

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Gift of
Prof. William Howard Taft
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JOHN NICOLET

EXERCISES AT THE UNVJEtLING OE THE TABLET COM
MEMORATING THE DISCOVERY AND EXELORATICB!? OE ;
THE NORTHWEST; HELD ON MA(2KINAC ISLAND,
JULY 12, 1915, ;Ui^Di;R THE AUSPICES OF THE
MICHIGAN^ HISTORICAL COMMISSION AND
THE MACKINAC I^LANt) STATE
PARK COMMISSION

L.iNSlNG
MjCSfctAN HtSTQRrCAL COMMISSION
1915

JOHN NICOLET

EXERCISES AT THE UNVEILING OF THE TABLET COM
MEMORATING THE DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION OF
THE NORTHWEST; HELD ON MACKINAC ISLAND,
JULY 12, 1915, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE
MICHIGAN, HISTORICAL COMMISSION AND
THE MACKINAC ISLAND STATE
PARK COMMISSION

L,\N.S1NG
MicHiG.\N Historical Commisston
1915

NICOLET DAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND.
A BRONZE TABLET in commemoration of the discovery and
e.xploration of the Northwest by John Nicolet was unveiled
with appropriate ceremonies on Mackinac Island, July 12,
1 915. The arrangements for the occasion were made by Hon. Edwin
(). \Vood, a member both of the Michigan Histurical Comniission
and the Mackinac Slate Park Oommissiou, under the aus|)ice.s of
which organizations the exercises were conducted; and Mr. Wood
also generously bore the expenses.
The day was perfect; and the Island was at its best. The speak
ers" platform was placed near Arch Rock, and the audience was
seated in a grove of pines. The air was still, and every word
uttered by the speakers was clearly heard.
Mr. John P. Hogan, of Detroit, editor of The Gateway, acted as
chairman. His introductory remarks were:
THE CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS
Members of the Michigan Historical Commission . the Machvnac Is
land t^tate Pari- Commission, Reverend Qeiilleinen, Ladies and
Gentlemen:
The question has been asked over and over again; why does not
Michigan pay deserved tribute to those explorers and missionaries
who came here several hundred years ago, and opened the way to
civilization ?
Why has not our state preserved, in tangible form, the naines
and records of their early achievements so that future generations
may know and understand the lessons of their early sacrifices and
thus appreciate all the more, the invaluable heritage they left us?
Happily, this question need no longer be asked.
The Michigan Historical Commission, created in 1909 by act of
the legislature, is now officially charged with the task of collecting
historical relics and compiling historical data of Michigan.
The six members of the Commission, are recognized throughout
the country as distinguished authors and historians, eminently
qualified for the difficult position they occupy. They have given
their services freely and gladly to this noble and enduring work.
2

4 NICOLET DAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND.
To them has been assigned the task of delving into the early
records of discoverers, — of collecting, analyzing and compiling the
many thousands of pamphlets so that an accurate, complete account
of the early history of .Michigan may be preserved for future gen-
eration.s. When it is stated that more than 200 names of explorers
and missionaries have been accejited as entitled to enter the Mich
igan Hall of Fame, the task of the Commission may be dimly un
derstood. In carrying out its purposes, the Commission agreed that the
names and discoveries of these early explorers and missionaries
.should be commemorated by placing memorial tablets throughout
the state parks so that we of today and tomorrow, may understand
to whom we owe our present civilization.
The assistance, therefore, of the Mackinac Island State Park
Commission was solicited and the plans for the Nicolet Day cele
bration were prepared under their joint auspices. The exercises
today, are the result.
When the list of speakers for today's celebration was being pre
pared, Rt. Rev. Chas. D. Williams, the distinguished head of the
Episcopal Diocese of Detroit, was selected to deliver the Invoca
tion. An unexpected summons, however, called him to New York.
The Committee was in a quandary. Who could acceptably fill the
position ?
At this most trying time, Mr. Hirt of Louisville, whose palatial
cottage is one of the most beautiful attractions on the Island, came
to the rescue by suggesting that one of his guests, a former resident
of Detroit, might be induced to undertake the task. The suggestion
was gladly received and accepted and Mr. Hirt was empowered to
make such arrangements. That he has fulfilled his mission most
completely, you will all presently agree.
During many years of experience in Detroit, I, in conjunction
with other citizens of that city, had often heard many sincere ex
pressions of commendation concerning Rev. C. D. Woodcock. At
that time, he was in charge of one of the most prosperous parishes
of the city— St. John's Episcopal Church— and was deeply beloved
by his congregation. His deep sincerity, his broad charity, his
nobility of character and the pronounced success he achieved in his
chosen field, made him widely and favorably known. It was
natural that a man of his recognized ability and attainments
should be marked for elevation. His friends, therefore are not
surprised to know that Rev. Mr. Woodcock is now a distinguished
prelate, the Episcopal Bishop of Kentucky.

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MACKIXAC IN A IIIRCII
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MACKIXAC ISL.VXJ) ST.CIE I'ARK COM-

NIGOLET DAY ON MAGKINAG ISLAND. 5
The directing head of any great religious body must be a real
"ian, a true man, a live man, a simple man; great in his life, in
his love, in his work, in his broad mindedness. Such are the char
acteristics of the distinguished gentleman who will deliver the In
vocation. I have the pleasure of presenting Rt. Rev. C. D. Wood
cock, Protestant Episcopal Bishop of Kentucky.
The Invocation by Bishop Woodcock followed.
The Chairman : A few days ago, the sound of a voice came to
me over many miles of a thin copper wire. The tones were so
clear, that, in imagination, I could see the kindly face of my friend
as he called to me, his greetings of good cheer. An ordinary occur
rence, you say, yet no sane person, one hundred years ago, would
have deemed this feat possible.
The Michigan Central Railroad and the D. & C. steamboats, carry
one almost over night from Detroit to this wonderful and historic
island of rest. Yet, if men had declared two hundred years ago,
that we of. today would travel on railroad trains and steamboats,
they would have been summarily punished as "witches."
Time, however, brings many changes. Today, gas, electricity and
steam are so closely a part of our daily existence, that we give al
most no heed to the wonderful possibilities they opened in our
lives. ^ye look about us at the marvels wrought by man; at the great
ocean liner, the fast railroad train; the deadly submarine; the fly
ing airship ; the telephone, the telegraph and the wireless with their
instantaneous means of communication — but we no longer wonder.
M'e accept them calmly — and then as calmly proceed to think of
soinething else.
So it is, that, in our present state of mind, we scarcely realize
the conditions that existed three hundred years ago in that part
of the country, then known as the "Territory Northwest of the Ohio
Kiver" which we of today recognize as the states of Ohio. Indiana,
Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.
This extensive region, embracing the upper lakes and the Valley
of the .Mississippi, was a vast, unknown wilderness, untouched by
civilization. But to be just, we must consider conditions and le
member that more white people live today in the city of Detroit,
th'in were to be found in the whole of North America at that time.
Tlie country then was new ao.l the inventive mind had not been
"^Let us not forget too, that in the lYth century, there were no

6 NICOLET DAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND.
steam boats, no railroads or automobiles to carry passengers to dis
tant points. No telegraph, no telephone, no civilization in 1634 in
this very spot where we now stand — nothing but wild nature.
Travel, of course, was slow and difficult; communication was in
deed lacking.
In those early days, men had to walk through the thick under
brush and the wooded foresis, carrying their burdens on their backs;
or paddle in birch bark canoes over the waters.
Instead of public buildings, private residences, and churches;
electric lights and well paved streets; the telephone and the tele
graph; street cars and automobiles — all necessary and common ad
juncts to an American city today — nothing but wild forests and
prairies were to be seen. No habitation except an occasional wig
wam. Who of us would venture into an unknown world, not knowing
when, if ever, we would return; traveling through the woods and
streams all day and resting under the boughs at night; subsisting
on what we could fish or shoot; fearful of the wild animals; de
prived of the society of one's own people while all the time ex
posed to surrounding dangers?
Yes, this is exactly what early explorers had to face day after
day. Theirs was a lil'e of toil and hardship, of facing danger con
stantly, meeting emergencies calmly and with a never failing trust
in the help of the Almighty.
It was a period that tried men's very souls — but they were men.
He whom we honor today was of that strong type. And in the flnal
analysis, their success made it possible for the people of New
Prance to come here and develop the vast region around us.
Are they not, then, our benefactors ; do they not deserve much at
our hands?
Memories of these daring explorers live with us today, in our own
beloved state of Michigan. To them we owe all we possess. Their
courage, their bravery, their fortitude and perseverance blazed the
way for others who followed and builded. ^ye, the citizens of great
and prosperous commonwealths, now enjoy the fruits of their dar
ing eiforts.
And so, the great state of Michigan, acting officially through the
cooperation of the Michigan Historical Commission and the Mack
inac Lslaud State Park Coiumission, decided to recognize in a be
fitting form, the invaluable services of these early explorers, by
placing their uieiiiorial tablets in lliis. the state park of Michigan.

NICOLET DAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND. 7
This is the spot and this is the day selected. John Nicolet is the
flrst to be so honored.
Let us hope, that his tablet, placed on the historic Arch Rock,
will be to all, a constant reminder of the great debt we owe him.
During my many visits to this beautiful Island, I have noticed a
gentleman, age unknown, who seemed to know everybody and every
thing on Mackinac Island. My curiosity was aroused, so one day
I asked my friend, Mr. E. O. Wood, if he knew this gentleman.
''Why, don't you know him? That is Colonel Preston who built
Mackinac Island and has lived here ever since."
It has been said that nothing satisfies a patriot but a job. If
patriot, in this instance, refers to the self sacrificing worker in that
political party to which he owes allegiance, then is not such a
worker entitled to consideration from his party? I think so.
Colonel Preston is that type of man who believes that nothing is
politically right that is morally wrong. He has carried that prin
ciple throughout life. In everything that has led to progress and
improvement on Mackinac Island, Colonel Preston has been the
leading figure. For many years he has been its official representa
tive. At the present time, he is Mayor of Mackinac Island and as
such, will extend his greeting to this gathering.
I take pleasure in introducing Colonel AVilliam P. Preston, ]Mayor
of Mackinac Island.
Colonel Preston felicitated the audience on the large size of the
gathering; he extended the hospitality of the Island to the guests
in a brief and eloquent address.
The Chairman : More than twenty years ago, I attended, mei'e-
ly as a spectator, a Democratic Convention, held in the cify of De
troit. Like all Democratic political gatherings, this one was not
free from verbal clashes. Eventually, the controversy over a cer
tain question became so heated, that everybody was on foot, shout
ing for recognition. Finally, the Chairman recognized a certain
delegate who did not waste time to ascend the platform, but in
stead, immediately jumped on his chair, and in a wonderful burst
of oratory, kept the large audience spell bound for more than half
an hour.
I remember him at that time, as a man over-flowing with en
thusiasm and vitality, of great personal magnetism and unbounded
love and loyalty to ihe political party which he represented. Such
was my first view of Honorable E. O. Wood, Vice President of the
Mackinac Island State Park Commission, who will respond to the
greetings of Welcome, in place of Mr. A. O. Jopling, whose business
3

8 NICOLET DAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND.
prevents him from being here today. Mr. Wood will now address
you.

ADDRESS OF HON. EDWIN O. WOOD.
Me. Chairman: I would not mar this program by extended, re
marks, and Avill only say that it is a pleasant privilege to respond
to a greeting and welcome by my friend Mayor Preston.
My first interest in Mackinac came through the knowledge of its
beauties and historic setting, imparted to me by Colonel Preston.
I congratulate you upon this splendid gathering, brought together
to honor a noble character, whose activities in the work of Chris
tianizing the Indians should give him an enduring place in Ameri
can hi story.
To my mind there is a sacred and religious sentiment in connec
tion with Mackinac Island and the Mackinac country. Here thfise
self-sacrificing martyrs and heroes, the Jesuit missionaries, labored
and sufi'ered, to teach the savages the story of the Cross, and we are
fortunate today, not only in the eminence and eloquence of all
those who are to address us, but especially because a noted scholar
and historian has honored this occasion by journeying from New
York to tell us of Jean Nicolet.
We are indebted to the President of the Michigan Historical
Couimission, Rt. Rev. Monsig-nor Frank A. O'Brien, LL.D., for the
bringing of Father Campbell here, and one and all, we wish to
make grateful acknowledgment.
Mayor Preston, we thank you for the warm and generous wel
come you have accorded to us. You are Mayor of the most beautiful
city in the world, and you number among your population sum
mer residents from every part of the Union.
That this event may stimulate and foster the study of the history
of Alichigan and the old Nortliwest is my earnest hope.
The Chairman: From the reception you gave Mr. Wood, I am
sure you entertain towards hiin, the identical views I have held
for many years.
This morning, I was delegated to meet the next speaker upon his
arrival here by boat, ^'\'ithin three minutes after meeting' him, all
through the day and up to within a few minutes ago. Father Camp-

NICOLET DAY OX MACKINAC ISLAND, 9
bell entertained me from an inexhaustible fund of stories and
anecdotes touching upon almost every subject under the sun.
It must not be supposed, however, that Father Campbell had
devoted his entire time to the light side df life. Far from it. .\s a
noted member of the Society of Jesus, for nearly 50 years, he has
traveled in all parts of the world and come into contact with all
kinds of people. As a natural consequence, he has acquired a taste
for history, esjjeeially history of Canada and the old Northwest
Territory, scenes of the early missionai^ work of his predecessors.
His kiio'lrledge of the early explorers and missionaries is pro
found. He is recognized as one of the greatest living authorities
on the early explorers and missionaries of this region, in the world.
I have the pleasure of introducing Rev. Thomas J. Campbell, S.
J., of New York, author and historian, who will entertain and in
terest you in his address on the Life and Character of John
Nicolet.

ADDRESS OF REV. THOMAS J. CAMPBELL, S. J.
The memorial tablet of Jean Nicolet which has been affixed to
the rocks of the Island of ilackinac is not only the record of a
nolable historical event, but is also the declaration of a doctrine. It
is a i)rotest against a philosophical theory prevalent at the present
day. which inakes man the creature as well as the victim of his
environment; a theory which assails the dignity of human nature
by rolibing it of its freedom of will, and connotes a mental attitude
despised even by the old pagans themselves. 'The just man,' sings
the famous Roinan poet, 'will i)ei-sist in his purpose; and even if the
whole world were to crash about his head, he will stand amid the
ruins undismayed.' The Christian view is not content even with
this, and proclaims that he alone is the true hero who makes dis
aster itself contribute to his glory.
Jean Nicolet was not a great explorer like Cham[)lain ; he vras
not a picturesque Governor like Frontenac; not a daring fighter
like Iberville; not even a successful discoverer like Marquette, nor
a martyr like his friends Brebeuf, Jogues, Daniel, Ciarnier, and Gar-
reau. He occupied no conspicuous position in the official world;
he was not entrusted with the building or moulding or modifving

10 NICOLET DAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND.
of a commonwealth or a colony; he was simply an employe in a
trading post; an Indian interpreter who passed the longest and
most ambitious period of his life, amid surroundings that were cal
culated to tear out of his heart, not only every noble aspiration,
but every recollection of Christianity and civilization; yet he was
a man who was not only not influenced or harmed by them, but
made them minister to his advancement in the noblest qualities
that adorn humanity. In being such, he achieved a grea^ter glory
than the one which this tablet specifically commemorates: namely
his entrance into a new and unknown territory. Being so concealed
from the public gaze, and engaged in work that usually
escapes recognition, it is a remarkable tribute' to his work,
that after almost three hundred years, he should be selected by a
great Commonwealth as particularly worthy of honor. He is not
only the first white man who appeared in what is now the State of
Michigan, _ but he is a man whose virtues may be proposed to the
youth of the country as an example and an inspiration.
He was a mere lad when he stepped ashore at Quebec in 1618;
and the conditions that prevailed there, at that time, must have
filled him with consternation and dismay. Por ten years the heroic
Champlain had been struggling with adversity, and each year only
brought him nearer to the brink of destruction and despair. He
was in the relentless grip of a Fur Company that not only owned
the colony, but had determined to defeat the magnificent project of
making it a mighty appanage of the crown of France and of increas
ing the glory and power of the mother country .in the New World. .
For the traders, it was to be merely a post for the making of money.
The establishment of a colony of Europeans and the conversion and
civilization of the savages, or the higher considerations of patriot
ism did not enter into their calculations, and Champlain was
thwarted at every step. The result was that while the English
Colony of Jamestown in Virginia had, about that time, 4,000 set
tlers, who owned their own lands and made their own laws, Quebec
had no more than 40 or 50 people, even including the employes of
the Company and the missionaries, and they were all dependent on
the heartless corporation even for bread to eat. The fort was in a
state of dilapidation and decay; no assistance could be obtained
even io repair its walls, and the countless journeys of Champlain
across the ocean to plead for his wretched colony only met with
apathy and unconcern, or with promises that were never kept. In
spite of it all, however, he kept up the unequal fight. Though beaten
and beaten again, he persevered, in spite of accumulated disaster.s

REV, THOMAS J. CAMPBELL, S. J.

NIGOLET DAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND. 11
which would have crushed any ordinary man, until at last, after more
than a quarter of a century, he won the glory of being classed
among the greatest men in the history of the Western World.
It must have been the contemplation of Champlain's splendid
personality that inspired young Nicolet, to live in like manner in
the humble career in which Providence had placed him. Around
him were a number of young reprobates whose names are infamous
in Canadian history: Vignau, who endeavored to murder Cham
plain; Brul^, whose morals were so depraved that he was killed by
the savages; and MarsoUet, who, though not so base as the others,
proved a traitor when Quebec succumbed to the English. Not only
with these and their similars did Nicolet have nothing to do, but
he, by his example, unconsciously no doubt, but truly nevertheless,
inaugurated that Jong line of youthful Canadian heroes whose
equals it would be difficult to find in the history of any other
country. There was, for example, young Frangois Marguerie, the
idol of the colony, a splendid Indian fighter of whom it is recorded
that once when he stood with his sword at the throat of a savage,
dropped it, saying: 'If I kill him I shall be killed instantly. If I
am tortured to death I shall have more time to prepare,' and
he surrendered. There was his companion, Normanville, who
would travel hundreds of miles, in mid-winter, to get a priest for
a sick Indian, and who, after a life of adventures ending in the val
iant defense of Three Rivers, was burned at the stake on the Mo
hawk ; there was Charles Le Moyne, the defender of Montreal when
he was only a stripling, who, besides the memory of his countless
exploits, left as a heritage to New France a remarkable family of
heroes such as Iberville, Longueuil, Sainte-Helene, Bienville,
Chateaugay and the rest; and omitting a throng of others (like
Goupil, Couture, Lalande and the wonderful Christian Indian boy,
Armand Jean, who reflected honor on the great Cardinal Richelieu -
after whom he was named) it will be sufficient to recall the mem
ory of the glorious sixteen under Daulac or Dollard (only one of
whom was above 30) who, in spite of their youth and inexperience,
withstood 800 Iroquois, and by the sacriflce of their lives, for
every one fell, saved New France from utter destruction. Jean Nico
let was the flrst leader of this glorious line.
The flrst test to which he was put was his appointment as in
terpreter on Allumette Island, far up the Ottawa. No doubt, like
any other healthy boy, he was fascinated by the wild beauty of the
region through which he passed on his flrst journey into the depths
of the country. He had never seen anything equal to the-Rideau

12 NICOLET DAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND.
as it dropped curtain-like into the mighty river beneath; nothing
so terrible as the Chaudiere where the Indians, descending or as
cending the stream, performed their incantations, to propitiate the
evil spirits that dwelt in the boiling waters ; nothing so startling as
the angry leap of the waters over the rocks of the Calumet where
today stands, under the pines, the gleaming marble shaft, a la
memoire de Cadieux, who in his days, was to be another Nicolet.
All this doubtless amazed and delighted him, but the poetry of the
life was soon dissipated when he found himself in the grossness and
squalor and fllth, both physical and moral, of the Algonquin wig
wams. The aborigines were far from being the noble creatures de
picted by Fenimore Cooper and other romancers, but were steeped
in the foulest vices; and again and again the missionaries pro
tested against leaving young and unprotected boys in such sur
roundings, without any religious assistance to keep them from be
coming as bad as the savages themselves. But the traders, whose
employe Nicolet was, considered moral disasters of very little im
portance if the store houses at Quebec were fllled with furs.
In that place, young Nicolet remained for two years, complefeh'
mastering the various Algonquin dialects, and exercising such an
influence over his Indian friends that he was able to lead four hun
dred of their braves down to the Mohawk to make a treaty of peace
with the terrible Iroquois.
Of course this embassy was due, in large measure at least to
Champlain; and it goes far to exculpate him from the charge, so
frequently urged against him, that the long series of Iroquois wars
were the result of his indiscretion. As a matter of fact, the battles
of Lake Champlain and Cap au Massacre were unavoidable, for the
Iroquois were actually invading the country and had to be repelled,
if an indiscriminate massacre of red and white men alike was to be
averted. To have made a treaty of peace so soon after the battle
of Oneida, clearly shows the falsity of the accusation that the Iro
quois nourished au implacable hatred of the French. After Nico-
let's visit to them, the incursions ceased and Vv'ere renewed ouly
when the incompetency and blundering of some of Champlain's suc
cessors prompted the Indians to dig up the hatchet and renew their
depredations. Nicolet remained for two years on Allumette Island, and was
then transferred to the Nipisirien country which the missionaries
called the land of the sorcerers, because, day and night, the drum
of the medicine-men was heard on the lake or in the forests con
juring the evil spirits. Evidently a great change had been wrought

NICOLET DAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND. 13
in the disposition of the Indians of those regions, and it was most
likely the result of Nicolet's skill in managing them. Only a few
years before, Champlain was warned that it was as much as his life
was worth to venture among them, but youug Nicolet not only
establishes a tvadiijg post amoug them, but is adopted by the tribe,
becomes one of the great chiefs, with a voice in their most solemn
councils, and partici])ates in all their hunting and warlike expedi
tions. In this place he lived nine con.secutive years, undergoing all
the hardships of the savages, and we hear of him frequently passing
two or three days without a morsel to eat, and on one occasion sup
porting life for flve or six weeks by gnawing the bark of the forest
trees. He kept a record of these adventures, and gave it to the
•Jesuit Fathers, but we have been unable to lay hands on it.
It was during this period that an overwhelming disaster befell
the colony, in the capture of what was supposed to be the strong
hold of Quebec. In 1628, while Champlain was anxiously waiting
for supplies from Europe, to stave off starvation from the garrison
and the colony, an English ship under the famous Kirke, appeared
in the river and demanded the surrender of the fort. The garrison
had absolutely no food at the time, and there were but fifty pounds
of powder in the magazine, but Champlain defied the enemy to make
the assault. Astounded by the answer, Kirke actually lifted an
chor, and sailed down the river; but the next year three ships ap
peared and the French flag was hauled down from the citadel and
the banner of England floated in its place.
It was on this occasion that the dastardly character of youug
Brul6 and MarsoUet displayed itself. They had revealed the he]i>-
less condition of the garrison to the enemy and were on the very
ships that had come to demand the surrender of the city. Abso
lutely unlike them was Jean Nicolet. He remained at his post
among the Nippisiriens, and waited for better times.
In 1632, Champlain came back again, no longer in the fetters of
the Trading Company, but as the Lieutenant of Richelieu and the
first Governor of New France. After a fight of twenty-four years,
he had triumphed, and only then did the colony on the St. Law
rence begin to live. Nicolet was recalled from the interior and
given charge of the trading post at Three Rivers.
It Avas during this period that he was commis.sioned by Cham
plain to discover the great river that was supposed to empty into
the Western Sea. He Avas thus about io realize the dream that
had haunted the imagination of Europe for centuries about the

14 NICOLET DAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND.
passage to China or Cathay. The delusion had assumed a new
form after the St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes had been ex
plored. The sapient geographers of the world judged that as
there was a mighty river flowing east from the center of the con
tinent there must be a corresponding one flowing west, to preserve
the equilibrium. To find it, Nicolet set out from Three Rivers
and this was the reason why his wanderings led him to the Island
of Mackinac. He came dressed as a Chinese mandarin, in a gorge
ous robe of damask which was richly embroidered with figures of
birds and flowers; in the hope of awakening some long-buried
atavistic memories in the minds of the savages who were supposed
by the learned men of the times to be of Asiatic origin.
On the other hand, it is difficult to conceive that either
Champlain or Nicolet shared in this delusion. They both knew
the Indians too well. Champlain had passed a whole winter among
the Hurons and his account of the habits and ¦ character of those
savages is, today, a classic for the ethnological student. Nicolet
had lived eleven years among the Algonquins and Nippisiriens, and
he also was perfectly well aware that, apart from some mytho
logical nonsense about their origin, there was no tradition of any
thing whatever connecting them with the Chinese.
Indeed, it is quite possible that it was merely to satisfy some
theorist in France or Quebec that the masquerade was adopted.
The report of his coming, however, as the great representative of
the white men, to arrange for a treaty of peace was, of course, rap
idly spread among the tribes and, somewhere on the shores of Lake
Michigan, four or five thousand Indians assembled to meet him.
It was an amazing spectacle for them. The distinguished en
voy whom doubtless many of them had known at Allumette and
Lake Nippising, was no longer in his usual attire of a hunter, but
in a splendid robe such as they had never seen before. On
either side of him great poles were erected on which
numberless presents were displayed. In his hands he held
two ponderous horse-pistols, and after haranguing them in
their own language and expatiating on the desirability of a last
ing and universal peace with the supreme chief at Quebec, he lifted
up his instruments of war towards the sky. A terrible explosion
followed, and the squaws, and perhaps many of the braves, scamp
ered away in terror from the mighty man who held the thunders of
heaven in his hands. They soon recovered their senses, however,
and as no one was injured, they returned to express their satisfac-

NIGOLET DAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND. 15
tion , with the proposals of peace and the presents which he had
come to offer. But from none of them could he learn anything of
China, nor did he find the great river that flowed into the Pacific,
though he reported on his return to Quebec, that a few days' jour
ney would have carried him thither. It is somewhat surprising
that he did not continue his search but possibly it was because the
river they spoke of took a southerly, and not a westerly course,
and could not therefore be ihe one he was sent out to flnd. Had
he done so he would have anticipated Marquette by nearly forty
years. This was in 1634. On Christmas day, 1635. the great Cham
plain, worn out by his life of hardships and perhaps by the worry
to which he had been subjected from the flrst day he built his mis
erable hut at the rock of Quebec, at last went to his well-merited
reward. He was succeeded by Montmaguy, whose name, Onontio,
an Indian translation of Great Mountain, remained as the discrip
tive designation of all subsequent governors of Quebec. Mont
maguy was a worthy successor of Champlain, whom he took for a
model, and during his long tenure of office did efficient work in
building up the colony, in spite of the apathy of the Home Govern
ment which left him almost without resources. Louis XIV was too
busy with his European enemies to find time enough to learn of the
importance of his colonial possessions.
At last, some one stirred up the Iroquois; and then Canada
entered upon the bloody epoch of her history. Three Rivers, where
Nicolet was living, was the central point of attack, and the St. Law
rence was swarming with Iroquois in war paint. Brebeuf had
come down from the upper country and narrowly escaped with his
life on his way down to Quebec. The war, however, was not precisely
against the whites. It was an attack on the old foes of the Iroquois
ihe Algonquins, but the French of course were involved. It was
at this juncture that young MargTierie returned from captivity as
an Iroquois envoy, and was sent to the French fort to arrange a
treaty of peace. But in spite of it all, warlike preparations were
soon made, forts were built on the other side of the St. Lawrence;
Montmagny came up from Quebec to direct the flght if it should
assume large proportions; there were raids and captures here and
ihere, and in ihe melee we see the figure of Nicolet constantly ap
pearing. He with Father Ragueneau are crossing and recrossing
the St. Lawrence again and again, entering the forts of the Iro
quois, at the risk of their lives, to plead for a reconciliation, until

16 NICOLET DAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND.
finally after some show of fight on the part of the invaders a tem
porary calm resulted. This was in the year 1641.
Soon afterwards Nicolet Avas summoned to Quebec to tdke
the place of his brother-in-law, Le Tardif, as chief official of
the trading company. He was hardly there a month, when news
came down from Three Rivers that a Sokoki Indian was about to
be put to death by the Algonquins. This meant a renewal of hos
tilities, for the Sokokis of Maine were allies of the Iroquois and
the execution of the captive had to be stopped at all hazards. It
was then October 27th ; the ice was forming in the river, the night
was coming on, but, without a moment's hesitation, Nicolet leaped
aboard a shallop that was making for Sillery. While rounding the
point a squall struck the boat, and in a moment the crew were
struggling with icy waters. One by one they disappeared in the
dark river though only a short distance from shore. Nicolet and
de Chavigny were soon the only ones left. Ai last, chilled by the
bitter cold and feeling his strength completely exhausted, Nicolet
called out to his friend, 'Make for the shore, de t'havigny, you can
swim. Bid good-bye to my wife and children; I am going to God.'
The waves closed over him and he was never seen again. De Cha
vigny succeeded in reaching the shore, and more dead than alive,
staggered into the Jesuit house at Sillery, where he told the dread
ful occurrence to Father de Brebeuf. The ucavs spread consterna
tion in the colony. The Indians especially were alarmed, for they
had lost a friend, a protector, and a father, and they ran like crazy
people up and down the bank of the river, crying 'Achirra ! Achirra !
Shall we never see thee more?' The whites too had reason to fear.
No one exercised such an influence over the natives as Nicolet. He
bent them without difficulty to his aa-III, at any moment and for all
kinds of enterprises. As a Christian, the missionaries bear testi
mony that his virtues were those of the apostolic times, and that
even the most devoted priest might take him as a model of piety
and self-sacriflce. Perhaps the best description of his character,
in this respect, may be found in the list of books contained in his
little library at Quebec. It consisted of: 'The Metamorphosis of
Ovid'; 'The Relation of 1637'; 'Portuguese Discoveries in the West
Indies'; 'Collection of Gazettes from 1634"; 'The Art of Fencing';
'Inventory of Science' ; 'History of St. Ursula' ; 'Meditations on the
Life of Christ'; 'The Secretary of the Court'; 'The Clock of .Devo
tion'; 'The Way to Live for God'; 'Elements of Logic'; 'The Holy
Duties of a Devout Life'; 'History of Portugal'; 'Missal'; 'Life of

NICOLET DAY ON 31 AC KIN AC ISLAND. 17
the Redeemer of the W(uid'; 'History of thc West Indies'; 'The
Lives of the Saints' in folio.
Such was Jean Nicolet; a man Avho occupied a very humble
place, even in the miserable colony of Quebec, but Avho, by the force
of his OAvn irreproachable character exercised a most extraordinary
influence for good, both among the colonists and the natives. From
the very beginning of his career, though thrown into surround
ings which had wrecked the lives of many of his compatriots and had
changed them from the representatives of most excellent families into
wild and depraved coureurs de bois, he had kept his own virtue un
tarnished. He was entrusted by his superiors with the most im
portant missions, and was admired and loved by such men as de
Brebeuf, Ragueneau, Jogues, and indeed by all the missionaries.
In brief he was a man of the world who at every stage ofhis short
career would have been able to utter the same words that left his
lips when the Avaters of the St. Lawrence Avere closing over him :
"1 am going to God."
Michigan may be well proud of the first white man who set foot
on its territory.
The Chairman: There is an old saying that comes to us from
antiquity: — "The noblest motive is the public good." This thought
is exemplified in the Avork of the Mackinac Island State Park Com
mission, as well as the Michigan Historical Commission.
About 25 years ago, a just Congress ceded to the state of Mich
igan, for state park purposes, this part of Mackinac Island. To
take charge of this park, the legislature created a commission
known as the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, giving it
full authority and a small annual appropriation for its mainten
ance. It was therefore eminently fitting that the Michigan Historical
Commission, charged by the legislature with the task of preserving
Michigan history, should cooperate with the Mackinac Island State
Park Commission in placing memorial tablets of early explorers and
missionaries in this state park. It is also becoming that the presenta
tion of this tablet today, to the state of Michigan, should be made
by the President of the Michigan Historical Commission.
Monsignor O'Brien is so Avell known in the state, so beloved by
all, that he needs no introduction by me. His ripe scholarship, his
analytical mind, his reputation as a critic of history, as Avell as his
recognized ability as an historian of Michigan, eminently qualifies

18 NICOLET DAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND.
him for the exalted position which he occupies. Rt. Rev. Monsignor
Frank A. O'Brien, LL. D., of Kalamazoo, President of the Michi
gan Historical Commission, will now present ihe tablet of John
Nicolet.

ADDRESS OF RT. REV. MONSIGNOR O'BRIEN.
"We- have heard from the lips of one of the most noted historians
in the world, the graphically told story of the hero of the day.
Little did John Nicolet think when he was attempting such won
ders, that his memory would be cherished, and a bronze tablet
erected, two hundred years after he had passed away. Nature had
endowed him with wondrous gifts. Grace had supernaiuralized
his ambition into a burning fidelity to God and country. Others
were blessed with great loyalty; others enjoyed a greater rank,
but none possessed a nobler nature, a stronger arm, or a more de
voted heart. He had the soldier's aspirations, without the soldier's
love of greed. Herhad the love of victory, without the love of honors
which it gave. He yearned for something great, yet he felt that
this old world would give him little to do. France had not been
able to call his greatness into action. He sought other fields to in
crease his country's glory by discovery. He sought to spread God's
Kingdom. Under the banner of the cross he went forward. He led
his chosen bands through wilds unknown. He was as swift as light
ning to resolve, and as firm as a rock in execution. Where others
hesitated, he quailed not. He was majestic, animated, resistless
and persistent. He did better than he knew. Today he receives
honors, which he won."
The Chairman: The absence of Judge Steere, of the Supreme
Court of Michigan, necessitated the selection of another well known
man of Michigan to accept the tablet on behalf of the state. For
tunately, Honorable Lawton T. Hemans, although not in the best
of health, Avas prevailed upon to represent the state in this in
stance. A better choice for this honor, could not have been made.
I have had the pleasure — and it has been a great pleasure — to
know Mr. Hemans for years. As a public representative in Lan
sing and later, as candidate for Governor of Michigan, he endeared
himself to all by his lovable and enduring qualities of heart and

RICHT REV, MdXSlCXdR

FRAXK A, O'BRIEN, LL,

NIGOLET DAY ON MAGKINAG ISLAND. 19
mind. His deep learning, his high character and his knowledge of
the state of Michigan, both in the early times as well as of today,
gives him a standing possessed by few and excelled by none. As an
historian of Michigan, his books have received much deserved
praise; as a man, his lovableness, his simplicity, his sterling char
acter and broad mindedness, are knoAvn and appreciated ; as a pub
lic official, his reputation is without stain.
It gives me great pleasure to introduce Honorable Lawton T. He
mans, Chairman of the Michigan Railroad Commission, and a mem
ber of the Michigan Historical Commission, who will accept the
tablet on behalf of ihe State.
Mr. Hemans in felicitous and extremely appropriate words ac
cepted the tablet on behalf of the State of Michigan.
The Chairman: We will now close the exercises of the day by
by the audience rising and singing our national anthem, "My
Country 'Tis of Thee."
Among those present were Mr. William L. Jenks, of Port Huron ;
and Professor Claude H. Van Tyne, head of the Department of
History in Michigan University, members of the Michigan Histori
cal Cominission ; Mr. W. O. Briggs, member of the Mackinac Island'
State Park Commission, and Mrs. Briggs; Mr. William H. Hughes,
of Detroit, editor of "The Michigan Catholic"; the Rev. P. A. Mul-
lins and Rev. J. L. McGeary, of Loyola University, Chicago; Rev.
R. Champion, of Ecorse; Hon. George W. Weaver, treasurer of
Charlevoix County; Mr. James H. Began, Dr. and Mrs. Robert H.
Harvey, Mr. E. Puttkammer, Mr. George B. Chambers, Mr. W.
A. Amberg, State Senator James C. Wood, of Manistique, J. J.
Cleary, of Escanaba.
Governor Ferris, who had expected to be present was detained by
other public business.

LETTERS OF APPRECIATION.
Hon. j. M. C. Smith, M. C. : The warmth of your invitation to
attend the unveiling of the tablet to John Nicolet, adds much to
my sincere regret that I cannot be present in person on the occa
sion of such a memorable and laudable incident. To pay tribute to
a man Avho endured the hardships, encountered the dangers and
made the sacrifice to enter the wilds of a vast and unknown country
inhabited by a strange people, is most fitting.
^ye do well to make permanent, the record of such an event. We
class as fortunate in our time, and extend unstinted praise to the
person who incorporates into his life AVork a great achievement.
To be the_^ first of the white race to set foot on ihe soil of ihe great
great northwest is truly memorable. The great progress of our
beloved commonwealth since that day unfolds a series of develop
ments that would haA^e eclipsed the most vivid imagination in his
day. From winding trails and unknown water courses as the only
highways, our siate today is covered with a network of good roads
and railways. The telegraph and telephone make us close neigh
bors throughout our republic. The age of electricity has worked
revelations; science and commerce know no bounds.
Dense forests have been transformed into luxurious fields and
Avhere once stood only clusters of Indian tepees, Ave have beautiful
Adllages and cities.
To be the first to lead the waj into a great state abounding in tim
ber, iron, copper, coal, salt and profitable agriculture, unexcelled
in its healthgiving resorts, its varied industries; the home of flue
furniture, vast paper mills, extensive electrical utilities, large
threshing and rotary plants, Avith its silk and woolen mills ; its
great industrial occupations, its splendid churches and wonderful
institutions of learning, leaves nothing Avanting to add to our in
dependence, happiness and permanent Avelfare. Truly the mission
of Nicolet Avas an epoch and a distinction.
He came to Quebec in 1618 at the age of twenty years from his
home in Cherbourg, a naval town on the Western coast of France.
He spent a pumber of years exiled from civilization, allied with
barbarous tribes, that he might know their character and their
country. He negotiated an important treaty between ihe Winneba-

NICOLET DAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND. 21
go and Huron Indian tribes. His mission was one of peace and
progress. He had appreciative words for CA^erybody. He had great
intelligence and undaunted courage. He was a man of sterling in
tegrity, deeply religious, and the imprint of Christian civilization
seemed to follow his footsteps.
At the age of forty-four he met an untimely death by drowning,
and the beautiful Avaters of the St. Lawrence Avhich had enchanted
the years of his early life, furnished his burial place. He stands
exalted uoav by the side of those worthy explorers, discoverers and
teachers, Champlain, Martjuette. LaSalle and Joliet.
He is deserving of the consideration and praise of an apprecia
tive state. It AA'as made better by his life. He Avill live in the hearts
and memory of a great commouAvealth and sanctify the beautiful
tablet so worthily unveiled this day to his everlasting memory.
Mr. Justice Bussell C. Ostrander. The early history of the
Northwest is a subject of great interest to me, and I am in sym
pathy with efforts to preserve the facts and mark the places and
honor the men connected with that histoiy.
Senator ^A' alter R. Taylor. The services of such men, who risked
all and suffered hardshi])s innumerable for the benefit of posterity,
cannot be too aa'cU reinembered or too highly extolled, not only in
justice to them, but for the beneficial influence on this and succeed
ing generations.
Mr. Justice Franz C. Kuhn. I think it is indeed fliting that the
memory of this intrepid explorer and Christian hero should be per
petuated. I assure you of my sympathy with the Avork that your
Commission is doing to commemorate the achievements of these
famous pioneers.
Hon. James B. Balch, Mayor oj Kalun-MrMO. I am deeply in
terested in the early history of the uorthAvest, and I consider the
placing of this tablet of John Nicolet most appropriate, as the
Island was of the most prominence in those earlier days.
United States Senator William Alden Smith. I have received
the invitation to be present at the unveiling of the bronze tablet to
the memory of John Nicolet, Avliose deeds of valor and knightly
heroism challenge the admiration of his countrymen. 1 express
¦ the sincere hope that nothing may occur to mar the ceremony which
AOU have planned and that a revival of interest in this truly great
man may prove an inspiration to us all.

22 NICOLET DAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND.
Hon. H. B. Colman^ Kalamazoo. 1 should greatly enjoy joining
with the citizens of Michigan in doing honor to this fearless and
heroic pioneer of Christian civilization in ihe Northwest.
State Senator Frank L. Covert^ Pontiac. I am very strongly
in favor of the plan of marking the historical spots in Michigan and
taking steps to preserve the memory of those hardy pioneers who
had to do with the early history of our state.
Hon. Oramel B. Fuller^ Auditor General. The State Park Com"
mission and others interested are to be commended for establishing
the tablet in honor of John Nicolet as it adds to the historical value
of the Park.
Hon. Lynn J. Lewis^ Bangor. I am in hearty sympathy with aU
movements intended to commemorate the events and history of our
most adventurous past; this memorial to the brave and intrepid
John Nicolet is a very commendable movement, and I trust it will
be continued until the beauty parks of Michigan have placed with
in their limits some memorial of some great event or personage
connected with the early exploration and settlement of this great
State. Prof. A. C. McLaughlin^ University of Chicago. I congratulate
the Historical Commission on the worthy work ii has undertaken.
Rt. Rev. M. J. Hoban, D. D., Bishop of Scranton, Pa. The Michi
gan Historical Commission deserves great credit for their zeal in
commemorating the achievements of the famous pioneers of the
Northwest. Former Vice President Charles W. Fairbanks. I am just in
receipt of an invitation to attend the unveiling of a bronze tablet in
honor of John Nicolet. Of course I am denied the privilege of be
ing present; nevertheless I want to congratulate you upon the event.
Rt. Rev. James McGolrick, D. D., Bishop of Duluth. In honoring
this early hero of the Northwest ihe Michigan Historical Commis
sion does honor to itself and to all those connected Avith its Avork.
Most Rev. John Ireland, D. D., Arch Bishop of St. Paul. I heart
ily congratulate ihe Michigan Historical Commission on the good
work it is doing by perpetuating the names of the early discoverers
of the Northwest. We owe to them a debt of gratitude which we
should take every opportunity to repay. Among them John Nicolet
stands out very prominently and it is well that his memory receive
due hnoor.

NICOLET DAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND, 23

REGRETS.
Formal regrets were received from:
United States Senator Theodore E. Burton, Cleveland.
United States Senator J. Hamilton Lewis, Chicago.
Mr. Justice Day, of the Supreme Court of the United Stales.
Mr. Justice Moore, of the Michigan Supreme Court.
Mr. Justice Steere, of the Michigan Supreme Court.
Hon. Julius C. Burrows, Kalamazoo.
Hon. Winfield S. Hammond, Governor of Minnesota.
Hon. Samuel M. Ralston, Governor of Indiana.
Hon. Thomas J. O'Brien, Grand Rapids.
Hon. Luren D. Dickinson, Lieutenant Govemor of Michigan.
Hon. Frank E. Doremus, M. C, Detroit.
Hon. Patrick H. Kelley, M. ('., Lansing.
President Harry B. Hutchins, of the University of Michigan.
President H. L. Stetson, of Kalamazoo College.
Rt. Rev. Bishop Shahan, D. J)., President of the Catholic Univer
sity of America.
'S'ery Rev. President John O. Cavanaugh, C. S. C, D. D., of the
University of Notre Dame, Ind.
Hon. Alexander M. Dockery, Third Assistant Postmaster General.
Rev. H. O'Neill, Pastor Holy Maternity Church, Dowagiac.
N'ery Rev. James ('. French, C. S. C, D. Ph., Notre Dame, Indiana.
Kev. Joseph Reis, Pastor Sacred Heart Church, SaginaAv.
Rev. Timothy Kroboth, East Jordan.
^^ery Rc\-. R. W. Br^vn, Rector St. James Church, Grand Rapids.
Rev. Mich J. Cumerford, Flint.
Very Rev. V. Marijou, C. S. B., Pastor Ste. Anne de Detroit, De
troit. Rev. L. I. Brancheau, S. T. L., Pastor St. 3,Iarys Church, Lan
sing. .Mr. Clarence E. Bement, President Michigan' Pioneer and His
torical Society, Lansing.
.Mr. Evarts B. Greene, President Illinois State Historical Library.
Jliss Josephine O'Flynn, Librarian and Recording Secretary,
American <'atholic Historical Society, Philadelphia.
.Mr. Clarence A. Burley, President Chicago Historical Society,
Chicago.

24 NICOLET DAY ON MAGKINAG ISLAND.
Daniel Wait Howe, President the Indiana Historical Society, In
dianapolis. Mr. A. Howard Clark, Secretary General and Registrar General
S. A. R., Washington.
Mr. Edward Osgood Brown, Chicago.
Mr. Henry Davis, Springfleld, Illinois.
Mr. Leo M. Butzel, Detroit.
Mr. L. F. Knowles, Detroit.
Mr. H. Shearer, M. C. Ry.
Mr. Roger C. Sullivan, Chicago.
Mr. Ed. McGurrin, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dr. O. L. Schmidt, Chicago.
Rev. John D. O'Shea, Roseville.
Rt. Rev. F. F. Eis, Bishop of Marquette.
Mr. J. B. Stimpson, Mackinaw City.
Very Eev. Edward C. Caldwell, Saginaw.
Hon. Augustus C. Carton, Secretary of the Public Domain Com
mission and Commissioner of Immigration.
Hon. Harry A. Conant, United States Consul at Windsor, Ontario.
State Senator John A. Damon, Mt. Pleasant.
State Senator J. Lee Morford, Otsego.
Representative Fred L. Warner, Ionia.
Hon. Lynn J. Lewis, Bangor.
Hon. Charles S. Pierce, Clerk of the ilichigan House of Represen-
tatiA'es. Hon. Servetus A. Correll, .Tudge of Probate, Charlevoix.
Hon. Levi L. Barbour, Detroit.
Hon. Claudius B. Grant, Detroit.
]Most Rev. John .1. Glennon, D. D., Archbishop of St. Louis. ^lis-
souri. Most Rev. Henry Mailer, D. D., Archbishop of Cincinnati, Nor-
\\'of)d, Ohio.
Rt. Rev. P. J. Muldoon, D. D., Rockford, Illinois.
Rt. Rev. J. jM. Koudelka, 1). D., Bishop of Superior, Wisconsin.
Rt. Rev. M. F. Burke, Bishop of St. Joseph, ^Missouri.
Rt. Rev. M. J. Lavelle. ^^ (!., The Cathedral Rectory, New York
City. \'eiy Rev. K. R. Dyer, I). D.. St. Marys University, Baltimore. :\Id.
Rt. \{{'\. F. AV. Gavisk. Indianapolis. -
Rev. Thomas Fagan, Rector of the Church of the Immaculate
Conception, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
.Mother Mary Florence, Alt. St. .Joseph. Ohio.

NICOLET D.iY ON MACKINAC ISLAND. 25
Rev. Stephen A. Wittliff, Pastor St. Patrick's Church, Brighton.
Mr. Edward B. Desenburg, Kalamazoo.
All'. .Tohn B. Drake, Chicago.
Mr. II. H. r;i()well. Grand i;a])i(ls, President Michigan Railway Co.

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