In vain Radisson
protested that he had given his promise to the French before they
surrendered the fort. The English distrusted foreigners. The
Frenchmen had been mustered on the ships to receive last instructions.
They were told that they were to be taken to England. No chance was
given them to escape. Some of the French had gone inland with the
Indians. Of Jean's colony, these alone remained. When Radisson
realized the conspiracy, he advised his fellow-countrymen to make no
resistance; for he feared that some of the English bitter against him
might seize on the pretext of a scuffle to murder the French. His
advice proved wise. He had strong friends at the English court, and
atonement was made for the breach of faith to the French.
The ships set sail on the 4th of September and arrived in England on
the 23d of October. Without waiting for the coach, Radisson hired a
horse and spurred to London in order to give his version first of the
quarrel on the bay. The Hudson's Bay Company was delighted with the
success of Radisson. He was taken before the directors, given a
present of a hundred guineas, and thanked for his services. He was
once more presented to the King and the Duke of York. The company
redeemed its promise to Radisson by employing the Frenchmen of the
surrendered fort and offering to engage young Groseillers at 100 pounds
a year.[7]
[Illustration: Hudson Bay Dog Trains laden with Furs arriving at Lower
Fort Garry, Red River.
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