were shortly after discovered in a wigwam who gave every information necessary for the attack on the town. The fire found in their hut served to warm those who were benumbed, and they continued their march, having previously detached Giguières, a Canadian, with nine Indians, on the scout. They discovered no one, and returned to join the main body within one league of Corlard.
At eleven of the clock at night, they came within sight of the town, resolved to defer the assault until two o'clock of the morning. But the excessive cold admitted of no further delay.
The town of Corlard forms a sort of oblong with only two gates — one opposite where our party had halted ; the other opening towards Orange, which is only six leagues distant. Messieurs de Sainte Héléne and de Mantet were to enter at the first which the squaws pointed out, and which, in fact, was found wide open. Messieurs d'Iberville and de Montesson took the left with another detachment, in order to make themselves masters of that leading to Orange. But they could not discover it, and returned to join the remainder of the party. A profound silence was every where observed, until the two Commanders, who separated after having entered the town for the purpose of encircling it, met at the other extremity.
The signal of attack was given Indian fashion, and the entire force rushed on simultaneously.
M. de Mantet placed himself at the head of one detachment, and reached a small fort where the garrison was under arms. The gate was burst in after a good deal of difficulty, the whole set on fire, and all who defended the place slaughtered.
The sack of the town began a moment before the attack on the fort. Few houses made any resistance. M. de Montigny discovered several which he attempted to carry sword in hand, having tried the musket in vain. He received two thrusts of a halbert (pertuissane) one in the body and the other in the arm. But M. de Sainte Héléne having come to his aid, effected an entrance, and put every one who defended the place to the sword. The Massacre lasted two hours. The remainder of the night was spent in placing sentinels, and in taking some rest.
The house belonging to the Minister was ordered to be saved, so as to take him alive to obtain information from him ; but as it was not known, it was not spared any more than the others. He was killed in it and his papers burnt before he could be recognized.
At day break some men were sent to the dwelling of Mr. Condre who
