Charles le Moyne, a native of Dieppe…
1666 CE
Charles le Moyne, a native of Dieppe who had spent his first four years in New France in Huron country with the Jesuits where he learned native languages, had by 1645 been posted to the Trois-Rivières garrison as an interpreter, a clerk, and a soldier.
He had moved in 1646 to Ville-Marie (at present-day Montreal) where he is to spend the remainder of his career and his life.
Le Moyne's career is highlighted by various Indian skirmishes, the most noteworthy of which may be an ill-fated expedition to Iroquois country in 1666, ordered by Daniel de Rémy de Courcelle, who has the Carignan-Salières Regiment and their Lieutenant General Alexander de Prouville, Sieur de Tracy at his command.
Through Alexander de Prouville and by personal expeditions, he carries out an aggressive war against the Iroquois peoples.
The leader of the Regiment, the Marquis de Salières, had recognizes that little can be accomplished without more carpenters, skilled craftsman, or basic necessities such as shoes and cooking equipment.
After building three forts and preparing to stay over in them throughout the winter, orders come from Governor de Courcelle that the men must make an offensive against the Iroquois.
During the expedition, not one Iroquois is found, and many of the men die due to the harsh conditions.
This bitter setback is countered by the events that follow in the autumn of 1666.
The regiment is ordered to continue into the territory of the Iroquois, and they find their fortifications abandoned.
It turns out that the Iroquois have suffered greatly under a smallpox epidemic, and wish to engage in peace talks with the French.
A treaty us signed that is to succeed in keeping peace for twenty years.