A Safe Refuge

In 1692 Marie (Madeline De Vercheres) was only 14 when her commitment, bravery and strength become legendary.

Marie was born in Ft. Vercheres, a small settlement located in modern-day Quebec. As a child, her home was attacked repeatedly by the Iroquois Indian tribe, who were upset by a French alliance with the Algonquians that obliterated their fur trade profits.

A fort was built on the property to protect the workers and give them a safe place to hide when they were attacked. One day when Marie’s parents were away, she was working outside the fort when her community was suddenly attacked by a band of Indians.

Most of the men were caught off guard and killed out in the fields along with the soldiers who were there to protect them.  Marie ran to the safety of the fort under a barrage of gun fire. When she entered the fort, she found holes in the defensive walls and no soldiers present.  As the oldest member present of the Verchères family, Marie assumed command.  She proceeded to fix the holes and search for ammunition. As she searched the fort, she found two soldiers inside. One was cowering in the corner and the second was holding a lit fuse.  “What are you doing?” she demanded. He replied, “I am going to fire the powder and blow us all up”. Marie cried, “You miserable cowards, begone, I command you!” She spoke so firmly that both soldiers obeyed at once.

Marie then set about pointing all the muskets and cannons they had out the windows and instructed her younger brothers to fire them randomly.  She also made her brothers, and all the women and children hiding inside, to stomp and make lots of noise and start cooking fires in all the fire places. This would give the impression that the settlement was well-guarded.

For eight days and nights, 14-year-old Marie provided encouragement and safe refuge for everyone inside the fort. She was able to carry through with little to no sleep or food during this ordeal and her heroic actions saved the lives of many.

In times of trouble, God is our refuge and strength; we only need to run to His out stretched hands to experience the peace that it brings.