Note 74 — AN Historical Journal OF THE Late Monsieur de la Sale’s LAST VOYAGE INTO North America To Discover the River MISSISIPI. (continued 2)
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La Salle, now apparently convinced that in his approach by sea, he had missed the mouth of the Mississippi which he so eagerly sought, determined to retrace, by land, the long route to Canada, in order to secure supplies and succor for the little colony in Texas, and to report their state to France. In this design, he appears to have been even more reticent than usual; since few, if any, seem to have been informed of the real extent of the journey before them.
Almost at the outset of their undertaking, the little frigate Belle, which was to have accompanied them—as far as possible—along the coast—was lost, and all of her crew perished, except three or four, who were washed ashore, and rejoined Joutel’s party, only after three months’ absence.