As for gold, the mere fact that it has not yet been discovered proves nothing against its existence." Without replying to this, Simon continued: "These be our grievances, and to remedy them we pray his Excellency to allow us to construct here as speedily as may be a vessel such as will suffice to carry us back whence we came.

We also pray that he will in person lead us from this evil place back to our own country, always supposing that his health permits." The good Le Moyne was much disturbed by this bold proposal, and attempted to persuade the men to abandon their wild scheme and return to their duties, awaiting patiently meantime the arrival of the promised reinforcements from France.

They insisted, however, that they would not take their leave of him without hearing from the commandant himself, and Le Moyne was finally forced to comply with their request, and deliver their message to Laudonniere.
Upon receiving a report of what had occurred, the chevalier was highly indignant; and but for the extreme weakness which the fever had laid upon him, he would have arisen and gone out to the mutineers.

As this was impossible, he sent answer to them that he could not for a moment consider their proposal.

He and they had been sent to take and hold possession of that country by their King, and here he should remain until he received other instructions from the same source.