The new administration of the Duke of Montmorency created dissatisfaction amongst the merchants of the society, which in fact had only changed its name of the “Company of Rouen” to the “Company of Montmorency or of de Caen.”  The associates forming the old company had hoped that Champlain would have been placed in the shade, especially when they learned that he intended to fortify Quebec and settle in the country.  No action, however, was taken until the new company had commenced its administration.  Champlain remained in ignorance of these facts until the arrival of the vessels in the spring of 1621, when he received letters from M. de Puiseux, secretaire des commandements du roi, from the intendant Dolu, from de Villemenon, intendant of the admiralty, from Guillaume de Caen, one of the members of the new association, and from the viceroy, which last is here given:—­

“Monsieur Champlain:  For many reasons I have thought fit to exclude the former Company of Rouen and St. Malo from the trade with New France, and to assist you and provide you with everything necessary, I have chosen the Sieurs de Caen, uncle and nephew, and their associates:  one is a good merchant, and the other a good naval captain, who can aid you well, and make the authority of the king respected in my government.  I recommend you to assist him and those who shall apply to you on his part, so as to maintain them in the enjoyment of the articles which I have granted them.  I have charged the Sieur Dolu, intendant of the affairs of the country, to send you a copy of the treaty by the first voyage, so that you may know to what they are bound, in order that they may execute their engagement, as, on my part, I desire to perform what I have promised.

     “I have taken care to preserve your appointments, as I believe you
     will continue to serve the king well.

     “Your most affectionate and perfect friend,

“Montmorency.

     “From Paris, February 2nd, 1621.”

The letter of Louis XIII was also satisfactory: 

“Champlain:  I have perceived by your letters of August 15th, with what affection you work at your establishment, and for all that regards the good of my service:  for which, as I am thankful to you, so I shall have pleasure in recognizing it to your advantage whenever the occasion shall offer:  and I have willingly granted some munitions of war, which were required to give you better means to subsist and to continue in that good duty, which I promise myself from your care and fidelity.”

     “Paris, February 24th, 1621.

“Louis.”

It was in this manner that the sentence of death was given to the old company.

Several members of the old Company of Rouen and St. Malo were incorporated in the Company of Montmorency, which was composed of Guillaume de Caen, Ezechiel de Caen, Guillaume Robin, three merchants of Rouen; Francois de Troyes, president of the treasury of France at Orleans; Jacques de Troyes, merchant; Claude Le Ragois, general receiver of finance at Limoges; Arnould de Nouveau, Pierre de Verton, councillor and secretary of the king, and Francois Herve, merchant of Paris.  The two brothers de Caen belonged to the reformed religion.