The Jesuit missionaries in America had to face many problems, one in particular concerned the relationship between the missionaries and the natives. The letter deals with the treatment of prisoners after a brief military engagement and also with the Jesuits' attempts to convert captured Iroquois. The treatment meted out to prisoners seems benevolent, compared to the modus operandi used in the past by the Church to speed up conversion. Furthermore, the letter exemplifies the hypocrisy of the missionaries after the prisoners voluntarily converted. This letter is a perfect example of the Counter-Reformation and the Church's attempt to expand its areas of influence and "save" more souls from the Devil. Furthermore, it can easily be shown that the content of the letter is prejudice against the Iroquois in order to promote Catholicism. This letter, being one of many, is part of the Counter-Reformation and serves as propaganda for the Catholic Church. The author of the "Relations" letters, Jerome Lalemant, tells of a victory over the Iroquois. The first paragraph describes how the Algonquins, allies of the French, easily defeat the Iroquois without any losses. The letter immediately seems to embellish the Algonquins' victory. The Iroquois were one of the most powerful tribes in French America, possessing a large army of veteran warriors, armed with weapons. In fact, by 1675 the Iroquois had wiped out or absorbed four tribes and destroyed most of the Huron territory (Eccles, 138). Due to the strength of the Iroquois, it seems unlikely that the Algonquians would have been able to defeat the Iroquois without suffering a single casualty. In the second paragraph, the Jesuit priest describes the treatment of the captured enemy. The author recognizes that the first action performed by the Algonquin, however, is to "give thanks to Heaven". The meaning of this can be interpreted in two ways. The first is that the Algonquin will thank their native gods. However, since this letter was written to the Vicar General in France and the Papacy in the Vatican, it seems unlikely that Jerome would discuss the natives' offerings. The second interpretation may be that the Algonquins did in fact convert to Catholicism. Jerome continues with his observation on the treatment of prisoners, noting that they are not tortured..instead...... middle of paper ......er Helene to face their deaths with steadfastness in the possession of the Faith. This letter appears to be more propaganda than a report. In fact, the mission reports, the "Report Letters", were sent to the Propaganda, the Roman Congregation that supervised all missionary activity. It seems ironic that the name of the Congregation, which received letters from all over the world from its missionaries, would be called Propaganda. Furthermore, the letter was published, and in the interest of spreading Catholic sentiments during the Counter-Reformation, however, for this reason the letters were revised in Paris and edited. In conclusion, it seems that Father Jerome Lalemant seems to present ironic situations, most likely to please the Vicar General and also the Propaganda Council. Some actions and relationships seem embellished and exaggerated. Although the letter contains some uncertainties, however, the letter provides a case study on the relationships between European and native "governments", the relationships between native tribes, attempted pro-Catholic propaganda, and the effects the Counter-Reformation had on religious . policies towards the New World.