Peter Schuyler and his
colleague Dellius brought to Canada all the French prisoners in the
hands of the English of New York, and asked for English prisoners in
return; but nearly all of these preferred to remain, a remarkable
proof of the kindness with which the Canadians treated their civilized
captives.
CHAPTER XX.
1698.
DEATH OF FRONTENAC.
HIS LAST HOURS--HIS WILL--HIS FUNERAL--HIS EULOGIST AND HIS
CRITIC.--HIS DISPUTES WITH THE CLERGY--HIS CHARACTER.
In November, when the last ship had gone, and Canada was sealed from
the world for half a year, a mortal illness fell upon the governor. On
the twenty-second, he had strength enough to dictate his will, seated
in an easy-chair in his chamber at the chateau. His colleague and
adversary, Champigny, often came to visit him, and did all in his
power to soothe his last moments. The reconciliation between them was
complete. One of his Recollet friends, Father Olivier Goyer,
administered extreme unction; and, on the afternoon of the
twenty-eighth, he died, in perfect composure and full possession of
his faculties. He was in his seventy-eighth year.
He was greatly beloved by the humbler classes, who, days before his
death, beset the chateau, praising and lamenting him.
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