“That the ship in which they were to embark for France should be
     ready in three days after their arrival at Tadousac, and a vessel
     provided for the transport of their goods, etc., to that place.”

These articles were signed by Champlain and Pont-Grave.  After having read them Louis Kirke sent this answer:  “That Kirke’s commission should be shown and his powers to his brothers for trading purposes.  As to providing a vessel to take Champlain and his people direct to France, that could not be done, but they would give them passage to England, and from there to France, whereby they would avoid being again taken by any English cruiser on their route.  For the sauvagesses, that clause could not be granted, for reasons which would be explained.  As to leaving with arms and baggage, the officers might take with them their arms, clothes, and peltries belonging to them, and the soldiers might have their clothes and a beaver robe each.  As for the holy fathers, they must be contented with their robes and books.

                                        “L.  Kirke. 
                                        “Thomas Kirke.

     “The said articles granted to Champlain and Du Pont, I accept and
     ratify them, and I promise that they shall be executed from point
     to point.  Done at Tadousac, August 19th (new style), 1629.

“David Kirke.”

The clause forbidding the soldiers to take their arms, coats and peltry, excepting a castor robe, was a severe trial to them, as many of them had bought skins from the Hurons to the extent of seven to eight hundred francs, and preferred to fight rather than lose their fortune.

Champlain had agreed to capitulate without firing.  Some openly reproached Champlain, saying that it was not the fear of death that actuated his course, but rather the loss of the thousand livres, which the English had agreed to give him if he abandoned Quebec without striking a blow.

Champlain was informed of all the murmurs and discontent which were expressed amongst his people by a young Greek, who was charged to inform him that they did not wish to surrender, and even if they lost their fort, they desired to prove to the English that they were full of courage.  Champlain was annoyed at these exhibitions of insubordination, and he instructed the Greek to give the people this answer:—­“You are badly advised and unwise.  How can you desire resistance when we have no provisions, no ammunition, or any prospect of relief?  Are you tired of living, or do you expect to be victorious under such circumstances?  Obey those who desire your safety and who do nothing without prudence.”