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La Salle had an uphill battle at every turn. Men that deserted, credit problems by those who didn't like him, and Indian problems amongst the different tribes. But he held on to gain the supplies he needed to push forward. Where was the Griffin? These were tough men, la Salle and his cohorts Tonty and his Mohegan Indian guide/friend doing the impossible to see this adventure play out. And let us not forget the religious figures passing on their message to those along the way.

This episode continues with the adventures of la Salle, his trusted friend Tonty and others sometimes not so willing to continue with what lay ahead. It amazes me the distance these men had to travel, the absolute wilderness, the articles dragged along with them and the village of Indians they arrived at along the way. This was an adventure no doubt to achieve the ambition of la Salle. If only he had better men to make it all possible

To celebrate the 250th year of our great country I have decided to read a speech given by Ronald Reagan on March 8th 1983 labeled the "Evil Empire Speech" and addressed to the National Evangelicals at Miller Center for Public Affairs of Virginia. This speech was given forty –three years ago. Its pretty heavy and having said that there is a documentary about the Reagan years which I highly suggest you watch. So here I read his speech as such.

This next series covers the exploits of Rene Robert Cavelier or better known as Sieur de La Salle. A man with great ambition and fortitude willing to risk and endure so much to improve the holdings for France and of course to increase his own fortune. His explorations included the surrounding areas of the Great Lakes region, setting out from the established French town of Montreal. He wanted to understand the true course of the Mississippi River. Here start his endeavors.

A letter was written by Henri Joutel to the publisher who in turn added Joutel's thoughts to his book as an introduction. He described the travels and exploits of Monsieur de la Salle, Indians in the great unknown and what la Salle and others experienced.

I tell of the travels of Jolliet and Marquette's travel to learn more about the mysteries of the great river, the Mississippi. Along their travels they met with many Indian tribes and shared food and religion.  But that wasn't all, no; Marquette had a personal mission…

This episode covers mostly the French events and individuals that were risking it all to find what lay beyond the territory already known to the west. You have the explorers / fur traders trying to find the quickest routes to market and to meet Indian tribes willing to supply the desired furs. But this is only one part, there are the different religious groups trying to spread their word of God to the various tribes.

The adventures of James Needham and Gabriel Arthur in 1673 and 1674, for one, did not end so well. The other experienced what few ever did, following along with a native tribe through many parts of the settled and unsettled wilderness of early America.

A commission was given by Abraham Wood to Thomas Batts and Robert Fallam to explore the mountainous areas to the west. A short trek compared to others but still added knowledge and visited Indian villages along the way.

Setting off from Virginia territory to learn of what lay to the west, three expeditions in the same year, most of the episode is taken from his own words.  Enjoy.

An expedition setting off from Fort Henry in Virginia with Edward Bland, Abraham Wood, Sackford Brewster, Elias Pennant and an Appamattuck guide, Pyancha to explore lands to the southwest of Virginia.

Who is Abraham Wood? In this episode we describe his life accomplishments making his way up the ladder from indentured servant to a major land owner, military and governmental leader in early Virginia. There are many factors that he engaged in to promote the wilderness to the west. Those adventures will follow in other podcasts.

A request by a listener to go into detail about Jean Nicolet's wife, Gisis Kwen Anishnabek Bahmahmaadjimowin and their daughter Euphrosine Madeleine Nicolet, here is their story. (see episode 87 for a refresher)

I read a proclamation handed down from George Washington in October of 1789 to dedicate the day of November 26th to give thanks for the nation that had been created.

For my part in celebrating the Fourth of July, I am going to read to you a speech given by Patrick Henry to the Continental Congress on March 23, 1776 about the reasons to continue the fight against England's tyranny. Please enjoy.