46 The French in Prince Edward Island

priest, René-Charles Breslay, who had seen service in Canada among both French and Indians. With him came a younger member of the same order, Marie- Ansélme Metivier, who also had seen service in Can- ada. These two remained until 1723 when they gave place to the Récollets of Brittany, who had estab- lished themselves in Ile Royale. A wooded plot on the shore of the entrance to the harbor was reserved for a burying ground, and in the center a tall black cross was placed to mark the spot and indicate its purpose.

As soon as quarters were prepared and the colo- nists set out, de Gotteville turned his attention to the business of the company. In November he sent de La Ronde to Bay Verte and Beaubassin to procure Aca- dian carpenters for building ships during the winter months; and gave him a free hand to engage such other workmen as he should think necessary, ‘“‘being persuaded that he will do nothing but good in the interest of the colony.” In the following May de La Ronde went to Louisburg to engage and equip every- thing necessary for the Company’s fisheries.”

In the meantime three ships had been built on the island, one of 100 tons for carrying cod to Europe, one of twenty-five tons for the walrus and seal fishery in the Magdalens, and one of sixty-five tons for trade with the West Indies.

These officials had also been improving their knowledge of the colony and its harbors. On Novem- ber 6, 1721, de La Ronde wrote, “We are in Port La

9 De Bonnaventure papers.