In order to establish good order throughout the country, Champlain published certain ordinances, which should be regarded as the first code of Canadian laws.  Although it was desirable to maintain peace, it was also necessary to prepare to resist the attacks of the Iroquois, who were becoming more and more active.  A party of the Iroquois had approached Quebec, and were observed to be rambling in the vicinity of the Recollets’ convent, on the north shore of the River St. Charles.  They finally made an attack, but they were repulsed with loss by the French and the Montagnais, whose chief was Mahicanaticouche, Champlain’s friend.  This chief was the son of the famous Anadabijou, who had contracted the first alliance with the French at Tadousac in 1603.

In the year 1623, the vessels arrived from France later than usual, and the rendezvous took place at Cape de la Victoire on July 23rd.  On this occasion the following persons were present:  Champlain, Pont-Grave, Guillaume de Caen, Captain Duchesne, des Marets, De Vernet, Etienne Brule, an interpreter, Loquin, a clerk, Father Nicholas Viel, and Brother Sagard-Theodat.

On his return to Quebec, Champlain declared that certain sailors had appropriated a number of beaver skins, and he therefore confiscated them and had them placed in the store, pending the decision of the company.  This infraction of the rules of commerce was trifling when compared with the contraband which was carried on freely in the lower St. Lawrence.  The merchants of La Rochelle and the Basques were the most notorious in this respect.  Their vessels were constantly sailing from one shore to another, trading furs, although they had no authority to do so.  They were found at Tadousac, at Bic, and at Green Island.  The Spanish, English and Dutch vessels also carried on an illegitimate trade in the same waters.  Champlain mentions the fact that a Spanish captain, whose vessel was anchored at Green Island, had sent his sailors at night to Tadousac, in order that they might watch what was being done, and hear what was being said on board the Admiral.

At the commencement of the spring of 1624, a dark cloud hung over New France.  The winter had been severe, and provisions were scarce.  Champlain had only four barrels of flour in the store, so that he was anxiously awaiting assistance.  On June 2nd he received good news.  A vessel of sixty tons was anchored at Tadousac, laden with pease, biscuits and cider.  To the starving settlement this was most welcome, and some days after Guillaume de Caen arrived with still more provisions.

After having traded at Three Rivers, de Caen visited Quebec, the Island of Orleans, and the vicinity of Cape Tourmente and the neighbouring islands.  He was now the proprietor of these lands, having received them as a gift from the Duke of Montmorency.