This paper is devoted to consideration of the works and acts of Samuel Champlain who is considered to be the Father of New France and the founder of Quebec. This outstanding man lived between 1575 and 1635 (though his date of birth is not particularly defined).

The goal of this paper is to consider his letters to the King of France and his diaries in which Champlain described his voyages and everything he saw during them. But before we begin considering Champlain’s works in particular, it is necessary to state that using letters (as well as diaries, and eye witness accounts) is very helpful in studying history. The explanation for that is simple. These written documents can present the description of the events which happened centuries ago from the perspective of their contemporaries. Thus, there is no any corruption, adaptation or rendition done by historians of our days (who incidentally may belong to various schools and thus cover the event from a certain point of view). But letters and diaries (as we are going to study in this paper) usually introduce the perspective, impressions and experiences of those who saw the events with their own eyes. This kind of study is indispensable in historical observation and research, and due to it we can live through the occurrences as if we were there in those days.

The main question for the discussion in this paper is in what way Champlain’s letter to the King is that much interesting from the historical perspective. The letter under discussion and the diary following it are devoted to description of Champlain’s journey which he took to New France in 1615-1618. While writing to the King Champlain tells him that this writing is the third volume describing his traveling experiences – visiting the previously unknown land of New France. Champlain tells in the letter that in this volume of his descriptions he is going to describe a much more interesting information for the layman who is not a sailor or a tradesman (for whom the data about harbors and ports, declinations and situation in the local area are the most valuable). This information is devoted to description of the native people themselves, their customs and traditions, their patterns of life and social peculiarities, and their beliefs. What is more, in the letter itself Champlain also states that he is sure that the natives are adequate and friendly and can be introduced to the Christian religion and can become good and decent subjects for the King of France (because New France was supposed to become the part of European France then).

It is interesting to observe the way of awe in which Champlain writes to the King telling His Majesty about the things he has seen and the people he has met. The discoverer is sure that New France will make a wonderful part of France in many means (economical, religious among them). And at the same time Champlain is very positive about the native tribes of the land now called New France and defines as follows: “they are not savage to such an extent that they could not in course of time and through association with others become civilized and cultivated”. As far as it known that Champlain was the governor of Quebec and one of the most active and diligent discoverers of the Northern America we can make a conclusion that he set an example for many other travelers coming to New France in the way of treating and communicating with native people…

This is a free essay sample that you are welcome to use as a source for your own writing. If you’re short on time our professional writers are ready to complete your essays, research papers and thesis 24/7. Unlike this sample your essay will be unique and pass any plagiarism scanner due to the fact that it is written from scratch and according to your specific instructions. Just send us your order form before you go to bed, and your custom written essay can be ready for you to download first thing in the morning. So bookmark this page, and remember that we’re available and ready to help you at any time. Because we actively enjoy writing essays, why not place your order with HQEssays.com now, leaving you more free time to carry out your genuine interest.