| Notes |
Letter sent to John A. McAllister accompanied the relic, “Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Oct. 21, 1858 My Dear Friend, On my return home
I found a piece of wood that has been sent to me from Mr. John Laird, of Quebec, which he assures me is a well authenticated
piece of the Petite Hermine, one of Jacques Cartier’s vessels which he abandoned there in the spring of 1536. It was brought
up from about ten feet below the surface of the mud, and with it was an ancient ‘chain plate’ such as has now been used in
modern vessels. From the character of Mr. Laird, I am convinced that it is what it purports to be. I thought you might be
willing to accept a small piece of such a curious relic, so I send it to you with the kindest regards of myself, Mrs. L. and
Miss L. Yours very truly, Benson J. Lossing.”
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