Champlain made a plan of the island of Ste. Croix, indicating the buildings constructed for the habitation of the settlers.  We observe many isolated tenements forming a large square.  On one side was the residence of Champlain, of Champdore and d’Orville, with a large garden opposite.  Near d’Orville’s residence was a small building set apart for the missionaries.  On the other side may be seen the storehouse, de Monts’ dwelling, a public hall where the people spent their leisure, and a building for Boulay and the workmen.  In an angle of the large square were the residences of Genestou, Sourin, de Beaumont, La Motte, Bourioli and Fougeray.  A small fort is shown at one end of the island, approached by a pathway.  The chapel of the priest Aubry was located near the cannon of the fort.  Such was the plan of the first Acadian settlement.  Much expense had been incurred for a very poor result.

De Monts was the directing spirit of the colony, and in spite of his noble attempts, he realized that his efforts were fruitless and that he would have to try another place for a permanent settlement.  By the direction of his chief, Champlain accordingly undertook to explore the seacoast of Norembega.

De Monts has found a defender in Moreau, who held that Ste. Croix was only intended for winter quarters.  If this had been his intention, we can scarcely believe that he would have incurred so great an expense in building a number of houses.  Lescarbot, whose testimony is most valuable, says:  “When we go into a country to take possession of land we don’t stop on islands to imprison ourselves.  If that island had been supplied with rivers or streams, if the soil had been favourable to agriculture, it would have been half wrong.”  But this island lacked the very first element essential to life, fresh water.

Towards the middle of May, 1605, every one’s attention was directed towards France, as the ships which had been expected for over a month had not yet arrived.  De Monts then determined to send his party to Gaspe in two large boats to join Pont-Grave.  At this juncture, however, Pont-Grave arrived at Ste. Croix with his crew, comprising forty men.

De Monts and Pont-Grave held a consultation and decided to seek a more suitable place for a settlement, rather than to return to France.  De Monts was still under the impression that the best plan was to attempt to settle in the vicinity of Florida, although the result of Champlain’s exploration along the coast of the Norembega[5] was considered unsatisfactory.

Let us now examine what Champlain had accomplished during the month of September, 1604.