A description of Louisiana

Preface

The work of Father Louis Hennepin here given is the most graphic account of La Salle's course of exploration as far as Illinois, and the only detailed narrative of Hennepin's own voyage up the Mississippi to the Sioux country during which he visited and named the Falls of Saint Anthony.

Doubts thrown upon Hennepin by the evident falsity of a later work bearing his name, have led to a general charge of falsehood against him. In justice to him, it must be admitted that there are grounds for believing that his notes were adapted by an unscrupulous editor, and the second book altered even after it was printed.

His original work hsre given in full for the first time in English, is supported to a remarkable degree by all contemporary authorities, by topography and Indian life. The charge made by Margry that it is a plagiarism is utterly absurd.

6 Pi^EFACE.

To bring together in English matter scattered in various volumes bearing on the questions in regard to Hennepin, I have added the account of the pretended voyage down the Mississippi in the Nouvelle Decouverte ; an account of Hennepin's capture from the Margry documents ; the account given by La Salle in his letter of August 22, 1682 ; the account given in the work ascribed to Tonty, and lastly the Report of Du Lhut to the Marquis de Seignelay of his visit to the Sioux country in v^hich he relieved or rescued Hennepin.

I must express my thanks for valuable aid received from Mr. H. A. Homes, George H.

Moore, LL.D., and Gen. J. Watts de Peyster. JOHN GILMARY SHEA.

Elizabeth, June 12, 1880.

CONTENTS-

Notice on Father Louis Hennepin, g

On the authenticity of Father Hennepin's works, 31

Hennepin's Description of Louisiana 41

Dedication to Louis XIV, 4-1

Royal Privilege, 48

La Salle's Earlier Explorations, 51

Obtains grant of Fort Frontenac, 52