To the extent that Jean Nicolet is remembered it is as the discoverer of Green Bay. In “The Misunderstood Mission of Jean Nicolet” author Patrick J. Jung presents an in-depth study of the purposes of Nicolet’s 1634 journey. In order to accomplish this, he lays the background of New France and the Indian nations involved.

Jung begins by relating the explanations generally advanced of a voyage of discovery searching for a passage to China then proceeds to replace that theory with his that Nicolet was engaged in a diplomatic mission intended to establish peaceful relations with the Indians of the Wisconsin region.

The background is laid with extensive narratives concerning the life and career of Samuel de Champlain, the development of the Colony of New France, Nicolet’s biography and the characteristics, locations and relations of various Indian tribes along Lake Michigan and Green Bay. While advancing his theory, Jung acknowledges that the 1634 voyage is shrouded in the fog of time and unclear records.

Nicolet was a native of France who came to New France where he became acquainted with the Indians of his area, which was typical of the few French in New France of his day. Why did he journey to the west? Was it to find a route to the Orient and did he take along an Oriental robe to impress those he found, or was it a cape that would be appropriate for a diplomatic mission? This author espouses the diplomatic concept and presents his evidence that the French already new that the Great Lakes did not lead to the Orient and that the purpose of the voyage was to establish peaceful trading relations with the Indians of the Green Bay area. In doing so challenges much that passes for early Wisconsin history.

As a frequent visitor to Wisconsin I found the description of the tribes, the Puans, who evolved into the Winnebago and contemporary Ho-Chunk, Ottawas, Hurons and Menominees who all played their parts along the shores to be fascinating. Jung’s discovery that the term “Stinkards” referred not to the Indians’ hygiene but to the smell of the waters along which they lived is memorable trivia. Although I had read much about the French settlement of North America I learned more and gained a clearer understanding of the early days of New France than I ever had before.

Although the actual narrative of this tome fills only 179 pages, I would not categorize it as a fast read. The reader is challenged to think in order to process the message and to understand the relationships between the French and Indian dramatis personae. I mention this not as a criticism. I found the text so interesting that I wanted to devote the time to absorb its points and its history. I hope you will too.

I received a free copy of this book without an obligation to post a review. ( )