In the factum to the king Champlain explained that France would derive benefit from the colonization of Canada, provided workmen and labourers were sent to the country.  He also set forth the necessity of improving the defense of the colony, as an attack might be expected at any time from the English or Dutch.  Champlain pointed out to the king, at the same time, that by developing New France, he would be propagating the Catholic faith amongst infidels, and that he would add to his wealth by reason of the revenue to be derived from the vast forests of Canada.  He also made known to the king some of the projects which he had in view.  Amongst these were certain buildings and works which he proposed to carry out.  Quebec was to be named Ludovica, in honour of the king.  A church was to be erected and dedicated under the title of Redeemer, and a fort was to be constructed on the cape of Quebec, flanked with four bastions, which would command the river St. Lawrence.  A second fort was to be built opposite Quebec, which would complete the defense of the face of the town, and a third fort would be constructed at Tadousac on a promontory naturally fortified, to be manned by a garrison which would be relieved every six months.

These arrangements would provide for the defense of the country.  Champlain also intended to look after the education and the spiritual wants of the settlement, by sending fifteen friars of the Recollet order to New France, who were to found a convent near the Church of the Redeemer.  The king was also asked to send one hundred families to the colony, each composed of a husband and wife and two children or a servant under twenty years of age.  With these provisions Champlain believed that a settlement might be established in the name of France, which would remain loyal to her interests, since it would rest upon the sure foundation of strength, justice, commerce, and agriculture.

In his explanations to the Board of Trade Champlain dwelt upon the advantages which were to be derived from fishing, from the lumber industry, agriculture and cattle raising, and from the working of the mines and from trading.  In short he endeavoured to induce the associates to continue their operations.  The members, however, were under the impression that colonization would place obstacles in the way of commerce, and that the inhabitants would soon monopolize the trade.  Some of the associates who were Protestants objected to colonization under Catholic influence, and understanding that Champlain was a staunch Catholic, they decided to have Pont-Grave appointed as lieutenant of the viceroy, in his place.

Champlain was much affected on finding that he had a rival in Pont-Grave whom he had always respected as a father, neither would he accept such a humiliating position.  The king, however, intervened at this time, and wrote a letter to the associates, requesting them to aid Champlain.

     “BY THE KING.