Jack


 * //__ Diary Entry 01, 1683, February 16th Francois Mottierre __//**

At last, something in which I may write my thoughts, I become so lonely on these cold winter nights. Spring is approaching, and the Indians are in full swing ceremonies. They dance, sing, and sometimes welcome me to join them. I do not much care for their celebrations of the land, I am a businessman, and I know spring means fur. My last trip back to the Colony was about a year and a half ago. In July, I will make my return, and sell the furs which I have captured. I do not feel remorse for the small creatures that are called beavers, for the Indians assure me that they are rather fond reproduction. I hope to bring in at least one canoe full this season, as the last haul did not lead much yield in crowns, I am sure this year I will be most profitable. The town I return my furs to regularly has recently been the victim of misfortune, the regular group of men who bring pelts to the colony have all but disappeared, and did not return this year. I hope that in my return they will pay higher than usual, although I doubt to keep much of the crowns I receive for too long. I figure that in coming in from the south they will see my group and think us the regular couriers who sell to them, in doing this I believe they will trust us more. The natives were certainly gullible, which gives me some confidence that my people will also be a victim of deception, I always tell myself that the fortune smiles upon those who seek profit. The wind is picking up now and I fear for the integrity of the fire, I must go and tend to it now.

The weather today was most interesting, whereas most of the month it has been immense with snowfall, the sun was in full shine. I used the warmer weather to get a head start on the beaver hunt; this good fortune gives me high hopes for the spring. The beaver coats are most full right now, and I am sure to sell them for many crowns, I am also sure the new boat of filles du roi will be most anxious to have a coat made of this fine batch. Speaking of the filles, I have seen a few that are much more desirable than usual on this boat, a few enough so to make me double check my life as a courier. These thoughts are flushed rather quickly however; I know the church would have me burned before I could rejoin the colony and live a regular life, heavily reinforced by the Mother Abelina and her god loving company. Life as a courier truly is inescapable, but the good parts of life really do shine. I saw one of my counterparts Jacques Jaqueson passing through the forest with Jaynes Klouch, this was humorous to me as I believe Klouch’s in adeptness in the arts of the woods will be Jacques undoing, oh how profitable that could be. Thoughts about other couriers, regardless of my level of acquaintance ship with them do bring on a bit of nostalgia. I long for the warm summer days of France, the smells of the local bakery, and the beautiful dresses donned by the beautiful ladies, ah what a country she was. France is not so anymore however, that really is why I left for this fur business, I hated what my country had turned in too. The moon dwindles now; I fear if I do not sleep now I may miss most of tomorrow, I bid my journal adieu.
 * //__ Diary Entry 02, 1683, February 27th Francois Mottierre  __//**

Bibliography: Section: Couriers de Bois from the book “Life in New France” by Rosemary Neering.  [] []