THE OHIO VALLEY-GREAT LAKES ETHNOHISTORY
ARCHIVES: THE MIAMI COLLECTION
It is noted that the following work from the Miami Archives should be read and
considered within the historical context in which it was composed and printed.
The opinions expressed and the language used do not reflect the opinions or
standards of the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, but are, rather,
indicative of thought in that historical moment during which the document was
published.
Jesuit Relations
Vol. 55, (1670-1672)
|
pp. |
|
183-185. |
Of the Mission of St. Francois Xavier, and the Nations Dependent Thereon.
This Mission embraces eight different Nations, or even more, if we include some unsettled tribes which sustain relations to it.
The first to receive our attention, and the best instructed in the faith, are the people living at the head of the Bay commonly called des Puans. This name, which is the same as that given by the Savages to those who live near the sea, it bears perhaps somewhat because the odor of the marshes surrounding this Bay resembles that of the sea; and, besides, there can hardly be more violent blasts of wind on the Ocean than are experienced in this region, accompanied by very heavy and almost continual thunder.
[156 i.e., 158] Four Nations make their abode here,-- to wit, the people named Puans (Stinkards), who have always lived here as in their own country, and who have been reduced to nothing from their very flourishing and populous state in the past, having been exterminated by the Ilinois, their enemies; the Pouteouatami, the Ousaki, and the nation of the Fork also live here, but as foreigners, driven by their fear of the Iroquois from their own territories, which lie between the Lake of the Hurons and that of the Ilinois.
A fifth Nation, known as "the Wild-Oats people," because this grain grows in their country, dwells on the banks of a river of considerable beauty, which empties into this same Bay, 15 or 20 leagues from its head.
Proceeding inland by another river at the very end of the Bay, we pursue our course, and, turning to the right, encounter the Nation of the Outagami,-- a proud and arrogant people; while at no great distance is another, called the Nantoue. Then, ascending the same [157 i.e., 159] river toward the left, we find the Maskoutench and Oumami Nations, who are more civilized and gentle, as will be shown below.
All these Nations are included in the Mission of saint Francois Xavier. . . . .
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