The Plowshare and the Sword: A Tale of Old Quebec

by John Trevena

"The Plowshare and the Sword: A Tale of Old Quebec" by Ernest George Henham is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story takes place in 1637 during the early colonial days of Quebec, and it revolves around themes of empire, conflict, and the struggles between European settlers and indigenous peoples. The main character, Abbé La Salle, is depicted as a martial priest embedded in the complexities of warfare and diplomacy, showing a blend of ambition and conflict with both settlers and native tribes. The opening of the novel introduces a spring evening in Quebec where tensions are brewing as the French military presence contemplates the threat posed by the Dutch and indigenous allies. As La Salle navigates the political landscape, he encounters Onawa, a young woman of the Iroquois, setting the stage for themes of cultural interplay and conflict. The chapter highlights La Salle's ambitions for power and influence, alongside an impending conflict involving a Dutch captain, Van Vuren, and hints at underlying tensions between the French and English in the region. This establishes a rich backdrop of historical drama interwoven with personal ambition, foreshadowing broader conflicts to come.