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[Illustration: Front Cover.]


[Illustration: COUNT FRONTENAC.
From a Statue at Quebec.]






HEROES OF THE MIDDLE WEST

The French

BY

MARY HARTWELL CATHERWOOD


  GINN AND COMPANY

  BOSTON . NEW YORK . CHICAGO . LONDON
  ATLANTA . DALLAS . COLUMBUS . SAN FRANCISCO




  Copyright, 1898
  By MARY HARTWELL CATHERWOOD

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
  317.8

  The Athenaeum Press
  GINN AND COMPANY . PROPRIETORS . BOSTON . U. S. A.




PREFACE.


Let any one who thinks it an easy task attempt to cover the French
discovery and occupation of the middle west, from Marquette and Jolliet
to the pulling down of the French flag on Fort Chartres, vivifying men,
and while condensing events, putting a moving picture before the eye.
Let him prepare this picture for young minds accustomed only to the
modern aspect of things and demanding a light, sure touch. Let him
gather his material