1760.] THE RANGERS AT DETROIT. 169 



the bark roofs and weather-beaten palisades of the 

 little fortified town. 



The rangers landed on the opposite bank, and 

 pitched their tents upon a meadow, while two 

 officers, with a small detachment, went across the 

 river to take possession of the place. In obedience 

 to their summons, the French garrison defiled upon 

 the plain, and laid down their arms. The Jleur de 

 lis was lowered from the flagstaff, and the cross of 

 St. George rose aloft in its place, while seven hun- 

 dred Indian warriors, lately the active allies of 

 France, greeted the sight with a burst of tri- 

 umphant yells. The Canadian militia were next 

 called together and disarmed. The Indians looked 

 on with amazement at their obsequious behavior, 

 quite at a loss to understand why so many men 

 should humble themselves before so few. Nothing 

 is more effective in gaining the respect, or even 

 attachment, of Indians than a display of power. 

 The savage spectators conceived the loftiest idea 

 of English prowess, and were astonished at the 

 forbearance of the conquerors in not killing their 

 vanquished enemies on the spot. 



It was on the twenty-ninth of November, 1760, 

 that Detroit fell into the hands of the English. 

 The garrison were sent as prisoners down the lake, 

 but the Canadian inhabitants were allowed to retain 

 their farms and houses, on condition of swearing 

 allegiance to the British crown. An officer was 

 sent southward to take possession of the forts 

 Miami and Ouatanon, which guarded the commu- 

 nication between Lake Erie and the Ohio ; while 



