Detroit to Miamitown Hamilton on the Maumee August 6 to October 27 1778

August 6th. 1778. Mr. Francis Maisonville arrived at Detroit from the Ilinois, with an account of the attack of Kaskaskias by the Americans--The Officer who commanded the party had made Monsieur de Rocheblave prisoner, had confined him in his own house and laid him in irons--no opposition made by the inhabitants--

8th. This intelligence was communicated to the commanding officer at Niagara, (Lieut. Colonel Bolton) 135 by letters, one sent by land by a Savage, who was but 9 Days going, another in a batteau, by Lieutenant Chevalier Chabert--By these messengers the letters for the Commander in chief at Quebec got safe to Niagara--

9th. Monsieur de Celeron was dispatched with belts for the Indians of the Miamis and Ouabache rivers; He had orders to have the cannon at Fort Sackville spiked and the trunnions knock'd off; (if possible) his instructions were given him in writing--

11th. Learned the arrival of His Excellency General Haldimand at Quebec--

28th. Lieutenant Chevr. Chabert arrived from Niagara, and his Brother Joncaire Chabert with 70 Wyndatts from a scout.

September 7th. [1778] The Dunmore sailed for Niagara, with letters and returns for the Commander in chief. (136)

8th. receiv'd letters from His Excellency General Haldimand.( 137)

15th. Mr. Bellefeuille arrived with letters from His Excellency. (138)

16th. wrote to the commanding Officer at Michillimakinac Major De Peyster, informing him of my design of going to the llinois--

17th. wrote to General Haldimand Lt. Governor Cramahe (139) & Colol. Bolton.

18th. wrote to Lieutt. Govr. Cramahe, Major Carleton, (140) Mr. Goddard (Inspector of Indian accompts at Montreal, & Baron de Longueville. (141)

20th. Major Hay review'd the 4 companies of militia on the N. side of the river, and made his report.-- Memorandum Lieutt, Cassety of Captain J. Baptiste Campau's company did not appear, nor did one man of the Company turn out volunteer.

22. Monsieur Hypolite des Ruisseaux acknowledged he had had intimation of the design of the americans, before he left the Ilinois which was the 9th. of June (142)

This day Major Hay made his report of the 2 companies on the S. side of the river. Memorandum. Lieutenant Marantete of Captain Maisonville's company, of Militia, having declared aloud when under arms, that he would not march, and having repeatedly absented himself from reviews was ordered to be reducd and to do his Corvée as a private man.--

23. orderd for the Miamis 15. large pirogues, under Captain McLeod Lieutenant Charles Gouin, (143) and Mr. Nicholas Lorrain storekeeper at the Miamis-- the loading consisted of 26,800 lb of Flour, in bags-- 24 firkins of butter,-- 37 half barrels of pork-- 31 bales of dry goods, mark'd [with an arrow]-- 2 pair of cartwheels shod,--1 pair of cartwheels unshod--Total weight 33,200 lb-- (144)

The Ottawas, Chippoweys, and Pouteouattamies were called to council, who told me they would accompany me-- The Hurons who were also to have come, were prevented by bad weather but on the 24th. Dawatong or Sastaharitze and other Wyndatts came and offerd their services, which were accepted. &c. (145)

This day receiv'd the Volunteers from the several companies of Militia in the settlement to be formed into two detachments, under the name of volunteer chasseurs.-- Being assembled on the common the oath of allegiance was tenderd to them, and to all the Officers and men of the militia and Indian department. I took this opportunity of disarming the disaffected, made them hawle the cannon from the Barracks to camp, appointed Officers to the detachment of chasseurs-- Afternoon attended at an Indian feast-- at 4 p m. the convoi of provision set off for the Miamis under the direction of C. McLeod, &c. and an escort of 50 of the Militia-- 5 pairs of Bullocks ten horses with lastsaddles and geer for the carrying place, with 7 of the Militia--

25th. This day La Mothe's company with their arms & knapsacks at exercise, marched them to St. Bernards bridge, practiced them in defending and attacking from bloody bridge to St. Bernard's-- (146)

wrote a letter jointly with Captain Lernoult to Louison Chevalier at St. Joseph's, requiring him to keep the Pouteouattamies at that Village till they should hear I was arrived at the Miamis-- sent off the letter by Wyndeego chief of the P. of Detroit. (147)

prepared a present for the Shawanese with a speech to be carried by Captain McKee, exhorting them to perseverance, and desiring that some of their chiefs should meet me at the Miami-- that the lake Indians were risen to accompany me &ca. (148)

26th. Charles Baubin arrived with letters from the Miamis Town, (149) he brought the talk of the Chickasaas to the Ouabache Indians, (150) and a letter from Mons: de Celoron--

27th Captn. McKee set off-- Lieutt. La Piconiere de Quindre with a Serjeant and 12 of the militia, the boatbuilder, master carpenter, with tools & 20 horses with provisions, set off for the carrying place (151) for the repairing the road, building a storehouse, & ca--

28th. encamped the volunteer detachments on the common--

29th. met the 4 nations in council, read to them the speeches of the Chickasaas, and Peankashaas and other Ouabash Indians, also those of the Virginians to these last-- They expressed themselves as I could wish--

30th. A strong party of Chippoweys of Massigaiash's band came to offer their services. wrote a letter in Spanish to the officer commanding at St. Genevieve on the W. side of the Mississipi opposite Kaskaskias-- (152) wrote to the Commr. in Chief enclosing monthly return of Officers on the enterprize, speeches of the Chichasaas-- extract of a council held 24th. instt-- copies of letter and orders--

October 2. A return was this day given in of 13 batteaus calked and fitted with oars & ca capable of carrying 39,300 Lbs, and 17 pirogues and canoes to carry 33,700, Tot. 73,000 lbs

This afternoon an Indian feast on the common, all seem'd in good temper and welldisposed--

enclosed to the commander in chief returns &ca. with the dates as follow-- Copy of orders, and extracts of letters containing orders, 30th. Sepr:-- Speeches of the Chickasaas &ca 27th. Do. Monthly return of the Garrison-- 30th. Do. Extract of a council-- 24th. Do. Return of officers &ca. on the enterprize to St. Vincennes 30th. Do. Copy of a letter to the Spanish Commandant at St. Genevieve 30th Do. (153)

5th. This evening arrived Lieutt. Charles Gouin of the Militia and his brother Nicholas, in two days from Captn. M Leod in the Miamis river, with advice that the rebels were advanced to Ouiattanon, that they were joined by 200 French, that they had French and Spanish Flags, that they were expected to be immediately at the Miamis, and that Monsieur de Celoron was to be at Detroit on the 6th.--

6th. Tents struck before day-- embarkd the 6 pounder, and part of the stores-- This morning at 7 o'clock, three Hurons arrived with accounts which they said might be depended on, that the Rebels in several detachmts. of 400 men each were advancing by different routes to Detroit, that the advanced guard of 800 men preceded the main body-- little credit given to this report, such being frequent, however sent for the Indian chiefs, told them the news with my opinion upon it-- found them well disposed-- This Evening a reinforcement of 50 Regulars under the orders of Captain Byrd-- (154) from Niagara--

7th Embarked at 1/4 past two p m. one single man of the whole appeard in liquor (an Indian)-- The disposition of the boats which had orders to keep as close as possible to that one which carried a distinguishing flag, was as follows-- The Indians with their Officers and interpreters were divided and formed the front and rear divisions in their canoes-- next to them followed the subdivisions of La Mothe's company, one commanded by their captain, in the rear of the 1st division of the Indians, the other by his Lieutt. preceded the rear division of the Indians-- The Militia in two divisions were next to them on each flank-- a Plattoon of the Regulars of the Kings Regiment next to them one on each flank-- The Gun Boat[E] with the Artillery men in the Center--

a b c d E d c b a

a a Indians b b Volunteers c c Militia d d Regulars E Gunboat

The Surgeon had orders to keep at or near the center.

On Tryal of the Gunboat she proved too weak, the seams opening on the first discharge, none of the stores were damaged the men leaping out immediately, and assistance given from on shore, she was unloaded, and Lt. DuVernet had another very expeditiously fitted for the purpose-- we proceeded without delay and encamped at Riviere rouge before Sunset-- (155) A Guard mounted, and Pickett warned-- sentries posted &c--

8th. would have taken advantage of calm and Moonlight to have set off at 2 o'Clock in the morning, but the Indians demurrd saying it was not their custom to travel in the night when they went to War-- set off at 7 in the morning-- about 11 met Lt. De Quindre (Fontiney) returnd from an attack of one of the Forts on the Kentucke-- (156) He agreed to proceed to Detroit, and return with Lieutt. Showrd of the King's Regiment-- The wind rising and Lake Erie too rough, we put in at Isle Celoron,(157) it continued to blow hard with rain and snow the greater part of of the night-- This Evening old Raccoon and some Chippoweys joined us-- (158)

9th. About noon the wind having shifted, we embarked-- at one met some more of De Quindre's men, who told us they left Mr. de Celoron at Riviere aux roches-- (159) soon after Mr. de Celoron came up in a large Pirogue with some packs of Peltry, he rose up and told me the Virginians were at the Miamis, I answerd him, that I had heard so before-- He then told me he had had a conference with the Ouabache Indians which was in his box, he rummaged a long time among his papers, & made as if he would wish to find it, but I could not wait, so pushed on-- proceeded till 11 at night, very cloudy with rain, I began to be very apprehensive at [as] the wind rose, and a heavy swell rolled in, we were on a lee shore and it was extremely dark-- I determined to put in shore as soon as the sternmost boats could come in sight of a light which I carried in the headmost boat-- my anxiety for their safety increased every instant, at length I rowed in for the Shore, and was happy to find it no worse than a swamp which took us to the knees-- all the boats got safe--

It may be asked why at that Season I should venture to cross from the river's mouth, in hopes of reaching the Miamis river, 12 leagues distant, and set off so late as at noon, risquing the safety of us all &ca. I answer, had we waited, contrary winds might have entirely frustrated our design, as when the lake is once thoroughly ruffled at this late season, it is not expected to calm shortly-- Traders have been known to be kept embayed by the ice from this time for several weeks, till they were nearly starved-- If we succeeded in our push for the Miamis river, we were out of the power of violent winds, and from that our course being S.W. we were to expect milder weather, whereas delay might engage us in the Ice-- in short no time was to be lost--

It blew so hard with violent rain we could scarcely make fire, in the morning we found we had got within a mile of the Mouth of the Miamis river-- the point of the bay of Nanguissé. (160) two Wyndatts joyned us here--

10th. At 9 this morning we left this dreary spot, and proceeded up the river to pointe aux chénes, (161) where we made fires to dry ourselves and get our arms in order-- Some Ottawas at this place informd us Mr: de Celoron had been on both sides the River at the Indian cabins, telling them that the Virginians were arrived at the Miamis-- about 11 a m. one Alexander Alais came down the River with letters from Charles Baubin, who informs me that he had (as I had order'd) sent to Riviere a l'Anguille (162) to warn the Indians of that Village of my coming &c-- no mention of the Rebels-- sent Alais to Detroit with these letters, and acquainted the Commandant with the rascality of Monsieur de Celoron--

Lieutt. Showrd (163) of the King's Regt 1 Sergn. 1 Corp 30 private arrived 1/2 past 4 in the afternoon-- Lt. DuVernet got the 6 Pounder out of the boat, mounted and haled [hauled] up a steep bank in 10 minutes--

11th. directed the detachment of the Kings to pitch their tents in the Oaks something advanc'd-- embarked about 7 o'Clock-- Mahingan a young Ottawa chief (my namesake) tho' sick said he would accompany us-- (164) We encamped at the foot of the rapids, a league below which we came up with Captain Grant in the Sloop Archangel with 14 Tonns of provision on board-- (165) 6 Hurons killed 50 Turkies in a short time, a good omen of plenty for our march-- strict orders against firing out of the boats excepting the Indians--

12th. Lieutt. Showrd's piece going off accidentally as he was getting out of his tent before Sunrise this morning, shattered his leg-- he was got into a boat as expeditiously as possible, & sent off for Detroit-- with the Surgeon and six men-- gave the command of the detachment, divided into two plattoons to Serjeants Parkinson and Chapman of the King's-- Sharp frost last night-- proceeded up the rapids with much labor, the boats being mostly deep loaded the artillery boat in particular had from 30 to 40 men sometimes 50 to hale her against the current which passing swiftly between slippery rocks, made it difficult for the men to keep their footing-- The Officers to a man shewed a good example in sharing the fatigue, and the Indians with the utmost alacrity assisted till the last boat was got over safely-- one boat was turned down the Stream but no damage was done-- The Miamis River which on the Maps appears very inconsiderable far surpasses any river in the three Kingdoms-- 1/2 an hour before Sunset we encamped at the petit Rocher-- (166) Letters from Capt. McLeod at the Miamis, Lorrain & Baubin, all agreeing in the falsity of the reports spread by Celoron-- wrote to C. Lernoult-- Sastaharitze and 5 other Hurons joined us--

13th. One of the Militia tryed by a court martial for sleeping on his post-- Macutté Wassong (167) joined with some Chippoweys-- Two hours before Sunset sent down the Commissary with ten light batteaus to bring up the provision from the foot of the rapids-- 1 Sub 2 Serjeants 40 private-- The light batteaus had some difficulty in passing the Rocher de bout, (168) the current being very strong & the depth such as to prevent setting, the men made it out by laying hold on the rugged projections of the rock which we kept close aboard-- The Artillery boat drawing more water was got up by a Towline made fast to a log and floated down-- the men hauled upon this and got her up with little damage-- took a view of this rapid-- encamped ae Mildrum's a league above the rapid--

14th. a fine day sent the powder and stores to the opposite side of the River to be aired-- repaird arms &ca-- baked Bread-- Twelve Cabins of Ottawas at this place-- great abundance of game-- fine Timber-- Savages kill a she bear and cub as they were passing below rapide du loup-- took a view here--

Last night invited to a feast by the Chippoweys, as to me it appeard worth noting, I mention some particulars-- Their tents or booths are pitched on each side of the fire place in a strait line, the fire made of long dry logs, extended about 15 Yards in length-- The Warriors only present, (their women not appearing,) sat on skins on each side-- The War Kettle on the fire with the Flesh (which was Bear) cut into pieces of nearly equal size-- All their Arms tyed to a Stake with a War belt (in token of Union) and painted with Vermillion-- We enterd one by one, and were shewn to our seats by a person appointed (the Sir Clement of the assembly)-- The Servant of the Warriors then helped the guests to the choicest, that is with them the fattest pieces of the Meat, without bread-- This domestic serves every one of his nation on a scout, if they are not too numerous when he has one or two aids as occasion requires, it is his exclusive priviledge to carry the war kettle, he cuts up the Provision, cooks it, and at solemn feasts divides it, for in general the Kettle hangs over the fire with soup and boullie, and every one helps himself as he is prompted by hunger-- The Office of Servant (or Mishinnawey) is held honorable, as it requires strength, alacrity and wonderful patience, a slavish cowardly fellow could not be promoted to this dignity-- by the way no reproachfull or angry expression falls from any person when the servant makes a mistake or fails any way in his duty, he is either calmly set to right by an old man, or perhaps the young men may titter, for the most trifling thing is matter of laugh to an Indian-- let it be remarkd that there is no such thing in use among them, not even to be found in their language as an oath or a curse-- terms of reproach they have few-- Hog is most common-- to call a Man Woman is highly injurious, which they express by saying, You are only fit to wear a Machicotte, or pettycoat-- to spit in a man's face is the penultimate indignity, to bite off his nose the ultimatum, but this usually is done when liquor has possession of them and happens more commonly among the soft sex than among the men--

To return to our feast; all being seated, and served, before a morsel was touched, the Priest made a short address to the Master of life, at the close of each division of his harangue all the Indians joined in one solemn expression of assent.-- The Priest then in more particular terms addressd the Lord of all, imploring his protection in their present undertaking and besought the inferior spirits presiding over rivers, Woods, Mountains, to be propitious-- The deepest silence and most serious attention was observable during the prayer, no such thing as laughing or whispering, so common in our places of Worship-- It was a clear star:light night, and I was affected by the humble and reverential worship of these poor ignorant but well meaning creatures-- Prayers over they fell to with great keenness and very shortly the bones were all that was left for even the Bear's skin, boiled first and then broiled and cut into thongs had found its way down their throats-- The Master of the Feast then took up the Bear's head by a Thong of bark and having given the War shout which was ecchoed by all present, he sung his War song accompanied by the dance as usual, all the company marking the measure by a deep exspiration coming from the bottom of their lungs, with a correspondent action of the Body and head, having made the circuit of the fire he laid the head at my feet-- I followed his example carefully avoiding stepping over the fire, which is against their rules-- ('tis remarkable that when going to war, if an Indian burns or otherways hurts himself he must not start or complain, and if a spark of fire lights on him, he must quickly pick it off without expressing pain-) some Chiefs followed, and some took a bite of the head, saying 'twas the head of the Great Knife, so they stile the Virginians-- after these a young Ottawa chief danced, and being of the Nation invited by the Chippoweys, kept the head for himself--

This Evening (14th) Neegik (169) brother to Chamintawa whom I had sent to the Miamis for intelligence, arrived-- He told me he had met the gros Loup, (170) (a Miamis Chief) who acquainted him with what had passed at St. Vincennes in a conference with the Rebels-- On their arrival at that place they pulled down the English Flag left there by Governor Abbott, wrapp'd a stone in it, and threw it into the Ouabache-- They convened the Savages, and told them they did not come with any bad design against them-- They then presented them with two belts, one red, the other green, telling them if they were disposed for war, to take the first, if for peace the latter--

The old Tobacco, a Peankashaa chief, told the Americans they did not speak to be understood, that he never saw an instance or heard tell of such a thing, as at a conference to present good and evil at one and the same time, therefore he kicked their belts from him-- A Young chief of the Pouteouattamies (the son of Lagesse) (171) told them, that if he had not listend to the advice of the old men of his nation, and considerd the situation of his wife and children, he would before then have struck a tomahawk in some of their heads-- The Rebels told the Indians they were young and foolish or they would not speak in such terms-- That they designd to go to Detroit thro' the Indian country, that if they found any fires, (Indian Villages) in their road, they should tread them out, and if any barriers should be raised (forts built) to stop the road, they should throw them down-- That if any Indians stood in the way they might chance to be wounded by the splinters-- That on their arrival at Detroit they should shut up their father (Governor Hamilton) like a hog in a penn to fatten, and then when he should be enclosed long enough & fattend they would throw him into the river-- That they should get a great reinforcement from the falls of Ohio, and with their friends at the Ilinois, they should make six hundred men, and pass to Chicagou, where they would build a fort. The Indians said it was not necessary for such brave men, who could with so much ease tread out their fires, to wait for reinforcements, that they might be assured, not a single Frenchman should accompany them to Detroit-- here ended Neegik's account of the Conference--

At half after 3 o'clock p m. arrived the 10 batteaus from the foot of the rapids, with 20,000 lbs. weight of Provision-- A Feast this day with the Ottawas, on the bear they killed in the morning-- usual ceremonies-- Macutte Wassong Priest. Some of the batteaus were calked which were damaged coming up the rapids--

15th. A fall of Snow-- had a talk with the Indians-- Wassanagnaa (172) and 3 other Pouteouattamies arrived from a scout with the Shawanese--

16th. The calking our batteaus not being finished we were delayd till 1/4 after 11 a m.-- sent down 3 pirogues to the foot of the rapids for the remainder of the provision, to be left at Wolf rapid, till the light boats from the Miamis, should be sent to fetch it up-- Gave Agusheway (173) my own tent-- proceeded up the rapids with much labor, the last boats got to where we were to encamp 1/2 an hour after Sunset-- some of the powder, and fixed ammunition got damaged--

17th. were embark'd at Sunrise, got 3 leagues before breakfast, when we halted at la prairie des Mascoutainges-- (174) 2 leagues more to where we dined les isles de Maima-- 3 leagues after dinner, encamped between isle au Serjeant and isle au plomb-- At 3 o'Clock p m. this day met François Maisonville with Pacane & gros Loup, & Hibon (Miamis Chiefs) (175) Maisonville told me he met Monsieur de Celoron, at Riviere a la roche, who inform'd him the rebels were at the Miamis. Pacane told me the Rebels honor me with the title of the Dog. that they mean to use me as such-- that I am to be hawled like a fish out of the water, and to be sundryed-- that the Ottawas at River grande glaize longd to see us, as also the Miamis,-- that the carrying place of the Miamis was in good order--

18th. Before sunrise assisted at a feast with the Chippoweys on a she Bear and 3 cubbs presented to them by Lieutt. Chabert. embarkd a little after Sunrise, met 7 return pirogues with 2 Serjt. and 32 of the Militia of Grosse pointe (at Detroit) who had taken up the provision with Captain McLeod-- Breakfasted below the pays plats, dined above l'isle aux Aigles, encampd a little above the mouth of Grande glaise river-- (176) At this place are about 40 Warriors of the Ottawa nation.--

19th. The Savages having saluted us last night on our arrival, we returned their compliment this morning with 3 rounds from the 6 pounder-- The inhabitants of this village assembled this morning to the number of 60, as we could not conveniently furnish them from the boats, gave them an order for cloathing to be supplyed them at Detroit-- 14 of their Warriors presenting themselves to join us, I thanked them for their goodwill, and taking off my Warbelt, joind it to that of their Chief, and sung the War Song-- They said they would follow me wherever I went, tho' I had broke thro' an old custom, in not pouring some rum on the Grindstone which was to sharpen the War Axe-- I owned myself in fault, & orderd two bottles of Rum-- This with the delay of issuing provision delay'd us 'till ten o'Clock, when we put off well satisfled with the disposition of our Ottawas-- The grande Glaize is a River larger than the Severn at Glocester, and subject to sudden & violent floods-- Night coming on we were obliged to encamp a league and half below our destind station--

20th. encamped a league above the Marais de l'Orme, (177) being 7 leagues for this day's progress, the water swift we poled the whole way--

21st. A Messenger arrived from the Rocher de bout with a letter from Captain McKee, informing me that nine hundred Virginians had taken post at Kushaghking, (178) that the Shawanese and some faithful Delawares, were preparing to oppose them, and wanted ammunition for the purpose, That those 900 men were as an advanc'd guard, to be followed by the remainder of the force destined for the attack of Detroit--

This day advance 7 leagues, the stream for the most part pretty strong--

22. Had struck tents and embarked at Sunrise-- Memm. to send powder and ball to the Shawanese from the Miamis Town. To send a trusty Messenger to Ouiattonon for intelligence-- To concert with the chiefs about sending to the Ilinois by way of Chicagou.

23. Lieutt. F. de Quindre, Mr: McBeth the Surgeon, and Serjt. Sanscrainte joind from Detroit-- We lay this night en bas des prairies--

24th. Julien (nickname Charlotte) was sentenced to run the Gauntlope for insolence to his Serjeant, Baron of La Mothe's company-- We proceeded about 8 o'clock, and put ashore at the plain near the Miamis Village, (179) where the Young men of that nation saluted as usual with several discharges of small arms, Our Savages returnd the compliment, after which was a kind of mock battle with blank powder-- 7 rounds from the six pounder as a salute to the Miamis-- In the afternoon aired the damaged powder-- Assembled the chiefs of all the Nations present, informd them of the cause of my coming, and thanked all present for their cheerfull and quiet behaviour-- told them they were to have an Ox to each nation tomorrow, but no rum--

It appears by all accounts, Monsieur de Celoron had been six or seven days at this place-- Memm. to send François Maisonville and a Pouteouattamie, to St. Joseph for Wyndeego-- Charles Baubin has 50 bushells of hulld corn, 150 in Ear & 2000 lb Pork-- The Miamis at this Village had been told by Celoron, that the Rebels were at Ouiattonon, which alarm'd them so much, that several hid their Stores in the woods-- The Gros loup is my authority--

25th. Remain in Camp-- order an Ox for the Soldiers, another for the Miami, and one for the other Indians-- sent off six Batteaus with 20,000 lb of Provision for the carrying place-- Lt. St. Cosme 1 Serjt. 17 Men-- visited the Chiefs of the Miamis in their Village-- The Petit Gris, (180) and Gros Loup made me a present of 3 large basketts of Young corn, dried pumpion, and Kidney beans, saying that such coarse fare might serve for my cattle if I could not eat it myself but that they thought I would not scorn their present tho so inconsiderable as it was presented with sincere goodwill--

26th. Met in council in the open field, the chiefs of the Ottawas of Detroit, of the Glaise river, and of the Miamis, of the Chippoweys, Wyndatts, Miamis, and some Shawanese-- Having smoaked in the pipes of the Quiquaboes, Ouiattonons, Mascoutainges, Shawanese and Cherakees, I addressd the whole present, returning thanks to the master of life for all favors, our prosperous journey hitherto, happy meeting &ca.

They were saluted with three rounds from the six pounder-- I then shewed them the piece of Wampum which had been presented to me by the Ottawas, Chippoweys, and Pouteouattamies (which those Nations had given me at Detroit) and called their heart, desiring me to carry it with me where ever I should go-- This gave me an opportunity of thanking those Nations for having risen and followed me so cheerfully-- I then produced a road belt, by which they were to understand, that I should proceed to any part where the Rebels might be found, in order to dispossess them, and that the road should be constantly kept clear of all incumbrances-- Turning to the Shawanese, desired them to mention in their Villages, the good understanding that subsisted among the Nations there present, exhorting them to act with their usual spirit upon the Frontiers-- The War Belts were then produced, when taking up my own and that of Major Hay, I sung the War Song, in which I was followed by the Deputy agent, the chiefs, and principal warriors of the different nations-- Most of them complained, that I did not wet the Grindstone with Rum, and that they had great difficulty in sharpening their father's Axe. The council was closed with 4 rounds from the six lbr. as a salute from the lake Indians to the River Indians-- Memm. To send Lt. DuVernet to the portage tomorrow, with the Powder boats and Gun boat--

Gave a medal to the Old La Toupee-- At night had a conference with the Gros loup, who promised to go before us to Ouiattonon (markd on the map Great Ouiat) report the disposition of the Indians there; & send intelligence if any was to be procured--

27th. Lt. DuVernet and Scheffelin see off for the Portage with 4 boats and an escort of 32 men--

Some Pouteouattamies from St. Joseph arrived with Louison Chevalier, and the Old Chief Nanaquìbé-- The chiefs of the Lake Indians came in the evening to my Tent and talked upon the belt of the Chickasaas sent to the Shawanese and Delaweys, and by them to the Miamis, which they produced, the purport of this belt was to exhort them to unite for the purpose of repelling the Virginians, and to invite the other nations to join them. They also produced the String which the Virginians had sent to the Indians on the Ouabache, informing them of their intention of going to Detroit, and seizing me &ca.-- It appears the Old Tobacco and his son (called the young Tobacco) are strong with the Virginians-- The Grande Coéte (181) (a Peankasháa chief) had declared he should act in conformity with his elder Brothers, meaning the Quiquaboes and Ouiattanons-- The Spaniards advised the Indians not to credit the Virginians on their assurances, as they are incapable from their poverty to make good their promises-- Egushewai told me the Miamias were desirous of having an axe presented to them-- I agree to it--