Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-02-24

loyal to the French government and
they were quite successful in their eff
forts. In l641, while John. Winslow was
in command of the Pilgrim Trading
from Quebec to Koussinoc and soon
here was a mission chapel establish
, ed by the French Father. This first
missionary on the hennebec was
sent into the wilderness of Maine to
make his abode with the savages, and
the record shows that the Pilgrim
traders gaya him a. cqr siSer
Druillettes throw many vivid lights on
the otherwise almost unknown history
of the Pilgrims in Maine. One Of the
iss rsco1 ana opomas
mission of, the French priest to Bos-
ton and Plymouth, whittier he was ac-
! companied by his faithful friend, John
! Winslow.
The record of this embassy opens
St. Michael's Eve. September 18th.
1850. The French envoy arrived from
Quebec, and had the. pleasure of meet
ing, his friend John WinsIow. who was
Post. On the following morning
Father Gabriel, in his diplomatic char
acter, accompanied by his intelligent
Interpreter. Noel Negabamet, of the
| Sellefy Mission at Quebec, and follow
splendid finery Of the AbenaM braves.
After the opening ceremonies. Noel
presented Winslow with valuable
slft Of beaver beaver skins, and made
the Governor of the St. Lawrence. In
response, Winslow not only accepted
the gift in behalf of the English Coy
ernment, but consented to go person
and Ito do with reference to the gov
ernor and magistrates all that could
be expected Of a good friend A
short time before this the Massachu-
by which no Jesuit priest could set
foot upon their soil under penalty of
death. But notwithstanding this law.
Father Gabriel Druiliettes, as the ac-
credited envoy of the French govern
| ment, ventured to visit the forbidden
territory, and was received with cour-
teous hospitality.
Father Gabriel remained at Ply
mouth large part of The" winter, and
his mission grew in favor in Plymouth.
John Winslow was his steadfast friend
and helper. Governor Bradford sent
captain Willett with letters to New
Haven and Connecticut. urging those
colonies to join the alliance, and the
French Father returned to the Ken
nebec in February confident that his
mission had been a success, but great
was his disappointment, and that of
learned that the colonies, after full
deliberation. did not think II wise for
them TO enter into an alliance that
might involve them in hostilities with
the Iroquois. lthe Great Five Nations),
who later destroyed the great Algon-
quin Tribe of Canada. sss
The Indian word "Koussinoc' of
three syilables, that has been short
ened to 'Cushnoc" OF two syllables,
the Abenakis, of the pilgrims Of the
Mayfiower, on the Kennebec, There
are many of them there is the
meaning of the word ''Koussinoc" and
Indians because. many Of the English
were there. AS we repeat this eupho-
NOUS old Indian name, we think Of
the Pilgrims at koussinoc. and re-
There were many of them there
Massachusetts has honored the Pill
grims' on her own Isoil in a most
National Monument at plymouth.
Massachusetts,. that was erected by
the Federal Government in honor Of
the Pilgrims. and both the State and
State. has made large appropriations
for additional permanent memorials
that will be made. In thus honoring
the Pilgrims of the Mayfiower, Massa-
chusetts honors herself.
The deprivations and hardships Of
the Pilgrims Of the Mayfiower, the
pioneer settlers Of the Kennebec val
ley in Maine. and the long era Of
friendship. love and peace, and up
nation and religion, and with the In
dams. calls for our admiration and
esteem.
Let me say 10 the members of the
Maine Legislature; 1t is a glorious
privilege that you have to leave. q
record that you voted to erect q gran
lite monument on the she OF the abode
of the Pilgrims in Maine. ct the place
generation. Such . privilege may never
come to you again.
We fully realize the call for other
worthy objects. We oppose none for