A strong prejudice existed in the army against the Abbe Piquet for
his opposition to the presence of French troops in his Indian
missionary villages. They demoralized his neophytes, and many of
the officers shared in the lucrative traffic of fire-water to the
Indians. The Abbe was zealous in stopping those abuses, and the
officers complained bitterly of his over-protection of the Indians.
The famous "King's Missionary," as he was called, stood up with an
air of dignity and authority that seemed to assert his right to be
present in the Council of War, for the scornful looks of many of the
officers had not escaped his quick glance.
The keen black eyes, thin resolute lips, and high swarthy forehead
of the Abbe would have well become the plumed hat of a marshal of
France. His loose black robe, looped up for freedom, reminded one
of a grave senator of Venice whose eye never quailed at any policy,
however severe, if required for the safety of the State.
The Abbe held in his hand a large roll of wampum, the tokens of
treaties made by him with the Indian nations of the West, pledging
their alliance and aid to the great Onontio, as they called the
Governor of New France.
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