La Salle arrived on 20 January 1679 from Fort Frontenac with the full rigging, anchors, chains, cordage, and cannon that were transported by barge, then salvaged and dragged overland to the construction site. La Salle oversaw the laying of "Le Griffon's" keel and drove her first bolt. Crude tools, green and wet timbers, and the cold winter months caused slow progress in the construction of "Le Griffon". La Salle left Italian officer Henri de Tonti and Father Hennepin in charge while he journeyed to Fort Frontenac to secure replacements for lost supplies.