Summary
Highlights
After weeks of searching, Champlain and his allies discovered a large group of Iroquois (referred to as 'arquaa' in the transcript) during the night. The next morning, the war party prepared to reveal their secret weapon. Champlain's companions and he moved into position, armed with light armor and 'arbo' (likely referring to muskets or arquebuses).
Champlain observed the enemy emerging from their barricade, approaching with dignity. He was informed that those wearing three large plumes were the chiefs, and he was instructed to target them. Champlain vowed to act courageously. Upon noticing him, the enemy halted, gazing at him as he did at them.
Champlain loaded his 'arabo' with four balls. When both sides came into sight, the enemy raised loud cries. Arrows flew from both sides. Seeing their chiefs fall, the enemy lost courage and fled into the woods, where Champlain pursued and killed more of them.
Champlain's objective was not conquest but to wage war for the sake of peace. He intended to use this punitive expedition to restore peace to the St. Lawrence Valley.