Hopeful that the mere sight of his armada would compel surrender, Phips first sent an envoy to Frontenac under protection of the white flag.  This messenger after being blindfolded was led to the Chateau and brought before the governor, who had staged for his reception one of the impressive spectacles he loved to prepare.  Surrounding Frontenac, as Louis XIV might have been surrounded by the grandees of France, were grouped the aristocracy of New France—­the officers of the French regulars and the Canadian militia.  Nothing had been omitted which could create an impression of dignity and strength.  Costume, demeanour, and display were all employed to overwhelm the envoy with the insulted majesty of the king of France.  Led into this high presence the messenger delivered his letter, which, when duly interpreted, was found to convey a summary ultimatum.  Phips began by stating that the war between France and England would have amply warranted this expedition even ’without the destruction made by the French and Indians, under your command and encouragement, upon the persons and estates of their Majesties’ subjects of New England, without provocation on their part.’  Indeed, ’the cruelties and barbarities used against them by the French and Indians might, upon the present opportunity, prompt unto a severe revenge.’  But seeking to avoid all inhumane and unchristian-like actions, Phips announces that he will be content with ’a present surrender of your forts and castles, undemolished, and the King’s and other stores, unimbezzled, with a seasonable delivery of all captives; together with a surrender of all your persons and estates to my dispose; upon the doing whereof, you may expect mercy from me, as a Christian, according to what shall be found for their Majesties’ service and the subjects’ security.  Which, if you refuse forthwith to do, I am come provided and am resolved, by the help of God in whom I trust, by force of arms to revenge all wrongs and injuries offered, and bring you under subjection to the Crown of England, and, when too late, make you wish you had accepted of the favour tendered.  Your answer positive in an hour, returned by your own trumpet, with the return of mine, is required upon the peril that will ensue.’

To this challenge Frontenac at once returned the answer which comported with his character.  When Phips’s envoy took out his watch to register the hour permitted by the ultimatum, Frontenac rejoined that he required no time for deliberation, but would return his answer by the mouth of the cannon.  The ground which he assigned for the invasion of New England was that its people had rebelled against their lawful prince, the ally of France.  Other more personal observations were directed towards the manner in which Phips had behaved at Port Royal.  No word in writing would Frontenac send.  The envoy (who was only a subaltern) received his conge, was blindfolded and led back to his boat.