But the old warrior was then no more.  On returning to Quebec from his war against the Onondagas he had thrown himself into an active quarrel with Champigny, the intendant, as to the establishment and maintenance of French posts throughout the West.  To the last Frontenac remained an advocate of the policy which sought to place France in control of the Great Lakes and the Mississippi.  Champigny complained of the expense and the Jesuits lamented the immorality which life in the forest encouraged among young men.  It was an old quarrel renewed under conditions which Made the issue more important than ever, for with open war between French and English it became of vital moment to control points which were, or might be, strategic.

This dispute with Champigny was the last incident in Frontenac’s stormy life.  It remains to the credit of both governor and intendant that their differences on matters of policy did not make them irreconcilable enemies.  On the 28th of November 1698 Frontenac died at the Chateau St Louis after an illness of less than a month.  He had long been a hero of the people, and his friendship with the Recollets shows that he had some true allies among the clergy.  No one in Canada could deny the value of his services at the time of crisis—­which was not a matter of months but of years.  Father Goyer, of the Recollets, delivered a eulogy which in fervour recalls Bossuet’s funeral orations over members of the royal family.  But the most touching valedictory was that from Champigny, who after many differences had become Frontenac’s friend.  In communicating to the Colonial Office tidings of the governor’s death, Champigny says:  ’On the 28th of last month Monsieur le Comte de Frontenac died, with the sentiments of a true Christian.  After all our disputes, you will hardly believe, Monseigneur, how truly and deeply I am touched by his death.  He treated me during his illness in a manner so obliging that I should be utterly devoid of gratitude if I did not feel thankful to him.’

There is a well-known portrait of Madame de Frontenac, which may still be seen at Versailles.  Of Frontenac himself no portrait whatever exists.  Failing his likeness from brush or pencil, we must image to ourselves as best we may the choleric old warrior who rescued New France in her hour of need.  In seeking to portray his character the historian has abundant materials for the period of his life in Canada, though we must regret the dearth of information for the years which separate his two terms of office.  There is also a bad gap in our sources for the period which precedes his first appointment as governor.  What we have from Madame de Montpensier and Saint-Simon is useful, but their statements are far from complete and provoke many questions which must remain unanswered.  His letters and reports as governor of Canada exist in considerable numbers, but it must remain a source of lasting regret that his private correspondence has perished.