As for gold, the mere fact that it has not yet
been discovered proves nothing against its existence."
Without replying to this, Simon continued:
"These be our grievances, and to remedy them we pray his Excellency to
allow us to construct here as speedily as may be a vessel such as will
suffice to carry us back whence we came. We also pray that he will in
person lead us from this evil place back to our own country, always
supposing that his health permits."
The good Le Moyne was much disturbed by this bold proposal, and
attempted to persuade the men to abandon their wild scheme and return
to their duties, awaiting patiently meantime the arrival of the
promised reinforcements from France. They insisted, however, that they
would not take their leave of him without hearing from the commandant
himself, and Le Moyne was finally forced to comply with their request,
and deliver their message to Laudonniere.
Upon receiving a report of what had occurred, the chevalier was highly
indignant; and but for the extreme weakness which the fever had laid
upon him, he would have arisen and gone out to the mutineers. As this
was impossible, he sent answer to them that he could not for a moment
consider their proposal. He and they had been sent to take and hold
possession of that country by their King, and here he should remain
until he received other instructions from the same source. As for
them, his orders were that they instantly resume their duties, and use
all diligence in strengthening the fort, and preparing for an attack
which might at any moment be made upon it by the savages from the south.
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