If Champlain had refused to make an alliance with these Indians, they would have been a constant source of trouble, for although they were less ferocious than the Iroquois, they were still barbarians.  Champlain and his few men could never have established a settlement at Quebec if they had been forced to encounter the hostility of the neighbouring Indians, for the whole of his work could have been overthrown by them in a single day.

The country of the Iroquois, on the contrary, was situated at a great distance, and consequently he had not so much to fear from them.  It was Champlain’s desire, however, to make a treaty with the Iroquois as well, for they were at this time even, and long after remained, the terror of North America.  But war seemed necessary to the existence of the Iroquois, and Champlain, notwithstanding the exercise of his diplomacy, found it impossible to pacify these restless people.

It is true that the people of New Netherland had been able to maintain a neutral stand towards the Iroquois, and Champlain has been blamed for not following this example.  It must be borne in mind, however, that the Dutch were powerful and numerous, and it was to their interest to live in harmony with their immediate neighbours, the Iroquois.  The Dutch had also different intentions towards the Indians.  They came to America simply to trade, and to establish themselves and live quietly along the shores of the Hudson River, while Champlain’s idea was to civilize the Indians and bring them under the influence of the Catholic missionaries.

Champlain and the allied Indians left Quebec on June 28th, 1609.  Des Marets, La Routte, a pilot, and nine men accompanied the expedition.  On their voyage they passed certain rivers to which Champlain gave the following names, Ste. Suzanne (River du Loup), du Pont (Nicolet), de Genes (Yamaska), and the Three Rivers.[11] The party stopped at the entrance of the Iroquois River.  Continuing their journey southwards, they arrived at the Chambly Rapids.  “No Christians had been in this place before us,” says Champlain.  Seeing no prospect of being able to cross the rapids alone, Champlain embarked with the Indians in their canoes, taking only two men with him.  Champlain’s army, comprising sixty men, then proceeded slowly towards Lake Champlain, and a few days after the party arrived at Lake St. Sacrament (Lake George).  On July 29th they encountered the Iroquois, who had come to fight, at the extremity of Lake Champlain, on the western bank.  The entire night was spent by each army in dancing and singing, and in bandying words.  At daybreak Champlain’s men stood to arms.  The Iroquois were composed of about two hundred men, stout and rugged in appearance, with their three chiefs at their head, who could be distinguished by their large plumes.  The Indians opened their ranks and called upon Champlain to go to the front.  The arrows were beginning to fly on both sides when Champlain discharged his musket, which was loaded with four balls, and killed two of the chiefs and mortally wounded the third.  This unexpected blow caused great alarm among the Iroquois, who lost courage, abandoned their camp and took to flight, seeking shelter in the woods.  Fifteen or sixteen men of Champlain’s party were wounded, but the enemy had many wounded, and ten or twelve were taken prisoners.